Chapter 155: It''s My Turn

    You should leave the room. Its my turn. Derek said.

    Thomas didnt argue. He walked across the room, avoiding as much blood as possible. Finally, he made it to the door, opened it, and left.

    Derek nodded once Thomas was gone. Looking at Shae, he asked, Whats your stance on not revealing any information about my skills other than that they are good enough to pass for Onyx?

    Shae frowned but answered. I like to think everything I see in here is confidential unless the Guild Leader directly asks me about it. He said, but frowned even deeper. I wont lie to you, youre a mystery, so I wouldnt doubt the Guild Leader asking me about you.

    Dereks fingertips stopped glowing blue as his brows furrowed. No chance of you taking an oath or writing a contract, is there?

    Shae shook his head. I dont think so.

    Thats pretty shitty. Derek said. How is someone supposed to do this without revealing their best skills? Especially when up against someone like you.

    Shae laughed. Oh, after that last showing, youve definitely passed. Anything else is just entertainment.

    Derek snorted. Hed learned a lot during this test. Like, if Shae had seriously been wanting to kill him, he could have hit Derek in the head or the heart when he activated his last skill. Derek mentally put those at Onyx or above on his kill quickly list. Surely, there would be assassins at that rank as well. Hed have to be more careful than he has been.

    Savannah was supposed to be safe, but Derek still wasnt completely sure about that. He would have to make it a point to ask Natalie once he could get a meeting.

    Now, the question before him was, should he stop here, or keep going? To be honest, Derek wanted to continue. He hadnt been pushed like this since the first Void Beast he fought after arriving in Cydaria. He thought back to the people who already knew about his abilities. Most of them were under oaths. None of them knew exactly what they were, though. Except for maybe Alanah, and she was not under oath.

    Your Guild Leader. Derek said, pulling Shaes attention back to him. Is he a good person?

    Shae didnt hesitate even a second before nodding. Hes a very decent person. Hes top five strongest in the kingdom, so he doesnt answer to anyone.

    But will he answer to someone? Derek asked. Like the King.

    Shae snorted. That old fogie? I dont even answer to him. Sure, hes also top five in the kingdom and controls a powerful force, but for the last decade, hes been too hesitant to take any action against anyone at a certain power level.

    Shae continued. With your skills, it may be good to let some of them be known. Strength is a pretty good way to wash a targe off your back.

    Derek nodded. Maybe, but I doubt it.

    Shae frowned. Do you mind telling me who you offended?

    Derek laughed. Its not really a secret. I killed Gerald Toriths son after I found out he was involved with child trafficking. Though I would have killed him either way. Derek clarified.

    As the tap of the spear connected, Shae looked at Derek in shock. Then, he raised his foot to take a step, then vomited a mouthful of blood. His eyes opened even wider as he stared Derek down. Derek still had the same smile on his face.

    With the way Derek used his skills, there was no real way for Shae to figure out what happened. Sure, he was able to track Dereks movement while he was in the void, but Derek didnt believe the man had even seen the glow at the butt of the spear because he was too busy staring at Dereks body.

    What was that? The man finally broke the silence.

    That was for me to know. Derek answered.

    My kidney is gone, and I have damage in my stomach. Shae said as a red vial appeared in his hand and he drank it. Was that as hard as whatever skill you just used can hit?

    Derek shrugged. What do you think?

    I doubt i Shae stopped as his eyes brightened in remembrance. When you hit me on the chest at the beginning?

    Derek chucked and bobbed his head in confirmation. Can you survive without a heart?

    Shae frowned. Maybe. He said, to Dereks surprise. You have to have high Endurance to move as quickly as I do. Shae answered Dereks unasked question. And you dont get very far without at least some Vitality.

    I see.

    Yeah, I wouldnt know. Never lost my heart before. At least now I know that I can survive a kidney exploding after some minor lightning damage. Shae chuckled.

    That liver shot earlier was brutal. Derek said. Did more damage than the first two strikes together.

    At least you took some damage. Shae laughed. I think thats enough to confirm your Onyx Rank. Im not sure about Diamond, and Im not even going to ask you where you went for that split second.

    Wait, what? Derek asked. What do you mean, where I went? He asked.

    Shae frowned. You disappeared.

    But you were tracking me. Derek argued.

    I was tracking whatever ripple you were making.

    That was something new he learned about his skill. When he used Void Shift, he actually disappeared into the void. That was useful knowledge. Youre the first person to track me. It was surprising. I hope you can keep those last skills to yourself the best you can.

    I already said I would, and Im a man of my word. Shae held his hand out, and Derek accepted it.

    Now, lets go get you a badge. Shae said. After that, I need a drink, too. What do you think?