Chapter 326: Pursuing The Journey

The man's eyes drilled into the soaked head of silvery white. The oils made the strands slick, clinging to each other in thick strands. He saw the faint trembled of the fragile curve of the youth's shoulder before it completely stilled like nothing had happened. As their souls were linked, so were their hearts. Thus, it wasn't difficult to guess the emotions chaotically running within Moulin's chest. Anything that should displease the youth must be dealt with, and anything that should trigger fear in him must be destroyed. And so, what was the reason for this brief sense of dread?

Noticing that the man behind him had stopped moving, Moulin anxiously turned his head to glance at Hadrian, with deep eyes connecting their gaze. Moulin faltered. The secrets he kept would forever be exposed, vulnerable to these man's heavy gaze. Moulin lowered his eyes as a sigh escaped his lips.

"I found something..." He started.

"What is it?" Hadrian drew him closer to his body. A strong arm curled around the young man's waist. He listened, consuming every word into his mind.

Moulin lifted his gaze, and the words poured out of his mouth without thinking. "Before my family's estate was attacked, I was in an underground room... with Alsander."

Remembering the excitement in Alsander's eyes, the bright annoying grin, a face filled with pride, Moulin shut his eyes and continued. "He led me to the room, and inside... was a wall carved with runes I am most unfamiliar with. And the image of the Devil Serpent, Iraz, was sculpted within the rings it formed. I touched it, and the next thing I knew was the sound of chaos above my head."

Moulin's hand moved to hold Hadrian's arm, clenching around it in a tight comfort. Moulin swallowed. "I found the same carved wall underneath this palace."

Hadrian narrowed his eyes. He lowered his head, leaning on where the youth's neck met his shoulders. His own heart pounded. A sudden memory jolted his soul. For that day, like Moulin and many others, was an excruciating memory. The ache had left a scar, never healing. "It will never happen again..."

"Mn, I know it won't." Moulin leaned his head to Hadrian's chest. His hand came up to caress the man's cheek. Moulin could not forget the pain he had left his lover throughout all these years. Guilt held his heart, and he could not deny it. But that was all in the past now. He wasn't going to leave again.

Hadrian continued to wash his little lover under the silence between them. He was even more gentle and careful as if treating a little porcelain doll. It should've annoyed Moulin. However, he felt comforted by the man's soft touches. Inwardly, he knew it was a sort of comfort for Hadrian too.

After they finished bathing, they moved to the bedroom to change. Hadrian shooed off the two beasts in the room with one terrifying gaze. Moulin could only watch them leave helplessly. For the rest of the day, the two didn't leave their room. Their hearts have eased, but they didn't feel settled. It was only when they were close to each other that they were reassured.

Thus, the day ended with their bodies closed.

.....................

The morning air within Gaclan was cool, although the city was trapped within the cavern. The hustling courtyard was occupied by a small crowd. Buckles were tightened, and bags were strapped on their bodies. The gleaming blades of their weapons weren't forgotten. Going back to the outside world meant facing danger and terrifying monsters. Preparations for the team's departure were almost complete.

"This tunnel was created years ago. It will lead you to a random portal. Once you go through, you will find yourself as the foot of the Meian Borders." Nhero said to Emlen as he pointed a finger towards a big tunnel. A group of people and maeruthans were pushing a giant rock that was covering the passage halfway.

With a crease appearing between the skin of his brows, Nhero rolled up the map and handed it to Emlen. There was hesitance in his face as he did. "Here."

Emlen released a laugh and shook his head. "Old man, I already made a copy. I do not blame you for being reluctant to part with your map. It is the fruit of your efforts after all."

Nhero rubbed his nose and snorted. He withdrew his hand and tucked the parchment in his vest. "When did you make a copy so fast?"

"Last night..." Emlen grinned as he took out a folded parchment from his pouch. "I am one of the elite pathfinders in my city. Copying maps is nothing."

Nhero cocked an eyebrow and grumbled about Emlen's boasting in front of the man's face. Emlen only nodded in amusement as the older man began scolding him.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the courtyard, two people were conversing after packing up the supplies for the journey. Moulin glanced at Malyana after he finished checking the void pouches. Looking at the pouches once more, he nodded with a satisfied expression. It seems they have enough supplies to last a whole month. However, Moulin wasn't sure if it was really enough for all the people in the team. After all, a few of the captive maeruthans would be joining them, including Sentinel Tessley, the Sentinel twins, and Colahn.

As well as...

Moulin lifted his gaze to Malyana. He couldn't help but ask. "Are you really coming with us?"

Malyana, who was feeding the big snake coiling around her arm, stopped. Her brows rose, and her eyes curved with a faint smile. "Yes, do you not want me to?"

"Oh, no. It's just that... I'm curious about what makes you want to leave..." Moulin looked at her curiously.

Malyana softly gazed at the youth before him. She had known a few purifiers. However, this young man was by far the most intriguing and loveliest creature she had ever known. Pardon her for the exaggeration, but she really could not find anything unattractive from him. And it seems Harow couldn't as well. The little snake loved him.

Malyana smiled. "I wanted to see how you and your team make it far within the borders of that hazardous land. I hope you don't mind a bit of company..."

Surprised by her words, Moulin stared at her. Not long after, he broke into a smile. "No, you are welcomed. I'm fully aware of your abilities. You're strong enough to defend yourself. Having one more capable person in the group is good..."

Moulin turned away with a bit of a flush on his face. Malyana chuckled at his reaction. Amused with the embarrassed flush on his ears. Her gaze moved to the city view below her. She lived here for years, experiencing the harshness of life, the misery of loss and swearing to avenge those who have passed before her. Now, she would be away from it. Take a breath and go on a dangerous journey... along with her new friends.

Half an hour later, the tunnel was finally uncovered. As the men went to take a few minutes to rest, they were abruptly greeted by the appearance of Helios' High Lord along with the new council of Gaclan. Lord Hadrian Hercullio gestured for the men to continue before he ignored numerous peering eyes and headed straight towards the silver-eyed man having a word with a giant wolf and a tiny snow-white fox.

Malyana, who was beside Moulin, stiffened as Hadrian walked to Moulin's side. After the battle, the man's name had spread throughout Gaclan. The High Lord of the prosperous Helios City aided the battle of the Orcan Lord. The shock gripped her soul when she found out. Malyana could not help but shiver when she recalled the violent ambiance of energy surging within the air back in the halls. This man was Moulin's lover.

Malyana glanced at the youth and Hadrian curiously.

These two men... are both outstanding people. An incredible couple...

...

'Gahh! What a gem!' Malyana thought with a calm expression. She had heard that the High Lord of Helios City was ruthless and insane after the death of his beloved at the beginning of Kron. Now, here he was, with his lover. Lord Hadrian didn't seem to be the type to get a new lover. Indeed, this dog would rather die than be with another. Then, there must be an extraordinary reason how this 'deceased' lover came back to life. Perhaps, he was just hidden? taken away?

Anyhow, she was sure to dig out the answers during the trip.

A while later, silence dawned within the courtyard at the arrival of a certain orc. A thin young man walked beside him, sheepish and wary of the deep gazes on them.

Moulin was the first to approach them, and Hadrian, like the obedient lover he was, followed Moulin impassively. Furthermore, Malyana's eyes widened at the sight of them and hurried towards the pair.

"Lord Accrius." Moulin addressed the blond man with a smile. Then, he shifted his gaze to the young man, "Mellano..."

Accrius returned the greeting with a smile and, of course, didn't forget to address the High Lord standing behind the white-haired man. Mellano smiled softly at Moulin and stuttered at the sight of Hadrian. Even when standing in front of the man, he felt the brutal strength emanating from him.

"We leave the orcs to you," Moulin said with a smile. "Keep a watchful eye. I believe you will be a just and righteous leader."

He then turned to Mellano. "... And treasure your person well."

"Thank you, My Lord. " Accrius nodded and shifted his gaze to Mellano. His eyes softened, brimming with boundless passion. Mellano's gaze was the same. "I will..."

Sometime thereafter, the new expedition group faced the deep tunnels. Countless threats awaited them on the other side. They need to be prepared to confront all life-threatening obstacles and hardships. It was probable that they would lose their lives if they lowered their guards for even a second. They must be ready to face all possibilities and survive them.

Facing the dark tunnels, Emlen stood behind Hadrian and warned the group one last time. 'Mana must be suppressed throughout the journey, and one is forbidden to conjure even a sliver of mana.' Even if they were stuck in the middle of the battle, they must remember these rules as not to bring other maeruthans to the death with them.

Moulin's heart pounded. They are going back to that malibreed infested world. He prayed that they would be safe throughout the journey.

"Let's go," Hadrian said to Emlen, who then yelled out the order.

Keir huffed, and he barked as he led the group. He ventured forward. Paws pounded the ground, and his bark traveled through the tunnel.

The people began to advance, following the dark wolf's lead.

Taking one last glance at the scenery behind him, watching the city's shapes growing smaller and smaller, Moulin turned his head. Snow popped out from the satchel resting on his hip. The little fox made a cute yip, curiously looking around him. Moulin patted the little fox on the head before he returned his gaze ahead of him.

The youth braced himself for the next part of his journey, and together with the rest of the men, they quickened their pace.