Chapter 376 Departure

"Okay, but... Those are not a spear, much less a sword. How were those used to stop such a powerful being?" Malon asked.

"They probably hit him with these objects," Ailen shrugged.

Malon furrowed his eyebrows as if he had already expected that answer. Still, with a smile, Ervan decided to explain how things worked. Those two really made him recall his friends.

"It's very simple, boys, from what you described in combat, Malon," Ervan said. "These are called soul relics, and their powers go far beyond what. These relics are able to manipulate all elements, the creator of these relics was known as The Iron Lady, one of the most powerful mages of antiquity, and from their power comes the ability to imprison Tenebres in another reality, and I believe that the Lady's powers are the only possible way to stop him in direct combat today."

"And what happened to those powers? Do you have and can teach?" Malon asked.

"It was lost a long time ago," Ervan shrugged.

"How was it lost? How humanity's greatest weapon against evil has simply been lost?" Malon frowned.

Aion truly wanted to smack the head of that moron… his common sense was lacking on too many levels. It was fine being a muscle head and all, but even stupidity had limits.

"I have no idea, of course, this story has holes, but apparently, humans couldn't use these abilities. Unfortunately, that's all I know. I haven't found any more records about it, at least in our country," Ervan added. "Maybe it was a power not meant for humans, and Tenebres was one and lost himself in his lust for power, after all.".

"But we can still keep him sealed, right?" Cailena asked.

"Correct, but we have to confront those responsible for the attacks. Suppose they have the power to destroy villages so easily. In that case, I imagine they won't stop until they can find the bearer of the third relic, and I don't intend to let more people suffer for it," Ervan replied.

"So, how can we help?" Ailen asked.

"Honestly, I wish I could keep you guys out of it, but I'm not that strong and confident in my abilities. I saw that you're talented, and I think even if I stopped you, you would find a way to get in trouble, so it's pretty simple," Ervan replied. "We will use a direct attack since the enemy isn't expecting that. Training now wouldn't help, and Malon will be the front line just to clear the way. Ailen and Cailena, you two will help us in the backline. I believe that the Black Knight, Leonder, will be there, just leave him to me, and I believe everything will work out."

It seemed like a dangerous plan, but it wasn't like most people could level up like Aion. So, putting themselves to fight as much as possible was the best option when it came to getting stronger and gaining experience. Fortunately, as long as they don't make stupid mistakes, Cailena can always heal them.

"That is what I wanted to hear…" Ailen clenched his fists.

"We will travel for a while and then learn more about the enemies. In the meantime, I will teach you a few things about magic that will improve your fighting abilities," Ervan declared. "I will prepare a few things for the journey. You all can use the rest of the day to rest."

Those three nodded, and then Ailen went to the garden to practice while Cailena guided Malon to the kitchen, where he filled his belly and then some. He was starving, and it was time for him to store some energy. Now that he knew what he had to do, he wouldn't hesitate and had to polish his sword skills more seriously than before.

Cailena didn't look that eager to fight, and Malon wondered if she had already realized about the death of her mother… saying that would probably be for the best, but Ervan didn't seem like the person who would tell half-truths.

"Cailena, about your mother…" Malon said.

"I already know about it… I had the feeling since I met you," Cailena said and then forced a smile. "You didn't want to let me see her condition, right?"

"Well…" Malon hesitated.

"Mother always told me that this kind of thing might happen in the future, and she told me to be ready for it," Cailena said and then sighed. "Still, despite all this… I don't want to fight. I just want to make sure that people won't have to suffer. That is why I like my magic."

"Well, that is fine as well," Malon said. "To each their own… or something like that. You can focus on healing people, and in this journey, you can leave the dirty work for us. You were trained to end the suffering of some people, and the rest of us were trained to make sure that the enemies won't have many chances to cause suffering."

Cailena sighed… she wished that things could be that simple. Still, what else could she do now… she could only try to repay the favor to the people that helped her. After that, she had no idea what she was going to do.

Aion could tell what Cailen was thinking, she didn't make up her mind yet, but Malon was too stupid to realize that. Still, Aion was more worried about how come to her appearance was still different while the others still looked the same as he saw them in the tower. Those questions were starting to annoy him.

"I should fast forward all this shit… I don't need to see training montages and the start of their journey," Aion thought.

After resting for a while, the group just moved a bit after midnight while using the same carriage that they had used earlier. Aion wondered how come they could be sneaky while using such a vehicle, but maybe speed was their best weapon, and they couldn't tire out before the real battle began.