Chapter 72
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Lexa let out a satisfied yawn as she laid in the lap of Andria, who petted her soft glistening silver fur at her leisure. The two were sat beside a lit fireplace that radiated a comfortable warmth in the coldness of the night.
Their group had spent several hours trekking through Thistle Forest until dusk, and thanks to the low level of danger presented in the forest, the group had managed to journey a good distance during that time. They should be able to depart from Thistle Forest in around two days time.
Now, everyone was chattering and playing little games to pass the night away, some tired children had already headed to the tents, gaining lost sleep.
Andria spent the rest of the night chatting with Sandra, Jared and Seph until finally her tiredness seemed to take over her and her voice became less and less lively, her eyes beginning to droop. Despite her body calling for her to sleep, Andria wanted to stay up longer to talk to her new friends and fought with her whole strength to stay awake.
Eventually, she could hardly hold on any longer and Alexander walked over, picking her up in his sturdy arms as he cooed. "Come on Little An, I think its time to call it a night, hmm?"
"Nooo~." Andria's half-asleep state instantly melted and her face became lively again, only it turned into an unhappy frown as she whined. "Andria wants to to talk to Andria's friend's longer!"
Hearing her whines, Sandra and Jared could only look at Alexander with wry expressions. Seph all the while holding a cold facade as always.
"That's okay Little An, they'll be heading off to their bed's as well. Right?" Alexander smiled at Andria's direction, but directed the latter part to the three ten/nine year old's across from himself. Andria turned to look at her three new friends in a begging pout. But at the same time behind her, Alexander who was holding her was looking at them with an expression that told them that if they didn't comply with his words, they would be sorry.
With a gulp, two of them furiously supported Alexander under his cold gaze.
"I-I was just thinking how tired I was and was going to say goodbye any second now." Sandra blurted.
"Y-yeah, me too. Actually, I've b-been m-meaning to go to bed for about an hour now. I-In fact, how about I just go now!" Jared stuttered as he started to walk backwards. His feet were shaking under the gaze that seemed to freeze him to the core in fear. He could only imagine what punishment he would dish out if they didn't play along with him.
In opposition to the other two's immediate compliance, Seph looked to be about to argue otherwise as his mouth opened to protest. That was until he felt a painful pinch at the side of his waist halt his words. Turning to see the cause, he saw a shaking Jared shaking his head furiously before he pulled him away with him by his collar.
Looking at the two boys leaving in such a hurry, Sandra didn't pause to follow them in haste as well. She didn't forget to say a shaky goodnight to Andria though.
"See, they're going to their bed as well." Alexander gave Andria his brightest smile, as if he had not just had the appearance of a demon just seconds before.
In Andria's arms, Lexa couldn't help the shiver that traveled down her spine at the display. 'Truly a frightening display of switching personalities on a dime.'
"Okay..." Andria finally relented. Her eyes were already closed as she leaned her blond head on her father's comforting shoulder.
Alexander's fake smile turned real as he petted her hair soothingly as he walked over to the tent designated as hers and the kitten's.
Lexa leaped out of Andria's weakening arms as she drifted to sleep and followed Alexander as he placed Andria into the tent, tugging her in into a thick pink sleeping bag that would keep her well warmed in the cold night.
Alexander watched as Lexa leaped up on the sleeping bag and circled a spot before bundling up as she prepared to go to sleep as well.
With a final kiss to his daughter's cheek and a rub of the kitten's cheek, Alexander left the tent contented and feeling warm. His figure disappeared from the tent with a final goodbye. "Goodnight Little An... Lexa."
Those words and the sleeping bag beneath her warmed Lexa as she finally drifted from consciousness...
★★★
Elsewhere in Thistle Forest, a few miles from the encampment of the Wilderwolf family and Hawk Academy, was a large, but dilapidated building. It was a two story building of intricate design, but it had clearly been untouched for several decades, if not centuries.
Throughout the whole building were several shady and rough looking figures walking to and fro or waiting in groups, chattering in husky, croaky voices. On the outside were wooden stairs that led up to the houses large, double doors. On these stairs, even more people were sitting and standing about at their leisure.
Most strikingly was the figure sitting on the topmost step of those stairs, sitting dead in the center as if those decrepit stairs were his throne. This man was the familiar Beast-Eyed Killer, with his trademark jagged eyes that held a dangerous and dark gleam, as well as the scar that crossed the bridge of his nose.
Currently, the Beast-Eyed killer was looking off into the distance, into the darkness of the Thistle Forest in front of him. That was until he turned to look at a certain figure who stood at his side.
This figure was an extremely tall man, even more-so than the Beast-Eyed Killer. But in contrast to the Beast-Eyed Killer's muscular frame, he was rather lanky and thin. He was dressed in a dark blue suit and trousers, and upon his thin head, wore a black bowler hat that seemed to cast his face in a constant, unnatural shadow that shrouded his features. White gloves covered his hands, making it so that there was not a single gap in the man's clothing that showed off his skin.
By the man's side was the familiar figure of the man who had initiated the contract with the Beast-Eyed Killer to kidnap Andria back in Skyview City. His eyes were constantly facing downwards, not daring to look at the figure slightly in front of him for even a second.
"I have to say, you have rather shocked me. I hadn't expected you to lend us such a helping hand in this mission. I thought your lot didn't want to get involved in this." the Beast-Eyed Killer spoke, his voice raspy and cold. "To think you not only sent such a powerful Rune Master such as yourself to create a untraceable barrier around this house, but you actually lent us a Pulsing Item."
"Those were my orders." The lanky man spoke in a gruff voice that held the slightest hints of being modified. "The master had learned rumours of the girl's potential."
"Ha, so you first requested this task lightheartedly. But now that your master has gained new info, this little task has become a bigger priority... I see..." The Beast-Eyed killer's eyes flashed with a mysterious gleam at this information. 'Maybe I can try to squeeze out some more from these guys, seeing as its so important to them.'
"Alright then, I have already set up the barrier and your man has been handed the medallion. It is about time I depart." With that, the lanky man pulled out a scroll which he unraveled. Rather similar to the scroll used by those men in black who had attacked the members of Hawk Academy, the scroll turned to ash before forming into a Void Portal. "We will return tomorrow when the task is done. Fail us, and if they don't kill you, we will!"
With those words, the lanky man entered the portal, followed shortly after by the man who stood by his side. In a matter of seconds, the portal had dissipated, leaving only the members of Beast-Eyed Killer's gang behind in the confines of the dilapidated house.
"Tch!" The Beast-Eyed Killer tutted but said nothing else on the matter. It was clear to him that he couldn't offend people who had such rich resources. Plus, the man was long gone anyway.
His frustration was swept away however by the thought of capturing the little spoiled brat of the Wilderwolf family. He had specifically asked what condition they wanted her in, and the lanky man's response was short but decisive.
"Alive, all limbs attached."
"Gahaha..." The Beast-Eyed Killer laughed nastily at this thought.
He was a man who knew no better thrill than beating up those rich and proud nobles and watching how their pride fell and loves to watch as despair slowly overcame them. Children were no exception.
★★★
Back in the Wilderwolf encampment, a foreign figure walked brazenly passed a Wilderwolf soldier, one of the many left on watch guard for the night. This man was the familiar Savre who relished in stealth of thievery.
Despite his brazen entrance, the Wilderwolf soldier didn't react any different, simply standing on watch with a stern expression. Seeing this, Savre couldn't help the sinister laugh that escaped his mouth. Except, despite his lips moving as such, no sound actually came out.
Savre didn't find this odd however as he took hold of a bronze coloured medallion that was currently around his sleek neck.
'This Ghost Walker Medallion is truly deserving of a Pulsing Grade Item.' Savre marveled at the medallion as he ran his thumb over its ridges. On the medallion was the figure of swirled, ghoul like figure that was twisted and haunting. If one looked closely enough, one would noticed that this figure was made out of deeply integrate runes that were minuscule in size, blending to form the drawing of the ghost-like figure.
Dropping the medallion out of his hands so that it laid dangling from his neck, Savre returned his attention to ahead of him, where he was slowly encroaching on one tent out of the many in this encampment...
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Lexa let out a satisfied yawn as she laid in the lap of Andria, who petted her soft glistening silver fur at her leisure. The two were sat beside a lit fireplace that radiated a comfortable warmth in the coldness of the night.
Their group had spent several hours trekking through Thistle Forest until dusk, and thanks to the low level of danger presented in the forest, the group had managed to journey a good distance during that time. They should be able to depart from Thistle Forest in around two days time.
Now, everyone was chattering and playing little games to pass the night away, some tired children had already headed to the tents, gaining lost sleep.
Andria spent the rest of the night chatting with Sandra, Jared and Seph until finally her tiredness seemed to take over her and her voice became less and less lively, her eyes beginning to droop. Despite her body calling for her to sleep, Andria wanted to stay up longer to talk to her new friends and fought with her whole strength to stay awake.
Eventually, she could hardly hold on any longer and Alexander walked over, picking her up in his sturdy arms as he cooed. "Come on Little An, I think its time to call it a night, hmm?"
"Nooo~." Andria's half-asleep state instantly melted and her face became lively again, only it turned into an unhappy frown as she whined. "Andria wants to to talk to Andria's friend's longer!"
Hearing her whines, Sandra and Jared could only look at Alexander with wry expressions. Seph all the while holding a cold facade as always.
"That's okay Little An, they'll be heading off to their bed's as well. Right?" Alexander smiled at Andria's direction, but directed the latter part to the three ten/nine year old's across from himself. Andria turned to look at her three new friends in a begging pout. But at the same time behind her, Alexander who was holding her was looking at them with an expression that told them that if they didn't comply with his words, they would be sorry.
With a gulp, two of them furiously supported Alexander under his cold gaze.
"I-I was just thinking how tired I was and was going to say goodbye any second now." Sandra blurted.
"Y-yeah, me too. Actually, I've b-been m-meaning to go to bed for about an hour now. I-In fact, how about I just go now!" Jared stuttered as he started to walk backwards. His feet were shaking under the gaze that seemed to freeze him to the core in fear. He could only imagine what punishment he would dish out if they didn't play along with him.
In opposition to the other two's immediate compliance, Seph looked to be about to argue otherwise as his mouth opened to protest. That was until he felt a painful pinch at the side of his waist halt his words. Turning to see the cause, he saw a shaking Jared shaking his head furiously before he pulled him away with him by his collar.
Looking at the two boys leaving in such a hurry, Sandra didn't pause to follow them in haste as well. She didn't forget to say a shaky goodnight to Andria though.
"See, they're going to their bed as well." Alexander gave Andria his brightest smile, as if he had not just had the appearance of a demon just seconds before.
In Andria's arms, Lexa couldn't help the shiver that traveled down her spine at the display. 'Truly a frightening display of switching personalities on a dime.'
"Okay..." Andria finally relented. Her eyes were already closed as she leaned her blond head on her father's comforting shoulder.
Alexander's fake smile turned real as he petted her hair soothingly as he walked over to the tent designated as hers and the kitten's.
Lexa leaped out of Andria's weakening arms as she drifted to sleep and followed Alexander as he placed Andria into the tent, tugging her in into a thick pink sleeping bag that would keep her well warmed in the cold night.
Alexander watched as Lexa leaped up on the sleeping bag and circled a spot before bundling up as she prepared to go to sleep as well.
With a final kiss to his daughter's cheek and a rub of the kitten's cheek, Alexander left the tent contented and feeling warm. His figure disappeared from the tent with a final goodbye. "Goodnight Little An... Lexa."
Those words and the sleeping bag beneath her warmed Lexa as she finally drifted from consciousness...
★★★
Elsewhere in Thistle Forest, a few miles from the encampment of the Wilderwolf family and Hawk Academy, was a large, but dilapidated building. It was a two story building of intricate design, but it had clearly been untouched for several decades, if not centuries.
Throughout the whole building were several shady and rough looking figures walking to and fro or waiting in groups, chattering in husky, croaky voices. On the outside were wooden stairs that led up to the houses large, double doors. On these stairs, even more people were sitting and standing about at their leisure.
Most strikingly was the figure sitting on the topmost step of those stairs, sitting dead in the center as if those decrepit stairs were his throne. This man was the familiar Beast-Eyed Killer, with his trademark jagged eyes that held a dangerous and dark gleam, as well as the scar that crossed the bridge of his nose.
Currently, the Beast-Eyed killer was looking off into the distance, into the darkness of the Thistle Forest in front of him. That was until he turned to look at a certain figure who stood at his side.
This figure was an extremely tall man, even more-so than the Beast-Eyed Killer. But in contrast to the Beast-Eyed Killer's muscular frame, he was rather lanky and thin. He was dressed in a dark blue suit and trousers, and upon his thin head, wore a black bowler hat that seemed to cast his face in a constant, unnatural shadow that shrouded his features. White gloves covered his hands, making it so that there was not a single gap in the man's clothing that showed off his skin.
By the man's side was the familiar figure of the man who had initiated the contract with the Beast-Eyed Killer to kidnap Andria back in Skyview City. His eyes were constantly facing downwards, not daring to look at the figure slightly in front of him for even a second.
"I have to say, you have rather shocked me. I hadn't expected you to lend us such a helping hand in this mission. I thought your lot didn't want to get involved in this." the Beast-Eyed Killer spoke, his voice raspy and cold. "To think you not only sent such a powerful Rune Master such as yourself to create a untraceable barrier around this house, but you actually lent us a Pulsing Item."
"Those were my orders." The lanky man spoke in a gruff voice that held the slightest hints of being modified. "The master had learned rumours of the girl's potential."
"Ha, so you first requested this task lightheartedly. But now that your master has gained new info, this little task has become a bigger priority... I see..." The Beast-Eyed killer's eyes flashed with a mysterious gleam at this information. 'Maybe I can try to squeeze out some more from these guys, seeing as its so important to them.'
"Alright then, I have already set up the barrier and your man has been handed the medallion. It is about time I depart." With that, the lanky man pulled out a scroll which he unraveled. Rather similar to the scroll used by those men in black who had attacked the members of Hawk Academy, the scroll turned to ash before forming into a Void Portal. "We will return tomorrow when the task is done. Fail us, and if they don't kill you, we will!"
With those words, the lanky man entered the portal, followed shortly after by the man who stood by his side. In a matter of seconds, the portal had dissipated, leaving only the members of Beast-Eyed Killer's gang behind in the confines of the dilapidated house.
"Tch!" The Beast-Eyed Killer tutted but said nothing else on the matter. It was clear to him that he couldn't offend people who had such rich resources. Plus, the man was long gone anyway.
His frustration was swept away however by the thought of capturing the little spoiled brat of the Wilderwolf family. He had specifically asked what condition they wanted her in, and the lanky man's response was short but decisive.
"Alive, all limbs attached."
"Gahaha..." The Beast-Eyed Killer laughed nastily at this thought.
He was a man who knew no better thrill than beating up those rich and proud nobles and watching how their pride fell and loves to watch as despair slowly overcame them. Children were no exception.
★★★
Back in the Wilderwolf encampment, a foreign figure walked brazenly passed a Wilderwolf soldier, one of the many left on watch guard for the night. This man was the familiar Savre who relished in stealth of thievery.
Despite his brazen entrance, the Wilderwolf soldier didn't react any different, simply standing on watch with a stern expression. Seeing this, Savre couldn't help the sinister laugh that escaped his mouth. Except, despite his lips moving as such, no sound actually came out.
Savre didn't find this odd however as he took hold of a bronze coloured medallion that was currently around his sleek neck.
'This Ghost Walker Medallion is truly deserving of a Pulsing Grade Item.' Savre marveled at the medallion as he ran his thumb over its ridges. On the medallion was the figure of swirled, ghoul like figure that was twisted and haunting. If one looked closely enough, one would noticed that this figure was made out of deeply integrate runes that were minuscule in size, blending to form the drawing of the ghost-like figure.
Dropping the medallion out of his hands so that it laid dangling from his neck, Savre returned his attention to ahead of him, where he was slowly encroaching on one tent out of the many in this encampment...
Lexa let out a satisfied yawn as she laid in the lap of Andria, who petted her soft glistening silver fur at her leisure. The two were sat beside a lit fireplace that radiated a comfortable warmth in the coldness of the night.Their group had spent several hours trekking through Thistle Forest until dusk, and thanks to the low level of danger presented in the forest, the group had managed to journey a good distance during that time. They should be able to depart from Thistle Forest in around two days time.Now, everyone was chattering and playing little games to pass the night away, some tired children had already headed to the tents, gaining lost sleep.Andria spent the rest of the night chatting with Sandra, Jared and Seph until finally her tiredness seemed to take over her and her voice became less and less lively, her eyes beginning to droop. Despite her body calling for her to sleep, Andria wanted to stay up longer to talk to her new friends and fought with her whole strength to stay awake.Eventually, she could hardly hold on any longer and Alexander walked over, picking her up in his sturdy arms as he cooed. "Come on Little An, I think its time to call it a night, hmm?""Nooo~." Andria's half-asleep state instantly melted and her face became lively again, only it turned into an unhappy frown as she whined. "Andria wants to to talk to Andria's friend's longer!"Hearing her whines, Sandra and Jared could only look at Alexander with wry expressions. Seph all the while holding a cold facade as always."That's okay Little An, they'll be heading off to their bed's as well. Right?" Alexander smiled at Andria's direction, but directed the latter part to the three ten/nine year old's across from himself. Andria turned to look at her three new friends in a begging pout. But at the same time behind her, Alexander who was holding her was looking at them with an expression that told them that if they didn't comply with his words, they would be sorry.With a gulp, two of them furiously supported Alexander under his cold gaze."I-I was just thinking how tired I was and was going to say goodbye any second now." Sandra blurted."Y-yeah, me too. Actually, I've b-been m-meaning to go to bed for about an hour now. I-In fact, how about I just go now!" Jared stuttered as he started to walk backwards. His feet were shaking under the gaze that seemed to freeze him to the core in fear. He could only imagine what punishment he would dish out if they didn't play along with him.In opposition to the other two's immediate compliance, Seph looked to be about to argue otherwise as his mouth opened to protest. That was until he felt a painful pinch at the side of his waist halt his words. Turning to see the cause, he saw a shaking Jared shaking his head furiously before he pulled him away with him by his collar.Looking at the two boys leaving in such a hurry, Sandra didn't pause to follow them in haste as well. She didn't forget to say a shaky goodnight to Andria though."See, they're going to their bed as well." Alexander gave Andria his brightest smile, as if he had not just had the appearance of a demon just seconds before.In Andria's arms, Lexa couldn't help the shiver that traveled down her spine at the display. 'Truly a frightening display of switching personalities on a dime.'"Okay..." Andria finally relented. Her eyes were already closed as she leaned her blond head on her father's comforting shoulder.Alexander's fake smile turned real as he petted her hair soothingly as he walked over to the tent designated as hers and the kitten's.Lexa leaped out of Andria's weakening arms as she drifted to sleep and followed Alexander as he placed Andria into the tent, tugging her in into a thick pink sleeping bag that would keep her well warmed in the cold night.Alexander watched as Lexa leaped up on the sleeping bag and circled a spot before bundling up as she prepared to go to sleep as well.With a final kiss to his daughter's cheek and a rub of the kitten's cheek, Alexander left the tent contented and feeling warm. His figure disappeared from the tent with a final goodbye. "Goodnight Little An... Lexa."Those words and the sleeping bag beneath her warmed Lexa as she finally drifted from consciousness...Elsewhere in Thistle Forest, a few miles from the encampment of the Wilderwolf family and Hawk Academy, was a large, but dilapidated building. It was a two story building of intricate design, but it had clearly been untouched for several decades, if not centuries.Throughout the whole building were several shady and rough looking figures walking to and fro or waiting in groups, chattering in husky, croaky voices. On the outside were wooden stairs that led up to the houses large, double doors. On these stairs, even more people were sitting and standing about at their leisure.Most strikingly was the figure sitting on the topmost step of those stairs, sitting dead in the center as if those decrepit stairs were his throne. This man was the familiar Beast-Eyed Killer, with his trademark jagged eyes that held a dangerous and dark gleam, as well as the scar that crossed the bridge of his nose.Currently, the Beast-Eyed killer was looking off into the distance, into the darkness of the Thistle Forest in front of him. That was until he turned to look at a certain figure who stood at his side.This figure was an extremely tall man, even more-so than the Beast-Eyed Killer. But in contrast to the Beast-Eyed Killer's muscular frame, he was rather lanky and thin. He was dressed in a dark blue suit and trousers, and upon his thin head, wore a black bowler hat that seemed to cast his face in a constant, unnatural shadow that shrouded his features. White gloves covered his hands, making it so that there was not a single gap in the man's clothing that showed off his skin.By the man's side was the familiar figure of the man who had initiated the contract with the Beast-Eyed Killer to kidnap Andria back in Skyview City. His eyes were constantly facing downwards, not daring to look at the figure slightly in front of him for even a second."I have to say, you have rather shocked me. I hadn't expected you to lend us such a helping hand in this mission. I thought your lot didn't want to get involved in this." the Beast-Eyed Killer spoke, his voice raspy and cold. "To think you not only sent such a powerful Rune Master such as yourself to create a untraceable barrier around this house, but you actually lent us a Pulsing Item.""Those were my orders." The lanky man spoke in a gruff voice that held the slightest hints of being modified. "The master had learned rumours of the girl's potential.""Ha, so you first requested this task lightheartedly. But now that your master has gained new info, this little task has become a bigger priority... I see..." The Beast-Eyed killer's eyes flashed with a mysterious gleam at this information. 'Maybe I can try to squeeze out some more from these guys, seeing as its so important to them.'"Alright then, I have already set up the barrier and your man has been handed the medallion. It is about time I depart." With that, the lanky man pulled out a scroll which he unraveled. Rather similar to the scroll used by those men in black who had attacked the members of Hawk Academy, the scroll turned to ash before forming into a Void Portal. "We will return tomorrow when the task is done. Fail us, and if they don't kill you, we will!"With those words, the lanky man entered the portal, followed shortly after by the man who stood by his side. In a matter of seconds, the portal had dissipated, leaving only the members of Beast-Eyed Killer's gang behind in the confines of the dilapidated house."Tch!" The Beast-Eyed Killer tutted but said nothing else on the matter. It was clear to him that he couldn't offend people who had such rich resources. Plus, the man was long gone anyway.His frustration was swept away however by the thought of capturing the little spoiled brat of the Wilderwolf family. He had specifically asked what condition they wanted her in, and the lanky man's response was short but decisive."Alive, all limbs attached.""Gahaha..." The Beast-Eyed Killer laughed nastily at this thought.He was a man who knew no better thrill than beating up those rich and proud nobles and watching how their pride fell and loves to watch as despair slowly overcame them. Children were no exception.Back in the Wilderwolf encampment, a foreign figure walked brazenly passed a Wilderwolf soldier, one of the many left on watch guard for the night. This man was the familiar Savre who relished in stealth of thievery.Despite his brazen entrance, the Wilderwolf soldier didn't react any different, simply standing on watch with a stern expression. Seeing this, Savre couldn't help the sinister laugh that escaped his mouth. Except, despite his lips moving as such, no sound actually came out.Savre didn't find this odd however as he took hold of a bronze coloured medallion that was currently around his sleek neck.'This Ghost Walker Medallion is truly deserving of a Pulsing Grade Item.' Savre marveled at the medallion as he ran his thumb over its ridges. On the medallion was the figure of swirled, ghoul like figure that was twisted and haunting. If one looked closely enough, one would noticed that this figure was made out of deeply integrate runes that were minuscule in size, blending to form the drawing of the ghost-like figure.Dropping the medallion out of his hands so that it laid dangling from his neck, Savre returned his attention to ahead of him, where he was slowly encroaching on one tent out of the many in this encampment...
