Chapter 223 Her Choice

Chapter 223 Her Choice

As Luke stepped into the clearing, his eyes immediately fell upon Ferritt, causing a surge of shock and anger to course through him. Before he could react, Evelyne, standing by his side, urgently called out, "Luke, look!"

Turning his gaze, Luke's attention was drawn to Fray, who stood nearby. The sight of both his enemies in one place sent a wave of mixed emotions through him.

But as soon as the name "Aslan" escaped his lips, he disregarded the presence of Ferritt and Fray, his focus shifting entirely to the woman he cared deeply for.

"Aslan, are you okay?" Luke asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Luke..." Aslan's voice trembled with shock and hesitation as she glanced back at Fray before responding in a low voice, "Yes, I'm fine."

Fray, observing this scene, clenched his fists tightly, struggling to control his anger. He was facing a difficult time trying to rein in his emotions, but he knew he had to trust Nahl.

He had ignored Nahl's advice before, only to discover that everything he had warned about was true. Now, he had decided to place his trust in Nahl until he could regain his lost memories.

"You seem a little off. What's wrong?" Luke inquired, sensing something amiss.

Lisa and Aslan exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of how to respond. But before they could answer, their conversation was interrupted by a commanding voice.

Standing before the group was the tall, muscular woman, the innkeeper, an old bearded man, and a woman with striking green hair. Stepping forward, the old man spoke up, "The second phase of the Challenge will begin soon."

As the old man's words hung in the air, Luke and the others fell into a contemplative silence. Fray, wearing a calm expression, slowly turned his gaze towards the old man, while Ferritt gradually opened his eyes, fully alert now.

The old man ceased speaking, and the green-haired woman took over, her voice filled with a hint of anger. "We have carefully chosen you to participate in this challenge, and you have proven your abilities by successfully passing the first phase," she said, casting a disapproving glance at the old man. "Although it seems that not everyone has made it."

Aslan, her mind clouded with conflicting emotions, mustered the courage to ask Fray where he was going. However, before Fray could respond, Luke intervened, his voice filled with concern. "Aslan, why are you stopping him?"

Aslan glanced at both Fray and Luke, as she suddenly remembered her promise with Fray.

Luke pressed further, questioning her loyalty. " Aslan, What do you want to do ?"

Caught in the midst of her complicated emotions, Aslan found herself unable to articulate a response. She looked down, tears welling up in her eyes, feeling lost and confused. She knew deep down that what Mina and Lyla had told her was true – there was no longer a connection between her and Fray.

Lisa observed the scene with a complex expression, her own eyes beginning to moisten as she witnessed the emotional turmoil unfolding before her.

Fray looking at Aslan's state spoke up for the first time. "I'm not comfortable going with him either. I'm sure you already know which one of us you want to go with, am I wrong?"

As Aslan heard his words, tears streamed down her face. She slowly raised her gaze, her confusion evident. She was lost, but she knew deep down that the bond between her and Fray had been severed.

Fray, sensing Aslan's unspoken answer, without displaying any further emotion or uttering another word, turned away and continued his solitary journey.

Luke, perplexed by the turn of events, placed a comforting hand on Aslan's trembling shoulder. He spoke her name softly, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and concern.

.....

The group of mercenaries stood atop a rocky outcrop, their eyes fixed on the horrifying scene unfolding below. In the heart of the dense forest, a massacre was taking place.

Monstrous creatures, their twisted forms a testament to their malevolence, were attacking and slaughtering several captives held captive in cages. The air was thick with the stench of blood and despair.

The Captain, a seasoned warrior with a scarred face and a hardened gaze, surveyed the chaos below. He knew the odds were stacked against them. The monsters were formidable adversaries, their strength and ferocity unmatched.

The group had been sent on a mission to rescue these captives, but now it seemed like an impossible task.

The captain turned to his comrades, his voice indifferent. "We can't save them," he said, "These creatures are too powerful, and our chances of success are slim. We must return and inform our employers of what we've witnessed."