Two hours had passed in the city, and as for the battle that took place between Dorana and the king—it had indeed ended.
As for Raiven and his followers, they had fled from Blue ran and Reno—not out of fear, but forced to escape trouble.
Loren and Labran had both retreated and gone their separate ways.
The men in black clothing had completed their mission and withdrew swiftly.
Driko, who had hired them, was now far away from the city, having abandoned everything for the sake of his goals.
In the mountains, far from the city, two figures were walking through the towering peaks—a man followed by a young man in his prime.
These two were Lilar and the young man who had awakened from his sleep after Lilar had knocked him unconscious back in the city.
Now, his face was grim as he spoke:
— "Where are you taking me, old man?"
Lilar replied:
— "Children of this generation have no respect for their elders… they need to be re-educated."
— "Why are you dodging the question? Answer me, old man—where are we going?"
Lilar replied:
— "We're going to the headquarters."
— "What headquarters are you talking about?" the boy asked with a nod.
— "Your new home. From now on, you'll live a new life—if you agree."
— "A new life? No, no, no... I don't want that. I just want to live as I used to."
Lilar stopped and turned, staring at the young boy with seriousness:
— "Do you have a family?"
Seeing the seriousness in Lilar's question, the boy answered immediately:
— "No, I don't have a family. They all died... I was very young."
— "How did they die?" Lilar asked.
— "They were killed by a monster that suddenly appeared in our village. It wiped out more than half the population before the army intervened—at least that's what we were told. But I don't really know who intervened."
— "How did you survive?"
— "My grandfather had taken me on a trip through the mountains. I was four years old. When we came back, we found the village destroyed. Five years ago, my grandfather died of illness... That's how I ended up alone."
— "So, you have no place to return to. By the way, what's your name?"
The boy replied:
— "My name is Nibon."
— "Nibon? Nibon... Tell me, would you like to become strong?"
— "Are you strong, old man?"
— "Kind of," Lilar replied.
— "Kind of? Old man, you look weak to me… Ha! I just remembered how we got to these mountains!"
Lilar began to laugh:
— "You just realized that? What an idiot you are!"
Then he started recounting to Nibon the events that had occurred in the city since he had lost consciousness.
After a moment, Nibon looked shocked:
— "So that's what happened?"
— "Yes, that's right. We left quickly because those events can't be hidden for long. This news will draw everyone's attention to that kingdom, and the army will surely send its strongest members to investigate. That's why we're going back to the headquarters first."
— "What headquarters are you talking about?" Nibon asked.
— "I already told you… your new home. You'll understand when we get there. So, have you decided to join us?"
After a short moment of thought, Nibon replied:
— "Will you make me really strong?"
— "Yes—if you do everything I tell you
— "Alright, I've decided... I'll join you."
— "Then now, won't you tell me the name of this organization I'm joining?"
Lilar replied:
— "The Faction of the Lost Truth."
— "What?" Nibon's face turned pale, and he began to step back.
Lilar smiled, already knowing the reason for his retreat:
— "What's wrong?" he asked.
— "Are... are you from that infamous organization?"
— "How rude you are, boy. What else have you heard?"
Nibon seemed hesitant, then said:
— "I heard they're demons... and considered the arch-enemies of the Union of Nations. They're the number one enemy—more so than even the Rebellion.
I also heard they're the devils of this land, killing and destroying for sheer pleasure. If one of them gets angry, it's like the end of the world wherever they are.
And I also heard that the kingdom that vanished twenty years ago... they were the cause of it."
Lilar began to laugh:
— "Do I look like a demon to you?"
Nibon didn't answer. He just stared at Lilar.
Then Lilar continued:
— "So, if I told you that you're a girl... would you call me a liar, or would you believe me?"
Nibon's face turned red:
— "How dare you, old man?!"
— "Do you think everything people say is true?"
— "I know that… there's no need for that example you just gave."
Lilar laughed loudly:
— "Did you not like my words? Don't worry, I was joking. So, will you come or not?
I pulled you out of the city because your talent is very great, I did not want someone with such great talent like you to die there.
If you want to join, you are welcome, and if you don't want… staying is in your hands, the decision is your decision."
Afterwards, and after deep thought, Nibon said:
— "Alright, old man, I will be under your care from now on, I hope you take good care of me."
And Nibon bowed deeply.
Lilar smiled:
— "You are starting to please me, boy."
— "What did you say, you rude old man?!" Nibon appeared angry.
— "You fool! It seems we have to train your mind before your body, you little arrogant one."
After some time passed, Nibon asked:
— "Old man, how long will it take us to reach the headquarters?"
Lilar answered:
— "Not much… only six months if we keep walking like this."
— "Six months? Are you joking with me?"
Lilar nodded:
— "Are you shocked? It seems we have to hurry… to a headquarters that does not exist on this continent."
Nibon's shock intensified:
— "How will we cross the continents? And on which continent is the headquarters?"
Lilar did not answer, but said to Nibon:
— "Come, come, I will show you something."
As soon as they exited a narrow path between the mountains they were walking in, a small ship appeared before them, six meters long and three meters wide. It was suspended in the air, and beneath it white clouds could be seen, and a wooden ladder hung from the ship.
— "This is the means of transportation by which we will cross the continent." said Lilar.
— "It is wonderful!" replied Nibon with wide eyes, from the intensity of shock, without realizing.