After setting the bait, Rahul returned to the inn and contacted his men through a message slate. A message slate was used to send messages, though its effectiveness depended on distance and spatial interference.
He gave new orders, and soon a new rumor began to spread - that Mythical Gods had descended upon the Maze Valley in search of a treasure belonging to no one. It was said the treasure could alter the destiny of anyone who obtained it.
The rumor spread with terrifying speed. Within hours, it was being discussed across multiple kingdoms. People spoke of it in streets, taverns, and gathering halls.
If it had been any other time, such a rumor would not have spread so quickly. But the previous night's incident had already ignited public excitement - people were hungry for chaos, mystery, and spectacle.
In a crowded tavern, a storyteller stood on a wooden stage, narrating passionately:
"This is the era of awakening Gods and Asuras. A hero shall rise amidst the chaos, the one who will claim the mysterious treasure for which even the heavens descend!"
Of course, storyteller was Rahul. He was laying the foundation through storytellers, carefully planting lines that others would unknowingly repeat.
Now, experts and adventurers alike rushed toward Maze Valley, searching for the treasure's location. But if it were that simple, it would not be called the Maze Valley—and Rahul would not have chosen it.
After spreading the rumors and performing an almost award-winning act, he headed toward a hidden cave where Garuda waited.
...
Garuda was resting near a pool, seemingly exhausted. Perhaps he had searched for the treasure the previous night and returned empty-handed.
Rahul greeted him respectfully.
"Greetings, Sky Emperor."
Garuda opened his golden eyes slowly, his presence alone making the air feel heavier. Even a glance from him was enough to make others feel insignificant.
"Why have you come, human?" he asked coldly.
Rahul replied, "I bring news of the treasure's awakening. Though I assume you already know."
Garuda narrowed his eyes. "If you already know that, then why are you here?"
Rahul smiled faintly, a hint of mischief in his expression.
"Didn't you once call me cunning - like a fox named Malika? I am here to discuss strategy. When the treasure appears, conflict is inevitable."
He continued,"Humans will try to eliminate the gods and seize it. And you… will have to face other gods as well."
Garuda let out a low laugh.
"Do you think I require the help of a human child? With my experience?"
Rahul remained calm.
"Your experience is against gods, not mortals. And you are injured, you will need even the smallest advantage. Eliminating humans would be easy for you, but the gods will not be. Besides… they would never expect me."
Garuda fell silent for a long moment, two minutes of heavy, unreadable silence.
Then he asked,"Why do you want to help me?"
Rahul smiled.
"Like I said before - connection and greed. There will be multiple treasures inside the cave. I only need the leftovers."
...
Maze Valley
The valley, once rarely visited, was now overflowing with people. Adventurers, mercenaries, and soldiers searched every corner after witnessing the strange light that tore through the sky the previous night.
A man laughed loudly.
"I didn't expect people from the Riad Kingdom to arrive so quickly,"Jack said.
Jack, leader of the Wolf Gang from the Tundra Kingdom, stood with six followers. He looked like a hardened wolf warrior.
"Why wouldn't we come?" Evan replied." We are here under the Sacred Bull Alliance to resolve the issue of Mythical creatures."
Evan, leader of the Sacred Bull Alliance from the Riad Kingdom, was accompanied by ten men, including one Sage-level expert.
A cold, mocking voice cut through the tension.
"And why didn't you come earlier?"
"It takes time to prepare," Luke replied with a grin. "We are very busy people, after all."
"Busy with the daughter of Duke Smith?" Arin mocked.
She was the Queen of the Tundra Kingdom—cold, beautiful, and imposing, like her homeland. One of the Four Sages, she stood beside King Ronan, the third Sage.
Luke coughed awkwardly, unable to respond.
All present bowed slightly. Even among Sages, royalty commanded public respect.
King Ronan's voice then echoed firmly.
"How long do you intend to hide?"
With his royal authority pressing down, the atmosphere turned heavy.
Soon, five more Sages emerged with their followers. Among them was Sergei of the Tundra Kingdom, the Fourth Sage.
The others came from neighboring kingdoms.
From the Kingdom of Nightengle came two rising figures—Soren, Zorin, and Kyle warriors known for their calm yet deadly presence.
From the distant Kingdom of Riven arrived Lira and Nira, sisters whose intelligence and mysterious aura made many nobles wary of them
Ten Sage-level experts had gathered in one place within Maze Valley—an extremely rare occurrence.
After discussion, they reached an agreement:
They would search together. Whoever found the treasure would claim it through their own effort. First, they would cooperate to eliminate Mythical beasts.
Outwardly, it was unity. In truth, each harbored ambition.
King Ronan, in particular, used the alliance as an opportunity to eliminate threats, as he alone could not handle them.
The Mythical beasts were not inherently dangerous—but corruption had driven them into madness.
After two hours of searching, they found nothing. They kept circling the same areas again and again. The valley itself was a labyrinth of illusions.
Frustrated, Evan finally took out a stone.
Arin raised an eyebrow.
"A Pathfinder Stone… why do you have that?"
It was a priceless artifact—so rare that only a single known specimen existed in the entire Safari World.
Evan did not answer. He activated it.
The stone emitted a glow, pointing toward the north.
Soon, they discovered a hidden cave.
A surge of excitement and hope spread through the group, but none rushed forward. Experience had taught them caution.
Each began examining the entrance carefully.
Jack sniffed the air.
"Rank 1 array… fifty piercing arrows."
As he spoke, arrows shot out at him but he casually waved his hand, dispersing them with a gust of wind.
It was almost insulting—using Rank 1 arrays against Sages.
One after another, Rank 1 traps activated and were easily destroyed.
Then a Rank 2 array triggered.
Water Splinter Formation,
Needle-like water droplets shot upward from the ground.
Still, it was effortlessly blocked.
Next came another Rank 2 array—fireballs erupting from the walls.
Again, they were neutralized.
Luke scoffed.
"What kind of Sage uses such childish tricks? Are we here for treasure or entertainment?"
King Ronan frowned.
"Are we truly in the cave of a Sage… or in someone's performance stage?"
Suddenly -
A violent spectral attack burst from the eastern wall.
They were momentarily caught off guard.
....
Hidden following them, Rahul and Garuda observed everything.
Rahul chuckled.
"These fools… let's play with these mama's boys."
Garuda gave a low, amused laugh.
"Why not? Even those gods would be entertained."
Rahul leaned slightly forward, eyes glinting.
Then, casually, he said:
"Do you remember your mother, though?"
A pause.
Garuda turned sharply, his aura dropping instantly.
"Shut up, human."