"To think I ever took up the role of an archer."
Bastle stared at his sword, analyzing each chip and indentation in the metal. Each sign of damage showed how many battles he had fought.
A month had passed since Bastle had met Clementina, and they were beginning to reach the edge of the island.
Countless battles had occurred. Most battles ended in Anore victories, although, of course, there were some losses.
"Slicing is a lot more fun," he leaned back, swinging his sword in the air, observing his blade curiously.
In the reflection of the clear blade, he saw himself.
"This lust… for battle. It'll never end, will it?" he spoke through sighs.
The morning was warm and solemn.
. . .
"With the tips of Jisvo, we have understood that Sar has retreated with all their research equipment, and whatever they were looking for on this island, they have likely found it and took it back with them."
Caelum van Eustis stood on a podium, before a group of people. They were generals, royals involved in the military, and specially approved individuals, like Rita van Eustis.
Seeing his sister in the crowd, Caelum van Eustis swallowed, before looking back up and clearing his throat.
"As of now, we've been playing it safe, making sure not to attack aggressively. Focusing on the island and finding the dragon egg before Sar did. We've made multiple attempts to communicate with the king, but it seems that he's hellbent on slaughter. So much, so that he sends assassins directly into the kingdom to kill as many people as possible."
A disturbed silence filled the room. Waiting for everyone's expression to return to normal, Caelum rested his hands on the wooden stand before him, leaning on it.
"So, we'll go on the offensive. The island is already ours. They have terrifying forces, but in the end, we will show no mercy, and reign victorious."
. .
.
"That was a good speech, little brother. To think the kid who couldn't even harm a fly, speak so fervently about war."
Rita reached over to ruffle Caelum's hair. He didn't scurry away, though he appeared displeased with the gesture.
"Again, I'm not a kid anymore."
"Please. Anyone your age would be enjoying their days in school or something like that. You've been burdened with something so serious."
"…"
Caelum's eyes wandered, until they landed on the bandages wrapped around her forehead, something he had not noticed.
"What… what happened to your horn?" he asked, nervously.
She stared at him.
"You're really still young, Caelum. Imagine, the sister of the king, being a demon. How would that make you look?"
Under his breath, Caelum muttered very softly, his words could be mistaken for the passage of wind.
"… Like usual, you're never worried about yourself, no matter how you make it look…."
. .
.
"Sloppy."
Lunan paced back and forth, observing the surprisingly fresh bodies that had died by 'suicide'.
"This is insane."
From afar, the corpses were all discolored, slightly green. Lacking any injuries that would indicate homicide.
"Anyone who didn't perform an autopsy would think it was a suicide until they lift the clothes up."
He crouched, observing even deeper.
The bruises were caused by blunt injury, and skin tearing from the force that the individuals were hit with.
Along the shoulders, there were slice marks, as well.
"An assortment of weapons were used. Is this a one-man job? Whoever did this, erased the deaths from the record. Either they're of high power, or they snuck in."
Lunan ran his fingers through his hair, staring at the ground.
"…"
He rushed over toward a body of water, throwing up.
"Blegh!"
He wiped the residue off his lips, getting up from kneeling.
— I'm a bit scared. I feel weak for throwing up, but what if I get used to the sight of this?
Lunan stared at his reflection in the clear waters.
"You alright?"
He was startled by the unfamiliar voice. He turned around.
The woman behind him was a bit threatening. Average height, with enchanting yellow eyes, and black-and-white hair parted excellently.
A look of royalty. Lunan was prepared to bow, without even registering who the lady was.
"Isalda van Mahaut?"
He lowered his head.
Being born from royalty himself, Lunan knew how influential and powerful the Mahaut family was.
His eyes wandered, the name 'Mahaut' bouncing around uncomfortably in his temple.
"I'm looking for General Oscar Tolien. Do you know where I could find him?" she asked, her voice sounding less imposing than he had expected.
"He's… over there."
She smiled thinly, nodding.
. .
"Wow. You're really all healthy. It's a miracle!"
Oscar stared at her newfound health in awe, his eyes dull, but his mouth agape.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. More importantly, Jisvo's whereabouts. Where is he?" she asked nonchalantly, staring at her fingers.
Oscar's office looked nothing like the other generals. While even Ireciez had a couple books on some shelves and a single painting on his wall, Oscar's office was blank.
"I'm not sure why you expect me to know. I do know, though. He was stationed toward the coast. This is the last subjugation till we head toward the mainland."
"Why haven't you guys just got on ships and attacked that way, instead of pushing through the island?"
"Something about what lies on this island. Our search is over now, though. We'll just clean this place up and then be on our way."
"… Alright. Thank you."
Oscar nodded.
"No problem. Jisvo will be really excited to see you."
"Everyone keeps on telling me that."