After slaughtering the demons, the bow warrior approached Tiana's group. Tiana noticed that he had a rather handsome appearance. Although this warrior couldn't compare to Azaroth's appearance, but he could be considered quite good looking.
"…Hello, I am Rueben Blake," Rueben spoke kindly.
All the women in Tiana's group gazed at Rueben with a dreamy look in their eyes. They belonged to the Pinhian Republic and had naturally heard of Rueben's name. He was one of the five disciples of the Vicious Lightning Paragon.
Moreover, he was known as the Archer King. The Vicious Lightning Paragon had publicly stated that Rueben's true potential surpassed even his own and his combat strength was truly impressive.
"I am Tiana. This is my group," Tiana stepped forward and shook Rueben's hand calmly.
Rueben was surprised to see Tiana remain so calm in his presence. Women would typically be quite excited to see him.
"What are you doing so deep in the Forbidden Forest? It was a good thing that my squad was nearby, and we sensed multiple aura of human ardor. If not, your group could have been annihilated!" Rueben spoke sternly. He wanted to make Tiana realize just how grave and dangerous that situation was.
Tiana nodded in understanding, "Yes. I didn't want to enter too deep as well. But the demons in the outer region of the Forbidden Forest were too weak. They were barely 3 Star Demons and weren't good opponents for us. However, I never expected that I would catch the attention of 3 Demon Lords so suddenly."
Rueben explained, "Yeah. This is the second layer of the Forbidden Forest. We call it the Demon Lord's territory. The third layer is known as the Demon King's territory while the innermost layer is known as the Demon Emperor's territory."
"My teacher informed me that even he has no idea the number of Demon Kings and Demon Emperors in the Forbidden Forest. It would be prudent for you to stay away from those innermost areas."
"Thank you," Tiana nodded. She further added, "In reality, I brought my group here to train them as well as to search for a flower known as the Majestic Wild Rose. I heard that it's found in the Forbidden Forest."
"Majestic Wild Rose?!" Rueben seemed startled upon hearing the name of this flower. Clearly, he had heard of it.
"You know of it?" Tiana quickly asked.
"…Yes. It has many uses. It's nectar can cleanse a warrior's physique and boost spiritual power. This flower can also be used in alchemy as it greatly increases the formation of pellets. And the pellets formed while using the Majestic Wild Rose contain a much more potent aura and are more productive as compared to others."
"That's correct. I need this flower to help my younger brother. He has a chronic disease which leaks his Spiritual Energy at all times. A kind doctor used a special skill to freeze his body and has given him ten years to find the Majestic Wild Rose. Only this flower can cure my brother's chronic disease. Otherwise, after the skill loses its effect, my brother…He will…"
Tiana's eyes became watery, and Rueben instantly guessed that she was trying to hold back her tears.
He was a gentlemen and naturally didn't wish to make a woman cry.
"I understand your reason for entering the Forbidden Forest. Don't worry, I won't report it to the authorities. However, I think you should know that this Majestic Wild Rose is found only in the third layer of the Forbidden Forest." Rueben spoke.
In reality, Tiana knew of this information. Yrellea had researched everything about the Forbidden Forest and created a proper backstory before sending Tiana's group to the north.
She had to ensure Rueben's death, otherwise, the Vicious Lightning Paragon would never be resolved to fight the demons. And Tiana entering the Empire of Qian Guo would be impossible.
"…Third layer?!" Tiana acted as if she was utterly startled to know this information. Her entire group had a fearful look on their faces.
They understood the danger presented by the third layer. They had merely entered the second layer and they encountered so many Demon Lords.
In the third layer, they might encounter a Demon King! Winning against a Demon King was impossible for the current Tiana's group.
"That's correct. My teacher mentioned that he saw it once when he fought against a Demon King in his youth. There is a Demon King who maintains an herbal garden in his territory. All kinds of rare herbs or flowers can be found in that herbal garden," Rueben spoke seriously.
"…I can't find this flower anywhere else? Maybe I can find it in the second layer," Tiana spoke a bit hopefully.
"That's impossible. I have completely explored the second layer. There is no Majestic Wild Rose in this region," Rueben spoke, pouring a bucket of cold water over Tiana's hopes.
"…I understand," Tiana spoke. She then turned towards her group, "I apologize for bringing you all to such a dangerous place for a personal reason. I truly didn't wish to harm any of you."
These women were touched upon hearing that sincere apology. All of them reassured Tiana that they didn't mind it in the slightest. No one died and they were just a bit injured since Rueben did save them at an appropriate moment.
Moreover, they all gained valuable combat experience by fighting these terrifying demons.
Rueben was also a bit surprised to see Tiana talking to her subordinates so politely. He believed that she was an extremely compassionate and fair individual. Normally, a leader wouldn't apologize to his group for going through his selfish actions.
The leader is allowed to act willful for a bit. But Tiana was different.
"Would you like to join us for dinner? I wish to thank you sincerely for your help," Tiana spoke with a smile.
"I shall gratefully accept this proposal," Rueben spoke. After deciding the time, he left the area to return back to his squad.
Rueben's squad was searching for him as they wondered where their leader had gone.
Meanwhile, Tiana left the second layer of the Forbidden Forest and her group returned to the first layer. The demons in this layer were no danger for them.
Tiana's group set up a camp in the first layer. And as promised, Rueben arrived at the appointed time. He was alone.
Tiana personally invited him inside the camp. Rueben was treated to many delicacies that completed sated his hunger.
Tiana dispersed all her subordinates and was alone with Rueben. She spoke with a pleading tone, "…I want to ask for a favor, Sir Rueben."
"And what might that be?" Rueben asked with a smile on his face. In reality, he had anticipated what Tiana would ask him.
"Sir Rueben, I have heard a lot about you. It's said that you are a King-Ranked Warrior and the strongest disciple of the Vicious Lightning Paragon. In fact, your combat power is considered even greater than the Vicious Lightning Paragon when he was a King-Ranked Warrior," Tiana spoke calmly.
"Perhaps. But what of it?" Rueben spoke.
"…Would you accompany me to the third layer of this Forbidden Forest. I only have a single brother and he will lose his life if I don't bring the Majestic Wild Rose when I return to my hometown. Please help me," Tiana requested sincerely.
"The Third Layer of the Forbidden Forest is dangerous. I can't promise to protect your life," Rueben spoke seriously.
"…Without taking this risk, my brother's life is already lost. I would rather risk my life than regret it for the rest of my life!" Tiana spoke with a determined tone.
"And what will I get for helping you?" Rueben asked.
"…I will eternally be grateful to you. You can use my group for your own plans," Tiana spoke.
Rueben's pupils widened slightly as he stared at Tiana, "…You have an idea of what I am planning to do?"
"No. But I believe that the Vicious Lightning Paragon assigned you these five spots for a specific reason. You must have a mission right now," Tiana spoke while shaking her head.
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