Love At The Wrong Table

The Standoff in the Ancient Woods

Amethyst sneered, voice dripping with icy disdain. “Aora’s plan, lying in wait

like the mantis stalking the cicada, only to be preyed upon by the oriole…

Brilliant.” The sarcasm in the tone was unmistakable, a mix of amusement

and derision.

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Azure, however, sounded more hesitant. “But I’m not sure Gwain will be easy

to handle. The Southern Lannister and Northern Wolf Warrior–ranked

alongside Emmanuel. If we provoke that one, who knows what chaos might

follow?”

Aora chuckled lightly, brimming with arrogance. “Heh, from my point of view,

there’s nothing special about Gwain. Just someone skilled at taking down

weaker opponents.”

The boastful tone was undeniable, yet beneath it lingered a flicker of Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

uncertainty.

Azure was silently startled. Was Aora truly confident enough to take on Gwain,

or was this just empty bravado? After all, Aora had suffered defeat at

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The Standoff in the Ancient Woods

Emmanuel’s hands twice before, wounds to both pride and skill.

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Amethyst joined in, their laughter soft but cutting. “Indeed. No matter how

strong Gwain may be, dealing with their trio will surely be easier than facing

those strange, skilled individuals from the Summerton family when they

resurfaced. And if they manage to weaken each other in the process, we can

swoop in and reap the benefits without lifting a finger.”

The four of them continued their scheming, unwilling to move forward. They

knew all too well that should they be discovered, they too might get caught

up in the maelstrom of the battle that was brewing.

Meanwhile, Julian, Ashton, and Roselynn were gripped by fear, hearts

pounding as they stood frozen in place. Any one of the masters surrounding

them could end their lives with ease, a thought that gnawed at their nerves.

Luckily for them, none of the fighters spared a glance in their direction.

Curiosity burned within them–who was truly the stronger one? Gwain or Emmanuel? But as mere novices, they had no means of understanding the

The Standoff in the Ancient Woods

depth of these warriors‘ strength. How could they possibly judge the prowess

of such titans?

Their eyes eventually turned to Wyatt. After all, Emmanuel had once fought

Wyatt and emerged victorious, though not without difficulty.

As they watched, it became clear that among the trio, Wyatt was indeed the

weakest. Handling three or four opponents at once seemed to push him to

the brink, and on more than one occasion, death loomed close.

Meanwhile, Gwain continued to fend off multiple foes, all while managing to

save Wyatt’s life. The contrast between the two could not have been starker.

As the night deepened, shadows lengthened, and the growing darkness

tipped the balance further against those with fewer numbers.

Finally, Gwain’s voice rang out, sharp and cold, slicing through the tension.

“We hold no personal grudges. But if you’re determined to fight to the death,

don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

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The Standoff in the Ancient Woods

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In one fluid motion, Gwain unsheathed a sword, its gleaming blade reflecting

the cold light of the moon. The air around them seemed to grow heavier, the

temperature plunging as a palpable chill swept across the field.

No one dared to advance. The terrifying, bone–chilling intent emanating from

Gwain was too much for even the bravest to withstand.

“So… So powerful…” Ashton whispered in awe, voice barely audible. It was

undeniable now–Gwain was stronger than Emmanuel, who had once

claimed the title of Grandmaster of Nuthana. It was not just stronger; Gwain’s

strength seemed overwhelming.

A sudden shout shattered the silence. “Stop!” Gary, realizing that even their

overwhelming numbers would not be enough to bring Gwain down without

immense losses, made a quick decision. Even if they could kill Hank and

Wyatt, too many would fall to Gwain.

“Gwain, we do not quarrel with you. If you’re determined to enter the Ancient

Woods Hall, so be it! But mark my words–if you die in there, don’t turn around

and claim we did not warn you! Let’s go!”

The Standoff in the Ancient Woods

With a single order from Gary, over a hundred experts vanished into the night

leaving no trace, even the wounded disappearing into the shadows as if they

had never been.

Julian and Roselynn hurried to help Ashton to their feet, quickly retreating

deeper into the mountains alongside Gary and the others.

Gwain and the companions no longer bothered with stealth, their steps bald

as they pressed forward.

“Move out,” Gwain commanded with quiet authority.

Behind them, the four emissaries continued to trail at a distance, their

curiosity unquenched. What exactly was hidden within the Ancient Woods?

Why had modern technology failed to detect any structures, while the place

teemed with so many people?

Emmanuel’s curiosity was just as intense, if not more. By this time, they had

arrived at the entrance to the Ancient Woods, Sage by their side.

The Standoff in the Ancient Winds

The forest loomed ahead, dark and dense, its depths shrouded in an

impenetrable blackness. Even the most advanced military–grade lights could

barely carve a path through the heavy veil of night.

“Commander, this forest is a barren wilderness, tangled and overgrown like a

living maze. Legends say that none who enter ever return. It’s not wise to

proceed at night,” Sage cautioned, fully aware of the commander’s strength

but still concerned about the danger ahead.

Emmanuel, however, was resolute. “My sister might be inside. Other than y

son, she’s the only family I have left. I can’t wait.”

Sage had no choice but to comply, leading a small team equipped with

tracking devices and lighting gear as they carefully ventured into the

pitch–black forest, navigating through the thick, oppressive air.

In the shadowy heart of the Ancient Woods, four distinct groups pressed

forward, each on their path, driven by personal motives. Some moved

quickly, others with caution, but all were headed toward the same unknown