Seha and Tiana suddenly noticed some Morrowbane humans and wolves nearby. Without hesitation, they attacked, cutting down the wolf Morrowbanes and the human Morrowbanes with precision and deadly efficiency.
When Tiana saw the creatures, she froze for a moment, her eyes widening in shock. "Wait… these wolf Morrowbanes and human Morrowbanes… they're connected. They're linked to the dragon body nearby," she said, realization dawning in her voice.
Seha nodded slightly, prepared for any threat, but Tiana's expression turned serious. "No… I will not go after the dragon body. Its power is too dangerous. Dragons are unpredictable, and sometimes, they turn into zombies that attack everything around them without mercy. If we go there, we might not return alive."
The others agreed quickly. Silvana, Latina, Fera, Kasy, Vanisa, and Remi all nodded silently, showing that they would respect Tiana's decision.
Suddenly, a massive presence washed over them like a tidal wave, heavy and overwhelming. The air itself seemed to grow thick and oppressive. Then, a voice boomed—a deep, commanding tone that shook the ground beneath their feet.
"Ooh… do not disturb me during my lunch!" the voice said.
From the shadows, they saw her—an angel, her aura radiating immense power. She held what looked like human meat in her hands, devouring it with a casual but terrifying elegance.
"Ah… you all disturb me," she said, her voice echoing across the clearing.
Tiana's face drained of color. "We… we should leave right now," she said, urgency in her tone.
"We… we are with you," Seha and the others agreed reluctantly, but before they could retreat, the angel spoke again.
"No… no one leaves. Not one of you," the angel declared.
Tiana immediately activated a teleportation hole to escape. But with a single snap of her fingers, the angel erased it completely. The portal vanished, leaving them all in shock and panic.
"I will need fresh meat… and one of you will be my lunch," the angel said with a cruel smile. "Ooh… a boy! Finally! I do love boys…"
Halex instinctively hid behind Seha, trembling with fear.
"This is not good," the angel hissed. "I need meat."
Tiana's voice became calm but firm. "If we give you Halex… will you leave us unharmed?"
The angel's eyes glinted. "Huh… very well. I will not hurt you if you give me the boy."
Tiana looked at Seha, her tone urgent. "Seha… give Halex to her. It's the only way to survive."
Seha shook her head violently, her voice sharp and protective. "No. Never. I will not give him to you. He is my friend, and my life will never allow me to hand him over to a monster like you."
Halex cried, fear and desperation in his small voice. "Please… protect me, Seha!"
"I won't let anything happen to you," Seha replied fiercely. "I will protect you, no matter what!"
But the others, restrained by necessity, forced Seha to comply. "You have no choice," they said. "This is the only way. We cannot match the angel's power directly."
The angel's voice grew impatient. "Time is over. I will eat all of you. Ahh… lucky me today! If I devour you all, I will heal myself. Come, come!"
Suddenly, their legs moved automatically. They had no control over themselves, drawn toward the angel as if pulled by invisible strings.
Tiana's voice trembled, "Seha… for you… we are in danger… please…"
Seha struggled against her teammates. "This is not my fault! You told me to give my friend… if my life is lost, I will never let him be eaten!"
Seha lunged at the angel, but the angel's authority was far beyond her own. With a flick, the angel snapped her fingers, and all of Seha's attacks vanished into nothingness.
"You think you can hurt me?" the angel mocked. "Ooh… mere children…"
Tiana tried to distract her. "Wait… what is your name?"
The angel laughed cruelly. "I do not tell my name to weak opponents."
Then, with terrifying speed, she captured Halex, holding him high in her hand.
Halex screamed, "Please… leave me alone… Seha!"
The angel's tone was cruel but almost playful. "Do not shout. I am only going to eat you, not harm you in other ways… yet."
Tears streaked down Halex's face. "Mom… Dad…"
Suddenly, a cold, commanding voice cut through the tension. "Leave him."
The angel froze at the sound. "Huh… you again? Why do you stalk me? I do not wish to fight… stop following me."
"If you do not want to fight, then release him immediately," Black ViSage's voice replied, flat and merciless.
The angel narrowed her eyes. "Why do you want my food? Fine… I can give you some meat after I prepare my curry," she said mockingly.
Black ViSage's tone was ice-cold. "I am human. I do not eat humans. Release him… now."
Realizing her authority would not hold against him, the angel said through gritted teeth, "Oh… you are the angel who attacked Daniel… what is your name again?"
"Miha," the angel admitted reluctantly, her patience thinning. "Ooh… you truly disturb me…"
Black ViSage turned to Seha and her team. "I can protect all of you, but only if you give me Halex."
Seha's eyes blazed with defiance. "Why are you all trying to harm Halex? I am his family! I will not let him go!"
Tiana intervened calmly. "No… we will give him to you. Protect him. That is all that matters."
Silvana nodded. "Yes… we will hand him over, but he is in good hands now."
Seha clenched her fists, shaking. "No… I cannot give him…"
Halex's voice was strong, yet trembling. "Okay… I will go with you, sir. But please… protect Seha and everyone else."
Seha's mouth opened in shock. "Halex… what are you saying?"
Halex continued firmly. "We have no other choice. I cannot allow everyone to die for me. If you let me go, I will protect Seha as best as I can."
Seha's voice cracked. "My friend… my little friend…"
Halex smiled faintly through his tears. "I will return. I promise."
Black ViSage finally spoke, his tone deep and commanding. "I want three more things from you."
Tiana responded immediately, "We accept them."
Miha snapped impatiently. "That's enough. I do not like family drama."
Black ViSage's gaze was unyielding. "Leave this place, Angel. Otherwise, I will not show you mercy."
The members of Dancing Hollows were utterly shocked. Silvana and Latina whispered among themselves. Why doesn't the angel's authority work on Black ViSage?
Kasy wondered quietly, How does the angel know Black ViSage's name?
Fera thought, Is Black ViSage really that strong?
Vanisa questioned silently, Why did the angel acknowledge him like that?
Remi said softly, Does she consider him a worthy opponent?
Miha's anger flared. "You insult me, Black ViSage!"
In response, Black ViSage drew his giant sword, a presence that made the world itself feel small.
The angel's eyes widened. "Hey… hey… what are you doing?!"
"I warn you," Black ViSage said coldly. "Leave this place immediately."
The angel hesitated. My condition isn't optimal… better to avoid fighting. I will not challenge him now.
"Fine," she said, stepping back. "I will leave. Let me go."
Black ViSage's gaze followed her. "Go… but do not attempt to eat humans again."
Miha's mind raced. I have never encountered a human as powerful as this… who is he?
Black ViSage's voice was flat. "I told you once before. I am Black ViSage."
Miha hissed through gritted teeth. "One day, I will discover your real name."
"Try all you want," Black ViSage said, his tone absolute.
Miha vanished into the wind, leaving the area silent.
Tiana exhaled. "Thank you, Black ViSage… if you hadn't come, we would have died here for certain."
Black ViSage turned to Halex. "Give him to me now."
Seha cried out, hugging Halex tightly. "My friend… please don't go!"
Halex held her back. "I have no choice, Seha… but I am happy… because you've always taken care of me. You are my best friend."
Seha sobbed. "But—"
Halex cut her off gently. "Sorry… Seha. I must go now."
Black ViSage addressed the group. "And I want three more things from you, all of you."
Silvana asked, "Tell us your wishes."
Black ViSage's voice was firm and unwavering.
"First… do not capture children as slaves. Do not torture them. Do not kidnap them. In short… never kidnap children as slaves."
Latina exclaimed in surprise. "What?"
Tiana quickly agreed. "Okay… we understand."
"Second," Black ViSage continued, "do not rob merchants. Third, do not disrespect your elders."
Vanisa blinked. "The first two I understand, but the third… why?"
Black ViSage's gaze pierced them all. "I know you do not respect your elders. You robbed Daniel, spoke harsh words to him. Remember that. I hope you understand now."
Remi whispered. "He's… he's serious…"
Black ViSage then released all the slaves they had held captive, sending them back to their homes safely.
Remi asked incredulously, "But… why?"
Tiana smiled. "No problem. Thank you for helping us. We accept your three conditions."
Black ViSage nodded. "Good. I am pleased that you understood quickly. If you need help in the future, call upon me."
Tiana bowed. "We will. Thank you again."
Black ViSage finally addressed Halex. "Now, it is time to leave. Come with me."
Halex nodded. "Okay, sir."
Suddenly, Seha clung to Halex tightly, tears streaming down her face. "My friend… please don't leave!"
Halex hugged her back, his voice trembling. "Don't worry… I will return. I will meet you again, Seha."
Seha whispered through sobs, "If you ever need help, call me…"
Halex smiled faintly. "I will."
All the members of Dancing Hollows watched, feeling a deep pang of sadness for the parting.
Halex spoke softly, "I love you, Seha."
Seha hugged him once more, tears falling. "I love you too… my dear friend."
Halex added bravely, "When I grow up… I will marry you."
Seha's voice was gentle and firm. "Yes… I accept your proposal."
The sky darkened suddenly, clouds blackened by rain.
Halex took a deep breath. "It is time to go. Goodbye, Seha. Goodbye, my masters."
Silvana asked, confused, "Why does he call us masters?"
Halex smiled faintly. "Because… you never accepted me as a friend. You only accepted me as a slave."
Latina scoffed. "Foolish boy. We are your friends too."
Halex nodded, eyes glinting with gratitude. "Thank you… for finally accepting me as a friend."
Black ViSage's voice was cold and decisive. "Time is over, Halex. Come with me."
Halex whispered again to Seha and the others, "Goodbye… I will miss you all so much."
Black ViSage's gaze turned to Halex. "You like your friends… but why do you think your real family doesn't care for you?"
Halex swallowed, voice trembling. "I don't think my family truly cares about me."
Black ViSage's voice was flat, harsh. "Shut up, kid. You know nothing about your family. Your father cries for you every day. Your mother prays for you constantly. And you claim they do not care?"
Halex's eyes widened.
Black ViSage continued, "Your father has searched everywhere for you. Tried everything to find you. Even contacting unofficial adventurers. He truly cares for you."
Halex whispered, shocked, "You… you don't know…"
"When you told him you wanted to become an adventurer," Black ViSage said, "he said no immediately. He did it for your own good, not because he does not care. He knows the dangers you would face. That is why he stopped you."
Halex's hands shook. "Are… are you really telling me the truth?"
"Yes," Black ViSage said coldly. "Understand the feelings of your family. Do not think only of yourself all the time. Think of them."
Halex lowered his head. "I… I am sorry…"
Black ViSage's tone was sharp. "Do not apologize to me. Apologize to your family. To your father. To your mother. That is who deserves it."