In a distant location that was unknown to many, two people were discussing in a serious tone.
They both were clad in white robes with hoods that obscured their facial features, and the aura they exuded was overbearing.
'' Are you sure of what you just said? '' one of the figures resting on the wall of the dark cave they were currently in questioned.
'' Being sure of myself is an understatement, '' the other figure who was opposite to the figure that questioned him replied.
'' Although it was brief, I definitely felt that mana. '' he added, his voice a bit shaky as he remembered that grim mana.
'' Is it happening again then… '' the first figure murmured, but the other one could still hear him.
'' Just the thought alone is giving me nightmares, I-i think it's time we let others know of my findings. ''
'' No, not now, we can't throw the period of peace into shambles because of what we are not even sure of yet. ''
'' But… ''
'' No but. '' The first figure reprimanded with stern eyes. '' For now, you should widen the search. Even if it's that place. ''
'' And remember… ''
'' It stays between us. '' Commanded the first figure, who turned his back and headed for the cave entrance.
***
Jerouch's face darkened when he heard the way he was called, but he chose to let that pass.
He walked closer to the group and stopped a few meters away from them.
The two parties checked each other out until the middle-aged man decided to break the unmoving silence.
'' I've never seen your face before around here, '' he asked in a deep voice, and his breaths screamed alcohol.
'' I live far in the south… My master came to find a rare herb in this forest. ''
'' Hmph! He's just a mere slave, '' the one that called him earlier retorted, not trying to hide his mockery.
They were also warlocks of the lowest rank who were barely clinging to life, but they were acting brazenly.
'' What is a slave doing inside a dungeon without his master nearby? '' the lady with short red hair asked with scepticism while looking around, albeit to see if there was someone else.
Jerouch cursed inwardly as they kept asking questions.
These people had numerical advantage, moreover, he wasn't used to the way of warlocks, so he wanted to avoid creating unnecessary trouble.
That did not mean that he would allow himself to be a pushover as he had always been though.
'' I owe you no answer, '' Jerouch replied, sending cold stares at the lady.
'' What, you… '' she raised her brows, about to pull her arrows, but she was stopped midway.
'' Enough! '' The middle-aged man ordered, and one could feel his crispy tone.
Clearly, he was also displeased with Jerouch's manner, but the boy's demeanour made him a bit wary.
No slave should have such an upright aura and tone except for two reasons.
One, he wasn't lying about being a slave, but his master was someone they couldn't afford to offend.
Secondly, he was no slave, rather a fairly strong warlock who was hiding his identity.
None of these was a good option, but it could also be a facade, which was why he didn't want to create trouble either until he was sure.
'' Hmph! It seems they fell for it, hehe, arrogant empty heads. '' Jerouch laughed inwardly.
' They look down on commoners like them, but can't dare to offend someone above them. '' Jerouch chuckled in his mind while keeping his straight face.
He might be an ant in this world, but he had led a whole multinational criminal organization before. This little bluff was nothing.
'' We are from one of the guilds in the nearby city. ''
'' Well, young man, if you don't mind, you can join our party and clear the second floor with us. '' The man offered.
Surprise gazes landed on him, including
Jerouch, but the man didn't back off.
''Of course, rewards will be shared relative to each person's effort. '' He smiled at Jerouch, extending his right hand as an invitation.
'' Trying to test me out haha. '' Jerouch was rolling inside as he saw their little cheap tricks.
What had the lord of the underworld not seen before…
Humans are shrewd creatures and if one wasn't careful when relating with them, they might end up being doomed by their cunningness.
'' Sure no problem. '' Jerouch extended his right hand too. '' I'm Jerouch. ''
'' Enoch. ''
'' Jackpot! '' Jerouch said excitedly in his head.
As to why he agreed to join these guys, it was to get to know their names for him to test the power of his grimoire that the system showed him.
Others too introduced their name a bit with hesitations, and they all soon proceeded forward.
They kept meeting spiders, which Jerouch took the honour to squash before others could.
Jerouch watched them summon their grimoires which was really awestricking.
'' They're all one star grimoires as expected. '' Jerouch glanced back at the others.
In order not to stand out too much, he also summoned his grimoire which he hid from others' views.
As they started battling, they were first amazed seeing Jerouch eliminate the spider as if they were paper puppets.
However, their moods soon darkened, seeing Jerouch squash their whole body to paste.
'' This idiot is wasting the monster material, '' they thought.
'' So what if he's strong… The fact remains that he's a slave with no common knowledge. '' Those still soaked in their superiority complex muttered to themselves.
'' It's nice hunting with you guys. However, I'll be taking my leave. '' Jerouch suddenly stopped.
'' Eh? But we just got to the second floor. '' The middle-aged man spoke in a displeased tone.
'' Yes I understand, however, my master will soon need me, I need to explore the deeper floor quickly before we leave to our city. '' Jerouch once again lied.
'' But… ''
'' Enough oldie, just let the shrimp go. '' The other lady who had not spoken much glanced at Jerouch's distant figure as he ran ahead.
She was already displeased that Jerouch was reducing their loots, but to think he would chicken out so abruptly.
'' Pfft! '' Unsatisfied grunts left others' mouths as they also watched his distant figure.
'' Isn't it nice that we have a free fish swimming in our pond? '' the lady spoke in a low voice that was only audible to her party members.
'' You mean…'' The man turned his head in her direction with his brows arched.
'' Umm. '' She nodded.
***
'' Phew! It's easier to breathe now,'' Jerouch uttered as he opened the system.
'' Let's get to business. ''
'' Grimoire! '' Jerouch called out, his eyes shimmering with excitement.