Rota wasn't the only one that gasped as the sharp crack of Thorn's punch connecting with Alaric's nose and when the Knight suddenly appeared beside Thorn with her blade against his throat her hand went to the spear on her back.
"Stop." Thorn's command froze her hand inches from the metal spear and her hand curled into a fist as dread burned through her.
Lord Alaric would order his Knight to kill Thorn and that thought made Rota gripped her spear, ready to draw it with any slight slip of Alaric giving the death command.
How had she moved so fast? Belialthorn did not even see her as she closed the distance between them in a flash. He didn't know how she distributed her sats but she must have invested heavily in her speed.
Or maybe not, it must be that his viewed were flawed since he was not in his Grade 15 form. His low Grade 1 human form must not be able to keep up with her speed and even his 30% power was not for strength or speed. Only in raw arcane power with little bleeding into his body as strength.
Belialthorn locked eyes with Alaric, deep blue eyes against pale blue one. The young Lord wiped the little trail of blood from his red nose and shook his jaws.
"Leave him, Eleanor, I was in the wrong." Alaric knew the Alchemists had gave him hint that the two were impressive but he hadn't thought they would be this good. Especially Thorn, he had been so fast that even he who invested so heavily on his speed and agility struggled to see the punch coming. He had to had them.
Knight Eleanor hesitated, her sword pressed harder against Belialthorn's throat and he thought she might just cut his head. He couldn't see her face through her helmet but he could feel her aura mixed with deadly intent.
She withdrew her sword and stealthed it smoothly, moving back to her position behind Lord Alaric. The room visibly breath easily as she returned and the Hunters in the room relaxed.
They all knew the importance of High Grades. The higher you climb, the harder it became to rack up levels and the more the gaps between the levels and Grade, so when the only High level Knight withdrawal, they were all glad.
Belialthorn touched his tender neck and Rota fussed around him until he sushed her. He got down from the table, getting face to face with Alaric. "I won't apologize for punching you."
Alaric smiled. "I don't expect you too and I should be the one to apologize for making....such jokes."
Belialthorn hadn't been expecting that so he narrowed his eyes at the young Lord. He should be angry, he should want Belialthorn's blood and act all hunty as all with superior bloodline does.
That deepens Belialthorn's distrust. Alaric really did want them if he was putting up with all this humiliations. The question was why?
"Why did you make such... jokes then?" Belialthorn challenged.
Alaric didn't answer but nodded at Knight Eleanor who clapped and her aura changed, it covered the space around their table creating a sound of poof space.
"We can talk better now without distraction," Alaric said.
"Or without them finding out what was said either." Rota pointed out.
Alaric smiled and gestured to the chair. When they had all sat down except Eleanor he continued. "I should first apologize for trying to force you. But I really must ask you to reconsider your stance and join my team."
"What exactly is it in for you, Lord Alaric?" Belialthorn asked.
He got straight to the point. "As you know, we Keenreavers are the least powerful in Havenbrook. I want to change that."
Belialthorn nearly sighed, he wanted no part in human affairs, all he wanted was to level up his new class and wait for his years to complete and continue as a Demon. "What does that have to do we us? We are low levels Hunters."
"Exactly! You are low-level Hunters with potential," Alaric looked at Belialthorn straight in the eyes. "I want you as my future Knights for when I take over Havenbrook."
Belialthorn tapped his finger on the table and let the silence linger than he said flatly. "You want to form an independent force."
"Yes."
"And you want new Hunters because they might not have loyalty to the Holy Church and Hunter's Association," Belialthorn asked.
"Yes."
"But you are looking for potentially powerful Hunters. So you won't waste your time." Belialthorn raised his dark brows.
"That's exactly the plan." Alaric wasn't surprised that Thorn guessed right at his plans. The man's blue eyes were like staring into an intelligent beast.
"I'm sorry but what I hate most is working for people," Belialthorn smiled. "That's why I formed my team and chose them myself."
Belialthorn leaned forward. "But what I want to understand is why don't your father provide Knights for you? Even poor nobles must have armed force."
Alaric's face darkened and his eyes tightened. "My father won't send his men out in what he considered a failed endeavor or maybe he's still waiting for the King to make a move."
"And IF you manage to take it?" Rota put a strong emphasis on the if. "Would you fight your father for it?"
"That's why I want my own Knights." Alaric said, ignoring the "if" part.
"It's not easy to make high-level Hunters. Even grinding and power leveling won't make High Grades overnight." Belialthorn pointed out. "The higher the level the more difficult it gets to level up."
"We have a looted crypt that we will make use of. Also, the surrounding wilderness will be enough to run wild in." Alaric smirked.
Belialthorn shook his head, already made up his mind. "Sorry Lord Alaric. This seems like a type of adventure that happens in the stories but it's not for people like us," Belialthorn paused. "Besides it's like picking war with the Church and Hunter's Association is a good idea. Even the king would think twice."
Alaric seems to have expected it, his smile was tight as it was well-practiced. "At least I tried. Thank you for your time."
The aura around them collapsed and Knight Eleanor followed Alaric out the door.
Leaving the inn silent with Hunters looking at the duo with interest. Belialthorn was quick to escort Rota out.
"What just happened?" Rota demanded as they walked into an alley that would connect to their street.
Belialthorn didn't answer because just then he smelled something and felt sharp auras like naked blades directed at them.