“Will the undead follow us through here?” Riku asked.

“That is a possibility. Now shut up, human, you are annoying.”

“HAHAHA! Boy, he’s got that right. Every other sentence that comes out of your mouth is a stupid question. Do you even use your fucking brain?”

"… I’m going to ask you all my questions now.”

"Fine.”

As they progressed deeper into the tunnel, Riku continued to feel a prickling sensation on the back of his neck.

“Dragic, are we being watched?”

“Not that I can tell.”

“Are you sure? The unpleasant feeling I felt when we entered the underpass seems to have amplified.”

“Hm… I’ll extend the range of my sensors. If I pick anything up, I’ll let you know.”

"Okay.”

Umph!

Lost in his thoughts, Riku walked into a wall and didn’t notice that his companions had stopped.

“Idiot,” the spirits said.

“Why did we stop?” Riku asked, ignoring the glaring pain in his right shoulder.

“That wasn’t there before.”

“The fork in the tunnel?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know which way leads out?” Sylvia asked.

"Unfortunately, we don’t know. We have consulted with other spirits and they don’t know which route is the way out. Our best bet is to choose a route and see where it goes.”

“…”

“Human, take the route on the left. Have your companions take the path on the right,” a voice said to Riku.

“Did you hear that?” Riku asked while looking left and right.

"Wow, it seems he keeps getting dumber and dumber by the minute.”

“No, I heard a vo---,” Riku began before drifting off.

“Boy, I heard him too. He’s using his mind to talk with us.”

“Oh.”

"Do as he says. Don’t try to disobey him. He might be a supreme expert, who secluded himself years ago to focus solely on gaining insights into the world.”

“But…”

“It might be a trap, but it also could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t worry, you still have me and the staff if things go south.”

“Okay,” Riku said and made up his mind. “Let’s split up. Sylvia, you and the spirits will take the route on the right. I’ll go left. If you find the way out, hide out somewhere near the entrance for three days. After three days, head to the city and hide, I’ll find you two there. If I get out first, I’ll do the same.”

“No, it’s too dangerous,” Sylvia said.

“As much as we hate you, human, for blackmailing us, I have to agree with the elfling. We shouldn’t split up. It’s too risky. We don’t know who or what we are dealing with, so it’s best to stick together.”

“I disagree. Splitting up is the best option we have available. You said it—we don’t know who or what we are dealing with. Because of this, taking different paths makes the most sense. It guarantees the survival of the party.”

“Riku…” Sylvia said, her eyes pleading.

“Human, we misjudged you. We thought you were a brash, idiotic adventurer trying to take on forces beyond your control, who knew you actually have heart. Very well, it shall be done. We will take the path on the right. Let’s meet in three days, best of luck.”

Riku nodded and watched them head off.

“Do you think it was a bad idea to split up?”

“No, that voice asked for you and you alone. If we brought the others, who knows how the unknown expert would react.”

“True. Shall we head out now?”

"Yeah, I’ll continue to scout the path ahead, but I don’t have any hope of discovering anything.”

Riku took a deep breath and unsheathed Dragic. Riku held the sword in one hand, the torch in his other hand, and ventured into the left tunnel.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Milord, the zombies tracked the boy to an underpass. When they tried to pursue, some unknown force deterred them. It appears the boy is not alone.”

"The spirits and the elfling are helping him.”

“What should we do?”

“There’s only one thing to do.”

“Which is?”

“Fucking numbskull, use your brain.”

“Uhhh...”

“Why do I have to spell everything out for you?”

“Mercy, Milord!”

“Ugh! You disgust me. The tunnel leads to the capital of Aster. It’s said to be the largest stronghold in the world. If I were the boy, I’d head there to seek sanctuary.”

“So…?”

“Fucking idiot. Direct the zombies to take down the capital. I want you out there with three hundred of my best men. Once you take over the stronghold, lie in wait for the boy to arrive. Capture him alive and kill all who attempt to stop you. Don’t screw this up. I’m getting impatient.”

“Yes, Milord.”