Chapter 120: Mr. One’s Proposition


    Mr. One stood confidently in front of Abel and the goblin-like man who called himself Dirt. Mr.Ones’s demeanor was calm, yet there was a quiet authority behind his words. The dim light of the bazaar flickered against the man''s grey robe, casting eerie shadows that danced along the sandy walls of the cavernous hall. Abel could see the sharp green iris of Mr.One, which reminded him of Julius’ eyes.


    The coincidences were far too intertwined to dismiss as mere chance. Abel vividly recalled Elliot''s explanation regarding the Murman family’s discovery of the Flower Dance through the Flag Bearer’s Scroll. The flags were undeniably connected, and Abel pieced together a troubling theory: Ike Murman’s sons were likely in possession of the remaining flags, making them key players in a larger, sinister scheme. The Murmans hadn’t simply stumbled upon a historical tradition—they orchestrated it, cloaking the ritual beneath the guise of a festival.


    Their endgame was tied to the Flower Princess and the ruins beneath Reinhart, their machinations spanning years. This wasn’t just about celebrating a holiday; it was a carefully crafted ritual with deeper, perhaps darker, intentions. Abel couldn’t shake the ominous words of Julius, whom he now recognized as a man hiding behind a false identity: The Flower Princess will take control of Reinhart.


    That notion unsettled Abel. Whoever—or whatever—the Flower Princess was, she posed a threat far beyond local politics. Her motives clashed with the Tower’s, and Abel now realized he stood on the edge of a conflict that could alter Reinhart’s fate. One thing was certain—he would not allow the Murman family’s plans to succeed.


    Abel studied Mr. One intently, sensing the subtle traces of mana that clung to him. This wasn’t just the residual energy from the flag. It was different—ingrained. Abel knew it wasn’t enough to classify Mr. One as an apostle, but it was clear he had dabbled in something beyond ordinary means.


    Could it be a rogue apostle’s influence? He wondered if Mr. One had either studied under one or discovered a unique path to harness mana outside a Tower’s jurisdiction. Abel recalled how recruits like Abu had used unconventional methods, such as transplanting a magical eagle’s eye for a boon or Luke using a Marsh Parasite, to bridge the gap between the mundane and the gifted. Mr. One had certainly tapped into something similar.


    Abel dismissed the immediate concern of a rogue Apostle, recalling the Tower’s assurances that no such individual had been registered near Reinhart. However, he couldn’t entirely shake the possibility.


    If there was a rogue Apostle, they were likely unregistered and operating in secrecy, posing a significant threat to the mundane population. He resolved to stay vigilant, attuning himself to any mana fluctuations resembling an Apostle’s presence. Still, he understood the danger: if he could sense them, they could sense him. His goal was clear—discover them before they discovered him.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Mr. One''s voice cut through Abel’s thoughts. “There’s a hidden ruin beneath the flower fields of Reinhart, filled with dangers and treasures alike,” he said, his tone deliberate and measured. “Only I know how to unlock it, and avoid its many traps.”


    Abel’s curiosity deepened. He remembered the strange pull of mana he had felt during the Flower Dance holiday that led to the flower fields. Could this ruin be the source? He kept his expression neutral but listened intently.


    Mr. One continued, “We have a group of eight already. With you two, it will be ten. You’ll need to follow the instructions on these parchments.” He handed both Abel and Dirt sheets of paper covered in intricate diagrams and ritual instructions.


    Mr. One leaned in slightly. “There’s more to this ruin than meets the eye, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime. Be prepared,” he said cryptically before straightening and walking away, his gray mask disappearing into the shadows of the bazaar.


    Lena, who had stayed a few steps behind, remained silent but attentive. She wasn’t officially invited, but she absorbed every word. As Mr. One vanished into the crowd, Abel and Dirt exchanged a glance. Without a word, they turned and continued exploring the bazaar.


    The atmosphere remained thick with tension, yet Abel felt a quiet satisfaction. He had gained valuable information and confirmed his suspicions about the growing magical influence in Reinhart.


    The bazaar was proof that the town was evolving rapidly, but it also posed a danger. Law enforcement was woefully unprepared for what lay ahead. Aside from Burt’s artifact, as well as Elliors and Jet’s there were no other significant defenses in place. Abel resolved to speak with Mayor Elliot soon. If Reinhart was to survive its transformation, it needed a stronger foundation.


    After finishing their exploration, Abel and Lena retraced their steps to the cave''s entrance. The ritual that had allowed them entry worked in reverse, and soon they were back above ground. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere below.


    As they walked back toward the town, Abel turned to Lena. “You can stay at my estate,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “But understand this—any form of betrayal will be met with severe consequences.”


    Lena nodded without hesitation. “I owe you my life,” she said earnestly, her voice steady with gratitude. “I would never betray someone who saved me.”


    Abel chuckled softly. “Twice.”


    Lena tilted her head in confusion until Abel reached into his robe and pulled out the crimson flag—the same one she had seen that fateful night. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stumbled back slightly. “You… it was you?”


    Abel tucked the flag back into his robe, a faint smirk on his lips. “Now you understand.”


    Her gaze softened, filled with awe and a newfound respect. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I won’t forget this.”


    They continued walking side by side, the quiet night enveloping them as they left the forest behind and returned to the town. In the distance, the faint hum of life in Reinhart was a reminder of the challenges ahead, but Abel felt more prepared than ever.