Night of 22nd of Laphraios

Almost 12 A.M.

Guild's door slam opens.

“Oh, Master you are back. I was just going to sleep. Welcome back! Seji and Master.” Serina said.

“Thanks, Serina.” Seji said.

“Have she not sent any signal?” Master asked.

“None. And she haven’t sent any after that.” Serina said.

“Tch! She might have been caught.” Master said.

“Caught by whom?” Serina asked.

“Alfonzo.” Seji replied.

“Why!?” Serina asked.

“She was following him. From our guess Alfonzo is Delbrus.” Seji said.

“Why would you send her after a prince?! That could harm our relations! And without a concrete proof that is.” Serina said.

Seji thinks, “This is happening coz of me...sht.”

“Go sleep. I’ll do something tomorrow.” Master said.

“Okay, Master.” Seji and Serina said.

Seji went to his room. Following him was Serina.

Seji laid on his bed, Wearing off his bag. He throws his bag.

Seji thinks, “Am I really bringing guild down with me? I should probably quit after rescuing Emilia. I hope she is alright."

“Newbies tend to create problems.”

Seji recalls Zoey’s words.

He sighed.

After having conflicted thoughts about him in Guild, Seji fell asleep eventually.

Next day.

Seji woke up and took a bath. He goes outside on the room and meets with Mei.

Mei hugs Seji.

“Hey Mei. Been a while. How you’ve been?” Seji asked.

“I've been good. How about you?” Mei asked.

“I’ve been good too. Did you check onto Alec? I was going to check on him.” Seji said.

“Yea I did. Serina said that he’s getting better.” Mei said.

“I see. That’s a good news.” Seji said.

“Yeah. Let’s go down everyone is waiting.” Mei said.

“Oh sure.” Seji said, and they went down.

They greeted everyone.

“Come sit here.” Egan said.

“For sure.” Seji said.

“How you been?” Egan asked.

“Been good. How about you guys?” Seji asked.

“We've been good too.” Egan replied.

While Mei and Ariel were having a similar chat.

“So, Mei what did you learn?” Seji asked.

“A lot. I’ll show when time comes.” Mei replied.

“You have gotten sharp for sure.” Seji said.

“Ahahaha.” Mei just chuckled.

Everyone was sitting on chairs now except Zoey, Noriko and others who were on quests. Master got there and asked, “Everyone is here?”

“Have you gotten a Emilia’s location?” Egan asked.

“We will now.” Master said and brought out a magic crystal. It was shining in blue.

“What’s that?” Seji asked.

“This is the Chase Crystal.” Master said.

“It locates the location of people. You need to have a good connection with them. Think about the person who you are looking for and it will find the location.” Egan said.

“I see.” Seji replied.

“This time is very rare. The witch took quite a lot of time to find this. So, I want to ask you. Do you want to find Emilia or Reina?” Master asked.

Egan bashed on the table and stood up. He said in rage, “Emilia of course! What type of question is that!?”

Seji goes into conflicting thoughts.

Ariel stood up and said, “I think you should calm down.”

They all look at Seji.

“Of course, Emilia. If your hunch is correct Reina would be there as well. But, if she isn’t. We can keep looking for her.” Seji said.

But he was being contradicted in his mind.

“Have I made right decision? Shouldn’t i look for Reina? That’s the perfect chance to get to her! But, no. I have to think rational. If we find her first, and Emilia isn't found it will get much more problematic. And who knows in what condition they both are. But, I can’t be sure."

“It’s alright. You passed the test, I was just kidding.. This crystal is advanced one. You can use it three times.” Master said.

“Really!?!” Seji said.

“Yea.” Master said.

“Huh?” Egan said and goes blank.

“We all got it by looking at crystal, except you. Fire boi.” Reiz said.

“Exactly.” Ariel said.

“So, let’s look up for Reina first." Master said and handed Seji crystal.

“Okay. So, I have to think about Reina right.” Seji said and started thinking about Reina.

A hologram type map shows above crystal telling the location of Reina.

“She's in the Royal castle of Niuinaire!?” Master said.

The hologram zooms in. It zooms in till they can see Reina's face clearly. She was standing on the balcony of a room.

“What...?” Seji said and a tear fell down his cheek.

“She's Reina... I found her. I finally found her...” Seji muttered.

“So, that’s Reina. She’s so beautiful. Are you sure she's your girlfriend?” Mei said.

“You are one lucky man.” Rune said.

“Serina, bring map to Royal Castle of Niuinaire.” Master said

“Okay.” Serina replied and went to get the map.

“Let’s try looking for Emilia too.” Master said.

Seji hands the crystal to Master.

Master holds the crystal and a hologram again forms. But! The location didn't change.

“What?!” Egan said in shock.

“So, My hunch was right.” Master said.

“Reina and Emilia are at same spot.” Master said.

“That certainly makes things easier.” Seji said clearing his tears.

“We will proceed with talking things out first.” Master said.

“And if he refuses to return even one then?” Egan asked.

“Then it’s a war.” Master said.

Seji gulps his own saliva.

“War?!” Seji said in shock.

“Yea. It will be a war." Rune said.

“Seji, Rune, Egan, Mei, Ariel and Reiz. You are deployed for this quest. To bring Reina and Emilia here safely even if it means war.” Master said.

“Is this right decision?” Serina asked.

“We can’t be sure until we execute it.” Master said.

“But, that could get us kicked out of Kingdom.” Serina said.

“That won’t happen. You forgetting one thing. Delbrus is most likely to be Alfonzo. You need to extract truth and solid proof from his kingdom. And we will be fine. It's more than enough proof to prove that a country was being run by an Underworld God. And I’ll talk with King myself. If he can help me with anything. Of course, He can’t provide army, because his hands are tied. Until, real war happens he won’t have an excuse to provide us army. So, we got to do this on our own.” Master said.

“YES, MATER.” Everyone Replied.

Master thinks, “We might be cutting our throat. But if that’s what It takes to Seji's love, and Emilia. We will do it. Even if that gets us kicked out of the country.”

“I’m coming, Rei.” Seji thinks.

“You are deployed now. Take the communication crystals. We want reports daily. And if an emergency, call for us immediately. First try peaceful negotiations. If they don’t go well, call for us. Some adventurers will be near border. Their borders are protected by a Magic field which can tell how many people cross border. If too many cross at the same time it will be problematic. And Remember, they will be tracking you from the time you enter their territory. Remember, Niuinaire is in South East. Go from South Gate and head in South East. That’s the direct location of their Royal Capital, I guess. Galahaeim don’t use a magic field because it will contradict the policies of autonomous region like Vampire kingdom.” Master said.

“Got it.” Egan said.

Seji thinks, “Well, let me get my yukata. She was wearing yukata, I wonder where she got one, but it will be good if we both wear yukata.”

“I be right back.” Seji said and went upstairs.

“He looks happier.” Ariel said.

“Yea.” Mei replied.

Seji went and got his yukata in the bag.

He comes down. Meanwhile, Serina handed Rune Crystals and Map. The map have details of where the Royal capital was. The map showed the path to Niuinaire's royal capital from Galahaeim's Royal Capital.

“Let’s go.” Seji said.

“May you succeed.” Master said.

Egan, Rune, Mei, Ariel, Seji and Reiz. All were ready to take a flight and fly to Niuinaire.

“See ya all.” Seji said.

“Good bye.” Mei said.

“Later.” Rune said.

“bye!” Ariel said.

Egan and Reiz were shut.

And they all flew to the sky. Heading to Niuinaire.

“Are you ready for the war?” Egan asked me.

“Eh? Why? But there might be no war?” Seji said.

“There will. He won't give back Reina nor Emilia without a fight. Or he might let Emilia go, but not Reina. That means war.” Egan said.

“If he gives, you any opening during discussion, kill him. He won’t lower his guard of course. But, if he does. Kill him. No hesitation.” Rune said.

“Got it.” Mei replied.

“Y-yes.” Seji hesitated to reply.

“Let’s bring them back, Both.” Egan said.

“Yea, for real. Let’s promise to bring them both.” Seji said.

“Yeah!” Egan said.

“Let’s go on Full speed. We will make it by night If we go on full speed.” Reiz said.

“Mei have low Mana pool and her wings aren’t useable. She did manage to get them to open up, but they didn't work.” Rune said.

“Whoa! I want wings too.” Seji said.

“I've never seen you in any better mood than this. And I can't use my wings right now.” Mei said.

“Eh? I’m always like this.” Seji said.

“No you aren’t, you are rude, and have zero sense on how to talk with someone.” Mei said.

“HO? Really?! I don’t think so.” Seji replied.

“Yes really.” Mei said.

“Shhhure.” Seji replied.

“And I can survive two days of straight flying at a full speed without rest now. My mana pool is 2x larger than before.” Mei said.

“That sounds great.” Rune said.

“Seems nice!! Let’s go!” Seji said.

“He's enthusiastic than before or else He would be complaining about flying that long by now.” Mei said.

“Uhh. Hehehe.” Everyone laughed awkwardly.

“Let’s go to full speed.” Reiz said and accelerated even faster. He went ahead of everyone.

“lets go.” Rune said, and everyone accelerated.

Seji thinks, “can’t wait to meet you!”

After flying over from some towns and villages. Mountains and plains. Lakes and rivers. They finally reach border.

Evening 5 P.M.

“Stop.” Reiz said and stopped.

Everybody stops.

“What’s wrong?” Seji asked.

“Look. We are at border already.” Reiz said.

“Yea.” Egan replied.

“Royal City; Noskar, is in same direction. A few villages or towns to pass, and it should be there.” Rune said.

“Let’s cross border at a slow pace. They will know it's someone strong after seeing so much mana holders pass through, but we don’t want them to get a wrong idea, nor want them to think that we are here to fight. We want them to think that we are here for peaceful negotiations.” Rune said.

“Agreed.” Ariel said.

They slowly arrive to border and get out of Galahaeim’s border, which was nothing, but a black line. And right after that is the Niuinaire's border Field.

“We have to fly slowly from here now.” Rune said.

“But we will continue flying till we reach the castle.” Ariel said.

“Prepare your minds for worst case scenario.” Rune said.

“What’s worst case scenario?” Reiz asked.

“Everyone of us dies.” Rune said.

“That won’t happen. I have never killed a person but, if someone lays a hand on anyone of my friends, I’ll kill them without hesitation.” Seji said.

“Now you are talking a bit more normal.” Mei said.

“Lets go.” Egan said.

They start flying slowly again.

“Let’s camp, I have a strategy before we go any further, and a plan to tell you all to communicate.” Rune said.

“We can speak though, no?” Seji said.

“What if you are being watched.” Rune said.

“Right.” Seji said. They all came down in the middle of woods and sat.

“If we are being watched, sign like this.” Rune said while making an okay sign.

“If we have to fight, the signal will be a single finger cracker.” Rune said.

“Alright.” They replied.

“And if we have to tell stop talking; pat on someone’s back. Most likely pat on the back of person who is talking at that time.” Rune said.

“Okay.” They all replied.

“Let’s continue. We can’t manage to sit around. They already might have started to believe we are plotting something.” Rune said, and they started flying.

Niuinaire was a prosperous country. It barely had any village. And mostly was crowded by towns.

“look there. It's a town.” Ariel said.

“Yeah. There are barely any villages here.” Rune said.

“And the atmosphere is similar to Galahaeim.” Reiz said.

“That’s because, This was part of Galahaeim.” Rune said.

“A partition?” Seji asked.

“Yea. 400 years ago. A partition happened; which separated Niuinaire from Galahaeim.” Rune said.

“I see. But, why?” Seji asked.

“Religions. Galahaeim have most ratio of believers in the Almighty God. While, Niuinaire's religion prays to food, water, air, and Mana.” Rune explained.

“I see.”

“Though, of course God exists. Almighty God is one's who created us all in first place. Though, no one is allowed to meet with him except the Archangels of course. There are many gods though, that’s why Niuinaire's peopleedon't believe in Almighty. it's religion majority: Order of Grand four principles. While Galahaeim's Religion Majority: The believer in Almighty. Much of the reason for that is that the Royal family of Galahaeim is family of Angels mostly. But human Royals are also there. According to that religion, Everyone is equal, including demons, Dragons and Almighty God is the creator. While Order of Grand four principles believer believe that everyone is made from mud and dissolves in mud, Water, food, Air and Mana makes us evolutionary.” Rune explained.

“I see.” Seji replied and thought, “This is similar to the Indo-Pak Partition.”

As they were heading towards the Royal Palace, they did saw the beautiful scenery of Sun down, Valleys, towns, Villages, and a city.

*After two hours, they see the Royal city.

“We are here.” Reiz said.

“Let’s go.” Egan said and tried to speed up, but Rune stopped him.

“Wait! We have to walk from here.” Rune said.

“Oh Okay.” Egan replied and thought, “I’m coming, Emilia.”

While Seji thought, “Just a few more minutes.”

They all landed and started walking.

“Who are you guys? And why are you here?” Royal guards stopped them and asked.

“We are Adventurers from Galahaeim. Here our adventurer card.” Rune said, and everyone showed their Adventurer cards.

“I see. What work you have here?” Guard asked.

“Our fri- Seji was speaking but, Rune interrupted him and said, “We are here to have a meeting with the guild, ‘Riskers’.”

“Oh, let me ask commander what shall we do.” Guard said.

“Commander, Some adventurers from Galahaeim are here to have meeting with Riskers. What shall we do?” Guard asked on phone.

“What’s that!?” Egan said.

“That’s a telephone... this country is 10... no, 30 times or maybe 100 times advanced than Galahaeim.” Seji said.

“What!?!” Everyone said in shock.

“I expected them to be advanced but, this is way too much.” Rune said.

“Yeah. Though, they are no where near to what we had in my world.” Seji said.

“I see.” Rune said.

“You can't go in. Commander didn’t approve you.” Guards said.

“Huh!? Let me just k wudiwnd-” Egan was speaking but, Ariel put her hand on his mouth.

“How can we go in?” Rune asked.

“Bring an official letter of meeting.” Guard said.

“Oh, Then can you contact your commander again for a sec?” Rune asked.

“Yes, but why?” Guard said and looks at everyone. Mei was not so energetic, maybe she was sleepy from all the flying.

“Nevermind, I forgot the letter at home. I’ll ask an acquaintance to bring letter by tomorrow morning. Till then, we will camp outside of city, that’s not a problem is it?” Rune asked.

“Huh!?! But" Seji said but Reiz stopped him.

“We couldn’t care less if you won’t do anything stupid.” Guard said.

“Well, I changed my mind. A surprise is always better.” Rune said.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Guard replied.

“We are here for peaceful negotiations with your prince. ” Rune said.

“Our prince is not free for you. I can’t let you pass from here.” Guard said.

Rune bites his index finger and points towards the other guard.

“If you love your life, follow them or die.” Rune said.

“A mere finger won’t kill me.” The other guy said.

Rune shoots a blood drip from the finger, which pierces right through the head of the guard.

Rune shoots some more blood drips which pierce through his body.

“That won’t kill him for now, but if untreated until some minutes he might die.” Rune said.

“Huh!?!”

“Will you let us go? Or you won’t?” Rune asked.

“You can go! But heal him!.” Guard said.

“Blood heal.” Rune enchanted and healed the fallen Guard.

“The guard is unconscious, but he's alive. He will wake up by tomorrow.” Rune said.

“Why didn’t we do it in first place?” Egan asked.

“I wanted to be in city, without many problems.” Rune said.

“Uh, Fine.” Egan said.

“Thanks Rune.” Seji said.

“Thank me later. Let’s head to Castle. Fly, full speed.” Rune said, and they started flying to the castle.

While they head to Castle, the guard called the Commander.

“Commander! Those adventurers are from Elemental, they are saying that need to meet Lord Alfonzo and are headed to Royal castle.” Guard said.

*After a minute.

They reach entrance of Castle.

“We are here.” Reiz said.

Seji's heartbeat started beating faster.

“People are standing after the door. Egan, your call.” Rune said.

“I was waiting for this.” Egan said in enthusiasm.

Egan walks to the door slowly, and puts his hand on the door.

“Burn.” Egan enchanted and burnt away the door to nothing but ashes.

“Huh?!” The guards were standing after the door with swords and spears.

Some army wizards were also standing to capture Seji and others As well.

And above the veranda, was the balcony of Second floor, where Reina and Alfonzo were standing.

“We are here for peaceful negotiations.” Rune spoke.

“Reina!” Seji shouted and came in front of Egan.

“It's me, Seji. Let’s go home!” Seji said.

Reina’s face was blank, and she said, “I...I hate you... Go away.”

“what!?” Seji said in shock. A tear fell down his cheek.

“Seji...” Mei spoke in a low tone.

“Do you even know what are you talking about!?! He spend days trying to find you. He did all the ridiculous and stupid stuff just to get a lead on where you are. Even joined a guild against his own will. Are you f***ing serious? How can you be his girlfriend!?” Mei said in anger.

“I just said, Go away, I hate you.” Reina said.

“Oh, my dear, now don’t be so cruel. They are here for peaceful negotiations. You people are most welcome, come in.” Alfonzo said.

“I JUST SAID I DON’T WANT THEM HERE, DON’T MAKE ME REPEAT. I HATE HIM. I HATE HIM, OKAY?” Reina shouted.

Seji was standing, he lost himself.

“We want Reina and Emilia, you can demand anything in return.” Rune said.

“As you saw, my wife don’t want to go with you. And I have no clue who Emilia is.” Alfonzo said.

“Stop lying, she’s here. Most likely she's under this castle. Let’s get one thing straight, we will give you wealth or anything you demand if you give those two back to us. But, if you don’t we will destroy this whole kingdom. It will be a massacre.” Rune said.

“Oh? Go ahead, who you are kidding. Our army is much more stronger than a mere guild trying to start a war. And we haven’t received any official notice from Galahaeim, so most likely it’s only Elemental trying to do this, you will be kicked from the country. Making you a rogue guild.” Alfonzo said.

“Egan.” Rune said.

“On it. BREATH OF DRAGON: CRIMSON FIRE RAGE!” Egan enchanted and flames from his hand takes a form of a Big Dragon's head. Egan smashes the dragon into the floor, making a crater in middle of Royal Palace. Nothing is below there except for Mud.

“See? Nothing is there. You can pay me later for that, why don’t we sit and talk for now?” Alfonzo said.

Someone comes out in one of the rooms above. But, hides behind the pillar. but, no one notices him.

“We are done here. We are going back.” Seji said and started walking to the outside.

“Poor seji...” Ariel said.

“uh. Seji?” Egan said and tried to stop Seji by putting his hand on his shoulder.

Seji looks behind. His eyes were filled with a rage. A rage which could go out at anytime now.

His eyes were red from tears he shed, yet, they were still teary. And looked directly into the eyes of Alfonzo.

That look gave Alfonzo chills.

Alfonzo gulps his own saliva. While Reina looks at Alfonzo and thinks, “I told you, you picked up wrong girl. I just hope Seji gets that old hint.”

“Egan, we are going back, for now. Later, Lord Alfonzo, we will payback by tomorrow.” Rune said.

Everyone started walking out of palace and flew back to the outskirts of Noskar.

“Why did we walk back?!” Egan said in anger.

“That was a clue from Reina. When we used to talk on phone, she would say I hate you if someone enters, her room, after all our parents didn’t know about our relationship and won’t let us be together if they found out. So, she pretended to be talking with her best friend, and I would usually cut the call or talk in girl's voice in extreme conditions. I didn’t get her hint first. When she said it first time, I lost it. I was really going to go angry, I was just reminiscing old memories, and then it came, she said it again and I Saw that memory. So, I just walked out. She purely meant that hint, I’m sure of it.” Seji explained.

“I see.” Egan replied.

“And the way Alfonzo was pursuing us to get in, it was most likely to be a trap.” Rune said.

“Yea. But, why didn’t Egan's blow show the underground palace?” Reiz asked.

“Maybe the punch wasn’t strong enough, or we missed it by location. But, it should be there.” Rune said.

“I didn’t use much strength. I though, it could backfire if I used too much power. It might hurt Emilia down, if I had used too much.” Egan said.

“Guessed as much.” Rune said.

“Let’s report to Master.” Ariel said.

“Yea.” Rune replied and got a communication crystal out of his bag.

Rune enchants, “Wisdom of Elements.”

They can see picture of Serina in the crystal now.

"Hey Everybody." Serina said.

“Reporting from the outskirts of Noskar. Things didn’t go as we planned. We couldn’t get peaceful negotiation. The thing is, Reina was standing at entrance. If she wasn’t standing, we would have walked right into Alfonzo's tra- Wait, someone is keeping watch on us.” Rune said.

“Where?” Seji asked.

“To my south of my left side. Don’t look, or he might know that we are aware of it. We will scatter in teams of 3. Ariel and Mei, Egan and Reiz, Me and Seji. Here, take these Crystals. If anything goes wrong, we will contact each other. To 10 miles (ca. 16 km) from this point. In north, east and west.” Rune said.

“Okay.” Everyone replied.

“When I count to 0, fly above and be at your best speed.” Rune said.

“3...2...1...0!”

Everybody flew above! And scattered into the directions.

“We could have taken him down.” Seji said to Rune. While they were flying.

“Yea, but it would have drawn attention. Imagine facing SSS class adventurers while we are not at our best. It takes very low mana to fly but still even a little bit could prevent us from being victorious.” Rune said.

“I see.”

“And he's following us.” Rune said.

“What?!!” Seji said in shock!

“Yeah. He had Three options to follow us or them. But there is a 4th option too. He might have called his allies, and they are pursuing others. That’s the worst case scenario for now.” Rune said.

“And if that happens, it will mean spreading out was a bad move.” Seji said.

“Exactly. Contact Ariel and Mei, let’s ask them their condition. Don’t stop until we are done talking with other Two parties.” Rune said.

“Got it.” Seji replied and got crystal out of his pocket.

“How to contact Mei though?” Seji asked.

“Wisdom of Elements: Mei.” Rune enchanted and Mei could hear Rune and Seji talk. she got her crystal out and saw them.

“I see.” Seji replied.

“The logo works like an identity for these Crystals.” Rune said.

“Mei, Is anyone following you guys too?” Seji asked.

“Yea, someone is. And he's coming closer-" Mei was replying but the communication disconnected.

“Looks like someone strong have appeared near them.” Rune said.

“Sht. Let’s go back to them!” Seji said.

“Wait, Ariel is there. Call Egan.” Rune said.

“Wisdom of Elements: Egan.” Seji enchanted.

“Oh hey, man. What’s up.” Egan said. They were sitting near a camp fire.

“Aren’t you guys getting chased?” seji asked.

“We are. The guy who’s chasing us is behind that tree. But, I’m hungry, so we started eating.” Egan said.

“How careless this guy can be.” Rune said.

“Uh, Shhhhure bro. Enjoy your meal.” Seji replied.

“Goodluck.” Egan said and cut the call.

“WOI Reiz!! This food is tasty where did you get this?” Egan asked.

Meanwhile, Seji and Rune:

“Well now?” Seji asked.

“Nothing, we will face him.” Rune said.

“Let’s stop.” Rune stopped and noticed the guy chasing them have disappeared into thin air.

“He's good at hiding.” Rune said.

“Indeed he is. LISTEN IF YOU COME OUT WE WON’T KILL YOU.” Seji shouted.

“And who said you can kill me?” A voice came from behind Seji!

The guy lands kick on Seji’s back. Seji falls into ground.

Rune brings his pouch out, and takes a sip of blood.

Rune throws the pouch of blood at the guy, “BLOOD BOMB!” Rune enchanted and blood bursts out of the pouch! Almost creating an effect of Bomb.

But! Rune missed. The guy turned into mist again.

The blood comes back on Rune’s command.

“Seji! You are alright?” Rune shouts.

“YEA!!” Seji replied and flew back to Rune.

“Good thing I was on guard. Kiriyo!” Seji said.

A mist forms in front of Rune and Seji.

“So, you do remember me. Happy to see you here. Now, I got to take your head.” Kiriyo said.

“Before you take my head, I’m taking you to Kiwari.” Seji said.

“So that’s brother of Kiwari.” Rune said.

“Yea. And that confirms, Alfonzo is Delbrus. We need him.” Seji said.

“I see.” Rune said.

“Rune, do me a favor. I have some debt to pay him, let me handle him.” Seji said.

“Go ahead. Arguing with you and Egan is pointless. But, if you start to get beat down I’ll jump in. Saving power for Alfonzo is much more important.” Rune said.

“Start counting, give me 30minutes.” Seji said.

“You have taken wrong step to spread out and fight us head-on. Not even your Almighty God can save you now." Kiriyo said.

“I stopped believing in god long time ago.” Seji said. Rune backed off.

Seji lands a punch in Kiriyo's belly.

“Aug.. You are certainly faster than last time.” Kiriyo said.

“Yeah. And stronger too.” Seji said and tries to land another punch. But! Kiriyo disappears in mist and comes behind Seji's back.

“But YOUR PUNCHES ARE STILL WEAK!” Kiriyo said and tries to land a kick on Seji.

Seji dodges the kick! Seji holds Kiriyo's and throws him downward.

While Kiriyo falls Seji accelerated and reached ground before Kiriyo!

“VOI-

As Seji prepared for a punch, Kiriyo just disappeared into mist again!

“Devil's spit.” Kiriyo enchanted.

Big drop of black liquid starts falling! It's big as 5meter.

Seji Evades the big ball by flying in air!

Some drops of liquid fall on Seji's legs. Seji's leg gets burn inside cloth.

“Hot water?!” Seji said in shock.

“Don’t be surprised!” Kiriyo said.

“I’m not. I’m disappointed that name was so badass but the spell itself was utterly normal.” Seji said.

“I won’t say that without looking at my feet.” Kiriyo said.

Seji pulls his pant above from his feet and notices that his feet have a black burn!

“That's devil's spit. The more mana you use the more it grows. And once it covers your full body, it will eat it, away.” Kiriyo said.

Kiriyo flew to Seji and enchants, “DEMONIC ART: HELL’S GATE!”

A big purple hole appears in front of Seji! Some vast purple to black colored hands came out of the hole and slammed Seji to ground.

Kiriyo follows Seji to ground!

“CATASTROPE!!” Kiriyo enchanted and purple to black colored holes form at ground!

Swords made of Dark magic come out from them!

“Envelope in Void.” Seji enchanted while laying on ground.

black mana covers the ground and spell.

Seji stood up and started walking on the black magic.

“My magic disappeared?! But it's still there!” Kiriyo said panicky.

“No, it's still there. Void Mana stops your magic's working, and your magic will decay in some seconds.” Seji said.

Kiriyo flew in the air! Following him was Seji!

They again start fighting with fists!

Kiriyo vanishes in air and appears in front of Seji! And punches in Seji's belly hard.

Kiriyo again vanishes in air and heads to Seji!

“Use other sense if you can’t see opponent!” Seji remembers what Master taught him when they were training.

Seji closes his eyes and notices the flow of air being disrupted by Kiriyo's movement!

Seji holds kiriyo's arm and head butts him.

“How's that?” Seji said.

“DEVIL’S ANGER: BURNING HELL FLAME" Kiriyo enchanted, and his arm touching Seji started burning! The flame was super intense! It spread to Seji’s hand!

“It won’t stop spreading till im alive and concious. That means beforr I die, I’ll kill you." Kiriyo said.

“Tch, that’s pointless. I haven’t even shown anyone what I have learned in this past month. I can suppress your magic. It will be gone in sometime.” Seji said.

“Then let’s die right no-

Kiriyo was speaking that a spear cut his arm! The spear was made from blood and made none other than Rune!

“Seji, suppress that spell now. My turn, you are to rest now.” Rune said.

“Well, I’ll kill both of you at the same time then!!” Kiriyo shouted in rage and enchanted,

“VAMPIRE MAGIC: ART OF STOPPING TIME!” The time stopped.

“CATASTROPEEEEE!!!!” Kiriyo shouted! The holes which formed at ground before appeared above Seji and Rune!

The time starts running again!

“So, you can stop time.” Rune.

“look above.” Kiriyo said.

“From the processing of the spell, it seems like you can barely manage to stop it for a second or two. Or we would be dead by now.” Rune said.

“FALL BLADES OF CATASTROPE!” Kiriyo said, and the blades from the holes start falling above their heads.

“Blood Shield.” Rune enchants and a blood shield covers them from falling blades.

While they fall.

Kiriyo started coughing. The magic eventually stopped before any blade could even touch the ground.

“Why now of all times! *cough cough cough*”

“You are a Demon, yet, you can stop time. Fascinating. Can I ask how that’s so?” Rune said.

“Like I’ll tell you. *cough cough cough*”

“It's fine. Telling us won’t change anything, but your sister. She misses you. When she's asleep she thinks about you. How you people used to play as children.” Seji said and sat down near Kiriyo.

“Huh? You thi*cough cough* think I care?*cough cough cough*”

“Did I ask if you care? You dumbass, I’m telling you that you don’t need to suffer anymore. Come home with us. To your sister, to your mother. Your sister, and your mothers are always crying. I didn’t though I would say something like this to any enemy, but I know how it feels to lose someone. So I ask you to make a right choice right now. Come with me to Galahaeim.” Seji said.

Rune thinks, “Seji, what a weird guy he is. Sometimes kind like now, sometimes a mad lad, sometimes reckless. I don’t get him. He's like a twisted person.”

Kiriyo looks at Seji with shocked eyes.

"He isn't monitoring me.*cough* Delbrus is Alfonzo. He did some experiment on me, in which he gave me his blood and trained to practice time stop. *cough cough cough*”

“He's coughing blood.” Seji said.

“Let me see. Blood heal can heal organs greatly. I healed Alec's internal organs mostly during his unconsciousness.” Rune said and sat down with Seji.

“Are you sure we should heal him?” Rune asked.

“If I didn’t promise her sister to bring him back, I would have killed him by now. But, then again he also suffered. So yea heal him partially, so, he can survive till we reach back Galahaeim.” Seji said.

“Okay.” Rune replied and takes a sip of Kiriyo's blood.

“Blood heal: Auto heal.” Rune enchanted and blood inside Kiriyo calmed down and his internal organs started to heal up.

"*COUGH COUGH COUGH*" Kiriyo coughed something came out of his throat.

"What's that?" Seji asked.

"Probaby what Alfonzo was using to keep an eye on him." Rune said.

"ouh.." Seji said.

“He should be good from inside in sometime. And will recover from physical injuries himself. I have a question for you, kiriyo.” Rune said.

“What is it?” Kiriyo asked.

“Can you stop the other two persons tailing our friends?” Rune asked.

“Alfonzo isn’t looking at me right now or won't be able to now most likely, since your blood heal helped, but he still can locate location due to other crystal. Anyway, I can tell you something in this point of time. I have always wanted to betray him and when he wasn’t looking, I have tried my best. Yes, I did kill innocents in that village. But I didn’t give the scroll which Alfonzo had asked me to retrieve. I want you to give that scroll back to that kid. And also, I can’t stop other two nor I know their weaknesses. We three; Alfonzo's three dark commanders are his underworld soldiers. The old man trailing Ariel and Mei is working for Delbrus since he became the underworld God and other one is a girl who just joined a week or so ago, she haven't been on any quest. We three work alone and barely interact with each other.” Kiriyo explained in a low tone. He was filled with sorrow from deep inside.

“What do you mean by keeping an eye on you?” Seji asked.

“He have implanted that crystal in my body which tells him where exactly I am and what I’m doing. He did same with pri- I mean your girlfriend Reina.” Kiriyo said in sorrow.

“So why didn’t you retaliate?” Rune asked.

“To kill him. I promised to kill him. And been working on that. Also, he can stop time much more efficiently.” Kiriyo said in sorrow.

“Tch, how to remove that other crystal?” Seji asked.

“We can do that later. It's fine. Kiriyo can stay beaten for now.” Rune said.

A tear falls from the eyes of Kiriyo.

And he reminisces the past memory of his sister, him and his mother.

“I’m sorry, Sister and Mother.” Kiriyo said and tears kept pouring out from his eyes.

Someone claps sitting under a tree..

“What a great man you are! Seji? Was it?” An energetic voice said while clapping.

“Who are you?” Seji asked.

“I’m younger brother of Alfonzo. Andrea.”

“Are you here to fight?” Rune asked.

“No, I have a different motive.”

To be continued.