"Tap, tap, tap..."
Barry led Expressionless Man through the darkness of the restricted area, heading toward its deepest reaches.
After walking several hundred meters, he stopped, frowned slightly, and looked around to confirm his location.
It should be here... Why isn't anyone here to meet us?
Could something... have happened?
Barry grew suspicious. Mana began circulating through his body as his vigilance rose.
"Rustle..."
Just then, a faint sound came from behind him, as though someone was about to launch a sneak attack. Barry spun around and instinctively moved to strike, but at the last moment, after seeing who it was, he forcibly withdrew his attack.
His body swayed slightly as the mana racing through him settled. Barry let out a long breath and looked at the newcomer.
It was an aged old man with graying hair and a slightly stooped back—Lich Old Man A Fu.
Lich Old Man A Fu clearly had no idea what kind of fright Barry had just gone through. He had only sensed an intense burst of energy within Barry that quickly dissipated. Giving Barry a strange look, he said, "What are you doing?"
"Well, I..." Barry stammered, trying to explain.
But Lich Old Man A Fu had no interest in listening. With a wave of his hand, he said, "Enough. Bring the target over. I have things to do and no time for your nonsense."
"Uh, yes." Barry had been brushed aside, but he still obediently nodded. He led Expressionless Man after Lich Old Man A Fu—he had no choice but to behave. Back in Eden Garden, Lich Old Man A Fu had taught him a lesson, and he knew very well that this fellow was not only older than him, but stronger too. Disobeying would only bring him suffering.
After following behind Lich