Chapter 550 It's up to you
Wesley's expression darkened as he activated the artifact and received news that both Ronan and Oldeus' groups were under attack by individuals from the dark and demon races. The two supreme rank elves had reached out to him, along with the last supreme rank elven woman, seeking reinforcements.
Kyle appeared beside him and inquired, even though he had already heard from a distance that the other supreme rank elves were summoning him back for reinforcement.
"What happened?"
Wesley furrowed his brow in frustration before looking at the human who had been by his side without much action, akin to a leech. He grunted and turned to the elves gathered behind him after getting the storage ring.
"It's not your concern."
Kyle's eyes widened slightly, and he chuckled at the old man's words. Indeed, it wasn't his concern. When had he ever meddled in others' affairs? Never. So why was he asking what had happened?
He looked at Yue and realized it was because of her. She was the one who made him understand the need to protect someone other than himself. Nevertheless, he couldn't believe that just a short amount of time with her could affect him so profoundly. Wesley heard his laughter, and not only the old man but everyone else as well, as they had fallen silent upon seeing Wesley's grim expression.
The old man furrowed his brows because the laugh sounded too empty and glanced at Kyle, but he felt like he saw nothing on the human's face, not even the usual carefreeness, as if the mask of emotions that covered his face had shattered to reveal the emptiness beneath.
A strange feeling of dread crept into Wesley's heart as he looked into Kyle's eyes, but he couldn't quite understand why. He shook his head, trying to refocus, knowing he had more pressing issues to deal with. As he glanced at the elves in front of him, he noticed they too were slightly surprised by Kyle's unusual expression. Wesley cleared his throat to regain their attention.
"It seems like we need to conclude our exploration here. The other supreme rank individuals need assistance, so I have to go. I won't be able to ensure everyone's safety, which is why I will take you all back to the bustling area where we are currently staying to avoid any more trouble. Even though the other supreme rank individuals and I won't be present with you, that location is much safer than wandering around aimlessly."
The elves glanced at each other, and suddenly, one of them spoke up loudly with a tense expression.
"If the other supreme rank individuals are in danger, what about the elves with them? Are they also at risk?"
Wesley remained silent for a moment but then let out a sigh. He anticipated this question would arise soon, so he was already prepared to tell them the truth because concealing information wouldn't bring any benefits.
"They are with them, so obviously they would also be in danger. That's why I need to leave as soon as possible."
The elf who had just spoken let out a quiet curse, and his expression sank. He had reached the end of the divine rank, and he was confident that in a little more time, he would reach the transcendent rank without any issues. However, his sister had followed one of the groups that had gone with the other supreme rank individuals! He couldn't let anything happen to her.
The elven man with grey eyes and black hair gazed at Wesley with a grave expression as he clenched his fists tightly.
"I want to join you too! I can't return to the bustling area. My younger sister is with the other groups. We promised to protect each other in times of trouble, so I can't allow anything to happen to her!"
Wesley's expression turned solemn.
"No, you can't, it's dangerous!"
However, he let out a groan when the elven man insisted on following him, even though it was dangerous. He didn't care as long as he could ensure his sister's safety. Wesley's headache intensified when a few friends of the elf who wanted to follow him also stepped forward and asked to join him.
The old man wanted to reprimand them all, but a few more elves, even though hesitating, joined them. They weren't weak, and if one of them was in danger, they were willing to fight alongside the people of their race. After all, if something happened to Wesley and the other supreme rank elves, they knew no one would protect them in this perilous land. So, instead of staying behind and waiting for bad news, it was better for them to join in.
Wesley grabbed his head because in the end, except for Sebastian, two more elves beside him, and Yue, everyone else stepped forward to follow him.
Yue let out a sigh. She wasn't sure if she should follow the elves or not.
She didn't have much attachment with the elves. She did make a few acquaintances over the years but not close enough to call them friends. In the end, the only reason she couldn't leave their side was because of her mother and Elli. So, she was conflicted if she should follow or not.
After a bit of hesitation, even Sebastian stepped forward and said he would join in. A few elves gave him strange looks because he was practically the weakest among them, but they praised his courage. Due to Sebastian, the remaining two elves also joined the group, and in the end, only Yue was left. She glanced at Kyle, who had, for some reason, turned very quiet after his earlier interaction with Wesley.
Kyle noticed her gaze, and his expression softened a bit. However, unlike before, it was evident on his face that he didn't really care about whatever happens with the elves. He only cares about Yue and no one else. A sigh escaped his lips when he saw Yue's conflicted eyes.
"You can choose to join them or not, it's up to you. However, if you joined them, you know I will follow you."