Not long after, the others left, leaving only Niya, Andov, and Celine.
Everyone present was an old acquaintance, so the atmosphere became quite relaxed.
But then, Niya asked a question: "Why isn't Renien here?"
Andov was slightly taken aback, hesitating and unsure how to respond.
Roy shook his head slightly: "He's been keeping to himself lately, and I don't know what he's up to.
Speaking of which, Andov…
What exactly happened to you in Chalkland? Why did things turn out this way? Can you tell me everything?
Back near the entrance, you warned me to be careful of Renien. You must know the whole story."
"Really?" Niya looked at them in surprise.
"I can't say."
Andov struggled and hesitated for a long time, but in the end, he sighed.
"I swore an oath. I can't say."
Roy's gaze was piercing, staring at him until Andov's eyes darted away, feeling uneasy.
After a while, unable to bear it any longer, Andov finally stammered an explanation: "Actually, ever since we returned, I've severed my contract with him. I'm no longer his follower.
And since he moved to the third floor, we haven't been in contact at all. We haven't even seen each other!"
Roy continued to stare at him for a moment before saying, "I believe you."
Even if Andov didn't say it, Roy could guess a bit.
That blond youth had once wanted to become the leader of their small circle, actively recruiting and rallying everyone.
Now he was already a senior apprentice, with the potential to become an Elite Apprentice.
Naturally, he'd rather be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox.
Just as this thought crossed his mind, a figure with striking blond hair appeared at the door of the room.
"Renien!" Andov's body stiffened.
Niya and Celine were also greatly surprised.
Earlier, when Roy needed help, Renien hadn't shown up, but now he was here.
Roy nodded and greeted him solemnly: "Renien!"
Renien's lips were tightly pressed, his expression somewhat desolate. After a long pause, he finally spoke in a heavy voice: "I heard about your situation and came out of the Tower specifically to deal with the Old Apprentice you issued a bounty on."
Everyone looked surprised, not expecting that he had been quietly working on this.
However, Roy and Andov's expressions remained serious, not softening because of this.
Renien turned to Roy and said, "Weren't you just asking what exactly happened to us back then?
Since you're so curious, I'll tell you…"
Under everyone's gaze, he spoke in a grave tone: "It's true that I betrayed my friends, that I was ambitious and killed Tigro and the others.
But, who could blame me for his good luck!
Do you know what? At that time, I was faced with a difficult choice.
To uphold morality and leave it to fate.
To let Tigro surpass me just because of a stroke of luck…
Or to cast aside morality, do whatever it takes, and let the victor reign.
I would seize the treasure he had obtained and take the opportunities he had!
So I chose to act. I no longer wanted to be bound by anything!
And the fact is, I succeeded!
I obtained that Shadow Claw, gained attack power far beyond the apprentice level, and established my own 'Wizard's Maxim,' laying the foundation for future advancement!
Just like you, I now have the means to become an Elite Apprentice, and even to ascend to the rank of Wizard!"
Tang En and Zola, driven by greed, ambushed me, and I ended up killing them.
As for Andov... heh, if he hadn't chosen to help me at the critical moment, I wouldn't have let him live this long."
"I originally thought of letting him fend for himself.
But when Tang En and Zola made their move, I couldn't hold back and chose to help him.
I have no regrets about those two, but I can't help feeling guilty towards Tigro."
Andov, deeply moved, finally showed a hint of guilt and said sorrowfully, "But the thing is, in terms of closeness, I'm still more familiar with you than with Tigro. I couldn't just stand by and watch... watch Renien get ambushed by Tang En and Zola!"
"Idiot, if you hadn't helped me back then, do you think those two would have let you leave alive after getting the treasure?
And after killing them, I gave you half of the materials and potions we obtained. If it weren't for that, how could you have improved? With your pitiful, inferior talent?"
Renien sneered.
Roy asked, "Aren't you afraid of being seen as treacherous and incurring the World's Will's disdain for killing Tigro?"
Renien fell silent for a moment, then said quietly, "I wasn't treacherous."
"Really?"
"They chose to let me advance first and become my subordinates.
When they chose to rely on me, they entrusted their fate to my hands.
The World's Will favors me; why would it disdain me?"
So that's how it was!
Roy was completely enlightened.
"Alright, I came here specifically to bid you farewell in advance.
Many junior apprentices didn't get the chance to say goodbye before we never saw each other again.
But from today on, my journey as a Wizard no longer requires friends, nor do I need to bid farewell to anyone.
Consider this matter as the last favor I do for you as a friend."
Renien's tone was somber, but after speaking, he resolutely turned and left, as if he had made some kind of decision.
Andov glanced at his retreating figure, seemingly wanting to say something.
But in the end, he held back.
Roy, on the other hand, was deep in thought.
It wasn't that simple!
Far from it!
He couldn't help but think of the whereabouts of the Legendary Treasure that had never surfaced since leaving Chalkland.
It had always been an unsolved mystery, and despite Melina and the others' efforts, no clues had been found.
"The prime suspect should be Sophia.
She has the strength and the opportunity.
But what if it wasn't her, but Renien?
Does obtaining an exceptional treasure mean you can't have even better luck and get a Legendary Treasure?
It's entirely possible to gain both, or even more!"
The more Roy thought about it, the more something felt off. Even Andov could be a suspect.
Tigro's death might not be as simple as they made it out to be!
These people might have split into two factions, pitted against each other.
If there were multiple treasures to share...
Then everything would make sense!
Renien's visit, his so-called farewell, might have been to assess the situation or to warn someone not to talk too much!
Andov might not have been avoiding him intentionally, but deliberately staying out of sight!
Moreover, how exactly did Andov break his contract with Renien and cease being his follower?
Was he simply released because he had offered some assistance?
Roy's gaze flickered with suspicion as it swept over him.
But in the end, he kept these doubts to himself and didn't voice any further questions.
(End of Chapter)