After a long silence, Rose finally asked, “Where is Tony’s body?”
“Tony’s body has already been taken by the people from Bluecrystal City,” Kent replied.
“Have someone keep an eye on them to ensure they actually bury Tony’s body properly. Also, make arrangements to place Tony in the Hall of Heroes of our Death Legion.”
“One last thing—tell our people to withdraw,” Rose said, her tone calm and composed as she gave her instructions.
Kent stood to the side, jotting down everything Rose said. It wasn’t until Rose was ready to leave that he looked up, surprised.
This campaign had almost reached its conclusion, with only Bluecrystal City remaining. Victory was so close, yet Rose was now ordering a retreat?
“Miss Rose, are we really withdrawing?” Kent asked, uncertain and in disbelief, needing to confirm her decision.
“Yes, withdraw,” Rose said firmly, glancing at Tony’s final letter. There was no point in attacking Bluecrystal City now. It was better to retreat early. Besides, her father had sent for her, and she couldn’t afford to be late.
In Bluecrystal City, a body covered in a white sheet lay in the center of the Lord’s Mansion.
“You… You’re so cruel! Tony was your own son! Why… Why did you push him to his death?” a weeping woman cried, her voice heavy with accusation.
The lord of Bluecrystal City, a middle-aged man, sat silently, his face devoid of expression.
He let the woman’s scolding wash over him without uttering a single word in response. His eyes were dull and lifeless, as though his mind had drifted far away.
At that moment, a soldier rushed in. “Lord of the city, the Death Legion has withdrawn.”
“Withdrawn?” The lord’s voice was tinged with disbelief. Why would the Death Legion retreat so easily? Could this be a trap?
Another soldier hurried in and added, “Lord, the Death Legion has completely departed.”
The lord sighed deeply, finally accepting the truth. “What a tragedy… such a tragedy…” he murmured, casting a glance at his son’s lifeless body.
“No matter what Tony may have done in the past, now… lay him to rest in the family tomb. It was his actions that compelled the Death Legion to leave.”
In a desert, a group of people was trudging through the blustering winds and sandstorms. The violent tempest made it nearly impossible to determine their location. These were no ordinary travelers—the aura emanating from them was powerful.
“Milord, we’re almost there. The Darkwind Beast should be just ahead,” one of them said.
In the western regions, violent storms often ravaged the cities.
While some storms were natural, others were caused by magical beasts. The black sandstorms plaguing these lands were the work of such creatures, known locally as Darkwind Beasts.
Darkwind Beasts were capable of unleashing massive black sandstorms, which locals saw as harbingers of bad luck.
Whenever the black sand rose, people avoided going outside.
But this group was an exception. They moved purposefully through the desert, undeterred by the storm.
The Darkwind Beast, known also as the Calamity Beast, had plagued the region for decades. This group had already slain several Darkwind Beasts, and this last one was their final target.
Reed, holding a long spear, led the group. Years ago, he had risen to fame as the first Spear King of the arena, earning a reputation so fearsome that challengers became scarce.
The thrill of combat in the arena faded, and Reed turned his sights to hunting magical beasts instead.
His first solo hunt had been a Darkwind Beast. Over time, his feats attracted followers who admired his strength and charisma.
Now, with only one Darkwind Beast remaining, they were close to completing their mission.
The group reached the area where the Darkwind Beast was located.
Reed’s sharp gaze immediately locked onto the creature. Without hesitation, he raised his spear and charged.
Sensing danger, the Darkwind Beast ceased spewing its black sandstorm and turned to attack Reed.
Fierce winds carrying sharp sand lashed at Reed, cutting into his skin. Yet Reed pressed forward, breaking through the beast’s wind-based defenses to close the distance.
With a single, thunderous thrust of his spear, Reed struck the Darkwind Beast. The creature, which had terrorized the region for decades, fell to the ground, lifeless.
“Reed! Reed!” The group erupted in cheers, chanting his name with unbridled enthusiasm. Their voices echoed across the desert like a thunderous roar.
Amid the rough cheers of the men, a distinctly softer voice called out, “Amazing! Reed is incredible! He’s so cool!”
Reed immediately identified the source of the voice and turned his gaze. Sure enough, it was Nina, who grinned at him upon being noticed.
“Nina?” he asked, surprised.
“Yes, Reed, it’s been a while,” Nina said, waving casually.
“It has been a while. Last I heard, you left with the headmaster. Where have you been all this time?” Reed asked.
“We went north, across the snow-capped mountains and the icy plains, to the Winterrealm. It was a fascinating place,” Nina replied with a smile. She recounted her journey, filled with intriguing encounters and new friendships.
“Sounds like quite an adventure,” Reed remarked, visibly impressed. Then, as if remembering something important, he asked, “Wait, since you’re here, does that mean the headmaster has returned to the academy?”
“Yes, the headmaster returned long ago. I’m here on a mission to find you,” Nina explained.
“A mission?” Reed inquired.
“Exactly. The headmaster wants all of you to return to the academy. There’s an important matter that requires everyone’s attention.”
Hearing Nina’s serious tone, Reed nodded. “Understood. I’ll leave this afternoon.”
“Wait, aren’t you going to organize your forces before you leave? From what I’ve seen, the cities in the western region are all incredibly loyal to you,” Nina said, surprised.
Reed shrugged. “No need. They’re adults, not children. A simple message will suffice.”
Nina was momentarily stunned by his nonchalant response. Even her Coven couldn’t command such loyalty with so little effort. Reed’s personal charisma, it seemed, was a league above.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you,” Nina added with a teasing smile. “When we get back, we’ll likely be traveling with the headmaster to plant trees all over the world.”
“Plant trees all over the world?” Reed repeated, utterly perplexed.
Noticing his confusion, Nina quickly said, “Don’t worry about it. You’ll understand when you return. Anyway, I need to find Nora next. See you later!”
With that, Nina vanished, leaving Reed watching enviously. “What a convenient ability,” he muttered.
In the underground prison of Karea, Nora sat silently in one of the cells, dressed in her signature red attire. She had been there for some time, her expression unreadable.
“She still refuses to represent Karea Academy in battle? Stubborn woman!” an elderly voice grumbled.
“No kidding! If it weren’t for the higher-ups forbidding us from using force, this would’ve been resolved long ago,” another voice replied.
“Have you investigated her family or friends? Perhaps we can use them as leverage,” the elder suggested.
“We’re working on it. Results should come in soon…”