Chapter 45 - The Ark Of Interested In Her

When the man started to turn purple, Raiyen abruptly threw him away. Minwoo landed on the grass floor with his back. He started coughing, trying desperately to take in oxygen. The Mages had no idea Raiyen could do such a heinous act.

"Wanna know why? It was Abi's birthday," added the Time Mage.

"So, that's why you were at the cemetery... I was wondering when did you like to wake up early," said Ysabeau, comforting the small child.

"But I'll let you all in a secret about me. I was the one who was supposed to capture Mavislin."

"So, you are a traitor?" asked Minwoo.

"It's not counted when I was never on their side, to begin with."

"Then why were you with the villagers?" asked Baldwin, suspecting the Time Mage.

"Bounty and food. Whatever it took for me to survive, I was willing to do. The villagers had described her as a giant monster or some creature. So, when I had arrived at the graveyard, I did not expect to see a small girl next to her best friend's tombstone," explained Raiyen, rubbing the back of his head.

"So, you immediately ceased your advance?"

"I did have a small hunch that she would be hostile. But when I took my time to learn about her, teased her for a bit, I decided to shift gears," explained Raiyen.

"So why'd you side with us?" asked Baldwin.

"Simple. I'm keen to learn more about that Valkyrie."

"Don't you dare touch her!" yelled Ysabeau, hugging the small girl close.

"If you think that I would be as merciless as humans, think again. I'm interested in her. I would love to be near her, snuggle her with her mountain of plushies and teach her combat skills. Don't worry, I'm not going to cut her open," said Raiyen, smiling at the small girl.

Mavislin managed to squeeze out of Ysabeau's tight hug and dashed towards the Time Mage. He caught her with ease, tickling her and ruffling her hair. Ysabeau looked dejected while Gillian let out an amused laugh. He then turned to Raiyen.

"So tell me, why are you so interested in our girl?" asked Gillian.

"Because her powers are beyond my comprehension. It only took her a single spell to decimate the horde."

"Just one?!" asked Minwoo, seemingly surprised.

"Not uncommon for her kind," said Gillian.

"Listen, White Rat. If the a.d.u.l.ts are capable enough to destroy battalions, I think it's safe to say that a young child could kill quite a number as well," said Baldwin, staring right at Minwoo.

"If she's that small and she could destroy the entire village with a single move, just imagine the amount of damage she could do when she grows up? It'll be amazing. Especially towards a species of people who can't have a proper vision of 'justice'."

He then gazed at Ashley and Minwoo.

"I don't care for the alliance that you want to make with us. That's up to the a.d.u.l.t Mages. I only want the Valkyrie to be safe. In such a situation that the Congregation's gone, the young Mages are the most vulnerable against the terrifying beast of mankind."

"But do me a favor and make sure you don't jump onto any more conclusions. I'll say it once. No more second chances. If I catch any human acting on hearsay, I'll make sure the human won't get to hear or say anything ever again. Got it?" warned Raiyen.

Minwoo saluted after trying his best to gather up the air he had lost. Ashley could only muster a small nod.

"Come on, it's my turn to train with Z. Thanks for ruining my playtime with Mavislin," said Raiyen, walking towards the garden behind the Old Chapel.

The young girl tried to catch up with him by taking flight. They then initiated a race. The a.d.u.l.ts heaved a sigh of relief as Raiyen did not go any further.

"I think it's safe to say that Raiyen was holding back. And he didn't cause too much of a problem," said Z, looking at the two humans.

"Yea, but I think Ashley needs a timeout for what he'd done and gone through," said Minwoo, helping his buddy up.

"Are you coming in? Or do you have anything to report to me?" asked Baldwin.

"Nope, I came here to find Ashley. As for the report, I've arrived to tell you about who I have hired. As the Marquess of the Campania, my domain has been fully dealt with and is functioning well. But I have not tried binding the two worlds together just yet."

"Take your time. We are in no rush. The people you've hired?"

"I will bring them to you after they've been confirmed."

"Make sure these are people who you can trust."