In the city next to the castle, Kairos walked into a carriage store with Relestia still on his back. He had already changed his attire to something more appropriate for Axis Mundi – leather tunic and pants. It was easier to wear than his robes but far less comfortable and it restricted his movements.

Aisa complained unceasingly about losing her inner-robe pocket until he bought a scarf that she and the three dragonlings could hide in.

The citizens had definitely heard the loud din as the nearby castle was half destroyed. News had travelled over of what had transpired but with the Jarl and most of his servants dead there were no instructions to seal the city, no bounty of the culprit, and no orders from above.

As such, Kairos easily purchased a nice coach with the Jarl’s money and three pairs of swift mounts.

The steeds of this land are rather new to Kairos.

The cheapest are Stone Donkeys that go for a couple of hundred coppers, but those creatures can only pull carts.

Then there are the Sled Hounds costing ten silvers each, swift mounts with respectable endurance that are as large as a wolf but couldn’t pull anything too heavy.

Following that are Wind Raptors that have a strand of dragon’s bloodline. These are the second best mount available, capable of performing incredible physical tasks and aid in combat.

The best, however, are something called Griffins. These beasts can travel ten thousand km a day by soaring through the air. On land, they are also rather fast, easily travelling twenty-five hundred km a day. Compared to the Wind Raptors, they are just a little slower move across the ground but compensate it with superior combat strength.

Without hesitation, Kairos purchased the griffins. The storeowner had a large smile on his face as if he was swimming in a sea of gold. He held his hands out excitedly as Kairos gave him a full pouch.

The look was so funny that Kairos had to roll his eyes. Of course, the merchant did not forget to offer him an upgrade on the package.

Since the money came from the Jarl and Kairos didn’t want to be too flashy to attract attention, he prudently turned down some of the features.

He was out of the city on his brand new coach in fifteen minutes plated with sparkling silver that can ward off evil magic, off-road High Steel wheels, hover magic crystals, and pulled by fully armoured griffins – from talons to beak.

The city guards took one look at the extravagance and quickly opened the gates for Kairos. Soldiers like them have one unspoken rule: never offend anyone rich.

The princess slept softly on a fluffy down bed. The inner compartment included temperature regulation magic and fitted with a magic lyre. There are anti-glare sunscreens for people to fully enjoy the scenery as well as a visual guide crystal that can introduce the flora and fauna along the way.

Of course, with all these features an inbuilt map system and auto-pilot steering cannot be left out.

The merchant only have a slight regret for failing to sell Kairos the mobile trumpeter system that could announce his presence to all the lowly plebeians. But, considering that this is a wonderful customer, the store owner decided to throw it in for free.

The city’s bells of alarm accompanied the carriage as it sped out of sight.

Kairos has a feeling the shops that sold him their goods had probably guessed he was the one who destroyed the castle. Fortunately for Kairos, merchants are a breed of people who are good at weighing benefits.

All of them were exceptionally courteous because if Kairos isn’t the destroyer of castles, they might offend a rich client, and if he is… well, he is the destroyer of castles.

Besides, they never liked the Jarl anyway so every shops he went had given him a discount.

Kairos checked the map carefully and after selecting a medium-sized town he slumped over and fell into unconsciousness.

He should have died in the fight against the Black Emperor. The seed of the world tree has enough power to take over a planet. To hold that power for even a second should have ripped Kairos to shreds, but the Yggdrasil Treasure, Anima Infinitus, protected its owner long enough.

Kairos was on the verge of exploding even after the great fortune that he saved his own life using a Circle 9 healing magic. In that condition, he survived the staggering pressure of a dimensional transfer, jogged the next morning then fought a castle and its inhabitants to destroy it.

God knows how many pieces of bones he had left intact in his body this entire time.

To survive is a testament of the Heaven Titan Physique, to remain unflinching – his willpower.

Now that he had used up most of his remaining Ki that was protecting his body, he could no longer suppress his injuries.

The carriage travelled a day and night unchallenged. Kairos had map out a route that should avoid the mobilisation of search parties before he fainted. As a Great General that had seen war, it wasn’t hard for him to guess which sites are valuable strategic grounds and from it determine the number of troops that would be stationed.

Using that estimation, he can tell how quickly and how wide the search net will be cast – assuming that there is instant communication across fast distances in Axis Mundi just like in Gaia. With the griffins’ speed, the carriage sped past one town after another before they could set up checkpoints.

Kairos woke up two days later. The coach is still on the way to their destination but they are already at a safe distance.

Kairos did not lift himself up straight away. He checked his condition and was dismayed to find his Dantain devoid of Ki. Axis Mundi hardly have any Heavenly Energy to spare and the Yggdrasil Treasure that can generate refined energy had been unresponsive since the last use. It had to shut down to prevent doing more damage to him. Unfortunately, because the artefact is not completely controlled by Kairos, he didn’t know when it can be awoken.

Right now, to heal his injuries is utmost vital.

On the other hand, it is an opportunity to train. Kairos is now a Circle 9 Mage, Class 9 Aura Master, and Heaven Titan Physique, but his true strength is around Circle 7 Mage, Class 5 Aura Master, and Xuan Titan Physique.

Kairos finished his introspection with a heavy heart. This is all because he lacked magic spells, couldn’t properly use his Aura, and only have three physical combat techniques: Astral Cataclysm, Eternal Empyrean, and Laksa Carving Technique. It will be wise to remedy his lack.

His eyes fluttered open, and quickly take in his surroundings.

Currently they are in the air crossing a mountain range. The glass window is displaying information of the current area they are at and the plants and animals unique at this place.

On his side are Aisa and Relestia.

The princess had a wild look in her eyes but appeared fearful of the primordial dragon and obviously trying hard to stay unobtrusive.

When Kairos set his eyes on Relestia, his pupils turned golden as the Veritable Sight activated by itself. He immediately saw a dark shade covering the princess. The shadow had a tail that that stretched all the way to Relestia’s heart. Within is an egg-shaped seal with a fracture where the evil spirit’s core is residing.

When he observed carefully, he could see thin silvery strands from the broken seal that is still restraining the devil, preventing it from devouring Relestia’s soul.

Most importantly, Kairos noticed that there is a difference in the darkness and a small smile appeared on his lips.

He had a frightening thought and couldn’t wait to test it out.

At this time, the tiny dragon pounced on him.

Kairos! Wuuuuu… Are You Going To DIE?!!!

“Thanks for the concern, Aisa,” Kairos laughed.

But but but… You’re bleeding!

The little dragon pointed at Kairos’ nose with her paw.

Kairos touched something wet and saw his fingers tainted with blood. He smiled then wiped it off and assured Aisa, “Don’t worry, I’m totally fine.”

*Voom*

The strong mountain winds shook the carriage lightly.

*GAH*

A mouthful of blood spilled over on the ground. Tiny little mops flew out from under the sofa and started cleaning the floor.

Aisa became even more worried than before. Relestia remained dangerously quiet.

“It’s okay, I will not die yet,” Kairos said confidently but Aisa started crying immediately. She can see that his wounds are worsening, even the minor scratches are not healing. For a Cultivator with powerful physique, his natural recovery strength is several times of the others. If he is overwhelmed then his wounds must be grievous.

Kairos rubbed Aisa’s head lovingly to reassure her, then he turned to the Relestia.

He gave her a surprised look as if he had just noticed her, “Princess, you’re awake! How are you feeling?”

The devil ignored him, but when Aisa looked over, it shivered uncontrollably. Devils are known to be invincible as souls are indestructible. Even the living beings that were devoured by devils were chained within these soul parasites as nutrients but never destroyed; one of the properties of a soul is being eternal.

Relestia, under the steel gaze of Aisa, softly whispered, “L… Lord Kairos, thank you for your concern. I am fine.”

“My princess, it is better that we check if those wily shamans left any curses on you. This one knows some magic that can help.”

Hah… curses? Is there any dark magic that can affect a devil?

However, with the Primordial One nearby it unwillingly came closer.

When it is near, Kairos took Relestia’s hand as if to check her condition, then suddenly a searing bright light enveloped the princess.

*GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU*

It isn’t Chantless Magic but in a moment Kairos casted multiple layers of holy magic upon Relestia.

The devil shrieked pitifully then rushed back into the safety of the seal.

As the purifying light struck the evil one, its powers dispersed like black smoke and the princess’ condition alleviated ever so slightly.

“Just as I thought, the devil’s soul is weakening!”

This display caused Kairos’ heart to jump with exhilaration. Even Aisa could not exorcise this devil only to drag for time by sealing it, but now there is finally a way!

Bound by the cracked seal, the devil could neither escape nor devour Relestia’s soul. It can only be slowly whittled down by holy magic.

Relestia’s eyes fluttered, then she looked at Kairos intensely and squealed.

“Kai Kai! Wah… You look amazing! Big brother I missed you!”

The princess leapt into Kairos’ embrace as another mouthful of blood poured out from his lips onto the ground.

The tiny mops waved around in small protests before frantically going back to work. Their new boss is definitely an inconsiderate chap, spilling all these blood everywhere.

A warm feeling entered his heart and with a goofy smile on his face, Kairos gently patted Relestia back, “Tia, you’re okay now. I’ve found a way to save you.”

When he said this, it was as though a huge stone lifted off his chest.