Derrick was more than happy to take his offer. He knew full well that Brigand's request would probably be farfetched, but there was way more to gain than to lose.
With the system, he would be able to take in all the information and use it as he pleased. It was a no-brainer.
After the agreement was reached, Derrick began to plan his schedule.
Since everything in Akata could be taken care of by Lacha, he didn't have to worry. The only thing he would have to do was attend the forge's opening ceremony, and then he could leave in the evening.
He didn't intend on staying longer than 2 days in Terra.
***
The ceremony had gone well, and the forge was received with thunderous applause.
Everyone could finally see things coming to fruition.
After a few talks here and there, Derrick had taken off during sundown. When the final lights were finally snuffed out by the horizon, the starry sky had welcomed him. It was a sight to behold, and one he had never seen before.
Meanwhile, Io was flying at his highest speed yet. He looked way more comfortable traveling during the night, which made sense.
Derrick was also glad he had left at this hour. Without daylight, the farmers below wouldn't be able to identify him.
After following the same itinerary for a few hours, they finally arrived above Terra's land, and it surprisingly looked even more imposing than during the day.
On the ground were thousands and thousands of light spots that were either powered naturally, or by magic.
He managed to find the same lake he had dived in, but this time deciding to discreetly land. Diving once had been more than enough.
Donning his now signature black cloak, he proceeded on the same dirt road that had led him to the city walls.
The calm of the night was something that really soothed him. No matter how he wanted to change his past habits, being able to think alone was something he still deeply cherished.
After walking a few paces, he saw that a carriage was coming in his direction, and he waved at it. Before leaving Akata, he and Brigand had already arranged everything to prevent any mishaps from occurring.
When it stopped next to him, Derrick could more clearly distinguish his chauffeur. He was a middle-aged man with gray hair and sharp features, similar to the butler he had had during the auction. He was also well-dressed.
"Sir Tarlin?"
"Yes"
"Please come aboard"
When he was about to open the carriage's door, all of his instincts kicked in, with every muscle fiber in his body forcing him to dart backwards.
*Zwiiiing*
From the corner of his eye, he saw a small blue blade zip through the air and slash at his previous location.
The figure manipulating it was also cloaked, and it possessed an agility that was rarely seen.
However, Derrick instantly recognized it.
"Alma, is this how you greet a friend?"
With a condescending laugh, he looked at her and winked. This made the elf seethe to no end.
This fellow had shamed her in front of her Master, with her wanting him to pay for his insolence. Elves were, after all, arrogant creatures.
Meanwhile, the chauffeur had almost panicked and ran off, before calming down when realizing that there was no threat to his life. The fact that Derrick had also remained calm reassured him greatly.
"Fight me! If you win fair and square, I'll never bother you again!"
The elf was so enraged that the only thing she came up with was a challenge. She had squandered the opportunity to sneak on him and knew that she stood no chance if he used his spells.
The road was also deserted, making for a good arena.
"That's it? Well... I haven't moved in a few hours, it'll be a good warm up"
Arrogant, overconfident, cocky...
These were the words that swarmed Alma's mind. This motherfucker was going to beg her for mercy!
She was an assassin, and a respected one at that! She was to be feared, and she'd make him recognize that.
"Come"
Derrick continued his taunts, and before he knew it, the elf had vanished from her position.
His smirk instantly disappeared and he grew serious. He could easily defeat her by using his summons, but that would be much too lame.
Plus, he had grown much stronger since the last time they had met.
He closed his eyes and tried locating her. Using his vision was pointless, so he tried sensing her instead.
*Thump-Thump-Thump*
He could faintly hear her steps, which gave away a vague position, but it wasn't enough.
"Come on... You've survived in a dark cave for months... Don't tell me you're going to struggle against some bratty elf"
He pumped himself up and unleashed his vicious and cold aura. He was going to make her bend to his will.
When it reached her, Alma's blood went cold with fear invading her. It was the same sensation she had felt in the room, except for the fact it was magnified by a lot.
The bastard had already grown this much!?
Nevertheless, she refused to give up. If she failed here, she wouldn't have another chance.
After breaking through the fear that tried to submerge her, she pounced in the direction of Derrick. If she couldn't beat him with strength, then she would overwhelm him with speed.
20 meters... 15 meters... 10 meters... 5 meters...
She was in range. She was going to win! Her heartbeat was frantic, and she hadn't felt this alive in years.
However, when she was about to reach him, he opened his eyes, causing her entire body to go limp.
What she saw... was death.
Eyes so cold that ice paled in comparison, and a smile so wicked that murderers looked like angels.
At that instant, he was a harbinger of Death.
With her momentum, she arrived in Derrick's embrace, and while holding her, he whispered in her ear.
"Thank you for the little spar. Don't worry about the result, as I won't talk about it. You're strong and an asset. I meant it when I said Brigand was lucky to have you"
He reigned in his aura and everything went back to normal.
Before letting her go, he gave her a little hug and went to the carriage.
They promptly left, leaving behind a stunned and shivering Alma.
It had been her first time contemplating death, and it had shaken her very core.
She had been totally defenseless, like a fawn in front of a predator.
After controlling her body, she gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. She had been complacent, and Derrick had shown her that there was something beyond her current level.
This time and instead of rage, there was a newfound respect. She was proud to have lost to such a powerful individual.