THEY abandoned the ship on a nearby shore. The other prisoners who were with them took it to escape on their own after giving them a small boat to ride on.“Thanks, dark elf!” one of the prisoners waved at Kafle.Ethros was still unconscious that Kafle had to carry him. It was already past midnight, and Kafle circumnavigated to prevent the empire from finding them quickly.Kafle destroyed the signal orb inside the ship when they left the Dreqin Mines. A few Vatrean navy ships were patrolling; thankfully, they managed to cross the mainland safely. It was an arduous voyage.“This is Zummertien Village, just a few hours ride to Ankhe,” Kafle said upon recognizing the place. “We need a place to rest. They’ll surely find us soon.”“Yes, father!” Izora did not complain even though she was also exhausted.After Kafle left them to hide in a dark alley, he soon returned after finding a safe place to stay. It was a two-story inn located near the cliff.“His temperature kept rising.” Izora touch

 ANKHE City was so huge that Jie couldn’t check every place around the bottom layer within the day. They had to go back to Vaughn’s mansion since the charm was slowly wearing off.“I want to see the movement of people around here at night.” Jie insisted when Ryker was already mounted on his beast.“That's very risky. I should ask Winward to babysit you next time. I have a lot of important things to do, yet I am stuck here with you.” Ryker seemed filled with abhorrence.Jie exhaled sharply to control himself. Ryker’s tongue had always been sharp, and he better be careful not to trigger the assassin. What if Ryker suddenly decided to kill him?“Just teach me how to use the Imitation Charm, I can go on my own.” Jie pushed his luck to convince him.“No. Let's go home. You've already seen everything you need to see.”He jumped on his beast and followed Ryker. “Ho

THE Helios stormed off Vaughn’s estate with their disappointed faces. Ryker even accompanied them to the main gate. “I hope this will be the last you'll pry in my humble abode. Do I look that suspicious?” Ryker clicked his tongue. “By the way, whatever damages I have will be charged to you.” “My apologies, Lord Vaughn.” The red-haired soldier from earlier swallowed his pride when he got nothing despite checking every corner of the mansion. “I am a Vatrean aristocrat. Why would you doubt my allegiance to the empire?” Ryker lit a stick of cigarette. “We are going now. There must be some discrepancies with the report.” The soldier clenched his fists but kept his head up as he turned his back to the heir of the Vaughn Estate. He exhausted his magic earlier while searching, but he failed to find even the slightest evidence of his claim. Ryker sauntered back to the mansion while puffing smoke. He suddenly finds Damien at the entrance. “These lap dogs of the empire wouldn't let me

JIE finally met several members of the Akatasuna Guild for the first time. Three guild officials attended, along with around twenty other members who were in Vatre during that time. He and Kafle were introduced to them; some were welcoming, while others seemed disappointed since they got into the guild easily. Unlike the normal members, they'd need to survive the life-and-death feats to be accepted. “This is the first time the guild has accepted honorary members,” said one of the guild members. A young woman named Krecia. She was a mage but was assigned to be a spy. Jie learned that she was the Intelligence Head. “The chief never gets wrong,” said the other. A middle-aged swordsman, Govi—the Raid Head Officer. Ryker was the one presiding over the meeting since he was the Ambassador of the Guild Council. They were inside the great hall underground, sitting on a long, rectangular table. “Our main agenda is to retrieve the child from the high mage’s tower. They cannot have the Luo

THE rear palace was lively when the night of the banquet came. Royalties coming from the seven houses were invited. These were the influential families who had been great supporters of the empire. They were wealthy merchants and powerful wizards. Ryker represented the House of Vaughn. Although his name always stirred in the Vatre Empire, they could not ignore him since he had the highest magical orb produced. Those were essential for Ankhe City to thrive in comfortable weather. Even at a young age, he had shown everyone what he was capable of. As Ryker entered the rear palace, he immediately scanned every face present there. However, his companions couldn’t hide the excitement in their eyes—Bryce and Ethros, who were positioned behind him. Lucius was on his side, and Damien was on the other. He only kept a few so they wouldn’t attract attention, unlike other aristocrats, who had at least ten chaperones. “Behave yourselves.” Ryker reminded the two. “Apologies, my lord.” Bryce ra