The bandits vanished together with their entire gang, leaving behind only a haze of smoke and a battlefield of torn, upturned earth.
"We've lost their trail," said the woman with the shield. She sat down on the ground, her sharp eyes scanning every mark and ripple on the soil, as if trying to confirm once more.
The woman with the sword spoke calmly, "Perhaps Princess Bao Chau will have words for you, Tinh Hai."
The merchant caravan soon resumed their journey. Eventually, they reached a bustling seaport. The caravan leader raised his voice to reassure everyone:
"The ambush earlier caused a bit of turbulence with our cargo, but fortunately everything remains intact. All of us came through unharmed—this mission can be considered a success."
The merchants cheered and nodded in agreement. Everyone was relieved there had been no real loss. But Khánh noticed a subtle heaviness in Master Tinh Hai's expression—something in those words weighed on him, left him unsettled.
While the caravan buzzed with chatter, the two women from before approached. "Our Princess wishes to meet the members of The Heavens Fracture."
Khánh, Vy, Minh Triet, and Tinh Hai followed them to a grand house. In its courtyard sat a young girl upon a tall chair.
"No need for formalities," the girl said lightly.
She was slender and somewhat petite, her delicate face exuding both elegance and quiet authority. Vy instantly recognized her as the young noblewoman she had encountered in the bathhouse at the rest station.
"Your Highness, Princess Bao Chau," Tinh Hai bowed deeply.
The act immediately prompted Vy and Minh Triet to kneel as well. Khánh, caught off guard, hurried to follow suit, lowering himself in respect.
"Rise… Tell me every detail of the bandit you encountered," Princess Bao Chau commanded in a firm, deliberate tone.
Her youthful charm and mischievous manner clashed in Khánh's mind with her undeniable authority, leaving him momentarily bewildered.
Master Tinh Hai carefully recounted the ambush, every detail from start to finish. When his words reached the moment of his own failure, he clenched his teeth, lowering his head in frustration and guilt, begging forgiveness.
"Forget it," the Princess said gently. "Those bandits operate with precision and cunning. Their escape was within my expectations. You are not to blame."
She paused, then nodded. "Very well. Continue to serve under The Heavens Fracture. Should I require your strength again, I will send word."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Tinh Hai stood tall, responding with the sharp discipline of a soldier.
Khánh had been staring at the Princess throughout, overwhelmed by the realization that nobles and royals could be so composed, so unexpectedly merciful. He had thought Princess Bao Chau would scold or punish them for failing to capture the bandits.
But the Princess noticed his persistent gaze. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "You there. What are you staring at? Do you harbor some intention toward me?"
Startled, Khánh froze. Before he could answer, Vy quickly pushed his head down into a bow.
"Forgive him, Your Highness. This boy grew up in the Outer Layer, Tier 0. He knows little of etiquette or protocol. Please pardon his ignorance."
Princess Bao Chau raised an eyebrow, amused. "Tier 0, you say? Your name is Khanh, correct? Interesting. Very well—strive hard, grow stronger, and one day contribute your strength to me. Understood?"
Flustered, Khánh's cheeks grew warm. Mimicking Master Tinh Hai, he straightened and answered firmly, "Yes, Your Highness!"
And so, the four of them—Tinh Hai, Khanh, Vy, and Minh Triet—completed their mission of escorting the merchants. Though the bandit leader had slipped from their grasp, the primary duty was fulfilled.
Together, they began the journey back, returning toward the central lands of Dai Long.