The floor was a barren red desert, with high buttes dotting the horizon. An occasional cactus or low plant added a pop of green. It has hot and dry weather. Not surprising. Our party had teleported in front of a tall pole with a transparent flag at its peak.
'Welcome to floor 4!'
'Please select a team captain!'
'The team captain has the authority to carry and move the flag pole once every 24 hours!"
It had been a few days since I'd met the team. They seemed a bit quiet. Meril in particular seemed wary. Ren had walked up beside me to take in the group. Meril and Reaver stood close together while Laren stood to the side, between the two duos.
"Did something happen while I was gone? You guys seem tense." I quick glanced at Ren. He was with them in the maze for longer.
"Floor three was a bit rough for all of us." Laren piped up. The other two shared glances and agreed.
'Decietful intent detected.'
I'd never been more grateful for my intent skill. I could figure out the issue later. The priority was the floor's strategy. Scouting the area and finding a great spot to hide the flag would be a start. Then send out a scouting team for the other party's flag. As for the team leader someone with speed or camouflage skills would be great. Although the unknown tension with the party proved to be a concern.
"No. One of us should guard the flag. While the two of you head out to search." Laren was speaking for the trio. While Ren was arguing with him. The two wouldn't budge.
"It doesn't make sense. Artemis isn't built for combat and you three of plenty of experience fighting together."
"Who is Artemis?" Meril seemed out of touch for most of the conversation but she checked in for this.
Ren displays a very satisfied smirk and proudly shares.
"I gave Fern a proper name. Only the best for my boyfriend." the proud cat didn't notice the surprised looks on our teammates' faces.
My sigh shared my annoyance at the change in topic. I decided it was time to settle things.
"I don't know what happened between all of you, but passing the floor takes precedence," I give the best neutral look possible, "Ren is made for sneaking around he's perfect to be the flag bearer. Also, I can fight if I need to. I have a skill that can be used as a taunt too."
The group relaxed a tad except for Ren who I could feel staring at me. Thankfully, Laren spoke again before the cat could complain.
"I'm sorry. You're right the floor is more pressing right now. How about Meril stays back with Ren to guard the flag? She has a new barrier spell that can work to delay the rival party. The rest of us can discuss our new skills and work out party roles."
"That works." Finally some resolution. First things first, Reaver, Laren and I will scout the area for a possible hiding spot. The flagpole was currently out in the open. Preferably we could find a spot where it was surrounded by buttes.
I felt a strong grip on my arm before I could depart though.
"Could I talk to you," Ren quickly glanced at the others, "Privately?"
We didn't go far just enough to whisper at each other.
"Why are you risking your life like this? Do you not realize the other party will be out to kill you?! This isn't some low-intelligence beast, it's humans with intelligence like us. Just let me talk it over with Laren to switch you with Meril."
My eyebrow twitched. Risking my life, seriously? This was a tower of death.
"Ren, calm down. It seems like the best plan for our team. If I stayed behind I wouldn't be able to do much. My skills would be better with the scouting party," his jaw clenched not happy, "I'll be careful, and if something happens you can find me."
I tapped his mark on my neck. If I were seriously harmed he'd know. To further placate him I placed a quick peck on his lips and ruffled his hair.
"Now be a good kitty and get to work." A reassuring grin had him relax a bit.
Joining the others we walked off in a random direction. We took a steady pace circling the flag in larger and larger areas. It took several hours and a break or two in the shade for some water before we found a pair of buttes with an inward corner. It would probably be the best we could do on short notice. Two blocked directions are better than none. I expected us to head back immediately but my companions blocked my path.
"Um," Reaver took a minute to speak, "How well do you know Ren? I mean I know he's your boyfriend but not long right? Um. Do you really know him?"
Laren was quiet but his only hand was on his sword handle. He was focused on me. The system warned me about killing intent. I swallowed down my nerves. Needing to survive this situation required tact. I took my time for a response. Had to let them think I really had to think about this.
"What did he do?"
They stayed silent and exchanged glances with each other. My heartbeat thrumed. Then Laren spilled the tea.
"In the rat maze. He played it off but I think he tried to kill us."
I lost my breath. It slipped out before I could stop. A rookie mistake.
"How?"
I wasn't surprised and now they knew that. Ren was a wild card but he always has his reasons.
"The red slime didn't see him as its owner. He claimed he misinterpreted how the culture worked but he was so cold after you left. Well, colder." Laren tried to continue but Reaver took over.
"At one point I think I saw him almost push Meril to the rats."
I already knew the truth about the Rat maze then. Ren told me about most of it. The Meril piece was new but if he thought it would improve survival odds… That was who my Ren was. I just had to twist their experiences a bit.
"But he didn't push her? You said it yourself you think you saw it. Besides Ren is naturally cold. He just seemed off because he confessed to me before he got back to you guys. I'm sure he was worried. And he really didn't know about the slime culture, they attacked him after I left through the gate."
Unsure Reaver showed signs of backing down but Laren wasn't convinced.
"How do you know for sure? We all met less than a couple weeks ago? Could he be lying to you? Do you really trust some guy you just met?"
"I just met all of you a few weeks ago too!" My fists clenched, and I shook for emphasis. "We all fucking died and you expect best behavior?! Get real!" I let out a long exaggerated sigh rubbing my temples.
"Look if you are still worried I'll use my skill on him. I have a lie detector skill. Tell me something personal to test me I'll tell you if it's true or not!"
Laren and Reaver took turns sharing fake and real facts about themselves. Their expressions changed. I'd won.
"Okay. When we get back I'll ask Ren some questions. If he's truthful we can let this go." Laren looked stressed.
That settled we headed back to the flagpole.