2025-09-10 23:27:56
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Chapter 80
The ice serpent struck with lightning speed, its massive head shooting forward like a spear. But Draven was ready. The enhanced Flower Blade technique - something he was calling "Plum Blossom Storm" in his mind - created a whirlwind of fiery petals around him."Impossible," one of the guild adventurers breathed. "He's actually fighting it."The serpent's ice projectiles met Draven's fire petals in midair, creating clouds of steam that filled the forest clearing. But instead of being chaotic, the battle looked almost like a dance. Every movement Draven made sent cascades of burning flower petals through the air, each one perfectly placed to intercept the creature's attacks."It's beautiful," Lady Evelyn whispered from the wagon.She was right. The fire petals didn't just burn - they bloomed and swirled like real flower blossoms caught in a spring breeze. Red, orange, and gold petals fell like gentle rain, hissing softly when they touched the ground."How is he doing that?" Lady Celesti
Chapter 79
The morning mist clung to the forest floor as they broke camp, creating an eerie atmosphere that had everyone on edge. They'd crossed into what Lady Celestine's maps marked as disputed territory - land that changed hands between various criminal groups depending on who was strongest at any given time."Stay alert," Marcus warned as he loaded the wagon. "From here on, we're in enemy territory.""Enemy territory?" Jin asked. "I thought this was just wilderness.""Wilderness controlled by the Shadow Moon Sect," Robert corrected. "Same thing as enemy territory for people like us."Lady Evelyn climbed onto the wagon seat next to Marcus. "How can you tell we've crossed into their territory?""The markers," Sera pointed to subtle cuts in tree bark they'd been passing. "Those aren't natural. They're boundary signs.""You can read criminal territorial markers?" Lady Celestine asked with surprise."My family's trading routes sometimes passed through... contested areas," Sera replied carefully.
Chapter 78
Their expanded group had been traveling for two more days since rescuing Lady Evelyn, and the rhythm of the journey had settled into something comfortable. The wagon rolled steadily along forest paths, with Marcus and Robert taking turns driving while the others walked alongside or rode when the terrain allowed.Lady Celestine and Lady Evelyn had quickly discovered they had much in common beyond their noble birth. Both were scholars at heart, both had extensive libraries at home, and both shared a passion for uncovering the secrets of ancient magic."The theoretical applications alone would revolutionize our understanding of magical theory," Lady Celestine was saying as they walked. "If Valdris really did create artifacts that could enhance the connection between consciousness and magical energy...""The implications for healing magic would be tremendous," Lady Evelyn agreed. "Imagine being able to amplify a healer's natural abilities tenfold."Draven found himself walking slightly be
Chapter 77
Dawn came too early, but Draven and Jin were ready. They met Lady Celestine at the inn's stables, where a sturdy wagon loaded with supplies waited along with two additional men."These are the guards I mentioned," Lady Celestine said, gesturing to the newcomers. "marcus Ironwood and Robert. Both experienced adventurers.""Marcus is such a common name in the city, it's like everyone is answering Marcus," Jin murmured.Marcus was a tall, lean man with graying hair and scars on his hands that spoke of many battles. Robert was shorter but broader, with the steady gaze of someone who'd survived dangerous situations through careful planning."Academy students?" Marcus asked, looking Draven and Jin up and down."Recent graduates of some unusual training," Lady Celestine replied diplomatically. "They've proven themselves capable.""If you say so, my lady." Marcus didn't sound entirely convinced. "But if things go bad, they follow orders without question.""Understood," Draven said.The first
Chapter 76
The journey back to the nearest town took most of the day. Lady Celestine proved to be tougher than her appearance suggested, keeping pace with them despite her expensive clothes being completely unsuited for forest travel."You handle yourself well in a fight," Draven said as they walked. "That light magic technique was impressive.""Thank you. My family insisted on proper combat training." She stepped carefully over a fallen log. "In our line of work, diplomatic immunity only goes so far.""What line of work is that?" Jin asked."Politics. Trade negotiations. The kind of activities that make enemies." Lady Celestine's expression grew serious. "Which is why I need experienced guides for this expedition, not just brave ones.""We're more experienced than we look," Draven said carefully."I hope so. Because what I'm planning isn't a simple treasure hunt."They reached the town of Millbrook just as the sun was setting. It was a small trading post, the kind of place where merchants stopp
Chapter 75
Despite the warnings about moving shadows, Draven and Jin decided to venture into the Dark Forest's outer regions. The goblin infestation quest provided perfect cover for their real mission - scouting for Draconus sign and getting a feel for the forest's layout.They left the city early in the morning, telling Lyra and Sera they were taking on a simple guild mission. It wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either.The Dark Forest lived up to its name from the moment they approached its borders. Even in broad daylight, the thick canopy blocked most of the sunlight, creating a perpetual twilight that made it hard to judge distances or directions."This place feels wrong," Jin said as they followed a narrow trail into the trees.Draven nodded. His pendant was warm against his chest, but not the comforting warmth he'd grown used to. This was more like a warning, a signal that danger was near.The forest was unnaturally quiet. No bird songs, no rustle of small animals in the
