[208] The Hero Has Returned

[208] The Hero Has Returned

Chapter 208: The Hero Has Returned

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Thalindra was in an uproar. Civilians ran far from the castle, and most adventurers also stayed away. The two clashing energies they sensed were leagues above anything they’d ever seen, which included the fight with the demons a few hours ago.

So the Adventurer Guild’s master positioned a large group at bay and ran around to gather the strongest in the city before rushing toward the castle.

There were twelve of them, one of the finest people in the continent, and the army that waited for their command back in the city was capable of threatening a nation if pushed.

However, against all of them, a sole maid stopped them at the gate. Unlike the fire and destruction behind the gates, she stood solemnly and calmly.

“Entry isn’t permitted, sorry. The Duchess is fine, she and Lady Sieran will take care of the situation, so please return.” Anoria said when the twelve powerhouses approached the gate.

“What nonsense! That other energy beside your Duchess is too dangerous, tell them to take the fight out of the city if the situation is as under control as you claim to be!” the Archmage of the White Tower yelled, his veins popping on his forehead.

The Magic Towers spread across the world was an organization capable of matching an Empire, and even among them, the White Tower was mighty. The Master of the White Tower was more sensitive to Mana than normal; he could tell how dangerous the situation inside was.

He, including most of the other hot-blooded warriors, was willing to force their way in. The black elf warrior already held daggers in his hand, ready to act if required. They hadn’t abandoned their important work to rush here just for nothing, they had to confirm the source of this big trouble at least.

However, when the maid narrowed her eyes and a blood-red aura leaped out of her, their conviction faltered and they flinched back.

“I believe I’ve made myself clear, honorable guests,” said the Elder Vampire, causing a few of them to tremble. “Please try to understand.”

A maid she was, indeed, but none in the empire, nor the entire world, would dare disrespect her. Vampires were also considered demons, but due to their high intelligence and noble history within the Empire, they weren’t treated as harshly.

In the end, the large bulky man leading this crowd of people, the Adventurer Guild Master, cleared his throat and intervened. “...Since Lady Anoria said it's fine, we shall trust her and back off. Guys, let’s not cause a ruckus and be civil about this.”

Although a few of them looked dissatisfied, a glare from the Guild Master made them look away. He then led the group back to the city. When the silhouette of the group vanished on the horizon, Anoria turned her senses there. She noticed they were on standby in the city, still with that large army they gathered. If the situation grew dangerous, they'd definitely come back.

Shrugging her shoulders, she slowly turned her head toward the destroyed castle, where the fight seemed to be slowing down. It didn't seem it'd rise back again, from the looks of it.

She smiled a little, a tinge of happiness in her heart. Maybe my Lady’s torture of a life is finally changing for good. I'm glad. The sensation on her lips only made her feel better. Maybe things would change for the better for her too.

She turned her head forward again, keeping her senses alert to not let even a fly get in. Yet, despite her alertness, she failed to follow the veil of shadow that shot across the night sky, coming from within the castle.

The veil was so well hidden that Elara and even Aqua, despite having his Jade Perception activated, never noticed its presence.

Who knew how long the figure had been within the castle? Now that it's been a minute since the battle ended, and two old lovers lay on the ground, the figure left the castle like a flickering shadow...

****CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

“Butterfly Suns’ Bombardment!” Ai stood tall amidst the chaos, her eyes sharp with intent as she attacked the demonic angel before her. It was the last of its kind attacking the refugee camp, letting out a final screech before crumbling into ash.

Ai exhaled deeply, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow, and allowed herself a small smile as she looked over the setting sun that cast a golden hue over the camp. Although her heart was clouded by confusion and questions recently, it felt great to save lives. To defeat beings of pure evil and elevate people’s souls.

Leading Group 3, she and the others came to the Erebian Empire this morning. Due to the time zone difference, the sun was rising in this place when it must have just set back in Thyranais. Jasmine led them to the biggest refugee camp remaining in this ruined Empire, and out of luck, they reached just in time to save it from a bunch of demons that were attacking the place.

Around her, her allies were finishing off the remaining enemies. Ruby's nimble palms gleamed with a rainbow light as she cut through the air, Tsubasa's explosive gauntlets brightened the area around her, and Jasmine's holy aura shimmered, reflecting off the broken ground. Xenovia and Irina were helping the civilians, and Ranefer was just in the sky, watching out for any unforeseen situation.

The camp was secure, for now.

"Good job, everyone," Ai said, her voice reaching far thanks to mana. "Let's gather the leaders of the camp and see what we can do to help."

The group walked towards the center of the camp, where a makeshift meeting area had been set up. The refugees, ragged and weary, looked at them with a mixture of hope and reverence. Among them, a group of leaders stepped forward, their faces etched with lines of worry and fatigue.

"Your Highness," one of the leaders, an elderly man with a bent back and wise eyes, said, bowing deeply to Jasmine. "We are honored by your presence and grateful for your assistance.”

“Yes,” another agreed, “some of these fools were saying you abandoned us, that you fled, but your presence has reassured our hearts as always. We’re grateful to you for saving our poor lives, your highness.”

Jasmine frowned and shook her head. "Please, stop calling me 'Your Highness.' I don't deserve that title anymore. We're here to help, not to be revered."

“But-”

Sieran pushed open the door, watching a grand royal bedroom greet her sight. Her nostrils filled with the fragrant scent of romantic candles, along with something else. Ignoring these mundane details, she blinked at the scene inside.

Her green eyes widened and she scowled. There was Seriphoth, his hair now black and eyes purple, though his hair was longer than it had been in his previous life. He did that for her...? He didn't bother to do that for me though...

Elara was beside him, both of them under a white blanket, clearly naked. Now it made sense what that smell was.

"Oh, Sieran~" Elara noticed her. She had been chatting and giggling with Seriphoth, smiling in a manner that Sieran hadn't seen her do in the last 300 years.

She looked like a completely different woman than yesterday.

Seiran's heart thrummed with warmth at the sight, but she controlled her expression to give them a blank look. "...You lustful creatures," Sieran muttered, frowning. She turned around, about to leave.

"Hey, not so fast, we missed you last night~" Elara yelled, raising a hand. Before Sieran could react, she was pulled into the room with a telekinetic force and flew into Elara's arms.

She struggled to escape, but before she knew it, she was sandwiched between the two lustful humans. "Hey, let me go!" Sieran protested, her voice muffled by their embrace.

"Just stay a little longer," Seriphoth teased, ruffling her hair.

Elara grinned, holding Sieran tight. "Yes, stop acting asexual if you really want kids.”

“W-what?!” she shot Seriphoth a look, “You told her!”

“Erm....”

“Just relax a bit, won't you? I'll help you fulfill your wish...”

“H-hey! You woman! Not there! Aaa-”

The morning in the castle ended like that, with Sieran's futile attempts to escape only making Seriphoth and Elara chuckle more evilly. Yet, despite herself, Sieran found a small smile creeping onto her face, the warmth of their embrace and affection breaking through her usual stoicism.

****

Hours had passed since the chaotic events of the morning, and the sun was now high in the sky. The grand hall of the Thalindra castle was full of activities today, as the Chancellor of the Duchy knelt before the throne.

However, unlike yesterday, today the Chancellor wasn't bothering to hide his gaze as he gaped at the throne. Because today, the throne was not occupied by Duchess Elara, but by a man.

The Chancellor’s eyes were wide, and his mouth hung agape as he stared at the person seated on the throne. Although Duchess Elara and Sieran the Wise were perched on each of his hips, such a sight didn't hold the Chancellor's attention, it was his appearance that did. A young man with black hair and eyes a striking purple sat confidently.

Could... could it be?

Elara, noticing the Chancellor's shocked expression, laughed. "Eriksson," she said, addressing him by name for the first time in his life. "Please go to the Daily Times' office and tell them to print a news article. I want the paper to reach every corner of the world by tomorrow, no matter the cost. Understood?"

The Chancellor's shock was palpable. He shakily nodded, struggling to find his voice. "I-it's possible, Duchess. However, w-what's the news? Could it be that..."

His gaze shifted to the man on the throne, his mind racing to comprehend the implications. There is no way, right?

Elara grinned, giggling, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She jumped off the man's leg, standing over the staircase of the throne.

"You're an observant man. Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking—”

She confirmed in a voice of pride and joy. The next words that came out of her mouth set ablaze a commotion across the entire world in the next few hours.

"The Hero Has Returned."

The presence of a [Sage] filled Pangeal to the brim.

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