DEATH REALM
Yorelei told them several stories about unusual auras she had encountered over the centuries. Some were grotesque, others terrifying, and a few bordered on the absurd.
The children laughed together, and for the first time in a long while, the atmosphere grew lighter.
Ryan, looking a little embarrassed, finally stepped forward.
— I apologize for earlier… My attack was just a test.
Yorelei gave him an amused smile.
— If that was truly a test, then you still have much to learn.
She immediately turned serious.
— It's time to devise a strategy against the blue aura.
Pips barked toward Nakid, circling him insistently, as if trying to convey a message.
— Good thinking, little dog, Yorelei replied. A healer in battle is always valuable. But it won't be enough against an opponent I would rank at the Ferocious level.
She crossed her arms.
— He isn't dangerous because of raw strength. His true threat lies in his shapeshifting ability.
Ryan clenched his teeth.
— He turned into Miya… Even knowing it wasn't really her, I couldn't bring myself to attack. And while I hesitated, he went after the ones I care about.
— Exactly, Yorelei confirmed. He alternates between fast forms to reposition and ferocious forms to strike. Nets are useless—he could turn into an ant and escape.
She then pointed at each of them.
— We'll set a trap.
Nakid, you'll act as bait. No matter what he does to you, you can heal yourself.
Ysabella, you stay back and fire to disrupt him. Your lack of aura is an advantage here.
Louis, you ride on Ryan's back.
Pips, Chiyo, Miya… with me.
— YOU ONLY PICKED THE GIRLS! Yoreru shouted.
— Not really, she replied calmly. Ysabella is far behind.
— Haha… I'll try to stay calm, Ysabella muttered.
— I'M STAYING IN THE CABIN! HEHE!
Yorelei sighed.
— Final change of plan. Yoreru will be the bait. Nakid, you heal him.
— NO! PLEASE! LET ME LIVE!
— Anyway, she continued, ignoring him. My dagger can neutralize one person's aura for an entire month. I'll use it. I can afford the cost.
Ysabella observed Yorelei in silence.
She's powerful… and dangerous. Nakid, why do you trust them so much?
— Once he's immobilized, I'll finish him, Yorelei continued. After that, our clan contract will end. Officially, we'll be enemies.
She paused.
— Unofficially… we'll remain allies. Unless you wish to join my clan.
— We refuse, Ysabella answered without hesitation. Obey someone we don't know? No. And there's no guarantee a stronger clan wouldn't attack us afterward.
— A wise decision, Yorelei admitted.
Nakid spoke up.
— If I have to join a clan to save my mother, I will. Even if I must humiliate myself.
Miya shook her head.
— We want to explore this world freely. Even if it takes a thousand years to truly understand our senses… we'll wait.
— Well said, Louis added.
Yorelei burst out laughing.
— You're fascinating. Yoreru, the map.
They headed north.
Thanks to Yorelei, the journey was surprisingly safe.
Then they saw it.
In the distance, a lapis-lazuli aura rippled through the air.
The same chilling pressure.
The same monster.
The children took refuge behind Yorelei. Her azure aura, gentle like a clear sky, calmed them.
A malicious smile emerged from the shadows.
Rasfi.
— I don't care about the children… or that woman with the heart-shaped aura.
He lifted his gaze, burning with hatred.
— My sole purpose is to bring down the King of Eruasert.
Yorelei took a step back, surprised—but she did not falter.
— What could he have done to deserve such hatred?
Rasfi's smile widened.
— He simply… betrayed me.