Chapter 223: The Return to the Akarios Island

Chapter 223: The Return to the Akarios Island



The rhythmic thrum of the Blackhawk's rotors filled the night sky as it cut through the darkness, carrying Vincent, Marcus, Duchess Elinalese, and the rest of the squad away from the perilous Broken Cliffs. The helicopter's interior was dimly lit, casting red hues over the exhausted faces of the soldiers. For now, the adrenaline had subsided, replaced by the quiet aftermath of their narrow escape.

Vincent sat across from Elinalese, his eyes watching her intently. She was wrapped in a thermal blanket, her once regal attire now reduced to tattered remnants. Her breathing was shallow, but steady, her eyes closed as she tried to rest. Despite her weakened state, there was a strength in the set of her jaw, a quiet resolve that hadn't been broken by the Demon Lord's cruelty.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Commander," Marcus spoke quietly over the roar of the rotors, leaning in close so only Vincent could hear him. "We're about ten minutes out from Akarios. The medics have been alerted and are standing by."

"Good," Vincent replied, his gaze never leaving Elinalese. "We need to get her to the hospital as soon as we land. The dark magic she was exposed to... we can't risk any lingering effects."

Marcus nodded and moved back to join his squad. The soldiers exchanged glances, relief evident in their eyes. This time, they had all made it back in one piece, a rare outcome given the dire circumstances they had faced. Vincent allowed himself a brief moment to appreciate the calm before they would have to dive into preparations again. The Demon Lord's ominous promise still echoed in his mind.

As the Blackhawk approached Akarios Island, the familiar outline of the fortified base came into view. The island's perimeter lights flickered through the mist, a beacon of safety amidst the surrounding darkness. The pilot's voice crackled through the comms.

"Akarios Base, this is Blackhawk-2. We're on approach. ETA three minutes."

"Roger that, Blackhawk-2," came the response from the air traffic controller. "Medical team is on standby. Clear to land."

"It's hard to say," the doctor replied, his tone cautious. "It depends on how deeply the magic affected her system. But with proper care, she should be back on her feet within a few days."

Vincent let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your team's efforts."

Leaving the medical staff to their work, Vincent stepped out of the room, the door closing softly behind him. He leaned against the wall, his mind racing. The Demon Lord's words had been clear: he was learning, adapting. This encounter had been a test, a reconnaissance mission disguised as a battle. And now, the stakes were higher than ever.

Marcus approached, his boots echoing softly in the sterile corridor. "Commander, the debrief is ready whenever you are," he said, his voice low and respectful.

"Give me a few more minutes," Vincent replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "I need to think."

Marcus nodded, understanding his commander's need for a moment of quiet. "I'll wait in the briefing room, sir."

As Marcus walked away, Vincent turned his gaze back to the window of the treatment room where Elinalese lay resting. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much larger. The Demon Lord was adapting, learning from their encounters. And Vincent knew that next time, they wouldn't be so lucky.

He pushed himself off the wall and began to make his way to the briefing room. There was no time to rest. They had to be ready for whatever came next. The Demon Lord had retreated, but it was clear he wouldn't stay in the shadows for long.

Vincent's mind was already racing with strategies and countermeasures. The next battle would come sooner than they expected, and this time, they would be the ones who were

prepared.