Chapter 78: Kidnapping.

Training, Training, and More Training.

Strax had been living this way for days, and it was becoming a real problem. He was, in a way... aimless. Exhausted from his clashes with Xenovia, dealing with problems he couldn't even make sense of.

Being the strongest was one goal, enjoying life with his wives was another, and in between? The chaos of this damned family he had.

At the moment, everyone was on edge and honestly, why? That was the question in Strax's mind. Why does the idea of him coming back generate so much hatred? I mean, is it about power? He was trained by Xenovia; that should be enough to prove he at least has potential. Is it about greed?

What does it matter? He doesn't even want to be in this family; he's forced to be here. That's why he's still around, otherwise, he wouldn't even use Vorah in his name.

Strax doesn't care about being a Vorah, he never did. So again, why do his siblings want to destroy him so much?

The conclusion he came to is that they want to eliminate him to reduce competition for becoming the Patriarch.

But that clashes with his own ideals; he doesn't want to be the Patriarch. He'd probably just use that position to destroy the family that threw him away just because he wasn't like them.

"You're overthinking again." He got distracted and took a blow that sent him flying, crashing back against a pillar.

"Urgh! Damn it, take it easy! I thought you wanted to be my wife!" he shouted at Xenovia, who was clad in black armor and wielding her sword containing Xyn. The training had intensified much more than it should have, pushing him to his limits. He was actually hurt now, with his arm bleeding through the kind of armor he wore.

Xenovia, with a slight smile, lowered her sword for a moment, but her gaze remained sharp. "You're daydreaming again, Strax. Your thoughts are a distraction. And a distraction on the battlefield is the difference between life and death," she said, approaching slowly but with firm steps.

Strax tried to get up, rubbing his sore shoulder. "Daydreaming? I'm trying to understand what I'm doing here. This family is driving me crazy, and these relentless training sessions... it feels like there's no purpose other than pain," he said, a mix of frustration and exhaustion in his voice.

[Return the Missions]

With the Garden open, we will have access to another sword that can strengthen your position and destabilize any ongoing plans against you."

Strax took a deep breath, trying to calm the fire within him. "Very well," he said finally, his voice laden with determination. "Let's prepare. We can't waste any time."

Xenovia nodded, grabbing her sword and walking towards the exit of the training hall. "I'll coordinate with my subordinates. They will be ready to locate your wife." For some reason, Xenovia's tone had changed, but Strax didn't have time for that; first, he would go home to see Samira and Monica. "Alright," he nodded.

As she left, Strax allowed himself a moment of vulnerability. He leaned against the pillar, his head tilting back, eyes closed. Every muscle in his body was tense, the weight of responsibilities and fear threatening to crush him. He couldn't fail, not now. Beatrice was someone important to him, and especially to his old self.

But he couldn't falter now. He quickly stood up and left her mansion, "Girl, full speed ahead." He said to Apocalypse, not bothering to caress or speak beautiful words, but this horse... He knew exactly how Strax felt and neighed furiously; his hooves began to move with loud, strong sounds of galloping, the speed the horse reached was something Strax had never seen, yet he wasn't impressed.

He knew his horse was special, and he knew he cultivated it, so he didn't care about its speed.

Strax managed to reach his house quickly, the sound of his fast footsteps echoing in the hall. Strax opened his eyes to see Samira and Monica sitting on the couch, worry evident on their faces. "Strax!" Samira cried out, her big, bright eyes staring at him. "We heard what happened through your subordinate."

Monica, sounding somewhat desperate, maintained the expression of concern, after all... it was her daughter they were talking about. "We heard that something happened. Please, tell us everything will be alright. Where is Beatrice? Have they found my daughter yet?," she pleaded, holding his hand.

"Daughter?!?" Samira said, startled, but she saw that Strax didn't show that reaction. "You knew..." "Not long ago." He commented, forcing a smile, trying to reassure them. "I'll bring her back, okay?" he said firmly. "No one will hurt Beatrice and get away with it. I promise you, darling." He said, hugging Monica.

"Wait... so you're her husband and stepfather? I mean" Samira continued lost in her own thoughts, "Get back to normal, idiot!" Strax said, giving her cheeks a pinch. "L-let go!" Samira said, but he didn't and pinched harder, "That doesn't matter now!" Strax shouted at her, releasing her. "Alright alright! Calm down!" She said.

Suddenly, a metallic noise caught Strax's attention. He turned to see a hooded figure emerging from the shadows. It was one of the guild's informants, a small woman with sharp eyes who always seemed to be where least expected.

"Lord Strax," she said, her voice calm and professional. "I have information. I found traces of unusual activity on the outskirts of the city. Movement of forces we haven't identified yet, but it seems coordinated and recent."

Strax took a step forward, hope reigniting in his eyes. "Take me there," he said. "I need to see this with my own eyes."