After the brief rumbling of the earth, multiple veil openings appeared all around the vicinity of the inheritance ground.
And the moment it opened, everyone made their way in with some rushing forward while others waited for the pressure to die down before they moved forward.
Naturally, it would have been a different issue if they all had the same starting point, but because everyone would be thrown randomly around, there was no point in rushing in.
A few minutes after most people rushed in, James signalled Thalia to follow behind. She quickly took hold of his hand to avoid being separated once inside.
Of course, James did not mind as Thalia had done this multiple times already. She was a bit clingy, but James enjoyed her actions very much. While it wasn't enough for him to completely trust her yet, it was enough for him to know that Thalia was really into him.
.......
James and Thalia appeared within the dimension and looked around in wonder. There were trees all around them with weeds and mosses growing on the logs and rocks.
Above them was a dark space that had no light, yet the inheritance dimension was lit up like a normal day on Veloria.
The dimension was huge enough to be classified as a small kingdom and even though they appeared on the fringes of the domain, they could instinctively tell which direction the main grounds were; everyone could.
Yet to get to the centre, all explorers must traverse the dangers along the way before having the qualifications to enter the main hall.
"It's beautiful…"
Thalia muttered to herself, her eyes sparkling with awe and curiosity. Even then, she made no attempts to let go of James's hand.
"Focus. We're not here for sightseeing." He chided before stepping forward and breaking the contact. Of course, Thalia could tell James was conflicted about how to treat her and she didn't mind.
She simply smiled to herself, 'Baby steps, Thalia… Baby steps…'
"Right."
Her expression changed to that of a serious person on the lookout for dangers lurking around.
James moved around a bit to see if there were anyone else nearby.
'Those bastards are probably searching for me and while they may stay together, their men might not necessarily do the same.
'They don't know my current face, but I bet they have ways of finding out. What I need to do is stay as low-key as possible.'
He had a plan but he also knew how he felt. There was no way he was going to stay sane if he came across his betrayers. His anger wouldn't allow it.
'And killing them now would be too easy. I need to make a long-term plan for them; something that will make them suffer just as much as I have. Their men, however, would have to settle for my boiling rage.'
His expression was stern with a frown as his mind spun with various ways to deal with his pursuers. Thalia watched James closely noticing how his eyes darted around.
And around his form was a subtle aura leaking killing intent; something Thalia felt but since the intent wasn't directed at her, it wasn't much of an issue.
'He seems to be lost in thought about something. It's most likely about the conversation we heard earlier.'
She too had her own guesses as to what was happening and while it wasn't concrete, she was patient.
"Let's move. And remember, It's Jay from here on out."
He glanced behind him where Thalia stood patiently, waiting for him to decide when and where they go.
"Yes, of course."
She nodded and followed behind James.
...…
Traversing the woods proved to be a simple matter as the duo had not encountered any magical beasts or traps.
It could be said that their journey was smooth. Naturally, they hadn't come across anything that could be considered valuable.
Most of the artefacts to be found on most inheritance domains were located within the main structure and not the surroundings. Even then, it was not that simple to get. In fact, the death rate was way higher than the success rate, so one had to also watch out for the competition.
But that was not to say there wasn't anything to be found around. Magical plants with unique properties that could be sold to researchers, rare minerals and even spells were hidden all over.
The beasts present were also a treasure trove if one was lucky enough to find a rare one, well if they defeated it and had the space for storing them.
James and Thalia dared not let their guard down. The dangers around did not only come from the beasts and traps but also other adventurers who were here to target just other people for their treasures.
Yes, there were others like that. And most of them had face-changing spells applied.
Suddenly, the duo heard the shuffling of leaves in the distance. They quickly went down to avoid being spotted before moving closer.
"Don't make a sound no matter what you see or hear." He whispered looking directly into her eyes. She nodded in understanding, obviously making the decision to follow his every move. She was here only because of him after all.
Treasures and whatnot were not really in her interest. The biggest mystery to her was already before her as her goal was to understand what made her attracted to James in such a manner.
They approached with steady steps making sure to not make a sound, eventually reaching a tree trunk where they hid and looked over.
James narrowed his eyes as he spotted two figures, both females moving towards a certain direction he couldn't see from where he hid.
"What are they up to?"
Thalia inquired looking at James. She didn't need to see herself as James's input would be more than enough for her.
"Not sure. Those two seem to be moving towards a particular spot. Come on, her tail them to see what they are after."
Thalia nodded and followed in his footsteps.
James had hardened his mind to do whatever it required to achieve his goals, even if he had to strip it from someone else. It was something he would have never done in the past; now, however, things have changed.
The two quietly tagged along making sure to remain out of sight and hearing.
......
"Liraeth, are you sure we will find it in there?"
Sylvara asked her sister with fear evident in her voice as her eyes darted back and forth, looking out for dangers with her mage staff held tightly to her chest.
The two women had blonde her with characteristic long ears typical of High Elves. They were incredibly beautiful with alluring charms matching their nature. And although they looked young, they were much older than they looked.
In their adventuring clothes which were a combination of tight pants with form-fitting shirts emphasized their figures that would make a man drool in lust.
Just like everyone who appeared here today, they also had their own agenda. Naturally, they were also aware of the dangers they could encounter, mostly from humans who desired them for their beauty and appeal.
But Liraeth was no easy target. She was a powerful mage very skilled in nature magic as well as other branches.
"Not sure, but we have to try. The plant we're searching for is very rare after all, and they are known to grow in dark caves."
She replied to her sister's question as she carefully approached the cave that was mostly covered in the flora of the surroundings. She was only able to notice the entrance only because she was highly attuned to nature and could somehow infer their intent.
However, their careful approach towards the cave entrance came from their caution of what might be residing in there.
A few minutes later, they arrived close to the entrance.
"From here on, stay close. They could be beasts lurking within."
Liraeth advised her sister who nodded in understanding. They two then looked around to see if anyone spotted them before entering the cave.
A few moments later, James and Thalia appeared at the entrance.
"It's an easy place to miss if one is not actively searching for it."
Thalia stated as she looked at the creeping plants and wines that covered the cave entrance.
"We don't know what to expect in there. Stay vigilant and stay close. Our goal is to find out what they're after and if possible, take it from them."
Thalia remained silent for a moment before nodding in understanding.
'James should be the only one that matters to me. All others should be looked at as the enemy, at least in here.'
Her train of thought went against the teachings of the Sunbound, but she had never really taken it to heart, mostly because she didn't have any desire to harm anyone.
But if the person she chose turns out to be a ruthless being with no remorse for others, well, she didn't know how to feel about that.
But her resolve to follow James remained unchanged.
With a last look around, the two entered the cave.