"I didn't even get to ask him who he was," Noah shook his head allowing his attacks to disperse. Thanks to James' flames and his withering slashes the man had ended up into no less than bones.
Bones that fell to the ground but turned into dust before they even touched the surface.
Noah descended to meet James. He was back to normal now, even if he looked as pale as death. He also bled from his mouth, nose, and ears.
"You look like shit," Noah commented, arriving before the imperial knight. He lay on the ground groaning a bit.
James tried to giggle but he only coughed out blood and his expression contorted in pain.
"You've exerted yourself too much. Because of your strange power," Noah spoke, lifting James off the ground and putting his right arm around his shoulder.
"It's a pretty long story. One I'm not allowed to share." James explained limping. He realized that he had a few broken ribs and his left leg featured fractures. He would live, however. His bloodline power had put pressure on even his bones. The sudden release of that power had caused damage.
He felt both light and heavy.
"I see. Understood." Noah responded, allowing a platform of wind to manifest below them. Then he ascended with James.
'We'll need to complete the assassination quickly. But I need them to leave first.'
"Let's find the others, they shouldn't have gone too far… hopefully," Noah revealed, wrapping James in his mental waves before sprinting.
He had to cross miles worth of land area before he arrived above a chain of hills surrounding a small formation of tall trees.
"We have returned," Noah announced and his voice didn't have to carry power before it reached his target audience.
Less than twenty seconds after his words, the duo watched several figures ascend from within the woods to approach them.
The air was somber when they laid eyes on James' bad state.
"The man is dead, even if I have no knowledge of who he is and why he attacked us," Noah explained and he could see relief appear on their expressions.
All eyes fell on James after that point and he understood why.
"You mentioned someone told you to remain careful about the man. Who is he?" Noah voiced the thoughts of all who were there.
James nodded.
"It's only fair that I tell you who he was seeing as he endangered your lives."
"You all know that I got into a little skirmish with certain individuals and during my time in the central region, I can say I've made enemies willing enough to come after my life."
"But this person we just killed was an expert in charge of keeping the tower safe. I had gotten info that he stays in the shadows most times and he's the reason many are okay with taking oaths so he didn't come after them."
"I believe he's the reason the rescue was so easy. Meaning we have to leave quickly or we risk getting caught in really troublesome events." James slowly explained.
·ƈθm "I guess this means farewell for now," Noah announced, ready to initiate their departure.
"I too sense a certain darkness incoming. I don't like it." Noah admitted, and those men and women could only nod.
"We can separate immediately. I doubt the death of a peak stage tier four will go unnoticed for too long." James sighed letting go of Noah's arms. Erod stepped forward to help James stand, but he raised his hand to stop him, at least for a bit. He had something to say.
"Before we go, I want to say voice my gratitude for the great help you all have rendered to the royal family. I've heard of your competence from my people and I will put in a good word for the members of the divine lightning guild."
James slowly swept his gaze on Noah's group while he spoke. It was necessary to address them.
"I also voice my apologies since we've brought more trouble than not. I hope we get to work more in the future," James bowed before his features contorted in pain. Erod stepped forward at that point and he exchanged glances with Noah, before nodding and beginning to fly.
"Till next time!" James exclaimed as they ascended. The five of them shattered the sound barrier to leave that region. They activated a teleport during their flight and all five vanished in a bright orange light.
Silence remained among Noah and the thirteen, Erolia included.
"Noah." Davis stepped forward understanding what must be done next,
Noah continued to stare into the distance even after the five had disappeared. Thankfully the invisible woman had also followed them.
There was a different issue now.
As he stood, he could feel a certain gaze land on his figure. It didn't come from a particular location, but from all around him.
The feeling soon faded and he could focus on the group who had been waiting in silence.
"We don't have too much time. The death of the expert would soon spread amongst the various powers. They'll be on guard for a long time." Noah started.
"I would have wished we had at least another day to properly prepare you for the things that I have planned beforehand. But as things look, the assassination will have to be carried out this very night."
Those words instantly put them on edge, but Noah opened his mouth to speak.
"Do not worry, however. I will make sure all things work out smoothly," He announced, calming them.
"Erolia," he called out and she quickly drew nearer.
"Not all of us will be returning to the city. I will first return to set the stage then come back to take those who will be tasked with destroying the noble families. Understood?" They all nodded in response.
Noah approved their reaction and a white light wrapped around his figure then he disappeared. They were tasked to first protect themselves whilst they waited for him.
An awkward silence permeated their midst, there was also tension. Even though he had assured them of safety, those experts could not help it. They were about to carry out a severe task in a city filled with powerful elves.
To their surprise, Noah didn't spend up to ten minutes before another white light unfolded in their startled gazes and he reappeared before them.