Modred stands up and looks at me with a concerned expression.
"Arthur is planning on using the X-Class dungeon to get rid of the other high ranking guilds. He's using this as an excuse to clear his way to rule the country."
He says as I stare at him. I quickly turn around and speak up.
"That doesn't make sense, if he wanted to rule the country I'm sure he would go uncontested. From all the legends surrounding him, I'm sure that most people would be fine with him being their king."
I reply as Modred sighs.
"It does seem that way, doesn't it? The truth is, he inspires fear. It's not a sense of loyalty and happiness that gives rise to hordes of followers. Its the fear his presence leaves. Most of the others in the guild aren't aware, but his niceness is a front."
I stare blankly before laughing.
"I'm sure if he was really that bad of a guy, someone would've spoken out already.
I continue chuckling to myself as Modred laughs.
"Well, you did fight him. So imagine how quickly you'd be silenced if you were D-Class. Stopping the spread of rumors from people that low is as easy as breathing. Merlin can hear everyone in the kingdom, so he knows whenever a mutiny is being planned."
Modred says as I shake my head.
"Then he can hear you right now?"
I ask, Modred wagging his finger before pointing to his sword.
"My sword negates magic and magical effects. No scrying magic will work within ten feet of me. He can't hear us at all. I just thought I should warn you before you're gifts go to waste in a dungeon grave."
Modred says as he reaches for the door handle. I quickly grab his wrist and sigh.
"Fine, I don't believe you one hundred percent, but I never believe anyone that much. So tell me what your plan is, just in case something does happen."
I mumble as Modred smiles.
"He has a way out of the dungeon, Merlin can let them out. They have a high level spell to escape any trap, and I know they've already tested it on S-Class dungeons. I know he's planning on killing everyone in the dungeon, so just keep your wits about you."
He says as I sigh.
"So no plan, got it."
I quickly open the door and walk out. As I walk down the hallway, I see my friends waiting for me. Warren looks at me while dodging swings from Carrina.
"So what did he want?"
I shake my head and take a deep breath.
"Just wanted to test my strength, that's all. He did not believe I was as strong as everyone thought."
I say as Blankk sighs.
"It does seem hard to believe you got that strong in under a week."
He mumbles as I laugh and nod. We all quickly walk through the maze of a castle. After several minutes of walking we find ourselves outside with people lining the streets, talking cheerfully.
Everyone seems to be fine. I still find it hard to believe that Arthur is evil.
I think as we quickly walk into a small tavern and get drinks and food. After several drinks, Carrina challenges me to an arm wrestling competition.
I laugh and humor her. As she starts pulling, she puts both her arms against mine. A few seconds later Blankk, Warren, Mia, and Azeroth all start pushing on my hand trying to let Carrina win.
I laugh and drink a mug of ale and slowly start pushing them down to the table.
Ah, what the hell.
I quickly give out and let them put my hand to the table. I smile as they all start jumping around and cheering.
"Yes!"
"We did it! Teamwork wins out!"
"I've still got it."
I laugh and let them celebrate. As I look around, I notice Vex isn't with the group. I quickly stand up and walk outside, finding Vex sitting on a bench looking out at the sunny day and beautiful sky.
"Dante, do you ever question it? How we try too hard, doing everything in our power to accomplish our goal, but believing our goal is ultimately useless?"
He asks as I prop up on the back of the bench and sigh.
"Can't say I do. My goal is driven by revenge. Of course I've made friends and allies along the way, but my goal is still to kill off Wolfpack."
I reply as he looks at me.
"Then why are we here? We've had plenty of times to go after Wolfpack so far. Hell, go through a few more S-Class dungeons and we'll have good enough gear to take down just about any guild."
He says as I shake my head.
"I'm looking for someone to help us. I want to be one hundred percent sure I'll be able to accomplish my mission before I attack."
I say as Vex stands up.
"And if I were to accomplish your mission for you? What then? Would you scatter to the wind and live a normal life, or stay in the guild and keep adventuring?"
He asks quietly. I think for a moment before I answer.
"If you killed them, then you'd be a true friend. And I would keep adventuring with you."
We both stare at each other as he laughs and shakes his head.
"Yea, not sure why I expected any other answer."
He pats my shoulder and walks into the tavern for a split second then comes back out.
"Merlin, I know you've been watching and listening."
Vex says loudly as Merlin appears in front of us. He smiles and waves as several people on the road quickly take a step back, almost shocked.
"I want you to teleport Dante and myself to the colosseum. I want to spar with him, but I don't want anyone to see or know about it."
As I start to speak up we appear in the arena and I hear Merlin speak up.
"[Area of Undying 10]."
Vex cracks his knuckles and smiles. I quickly speak up.
"What is this about?"
I ask as he draws both his swords.
"I just want to see how we compare. I don't want to hurt you or kill you, so I thought this was the best idea. [Clone 5]."
Suddenly five of him appear in front of me, each wielding the two swords and smiling.
"You may be stronger, but which one of us is more skilled?"
All 6 Vexs lunge towards me and swing as I draw my dagger.
Shit!