Reincarnated in the Astral World

Chapter 138: In the Woods

A few minutes ago.

Eliza signals to her brothers, who quickly reach her at the entrance of the mansion. Both seem concerned, but Tobias is the first to speak. "What's the problem, Sis? What did that woman tell you?"

She looks around before speaking in a low tone. "Don't make a fuss, but we have a problem."

Preston realizes the situation is serious and furrows his brow. "What is it about?"

"The Drummonds," she says solemnly. "They're here for us."

Both Tobias and Preston are confused. "But wasn't it you who invited them-"

"Not those with Josephine, of course," she quickly interrupts them. "I'm talking about the Drummonds from Saltstone."

"Damn!" Tobias exclaims, his expression becoming more apprehensive.

Preston looks a bit skeptical, though. "How did they get here so quickly? That seems unlikely..."

"No," Eliza shakes her head. "That woman didn't lie, they're here to kill us."

"Who would act so quickly?" Tobias wonders.

"Freyna probably," Preston comments, also looking thoughtful.

"Or Marcos..." Eliza responds. "Either way, they're here to start a damn war, and we can't let our side start off losing."

Preston's gaze becomes sharp and determined, but Tobias doesn't seem as courageous. "But we didn't come prepared for a war against the main Drummonds! How many Champions did they send, anyway??"

"Calm down, Tobias!" Eliza raises her voice for a second before speaking quietly again. "We'll handle them personally, now is not the time to be a little spoiled boy."

"I don't care what you think, Eliza! I don't want to die here because of such a stupid mistake!" Tobias starts to panic. "Shit! You guys said no one would attack us on our territory... this was supposed to be just to punish Emilio's killer... Shit! Shit! Shit!!"

*PAH*

Eliza steps toward Tobias and slaps his face. "Now is not the time to panic. We'll deal with this! Or do you think our father got where he is by avoiding his enemies and hiding like a coward?"

"She's right, Tobias," Preston glances at Eliza with a loving look. "We are the Whittlee, and we'll deal with our enemies as always, but..." His expression becomes thoughtful. "What about that woman? Couldn't she help if things get ugly?"

"AMBUSH!!!"

Preston tries to warn the group while raising his sword, followed by Tobias. Eliza reacts next, raising a magical barrier around them.

*Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh*

She acts quickly but not quickly enough to protect all the guards, and most of them are struck by silent black arrows that emerge from the darkness with incredible speed, their tips made of enchanted metal.

*Thud* *Thud* *Thud* *Thud*

Ten guards fall with fatal shots before hitting the ground, leaving only the two closest to the siblings saved by Eliza's barrier.

"Damn!!!" Tobias exclaims, his hands trembling around the hilt of his fancy sword.

Preston looks in various directions where the arrows came from and can now hear dozens of hurried footsteps between the trees. "They're coming!"

"Prepare yourselves!" Eliza exclaims as she grabs her magical scepter and starts placing white runes around the group.

The tension rises as the group prepares for more sneak attacks, but no more arrows come from the shadows. The sounds of footsteps grow louder until they begin to stop.

Silence grows again, making Eliza's group even more tense.

"We know you're there!" Preston shouts into the shadows. "What? I didn't think the Drummonds were such cowards..."

"Tsk!" A tongue click comes from the shadows, followed by a deep male voice. "Spoiled and foolish children, that sums up the Whittlee! I'm just having a little fun before finishing you off."

"If we're children, show yourself and face us head-on," Eliza says calmly, her fingers dancing around the scepter in her hand.

"Of course, sweetheart..." The deep voice sounds again, but what emerges from the shadows with heavy steps is a large green-scaled reptile, something resembling a lizard the size of a bull.

The creature opens its mouth towards the siblings, revealing dozens of sharp green teeth and hissing with a long snake-like tongue.

Behind the giant lizard, a few people emerge, led by a tall man with medium dark brown hair wearing practical yet stylish leather clothes, though dusty.

When Eliza sees that man, her expression grows darker. "Marcos... I knew only trash like you would bring assassins to a party."

"Oh dear, you hurt my feelings like that..." He shakes his head with a fake sad expression while holding a black wooden and shiny steel crossbow. "Especially since there were already many assassins among your honorable guests..."