Running out of the forest with Ellis being unconscious in Ray's shoulder, Ray was just about to cross a lake that will lead to the other side of the Hiepia empire, but that was when he heard an explosion in the forest. Turning around in fright, Ray saw some trees being blown away while some burn to ash.

Knowing that it was caused by Kate and Maria after forcefully increasing their cultivation, Ray just stood watching the forest for some time with his fist tightly grip together to the stage that blood began to flow from his palm. " Your death will not be in vain, I promise to search for those that are involved and end their disgusting life" vowed Ray before turning back to cross the river.

Back in the forest after the aftermath of the explosion, a man was walking out of a hole that was covered with falling trees. His clothes were burnt to leave him half nicked and there are wounds all over his body. After struggling to get out of the hole, the man fell on the ground and started breathing heavily while coughing out blood from his mouth.

" Dammit, how to wish I was a little slower than that attack would have taken my life," said the leader of the straw bandit.

After managing to stabilize his breathing, decided to go back to where the explosion occurred in search of his people, and he didn't walk that far before seeing one of his men laying on the ground lifeless while having half of his body burnt. Ignoring the body he continues to walk forward and that when a yell of joy coming not too far from him, turning around the leader was shocked to see two of his men who were walking towards him were seriously injured and could barely walk.

Heading back to meet up with them, the leader was unable to keep his emotion in check, and he begins to tear up before he could even reach them.

Embracing his men, the leader began to cry, and before saying.

" Am sorry I put you all in danger".

" It's not your fault leader besides who would have thought that those two would be so loyal to put their lives on the line for their young master" replied straw bandit #4

" So what should we do now that they have already left the forest and should be on their way to the Hiepia empire," asked straw bandit #2.

" First we look for the bodies of our brothers then let's get out of here and look for somewhere to rest and regain our strength before continuing the search. There's no way I am going to let them get without this without paying for the damage they have caused us." replied the leader while clenching his fist together in anger.

After they regain some energy, they look for the bodies and buried them before looking for a way out of the forest and started heading towards the direction of Hiepia empire and after walking for a while they were able to see a massive building in the distance.

" Hiepia empire," said the leader of the straw bandit in happiness. And they begin to walk forward, and it didn't take them long to reach the entrance to the big city where two men who were at the golden core 7 stage stood guard at the gate.

" Ten spirit stones each for entrance fees," said one of the guards.

Not wasting time they handed the spirit stones needed to the guard before being allowed to enter the city. When they were about to enter the leader suddenly asked the guards.

" Excuse me, sir, I would like to know if by any chance two young men came here before us".

" I seem to remember a young boy that seems to be in his twenties carrying an unconscious boy into the city" replied one of the guards.

" Thank you, sir," said the leader before walking inside to meet up with his group.

" Leader don't you think it is a bit risky to be asking the guards that kind of question," asked straw bandit #2.

" What's there to be scared of as long as the fee is being paid, those guards do not care about anything else" replied the leader before making his way to where some people are gathered and asked for the direction to the inn.

Meanwhile, after Ray crosses the river, Ray headed for the Hiepia empire and after paying the entrance fee he went to look for a stable where he paid thirty spirit stones to stay for the day. Later in the evening Ellis woke up and begin to look around his surrounding, Ellis could help but ask.

" Where are we"

"We are in a stable inside the Hiepia empire" replied Ray while resting his head on a stack of hay.

" What about Kate and Maria, do they make it out alive" asked Ellis.

When Ray heard Ellis question, he couldn't help but frown and kept silent.

Seeing that Ray was not answering him answered Ellis's question. With a sigh, Ellis place his head on his knees and began to cry.

Turning to look at Ellis, Ray could help the tears from falling from his face and went to comfort Ellis before saying.

" When we are strong enough, we'll avenge their death but for now we have to keep it on a low," said Ray.

Since coming to this world, apart from his parent's death, this is the second time that someone dear to him has lost his or her life at the hands of some human which ticks him off.

Warping the tears from his eyes, Ellis was finally been himself and started with questions.

" By the way of all places why did it have to be the stable that is suitable for us to rest".

" You ungrateful bastard, I would have left you behind. Do you think it is easy to get into the city and by the way don't you think it will be easy for those bandits to find us if we were to stay in the inn" replied Ray?

Choosing to ignore Ray, Ellis lay down on hay and begin to look at the night sky.