As Lofin rode on Rai’s back, flying into Tachisel, he first spotted Victor. It was impossible to mistake that Excelon’s black armor and his single arm for anyone else.
Lofin shouted at Rai to block the sorcerer and then jumped off. He didn’t know if the woman Victor was about to strike with his sword was Azwin. Regardless, after landing, Lofin immediately placed his hand on his sword, ready to throw it.
Victor noticed this and stopped his attack on Azwin, taking a defensive stance instead. Meanwhile, Ruskin’s magic attack was suppressed by Rai’s massive spear throw.
Victor glanced briefly at the brief clash between Rai and Ruskin before turning his attention back to Lofin.
‘You seem quite surprised, Victor. Of course, I was also greatly surprised.’
Rai, having picked up his fallen spear, recklessly blocked Ruskin head-on again.
‘What’s with that confidence of his? Doesn’t he know his opponent is the Grand Master of Lutia?’
Despite his concern, Ruskin didn’t recklessly attack Rai.
Only then did Lofin realize that the woman Victor was trying to attack was indeed Azwin. He had heard she was lost and wandering in the Sky Mountains, but to think she was here, fighting Victor! Lofin felt more incredulous about the gears of fate aligning against him than happy to see his disciple.
“You’re incredibly late, teacher…”
Azwin muttered as he patted her head.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Seeing Azwin’s battered face, he first felt pity, and then relief that she was alive. His anger surged at those who had put her in such a state.
“Not the most welcome face to see in the Sky Mountains, Victor.”
Lofin said, his tone icy.
Victor scowled and asked,
“I heard rumors that there was an Ugeh lending power to the Zvi Lemifs, and I wondered if it was you.”
His grin, making his hollowed cheeks twitch, only made Victor look more ruthless. Compared to his youth, he seemed even more agile, prompting Lofin to examine his physique unnecessarily.
“Doesn’t look like you’ve put on a belly fat with age, Victor.”
Victor scrutinized Lofin in return and said,
“Aren’t you overexerting yourself, Lofin? What do you plan to achieve with just a single Lemif who can fly?”
“What do you think? Look around. It’s quite effective, isn’t it?”
Lofin said, lifting Vena Esarck to point around. The Lemifs of Tachisel were noticeably disturbed by Rai’s white wings.
Victor sneered,
“Have you grown so foolish that you don’t even understand the extent of the enemy you face? Or were you so rushed to come here that you forgot to prepare?”
Behind Victor, a dragon was rising, shaking off the debris of a ruined stone building. The dragon, which had only had its head visible until now, began to rise upon seeing Lofin and Rai. Its body was covered in dying black flames.
‘Guanil is here?’
Guanil glared down at Lofin. It seemed even larger than it had a few days ago when they had fought to save Kassel. If it wasn’t an illusion, Guanil was undoubtedly in the process of ‘growing’.
‘This is troublesome.’
The Grand Master of Lutia was also behind Victor. Although Rai was holding him at bay, it was clear he was no match for the Grand Master. If it came to it, the Grand Master could easily dispatch both Lofin and Rai. However, the fact that neither the dragon nor the sorcerer were moving meant that Victor was in command of this fight.
“Or should we have a rematch of our fight from ten years ago?”
Victor threw aside the sword he had used against Azwin and drew another from his waist. Black smoke rose from the blade, clearly marking it as a magical sword, and Esarck’s reaction confirmed it was likely Guanil’s sword.
Lofin extended Vena Esarck.
“From the looks of it, Victor, if I kill you here, the upcoming battles will be significantly easier.”
“I offer you the chance to surrender out of respect for your past, Lofin. Ten years ago, perhaps, but with your current skills, you cannot defeat me.”
“Ah, who said I was going to do it alone?”
Lofin suddenly stabbed Esarck into the ground beside the fallen Azwin. She flinched in surprise. Lofin took a coin-sized pouch hanging around his neck and untied it with his teeth. Confirming the gray powder inside, he poured it over Azwin’s head.
The shimmering powder flowed down her head like water, sweeping over her body as if alive. Azwin’s eyes widened in amazement as she looked down at her hands, then clenched and unclenched the hand holding her shield. Without even pushing off the ground, she sprang to her feet.
Victor turned in astonishment to Ruskin.
“What kind of magic is that?”
Ruskin replied,
“That’s Tailed’s healing powder. I heard he made only four… It’s not surprising one ended up with the former White Wolf.”
Ignoring their conversation, Lofin declared,
“Fighting is for those in their prime, not old relics like me!”
He placed a hand on Azwin’s shoulder and smiled at Victor.
“Here stands a White Wolf stronger than I was ten years ago. How about it, Victor? Confident?”
Victor didn’t respond.
Behind him, Ruskin shouted,
“What are you doing, Captain Victor? Defeat them both immediately.”
“I can’t…”
Victor replied, as if it were obvious. Ruskin’s eyes widened.
“Are you retreating?”
“No, Ruskin. I momentarily forgot in my arrogance. You know what Lofin is capable of, don’t you?”
“That’s why we must kill him now. You have a dragon and a sorcerer behind you!”
Lofin chuckled.
“Can a sorcerer who betrayed Lutia still be called a sorcerer?”
Ruskin’s eyebrow raised.
“What did you say?”
“I’m ashamed I once respected you, Ruskin. Have you lost the ability to see what’s around you? You’re slower than Victor to catch on, and you call yourself a sorcerer?”
Lofin shouted.
Guanil immediately pulled back his head in caution. The Lemifs of Tachisel and Larunton, seeing the approaching red light in the forest where Lofin had appeared, fell to the ground in near panic. Even the Lemifs serving Victor ignored him and knelt toward the light.
The dragon’s head rose above the trees and revealed its full form within Tachisel. The dragon’s red light blended with the sunset, filling Tachisel’s plaza.
Sa-Knadil, the High Lord and Master of Dragons, roared, shaking mountains, forests, and skies.
Kassel was mounted on Knadil’s shoulder, gripping the dragon’s horn with his left hand and holding Aranthia’s sword with his right. Though struggling to stay upright, his eyes were fixed on Guanil, filled with fearless anger.
‘In normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be very useful, but in this situation, he’s invaluable. He’s acting like it’s only natural to be standing on Knadil’s shoulder without realizing its significance.’
Lofin smiled inwardly.
‘Indeed, if not the one who controls a dragon, who can be called a sorcerer?’
Lofin, pleased, gently squeezed Azwin’s shoulder and looked around at everyone.
“Now, it’s my turn to ask. Victor, Ruskin, Guanil! We have a dragon, a sorcerer, and a knight here too. Ready for a fight?”
Suddenly, Guanil let out a loud roar. While Knadil’s roar commanded awe, making listeners kneel, Guanil’s roar instilled fear, making them cover their ears and cower. Trees shook to their roots, a cracked temple’s column collapsed, and part of the ceiling caved in.
The two colossal dragons glared at each other.
Guanil spoke in the Lemif language.
“Knadil, do you think you can withstand my power, having just crawled out from the ground?”
Knadil glared back at Guanil.
“Silence, Guanil. Do not spread your wings recklessly. I did not leave the goddess’s side to listen to such bluster.”
“Foolish creature. Do you think you, who lived off the goddess’s power, growing fat, can fight?”
Guanil laughed at Kassel, precariously perched on Knadil’s shoulder, clutching the horn.
“How disgraceful to allow such a feeble human to sit on your shoulder. You don’t deserve the title of High Lord. Or has the power of Nadiuren weakened so much that you must rely on humans now?”
Knadil remained silent. Guanil sneered, his voice ringing with metallic echoes.
“Abandon the title of High Lord, Knadil. Who dares to call you the Master of all Dragons? Step down from the High Lord’s throne, Knadil. You are unworthy. If you cannot hold back my power alone, then do so. The two humans who serve me could kill you on their own. But can the weak humans you brought even dare to try?”
Guanil continued, pointing a sharp claw at Knadil.
“Your choice was wrong, Knadil. No, it was too late. My master and I have already taken the power you should have had. You have only gathered the scraps left behind. What are you doing with that child who was trembling and fleeing from me just days ago? Kneel before me. When I become the ruler of the Sky Mountains, I will allow you to retain your pitiful title of High Lord.”
Knadil’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Guanil, showing no anger or fear, no emotion at all. Kassel, seated on Knadil’s shoulder, expressed the dragon’s anger instead.
“Shut up! Kagua. Do you think Knadil, the Le-Hopet of the Sky Mountains, will stoop to fight a mere criminal like you?”
For a moment, Guanil was stunned that the human understood him, then he cursed in a language laced with malice.
“You insolent wretch, how dare you speak out? This is a battle among gods. Creatures like you have no place here.”
Black energy radiated from Guanil’s body, flowing toward Knadil. It formed shapes, drifting like ghosts within Tachisel, shrouding the surroundings in darkness.
The darkness turned Tachisel’s day into an eerie twilight. Kassel, undeterred, looked towards the human body lying near the temple.
Lofin, who had been looking up at Kassel, followed his gaze to the unknown corpse before the temple. All the Lemifs in Tachisel, terrified by Guanil’s dread and Knadil’s majesty, were trembling, and even Azwin was casting a sorrowful glance toward the temple.
‘Who is it? Kassel, who has died that you are so enraged you can’t even recognize Guanil’s terror?’
Kassel’s voice, amplified by Knadil’s power, resonated as broadly as a dragon’s roar.
“Guanil, you couldn’t kill me in the Sky Mountains, nor could your minions in the Hapu.”
Birds sensing death flew from the forest, and animals fled as if escaping a wildfire.
“My death is beyond your reach. Your power of destruction cannot spread its wings before the Captain of the Wolves. Surrender to Knadil’s power, Guanil!”
Guanil’s curse now targeted Kassel directly, bypassing Knadil.
“Silence, human! I will tear your mouth and bury it in your mother’s grave to rot. I will burn your heart and scatter its ashes on your father’s living heart. Live in torment, unable to move, eat, drink, or breathe until death, and let this curse plague your descendants forever.”
“You be silent, monster! Even your master could not break the blessing of Queen Sanadiel. Do you think your curse will work on the Captain of the Wolves? By the authority Knadil has granted me, the sorcerer from the Sky Mountains warns you! Surrender.”
“Show me your power. Speak afterward. I will trample your boasts under my feet and make them fall on Knadil’s head. Knadil, I will show you how foolish your choice was. Ruskin, Victor. Show your strength to this witless dragon.”
As if waiting for the command, Ruskin raised his staff above his head. It began to emit a white light that had killed Ka-Tanthol. Victor’s sword, hanging loosely, started to exude a thick darkness, like smoke, cast by Guanil.
In Tachisel, there was no sense of life.
Guanil’s murderous intent was terrifying enough to extract life from any living creature. Despite Knadil’s protective power, it was impossible for Kassel to withstand the concentrated force of all three powers directed solely at him.
‘I have to do something. Kassel can’t handle this alone.’
Even Lofin felt his skin tremble with fear as he tightened his grip on Azwin’s shoulder.
“This is the power I possess.”
Contrary to Lofin’s expectations, Kassel shouted loudly below.
“Rai, catch the sword.”
Kassel threw Aranthia’s sword towards Rai. The sword spun through the air and flew beside Rai. Stepping sideways, Rai caught the flying sword with precision.
“Azwin, take up your sword. Gerald’s power will be with you. Rai, the strength of the Wolf will imbue you on my behalf. Your Captain commands you.”
Kassel shouted to both of them.
“Become my fangs!”
Azwin and Rai, standing unwavering in the midst of the dark energy, simultaneously raised their swords. At that moment, Aranthia’s sword shone, pushing back Guanil’s darkness. Simultaneously, the red light of Vena Esarck shattered the darkness emanating from Victor’s sword.
Lofin was astonished. The two most powerful magical swords in the world reacted simultaneously.
‘What are they reacting to? The power of Rai and Azwin? Or Kassel’s command?’
Kassel shouted at Guanil.
“Do you think you’ll be an exception, Kagua? Only a White Wolf can survive the sight of the White Wolf’s fangs.”
Guanil bared his fangs in anger, but Lofin burst into laughter.
‘Isn’t it said that when a true hero wields Aranthia’s sword, it shines? But from the looks of it, the sword didn’t choose the hero; Kassel decided who the hero is.’
Lofin shook his head slightly.
‘Master Grandol, Queen Sanadiel. Both of you always said I should become Captain. Look at this.’
Guanil and Knadil were checking each other, Rai was aiming at Grand Master Ruskin, and Azwin was targeting Victor. At the center of this enormous confrontation, Kassel stood alone. He did nothing, yet he was the focal point of the battlefield.
Everyone was waiting for Kassel to speak.
Allies and enemies alike.
‘Here stands the true Captain Wolf you both waited for.’
“So, what now, Victor?”
Lofin suppressed a chuckle and placed his right hand on his waist as he spoke. Victor suddenly burst into laughter and sheathed his sword. The balance of power was abruptly broken. Ruskin and Guanil turned their surprised gazes towards him.
“You always show up when I think I’m perfectly prepared.”
Victor said.
Lofin narrowed his eyes, rubbing his chin.
“If you hate it, stop preparing.”
“I can’t do that. But I don’t want another fight where we each lose an arm. We need to eat.”
“And smoke.”
“I quit.”
“Why quit such a good thing?”
“Hard to get in the Sky Mountains.”
“You should have told me. I’d have sold them cheap. One cigarette for one of your fingers.”
Victor chuckled like a mischievous child.
“I’ll withdraw.”
“No!”
Azwin shouted at Lofin. Seeing the look in his disciple’s eyes, filled with red light and blowing hair, he saw the same determination as Irine, who had inherited Vena Esarck ten years ago.
“Don’t negotiate.”
Lofin gently persuaded her.
“Azwin, even your Captain entrusted everything to me. So you should also trust me with the situation.”
Azwin closed her mouth at the mention of Kassel.
‘What? She doesn’t listen to me but listens to Kassel? That makes me jealous.’
Suppressing his jealousy, Lofin spoke to Victor.
“We will let you go. In exchange, hand over Tachisel. The Lemifs here no longer follow you. And withdraw from the Sky Mountains. You said you were already prepared, right? Then leave the Lemifs and make this a human battle. Let the Lemifs finish their own fight.”
“That means almost abandoning Putnai.”
Victor spoke as if debating a chess move.
“That’s obvious if you hand over Tachisel, you idiot. Or do you want to do this again at Putnai?”
Victor tilted his head.
“Fine. Putnai, which collapsed when the Hopet died, was already a doomed country. Then let’s end the deal here. The result will be the same anyway.”
“Of course the result will be the same. With me winning.”
The two stared at each other with calm, yet intense eyes.
Victor was the first to turn his back. As he walked towards the temple, he pressed the tip of Ruskin’s staff, which was pointed at Lofin, with his palm.
“Withdraw, Ruskin. Sa-Knadil is far more powerful than you think.”
Though he spoke thus, he was glaring not at Knadil but at Rai, who silently held Aranthia’s sword. Mounting the black-furred Venon, Victor addressed Guanil in the Lemif language.
“The command here is mine. I would appreciate it if you followed.”
Guanil snorted, a breath so hot it seemed capable of burning a tree. He soon turned and disappeared into the forest, with Ruskin following on his back.
With the sudden departure of the two humans and the dragon, the Lemifs of Tachisel were left bewildered. The Lemifs of Larunton still held their spears ready, the humans who had defeated Excelon stood firm, and above all, the red dragon remained.
‘To the Lemifs of Tachisel, this scene must seem like divine retribution.’
Lofin spoke to the Lemifs of Larunton in their language.
“Is there a commander among you?”
A limping Lemif approached and said,
“I am the commander, Rontlos.”
“Disarm the Tachisel soldiers. As long as you don’t provoke them, there will be no conflict. Oh, and if you’re Rontlos… you must know Sermei.”
“You know her?”
Rontlos asked in surprise.
“Who did you think brought Knadil here? She is the priestess who wakes the sleeper.”
Lofin smiled. Rontlos, hearing this, burst into tears.
“She is alive. Sermei is alive…”
Rontlos grabbed Lofin’s shoulder, sobbing, then knelt. Lofin, taken aback, tried to calm him.
“Sermei is safe in the goddess’s temple. I will ensure she is brought here soon.”
“Thank you. Thank you.”
Rontlos repeatedly expressed his gratitude and conveyed Lofin’s orders to the soldiers. The already demoralized soldiers of Tachisel obediently discarded their weapons and followed orders.
Azwin returned Lofin’s sword, looking displeased.
“Why did you just let them go?”
“Kassel wanted it too. It was the plan from the beginning.”
As Kassel slowly dismounted from Knadil, avoiding falling, Lofin sheathed his sword and sat on the ground.
“Rai, you should rest too. Flying here at Knadil’s speed must be exhausting.”
“I am not tired. But I still dislike this sword.”
Rai responded with a now familiar accent, standing beside Azwin. Azwin took the sword from Rai, who handed it back. The pressure of the sword was felt more keenly by stronger warriors. Azwin pointed her thumb at Rai and asked.
“Who is ‘this’?”
“A friend Kassel recruited to our side.”
Azwin looked Rai up and down before asking.
“Victor is the one who cut off your arm, right?”
“Yes.”
“And you cut off his arm?”
“That’s right.”
“While Kassel was speaking and Guanil was speaking, he was wary only of this Lemif. Ruskin was preparing to attack Knadil, but if that old man had used his magic, Rai would have killed him.”
“After that, there would have been a battle that would have left no trace of Tachisel. Knadil, Guanil, none would have survived, and neither would we. Kassel managed the situation, but it was Rai who held the battlefield together.”
Kassel approached Azwin and added to Lofin’s words.
“And a massive number of Mozes were waiting north of Tachisel. If a fight had broken out, our side would have been annihilated.”
“Mozes…?”
Azwin recalled the ruthless creatures that had attacked Gerald, biting her lip unconsciously. Lofin watched as Rontlos’s soldiers gathered the Tachisel soldiers and spoke.
“It must be the forces that were attacking Lutia returning. Considering the location in the Sky Mountains, their speed is astonishing. Imagine hundreds, maybe thousands of those monsters rushing in here without rest. Could Knadil have survived? Guanil, too, had grown far beyond what Knadil had anticipated. All I thought about was our immediate survival.”
“Even though it was according to plan, seeing Lofin demand this place so boldly made me nervous. That wasn’t part of the plan.”
Kassel spoke, unaware of the unease he caused those watching.
“Victor didn’t want either Guanil or Ruskin to be sacrificed here.”
Lofin speculated.
“Perhaps there have been recent losses outside his calculations, and he didn’t want to lose more forces. Victor enjoys orchestrating battles more than the fighting itself.”
Lofin clicked his tongue and looked up at Knadil. The red dragon silently watched the direction Guanil had disappeared.
For a moment, everyone was silent.
Azwin approached Kassel and whispered.
“He’s dead, Kassel. Gerald is dead.”
Azwin spoke to Kassel with calm eyes.
“You were too late.”
As she spoke, Kassel bit his lip and lowered his head. The confident demeanor he had while fending off the dragon and the Grand Master vanished, and he covered his face with one hand. His shoulders shook as he tried to hold back his tears.
Azwin embraced Kassel.
“Azwin, I’m sorry… If I had arrived sooner… Gerald…”
Kassel couldn’t finish his sentence.
Azwin spoke in a monotonous tone.
“I’m sorry. That was unnecessary. It’s not your fault. I just wanted to complain. Thank you for coming, Kassel. Thank you, my Captain.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Gerald’s funeral was prepared by a few Lemifs and Rontlos. Despite the busy task of organizing Tachisel, Rontlos stayed from the beginning to the end of the ceremony. As Gerald’s body was placed on the high pile of wood and set aflame, Kassel finally let his tears flow.
Azwin did not cry. Instead, she patted Kassel’s back as he wept. After a long time, Kassel stopped crying and spoke.
“I’m sorry. You must be more sorrowful, yet I showed such a sight.”
As the flames grew fiercer, the two stepped back and sat together.
“It’s okay. Someone needs to mourn him, and if it’s the Captain, he wouldn’t mind. I want to cry too, but I won’t. Gerald told me not to cry before he died. Since he said it himself, he has no right to complain if I don’t cry.”
Azwin smiled slightly.
After a while, Kassel spoke again.
“You liked each other, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I realized it only recently. But Gerald seemed to have liked me for a long time. I hate that.”
Azwin hugged her knees to her chest. The flames consuming Gerald grew brighter as the night deepened.
“Why didn’t I know sooner? Or, why didn’t we meet earlier… I find myself thinking that a lot.”
Kassel reached out to comfort her but then pulled his hand back.
Azwin smiled and caressed Kassel’s face.
“Kassel.”
“Yes?”
“When you find someone you like, don’t keep it to yourself. You must tell them.”
Kassel nodded.
“…I understand.”
Azwin quickly noticed the subtle changes in Kassel’s expression.
“You’ve found someone you like, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good.”
After saying that, Azwin sighed again.
“How can I notice others liking someone so quickly but fail to realize my own feelings?”
Azwin asked in a cheerful tone, trying to change the mood.
“So, where do we go next?”
“Carnelock!”
Lofin approached from behind, carrying a large, unknown piece of meat dripping with oil. He handed out pieces to everyone. Though it looked tasty, no one felt like eating.
Strangely, Azwin wasn’t surprised to learn that Lofin was one of the former White Wolves. When Lofin asked her about it, she simply said that she had a feeling.
Lofin stood beside the two and spoke.
“We’re heading to Carnelock. As the goddess instructed, it aligns with our expectations, and Victor openly revealed his objective. Gathering Mozes at Putnai to attack the human world? Then, naturally, it’s Carnelock.”
“So, when do we leave? Tomorrow?”
Kassel asked.
“We should. But there’s a complication.”
“What is it?”
“First, you need to go to Carnelock. To alert them of this crisis and prepare for war, the title of Captain Wolf is necessary. But can you go alone? You might be used to it, but this is still the Sky Mountains.”
“That’s true,”
Kassel said, lacking confidence.
“Not only that, but it doesn’t look good for a Captain to move without any subordinates. Declaring yourself as the Captain of the Wolf Knights, especially as a young man under thirty, won’t be taken seriously. Plus, with your current appearance, you look too weak.”
Lofin poked Kassel’s face with his finger as he spoke.
“Externally, people still think Quain Gant is in that position. They’ll assume you’re a fraud.”
“I can go with him. What’s the worry?”
Azwin said, smiling brightly like before. Lofin shrugged and said.
“I would be the best choice to go.”
Lofin emphasized before continuing.
“But I need to finish things in Tachisel. Knadil can’t deal with the Lemifs of Putnai directly, and it’s difficult for the capable but hostile commander of Larunton to get involved. If Rontlos enters Putnai, which lost its Hopet, it will look like they’re being taken over, leading to strong resistance. So I need to stay here for a while. I need help. So, Azwin, you stay too.”
“Me?”
“I need someone to stand at the forefront if Putnai resists, and there are many tasks I can’t handle alone.”
“Then you’re saying Kassel should go with this Lemif alone?”
Azwin pointed at Rai, sitting idly on the broken temple roof like a cat watching the moon.
“Well… that’s true.”
Azwin didn’t want to part with Lofin after reuniting and also wanted to help Kassel in Carnelock.
At that moment, a commotion was heard in the distance. The Lemifs were shouting about a giant wolf appearing, and some were arming themselves.
Lofin immediately ran in that direction, with Kassel and Azwin following.
A giant silver-furred wolf, its head reaching the chest of a human, emerged from the forest and walked leisurely into the plaza. Even at night, it shimmered faintly, looking incredibly beautiful.
Next to the wolf was a man with a backpack and a faded cloak. His hair, reflecting the torchlight, appeared brown, and he had an unusual gaze as he looked at the Lemifs. He was a young man Azwin had never seen before.
Riding on the wolf was Sermei.
“Sermei!”
Rontlos recognized her before Azwin and ran to her. She dismounted the wolf and ran to Rontlos, embracing him tightly. They wept, asking about each other’s well-being.
The wolf slowly rose, transforming into a woman in a robe reflecting the torch’s orange light into blue. Her hair was two-toned, fluttering in the wind, and her curved face featured a long scar that added to her mystique. She approached Lofin with quiet steps, like a master swordsman, and greeted him.
“I’ve heard everything from the goddess Sanadiel. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Lofin shook his head slightly.
“You arrived at the perfect time, Tanya. Or should I say, because you’re a sorceress?”
Kassel, standing beside Lofin, hesitated before stepping forward and grasping her hands firmly.
“You’ve come, Tanya.”
Tanya responded stiffly.
“Do you recognize me? My voice and appearance have changed.”
“Of course. I was worried about you.”
“I was worried about you too.”
Kassel, taken aback by her cold response, asked formally.
“Uh, how is Lutia? Is it safe?”
“It is safe. Not entirely out of danger, though.”
Tanya gently released his hands and turned to Lofin.
Lofin scratched the back of his head.
“Who’s that friend with you? Another White Wolf?”
The young man behind them tilted his head slightly, looking at Lofin, and then raised his hand towards Kassel. Kassel approached and gave his hand a loud slap.
“You made it, Jaymer.”
As Kassel greeted him, Tanya shrugged and explained.
“Actually, I intended to bring either Loyal or Dunmel Wolf. But Dunmel was severely injured, and Loyal was needed in Lutia to communicate using sign language for him. So, I brought Jaymer instead.”
“Isn’t ‘instead’ a bit harsh?”
Jaymer muttered.
“Is it?”
Tanya replied indifferently. Caught in the middle, Kassel smiled awkwardly.
“You two are just the same as ever.”
Lofin took a deep breath, standing beside Azwin with his hands in his pockets.
“Azwin, from tomorrow, help me with my tasks. Though it might be disappointing, it’s best to leave Kassel to those two.”
“I don’t know either of them. Are they trustworthy?”
“Tanya once risked her life to protect Kassel. Now, she’d risk even more.”
Lofin said.
“Yes, on second thought, it might be better for me to stay here for a while.”
Azwin looked at the burning logs.
‘I want to stay here for a while.’
☆ ☆ ☆
In the morning, Kassel, Tanya, Jaymer, and Rai were ready to depart. With the group decided, Lofin urged them to leave without delay. He prepared everything they needed for crossing the Sky Mountains.
“Luckily, three of you won’t be affected by the Sky Mountains’ magic, so the journey shouldn’t be too slow.”
Jaymer, a fast guide in Acrand, was suddenly deemed directionally challenged. But he was too excited about returning to Acrand to be bothered.
Lofin, after making the others wait, called Kassel aside for a private conversation.
“Remember, in Carnelock, your biggest enemy won’t be Victor or Guanil.”
“I know. But as always, I’m not alone.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I still can’t believe Gerald is dead. Even when we cremated him, it felt like my tears were false.”
“That’s probably Gerald’s way of giving you time to grieve later. A friend like that is the worst kind. When you look back on these days as memories, he’ll suddenly appear in your mind and make you cry.”
“If I’m able to cry over memories of Gerald, I’ll gladly do so.”
“Yes, I had a friend like that, and those tears were never wasted.”
Lofin patted Kassel’s shoulder, then added.
“And that friend Jaymer—who is he really?”
“What do you mean? I’ve given you a brief account of our encounters.”
By then, Jaymer and Tanya were arguing about something again. However, Tanya remained composed while Jaymer got worked up.
Lofin, looking at Jaymer, said,
“It’s only natural for a sorceress to appear at the most critical moment. It’s not surprising that Tanya appeared when you were struggling in Aranthia—she’s a sorceress! But why did Jaymer appear at the most crucial time?”
Kassel vividly remembered Jaymer appearing when he was being dragged as a prisoner by Billy after passing through the Red Gate.
“Jaymer is just a good friend who saved me in a crisis.”
“Yes, yes, a good friend indeed. But look at this situation. It should have been one of the Wolf Knights accompanying Tanya.”
“Is that unusual?”
“And he’s Irine’s disciple, right? Do you think it’s just a coincidence? She failed to find a disciple for so long, then suddenly meets a hunter in Carnelock at such a critical time and takes him as his disciple?”
“Do you have any insights?”
Kassel asked.
Lofin groaned softly before speaking.
“For the first time in a thousand years, there are now five White Wolves. The number of Wolf Knights is also the largest it’s ever been. Quain must have seen this abundance of talent as a sign of some great impending danger, which is why he didn’t hesitate to appoint five White Wolves. But then, those five brought a Captain from Camort. And it wasn’t a White Wolf who saved that Captain when he was in danger, but this young man, Jaymer. Don’t you understand what this means?”
“I still don’t quite understand.”
Kassel replied, bewildered.
“Kassel, remember this. Reflect on what Nadiuren said: Aranthia is a country that protects itself.”
“Wait a moment. Are you talking about Gerald’s death?”
Kassel asked, his voice rising slightly before lowering it again.
“Does this mean someone replaced Gerald because one died? Are you saying Jaymer’s appearance caused Gerald’s death?”
Fortunately, Jaymer was too busy bickering with Tanya to hear this.
“No, it’s the opposite. The presence of a White Wolf diminished, and Aranthia summoned someone with the qualities to fill that role.”
Lofin explained.
Kassel couldn’t find words to respond. He recalled the radiance of the Dragon Orb shown by Sanadiel. Lofin chuckled, patting Kassel’s shoulder.
“It’s just a thought that came to mind. Nothing changes by saying it, and nothing can be altered.”
“Understood, Lofin.”
Kassel finally answered and then asked,
“What about Azwin? I want to say goodbye before leaving.”
“She went into the room with Sermei for comfort earlier, but neither has come out. Don’t worry, you’ll meet again soon. I’ll pass along your farewell.”
“Alright, Lofin, I’ll see you later. And about the favor I asked?”
“You mean the request to Sanadiel? I already conveyed it to Knadil yesterday, so it’s already known. Don’t worry.”
Lofin waved his hand, smoking his pipe.
Kassel returned to stand beside Tanya. Unfolding the map Lofin had given, Tanya said,
“If we walk quickly, we’ll reach the Carnelock border in about a week. But with the token of Nadiuren, we should be able to travel faster. Shall we go?”
Tanya led the way, and Kassel quickly followed beside her. Jaymer and Rai soon followed behind.
“Tanya.”
“Yes, Kassel?”
However, Kassel couldn’t continue.
Tanya, sensing his hesitation, spoke instead.
“I heard you lost a dear friend. I don’t know what words of comfort I can offer, but…”
Tanya couldn’t finish her sentence either. Kassel silently took Tanya’s hand, and she didn’t let go.
Jaymer, watching them from behind, sighed briefly.
“Did they always have this side to them? Is there something between them…”
Turning to ask the person next to him, Jaymer was startled to see Rai’s face at eye level.
“I wanted to ask since yesterday… Who are you?”
Jaymer asked. Rai looked down at him, rolling his eyes, and muttered in the Lemif language.
“Someone who doesn’t want you in his circle.”
Jaymer frowned.
“You insulted me, didn’t you?”
Rai didn’t respond. Jaymer grumbled and muttered to himself.
“Come to think of it, it’s been less than two months since we left, and now we’re heading back.”
Jaymer’s face turned anxious as he fell silent.
Kassel, too, remained silent.
Carnelock…
It was also the final destination of his father’s last journey.
–TL Notes–
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