Chapter 17 – Hidden Truths
Igetis turned to the group, his dark eyes calm yet piercing. "Let's go. We have much to discuss."
The others followed through the dimly lit path. Halfy leaned close to Anazitis, whispering under his breath.
"What a mess… the last thing I want is to get caught between the Knights and the Sages. We'll gain nothing but exhaustion. Mark my words—we won't get what we need from the Sages. Did you forget what we came here to do?"
Anazitis exhaled, shaking his head. "I know, but let's go with the flow for now. We'll talk later. I've been thinking—we'll get what we need from both sides eventually."
Igetis suddenly glanced back. "What are you two whispering about?"
Halfy and Anazitis exchanged uneasy glances. Before they could answer, Lion spoke, serious. "Why are we walking in circles? You didn't notice?"
Igetis smirked. "Good. You noticed. We're heading to our hiding spot. The Sages are always watching, using their power. If we meet in an obvious place, they'll notice. Someone clever built this blind spot—they can't sense a thing, and he even worked to weaken their awareness without them noticing."
Halfy's voice dropped in surprise. "How can he do that?"
Anazitis replied, eyes narrowing. "Think of it like a game: if your enemy is stronger, you get noticed. But if you fight weaker opponents constantly, you grow weaker without realizing it."
Halfy nodded slowly. "Because you always win… That plan must've taken a lot of time. This person is smart."
At that moment, something extraordinary appeared before them—a house seemingly rising from the earth.
Halfy's jaw dropped. "A house made of mushrooms? Seriously? What kind of taste is that?"
Earlier, in the City…
Nikos, Adonis, and Dinos moved through crowded streets. Nikos glanced around warily. "Why are we here?"
Dinos motioned to a narrow alley. "Follow me. I'll explain."
As they entered, Adonis frowned. "Have you ever noticed this part of the city? Strange, messy, and the Sages do nothing to fix it."
"Silence!" Nikos snapped. "Watch your words—someone could be listening."
Dinos hesitated, then sighed. "I received a message from someone claiming to know everything in the city. The letter contained an address."
Nikos narrowed his eyes. "It could be a trap set by the Sages."
Dinos nodded grimly. "I didn't think of that… but we should face it together."
Adonis scoffed. "Don't talk about friendship when you always mess things up."
A voice whispered from the shadows. "Calm yourselves. I am no enemy."
An old man stepped forward, his face radiating gentle calm. A warm smile played across his lips. "When I was young, I spoke of friendship, too. Helping each other makes life simple. If I need something, I ask—just like now. I need your help to save this city from greedy shadows."
Nikos tensed. "Who are you?"
Instead of answering, the old man tossed a mushroom onto the ground. It instantly transformed into a doorway.
"Come," he said. "The others are waiting."
Nikos crossed his arms. "In my dreams. I don't act without thinking."
The old man chuckled, offering a piece of candy. "Relax, young man. Take it. Your days must be hard."
Adonis sighed. "Let's just go."
They stepped through the doorway, arriving in an old street. Moments later, they entered a dimly lit room with a large table at its center.
A familiar voice greeted them. "Welcome, Adonis, Nikos, and Dinos. I thought you wouldn't come—but here you are."
Nikos turned sharply. "Theo?!"
Theo smirked knowingly. "I imagine you're wondering how I know everything. Trust me—you'll understand soon."
The old man walked off. "Sit down. I'll prepare some tea."
Across the room, Dinos noticed two familiar faces. "Evangeline, Theodora! You're here too?"
Theodora smirked. "You arrived before Igetis. Impressive."
Evangeline tossed a bag of gold onto the table. "Three minutes. That's all it took to step inside. You could've come without overthinking—but no, you had to make a bet."
Nikos groaned. "I should've known better than to put that much gold on a bet."
Adonis chuckled. "Take it easy."
Theodora turned to Dinos. "You didn't tell Nikos about the letter, did you? That's why he's here early."
Nikos frowned. "You too, Adonis?"
Dynatos, who had remained silent, laughed. "I'm still lost. Looks like Eleni and Sophia are just as confused."
The door suddenly swung open. Igetis entered, with Anazitis, Lion, and Halfy behind him.
Theo blinked in surprise. "You're here? I invited them, but I didn't expect this."
Igetis exhaled. "No more secrets. You all figured things out faster than I expected."
Anazitis crossed his arms, thinking, Idiots. If you had acted separately, you'd have been discovered. You're lucky.
Halfy's eyes widened as he stared at the old man. I know him… from the circus… the one who stopped me.
Anazitis clenched his fists. That old man… he helped me before. Strange how he knew where I lived… stupid me.
Halfy glanced at Theodora, Sophia, and Eleni. Theodora returned his gaze, reading his thoughts. Meanwhile, Lion turned to Dynatos, smirking.
"So… we meet again, Mister Dynatos."
Igetis scanned the room. "If you all know each other, introductions aren't necessary."
For a moment, silence blanketed the room—then everyone erupted in unison:
"No way! Explain it! Explain everything! We just pretended to understand!"
Igetis sighed. "Alright. Let's start from the beginning."