Considering the possibility that Cesar's message had only been sent to lure them away from Millfall, the Commanders were silent for a moment.
They agreed with Commander Peter Asper that if they all went to The Vile Altar, they could do what their enemy wanted.
"That's a possibility." Arthur agreed. "But there's also the possibility that Cesar sent us this message to confuse us. Maybe he wants us to leave Millfall so his men can use the 3rd-stage herb. Or maybe he wants us to distrust him and stay here while he gets rid of that resource."
Peter and Christopher clenched their fists as they considered this, realizing Cesar was playing with them.
"So what do we do? If we leave Millfall to go to The Vile Altar, we risk losing the herb to someone in Millfall. But if we stay here, we also run the risk of Cesar selling 'our' herb." Christopher Hogan commented with uncertainty in his heart.
Then Alex Regan, the fourth there, gave his opinion. "We don't have any leads on Cesar, much less can we search the city for 3rd-stage weed. It could literally be anywhere. After all, we don't have Cesar's real identity.
But while we can't say where it is or if Cesar is playing us, we do have a course of action.
We can't concentrate our entire group on traveling to The Vile Altar or staying in Millfall. So I suggest that one of us stay in town and watch the Mazzanti family's movements. The rest of us should make our way to The Vile Altar."
"Oh? Will that be enough?" Arthur Hogan didn't think it would be so bad for them to split up like that, but he thought they could split up more evenly. "Why don't we leave two of us here and two go to The Vile Altar?"
Alex shook his head negatively when he heard this question. "Cesar is cunning. If he wants to be at The Vile Altar, we can't just send two of us. Don't forget that he overpowered the basilisk single-handedly."
"But just one of us won't be able to handle the basilisk," Arthur commented.
"Maybe we won't have to deal with it. But if we do, try to contact Viscount Symons. The Symons family has their own problems with the Mazzanti family. If Cesar's men turn out to be with the 3rd-stage weed, the one of us who stays here can seek the Viscount's help." Alex commented as he looked at Christopher.
"That could work," Christopher commented with a pensive expression. "But what if the herb is neither in Millfall nor at The Vile Altar?"
"Then we've already lost it, and there's nothing we can do. Our only option is to risk going to The Vile Altar." Alex said, thinking Cesar had no reason to lead them to such a place without intending to deal with them there.
Cesar already knew they were looking for him. So what would a person like him do in such a situation?
Would he hide and run away from these men? That might not be interesting because, like it or not, Cesar was acting in a city of the kingdom, and these men were soldiers of the most important force in the state.
Having unresolved issues with these soldiers could become a big problem for Cesar in the future!
So, what approach would someone like him take? Eliminate the problem with a confrontation, or rather a trap!
These soldiers also didn't want to maintain a bad situation with someone like Cesar. Since he had already noticed their hostile intentions, he would take revenge sooner or later. As people worried about the future, they preferred to eliminate him now he had already shown himself to be talented and opposed to them!
Therefore, even though they knew there would probably be a trap for them, they were willing to risk going to The Evil Altar!
"Okay. Let's do what Alex suggested. Chris, you stay in Millfall." Arthur looked at his younger brother, and everyone there agreed since Christopher was the local Commander and knew the area best. "The rest of us will see what damned Cesar has in mind."
...
A few minutes later...
Mark and Victor rushed to where the rest of their group was supposed to be.
After hours of investigating the local situation, they understood the presence of a 3rd-stage beast on the Mazzanti estate, as well as some recent changes in the town.
Returning to their group to plan their next move, they were on the run when they suddenly stopped as they felt powerful auras pass in front of them at high speed.
"Mages?" Victor looked at the group of three men running towards one of Millfall's exits.
"Not only that. They are soldiers of the kingdom. But what are they doing?" Mark knew about the basilisk hunt. But given Cesar's situation, these Commanders should leave Millfall and return to their respective posts now that everything was settled.
"Forget it. Let's get back to the group." Victor started moving again, and Mark followed shortly after until they reached a tavern where the rest of their group was.
Arriving there, they were confronted with a situation that was a bit different from what they had expected.
"Huh? What's going on here? Where are the bosses?" Victor asked when he saw that only half of the group was there.
Mark's old friend looked at the man and Victor. "Our leaders have seen an opportunity and are leaving temporarily. In the meantime, we'll continue to prepare for action against Miss Barber's kidnapper."
"What?" Mark frowned. "If we don't act as soon as possible, that damned Cesar will get stronger. His family has become the strongest in the local underworld and has virtually no competition! If we don't act quickly, they'll grow big enough to survive even..."
"Even us?" Mark's old friend laughed. "You're dreaming. Mark? There's no way the Mazzanti family can get that big... Anyway, if you want to know why, I'll tell you. It's because of Cesar. We discovered a few minutes ago that he may have a 3rd-stage herb."
"What?" Victor exclaimed as he looked at the level 5 Acolyte, not expecting to hear such a thing when he returned to his group.
"Are you serious?" Mark's expression changed as he understood what could move even Mages.
