Chapter 347: The True Impact of Actions
When Zae Zin Nim sensed three presences approaching the cave, she was on her feet in an instant. She had passed beyond the point of simple recovery and begun training with the Pure Yin Shroud, so she was confident that her cultivation was solid. Even if she was facing three demons, she wouldn't surrender.
She reached the mouth of the cavern first so as to have more options and identified Kai and Omilaena - that should have been a relief, but where was the third? Something was different about their body language, could they be manipulated? But when they saw her, they both smiled as if nothing was wrong and the expressions looked authentic. She remained just a little tense wondering if they could be pursued, even as most of her wanted to run up and embrace them.
"We're finally getting out of here," Kai told her. "At least I hope so. There's still a chance it's another trap."
"Which is why we're back here," Omilaena said. "We should be able to take things on together. That said, don't attack."
"Attack who?" Zae Zin Nim asked, even as she understood and saw the third person.
The demon Gorutiel walked behind them, keeping his distance until he was announced. His eyes still burned like all true demons, but he seemed only mildly amused by the cave, not interested in attacking. She was more concerned about whether he was going to lead Lilaetiel to their location to steal her cultivation.
"Nah," Gorutiel said as if he could read her thoughts, "it's in my best interest to get you out of here. Lilaetiel is a rival and Troulon is a pain in the ass, so I don't want them catching their prey. Besides, running around out here has been kind of a drag and I still haven't broken through."
"Gorutiel says that he knows about a group of captive elves." As he spoke, Kai moved to half-way between them, prepared for an attack even though she thought he actually trusted the demon. Good, he was learning. "In theory, if they're freed, we can teleport out with them."
"If it's a trap, it's an elaborate one," Omilaena added. "I fought the others and they should be well off track, so we have a free day to escape."