The two returned to the camp. Lunch was over, and no one questioned why only two returned. Raymond did not hesitate to head to the central tent inside the camp directly, seeking the Guild Master.
"We should stick together," Raymond said as he glanced at Aiden. "You will be targeted by the assassins after what happened."
"I hope risking my life is worth being your ally," Aiden complained, but Raymond only returned a smile.
The two reached the biggest tent inside the camp right before the other disciples began taking it down. A guard blocked their path, but Raymond took out a small emblem that made the guard tremble with fear before allowing them entry.
"Maybe I made a good friend," Aiden said with a smile as he stared at two guards whispering while looking at Raymond.
"People are more afraid of the clan we belong to, rather than my family itself," Raymond said without looking back. "It's a double-edged sword."
"I'm sure it's terrible that people fear to offend you," Aiden said sarcastically.
"How would you feel if everyone wore a mask around you?" Raymond asked with a raised brow as he glanced back. "You wouldn't know who's your friend, and who's just using you."
"I assume that everyone is wearing a mask anyway," Aiden said with a snicker. "And for me, I want to use you."
"That makes things easier," Raymond said with a chuckle. "Let me do the talking. I have a good relationship with the Guild Master."
The two of them walked into the tent to find themselves in the middle of a large meeting. A large table was placed in the center of the tent, with a holographic figure resting atop it.
Numerous people were around the table: Genevieve, Erebus, two men that Aiden never met, a tall woman with a large scythe, and a Lycanthos that towered over the rest.
"What are you doing here?" Genevieve asked as soon as they walked in, and Aiden had a feeling she was addressing him.
"Forgive us for the intrusion, Guild Master, but I have some urgent matter to report," Raymond said while giving a small bow that Aiden didn't bother to mimic. "I have just suffered an attempt on my life."
"An assassination attempt inside the camp?" Erebus asked as he rose from the chair, his form flickering. "My shadows reported no one suspicious."
"It happened outside the camp. The perpetrator was the team that we were assigned to," Raymond said and turned to Aiden. "Thanks to my friend, I survived. He can be a witness."
Aiden nodded.
Genevieve frowned.
"Erebus," she said, her voice filled with rage. "Bring them alive."
"As you command, my lady," Erebus said before dissolving into nothing.
The others stared at each other with confusion, including Raymond. Genevieve was the strongest in the camp, and any change in her mood would be felt by those around her. However, since she was a void cultivator, her aura betrayed nothing.
Therefore, it was unusual to see her upset.
Raymond looked at her with surprise. Aiden knew that he thought her rage was because of him, but he couldn't be more wrong. Genevieve almost lost the weapon that could turn this mission into a rain of artifacts.
"I believe that our camp has been infiltrated by political scum," Genevieve said while looking at the rest, her eyes lingering on a burly man sitting opposite her. "You will have to excuse me for assigning the proper protection to the young master and his friend."
"We cannot spare such resources," the man sitting opposite said, rebuking her. "At the moment, a single glimmer ranker is more valuable than any family in Argan. If this mission fails, there won't be any city for us to return to, let alone protect its nobility."
"Erebus will be the one responsible for keeping them safe," Genevieve said. "He doesn't belong to the Seekers Guild. There should be no problem with that."
The man was silent, but didn't seem convinced.
Aiden had a good look at the man. He seemed to be in his forties, with long blonde hair tied behind his back. He had a blonde beard with blue eyes. His face had numerous scars, each telling a story about his countless battles.
The man turned toward him.
"I understand the need to protect the young master, but his friend here… can do just fine in any other team."
"I owe him my life," Raymond said. "If we aren't together, then I shall excuse myself from this mission."
The man looked a little annoyed by Raymond, but said nothing other than to snort in displeasure. Aiden realized that Raymond was not a burden to this mission, but somehow an influencing factor on its outcome.
The two of them were given a different wagon, one that they would share with Erebus once he returned. The seekers were ready to leave in an hour, but Erebus only returned long after that.
Elijah and his teammates were gone, and any traces of them were hidden by a magical artifact that not even Erebus could trace. Genevieve seemed more worried by the news, but she had no choice but to push forward.
The caravan resumed its journey toward the ancient ruins. Aiden and Raymond traveled together with Erebus, using the time to retell how the assassination attempt happened.
"A Rift Artifact," Erebus said with a grim expression, although his shadowy face could barely form one. "If they were willing to use such an artifact in the hands of someone who's not even a Spark, it means they are willing to send stronger ones after you."
"This is natural given that my arrival to Argan has disturbed the power balance of the younger generation. Those noble sons and daughters cannot have anyone steal their Rising Star spot."
"Is it that big of a deal?" Aiden asked.
"It's the highest honor a seeker can obtain before becoming a Spark," Raymond answered him. "It promises a great future and infinite resources by sponsors."
"Sponsors?"
Erebus began explaining, knowing that Aiden knew absolutely nothing about their world. "The higher echelons of society would gather to witness the younger generation of the Fringes."