Chapter 37: Unexpected
Arthur watched as Tarian fled into the distance, but he didn’t bother chasing after him immediately. Instead, he calmly stored the rest of the poisoned needles and the blowpipe he had used to launch the dart. What he had done was simple in theory, but it required immense effort and concentration to hit Tarian in an exposed part of his body. The sorcerer’s clothes were thick and could have easily blocked the needle from piercing his skin.
Taking a deep breath, Arthur put his mask back on. He was completely exhausted from overusing the magical tool, but it had been necessary. If he wanted to eliminate someone as strong and cunning as Tarian, he had to use all his strength and knowledge.
’I have to chase him. I need to confirm his death.’
With that thought, he sprinted after Tarian, carefully but swiftly. Luckily for him, the sly sorcerer hadn’t gotten far. His steps had slowed noticeably due to the pain spreading rapidly through his body. The poison Arthur used was the same one he had used to kill Edgar, crafted from a mix of toxic plants, a small amount of venom from an E-rank arboreal viper, and water boiled with a poisonous frog. It was a concoction no Boundless below Rank C could survive, let alone a fragile sorcerer with a body akin to that of a regular human.
Tarian’s body was drenched in sweat, and his wound was bleeding profusely. His neck had swollen and changed color. His breathing became extremely labored, and one by one, his organs began to go numb. Before long, he could no longer move and came to a stop. With the last of his strength, he turned and stared at Arthur, asking the question that had been tormenting him:
"Who are you? Why are you doing this?"
But Arthur didn’t respond. He simply observed him carefully. Even if he was dying, Tarian was still extremely dangerous.
Suddenly, Tarian shook his head, as if realizing something. With a voice full of grief, he muttered, "I understand now... That was his goal from the start. He sent us to our deaths... And I thought I was clever for figuring him out. But the truth is, we were dancing in the palm of his hand the entire time, like fools..."
Tarian let out a strange smile as black blood poured from his nose, the corners of his eyes, and even his ears.