Chapter 257 - Return To Ishgar {33} Paradise Island, Part II

Sherria was the first one to dismount the ice and step onto the legendary island. Jellal and Millianna followed right after her and then they stepped off one after the other with Amell being the last one.

"Even the air is filled with an abundance of magic. It's completely pure too." Jellal bent down and ran his hand through the sand.

"I'm glad that my island is to your satisfaction."

"It's incredible! How did the magic in the air get so abundant? Is there some form of massive magic circle underneath the island? Wait, no that wouldn't be the case when it's this pure. How long are we staying here, I would love to study this." Jellal let some of the sand run through his closed fist. Each grain of sand held a lot of magic.

"About that. Even before I recruited Touka, who was the first one of this group, I had already scouted you all out. Running into you wasn't random. I saught you out. And, while studying your talents and affinities for magic I designed magic most suited for you. This place is the best place in the world when it comes to training and practising new magic. So, the plan is to stay here until you have your magic under control, especially since the magic I'm about to gift you is extremely powerful."

"You designed magic for us. How did you do that? Is that even possible?" Millianna asked.

"Well, hahaha, Millianna, you are the only one I didn't take into account. But, don't worry, I will teach you just like them. For isn't that what a grandpa is there for." His smile made it impossible for her not to smile as well. Orga suddenly looked up at the cliff with a serious expression. He lowered his body a little, going into his battle-ready stance. "Something's coming."

"He is right. I don't know what it is, but it's strong." Sherria stood ready and she had lost her smile. She stood slightly in front of Orga since he was still hurting from his clash with Jellal. Amell looked at them all and nodded in satisfaction. 'Their instincts and awareness are world-class. Especially Orga's. His natural instincts are probably among the best in the world, counting both beasts and man.'

While he stood with a smile facing the cliff, the kids all stood with their bodies all tensed up. The silence lasted for a long time. But, finally, in the distance over the cliff wall, they saw the appearance of a massive eagles head. But, the body was not like an eagle. When the entire being could be seen, Sherria's pupils dilated fully.

"A GRYPHON!!" Her sudden outburst forced the other kids out of their battle-ready mood. Millianna and Briar stood with mouths completely wide open. "I-It's huuuuuuge!" The catgirl said. Her eyes were glued on the body of that beast.

"It has to be fifty meters, no, maybe even longer. I wonder what's bigger, a dragon or it?" Jellal immediately began analysing it. "And, not to mention its magic power. It's more than anything I've ever felt before."

"Is it gonna eat us?" Briar asked and she looked up at Touka. Touka was the only one, apart from Amell that wasn't floored by the majestic beast. She had seen some incredible things in her time, and even though the beast was very impressive, she didn't feel the need to react as the others did. "It won't. Don't worry." She stroke Briar's cheek slowly while looking at Amell.

The massive Gryphon landed on the ground quite some way away from the group. But, two simple steps brought it right up to the group. The whole ground shook when it walked and with it being so close now, they really got a perspective of just how HUGE it was.

The gryphon lowered its front body in front of Amell. "Lord Amell. Welcome home." From its voice, you couldn't tell if it was a female or male.

"IT TAAAAALKED!!" Sherria almost fainted. Millianna immediately went and hid behind Jellal. Briar tightened her grip around Touka's hand, and Orga was now forced to be the one to support Sherria so she wouldn't fall down.

"Aurora. Have you grown even more majestic since I last saw you? You're a treat to look at." Amell smirked. He walked up to Aurora and started stroking her head. She closed her eyes while enjoying the touch.

"You flatter me, My Lord! If I may ask. Who are they? That girl in the back carries corruption. You should be careful, My Lord." Aurora glared on Touka. Amell's safety was her number one priority, and she immediately identified the White wizard inside Touka as a threat.

"You don't have to worry about that, Aurora. They are my students. We will be staying here while I train them in magic. Be nice!"

"As you wish, My Lord!"

"Master Amell, are there more like this one on the island? And, have did you manage to control them?" Jellal sneaked up behind him and asked curiously.

"Her name is Aurora. If you're rude, she might eat you, and I won't stop her if you deserve it."

"I-I understand. I apologize, Aurora." Jellal bowed his head, hoping that this Overlord was a kind one.

"Apology accepted, Child. There are four others. I am the strongest among us. Then you have Lady Alora who is Lord Amell's right hand. This should appease your curiosity for a while."

"Even worse, now I'm even more curious." Jellal's whole body was filled with energy, maybe enough to nuke a small village.

"Before any more question, we need to leave this beach. And, that's why Aurora is here. She will take us to my house."

"WE GET TO RIDE HER! YEEEEEEEEEESS!!!" Sherria disappeared like a flash and she was seen already climbing on Aurora's body. Her smile was filled with so much excitement that it almost looked like she had gone mad.

"Okay, the rest of you, follow her. Slower, please."

"My Lord! You're not gonna make me babysit them are you?" Aurora had to help out the kids because of how tall she was, Briar and Touka had some trouble getting on, the same with Orga.

"Not if you behave and don't eat any of them. Otherwise, hehehehe..." Amell said and jumped up after the kids and landed on her head. "Now, let's go. Toward the mountain."

"Of course, My Lord!" Aurora said.

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End