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Chapter 234  Resignations

"Benvar discovered it," Yeleana mentioned, nodding towards Benny before continuing, "But the concern isn't who found out. It's why you didn't inform us in the first place and why you even ventured off." Her tone carried suspicion.

Keyara settled into a seat beside her and directed her attention to her uncle, Robert, asking, "Are you curious too, Uncle Robert?"

"Yeah," he responded with a slight smile.

"Then I can simply say I deviated from the path because I discovered a secret location with a significant amount of noxlight. Don't ask me where I obtained the information; you just need to acknowledge it's legit," Keyara explained while warming her hands by the fire.

Despite her request not to inquire further, the silver-haired man couldn't resist asking, "Why can't you reveal the source of your information?"

"I can't disclose that. As I mentioned, all you need to know is that it's not dangerous and there are no traps," she replied, avoiding any details that might increase their.

They had some trust in her since she was running the Demitia family now, but these five were still kinda outsiders, except for her uncle Ken, who was family but at a distance. Yelena was her mom's buddy, and Stuart and Benny had joined the Demitia crew a couple of years back. Even though they had some trust in her, they weren't willing to risk their lives based solely on her say-so.

Yelena, seeing Keyara's reluctance to spill more, let out a sigh. "Well, don't count on us sticking around if things go south."

"I won't," Keyara replied with a smile. Despite their long association with the Demitia family, they didn't exactly feel like part of the family. But there wasn't much choice for her; she had to accept it, despite the trust she need their power to keep their name afloat. In the days of her father and grandfather, the Demitia family stood tall in Lucima City. However, they took a step back after her parents passed away, as often happens in these family stories.

But Keyara had taken it upon herself to bring them back up. No longer just a hunting party like in the old days, her strength alone had granted them a significant standing in Lucima City's power structure. This adventure into Chernbog's Den was aimed at securing substantial progress. Having accomplished the crucial task of enrolling her niece, she pondered whether these individuals were still essential to the family's journey forward.

She couldn't help but feel a tinge of self-interest. But then again, in their world, everyone was here for their own gain. Even when they agreed to accompany her to Chernobog's Den before she unveiled the information about the merchant, they were here for the potential benefits she could offer. It wasn't borne out of genuine concern. Even now, their presence here was more a result of her own and her grandmother's strength than any true loyalty or investment on their part.

"So, anything else?" she inquired, pondering the activities of Kevin and Keith in the tent.

"Nothing for now," Yelena began, her voice tinged with a mix of understanding and resignation. "But Keyara, girl, I get it. We're just the hired hands here." She paused before continuing with a sigh. "So, Robert and I have made a decision. We're planning to leave the Demitia family after we return from Chernobog's Den, I promised your mother to protect you two girls, but now you need it."

Keyara had already been aware of their intentions, so she simply nodded in acknowledgment. Ken, seated nearby, chimed in, "Me too. I've enjoyed my time here, but there isn't much for me anymore. Sure, your niece is at one of the finest cultivation academies, but I made a promise to her father that I'd protect her until she was strong enough to fend for herself. Now that she doesn't need it, I don't see much purpose in staying. I'm only here to gather the agreed amount of Noxlight flowers owed to the merchant for Kari's safe travels."

Keyara was well aware of Ken's situation. Despite sharing the family name, he wasn't actually part of her family. His wife hailed from one of the most influential families in Lucima City, making his decision to join her understandable.

As their discussion drew to a close, the night air enveloped the small circle gathered around the campfire. The crackling flames cast dancing shadows on their faces as they sat in contemplative silence. With their conversation ending, the group fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their own thoughts as the fire crackled before them. After a few moments, Ken broke the silence, announcing, "I'm going to turn in for the night. Good night, everyone."

"Us too," Robert agreed, nodding to Yelena as they headed off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Benny and Stuart remained on lookout duty, their watchful eyes scanning the surroundings. Keyara, however, found herself deep in contemplation. Her Demitia family still had members, but she knew their numbers would significantly dwindle upon their return from this journey.

Keyara, left alone with her thoughts, contemplated the implications of their departure. The Demitia family, once a thriving force in Lucima City, had steadily declined after the loss of her parents. She had taken the reins and, with her own strength, rebuilt their standing in the city's power hierarchy. Yet, their numbers were about to dwindle further upon their return from this expedition.

Should she continue leading the family, fighting to uphold its legacy and restore its former glory? Or should she branch out as an independent cultivator, carving her own path free from familial ties? The prospect of both choices pulled at her, each holding its own set of challenges and opportunities.

The night wore on as she deliberated, her mind spinning with the weight of responsibility and the allure of newfound freedom. Lost in the labyrinth of thoughts, she unconsciously remained outside the tent, the fire's glow becoming a companion to her contemplation under the star-studded sky.