Ossban, accompanied by a few soldiers and maids, arrived at the cave. He had received a message from Victor.
[Time: 4:00 AM]
"Maid, take her to the medical team. Soldiers, surround the cave," Ossban ordered.
As he approached the cave entrance, he could feel the remnants of an intense battle. He stepped forward and saw Kael and Galen locked in combat, while Victor lay on the ground, wounded.
Ossban crossed the gate and spoke, "Would you like a hand, Kael?"
Kael and Galen both turned to look at him. For Kael, this was the first time seeing Ossban, so he didn't recognize him, but Galen did.
"Who are you?" Kael asked.
"You can ask that later. For now, take Master Victor with you and leave him to me," Ossban replied.
Before deactivating his technique, Kael noticed the emblem Ossban was wearing. He hesitated for a moment before deciding, Alright, I suppose I can trust him.
"Understood. But be careful—he has a Life Stone," Kael warned before deactivating his technique.
Ossban stepped forward, facing Galen. "A Life Stone, huh? So that's what you're after."
Galen attempted to attack Kael while he was moving towards Victor, but Ossban reacted quickly, throwing a sword at him. Galen dodged the attack and changed his plan, now going after Kael instead.
"Why bother with a child when I'm standing right here?" Ossban challenged.
Kael observed the exchange but knew his priority was Victor. This time, I have to retreat, he thought. But the next time I fight a battle, I will finish it on my own.
Kael carried Victor out of the cave and saw the soldiers waiting. "Please help Grandpa!" he urged.
The soldiers immediately rushed forward, taking Victor to the medical team. They insisted that Kael also come with them since he was injured.
"No, I'm fine. Help them first," Kael replied.
Just then, Beatrice arrived at the scene. Seeing Kael's injured state, her face turned pale with worry.
"Master Kael… What happened? You're so badly hurt!" she exclaimed.
"I… I'm fine," Kael reassured her.
[Meanwhile, inside the cave]
I need to get out of here. This isn't a good place to fight, Galen thought as he assessed the situation.
Ossban drew his sword and lunged at Galen.
Galen smirked. "Ossban, I'll see you soon." As he spoke, his body began to glow—he was teleporting.
Ossban struck his sword through the air, trying to stop him, but it was too late—Galen had vanished.
He reappeared near Garrick's fallen body. Looking down at his comrade, he sighed. "You were a fine warrior, my friend…"
Ossban rushed out of the cave, only to spot Galen near Garrick's body. The surrounding soldiers stood frozen in fear.
"Out of my way!" Ossban commanded, charging toward Galen.
Galen sneered. "What a nuisance you are, Ossban," he muttered before grabbing Garrick and teleporting again.
Ossban narrowed his eyes. He's not leaving alone—he's taking his comrades with him. Realizing Galen's next move, Ossban swiftly swung his sword in the direction Galen was headed.
As Galen appeared near Thomas and Isolde's lifeless bodies, he sighed. "Thomas… you did everything you could just to protect her, didn't you? You could have gained power but refused it for her. I don't know whether to call you a fool or something else."
Just as he was about to take their bodies, Ossban's sword strike hit him—a powerful, well-aimed attack.
"Tch…" Galen clenched his teeth in frustration but didn't waste any more time. He grabbed Thomas and Isolde and teleported out of the cave.
By the time Ossban reached the spot, it was empty. He clenched his fists in disappointment.
Kael, who had been outside, walked back into the cave and immediately noticed the frustration on Ossban's face. The soldiers looked equally disheartened.
Ossban turned to Kael. "I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him. I failed to protect the very thing this battle was fought for."
Kael's eyes darkened. "Oh boy… If it were me, he wouldn't have escaped."
Ossban exhaled deeply. "Let's go home for now."
"Alright, everyone, get ready—we're heading back," Ossban ordered.
As they started their journey to the palace, Beatrice stayed close to Kael.
For now, the battle was over.
Author's Note:
Starting from Chapter 32, a new and epic arc begins—the "Kael Second Stage Arc." Follow Kael on his journey to the Soul World!