Or not, that wouldn't make any sense. He was human.
Redthorn was seen by some people and he was definitely a red goblin, not a human.
But he was involved in one way or another. And he had to find out where he stood in all this.
Actually, regardless of that, he was only confident in himself, after spying on Ilundar no matter what he found out, and before confronting Redthorn he was going to advance and become a True mage.
Esdras waited and waited but he wasn't having a good time, although the mana required to use the Spy eyes was not much, it increased with the distance between him and the eye.
And after a few hours, he was drained of focus and mana with nothing to show for it. But he had to endure, he didn't know when Ilundar was going to show up or if he will as a matter of fact.
He took out two potions, one was a mana potion and the other was a stamina potion.
The night fell, and that was when Ilundar showed up in the abandoned mill. His demeanor was as relaxed as ever, whistling all the way.
He didn't even look around before he took out a small bell from his belt, he rang the bell three times.
After a minute or so a figure clad in a thick dark cloak showed up as if in response to the bell.
The figure entered the abandoned mill and removed the hood to reveal the dark green skin of a goblin, but this one wasn't just any goblin, it was a hobgoblin, and a female one at that, she had her hair braided and hung back.
After taking her hood off she bowed respectfully to Ilundar, "I am sorry for having to trouble you about this matter, the newcomers seem intent on seeking us out."
"No matter, no matter, Wiggletoes you seem annoyed tonight." Ilundar casually waved, "it's quite alright, they are very attached to the items you stole from them, I am curious now."
"I am annoyed at Redthorn because of that item, I told him we should just return it. The humans this time smell of trouble to me. We don't even know what kind of item it is, we can't open the box."
Ilundar laughed, "I guess a few of Redthorn's flaws are his stubbornness and excessive curiosity. Now, that something interesting fell into his hand he probably wouldn't let it go until he figured it out."
So, Ilundar was Redthorn's ally? He did not seem to be an underling, more like a partner acting as his eyes and ears in Yellomane.
At least this didn't seem as bad as the worst-case scenario. Esdras imagined what kind of being could make a peak rank 2 his subordinate... qt that point they would have to abandon the relic and report to the sub-tower master.
"Oh, these newcomers are indeed a bit more troublesome than usual. But they have no True mages among them." Ilundar said. "Still, I suggest you deal with them swiftly and then come with me. The Octarine tower will look into this afterward."
"I will do as Redthorn commands." Wiggletoes frowned and looked upset.
"Fine, have it your way." Ilundar didn't press the matter further he warned, "I will not interfere beyond giving you information, as I have done so far. If things go south Redthorn can always change his mind."
Hmm, it seems that something more was going on behind the scenes. Although he said that he wouldn't interfere, there was no telling what he might actually do when the time comes.
"They went to the bog today and uncovered your little ruse, that coward told them about Greendepth caverns. They will likely make a move tomorrow morning, if you play your cards right you could be rid of them swiftly."
Esdras frowned, this bastard must've followed them and monitored them, and they didn't know a thing. Even Esdras with his enhanced senses couldn't tell.
There goes his plan. It was both, chilling and awe-inspiring. That was the power of stealth.
"Hehe, we didn't have much hope for that loser anyway, it's why Redthorn had changed our hideout to the ants' nest without telling it, giving it the impression that we were still in Greendepth caverns. No need to worry the place is a death trap, as long as those foolish humans take a step there I will make sure they disappear for good."
Esdras didn't need her to spell it out so clearly but he was still grateful for the information. These hobgoblins weren't as smart as they thought they were.
"Great, let's call it a night, I wouldn't want to draw too much attention."
Ilundar grabbed a coin pouch and started walking out, but then he stopped, turned his head around, and looked back at Wiggletoes, "one more thing, there was one among them at seemed a little dangerous. So don't slack off. I have done my part."
He walked out after giving that warning, and Wiggletoes put her hood back on and left under the cover of the darkness.
It was normal that people wouldn't notice after all in this world nighttime was very dark, very different from earth. And people in this age did not like to move about at night, especially in such far away towns like this one.
Esdras snorted coldly and close the vision, so what if they figured out their little trick? That information has now become a disadvantage to them and an advantage to Esdras.
The fact that they thought they were going to the Greendepth caverns means that they will split up their forces, which was naturally good for them.
Another thing they did not expect, something that even Ilundar wouldn't imagine, was that there will be a True mage among them tomorrow.
With a smirk, Esdras made his own exit in the darkness of the night. He needed to find a secluded place to make his breakthrough.
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