Liber hoarse loudly as it took a wide turn following the vehicle that Misty and Cid rode. Ahead of them is a narrow path in between the two mountains. It’s a perfect opportunity.

Behind there’s a loud rumble. Various vehicles emerged from the forest.

Cid on behind shouted at Alastor. “Al, you take the lead. We’ll take care of them from here.”

“What? Are you crazy?”

“We already are. Now, GO!”

Liber’s speed ascended and the vehicle halted.

“Don’t die on me, Cid!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

Cid used fire magic to destroy a part of the mountain. The pebbles and rocks and boulders rolled down and occupied the road. The vehicles were reduced into a fire and got out before it exploded.

The enemies march forward and started to fire at Cid and Misty. Their gunshots were random and seemingly not hitting them. They’re taking cover behind the boulders and shifted whenever they felt most of the gunshots were at them.

The exchange of firing is powerful and deafening. The bullet punched its way through the boulder just near Cid causing a gaping hole in its wake.

“Hey, watch you were shooting’ at!” Cid shouted.

The enemy turns in the direction of the voice and began to shoot.

“That’s the most unwise thing to do!” Misty said.

Now the enemies’ attentions divided and turn to her direction.

“Oh great!” Misty speaks on herself.

Cid laughed.

“Why are you laughing?!”

“Because someone is going to die!”

“What?!”

Cid pointed at the mountain. Misty stopped and looked up. They were so preoccupied with the battle they haven’t noticed that boulders are rolling over along the mudslide accelerating the descending speed.

“Oh, damn it!”

Cid heard her. He conjured a sphere protecting himself from the gunshots and covered Misty. Together they ran away. It was too late for the hooligans to notice the boulders the moment the rumbles became heavier.

Most of them were wiped out, and yet they are still dedicated to pursuing them.

Cid and Misty have the advantage this time. The enemies are completely stuck in a battle against the two.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to stay behind?”

“You got any better ideas?”

“Well…”

“Yeah, I think so. This is unavoidable. Our plan is to accompany the princess, but those bastards won’t shake off, so we kinda go along and derailed from the original plan.”

“This is the worst.”

“I know. You don’t have to plant that on my face.”

Caroline stumbled and struggled to walk in an attempt to peep on the hole. They entered a clearing. A complete wasteland.

Alastor was mindful of his surroundings. He noticed flapping of wings jinking and shifting their positions to confuse him.

“Around 20, huh. Liber, please follow don’t stop.”

Liber cried.

Alastor got up. His sword brandished in the air. His eyes cast on his back and saw a flock of brixies coming after them. They’re about the size of a baby. Their eyes are similar to a flee, their skin and wings are blue and resembled the moth.

“Annoying pieces of shit.”

As the monsters ascended, Alastor swung his sword. The tip of the blade had only caught its wings and was no closer to killing it. The brixie avoided it and dive towards Liber.

Alastor knocked a brixie with his fist and backflip, landing on top of Liber. His sword successfully killed it one swoop.

“It may not look like it but these monsters are smart.”

Liber cried.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I’m too heavy for you.”

Alastor got back on top of the carriage. He played his sword very well. None of the enemies got behind. With his quick responses and chantless magic of walls, the enemies had no other choice but to be slain by his sword.

When he looked down, he noticed the wings of the brixies struck on the carriage.

“Damn it!”

He cursed on himself as he got down and open the door.

“Princess, are you alright?”

Alastor saw her in an awkward position. Thereafter, a water ball jacked on his face. Alastor nearly fell but his quick reflexes caught on the door and swiftly swing back to his seat. He heard the door locked loudly.

“I didn’t mean to—”

“Shut up. I’m fine.”

Alastor did not reply.

“Report.” She commanded.

“As we travel, the enemies outflank us, hence, the number of troops chose to stay behind to fight against the enemies’ commanders. Recently, Cid and Misty had departed to intercept the rest of the troops.”

“So, it’s just the two of us now?”

“Yes, but don’t worry, I’m capable of defending you.”

Alastor’s voice is stiffed. Deep down, a doubt grew. He’s still unsure of his abilities. He only had few tricks on his sleeves. Unlike them, Alastor is nowhere close to getting his Inquiara Magic. He can only catch up to them due to his creative way of fighting but in reality, he’s the weakest of them.

“I know you can.”

Caroline's words struck on his thoughts.

“I never doubted you, not even a bit. You don’t need to doubt yourself. Just do your best.”

Alastor’s weakening thoughts vanquished with her assuring words.

“I won’t fail you.”

As they ascended, Alastor caught a glimpse of the towering mountains that reach their peak on the clouds, in the highest sky. His eyes focused back on the road.

A minute or less, he noticed trees falling on the ground from afar. It was a force that doesn’t naturally come from a normal person nor from a monster.

This could only mean one thing.

“Liber! Hiya!”

Liber sped off.

Alastor felt another presence following the first one.

“There’s two. Shit! We can’t stop now! All right, Liber. If you could speed up a little, I might give you 10 sacks of green peas once we made it through the border.”

Liber’s eyes fired up. His feet throttled. They too comply with the change of speed.

“Shit!”

As they turn over, something sharp pierces through the leaves. Alastor tried to cut it off, but his sword only caught half of it and the other half made its way on Liber’s foot.

Liber cried and his momentum disturbed. Fortunately, Liber did not trip on his feet and the carriage did not roll over than he had expected. Liber’s body trudged and slide on the ground and stopped on its tracks.

“Damn it,” Alastor swore under his breath. He checks the pulse of Liber. It appeared that he is still breathing well. His eyes cast on his legs and saw a needle just the size of an index finger. Alastor pulled it out and the unconscious Liber gave out a breath.

Alastor opens the door and saw the distressed Caroline.

“Come here, princess,” Alastor called out. “There’s something I need you to do.”

Caroline’s eyes are still shallow.

“Caroline!”

Alastor snapped and brought her back to reality.

“Huh. What did you just say?”

“I need you to do something. In case something happens, you run.”

Caroline shook her head.

“No. No. I will not. I will fight with you.”

“Listen to me. With that level of your strength, you’ll only get in my way and please, you’re their target, so you mustn't fall on their hands.”

“I am not going to leave you behind like Mr. F.”

“You said you trust me, right? I need those confident words and thoughts on me now, Caroline and trust me will ya. I know this is hard, but you have to endure this.”

Caroline reluctantly nodded.

“Now go.”

Caroline turned her back against him and walked towards the forest.