Concealed under the effects of a Grade 4 Artifact, Murphy and Orion watched the scene in front of them in horror.
The military outpost that had been under Murphy's command now burned in flas. Not just any flas.
Black flas!
"This..." Murphy's pale figure trembled. "How did this happen?! No... this can't be!"
While Murphy was reeling in from the terror of watching the town burned to the ground, Orion was thinking about sothing else entirely.
A chill crawled down his spine as he quickly scanned the surroundings. Around him, all he could see was the empty dark skies, and on the ground, the town burned in black flas like an on of disaster.
He quickly realized the danger they might be in. While Murphy rushed to aid him in his battle against Edward, one of their enemies must have slipped past unnoticed and struck here.
The outpost burned to the ground, along with the people inside it.
It was the perfect move!
"We..." Orion subconsciously grabbed Murphy's arm. He then cast Mind Whisper and ntally transmitted.
'We need to leave quickly! Keep the artifact activated, you hear !'
Murphy, who was still reeling from the shock, suddenly realized the intent behind Orion's words. He turned to his colleague, his eyes trembling.
His lips parted, but he quickly strangled the words that were about to co out. Instead, he silently nodded.
A mont later, they turned and flew off in another direction.
anwhile, far in the distance, the mysterious figure continued to follow them...
The Red Wind glided across the sea of clouds.
Under Ansel Grover's guidance, the vessel smoothly cut through the skies.
The leafless tree at the center of the ship humd subtly as it gathered mana from the surroundings and fueled the vessel.
Several Magi had gathered on the upper deck of the ship as they greeted Ulric and his n. They had just been picked from the rendezvous point. Though they were bruised and battered, the triumphant look on their faces was clear. Soldiers stepped forward, clapping shoulders and shaking hands, offering nods and grins. Congratulations ca one after another, on completing the mission, on the success of their strikes over the past few months, and on the damage they had dealt to the enemy's supply lines.
The sa people who used to look at Ulric with slight reservations in their hearts now welcod him with open arms. Actions always spoke louder than words, after all. Ulric, for one, was satisfied with the outco.
There was no loud celebration, but the respect was clearly there. It was undeniable.
Ulric looked around the upper deck and couldn't see their Commander.
He's probably with the Storm King, he thought.
As realization dawned on him, he blurted out, "Where's the Storm King? And Young Master Valerian? Are they back yet? Are they alright?"
The soldiers nodded, then explained to him what had transpired earlier. It was only then that Ulric realized that Valerian had separated from them to take the injured Storm King back to the ship.
Without even bothering to get his injuries looked at, Ulric headed to the depths of the Red Wind, toward Edward's cabin.
He had to see it with his own eyes that Valerian and the Storm King were safe and sound.
Ulric walked through the dimly lit corridors and finally arrived at Edward's cabin.
Knock! Knock!
"It's ," he said softly. "Ulric."
A few monts later, the door creaked open.
Lisa erged at the doorway. She looked at Ulric's blood-stained clothes and pale face with arched brows. But she quickly realized that the man must have been worried sick about his allies.
So she offered him a faint, welcoming smile. "You're back."
"Uh, yes." Ulric awkwardly nodded. "I just wanted to get a look at..."
Lisa shook her head, smiling warmly. "You don't have to explain yourself."
She then stepped aside and made way. "Co in," she whispered.
Ulric straightened his robes and stepped inside.
In the small cabin, Edward lay asleep under the warmth of the blanket. A dim lantern hung on the wooden wall, casting a soft light over his face, as well as the blood-stained bandage wrapped around his head and body.
On the bed beside Edward, Valerian lay curled in a comfortable manner. When he saw Ulric enter, his ears twitched ever so slightly. His lips curled into a
smirk, and he said:
"Look what the cat dragged in."
Seeing him again, Ulric couldn't help but smile as he silently heaved a sigh of relief. He nodded at Valerian and gestured in amusent.
"Look at the cat," he said with a light chuckle.
Lisa took her seat on the chair by the bed. She glanced at Ulric and Valerian and couldn't help but comnt with a light smile, "You both seed to have hit
it off."
Valerian raised his chin slightly and snorted. "Of course! My style is immaculate. Ulric couldn't help but be drawn by it."
Ulric stood by the door, the corner of his lips twitching.
"...Y-Yes, what he said."
Lisa covered her mouth and chuckled in amusent.
Ulric gazed at the unconscious Edward, the deep injuries to his body, his pale
face, and the stable rising and falling of his chest.
"I take it that he's going to be all right?" he asked.
He already knew there were a few capable Herbalists aboard the Red Wind,
after all. The Dark King had recruited the best of the best.
Lisa turned to Edward and softly sighed. She nodded. "Yes, he'll be fine."
She then turned her gaze back to Ulric and added, "You should get yourself
checked as well."
"Right." Ulric nodded. "I will."
For a mont, he lingered near the doorway, eyes drifting once more to
Edward's still form. Then he hesitated briefly, as if weighing whether to ask or
not.
"By the way..." He finally began.
His gaze shifted, settling on the furry, gray cat.
"Where is the Commander?"
Valerian perked up. He turned to Ulric, intently studying him through his
piercing topaz eyes. His lips curled into a slow, wicked grin, and he answered:
"Brother is away at the mont."
"Away?" Ulric couldn't help but frown a little.
"Yes" Valerian nodded, the smugness on his expression only deepening.
"He'll be gone for a while."
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