My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 269: Taboo (5)

When Kace spotted Phillip's figure screaming inside the metal cage, he did not let out a surprised expression like the surrounding Tu'Thrag thought he would. Instead, he looked slightly perplexed. He somewhat sensed Phillip's presence from outside the door, but that did not mean he understood what was going on.

"Sir, you should take a look in the shadow realm." Lorget tentatively advised.

Kace frowned as he wondered why that would be important, but he took his subordinate's word for it. He slipped into the other realm to take a look. Leaving the other's behind as he did so. He almost gasped at the different view. Here, he could plainly see the hero being burned by the purple flames.

[System Notification: New Quest!]

[Quest: Taboo]

[Details: A hero has committed an unspeakable act in his efforts to seize power. Doing so invoked the wrath of a Legendary figure. Causing him to become cursed. Investigate the root of the curse and break it to set the Legendary existence free.]

[Rewards: +15,000 experience, Item: +1 Phoenix Feather]

Kace's mouth became agape as he stared at the impromptu quest. The experience reward alone was massive. However, he had no idea what a Phoenix Feather could be used for. This was also the first time he was offered a physical item as part of his rewards. 'There's just one problem. Phillip seems to be the centre of this. However, his real body is too far away.'

Kace became stumped over this dilemma. He could only hope that they could solve the issue from within the palace without making a lengthy journey. If they could not do so, then Kace would have to postpone this mission until they completed their task in the North. He suddenly felt a headache beginning to brew.

'Why do I get the feeling the 'Legendary Figure' in the quest is actually this city's ruler.' This quest hinted that she was indisposed and could not provide them with aid until he freed her. 'God damn it!' Kace became furious at the thought. It was like they were being forced into completing this mission first, but how long would that take? 

'Wait a minute! Who the fuck sent the invitation then?' Kace's eyes narrowed as he continued to stare at Phillip's figure as it writhed in agony. There was clearly some other party in the mix that he was not aware of yet. He felt that as long as he investigated this matter, he may be able to unearth them for now. 

'If they were able to send out an invitation in the ruler's name, they should also hold enough power to authorise their military forces to go into action. A simple plan started to take shape in his mind. He could partially complete this mission for now and use breaking the curse as leverage to gain the native's army's aid.

'So, you think you can manipulate me, do you? Let's see if you're willing to pay the price!' Kace was no longer utterly naive to political plays. He figured that whoever was behind the invitation expected him to free their ruler thinking that she was the only way to get their help. This person or group, most likely figured that their army needed the native's ability to succeed. So they thought they were striking at their weakness.

However, in doing so, they exposed their own issue to him. Without their leader, they had no power to really negotiate for better terms with him. 'Let's see what's upstairs. I can't make heads or tails of this just now.' Kace resigned himself to working on the quest details for now. He took a mental note of Phillip's situation in the shadow realm for now in case it could be useful later on.

He transferred back over to the material realm, where the others had finally caught up. Grugda looked the most put out by discovering Phillip's presence here. Lilly seemed to be trying to keep as far away from the hero in the cage as possible while Sophia wore a frown that did nothing for her looks. 

"Lorget, fetch Shadow. Have him meet me upstairs. He should be around the castle's perimeter in the shadow realm." Kace regretted allowing Shadow to act as their scout after their talk. The goblin had convinced them that it was an excellent idea to stealthily keep an eye out for anyone else entering the palace's grounds. Hence why he was absent when Lorget appeared.

'Maybe Shadow can make sense of what's going on in here later. For now, I want to have a look at the source of the aura the palace is giving off.' Kace wasted no time assigning a few of the squad to stand watch over Phillip in both realms before heading off. Making his way back through the many passages and hallways back to the entry.

The palace remained silent, but he felt like a pair of eyes followed his every movement as set foot on the first step of the staircase. The observant feeling came from the direction of the room his own senses had honed in on. Kace kept his mind on edge for anything peculiar as he closed in on his target. 

He met the first obstacle on his path when he came across the locked door that barred entry to that specific hallway. After all, the Tu'Thrag had used the shadow realm to squeeze around it. Kace snorted as he punched the area of the door that held its lock. He had no time to concern himself with being discrete. His blow completed busted the lock, allowing the door to swing open. 

The aura became considerably stronger at this stage. Kace did not know that the Tu'Thrag had only picked up on the grief and empty feelings. However, he could plainly feel the rage, threat, and unwelcomeness mixed in with it at this point. He could even perceive that he would be in great danger if whatever housed this presence were able to attack him.

'Let's see what secrets you're hiding.' Kace took a step towards the only closed door that he could see in the hall