The One Branch of The Tree

Bima stood near the guild door, his dark red armor reflecting the guild lights, his body as large as ever, and his mana aura stable. Level 14, stronger than before, but still not enough. 

The once-bustling guild hall slowly grew quiet, not completely silent, but the kind of silence that occurs when people sense potential drama. Adventurer romance, universal constants, I still held the quest sheet in my hand, staring at Bima expressionlessly.

“Okay,” I said casually.

“If this isn't someone who really wants to see me dead.”

Some people around started to really pay attention. 

Oh yeah, I've got an audience. Bima clenched his jaw, clearly displeased with my tone. Good, the emotional damage was free.

“I want to talk,” he said.

In a low but tense tone, I glanced around.

“With everyone watching?”

I smiled faintly.

“You're brave too.”

Bima was holding back his emotions, or trying to, I could tell by the way his hands were clenched. Predator Sense was almost humming, there was no immediate killing intent, a little disappointing, but good. I saved the quest to temporary storage.

“Okay,” I said.

“Say it.”

Bima took a few steps closer, keeping a safe distance. He was quite clever, looking me straight in the eye.

"What do you want?"

I blinked.

“Oh?”

An interesting opening, not an apology not a threat but a negotiation.

“I just came back from hell surviving,” I replied.

“For now? Maybe sleep well.”

Some adventurers chuckled, Bima looked even more annoyed.

“I'm serious,” he said.

“Me too,” I replied.

He took a deep breath trying hard not to hit me, understandably.

"Listen." His voice was lower.

“The decision at that time was taken for the safety of the group.”

Justification package, I tilted my head.

"Group?"

“Yes.”

“Interesting.”

I took one step forward.

“Because from my perspective all I saw was one group throwing someone to their death.”

The guild hall grew quieter, no one pretending to listen now, a premium spectacle. Bima glared at me.

“You don't understand the situation.”

I laughed a little, not funny just disbelief.

“Oh I understand very clearly.”

I tapped my own chest.

“The part where I was almost killed was quite helpful in understanding.”

Bima's jaw clenched, clearly wanting to retaliate, but he held back, still aware of his location. Good, at least there was some brain development.

"I didn't come to argue about the past," he said finally.

Oho more interesting.

"So?"

Bima glanced around then said softly,

“You are being watched.”

I fell silent a little unexpectedly.

“The White House knows you're back,” he continued.

“They've been asking about you.”

Ah, there it is, the organizational problems continue. Of course, I crossed my arms.

“And why are you telling me?”

Bima was silent for a few seconds as if considering his answer. Then:

“Because if they consider you a threat, they won't just hunt you down.”

He looked at me seriously.

“They will drag us down too.”

Oh, now we're getting to honesty, it's okay to defend yourself. Consistent character writing, I smiled faintly.

“So you're afraid of the consequences.”

“Yes.” Quick answer.

Honestly, brutally, I actually respect that even more. Bima continued,

“If you intend to do something crazy, don't involve us.”

I almost laughed.

“Funny,” I said.

“After everything that happened, you still think I work based on your briefing?”

Some of the audience held back smiles, Bima looked increasingly annoyed but remained focused.

“You don't understand how big this problem is,” he said.

"Your class is not an ordinary class."

No kidding but what an amazing discovery.

“I know,” I replied.

“Quite conscious after almost dying so many times.”

Bima sighed in frustration.

“Listen.”

He lowered his voice.

“If the White Council really makes a move, even your current level isn’t enough.”

I stared at him, that sentence was probably true and that was what made me more interested.

“So,” I said.

“What do you suggest?”

Bima stared at me for a few seconds then said something I didn't expect.

“Join our group again.”

…

I blinked once, twice. Had I heard wrong? Some of the guild members also looked shocked, which was understandable. I stared at Bima as if he'd just proposed the most absurd idea of ​​the century.

“Sorry,” I said.

“I want to make sure.”

“You just suggested I go back to the group that tried to kill me?”

Bima looks annoyed.

“The conditions are different now.”

I laughed this time, really laughed quite hard until I couldn't hold it in. Guild hall was so awkward, it was very useful.

“Bima,” I said after I had calmed down enough.

“I like your confidence.”

"Truly."

I stepped closer, our gazes level, but our auras were completely different now. I used to be afraid of him. Now? Not anymore.

“Listen carefully,” I said softly.

My tone was cold.

“I'm not interested in joining.”

“Not interested in working together.”

“And even more so…”

I smiled a little.

“Not interested in pretending everything is okay.”

Bima's expression hardened with hope, I patted his shoulder lightly as I passed him in a friendly but emotionally hostile gesture.

“If the White Council comes,” I said without looking up.

“Take care of yourself.”

I walked towards the guild exit but before I left I stopped for a moment and turned my head slightly.

"Oh yes."

Bima looked at me. The investigation quest was still in my hand, I lifted it slightly.

“Thanks for reminding me,” I said casually.

“I do have a lot more important problems than you guys.”

Critical attack, I exited the guild, the night air feeling a little cooler and fresher. The conversation gave me two important pieces of information. 

First: The White Council is indeed targeting me, that's natural. 

Second: even Bima is scared enough to try a very unexpected but interesting alliance.

I looked at the investigation quest again.

Anomalous root phenomenon.

Northern ruins? Very suspicious. It's likely gruesome, which means it might be useful. I tucked the quest into my pocket with a faint smile.

"Okay."

“Tomorrow we start a new problem.”

Because if my class is related to something bigger I need answers and my feeling is that this quest is not a coincidence at all.

[END CHAPTER 22]