VRMMORPG: Rise Of The Blood Paragon

Dumbfounded...

But Cedric didn't bother with Lionel's temper as he asked, "So, how about you narrate the events that happened in the forest before you returned to the palace?"

Lionel froze. He wasn't sure what to say or how to react to the question, so he simply stood there, staring.

Cedric frowned, his patience thinning. "Your silence is making me assume something did happen in that forest."

Lionel finally spoke, his face unreadable. "Yes, something did happen in the forest."

Cedric's brows arched as he leaned in closer, his piercing gaze fixed on Lionel. "Go on. What happened?"

Lionel shifted uncomfortably, shrugging his shoulders. "Wait... Are you seriously asking me about that?"

He let out a wry laugh and gave Cedric a bewildered look. "Of course, something happened! How else would I have gotten back to the palace? Allison saved me and brought me back."

Cedric pressed further. "Is that all?"

"Yes, what else could—" Lionel's words were cut off by the sharp thud of Cedric's hand slamming down on the table. The force sent the cutlery rattling, and one utensil clattered to the floor.

Cedric's voice rose, his anger palpable. "So, you're telling me that nothing happened in that forest before Allison arrived? Or is it that you just don't remember?"

Lionel stiffened under Cedric's glare. After a moment, he shrugged again. "Hmm… come to think of it, I do find it strange. What was I even doing in the forest? How did I end up there?"

Cedric leaned forward, his tone insistent. "Exactly. Think. You can't just find yourself there without reason."

Lionel scratched his chin, frowning as he sank into thought. A few seconds later, he sighed. "I don't remember."

Cedric's fists clenched as he exclaimed, "What?!"

His breathing grew heavier as he stared at Lionel. Then, after a pause, he asked, "Is it that nothing happened, or that you just don't remember?"

"I guess I don't remember," Lionel admitted. "It's strange. There must be something to explain it."

Cedric's eyes narrowed. "So, you think someone or something might've tampered with your memories?"

Lionel swallowed hard as Cedric studied him intently. Cedric noticed the way Lionel's lips quivered, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, and his gaze avoided direct contact.

"Allison…" Cedric muttered, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"What?" Lionel asked, his heart pounding. "Did you say something?"

'Be careful,' Allison's voice echoed in Lionel's mind, her tone sharp and commanding. Lionel's eyes darted to his side, where Allison sat with one leg crossed over the other, her hand resting on his.

"I'll try," Lionel muttered under his breath.

Cedric cleared his throat. "Ah, yes, I said something. Don't be annoyed by my next question."

Lionel forced a tight smile. "If it's appropriate, I won't be."

Cedric's gaze didn't waver. "Did Allison do anything to you in that forest? Before she brought you back—did she do anything?"

"No. Nothing that I'm aware of," Lionel replied, his answer so quick it drew suspicion.

Cedric's eyes narrowed. "Hmm… Alright." His tone stretched as he watched Lionel closely. "Then explain the blood scent on you when you stood before the king."

"Blood scent?" Lionel's expression turned to confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Hmmm…" Cedric muttered, then sighed as he leaned back. "Never mind. I think I already know what's going on."

Lionel tensed, his breath hitching as Cedric's sharp gaze lingered. Cedric released him from his scrutiny, but his next words were like a blade slicing through Lionel's relief.

"I believe Allison did something to you in that forest—and perhaps even here."

"Huh?" Lionel's voice was barely audible.

He glanced at Allison beside him. Her eyes were fixed ahead, staring daggers at Cedric.

'Can they see each other?' Lionel wondered, his mind swirling with questions. His thoughts twisted into knots, confusion and unease taking hold.

Cedric's voice interrupted his spiraling thoughts. "Your Highness, your time here is up."

Lionel exhaled shakily. "Thank you," he managed to say. Rising to his feet, he bowed slightly. Just as he turned to leave, Cedric's voice stopped him.

"Aren't you going to eat anything from what I've prepared?"

Lionel turned back, his expression resolute. "No, Chief Wizard. I won't. I trusted you once, but now that I see you for what you are, I can't."

He bowed again. "If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave."

Cedric offered a curt nod, and Lionel stepped toward the door. He opened it, only to be met by a maid, her chest heaving as though she'd been running.

'What now?' Lionel thought with a sigh, rolling his eyes.

The maid bowed quickly. "Greetings, Your Highness. The king requests your presence."

Lionel raised a skeptical brow. "Are you sure the king truly wishes to see me?"

"Yes, why do you ask again?" The maid asked, as she stared at him.

'Arggh… Who is it again? I hope it's truly the king... Ah, yes, it should be. I bet there's no one else to call me to start asking silly questions like the old man did, because I'm already tired. Is it?' Lionel muttered.

"Your Highness!" Amidst his thoughts, the maid's voice reached him again, and he looked at her.

"Oh… You're still here," he muttered, then added, "Lead me to the king then."

"Very well, Your Highness." The maid bowed and then proceeded to leave.

Soon, they started turning corners which Lionel didn't recognize, as no memories of the prince going to meet the king were registered in his head. Then they stopped in front of a door, and Lionel instinctively knew it was the king's.

The hairs on his body stood on edge, and his heart began to race, as though it were on its way to death.

'Allison…' Lionel called out.

But he got no answer.

'Allison… Allison… Allison…' Lionel called out again with much urgency, but still nothing.

His face twisted in horror as he realized what might be happening, but the door creaked open as the guards unlocked it.

The other side was shrouded in darkness, as if no one was inside, and he stepped inside cautiously. To his surprise, his eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light, allowing him to make out the faint glow of red eyes piercing through the gloom.

A voice echoed through the silence, chilling and familiar.

"What took you so long?"