In a distant area, groans and sounds could be heard, unsettling the minds of those who heard them. They creaked, and carried a terrifying sense with them.
—So, the job was done. Were you at least able to find the specimen we were looking for? —said someone while tearing apart the corpse of a night elf. It looked innocent, small, and without any battle marks, yet with a cold and sharp gaze.
—Things got complicated. I found a peculiar group and couldn't do more, since Masters arrived at the scene. I saw the need for a prize, which made me walk a different path than the one we agreed on —replied the figure standing in the shadows, his appearance still hidden.
—Fortunately, knowing you, I thought that could happen. So I found another one near the border of Thalna with As-Sarqarak. Go immediately with this coordinate, find it and bring it. You've already wasted enough time, and we need to move forward —the young man responded.
—Eliption, you must know I'm a free soul. As long as I feel the need, I'll slaughter and capture whatever I require for myself. Even if it is you who asks me, I don't follow someone else's principles. If I want something, I take it —he replied, stepping out of the shadows that surrounded him.
It was Aderas, who looked badly wounded from the intensity of the battle. His silhouette still emanated that pressure that threatened death upon anyone who approached.
—I understand, Aderas. But consider what we agreed upon as broken if you fail me once more. You must know you cannot do whatever you want whenever you are near me and while you need me —the young man said, his tone rising with anger.
—You cannot forget what I've done for you, and I don't think your arrogance would make you that forgetful, you piece of shit —he said, looking away with fury and contempt. It was as if his gaze sent a thousand knives that pierced your neck upon eye contact.
Aderas raised an eyebrow and commented:
—We remain allies because it benefits me. Don't confuse that with obedience —he said with a faint smile.
After their conversation, Eliption continued what he was doing while Aderas walked back into the shadow from where he came, leaving behind silence as he vanished without a trace.
Back in Shunkoku.
—We'll continue the journey in a moment. Pack whatever you need, since the next city is beyond a rather extensive bamboo and cherry blossom forest —said Terimaru.
—Did you leave everything in the bags like you mentioned? —asked Darel, glancing sideways at Terimaru.
—Yes, everything should be as we agreed. I just hope Yeroy reports soon… I heard Keia confessed her feelings, and now he has to endure leaving her here —he said, then muttered—. He deserves it for being an idiot.
—I see you're insulting me behind my back, Terimaru. Want me to beat the crap out of you again? —said Yeroy with a big smile on his face.
—And you seem to be in a good mood. Didn't you get dumped recently? —said Terimaru, frowning.
—You're not bold enough to answer me —Yeroy said with a grin.
But from everyone's point of view, he seemed distant. He didn't lunge at any of them while speaking; he simply stopped in front of the door.
There was no time for questions, because behind him was the Master Kerl, who wrapped his arm around Yeroy's shoulders.
—Guys, we have to leave. There's nothing more we can do here. Our mission requires that we speed things up —he said, removing his arm from Yeroy's neck.
—Kid, I know you want to improve and become stronger, but you gain nothing by taking unnecessary risks —he said, looking at Yeroy warmly, trying to comfort him.
—I'm worried about Keia, Master… but I know we'll meet again, and she will be much better than she already is —he said, looking down.
—Are you going to sulk all day? If you keep that up, you're going to ruin everything —said Aethen, raising an eyebrow as he approached from behind Yeroy and Kerl to enter the room.
—Who said I'm going to ruin everything? —Yeroy replied, dashing off to grab his bag.
—We have to leave the city and start the journey now! —he exclaimed while standing at the window.
Everyone sighed with a smile at Yeroy's attitude and grabbed their things to leave, while Yeroy jumped out the window.
At the edge of the city, they came across the doctor, who was accompanied by Keia, who in turn looked somewhat worried.
—I see you're leaving… I hope my decision to stay won't interrupt the mission —she said, with an anguished expression.
—Don't worry. The Master isn't just bald, he's also fast. He already informed the clan about the new plans and your stay here. Just watch and learn.
—Can you stop with the bald jokes already? I'll grow hair just from hearing you say a new one every five minutes, kid. I'll send you flying to the clan with one punch —said Kerl, furious.
For a moment everything froze, but then Kerl burst into loud laughter.
—What an idiot, kid! HAHAHA! You should've seen your face! —he said with a huge grin.
The tension disappeared instantly, and everyone felt more relaxed, and Keia cleared her mind.
—I hope it goes well. Once I become a better user, I'll be with you again —she said.
—I'll finish this mission before you even learn anything. You'll see that you won't need to use your powers, because I'll find that bastard Aderas —Yeroy said with a big smile.
—I'll make sure this walnut-head doesn't die, don't worry —Aethen said with a warm smile.
Terimaru and Darel nodded, and along with Yeroy and Master Kerl, turned their backs and began walking toward their new destination.
Thus their new journey began, heading toward a new city in Shunkoku, hoping to find clues and with the intention of becoming stronger. All of them, inside their own minds, began wondering what their new path would bring, unaware of the dangers lurking ahead… holding only the faith that they would overcome the challenge.