Level Up: Voidwalker

Chapter 97: Back Off

After that, Atlas used Void Sight on the Crimson Vanguard's to determine their level and ranks. He first started with the leader, Kaelus, and was impressed with what he saw but knew he had to be careful in case they were loyal to the empire.

If so, they would try to capture him because he knew the emperor would pay a fortune for him, and any adventurer would happily trap and take him to Babylon City. This information caused Atlas to become guarded around them.

[Kaelus Vexmoor]

[Age: 43]

[Race: Human]

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[Level: 397]

[Rank: Expert]

Next was his mage wife, and when he scanned her level, it shocked him, increasing his paranoia, 'Are they all high rank and levels? They have to be involved with the Southmen,' Atlas mused curiously.

[Elysia Vexmoor]

[Age: 39]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 351]

[Rank: Expert]

Following that, he checked the last four party members who were going about their business of guarding the pass.

[Aria Vexmoor]

[Age: 23]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 253]

[Rank: Journeyman]

Kaelus's daughter was impressive in her own right, though not quite as formidable as the other party members. Given her age, this difference in strength was only to be expected but he did not doubt that she would grow stronger.

[Eli Stormrider]

[Age: 44]

[Race: Half-Orc]

[Level: 320]

[Rank: Expert]

'A half-orc? He certainly looks strong, but he's the third most powerful here. Kaelus is the strongest, followed by Aurora in second place. Elysia ranks third, Eli fourth, and Aria, while still formidable, is the weakest of the group,' Atlas pondered before turning to Aurora.

[Aurora Stormrider]

[Age: 34]

[Race: Barbarian]

[Level: 389]

[Rank: Expert]

'Oh wow, their all-powerful adventurers,' he mused. 'I should be careful while with them.'

''A piece of advice, Little One, don't pry into people's secrets with that skill of yours,'' Aurora commented while sharpening her weapon without taking her eyes off the blade.

Atlas nodded, ''Sorry, I was just curious how strong you guys are. I've only met bandits and random adventurers, but they weren't as high-ranked as you,'' he explained.

"It makes sense," Aurora said, her voice carrying a note of reluctant admiration. "Not many have the drive to push beyond the Journeyman rank. It requires immense dedication and effort."

Her gaze sharpened as she continued, her suspicion evident. "But there's something more. I recognize those eyes of yours. Back in my homeland, there are tales of a boy with azure blue eyes destined for great things," She paused, her scrutiny deepening. "They match those described in the stories."

"Where's your homeland, if you don't mind me asking?" Atlas asked the older woman while pulling out some chocolate.

He started eating while waiting for her answer. Aurora soon glanced at him with narrowed eyes, ''The Ravencrest Kingdom on Demacia Dahaka,'' she answered with a knowing voice.

Atlas stiffened when she heard this, causing the older woman to laugh, ''So you're the demon of the empire. You shouldn't worry about that too much; in Ravencrest, you're a hero, so I'd suggest escaping and heading west.''

She leaned forward to whisper, ''All of them, apart from my Eli, are from the Achaemenid Empire and are extremely loyal to the imperial Safavi Family. They hate the Dahaka so much that I'm surprised the three of them didn't recognize you.''

Atlas observed the group, noting Elysia whispering to Kaelus while Aria's gaze fixed on him with growing hostility. He swallowed nervously and scanned his surroundings, spotting a precarious drop just a few feet away.

Rising from his seat, he cautiously moved towards the edge, his senses alert for any sudden moves from the Crimson Vanguard. The big man stepped closer and spoke, ''Azhar'Zul; you must escape before the others realize who you are. Aurora already knows, but it won't be long until they realize.''

He nodded, but something caught his interest, ''Why are you two helping me when you're at a party? It doesn't make sense.''

''You're the one who points the way to paradise and will lead the world against the darkness that is coming to Valoria in the future,'' Eli revealed, but that's when Kaelus and Elysia approached with hate in their eyes.

The adventurer couple halted a few feet away, their weapons drawn and ready. Atlas's eyes darted around, noticing Aria circling them with a hostile intent. However, Aurora stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

"Back off, girl," the blonde commanded firmly.

Aria looked confused alongside her parents, which made Atlas laugh as the blue-haired girl spoke in a confused voice, ''What are you two doing? That's the Dahaka, the bringer of chaos to our homeland.''

Following that, Atlas realized it was time to make his escape. He glanced at the edge and dashed toward it with a burst of speed. As he leaped, he summoned his armor and weapons and quickly put them on.

Atlas skidded down the side of the mountain, the ground beneath him giving way as he raced to distance himself from the Crimson Vanguard. While doing that, spells started flying in his direction, causing him to bob and weave around them.

By the time he crashed to the ground below, he had summoned Group Two of the Void Raptors and climbed on its back before the monster sprinted across the foothills, leaving the adventurers behind.

He channeled additional mana to sustain the creatures he'd summoned, which were engaged in a fierce struggle against a pack of Mountain Bears that had attempted an ambush. Seeing the commotion, Atlas unleashed a Void Blast at the nearest bear, sending it crashing.

Once the immediate threat was neutralized, Atlas sought refuge in a nearby cave. With the moon high in the sky and the Dark Ones prowling outside, he worked swiftly to set up protective runes before pitching his tent.

He ensured the area was secure, hoping the adventurers would not track him down. After Atlas set up everything, he pulled out Griffin Meat Box and started eating as he spotted the Dark Ones crawling around outside.

'These creatures are creepy,' he thought while chewing a soft and juicy piece of meat.

After eating, he had some water before retreating into his tent to rest for the night. Atlas curled up in the sleeping bag before falling asleep as the monsters outside roared and howled.

Atlas ignored all this while he was warm and comfortable inside his hideaway. The next morning, thunder woke him up. He looked out of the tent entrance and spotted dark clouds hanging over the mountains.

But what shocked him was that there was no rain, which he found confusing. The rugged mountains loomed around Atlas as he trudged through the uneven terrain, the chill of the high altitudes biting at his skin.

After getting out of the tent, he packed up his stuff before leaving the cave behind and moved cautiously, each step deliberate, as he followed a narrow, winding path carved into the rock.

The path was treacherous, flanked by sheer drops and jagged outcrops, but Atlas's sharp eyes remained vigilant. As he rounded a bend, the landscape began to change. The rocky path widened, giving way to a series of stone steps that ascended steeply up the mountainside.

His breath misted in the cool air as he scanned the area ahead. Atlas's gaze fell upon a group of soldiers at the base of the staircase. They were clad in striking red armor that gleamed even under the moon's pale light, and their swords were sheathed but within easy reach.

The soldiers stood in a disciplined formation, their eyes scanning the surroundings with boredom and vigilance. The armor's vibrant shade and the detailed designs carved into their breastplates marked them as city guards.

Atlas paused, taking in the scene from behind a boulder. He noted the soldiers' precise movements and how they maintained a steady watch over the staircase, which seemed to lead to a fortified structure or a hidden stronghold.

The guards' presence suggested that whatever lay beyond the staircase was his destination. Atlas needed to find a way past them, but confrontation would be risky. As the wind howled around him, he began to devise a plan.

He scanned the mountainside for alternative routes or weaknesses in the guards' defenses. The red-armored soldiers remained steadfast, oblivious to the intruder concealed in the shadows of the mountain.

'I'll use the raptors again to jump them while stabbing each one when I get the chance to,' he thought while taking out his blades.

Atlas used Call of The Void to summon the same raptors but, this time, ordered them to attack the Achaemenids. The monsters rushed out of the portal and pounced on the unaware enemies torn apart.

This allowed him to sprint past and up the stairs leading to Tajariyah City, which soon appeared in the distance and made him think, 'Finally, I can buy a disguise skill to hide my features whenever I'm around people.'

Atlas ascended the steep staircase, each step echoing with his growing frustration. At the top, a massive gate loomed before him, its imposing structure a stark barrier to the city beyond.

His eyes narrowed as he noticed a more convenient path nearby, bustling with people making their way into the city easily. A wry smile tugged at his lips. Of course, I had to choose the most difficult route, he mused, shaking his head.

He joined the traders and travelers, winding their way towards the entrance. Momentarily lost in the spectacle, Atlas refocused and settled into the slow-moving queue.