Alex moved first as he went forward to knock the door but before he could even touch it he immediately had to jump back.
The spot he was standing at was now scorched and covered with burn marks whoever had attacked him clearly meant to kill him in one shot.
Alex and Aria immediately got into a battle ready position and pulled out their weapons. In Alex hand's were two sharp dagger which seemed sharp enough to cut iron with a single swipe, where as Aria held a weapon similar to a revolver in both of her hands, they functioned like one too the only difference was that instead of shooting bullets they shot condensed rounds of mana which had various effects ranging from curses to exploding on contact instead.
The one's in Aria's hand had the effect of increased penetration and were crafted by Aria herself.
"Who are you bastards!, and why are you here!?!.".
A man in a black robe which covered his face and held an ominous looking staff spoke.
"You're Simon I suppose."
Alex said while remaining alert and stealthy putting up a barrier around himself and Aria.
"Speak who sent you? Was it that damn Viscount?". The robed figure said.
"We didn't come on anyone's orders, we're just here to make an offer."
"Whatever it is I'm not interested, now take your companion and scram, or else don't blame me for turning you into a crisp."
Although it may not seem like it, Simon was a 4th circle mage which was quite impressive considering he was only three year older than Alex. He was not an enemy they could defeat easily.
"Alright then."
"Huh?".
"Huh?".
Voice's of confusions escaped from Aria and Simon. Mainly from Simon, not expecting Alex to back off so easily.
"It's good you understand now get lost".
"Sure, but I was sure that you'd be interested in the cure for mana deficiency".
Alex said the latter part under his breath but deliberately kept it loud enough for Simon to hear, while turning on his heel's.
"Wait, What did you just say?".
"Oh, it's nothing don't worry about it."
Alex smiled dismissively as if he had accidentally let something slip.
'there he goes again'.
Aria muttered under her breath as she prepared herself to watch the show that was about to unfold.
"Don't screw with me you definitely said something about the cure for mana crystalization."
Alex smirked internally while releasing his mana, revealing his cultivation as he said.
"And why does it matter to you."
Knowing full where he was getting at Simon gritted his teeth as he said.
"Fiinne... Can we discuss that deal you were talking about".
"Your attitude doesn't seem sincere though."
Simon's tempel throbbed in anger as he said.
"Please".
"Of course, why not. Please lead the way." Alex said with a smile akin to a shady business man adorned his face.
Simon felt an intense urge to punch his face, but held back. He didn't know if what Alex spoke was the truth or not or even how he knew about it, none of it mattered as long as there was even a 1% chance of savings her he'd do anything.
As the two were led inside Aria used a spell called [ Message ] which allowed people to send messages to each other telepathically.
["What bullsh*t were you sprouting!?! Mana crystalization doesn't have any cure!!! Its an incurable disease!."]
["Hey! Hey!. Have some faith in your brother a littel, do you have no trust in me at all.]
["..."].
Aria didn't respond and merely turned away, seeing this Alex was dumbfounded and wondered if he really seemed that unreliable.