Chapter 404

Chapter 404

The next morning, after stocking up on food, drinks, and torches, the three of us set off on our journey back.

On the way, we were all thinking about how to deal with High Priest Leroy.

"How about we just tell him it's really dangerous inside and we need our companions' help?" Andy suggested, half-jokingly.

"Leroy's not stupid," I chuckled. "Our mission was to ensure our companions' safety. If we knew it was dangerous and still brought them along, it would be like admitting we were lying to Leroy."

"Besides, Atlantis has plenty of people. If the three of us made it back safely, it means the path we took wasn't dangerous. Leroy's not dumb; he won't be fooled that easily."

Carl pondered for a moment. "Then let's be honest. Tell them we navigated the attic safely, found a time tunnel, and there's no danger. They don't know what a time tunnel is, so we can exaggerate a bit to pique their interest."

"According to the dead folks inside, the Atlantis nobles have always wanted to return home but are too afraid to risk their lives. They've been secretly searching for a way back. If they think the time tunnel is dangerous, they might still force us to explore it further."

Andy clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "Exactly! Our goal is to get the Atlanteans to escort us to the tunnel exit safely. Once we're there, escaping will be easy."

"That's a solid plan," I agreed, nodding. "For now, we'll take it one step at a time. We need to get our companions to the tunnel exit first, then figure out our next move."

With our plan set, we quickened our pace.

This time, with a clear direction and determined steps, it only took us two days and nights to return to the attic.

Since we hadn't activated the stone door mechanism, we started banging on the door with bones.

Unfortunately, the door remained firmly shut, and we felt a bit deflated.

I sat down, exhausted, and analyzed, "Forget it. Knocking probably won't help. We suspected there was no mechanism, right? Maybe this door, like the time tunnel, opens on its own periodically. Otherwise, why didn't Leroy and the guards come in?"

"True," Carl agreed, calming down. "Once inside, we have two choices: push deeper or stay here and wait for death."

I nodded. "Exactly. We spent several days coming and going. I think the door should open soon. Let's wait patiently. If it doesn't open, we'll think of another plan."

Andy shrugged and sat down beside me. "Guess we have no choice."

As I predicted, after another day in the attic, the door slowly creaked open.

The three of us stepped out and immediately faced Leroy and his guards.

They had been waiting to see if we would emerge.

Leroy's face lit up with a knowing smile when he saw us safe and sound. "Alex, I knew you'd overcome all obstacles and make it back from that attic."

"Man-eating is a bit much," I replied with a forced smile. "It was just a long journey. Took us several days to reach the tunnel exit."

Leroy's smile widened, and he gestured for us to follow. "You must be exhausted. We've prepared a feast, and your companions are waiting for you."

This time, Leroy didn't blindfold us, seemingly confident that we wouldn't sneak back. He seemed very at ease.

Leroy was tactful and didn't ask about our six or seven-day ordeal, which made me dislike him a bit less.

As long as he remained civil, I wouldn't be hostile.

The thought of seeing Emily soon filled me with joy.

Carl also seemed unusually excited, his large wings fluttering, catching Leroy's attention.

Leroy looked at Carl's wings and started a conversation. "Carl, I spoke with the king about you yesterday. He said if you returned safely, he'd reveal your identity to all Atlanteans. What do you think?"

It sounded like he was saying, "Your bird people and that pendant will be ours."

"No need," Carl refused without hesitation. "I have my reasons for being here. Once my mission is complete, I'll return to where I belong. You don't need to waste time on me."

Leroy's smile didn't falter. "You're Amelia's descendant. I think you should rejoin the Atlantis family. Your people can live in Atlantis too."

Leroy's words were sweet, but he just wanted to recruit the bird people's strong warriors for Atlantis.

Carl ignored him, and Leroy had to drop the subject.

As soon as we got off the carriage, Emily rushed over, hugging me tightly despite my stench.

I patted her head. "I smell bad. Let me shower first."

"Even if you stink, you're still Alex," Emily said, burying her head in my chest. "I was so worried. I'm glad you're okay."

I smiled. "I told you I'd come back safely."

Then I greeted the others.

Joseph high-fived me. "I told you Alex would be fine. You all worried for nothing."

Carl and Lisa didn't show any excessive affection, not even a basic hug, but their eyes were full of love.

After brief greetings, we followed Leroy to his mansion for lunch.

Elijah and his daughter were present at the table.

Elijah met my gaze and joked, "I knew you'd make it out of that attic. Well done."

"Prince Elijah, why don't you join us next time?" I teased. "It's quite thrilling. I think you'd enjoy it."

Elijah laughed and waved his hands. "I value my life, so I'll pass."

"What's there to fear?" I said, deliberately discussing the attic in front of Leroy. "There's no danger, just a dark path that takes time to navigate. If it were dangerous, would the three of us have returned safely?"