"I can say that one of our people was investigating your guild masters and they returned yesterday after being found out," Gustavo said. "However, your friends didn’t come after them."

"Why wouldn’t they? Didn’t your friend attack them?" Terry asked.

"No, it was someone else," Gustavo said and then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "According to my spy, the assassin failed to get them... or tried to look like they failed and ran away toward where my spy was, probably to incriminate them."

"That is very suspicious and convenient, don’t you think?" Terry asked.

Terry’s mind raced, caught in the intricate web of suspicion and uncertainty. The timing of these events was far from coincidental. The possibility of attempting to incriminate Gustavo and his camp held an air of calculated manipulation – someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes, orchestrating a situation that could potentially lead to conflict. It was a game of shadows, a manipulation of perception and truth.

In the midst of these swirling doubts, Terry considered another layer of complexity. He knew well enough that the world wasn’t black and white; alliances, motives, and benefits could be intricately intertwined. If both sides were set on a collision course, who would benefit from the chaos that would ensue? Were there factions that thrived on division and discord among the humans, weakening them while they faced the very real threats from otherworldly enemies?

Terry’s instincts told him that there were many unknown variables at play, and that made it all the more important to approach every situation with caution. He had grown weary of trusting words and appearances, especially those that came from Louis.

"I guess so, but I suppose you can’t prove that I am lying," Gustavo said. "Putting this odd situation aside, I can tell that you are worried about me and my relic that makes myself and others stronger. That is why I decided to investigate those who might want to take it from me."

"I don’t need it, but I was planning on destroying it if you used it for the wrong reasons," Terry declared.

Terry and Gustavo looked at each other. It was easy to tell that Terry was telling the truth, but Gustavo also felt suspicious since few people knew about the relic. The information that he had didn’t say that the guilds of North America were investigating other places in the world, after all.

Not only that, Terry was by far the most suspicious person in the world right now, he didn’t awaken his trait more than half a year ago and now he was already influencing the world. From Gustavo’s perspective, he was the person to be wary of.

The tension in the air was palpable as Gustavo’s soldiers formed a defensive line, weapons at the ready, their gazes fixed firmly on Terry, Rebecca, and Vanessa. The trio’s arrival had triggered a defensive response, understandable given the circumstances. It seemed like the situation was on the brink of escalating into a confrontation.

However, just as the standoff reached its peak, an unexpected sound shattered the tense atmosphere – Gustavo’s hearty laughter. The booming laughter echoed across the camp, a stark contrast to the rigid posture of his soldiers. Terry, Rebecca, and Vanessa exchanged surprised glances, their confusion mirrored in the expressions of the soldiers.

Gustavo’s laughter continued for a few moments, leaving everyone momentarily taken aback. The soldiers exchanged puzzled looks, uncertain whether they were witnessing their leader’s sanity slipping or if something else entirely was at play. Terry’s hand instinctively moved closer to his weapon, prepared for any sudden developments.

"Sorry, sorry. I just couldn’t help it," Gustavo said and then took a deep breath to recompose himself. "It is rare to find honest people nowadays when they have such clear intentions of causing trouble to you. Well, if you are that doubtful, we can welcome you to check our base for as long as you want. Naturally, we will have to keep a closer look on your group."

"I don’t mind," Terry said. "I won’t demand anything unreasonable since I dislike unreasonable people. Why don’t we talk as we check your camp for my friends."

"I don’t mind, if you don’t mind answering some questions as well, that is," Gustavo said.

"Like I said, I am reasonable," Terry replied.

Gustavo moved away from the center of the gate and then the group began to cross it. Rebecca and Vanessa were ready to use their magic at a moment’s notice, so they decided to let Terry do the talking. That might not be the best of the ideas, but that was their best option to escape alive from the camp if a fight breaks out.

People moved with purpose, each engaged in various tasks that contributed to the camp’s operation. It was a hive of activity that gave the impression of a well-organized community. The sights and sounds of the camp were a stark contrast to the tense standoff that had greeted their arrival.

Skinning knives flashed in the hands of skilled hunters as they meticulously removed hides and scales from the fallen monsters. The hunters worked in pairs, their coordination evident in their efficient movements. Skinned hides were neatly stacked, ready to be processed further.

Nearby, a group of individuals was focused on the task of weapon maintenance. Swords and blades of various sizes were carefully honed and polished, their gleaming surfaces a testament to the craftsmanship of their owners. The sound of metal meeting metal filled the air as the blades were expertly cared for.

A makeshift forge emitted a warm glow as a blacksmith worked diligently to shape a piece of metal into a new weapon. The rhythmic clang of the hammer against the anvil echoed through the camp, a testament to the camp’s self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.

Amidst the activity, a pair of individuals worked in harmony to sort and organize supplies. Barrels of provisions were being cataloged, ensuring that the camp’s stock remained ample and prepared for any eventuality. It was a task that required precision and attention to detail. Still, there was something off in that place...