“Iris Meskill’s tomb? Are you sure?” Dustin grabbed Nikki’s wrist. Nikki winced as Dustin’s strong grip numbed her arm. “I saw it with my own eyes,” Nikki ignored the pain and answered firmly.
“Where’s the tomb? Tell me!” Dustin demanded frantically. Although he intended to find out about Iris‘ tomb through the Jade Maiden Sisterhood, he didn’t expect to get a lead so soon.
“You’re hurting me!” Nikki pulled herself free with a frown.
“I don’t know its exact location since Madam Edith chased me out before I could study the map. I only remember vaguely seeing the ‘Black Forest“.”
“The Black Forest?” Dustin frowned.
“Where’s that?”
“From what I found, the Black Forest is located in Lester. It’s a primitive forest filled with dangerous swamps.
“Due to its treacherous terrain, people rarely go there, and it’s never been developed,” Nikki explained
“That’s not what I want to know. I just need its location,” Dustin retorted icily.
The forest was huge. Searching for a hidden tomb without a map would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
“That’s all I found out for now.”
Nikki shook her head before continuing, “But don’t worry, I’ll remain by Edith’s side as a spy.
“I’ll let you know when I get any new information. However, I have a condition.”
“What is it?” Dustin asked.
“If you find the treasures, I want half of it!” Nikki mustered her courage and demanded.
She approached Dustin because she needed a strong and trustworthy support.
“Fine,” Dustin responded without hesitation.
He couldn’t care less about the treasures. All he needed was the Shadowbloom.
“Alright, that’s a deal!” Nikki beamed.
She was surprised. She expected him to bargain with her.
“Let me know when you discover anything.” Dustin spun around to leave.
“Hang on!”
Nikki grabbed his arm and asked tentatively, “What happened before this was my fault, so I’d like to apologize to you.
“Can you forgive me? I hope we can still be friends”
Her eyes teared up as she put on a pitiful act.
“We’re merely doing business, so don’t bring that up.” Dustin brushed Nikki’s hand aside cooly and walked out without looking back.
He would never have agreed to meet her if he had no use for her.
“Why are all of you like this? I already gave in and apologized, so why can’t you guys give me a chance?
“Just wait till I make all of you surrender to me!” Nikki seethed through gritted teeth.
After a moment, she took a deep breath to compose herself.
She stored the scripture away carefully and made herself presentable before going into another
private room.
And there sat Samuel Franklin.
“Mr. Franklin, I have valuable intel for you. However, you’ll have to agree to my conditions first.”
By the following day, a shocking piece of information began spreading in the martial world.
