Kael considered the Earl’s offer carefully. His conclusion was influenced by the three servants, especially Elalios, convincing him about the need for him to study in Azare. After the time given to him had passed, he accepted the offer. The Earl quickly sent the letter to Azare, which was the most powerful human kingdom during those times. It was also closely tied to Rezelus church, which made them untouchable for the other kingdoms.

  Kael spent a week in Cleron. He was to go back to Deyrem to complete his second year in the academy, and after that, he intended to attend to Magister Lucius’ request. The time went by quickly, and finally, Kael completed his second year. It was then time for him to prepare to go to Ligdlan.

  “Lord Lucien, we are ready to be your company”, said Magister Lucius. He was so different when he was a magister in the academy, if compared to how he acted when facing Kael. Kael felt like he will never get used to be treated that way.

  “Kael, call me Kael, magister”

  Magister Lucius paused for a moment.

  “Lord Kael, we are ready to be your company”

  It was the same as before. Just like how Kael find it difficult to be comfortable to their treatment of him, it was also difficult for them to treat him the other way. If that was what Lucius and the rest wanted, Kael wouldn’t force them to do what he himself wanted.

  Kael and Magister Lucius went their way outside the town. Meredith and her allies left before sunrise, and were camping in a great distance away from town. Soon enough, Kael and Magister Lucius met Meredith’s group, and they made their way to Ligdlan.

  Kael fell asleep during their travel. His body was still not accustomed to how quick his magic grew. Since the day after the demon invasion, he made sure to further his efforts in getting stronger, and as a result, he became a grade B mage. His companions let him rest, honored that Kael trusted them during his vulnerable state.

  Meanwhile, in Ligdlan, since the day when Meredith told the elders, the village people prepared themselves to meet Kael. The elders have doubts about the legitimacy of Kael’s true identity, but they couldn’t refuse the pleadings of their people. The only way to assure them of the truth is to actually meet Kael.

  Kael and his company stopped in front of a large boulder hidden in the thick of the forest. At that time, Kael was still asleep, and none of his companions dared to wake him up. Of course, it would be alright if anyone of them did, but Kael was too high of a figure for them to do it.

  For the meantime, Kael’s company scoured their surroundings, checking if there are people spying on them. It was supposed to be an uneventful routine, but Magister Lucius found someone. He had no idea that the person met Kael already during the demon invasion.

  “Who are you? Did Rezelus sent you?”, Lucius asked, his arms ready to strike at any moment. The person didn’t answer, but he spoke of his objective.

  “I’m here for one person”

  Lucius didn’t need to hear anything after that. He already assumed that the person was talking about Kael, and unfortunately, he’s right.

  “You won’t have him from me”, Lucius said.

  Meredith and her group heard that Lucius was talking to someone. Even if they couldn’t hear what the magister was saying, it’s evident that he was angry.

  “What’s going on, Lucius?”

  Meredith didn’t need an answer to her question. She saw the strange person walking towards Lucius. She knew that whoever the person was, he was not there to be friendly.

  [True Summon: Lake Guardian]

  After the summon emerged, the person released a dark aura all over his body. Lucius and Meredith prepared themselves, commanding the others to stay behind. They knew that the others would just become hindrances, as they felt the tremendous power of the person. As the person kept on producing waves of darkness around himself, Lucius’ another suspicion was confirmed. The person was not human. He’s a demon.

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  “A demon? I’m tired of these pests”, Meredith said, suddenly furious at the sight of the demon.

  The demon have horns protruding from both his cheeks, his body turned into the blackest shade they ever saw, and his eyes were like flames of purple. Each of his fingers have bright red strings attached, dangling softly from it.

  “Don’t block my way, humans”, said the demon, his voice oscillating slightly.

  “I don’t think we can win this, mistress”, Lucius said.

  “I know. Someone should start opening the gate to call for help”, Meredith said.

  “That’s not good, mistress. There’s a demon here”

  “We have no choice, we’re going to die here”

  While they were talking to each other, the person suddenly spoke.

  “I said, don’t block my way, humans!”

  Two strings zipped through towards Lucius and Meredith. They had no idea what the strings would do, but they knew something bad would happen if the strings caught them.

  [Water Wall]

  “Let’s split up”, Meredith commanded Lucius. They were going to let the lake guardian remain in place, while they were to attack simultaneously from both sides of the demon. However, before they could do so, they were shocked to see the strings were already attached to them. The water wall wasn’t able to block the strings of the demon.

  “Retreat!”

  They tried cutting the strings, but to no avail. Then, all of a sudden, all went black for them. They became under the demon’s complete control.

  The water wall disappeared, as the demon commanded Meredith to do so. After that there was silence, and the terrified eyes of Meredith’s servants. It was a horrifying sight to see powerful humans like Lucius and Meredith to be controlled by a malevolent demon.

  “Don’t block my way humans”, the demon said. The servants were beyond terrified of the demon, but their faith towards Kael prevailed. They refused to give way to the demon, even if they could barely stand.

  [Fireball]

  Someone initiated the attack, and from there, all the others went on the offensive. They knew that their attacks wouldn’t do anything against someone that could easily defeat their master, but they kept on doing it. The fight was too one sided, and the one winning was the one not attacking. The demon was irritated by the pointless display, and so, he commanded Lucius to attack.

  [Vortex Punch]

  The powerful waves destroyed the path between the demon and Meredith’s servants. Meredith’s servants thought that that was the end for them, but then, Kael woke up and protected them in time.

  [Great Barrier]

  Kael woke up because of the noises outside. He activated “Late Cost” just in case, and then went outside. He made the good decision.

  “What’s going on? Who is that?”, Kael asked to one of Meredith’s servants. One of the servants answered, and Kael was filled in on everything that happened. Before Kael could thank the servants, he heard the call of the demon.

  “Lucien”

  Kael looked at the demon. It sneered at him, and then, as if taunting Kael, he commanded Lucius and Meredith to do a fighting stance.

  “My king wanted me to kill you. Consider it an honor”, the demon said.

  “Your king? That coward is making a move too, I see”, Kael remarked. It was a taunt from Kael, to make the demon angry, and he succeeded.

  “You vermin, you have no power to call my king like that!”

  The demon lashed out, rushing towards Kael to slash him with its demonic claws. Kael saw it as an opportunity to free Lucius and Meredith.

  [Speed Boost]

  Kael was immediately beside the two faithfuls. A little glance made him know how to undo the connection of the strings.

  [Mana Burst]

  The connection severed, and Kael didn’t wait to see Lucius and Meredith recovering their autonomy.

  [Speed Boost]

  The demon didn’t have time to process what happened to his strings. Kael was suddenly behind him, then he was held by his neck. In the next moment, they were far from anyone, the demon was at the mercy of Kael.