“Eline.”

Susan couldn’t bear to let Eline leave, but she knew that Eline had feelings for Shin.

“From what we know, not including Shin, they are all above the Emperor Stage.”

“You will be the only Cultivation Warrior. I will give everything the la Ville which might help you.”

A ring appeared in Susan's palm, she presented it to Eline which stood in front of her.

“Is that fine?”

Eline was slightly shocked, she knew how much treasures the la Ville family has accumulated during these past years.

Susan nodded and placed the white ring with green engravings in Eline’s hand.

“This is the least I can do for you.”

“Please be careful.”

The Kingdom of Leran

The palace

Thousands upon thousands were in the palace, eating soup from bowls.

Not many spoke, only a murmur could be heard from time to time.

The one watching them was the red-haired emperor – Leo Lenan.

He had a frown on his face as he was glancing out the window and back at his citizens.

“How’s the situation?”

Leo didn’t turn around while asking.

Tharia which stood behind Leo answered in a calm voice.

“A large part of the Kingdom is in ruins; more and more refugees are streaming to the capital.”

“What about our resources?”

Still, in a daze, Leo asked Tharia.

“We have enough for now if we include the citizen which might come here, we could last for three years.”

Tharia’s voice sounded bitter as she shook her head.

Leo nodded.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly before asking.

“What about Alizad?”

Tharia froze for a second, she took a deep breath before answering Leo.

“The capital is in a bad shape, some of their citizens have already escaped to the other Kingdoms nearby for protection.”

“Also…”

“Also what?”

Leo's eyes narrowed, inclining Tharia to continue.

“A report just came in, the citizen, nobles and everyone are going to leave the Kingdom on the orders of Aria the Empress.”

Tharia said in a low voice.

“What the hell is she thinking of!?”

Leo slammed his fist on the armrest, making a thunderous noise.

The ones which were quietly eating trembled from the sound and stared at Leo in fear.

“Nothing was told, only that Aria promised them a safe location.”

“Do you want Qui to continue following them?”

Tharia asked Leo in a low voice.

“No.”

Leo spoke in a deep voice.

“We are not in the best condition either, tell him to come back.”

“Besides, do you think he isn't already found out by either Aria or that Witch?”

Leo shook his head before continuing.

“It should have been fine until now, but any more and they would eliminate Qui.”

“Yes, I’ll send Qui his order to retreat.”

Fear was shown in Tharia's eyes before she swiftly turned around and left.

“Don’t die and let’s meet on the battlefield once more...”

Leo mumbled while glancing out the window, in the direction of the Kingdom of Alizad.

The Kingdom of Alizad

The capital

Tor and Susan stood in front of a large number of people.

Tor raised his voice, letting everyone hear him clearly.

“We will move out in one hour, remember to go in the groups that are written on the table!”

“The group of vanguards will be first and a group of hunters on both sides while the citizen in the middle.”

“The last major group will be the assassins, you will be split into two. One group will scout our route while the other one will watch our back.”

“Is that understood!?”

Tor's loud voice sent everyone who heard it a burning emotion of hope and their survival instincts let them feel stronger.

“Our speed will be fast. One month, it will only require us one month with our maximum speed!”

Tor stood heavily planted like a mountain while loudly declaring their plan.

Most of the elderly and young citizens had tears running down their faces as they stared at Tor and Susan.

“Aria, is it alright leaving all of your personal guards to their ranks?”

Kali asked in a low voice as she glanced at the ruckus.

“They will only slow us down.”

Aria calmly shook her head and then continued speaking.

“Besides, the less the better.”

Kali nodded and closed her eyes, resting peacefully.

Aria turned around towards the inner hall of the palace, she murmured in a low voice.

“I wonder how he will react...”

“Don’t think of it.”

Kali didn’t bother opening her eyes while answering.

“After what we concluded in, we can now only rush forward without glancing back.”

“Sigh...”

Kali sighed as she slowly opened her eyes.

“It has become a lot worse than we thought.”

“But.”

Kali narrowed her eyes.

“I will not leave, not after I found someone I can wholeheartedly believe in.”

A faint smile appeared on Aria's face, she turned around and glanced at Kali.

“I don’t think anyone would have thought that the Purple Witch would ever be close to anyone.”

“Humph!”

Kali gazed at Aria, speaking slowly.

“Shin is special, you know it too.”

“After what he has gone through, he is now different from everyone else. The way he thinks, the way he does things and what he values.”

“Shin is like a pure crystal which many people have tried to destroy, leaving many scars behind. But, the crystal hasn’t been destroyed, Shin's will is strong.”

Kali closed her eyes once more, she tried to calm her breath down.

Deep within Shin

Twelve statues shined in different colours.

“Why do you think that Seer showed up again?”

Ker'Vrak asked loudly.

“Who cares?”

Glarius said in an annoyed tone.

“No matter what, we have to face Muir again.”

“Hey, Little Shin barely survived last time, think harder!”

Shenya said in a cold voice.

“Flying Batwings, don’t call him something lowly like that!”

Ovan roared at Shenya.

But before Shenya was about to retort, Kira said in a calm voice.

“We should not spend our time fighting each other.”

“She gave the location to our hiding spot back then, it should at least let them be safe for a period of time.”

Malika which has been silent for the entire time spoke.

“That isn’t the prime problem either, accordingly to what we heard, something else will happen before Master will go there.”

“Besides, no one wants to talk about that girl’s powers?”

“You mean the purple-haired girl?”

Zura asked when she heard what Malika said.

“Yes, her powers seem familiar.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Lia agreed without any hesitation.

“Could she be a descended of someone from the Ancient Era?”

The Kingdom of Alizad

The capital

While Shin's Guardians were discussing, the citizen and the guards were already in their respective groups.

“Eline, be careful.”

Susan caressed Eline's cheek tenderly.

Eline seriously nodded, still a tear ran down her cheek.

Susan turned around and jumped towards the Vanguard.

“Vanguards, protect those behind you no matter what!”

Susan roared out, she had a green armour on her body and gazed deeply into the horizon behind the city walls.

Elise stared at Eline, she hesitated a little before waving towards Eline and then walked behind the Vanguards.

Eline firmly stared at them, she didn’t hesitate any longer and turned around and walked towards the resting Kali and Aria. Eline was wearing a white armour covering most of her body besides her head.

She also had a white shield on her back which could cover her whole body.

Eline stepped in front of Aria, deeply staring at her, waiting for her response.

“You can still go with your sister and mother; do you really want to follow us?”

Aria asked once more, not wanting to pressure Eline.

Eline nodded before Aria could finish her sentence.

“I’m sure.”

“Take off your amour and rest, I will stay guard for tonight.”

Kali didn’t glance at Eline but softly speaking.

“Be ready to move out by dawn.”

Eline nodded once again, before firmly walking inside the palace, not glancing back once.

“Hehe, she sure is strong-willed too.”

Aria snickered and glanced at Kali.

“Are you sure you want to bring her with us? I thought at least you would refuse.”

“Why would I?”

Kali asked while raising her eyebrows.

“Are you not afraid of her stealing Shin from you? Hehe.”

Aria laughed loudly.

“Humph!”

“She's just a child, how could I fear her?”

Kali didn’t open her eyes but coldly speaking to Aria.

Aria shrugged and said in a faint voice.

“Don’t overuse your power or aura, we have no idea what we will face tomorrow.”

Kali nodded seriously as she leaned back in her chair.

She raised her hand and a cup of tea floated towards her mouth, she drank a mouthful before the cup descended towards the table by her side.

Time slowly passed, it turned quiet after the citizens left.

Kali didn’t move from her chair, breathing in and out at a steady pace while drinking a mouthful of tea from time to time.

The dark night slowly weakened and a light could be seen on the horizon.

Kali didn’t turn around, but she heard footsteps behind her.

“Did you rest well?”

Kali asked without opening her eyes.

“Yes.”

Eline answered shortly, she walked towards Kali and sat down on a chair near her.

She was wearing the same white armour she had equipped before sleeping.

“Where are we going first?”

Eline was slightly nervous, she knew that they wouldn't follow the same path as those who left earlier.

“Before I answer that, how much do you know of what's happening?”

Kali asked back, slowly opening her eyes and glanced at Eline.

Eline furrowed her eyebrows and thought for a couple of seconds before answering.

“According to what can I have heard and my guesses, Shin was born with a special power and he is also a child rumoured of a Seer in the Ancient Era.”

“The enemy we are facing should have sprouted since the Ancient Era, waiting for the right time.”

“Also, the war that happened in twelve years ago should be their doing too.”

Eline said without hesitation, listing the things she knew.

Kali nodded and said.

“You’re a smart one.”

“From what we know, the enemy we are facing has been alive since the Ancient Era.”

Eline widened her eyes when she heard Kali.

Alive since the Ancient Era!?

How old and powerful are they?

“I know what you’re thinking of, how could someone be alive for such a long time? And, how strong should they be by this time?”

Kali narrowed her eyes slightly as she gazed at the horizon.

“Our enemy; Muir, is very special. We don’t know which race she belongs to, nor her abilities.”

“We can’t be sure if her strength has deteriorated or not by time.”

“The only one which has faced her was Shin.”

“From the battlefield which they fought on, it was clearly shown that neither Shin or Muir had a sure advantage over the other.”

Kali’s eyes shined golden for a second before they turned purple.

“Also, from what I sensed, Shin’s power at that time, was a lot stronger than anything I have ever felt!”

Stronger than anything she has felt!?

Eline widely stared at Kali while trembling.

Isn’t she supposed to be one of the strongest beings on the continent?

And Shin didn’t even win against the enemy.

How, how are we going to win?

“Hihi, don’t worry.”

Kali laughed in a low voice, but it sounded like a joyful laughter.

“You’re thinking of ‘how are we going to win?’, right?”

“Nothing is immortal, not even Gods.”

Kali snickered and continued explaining.

“I can guess that Muir should be the strongest on this continent, but she still got injured to the point of running away in fear from Shin.”

“At that time, we were attacked without many preparations. But, this time, we are ready for a fight.”

“Did Shin suffer a backlash from the battle against Muir?”

Eline asked in a nervous voice, wanting to know.

Not even bothering to hide it, Kali nodded.

“Shin almost lost his life.”

“I do not know if it was luck or not, but Shin managed to survive because of one of his Guardian’s sacrifice.”

Kali smiled faintly as she glanced at Eline.

“Don’t tell Shin about this, it’s for the best that he doesn’t know that he lost one of his Guardians yet.”

Eline nodded, still shocked within.

She had previously heard a little about his Guardians these past days as she stayed with Peutoa and Kali.

But, she would never have thought that one of the Guardians had saved Shin with their sacrifice.

Kali slowly turned around and glanced at Azane, Peutoa, Anaj and Laura which walked out of the palace.

Peutoa was wearing a yellow robe, throwing away her maid-outfits. Still expressionless, she glanced at Kali and Eline.

Laura was still wearing her black and white maid-outfit, her hair was tied in a ponytail. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot from not enough rest, but she still walked firmly forward.

Azane was full of smiles since she woke up, she had a battle armour equipped and her halberd on her back.

The black halberd was larger than Azane and looked quite heavy, but Azane walked lightly.

On the other hand, Anaj was still wearing his black robe, covering most of his body and face.

He didn’t glance at anyone and sat down on a chair.

“Hey, brat.”

Kali said after she drank a mouthful of tea.

“What?”

Anaj had his eyes closed and answered plainly.

“Be like that and I’ll personally rip you apart into thousands of pieces.”

“You are just a mere brat at the Throne Stage.”

“What we are going to face are much stronger than you can imagine.”

“Also…”

Kali’s voice turned slightly cold.

“The one who saved your mother is Shin, do not even try to act harshly against him.”

“Humph!”

Anaj glanced slightly at Kali, disdain was obviously shown on his face.

“I will repay what I have gotten.”

“That doesn’t mean I have to act like a dog.”

“Enough!”

A roar was heard, making Anaj and Eline tremble.

Aria slowly walked out of the palace with Shin in her arms. Shin was sleeping peacefully with his eyes closed.

She gazed at Anaj with squinted eyes.

“I don’t care about what his Guardians said, if you’re going to act like that, leave!”

Aria’s tone was cold and serious.

Anaj didn’t say anything and closed his eyes once again.

“Humph!”

Aria glanced away from Anaj and said to Kali.

“Are you going to lead? Or shall I?”

Kali opened her eyes and slowly stood up from her chair.

“Hihi…”

She laughed in a low voice and her purple eyes turned golden, Kali glanced back at Aria and Shin in her arms and said in a soft voice.

“I will lead.”

She then glanced at everyone else around her and continued speaking.

“Stay near me.”

When she finished speaking, she floated a couple of centimetres off the ground.

Aria swiftly stood behind Kali, while having Laura and Peutoa on the sides and Azane behind.

By using her aura, Aria held her sword in the air without needing to touch it.

She then pulled Eline towards her. She, of course, couldn’t let Eline protect herself in these kinds of situations.

Anaj slowly stood up too, he walked in front of Aria, but behind Kali.

Without batting an eye, he extended his left hand and a white whip appeared.

Stepping lightly on the air, Kali managed to jump higher in the air and a hundred meters forward.

She quickly glanced back and saw everyone keeping her pace.

Kali then turned in the opposite direction of where Tor, Susan and the citizens left at.

They quickly appeared on the city wall, staring at the forest and mountains in the background.

Without hesitation, Kali rushed forward once again.

Kali then flicked her wrist, thousands of small needles appeared around the group, rotating around them.

“Get ready!”

Kali said in a deep voice, she had already released her aura to sense over ten-kilometre radius around them.

Laura knocked her hands towards each other, before they clashed, a pair of white gloves appeared on her hands.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to focus.

“Humph!”

Peutoa flicked her hands and her two curved daggers appeared.

Aria’s sword flew over her body, protecting Eline, Shin and herself.

Anaj didn’t even bat an eye, he just glanced over the surrounding.

When they entered deep in the forest, several red-cloaked beings appeared.

Without waiting, Anaj coiled his whip and sent it hurling towards one of them in front.

The tip of the whip slashed the red-cloaked person on the face, letting a trail of blood flying in the air.

But even so, the red-cloaked person didn’t fall in mid-air.

“Humph!”

“Don’t think you’re strong, brat.”

Kali sent a glance towards Anaj before she flicked her finger and tens of needles in front of her dashed towards the red-cloaked persons.

Not even a second later, the needles retreated to their original position and the bodies of the red-cloaked people slowly fell from the air.

This time, Anaj couldn’t help but show his astonishment, he knew that the ones he was going with were strong, but he didn’t know how strong they were.

But, he had underestimated them.

“Kali, slow down, Shin’s body won’t be able to handle high speed for a longer period of time.”

Aria hollered as she was glancing all around her.

Kali nodded and her speed slowed down, but they were still moving at over fifty meters a second.

More and more red-cloaked beings appeared in front of them, at their flanks and behind them.

Kali didn’t want to risk it, so she slowly slowed down.

Not even half a minute longer, over a hundred red-cloaked beings surrounded them.

Kali sent a cold glance at them, she raised her eyebrows and yelled out.

“Azane, it’s your turn!”

“Hahahaha!!!”

Azane laughed hysterically, she grabbed her halberd on her back and turned around to deal with those who were behind them.

Laura stomped on the ground and dashed forward towards their flanks, she withdrew her fist and sent a simple straight punch towards one of the red-cloaked beings.

“Bang!”

After a loud sound, the upper body of the red-cloaked being vanished, leaving only the legs to fall to the ground.

“Die all of you!”

Kali roared out and all the needles around them got hurled towards all sides.