Chapter 74: Riven Blackheart (2)

Toms gaze flickered over to Aleph amidst the chaos of the morning crowd, as Dungeoneers scrambled for final minute provides and went over their ultimate tools checks. Then, his eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening as he locked onto the hooded man wearing worn-out, but surprisingly nicely made leather-based armor. Whereas Tom was compelled to sift by way of the throng of individuals clouding his area of view, the lone dungeoneer walked ahead in a straight, unbroken line.

Riven Blackheart? The bearded info dealer had requested, earlier than whistling in appreciation. Why do you need to know extra about that man, of all individuals?

It was a query most unbecoming of 1 within the info commerce, but one which he had requested anyway.

He heads into the dungeon every day, with out fail. Laborious to overlook the man, youll discover him wearing black leather-based armor, metallic gauntlets and gray-cloth boots, possible some kind of artifact, The data dealer had answered.

Nevertheless it was the final bit of data that he had supplied to them, together with a warning, that had actually caught with Tom.

I dont know why youre in search of him, however Id advocate you steer clear. Not that Id thoughts it for those who really offed the man, however the damndest factor is, nobody has ever seen him carry a weapon on his individual. He simply wanders into the dungeon, seemingly unarmed and clearly alone and but the bastards nonetheless kicking. I wouldnt prod a beast like that, not until youre ready to get bitten.

Tom didnt know when his curiosity in Riven had modified from discovering a scapegoat to discerning the mans secrets and techniques. Was it the character of [The Fool] that drove him to unearth such a tantalizing thriller? Or was it his personal temptation, swayed by the sheer efficiency of his personal powers?

Tom didnt know the reply to that query, however regardless, it was too late to vary their plan now.

Too distant, rattling it, Tom grumbled underneath his breath as Riven drew nearer to the Dungeons entrance, whereas he was compelled to sidestep and finagle his method by way of the cramped avenue.

Then, he took a proper and slipped out of his line of sight- now headed immediately in direction of the doorway.

Dont rush it, Tom reminded himself, whilst he discovered himself determined for a glimpse at Rivens Idiot Mark; the jester icon that when accompanied by a quantity, instructed him the precise variety of Soul Energy he wanted to solid [Active Shroud- Maya].

Getting noticed by their quarry would make the entire plan crumble. Copying Rivens likeness would solely lead to catastrophe if the person was nonetheless roaming round freely within the Anonymous District-especially if the Royal Knights caught wind of it.

By the point Tom had reached the alleyway that housed the dungeon entrance, he noticed many dungeoneering events making ready to set out however. there was no signal of Riven.

Guaranteeing that there have been no seen emotional fluctuations mirrored on his visage, Toms gaze swept by way of the environment, catching Aleph leaning on the appropriate wall, merely a number of paces away from the dungeon entrance. Her hood was drawn over her simply identifiable silver hair, a easy material masks shrouding her mouth and nostril.

Not stunned to see her having arrived earlier than him, Tom walked over and took his place at her aspect.

No. However Im curious, Tom admitted. Combat? No, he had no real interest in preventing Riven Blackheart. The true query being- what may he study from him? What may Energetic Shroud- Maya glean from such a medical fighter.

I had glossed over him as a possible candidate for recruitment as a result of I believed him a coward. Killing a dungeoneer is one factor, however a complete squad there are lots of implies that may accomplish such a factor, between potent poisons and unstable alchemical brews, however I’ve no real interest in such treacherous means.

And now? Tom requested.

It seems that I might need been mistaken, Aleph conceded. So, comply with or retreat?

We comply with for now. Watch him from a cushty distance and see if we will work out extra about his preventing model; a secret or two, possibly. He could be highly effective, however I doubt hed be capable to take out the 2 of us working collectively if it got here to a battle.

Im fantastic with that. If he has a robust artifact., Aleph trailed off. Tom wasnt completely certain if he preferred the look in her eyes, however that second wasnt the appropriate time to argue.

So, he merely adopted.

A pair of eyes peeked from behind the doorway of Sector 9s first crucible.

Toms respiration was gradual and secure, his expression masked by the shadows he sought refuge in as he angled his gaze in direction of the lone man in the complete enviornment. Scattered throughout the black stone tiling have been the lifeless our bodies of much more Phantasmal beasts, these ones of upper stage than those discovered on the outskirts.

However Tom solely spared them a cursory look as his eyes centered onto his quarry.

The dungeoneers look was irrelevant. All that mattered was the glowing Jester icon that floated above his head and the quantity subsequent to it.

Tom didnt even understand when the colour had drained from his face. He didnt even discover the sunshine quivering in his legs as his thoughts lastly registered the quantity he had seen earlier than.

It was the best no, it was past the best past something he had seen to this point.

Seventy-nine.

Seventy-nine.

Then, with a flurry of movement, Riven Blackhearts head swiveled to the aspect, assembly Toms personal gaze.