Darius Supreme

Jeanne led the group to a parlor in the royal castle which was large enough to seat them all comfortably. Darius, Gunner, and Xela sat together on one seat, Boris, Kilo, and Genie on another while Jeanne sat in a single-seater sofa to the left.

Darius gestured to Genie. "If you please, dear madam, you may begin."

Genie nodded and removed a goatskin scroll from her Bag of Holding. She then lay it flat on the table, allowing everyone to see the details within.

As they all carefully inspected it, Genie began explaining. "I coincidentally happened upon this map at an auction then bought it for quite a sum. It's supposed to lead to the Mausoleum of Heroes, a cultural landmark that was popular in Fallon during the early days."

Genie shrugged. "Unfortunately, it was sieged and brought to ruin during the Insect Invasion. Though many have tried to unearth it, they've come up fruitless since the area has been bogged down by some form of curse."

Genie tapped her map firmly. "However, a new route has been discovered by a grave robber. Realizing that the dangers leading to the entrance were too much for him to handle, he had wisely chosen to sell it off to those stronger than him."

Darius nodded, understanding the basic logic. Genie clearly said this much as she wanted to convince Darius that she didn't get this map from some random dustbin and that they weren't going on a treasure hunt she had no clue about.

"Have you verified it personally?" Darius asked the obvious just to be sure.

"Of course. I went by myself and confirmed that there were at least 20 Adept Golems of various elements guarding it. Additionally, I could sense at least 5 more Master Golems hidden deeper down."

"The entrance the graverobber discovered appears to have been was the emergency exit, which was why the guards there are so lax." Genie explained slowly.

She began rilling up the map before placing it back into her Bag of Holding. "Without the Master Golems, I and my brother might have been able to handle it, but I suspect that the inside might be just as dangerous."

"The reason we even accepted the hire for this bloody war was so that we could gather enough funds to hire a healer priest at the Adept stage."

Genie giggled as she gazed at Xela with desire, making the Elven Princess feel goosebumps. "However, I've never expected to be lucky enough to actually meet a healer at the Master stage, especially one so young and beautiful!"

"As long as she follows us, I have full confidence in keeping her safe and getting the treasure within."

Darius turned to Xela. "Well, what do you think? I will respect your decision, whatever it will be."

Xela pondered for a little, consulting the Divine Light and Divine Life. Both Divine Concepts seemed interested in exploring this new location. With that confirmation, Xela smiled sweetly as she affirmed her willingness to go.

Genie clapped her hands with delight and held Xela's passionately. "Great! Don't worry, you lovely lass, I swear that I will do everything in my power to protect you and take care of you!"

A bit overwhelmed by Genie's passion, Xela was left speechless. Kilo only pinched his nose in annoyance, while Boris suddenly stood up.

"Hmph, sexy bitch, I have given you enough respect by allowing you to make your negotiation before I spoke. Now, it's my turn to state my own personal purpose for being here!"

Genie's smile was wiped off her face as she gazed at Boris with anger. "Dumb brute, don't call me that! Show some respect!"

Boris only guffawed. "Hm? I'm just calling you how I see you. Who asked you to dress like a slut? Do you know how many dongers rise to attention whenever they see you shake that ass?!"

Kilo frowned and plugged his ears, seemingly used to the tone of those two arguing, while Xela and Genie blushed from the raw vulgarity. Darius only rubbed his chin in silence while Gunner's eyes were half-lidded from boredom, on the verge of him falling asleep.

"It doesn't concern me how many of such vile organs rise to me, I have no interest in them! Besides, I can dress however the hell I want!" Genie retorted with barely concealed rage.

Boris waved his hand. "What a waste of a fine booty, using it to chase the same sex. Peh, shit taste is shit taste, not my problem!"

Boris ignored Genie who was about to draw her sword and carve him to pieces as he pointed at Gunner.

"Oi, you with the royal blood. How's about sparring with this lowly commoner, huh?!"

Darius chuckled with interest while Xela looked surprised. Kilo simply remained silent while Genie was gritting her teeth in anger, just waiting until they were out of here before castrating this fool.

Gunner's bored look alleviated as he gazed at Boris silently. He then spoke gently. "We are both half-bloods."

When Boris heard his words, his expression changed greatly. His look of competitiveness and disdain for Gunner disappeared and was replaced by one of sympathy.

Darius nodded as he was already aware of how the Giant clan treated their half-breeds. Boris was clearly nursing a serious grudge towards the clan, but could he ever muster up to Gunner who had literally ended up as a slave?

Whatever Gunner had gone through would definitely outclass what Boris felt he went through, hence his sudden shift in emotions.

However, Gunner still rose to his feet and nodded.

"Since you want to spar, why not? I'd like to see myself how strong a 'commoner' from our clan is."

Boris smiled and felt his fighting spirit ignite once more. He slapped his thighs and gazed at Darius with a wide grin.

"Oi, bossman, why not use that lovely magic of yours to send us out?"

Darius smiled softly and snapped his fingers. "No problem. I too would like to see how powerful the protector of this adventuring party is."