Klautz knew the significance of the burning sky. It not only brought coolness into one's eyes but cools down one's soul as well. Even the cold winds of the Ice Post failed in comparison to it.

Days and days of talking to his own sword without having any reply was indeed mentally taxing. Klautz would have gone insane if not for this memorable place. He had spent many a night shedding tears of joy and sorrow in this place. And every time he did. It was like all the pain that his body had shielded him from the cold winds as he cried.

*sigh*

Klautz gaze traveled to the woman in his arms as he noticed that she had been staring at him for quite a while.

"What?

"

It didn't pass unnoticed to Verona when Klautz had his gaze on the poor girl. She didn't know what happened between them while she was asleep but she had her own guesses.

If not anything else, reading emotions was indeed Verona's forte. She could always find herself walking in someone else's shoes.

"Klautz, I really am proud of you!

" she beamed.

"Okay?

"

Klautz gave off a wry smile not sure what that was supposed to mean.

But Verona shrugged it off as she rested her head on Klautz's shoulder as if it were her pillow.

"I am glad that you came into my life,

" she whispered as she glanced upon the burning sky.

Klautz's eyes flickered a little. Indeed he had come a long way from his past. He wasn't bound by the shackles that he once had on him. He had someone to call family.

But had Verona known of the evil plans that Klautz was making at that moment. She might have had second thoughts at her own claims.

'Let's see. How should I go about it?'

To lure a fist the bait ought to be used properly. This was not the job of an amateur.

Evelyn had mentioned to Klautz that the ninjas meet her at the horned forest, as long as nothing went wrong. But Klautz thought otherwise.

'In fact, they would have much more of a probability of showing up, if something did go wrong. They would have to inquire for the details from her after all.'

Klautz nodded. It would be riskier than the normal scenario and Evelyn's life would be in mortal peril. But Klautz never cared for her life in the first place. Her life was always hanging at the edge of a blade.

Klautz was certain that the ninjas would make an appearance for no one had died tonight. Evelyn was in his custody meant that everyone back at the camp was safe and sound.

'Now the question is whether she would cooperate or cause trouble.'

Klautz could force her to do it. But there was no telling if she would ** up his plans at the most critical of moments. Klautz hated to have a variable in his plans more than anything.

Klautz walked closer to the girl.

"Evelyn,

" he called out,

"Let's make a deal.

"

The devil had come to strike a deal and what he desired was for her soul.

***

The room had two different beds, both of them were occupied. On one of them, Verona and Klautz lay with each other. But, Klautz's eyes were as sharp as ever. While on the other one, Evelyn was curled up into a ball as she prepared herself for what was about to come.

The atmosphere in the room was a heavy one with Evelyn's heart beating as fast as ever. Was it anxiousness that she felt?… No, it was indeed fear.

She had brushed through death many times in her life but no matter how many days passed, its effect never gets old. Such was the effect of the fear of death on those whose life had no purpose.

Verona's lips pursed but she had no words to speak to quell the heavy atmosphere. She could only pass on silent gestures to prove her worries.

The heavy air around them spoke for itself and there were no words that rebuke its glory.

Klautz took out a paper from his pocket as he glanced at it again to confirm its contents. The paper this time was a shorter one but its contents were not any less shocking.

I am not sure if you had any progress on your pursuit. But in case you do, you would be needing more hands to help you with this. I have sent three of my men in your aid. They will work under your command. Depending on your success your bonuses and privileges would be reassessed.

Your Employer,

Ueda Akihiko.

Klautz knitted his brows upon reading the letter.

'He knows.'

Klautz had always made sure that no ninja was lurking over him. So there was no way Akihiko could have kept an eye on Klautz without employing extremely strong ninjas on such a petty mission.

'That leads to only one conclusion.'

Akihiko was making wild guesses if one judges from his tone. But his guesses were spot on so much so that Klautz was having second thoughts on his assessment.

Klautz indeed needed some hands to help him and he was planning to get them from somewhere else.

'But fortunately, there would be no need for that anymore.' Klautz thought.

What was even more shocking was the fact that Akihiko was willing to go through such means in all of this. Was it because of his rivalry with Kishiogakure? Klautz thought but he had little to no clues in regards to that.

The clock struck six and so did begin the ringing of the alarm.

Evelyn turned to sneak a glance at Klautz and Klautz did the same. They both gazed into each other's eyes as they nodded in perfect sync.

***

Author:

Creation is hard for authors. Cheer me up with your power stones.

Let me know about your thoughts on the chapter in the comments sections.