Chapter 132

Noe let out a long breath and said firmly, "They want the Umbral Infusion, but that's Uruguay's most precious treasure."

He got out of the car quickly, but Kirk blocked the door.

Noe looked at Kirk, confused. "What's wrong?"

Kirk sighed, sounding sad. "Noe, he's already said it straight. Don't you get it? He means we're not leaving. We're going back with you."

Noe stared at James with wide eyes.

James shrugged helplessly and said slowly, "We've got some injuries, but we're still pretty strong. If a fight breaks out, we can help. Besides, one night's rest just isn't enough."

Roy pointed at Elmer dozing in the back seat and added, "Look at his wound. It won't heal anytime soon. We'll need you to take us in for a while longer."

Evelyn watched them go back and forth with a half-smile. These guys weren't heartless after all. At least when Noe was in trouble, they chose to stay instead of running off.

James was always sharp. He probably knew this would happen from the moment they stepped into Uruguay, but he couldn't avoid it in the end.

Noe hesitated, then waved at Rex to get back in the car. He appreciated their kindness. He didn't want to drag them into this, but having extra help right now was good.

Rex got back in the driver's seat and turned the car toward the palace. Looking in the rearview mirror, he felt oddly excited. Maybe Noe was right—outsiders weren't all bad.

James stared out the window as buildings flew by. He didn't want to get mixed up in another country's problems; the less trouble, the better. But now Noe was in danger, and he couldn't just ignore this sincere young man. Besides, they weren't in a hurry to leave. In the end, Noe had been honest with them, so they were willing to return the favor.

Soon after, Rex turned the wheel, hit the brakes, and stopped in front of the palace.

Kirk could feel the guards around them without even looking closely. He couldn't help but say, "The Umbral Infusion really is something special if so many people are after it."

Noe wasn't strong enough to sense the powerful auras and quickly asked, "Are there a lot of experts around?"

"A lot, but we've got plenty of our own too," Kirk said with a slight smile. Then, as if realizing it late, he added, "Maybe those guys earlier didn't want to kill you. They might've been trying to capture you alive and trade you for the Umbral Infusion."

Suddenly, Chris looked serious and turned to James. "There are three people with familiar auras. There are three or four more experts of the same level inside and outside the palace, but those three aren't among them."

Chris's words were a bit jumpy, but James understood. He must've sensed the Dark Cultivators' auras inside and outside the palace.

James smiled and rubbed his chin. "Looks like things are getting more interesting!"

With everyone looking confused, he opened the door and got out. "Noe, why don't you show us around the palace?"

Noe quickly got out and led the way. "Of course, it'd be an honor!"

James waited for Evelyn to get out, and they walked side by side, with Kirk and the others following behind. Elmer shook off his drowsiness and brought up the rear.

Noe glanced back at the group split into a few clusters and asked James, "My father probably already knows you're here. Want to go see him together? If it's inconvenient, I can arrange a place for you to stay first."

James tilted his chin up casually. "Do we seem that rude to you?"

Noe paused. "That's not what I meant at all!"

James put his arm around Evelyn's shoulders and said warmly, "When you visit a friend's house, paying respects to the elders is basic manners. If I can't even do that, my wife would be upset with me."

Evelyn smiled on the outside but was cursing James in her head. He could've just said it straight, but he had to drag her into it.

Noe understood and looked at them enviously. "You two really get along well. A perfect match."

James nodded with a smile. "Thanks for the compliment."

Evelyn rolled her eyes quietly but didn't make James look bad.

"Then I'll take you to see my father," Noe said, leading the way.

The guards along the way saluted, but they still eyed James and the others suspiciously. Rex walked at the back and didn't mind the stares. After everything that happened, he was sure these people could be trusted.

They arrived in front of the central palace building.

Noe stepped aside and scratched his head awkwardly. "I need to go in and let my father know first. Sorry, you'll have to wait a bit."

James waved him off. "Go ahead."

Noe turned and went up the steps into the hall.

Evelyn immediately shook off James's hand and glared at him. "Were you just taking advantage of me earlier? What's with the sudden loving couple act?"

James quickly covered her mouth and whispered, "Careful, there are experts everywhere here."

Evelyn blinked, still doubtful but nodded. James let go and made a shushing gesture. Even though he meant it, seeing Evelyn's serious face almost made him laugh.

Soon, his attention was drawn to the setup in front of the hall. He said quietly, "The layout here is unusual. We're standing right at the center of a Formation. Looks like the king knows a thing or two about Formations."

Just then, Noe came down the steps and his eyes lit up when he heard that. "That's right! How did you figure it out? My father really is into studying Formations. Do you understand them too?"

James pulled his gaze back and nodded with a smile. "A little."

He changed the subject. "Did the king say we can go in?"

Noe nodded and made a "please" gesture. "My father already knows what happened earlier. Please, come in."

The group followed Noe into the hall.

The inside wasn't flashy with gold and jewels. It felt more like a living room, except the king's throne was two steps higher and much bigger. The king wore a golden robe, looked kind, and had a smile in his eyes.

When they entered, he said warmly, "You saved my son. I'm truly grateful. Please, have a seat. Sorry to keep you waiting."

Everyone sat down as he said.

Beck Lester looked over the group meaningfully. "Uruguay doesn't have relations with other countries, and our news isn't the best, but we still know a few things. I know about the chaos in New York. I believe you're the 'Nightmare' that the Hidden World is after."

Noe looked totally lost. "Father, what's Nightmare?"

Beck didn't answer and continued, "I guessed you were just passing through to avoid trouble. I wanted to do you a favor, but I didn't expect you'd save my son's life. No matter what, I'm truly thankful."

As the ruler of a country, Beck had to keep track of outside events to figure out who was good or bad for Uruguay. "Nightmare" didn't have the best reputation, but Beck understood they were only being hunted by the Hidden World, which is why he sent Noe to pick them up.

James rubbed his forehead. He knew it. How could it be such a coincidence to run into the king's son?