[Book II Chapter 135] FILIA: Lavender Tears

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  <> Oberon commented as the figure below flashed across the landscape.

  Half an hour ago, Waceria had received a distress call from a nearby village under attack from demonic beasts. Four squads of cultivators had been dispatched, Filia among them. As they’d neared their destination, Soul had suddenly accelerated to a godly level, leaving the others behind.

  <> She responded. Her companion had shared some of the details of his ability since it was the type that was difficult to hide. <>

  <> Oberon scoffed. The arrogance was warranted. The legendary sukemon’s wings carried her faster than she’d ever traveled before. Soon, a horde of demonic beasts came into view through twisted strands of rock.

  <> She announced. Since joining Soul’s group, she’d participated in several patrols but had yet to see real combat.

  <> Oberon asked.

  <> She answered, before shouting, “Dark Blades.” A barrage of black sword shot through the air, impaling winged beasts.

  <> Oberon chimed in. Filia swerved towards the walled-settlement on a large chunk of earth. The spells being launched from its ramparts were a good sign: it had yet to be overrun.

  As she downed another batch of flyers, there was a surge of magic. Soul was unleashing a series of frozen shockwaves, culling a large number of enemies with each swing.

  Not wanting to get in his way, she turned her attention to the network of crystal bridges the demonic beast were using to cross the twisted lands.

  “Dark Predation.” She cried, throwing a black sphere at the nearest one. Striking dead center, It expanded into dark cloud. The dozens of demonic beasts engulfed soon fell from its bottom, flailing wildly.

  It’s my first time having access to negation magic, Filia thought happily as her victims plummeted into the depths. Dark Predation’s miasma erased any magical construct it touched while draining the energy of living beings. She tossed more spheres to further disrupt their enemies progress.

  A couple of large, squirrel-like crystal creatures launched themselves angrily at her. Dodging easily, she shattered their spines with swift blows to the back. Oberon’s fusion granted her a thick dragonic hide and explosive physical abilities. She’d never felt so strong. What I lost in versatility is made up for in raw power.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Once the flow of demonic beasts had stemmed, she returned to where Soul and the others were finishing off stragglers. She was relieved to see the settlement’s walls still intact.

  “What a swift victory!” She declared, watching some of the other cultivator teams depart.

  Soul nodded. “We should check the village before we go. I’m pretty sure I spotted a familiar face.”

  Intrigued by what this meant, Filia followed inside the walls to where a crowd had gathered. At its center, among cheering and laughter, a glum-looking girl was being congratulated. Noticing them, she made her way over.

  “How do you always land yourself in trouble?” Soul chuckled.

  “That’s… It isn’t…” Hope bristled before deflating. “It just happens. I can’t explain.”

  This is Soul’s sister from the recording. “Whatever the case, it was stroke of luck you were visiting, judging by the way the villagers are acting.” Filia observed.

  Oddly, Hope shrunk at this praise. “Yes… So lucky…” She agreed miserably.

  “So what were you doing here?” Soul asked.

  “Clay Donnaster, who I was mentoring with, went to take part in operation against Mount Gull.” Hope revealed. “I decided to wait for him in a place with nice thick walls.”

  “If that’s the case, wouldn’t it have been better to stay in Waceria?” Filia wondered.

  Hope shook her head vigorously, “No, way too many people there. I couldn’t risk it.”

  That makes no sense. Filia was about to ask for an explanation when a man ran over shouting. “Waceria is under attack by Sekken, the red hound. They’re requesting any reinforcements available.”

  “But I wasn’t there…” Hope mumbled. Ignoring her, Filia turned to Soul, “Do you think this was a diversion to drawn our saints away?”

  “Maybe,” Soul answered. “Gen, did you not foresee this?”

  They all turned to Fate Pavilion cultivator. For the first time ever, she saw uncertainty on the man’s face. “My apologies, I didn’t… We should hurry back.”

  “I’m coming too.” Hope declared, dashing after them.

  “The convoy from Tulven will be arriving tomorrow.” Yingtai said. “I heard they repelled an ambush from Sekken yesterday. This might be an attempt to set up another one.”

  “Or it’s an act of revenge.” Sulai agreed.

  The image of Joel and his daughter flashed in Filia’s mind. “I’m going ahead.” She announced, speeding up without waiting for an answer. Please let them be alright.

  As she raced through the Twisted Lands, a scattering of purple pedals began drifting on the wind. This floral storm intensified once she neared her destination, but she was in no state to wonder about the phenomenon.

  Finally, she arrived to see the city and the area surrounding it covered in a layer of lavender. Although skirmishes still raged, it was clear the battle was already won. So this is why Gen failed: there was no disaster to foresee.

  Taking a moment to dispatch the invaders in her path, she flew over to a commander on the ramparts. “Where’s emergency?”

  “It’s over.” The man answered. “For a moment, we were barely holding our own, but then an immortal from the Veillerdin Peninsula showed up. He slayed Saeen, the Devourer, and tore through demonic beasts. The foes his sword cut down were transformed into the pedals you see around us. He’s amazingly strong for someone who just reach the Wall.”

  “And this was enough to drive Sekken away?” Filia asked, confused.

  “I believe Sekken was already injured when the fight started.” The commander explained. “So the arrival of an intimidating ally was enough to spook him.”

  He’s probably being extra cautious because of summoning pit’s imminent destruction. “Where is he now?”

  “Gone.” The commander answered. “Chasing after Sekken and another revenant with our two immortals.”

  Curiosity satisfied, Filia joined the others in mopping up the last of the demonic beasts. I suppose with the threats a dark age brings, there will always be heros who rise greet them.