Alina's eyes followed the retreating orcs, the pounding of their massive footsteps echoing across the shattered battlefield. She could feel the tension building, the sense that they were drawing closer to discovery, and her instincts screamed that it was almost time to pull back. Just as her hand rose to signal Dave, a sudden blur streaked across the sky above them.
For an instant, her eyes caught a flash of Paul, his figure barely visible against the darkened horizon, but that moment was enough to tell her he was in trouble. Her expression shifted instantly from calculated caution to sharp concern, and she met Dave's gaze. He responded with a subtle nod, almost imperceptible but heavy with understanding.
Alina jumped into his circle of magic, and in the next heartbeat, the two vanished. Seconds later, they rematerialized near the spot where Paul had been hurled into the shadow, the air still thick with swirling dust and the faint scent of scorched earth.
Dave's power allowed him to teleport to any location he had previously marked, and he had already keyed in Paul's position. Within the radius of his marks, they could appear anywhere almost instantly.
As the dust settled, a massive figure gradually stepped forward from the shadows, its sheer size and presence dominating the immediate area. Alina and Dave stiffened, preparing for the worst, their hands ready for action. But as Paul's form came fully into view, the tenseness in their bodies slowly released, replaced by a cautious relief.
"Are you okay?" Dave asked, his voice carrying a note of concern.
Paul's body bore only minor scratches, and the scars were barely visible beneath the dirt and bruises. He nodded firmly, his expression calm but alert. "I'm fine,".
Alina kept her eyes on him, her tone controlled but insistent. "What now?"
Paul's gaze flicked toward the dark path from which he had arrived, scanning the distant horizon with a sharp focus before returning to Alina and Dave. "We need to get back to the city," he said. "Thavuk is planning something big, something that could devastate everything if we don't act fast."
The three shared a silent understanding. Plans had to be made, strategies reconsidered, and time was running short.
…
After another mere day of sailing across the skies, the Red Rose emerged into view of the city of Aclisa, the three day journey having been uneventful, with the crew enjoying the quiet and peaceful atmosphere on board.
Leo stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the horizon as he guided the ship steadily toward its destination.
As they drew closer to the city, he gradually slowed the engines, finally bringing the vessel to a gentle stop as it glided into a nearby pool that he had created on the ground, the landing smooth enough that the ship settled with barely a ripple disturbing the water.
He kept the ship at a safe distance from the city, careful not to trigger its defenses, knowing full well how difficult even he found it to suppress such protective measures.
With the ship securely moored, Leo, Elna, and Selina disembarked, followed closely by Miriam and other crew members tasked with securing the vessel, while Selina issued precise orders before they departed on foot.
As they made their way toward the city, Leo couldn't help but notice the stunned expressions on the faces of its inhabitants, who had clearly never seen a zeppelin before; the sheer scale and unusual nature of the ship left them wide eyed and silent, a mixture of awe and disbelief written across every face.
The city guards, while aware of Selina, did not intervene, their hands hovering near their weapons but their movements restrained by the recognition of authority that radiated from Leo, here known as Victor. The crowd instinctively parted as they walked through the streets, maintaining a cautious distance while whispering amongst themselves, eyes lingering on each member of the party.
By the time they reached Alexia's residence, every gaze was fixed upon them, the murmurs of the crowd swelling with curiosity and amazement, and even those who did not recognize Leo or Selina were captivated by the presence and grace of the two women accompanying him, Elna and Selina, whose poise and confidence commanded attention and respect from all who watched.
When they entered the upper city from the mansion, Alexia emerged on her own, her eyes immediately fixing on Selina with a calculated intensity, as if she intended to keep the pirate captain firmly under her watch. The air seemed to thrum with quiet tension, each movement carrying weight as the two women's gazes locked, measuring and probing.
Leo and Elna bowed their heads slightly in respect, their gestures slow and deliberate, acknowledging Alexia's presence with the kind of formality that reflected both reverence and discipline.
"Master, I'm sure you know Selina, the Red Rose pirate captain," Leo said, his eyes glancing briefly toward Selina before returning to Alexia with measured precision.
Then, shifting his gaze back to Selina, he continued, "Selina, this is my master, Lady Alexia Clayden."
Selina's smile was enigmatic, a subtle curl at the corner of her lips as her eyes sparkled with curiosity and interest. "The Phantom Oracle herself," she murmured, her voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of respect. There was no fear in her tone, only intrigue, as if she were quietly assessing the woman before her.
Leo's expression remained neutral. "Selina has agreed to help us," he added, stating it plainly, as if to cement the alliance in Alexia's eyes.
Alexia raised a single eyebrow, her face unreadable, her gaze sharp and discerning as though she were weighing Selina's intentions against every possible outcome. "Is that so?" she asked finally, her voice even, betraying nothing.
After a brief pause, she inclined her head slightly, a subtle acknowledgment. "Then you have our thanks," she said, her eyes flicking toward Leo.
"Did you get what you wanted?" she asked next, her expression remaining neutral but her curiosity faintly perceptible.
"Yes," Leo replied.
"Good," Alexia said, nodding almost to herself. "You must be tired. My butler will guide you to your rooms."
Leo shook his head, his posture firm. "Actually, we are fine, and I think we should start right away," he said, his tone leaving little room for debate.
Alexia's face remained composed, her features an unyielding mask of calm. "For your next step, you need Oswald, and he is on his way back," she said. "But it will take him a little bit more to reach the city. Rest while you can."
Leo nodded, ready to move toward their rooms, but Alexia's voice stopped him.
"Leo, a word." she said, calmly.
Elna and Selina exchanged a brief, knowing glance before slowly walking away, leaving Leo alone with Alexia in the quiet corridor. The faint echo of their footsteps faded, leaving only the subtle hum of the city outside.
Leo turned back to her, his brow slightly furrowed. "Is there something wrong?" he asked.
Alexia reached out and took his left hand in hers, turning it over to examine it closely.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice low, edged with seriousness. "Your hand… it's filled with corruption."
Leo's eyes widened slightly, his gaze dropping to his own hand. She was only the second person to notice, after Leviathan.
"I know," he said calmly, meeting her concerned stare.
Alexia's brow furrowed, her expression shifting from worry to quiet frustration. "How did you let this happen?" she demanded, her voice tight as she regarded the corrupted limb.
"There is a way to fix it," Leo said, lowering his hand to his side, keeping it partially shielded from view.
Her eyes flashed, anger rising like a tide. "That's what everyone in your shoes would say," she snapped, her tone sharp with skepticism. "But I've seen this before. I know the truth, Leo."
"These are not my words," he replied firmly. "Leviathan told me that Zahhak is the only one who can heal this corruption. That's why I'm moving quickly."
Alexia's eyes widened slightly in surprise, her anger melting into cautious contemplation. She murmured under her breath, "Zahhak… I've never heard of anyone being able to cure corruption at this level."
After a thoughtful pause, she nodded decisively. "I'll make arrangements for a meeting with Oswald as soon as he returns," she said, her voice steady but urgent. "But in the meantime, precautions must be taken."
With a fluid motion, she raised her hand, and a soft blue glow enveloped Leo's corrupted arm. A subtle warmth spread through him, accompanied by a sensation of shielding, as though the corruption itself had been cloaked from the scrutiny of others.
"What is this?" Leo asked, curiosity flickering across his face as he studied the faint luminescence.
"If Oswald sees your arm like this," she said quietly, her tone low and commanding, "he will never agree to help us. And I'm not willing to risk everything we've worked for over a mistake."
Leo allowed a small, wry smile to cross his face. "Thank you, Master," he said, his voice threaded with genuine gratitude.
…
After an hour of waiting, Leo, Elna, and Selina were summoned to the meeting room. They entered together. Oswald sat behind the polished oak table, his expression tight and his brow slightly furrowed, clearly annoyed at being disturbed so soon after his return.
As they took their seats, Leo inclined his head politely. "Thank you for accepting to come into this meeting right away," he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of urgency.
Oswald raised a single eyebrow and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Just tell me what you want," he said, his tone clipped and edged with fatigue. "I just got back from a long journey and was hoping for some rest."
Leo nodded, acknowledging the irritation, before launching into the main topic. "First of all, I want to know how it went with the orcs."
Oswald sighed, a low, exasperated sound, and rubbed his eyes as if trying to erase the memory of the journey. "We reached their main camp," he said slowly, "but there was… a conflict between their leaders. So Bernal, well, let's just say he used the opportunity to make a deal with one of them."
Selina leaned slightly forward, her eyes narrowing. Her voice carried a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Making a deal with orcs? Are you certain that's wise?"
Oswald turned to her, finally giving her his attention. For the first time in the meeting, his annoyance shifted to mild surprise. "Ah… you are the Red Rose captain?" he said, his tone softer, tinged with appreciation. His gaze lingered on her face, and a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "You are as beautiful as the stories say."
Selina's smile was calm, almost amused, though there was a flicker of pride in her eyes. Oswald's gaze lingered for a heartbeat longer before he looked away, clearing his throat and blinking as if startled. "Ah… right," he said, shaking off the moment. "I was skeptical about making a deal with them as well, but Bernal believes it could benefit us in the long run."
Elna spoke next, her tone light but probing, her eyes reflecting genuine curiosity. "Why did he think the orcs would agree to a deal?"
Oswald leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. His expression softened as he considered the question.
"It seems that their leader sacrificed his own people," Oswald explained, his voice measured, "and they don't want to follow him anymore. Bernal told them that we would kill their leader and also give them a place to live in the world beyond the shadows, if they just came to our side." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words settle. "And their chieftain accepted."
Leo rested his hand under his chin, a contemplative look crossing his face. "Not only did Bernal stop the attack in the north," he said slowly, "but he also made allies. He is truly a remarkable man."
Oswald's eyes flicked to Leo, noticing that his attention seemed elsewhere. "And? Is that all you want?" he asked, his tone skeptical but patient.
"Ah," Leo said, lifting his gaze to meet Oswald's directly, "I need you to open the gate to the underworld for me."
Oswald let out a long, exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "What? Today? Come on, I'm exhausted," he muttered, the annoyance in his voice betraying his fatigue.
Leo's expression remained calm, polite, but firm. "Please do this immediately," he said, his words carrying quiet authority.
Oswald paused, looking first at Alexia before turning back to Leo. After a moment, he gave a curt nod. "Okay. Meet me in my tower in half an hour," he said, before turning to leave.
As the door closed behind him, a small, genuine smile spread across Leo's face. He turned to Alexia, gratitude evident in his voice. "Thank you, Master."
Alexia inclined her head slightly, her expression unreadable but approving. She gestured for him to move along. "Go get ready," she said, her tone calm but firm.
Leo bowed lightly and exited the room with Elna and Selina, leaving Alexia alone for a moment. She watched them go, her gaze thoughtful. The underworld was no place to be taken lightly, but if making a deal with Zahhak was necessary, then it had to be done.