Chapter 42 - 42: Returning to Limes Temple

It's indeed a long exhausting night. It's almost dawn as the cold wind welcomes them as they emerge from the waterfall cave.

"We've done a pretty great job, right? Everyone is genuinely happy." Eirwen stretches his body as he enjoys the early morning breeze.

"It's truly a pleasure meeting and joining your endeavors, Little Eu." Seig said with a gentle smile on his face.

She looks at everyone's happy faces and thank them for all their efforts. She won't be able to accomplish anything without their assistance.

"Where are we heading next? We've been traveling for seven years." Triteia curiously asked as she continued, "Don't we deserve our long-needed rest?"

She is not complaining but rather curious as she inquired. Triteia wants to know their next adventure, now that Eu has accomplished what she originally intended.

"Yes, yes… We are heading back to the Limes Temple. It's been a while since we came back." Eu chuckles as she pats her back as she continued, "We need to check with Captain Jairu as well. I don't want to worry them further of my absence."

"Isn't the Divine Lord going to be angry with us? You know, after he learned what we did in secret?" Haru chimed in like pouring a bucket of iced water to their warm spirits.

Di'Anon is the only one who remains silent. He steals a side glance towards his companions, and a small smile formed on his lips.

He can't believe this silly dragon's timing. He has ruined the moment once again.

"You are such a party popper sometimes, Haru! Why are you bringing in the Divine Lord's wrath at a time like this? Arrgghh~ You are unbelievable!" Eirwen said as he transforms into his original fox form.

Everyone prepares themselves to journey back to Limes Temple. It is quicker to travel on their Mystic Beasts forms.

"Lumina." Eu calls forth.

The cuddly creature curled in her shoulders transforms into a white, majestic Spirit Beast. She is elegant and beautiful, while her presence is simply breathtaking.

She is exceptionally magnificent.

"Triteia, ride with me." Eu invited her as she climbs Lumina's back.

Triteia is a water nymph and accepted her offer. She marvels at the beautiful beast every time she transforms into her majestic form.

Di'Anon, Seig, and Eirwen are leading the way, while Lumina and Haru soar up in the sky.

The sun is barely up, and cool wind hits their tired faces. It's kind of refreshing while they can't help anticipate their long, deserved rest.

Meanwhile, in the Arcane Palace, one of the Divine Lord's aides knocks on his door. It's been chaotic in the Central, and they honestly didn't want to distract him for any reason.

He is slightly trembling as he enters the room. The Divine Lord is busy with his paper works early in the morning.

"Report." he just spoke as he continues working.

"Divine Lord…" he started as he trembles and gulped, "Disturbance at the Inner Courts…"

"And?" there was a long pause, so he asked again, and he knits his brows.

"The whole Oracle Clan is currently missing…" he responded in a barely audible whisper.

Divine Lord Foeni dropped the scroll on his hand as he looks up at the trembling aide.

"What did you just say?" He asked to elaborate.

His voice is low and powerful as he coldly looks at him. He wants him to refrain from withholding any information and be frank with him.

"The Oracle Clan abandoned their village… my Lord…" his voice is a little louder.

"Since when?"

"The other night… I think…" he is guilty, and he is trembling.

It was indeed a good plan unless he was the one to face the Divine Lord's wrath.

The Divine Lord has already stood up and about to leave as he angrily glares at the aide. He inquired about the disturbance, and they kept the most crucial detail from him.

Many of his men have disappeared. Beasts are starting to appear and frequently attack small secluded villages.

"You and your companions need to explain plenty of matters upon my return! Be ready!" he said coldly.

He grabs his robe and summons the Tanuki twins to accompany him back to the Inner Courts. Sensing his anger, they remained silent without saying any word to him.

He looked at the two and thought they probably aware of the entire situation. He narrowed his eyes but refrained himself from lashing out.

He just wanted to reach Inner Courts and directly check on the entire incident. He also wanted to check on Eu and how she is doing all this time.

"My Lord..." Canon started, but she can't find the words to say.

"Don't worry, Lord Foeni. I am pretty sure that Miss Eu is safe and everyone from her clan." Fugue broke his silence as he finishes his sister's thoughts.

"I know. Still, I can't help myself worry. I'll go ahead, and you two follow me to Inner Courts." he commanded.

The twin looks at each other as they wonder what he is planning. Though they have an idea of what he is going to do.

The three heads to the rooftop while the Divine Lord gave the twins his instructions. These two have proved themselves more reliable than his aides.

He instructed them to take the airship and follow him to Inner Courts while he flies ahead of them. The two are quite surprised by his decision.

It's been ages since the Divine Lord Foeni transformed into a Mystic Beast. He rarely shows himself in this form as he preserves his powers.

Purple flames enveloped him as he transforms into a majestic, beautiful phoenix. He slowly emerges from the raging blaze in all its splendor.

His ocean blue eyes sparkle as he opens it. He is elegant as he stood before them. He spread his mighty wings as he prepares for his flight.

His power is overwhelming.

Everyone can feel the power surge in the Central. Even the Four Holy Guardians can't deny its presence.

They can only assume he finally learned what happened in the Inner Courts, and he is furious that his aides kept it from him.

The four decided to move as well. There is no reason to sit idly to continue to discuss and wait for everything to unfold.

Meanwhile, Eu and her companions finally arrived at Limes Temple. The fresh scent of morning breeze welcomes them as the cold wind assaults their tired faces.

They have transformed back into their human forms as they climb the wide temple staircase. It feels so good to be back home after years of wandering around.

Much to their surprise, Captain Jairu is waiting for them and welcomes them all back to Limes Temple. This honorable man has a relieved look on his face as he sees everyone safe.

He can't deny he is worried since that ominous incident and the Oracle Clan's disappearance.

It's been three years now since they last saw each other. Still, Jairu can't believe this girl has continued to support them.

"Welcome back. I'm delighted you are doing well." he said.

"I am also glad you are safe. I kept on reminding you not to underestimate your opponent, Captain Jairu. You are lucky this time." Eu responded.

"Yes, I know. Thank you for always looking out for me." he responded and sighed bashfully.

Eu suddenly had a headache as she felt the power surge from the Divine Lord's transformation. She can feel his distress and anxiety as he travels to Inner Courts.

She inwardly sighs as the time has finally come to tell the truth and explain herself. She has secretly done plenty of things behind everyone's back over the years.

She genuinely wanted to rest, but she needs to push out that thought. She stretches out her arms as she sighs and readies herself to face another formidable foe— the Divine Lord Foeni.

Captain Jairu is going to be reprimanded for not reporting the incident to Arcane Palace. She doesn't like the idea of others taking the fall for her.

After all, it was her suggestion not to report the incidents while she takes care of them. The Divine Lord doesn't need to bother small issues while he takes care of the rest.

Then again, how can she consider her well being a small issue for the Divine Lord? For him, anything about her is an issue.

She shifted her gaze to her companions and suggested that they take their long, deserve rest. They barely rested those past few days as they await things to unfold.

The enemy's movements are not entirely predictable, and they are always changing. Even with Eu's predictions, she can't comprehend why they can counter maneuver her plans.

She is finding it truly strange. It can only mean he is also gifted in divination and not just a strategist.

Meanwhile, everyone can't deny the Divine Lord is heading the Inner Courts. They look at her questioningly.

Haru is mostly concerned about this because the Divine Lord Foeni knew him way back during the time of Lord Turtle's rescue.

"Don't worry and rest. We'll be fine..." Eu said reassuringly.

"Little Eu, aren't you tired as well...? You are the one who fought him." Triteia asked and broke her silence.

Eu smiles as she reassures everyone she is okay. There are tons of things to do before she can completely settle in and rest.

Not to mention, she is now going to face and explain the entire situation with the Divine Lord. There is plenty of time to rest afterward.

Eu has grown very dependable and beautiful. Her prowess is simply admirable.

Her competence and skills have also improved beyond everyone's expectations. Her mere presence is domineering yet gentle at the same time.

Meanwhile, the Divine Lord Foeni has blessed the skies of his presence. He is on his way to meet the person he cares for the most.

He is gracefully cruising in the sky while his long colorful flight feathers flutter elegantly on his trail. His wings are broad and robust, which creates a gust of wind.

He is quite excited to meet her once again. They have only met on her Astral Space as he long to see her in person.