Chapter 572: He has a contract mark on him

Sinon's ears twitched at the familiar name that came from Carcel's mouth, and he whipped his head towards the man.

"Nine???"

His booming voice not only caught the attention of those nearby but also prompted Alec, Lara, Mia, Regius, Zron, Susan, and Yon to follow Carcel's gaze. Their eyes sparkled with excitement because although they couldn't see Nine's face, they noticed Yue and Jian floating towards the figure in the hoodie!

Sinon spread out his wings and disappeared with a hearty laugh to soar towards the man in the hoodie. Carcel and the others also vanished behind him. In the end, only Zron, Yon, and Susan remained standing before the chairs set within the towering walls. The three old figures' eyes displayed relief as they witnessed the younger ones reunite with their old friends who had been separated.

Nine gasped with a wide smile. His throat felt dry from all the shouting, but it was worth it when he saw Jian and Yue approaching him. However, the red-haired man paused in mid-air in the distance, his eyes widening with shock and joy as he looked behind Nine.

Nine blinked, wondering why he had stopped. Usually, Jian was the first to initiate a brotherly hug among them. He tried to tilt his head back to see what had caused the red-haired man to pause, but before he could, a swift presence he sensed but couldn't react to in time crashed into him from behind.

Nine almost coughed up blood from the impact and lost his balance mid-air. However, just as he was about to fall, someone seized the back of his hoodie, causing it to slip off his head, revealing the brown hair and golden eyes. Then, a familiar voice resonated in his ears.

"Wow, wow, it's really Nine, guys! Haha!"

Sinon released his grip on his hoodie and leaned forward to study his face with a broad grin and sparkling eyes.

Nine's fists, which had clenched in readiness to strike the audacious person who had knocked the wind out of him, relaxed. His heart filled with joy as he identified the familiar features of his long-lost, somewhat foolish friend.

"You... Nevermind..."

He reached out to grab the shoulder of the winged man staring at him and hugged Sinon tightly, feeling the warmth of their friendship rekindle after so long apart. Jian quickly joined the duo and wrapped his arms around their necks.

Alec, Regius, and Carcel glanced at each other and followed suit. Mia and Lara approached Yue and embraced the elven woman before inquiring about her whereabouts and well-being. The girls smiled as they floated together, enjoying the heartwarming reunion of the six men. They were laughing and catching up with each other, their arms draped over each other's shoulders in mid-air, completely unconcerned about the numerous judgmental stares fixed upon them.

Alec, Regius, and Carcel glanced at each other and followed suit. Mia and Lara approached Yue and embraced the elven woman before inquiring about her whereabouts and well-being. The girls smiled as they floated together, enjoying the heartwarming reunion of the six men. They were laughing and catching up with each other, their arms draped over each other's shoulders in mid-air, completely unconcerned about the numerous judgmental stares fixed upon them.

Whispers fluttered through the surroundings as the onlookers swiftly distanced themselves from the group in reunion.

"What's happening over there?"

"Seems like they've lost their minds..."

"Why are they so joyous though... it seems like a reunion, but in the Gladiator Arena, one wouldn't anticipate such happiness."

"I have a feeling this group might be targeted by the dark side now, especially the demons. After all, they can't stand seeing such tranquility."

The atmosphere resonated with laughter and joyful tears as the group reunited.

Old Hal, seated in front of the mermaid statue, observed the heartwarming scene below. A smile graced his face, for although uncertain, he had a premonition that they all shared a connection.

Ned and others in cream-colored robes behind him also witnessed the scene - some smiled, some sneered, while others simply looked away with indifference.

Ceano and Will, the two shadow generals, also took note of the sudden wave of happiness in the air. Their eyes immediately shifted towards the group laughing and conversing with each other in mid-air.

Will rested his hand under his chin, his ivory-colored eyes gleaming lazily as he admired the beautiful and warm scene.

"It's so touching that I'm tempted to have them witness each other's death. I wonder how they would react then... would they help each other or run away to protect themselves?"

Ceano fixed his gaze on the man.

"They would flee. It's natural for every living being to prioritize their safety and sacrifice others to ensure their own survival..."

He stopped for a second and squinted as he observed Nine's silhouette.

"He belongs to the same race as me, but why does his presence feel familiar, almost as if I have encountered him before?"

Will tilted his head to stare at Nine.

"He's from the mer race? Well, it's hard to recognize the people of that race because on land they usually stay in their human form. But why do you feel like you have seen him before... he isn't even strong enough to stand before you."

His lips curled upward.

"How about we discuss the one with blue hair? I believe you can also feel that he has a contract mark on him. That means we can control him. Now, the Gladiator Arena is going to be a bit enjoyable."

Ceano shook his head at his words. It seems Will found a target to play with and pass his time until the gate of the 'Lost Treasure Tomb' opens.

In the middle of the crowd, Alec, who suddenly felt a chill down his spine, looked back with furrowed brows. Nine noticed his expression and asked what happened. The group had decided to sit together and were heading towards some empty seats when Zron, Yon, and Susan joined them.

The lizard race members who had come with Nine gave him some side eyes when he mentioned he found his friends and would be sitting with them. Wesley and the elves with Yue were a bit worried about her, but since she was sitting not too far from them, they allowed her to join the group she introduced as her friends. Meanwhile, Xavier and the two humans who had been with Jian decided to sit with the red-haired man after getting to know his friends.

Alec shook his head at Nine, composed his expression, and asked Jian with a smile.

"Anyway... what about Kyle and Bia? Both Kyle and Bia disappeared with you as well. So, why is it that I can see you and Yue but not that silver-haired man?"