"Haha."
Lumian laughed as he kicked the g with the blade in his hand.
Amelia was undoubtedly caught off guard.
His eyes abruptly flicked towards Cid who was running ahead. His previous appearance had returned.
But the momt Cid returned to his original appearance.
No.
Brandon.
His name was Brandon appartly.
The momt Lumian caught sight of the look on his face, his mind was flooded with several thoughts.
A sse of familiarity washed over him
A girl from his past.
Pale– hair, and ice–blue eyes.
Belle Locke.
He looked just like her.
It was during his academy days wh he was younger, back in his country.
She was a studt who had just transferred from overseas.
Her beauty was breathtaking, and Lumian found himself awestruck.
It was love at first sight.
Since Belle was new to the country, and she didn't have any frids, Lumian offered himself as a guide.
The two quickly became frids after that,
But.
Wh he died.
He was abandoned.
Abandoned by everyone.
Abandoned by Belle.
Flicking his eyes back towards Amelia—who turned her head slightly with wide eyes, Lumian swung his blade, aiming for her torso.
But it was th.
Clang—!
***
The sun was about to rise.
"....!"
But it was th that the group heard a sudd commotion from the forest.
Belle flicked her head towards it, and she could feel the thick mana coming from that direction.
Clang—!
The sound of swords clashing.
It was muffled, giving her the hint that it was several distances away.
They immediately turned their heads and looked at each other.
"Let's go."
Nodding their heads, they immediately got up and fled towards the source of the commotion.
The forest was dse, the underbrush making it difficult to move swiftly.
Belle led the way as she traced the mana's source.
Clang—! Clang—!
The sounds of battle grew louder as they approached, the clashing of swords and shouts becoming more distinct.
Time passed and they had finally brok through the trees into a small clearing.
The sounds of clashing had stopped for a few seconds. But as she made it through the bushes...
She pointed at the man who was gaged in combat with the task force. The g shook as all sorts of magic flew in the air.
A sudd rage boiled within Belle as her eyes locked on her younger brother who looked lost.
She neared him and crouched down, holding his other shoulder.
"...Sis."
Brandon spoke and his voice cracked.
"...."
Belle shook her head and her expressions turned grim.
Gritting her teeth tightly, she
Drip. Drip...!
Tears trickled down her face, sorrowed by her younger brother's currt state.
"If only..."
If only she hadn't allowed him to leave on that day.
"Fuck."
She held him in her arms.
"Fuck."
She cursed.
"Fuck."
And cursed.
"Fuck..."
And cursed again, her voice cracking.
She truly couldn't believe it.
Amelia appeared behind her and held his arm for Belle to see.
"There's still hope."
Amelia assured her.
"I know."
Belle calmed her thoughts.
It was possible.
With the technological advancemt in this world, assisted by magic, reattaching Brandon's arm would be done in no time.
They just had to get out of this place.
But she couldn't abandon her companions. She was currtly on a mission.
It was th wh she realized.
"Amelia, did you get the message?"
"What message?"
"On your phone. The army st it to every officer."
It was information about the man.
Amelia retrieved her phone and oped it.
After she checked, her expressions became perplexed.
"I did, but.... Isn't this a bit late?"
"What do you mean?"
The message was st a few weeks ago. What did she mean it was late?
"Look."
"...."
Belle checked Amelia's phone as she held it out for her to see.
Her brows suddly raised.
[0 minutes ago.]