The Devil's Cage

Had Fenkes been cooperating with the Dark Star Society right from the beginning?

The sudden thrilling thought bloomed in Kieran’s mind.

He instinctively wanted to remove it, but there was no other possible explanation.

When one eliminated all other possibilities, the only remaining one was the truth, no matter how impossible it seemed.

Along with this new theory, Kieran also answered another question that had been in his mind for a long time.

Polaris, Dark Star, Night Demon, Unicorn, and White Deer each had their own secret stronghold on the West Coast, so why would the Dark Star Society be the first one to reach the island and occupy it?

Fenkes had been the insider who had allowed the Dark Star Society to get an advantage over the other societies.

Fenkes’ collaborator had gotten the news first-hand and reported it to his superior right away. That was how the Dark Star Society had been able to occupy the island before anyone else could.

"The man affiliated with Fenkes has to be in the Dark Star Society. That’s how he got the news about Alcatraz so fast!" Kieran thought silently.

As for the possibility that Fenkes was working with the whole Dark Star Society and not just one of its members?

If Fenkes had been able to do that, it would have saved him a lot of trouble, and he would have been able to wait for Kieran on the island instead.

"So it’s Fenkes and some other unknown enemy?"

Kieran’s mind came up with a new possibility.

He was almost sure that his journey back to Alcatraz would not be a smooth one.

Fenkes’ goal in returning to Alcatraz was none other than the bronze coffin itself. Kieran was sure of it.

The member of the Dark Star Society that was associated with him had to also share the same purpose.

The two malicious men were eyeing the bronze coffin greedily, like tigers looking at their prey.

From the look of things, the Dark Star Society seemed to have total control over Alcatraz Island, but grave danger was lurking everywhere. All it would take was a trigger for the impending danger to erupt like a fierce, violent volcano. People would never see it coming.

Kieran believed that Fenkes and his partner would exploit that trigger to achieve their goals.

If that was the case, then...

"Chance!"

Kieran smirked slightly.

With the Dark Star Society setting up their formidable defense on the island, no matter how obsessed Kieran was with the bronze coffin, he could not do anything about it.

However, an opportunity had presented itself. No matter how strong the fortress was on the outside, it would be easy to break in from the inside.

Considering the aftermath of the situation though and Nikorei’s position in it, Kieran would need to carefully plan his actions right down to the details.

He only had a general idea after a few minutes of thinking. Simones was waiting for him with his pipe in his mouth.

"Sorry, I got distracted by some other thoughts." Kieran smiled at him after he recollected his thoughts.

"More thinking means more benefits. Here!"

Simones handed Kieran a brown leather waist pack.

[Name: Potionologist Waist Pack]

[Type: Etc]

[Rarity: Excellent]

[Attributes: None]

[Effects: None]

[Prerequisites: None]

[Able to bring out of the dungeon: Yes]

[Remarks: Every Potionology teacher would give their students this waist pack once they were skilled enough. It can hold up to six standard potions. It’s not great equipment, but it has a great meaning to it!]

...

The waist pack was already filled with three different types of potions, two of each.

Other than the two [Medium Healing Potion]s, whose attributes Kieran already knew, there were also two [Agility Potion]s and two [Underwater Breathing Potion]s.

[Name: Agility Potion]

[Type: Potion]

[Rarity: Great]

[Attributes: +1 Agility while running, jumping or evading for 60 seconds]

[Prerequisites: None]

[Able to bring out of the dungeon: Yes]

[Remarks: You are only running faster and jumping higher. Your weight is still the same!]

...

[Name: Underwater Breathing Potion]

[Type: Potion]

[Rarity: Great]

[Attributes: You can breath underwater for 90 seconds]

[Able to bring out of the dungeon: Yes]

[Remarks: Remember the duration, or you will die a tragic death!]

…..

Kieran looked at Simones in surprise.

After a long period of practicing Potionology, he knew very well how much these potions were worth.

Their value was sky-high both among natives and players.

"You’ve saved me more than once. Shouldn’t I repay you with some gifts?" Simones said happily.

Kieran replied to his goodwill with a slight bow.

"Thank you!" he told Simones sincerely.

It was true that he had saved Simones more than once, but Simones had also taught Kieran about Potionology with all his heart.

The potions he had presented to Kieran were a symbol of their friendship.

Kieran would remember their friendship in his heart, but he thanked Simones out of politeness.

"Off you go then!" Simones added, his smile as wide as ever.

Kieran nodded before checking all his equipment and supplies.

Then he picked up his backpack and walked away.

Just as he was about to step through the door, Simones gave him a final warning.

"Remember, your life is what’s most important. If you notice that things are about to go south, run for your life as fast as you can!"

"Got it! I really do cherish my life a lot."

Kieran waved at Simones as he walked back to the foyer.

Simones watched Kieran walk down the stairs, taking a deep puff on his pipe.

Then he slowly breathed out, smoke surrounding him and making his friendly face blurry.

....

After Ferad and Elli wished Kieran good luck, he went off with Frostrill and Fenkes, setting off on his journey back to Alcatraz.

It would take them one day and one night to reach Alcatraz from the city.

They spent almost 3/4 of that time inside the car and the rest on the ferry.

All the transportation had been arranged by the Dark Star Society.

Not only was it fast, but also very safe.

Fenkes had been resting from the beginning of their journey. He had dozed off in the car and then requested a private room on the ferry.

Kieran knew Fenkes was trying to recover his energy from the previous show he had put on.

Judging by the heavy snoring he could hear from the next room, Kieran was sure Fenkes had fallen into a deep sleep.

If he did not worry that it might mess up his plan, Kieran would have seized the opportunity and removed the hidden threat with a lethal shot.

"I’ll see what tricks you have up your sleeve, old fox!"

Kieran closed his eyes as well. He also needed to rest before the upcoming battle.

It would be a fierce one, so he was going to need every last bit of his energy.

The ferry pushed through the sea. As time passed from seconds to minutes, the image of an island became visible on the horizon under the daybreak light.

They had reached Alcatraz Island.