142 THE RUIN CATHEDRAL
[In the ruined Cathedral]
The cathedral was bustling with activity as expeditioners poured in from all directions.
"Why are so many people gathering here?" Leo asked, his eyes narrowing as he observed the commotion.
Yun-Yun scanned the area thoughtfully. "If I had to guess, they must have encountered some danger in the ruins. This cathedral is the best defensive position nearby."
Not long after, banners of major families began appearing.
"Damn it," Leo muttered under his breath. "Even the Deghad family is here."
Yun-Yun glanced at the group entering under the Deghad flag. "You did kill their heir earlier. That's bound to be some trouble."
"Yes, Agathae or something," Leo said nonchalantly, his eyes following the group. To his surprise, the Deghad family had brought a coffin with them.
"They even brought his dead body," Leo added.
"He must've been important to them," Yun-Yun said.
Before they could speculate further, another group entered the cathedral.
"Sakema of the Lotus family, we are indebted to you for responding to our call, we need everybody here against our common threat," greeted Ananda Deghad, bowing to the leader of the new group.
"Whatever, the Deghad family has always been a friend to the Lotus family," Sakema replied with a serene smile.
"Lotus? Isn't that Petunia's family?" Leo asked, his brow furrowing.
Yun-Yun nodded. "Her forces are well-organized. Makes you wonder why Petunia would leave them to join us."
Leo considered it for a moment. "Being part of a major family is complicated. She must have her reasons."
Leo was previously murdered by his own cousin to steal his position as heir of the Gullee family. Schemes among noble families were the norm. There could be a story between Petunia and her sister.
Sakema brought a much larger retinue than most other players and Leo understood immediately. Most of Petunia's escorts left her to join Sakema instead.
Yun-Yun's gaze suddenly lingered on Sakema. Something about her seemed eerily familiar.
"That woman... doesn't she look like Lillsa, your maid?" Yun-Yun asked Leo, narrowing her eyes.
"Coincidence, maybe," Leo replied cautiously. "Lillsa left with Dassa. I haven't heard from them since."
Their speculation was cut short by the arrival of another group.
"Hahaha! The Cergontyn family would never miss a monster hunt!" Kaledon declared, his booming voice echoing through the cathedral as he entered with his retinue.
Behind him, they dragged a struggling woman.
"That's Petunia!" Yun-Yun whispered sharply.
"Sister!!!", Sakema cried. "What are you doing with Petunia?" she demanded angrily at Kaledon.
Many in Sakema's retinue shied away as they saw Petunia. They were part of Petunia's retinue who abandoned her and joined Sakema instead.
"Traitors", Petunia murmured about them.
The reason Petunia was so desperate to cling to Leo initially was because her escorts left her. They joined her sister Sakema instead. It was likely a ploy by her sister to deprive her of her escorts and get her killed in this dangerous realm.
"We found Petunia alone in the ruins," Kaledon replied smoothly. "We brought her here for her protection."
"Release me, you fool!" Petunia shouted, her voice defiant not looking to her sister.
"She's safe now. You may release her back to our care," Sakema said, her tone calming a little.
Kaledon smirked. "Unfortunately, we'll hold on to her for now."
"Why?" Sakema asked sharply.
"We'll let you know once everyone is here," Kaledon said smugly.
"Release me now morons!" Petunia screamed, struggling against her captors.
Sakema hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "Fine. Return her to us later. Meanwhile, ensure her safety."
"Of course," Bogarth chimed in with a grin. "She's practically family now. She'll marry me eventually."
"What's wrong with the Cergontyn family?" Leo muttered from his perch. "Are they seriously forcing her into a marriage with that idiot by taking her physically?"
"Marriage between major families is always political," Yun-Yun said quietly. "Although I suspect they are holding Petunia for another reason besides forcing her into a marriage. What's the plan now?"
"We trade," Leo said simply.
A trade request flashed in Petunia's interface: Request for Trade – Black Cock.
Petunia's eyes darted around as realization dawned on her. "Damn you, Leo! Took you long enough! I'm suffering under these morons," she messaged through the newly activated team communication system.
"Stay calm. We'll get you out soon," Leo replied.
"Fine. What's the trade request for?"
"Load up on potions and spells," Leo instructed. "You'll need them—especially the Spell of Immobility."
Petunia accepted the trade, her interface filling with supplies.
"And be careful of my sister, Sakema," Petunia added. "She's an evil bitch."
"I figured as much," Leo replied, his gaze darkening.
-----
The cathedral filled rapidly as players and their escorts gathered, nearly all the survivors of the ruins converging in one place.
"Why did you summon everyone here?" Jarvis from the Toledo family asked, as he addressed Ananda.
"Indeed," Sakema added, crossing her arms. "Your message was vague. What danger are we facing in the ruins?"
Ananda stepped forward, his expression grave. "We are facing a great threat. A demon has arisen among us. If we don't unite, he will kill us all."
The crowd murmured in confusion and alarm.
"A demon? What demon?" Kaledon asked skeptically.
"The Demon of Gullee," Ananda announced, sending a ripple of shock through the room.
"What? They've gathered here to hunt me?" Leo whispered from his vantage point.
"Your reputation precedes you," Yun-Yun replied dryly.
Sakema raised an eyebrow. "The Demon of Gullee? That's just a title. He's no demon—just another player."
Ananda's expression hardened. "He's not just a player. He's a demon who killed my brother Agathae."
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
"Agathae was one of the strongest mages among us. How could Lilleo Gullee kill him?" Sakema asked, visibly taken aback.
"Seems like Sakema knows your name," Yun-Yun remarked, but Leo stayed silent.
Bogarth suddenly shouted, "The Demon of Gullee nearly killed me too near the stone tablet clearing! I can confirm he's a demon."
The crowd erupted with voices.
"We were there!" someone yelled to corroborate. "We saw him defeat Master Bogarth and throw us out!"
Leo's initial suspicion that this gathering was to face a ruin-born threat quickly crumbled.
"They're here for me, wtf!!!" he said grimly.