Chapter 41

Its over!

Snoc placed his hands on his knees and felt relieved. A refreshing air that contrasted the suffocating atmosphere inside the mine softly caressed his body. He couldnt have felt happier to see the silverish moon or hear the chirps of nameless bugs outside.

You have done well.

With those careless words, Drew left and went down the mountain by himself. Drew let out an aura like he didnt want to talk, so Snoc didnt say anything and absentmindedly watched as Drew disappeared out of view.

Ow.

He felt pain all over his bruised and wounded body. Snoc sat down and touched his injured areas.

Koo?

Huh?

It was a familiar cry.

Snoc stopped paying attention to the mole when he tried to focus on his mana control, so he didnt realize that the mole had followed him outside of the mine.

What? You followed me all the way here?

He tried placing his hand on the moles face. Most moles would have scrambled away at a humans hand, but this one rubbed his face on Snocs hand.

You dont have a family?

Koo.

Are you alone?

Koo.

He continued to talk to the beast who probably couldnt even understand him. The mole let out a small cry after every sentence, but Snoc didnt think that the animal was answering him. However, he had to admit that the mole was adorable. The mole that had no family and clung to a stranger also reminded him of himself.

Do you want to come with me?

Snoc stopped patting the mole; he turned his hand and placed it in front of the moles feet. The mole poked the edge of his finger with his nose. Then, he crawled onto Snocs hand.

Haha! Oh, you must have wanted to come with me!

He felt a small amount of warmth in his hands. Snocs body was all bruised up, but at that moment, he didnt feel any pain. He hugged the mole tightly to his chest, and the mole, which poked his head out from the edge of Snocs shirt, sniffed around and situated himself in a comfortable spot.

What should I call you?

While tightly hugging his unexpected, new family member, Snoc went down the mine.

* * *

There wasnt a human presence in the mine, and a dreary silence encompassed the area. It was late, so the sites empty appearance was typical for its time. But soon after, the silence broke and a figure came into view. Surprisingly, it was Drew, who had left Snoc to go down the mine alone. He stared at the path that Snoc had taken and said, Its going all according to plan.

His low tone sounded evil like a demon reciting his wicked plans.

Are you satisfied now?

Who was he talking to? Drew looked strange while talking to himself in an empty mine.

Yes.

He heard an answer inside the mine that was completely covered in darkness. A figure came out of the darkness and appeared into view. Anyone who saw the figure would probably have the same thought: He looks suspicious.

The person didnt have a distinct characteristic or feature; he wore a dull, dark robe that made his face and physique look like a sack. Only his low voice indicated that the person was a man. Inside his robe that seemed to signify darkness, the man spoke to Drew.

Thank you for your work. As expected of Drew, who is famous even among the adventurers. Your talents are outstanding

Get to the point.

Drew spat on the ground; he didnt seem happy about the compliments aimed towards him.

I dont want to hear your heartless flattery. I know you dont even think that. I know m