Daren and Arius ignored the ranting of city lord's son and moved towards them.
"Do you know who I am? I am 'Ron Seeder', the only son of the city lord 'Henry seeder'."
The son of city lord, Ron, shouted seeing the duo move towards them.
"Do you regret your actions now? Hehe, I'll make you pay for crossing me."
Daren looked at Arius, as if asking him to confirm if this guy is an idiot. His actions, was however misunderstood by Ron as an act of rethinking about his actions.
Daren shook his head and moved towards the man in black, ignoring the idiotic kid. The man in black wielded his sword warily, seeing him approach.
"Your skills are good. Though you lack conviction, it isn't a problem. Are you willing to join me? I can assure your mother's safety."
Daren asked when he was standing a meter away from the man in black. Daren's word shocked everyone. His words symbolise a declaration against the authority of the city Lord. It can be considered a grave crime. Yet, Daren still had a smile on his face.
But the reason the black man was shocked was not this. It was because the man in front of him has guessed his relation with the woman he was protecting. His doubts and wariness increased. He even assumed that, this man must have the same motives as the lord's son.
"I don't have all day. You got a minute to decide." Yet the silence was broken by Daren's voice and everyone was brought back from their trance.
"You.. You dare. Do you think you are invincible. You just a..."
"Stand down. You aren't worthy enough to interfere."
The furious shout of the city lord's son 'Ron', along with the raging blood of his men, was halted mind way by the pressure that Arius exerted on them. They all fell on their knees, kneeling. His words struck them like a decree from an almighty being. They lost their speech as well as their will to resist.
Aruis looked at them in disdain. He never liked people who were willing to bow their head just to live some extra days.
All were shocked again. Some even thought they would die of heart attack if they get any more shocks today. Arius instantly became a figure they wish to worship.
"Time's up. Choose now." Daren never left his gaze wander form the man in black. He broke the silence once again. The man though was too shocked to reply.
"I.. I...I.. " He stuttered endlessly.
"Yes!!... W.. We will follow you sir."
It wasn't the black man who said it though. It was the woman he was protecting that replied. Even though she has a little doubt about the man infront of her, she has no other choice. She can't stay in this city anymore. So she decide to agree to the man's proposal.
"Good. A wise woman. Let's go get your things." Daren said.
The woman woke the man in black from his daze and then proceeded to lead the way. The black dressed man, Arius and Daren followed behind her.
"So, what are your names?" Daren asked curiously on.
"Sir, I am Lily. We own a small tailoring shop. This here is my..."
Lily's words were cut mid way by the man in black. "Call me 'X'." the man in black said plainly.
As soon as he finished his words, he was on his knees, struggling in pain.
"Sir!!" Lily exclaimed in shock.
"When Lord ask you a question. You must reply with utmost respect and courtesy and truthfully. Also address him as Lord Daren. Do you get it." Arius aura blasted out at the man when he treated Daren's existence lightly.
Daren didn't mind reminding his subordinates about their position from time to time. Still these guys aren't aware of him and his powers, on top of that, standing beside Arius does make their presence lest impactful.
"Arius!" Daren signalled him to stand down.
The man in black was stunned. He now understood why the city lord's men kneeled before him without resistance. He wasn't under the pressure that time so he couldn't feel the horror of his power. But now... He was no idiot. A man who could garner the loyalty of such proud man was in no way ordinary.
"I.. I am Elli Lo.. Lord Daren." the man in black said as he removed his mask.
"A girl!! Interesting. " Daren was a little surprised then he smiled calmly.
The girl infront of him was about 15. She was a blonde with her hair reaching her waist. Black eyes with a smooth skin and a slim figure. She can be termed as beautiful. Her body was underdeveloped though.
"Very well!, let's move on then." Daren suggested.
Few minutes later, they were standing outside a small house. A single floored house, with 2 rooms a hall and a kitchen. The hall was converted into a tailoring shop. Anyway you see it, the place looked less than ordinary.
"Pack your things. And only bring the things that are important." Daren reminded both Eli and Lily, as they entered the house.
They both nodded and entered the house. After 15 minutes, they were back with their things bundled in a cloth. Lily carried the bundle with her. Eli on the other hand was lifting a tailoring machine in her hands. The machine was half her size.
"..." Daren and Arius stared at the comical scene that was infront of them.
"Leave the machine behind. If you really need one, we can get one later." Daren said to Elli and lily.
Elli awkwardly place the machine down and took the bundle from her mother. Daren then signalled everyone to move out.
Just as they were about to leave. They saw a bright red light in the sky. Daren and Arius exchanged a glance.
Another red dot was fired in the sky at a different location. It went up and then blasted out to form a small red sun.
A total of 3 red dots were fired in the sky from different locations. Daren's face turned gloomy. He knew what this was. It was the method, Daren and Co. chose to notify everyone at their base, of the potential danger.
3 flares meant something big was happening in his territory. Daren calmed down after a while. He than Looked at Arius. Arius understood his signal and prepared to leave. But he was stopped by Daren before he could leave.
"Wait! Take Nhi with you. She will be helpful." Daren summoned Nhi and asked her to help Arius. Nhi nodded and jumped form his arms and and hide herself in Arius clothes. Arius shivered slightly.
"Go now! With your speed, you can reach our base in 20 minutes max. Though it will take me about 2 hours." Daren ordered Arius.
"But lord, They..." Arius seemed reluctant.
"I Know. Don't worry though, I can handle it" Daren assured Arius.
Arius nodded and dashed towards the wasteland at full speed.
.
.
.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
After leveling to spiritual realm. Arius can travel at an average speed of 10km/minute.
So 200 km in 20 mins.
While Daren can muster the maximum speed of 2km/minute.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___