32 Run

Lucas panted as he ran with all his might. He didn't bother to hide the sounds of his footsteps or tried to move stealthily.

Lucas was right now looked completely different, he was not wearing the grey robe but a leather armor that was barely holding on. His hair was disheveled and his expression panicked.

While running Lucas was tightly grabbing the ordinary looking sword and ran in a straight direction, the center of City of Datura. He never once looked back.

Lucas was actually panicking right now because the special state has been deactivated and waves of pain was assaulting him. He felt that his brain to be melting the growing pain prevented himself from thinking clearly, his breath uneven Lucas felt extremely tired, but he knew he shouldn't stop not now.

Mustering up all the remaining will Lucas pulled all of his strength of body and madly ran.

Behind Lucas, about four hundred meters away from him a cloud of smoke and dust continued to spread.

In the night it was difficult to discern anything regarding this strange smoke cloud in ash black color. But if someone with sharp and keen eyes were to observe the thin layer of ground the smoke passed by, it would not be difficult to witness to corroded ground and withered plants.

Poison! An strong poison.

Lucas felt as his brain was splitting, he rushed through the broken buildings and scared ground. His steps organized and steady.

In his head the plan and route to take has all been planted during the special state. Right now Lucas only need to follow the plan and no unnecessarily steps is needed to be taken.

In far there were similar individuals in robes and armors, mage and warriors, running for their life from the expanding smoke cloud.

They were terrified, among them most came here to watch the fun and if lucky could snatch some treasure that's all. Even though two parties were fighting, they wouldn't attack bystanders and increase their enemies. Even if they attack, at most they will run. But they never expected to meet something like this.

When the sound of explosion was heard, they were shaken. But what terrified them was that the array which they were trying to enter suddenly broke and released gas in toxic nature. This sudden surprise completely caught them off guard and many died without even knowing what happened.

Lucas while running recalled what happened a while ago.

He never thought he would be so brave to take the food from the tiger's mouth. The short moment after he entered the array to till now, everything was out of control.

What happened exactly? Why?

Thinking over a sudden headache assaulted Lucas, grunting in pain Lucas gritted his teeth and without looking back ran forward.

*****************

Sometime ago….

Lucas put all his strength to his sole of the feet and shot towards the stunned fighters like an arrow released from a bow.

Even though stunned they were still not some armatures. Quickly they instinctively defended Lucas's attack.

At the moment they moved, Lucas mind was filled with all possible outcomes and best possible positions.

Boom!! Kaaaa!!

The piercing cry from the array caused both the fighters to pause for a second and for a moment their concentration relapsed.

It was fatal.

Lucas's fist directly went to the stronger fighter's heart. The enemy had no time to draw his weapon and could only defend himself by crossing his hands over his chest.

Lucas knew the exact timing of explosion and further results, so he could take advantage of the momentarily lapse in their concentration.

The fighter while formed his defense simultaneously whipped his leg towards Lucas to halt his momentum.

Lucas's hand immediately curved in an angle and precisely hit one of the other fighter's elbow making his hand numb. Although a step late the other fighter immediately pulled his sword and took a step forward.

Lucas was now extremely close.

If Lucas continued his offense and didn't retreat he would definitely get hurt by the sword or the whipping leg.

But what cause them surprise was Lucas didn't even hesitated for a moment and without flustering he raising his hand and spoke in a nearly inaudible voice.

"Fireball"

Next instant a small dark red ball of flame was created in Lucas's hand.

"Explode"

Boom!

"Ah!"

"Auhh!"

Both of them cried painfully and fell. Around Lucas a thin protective energy shielded him from the explosion.

Lucas without wasting any time took the sword one of them dropped and without further ado he quickly sprinted away.

Although both fighters were in pain, they were still vigilant. When they saw Lucas leaving rapidly, unknowingly they released their breath they were holding on to.

But they didn't get much time to enjoy their happiness. Noise of glass breaking stated to sound in their immediate vicinity.

Kacha!Zzzz!

The array broke, from inside ash black smoke started to pour out. The both fighters didn't even have time to scream before they were swallowed by the smoke and died.

Instant death!

In a blink of eye the smoke started to spread as the previous array as the center.

Many powerhouse were looking forward to the result of the fight. As soon as the explosive sound was heard from the array, they knew that the array was at it's end.

It was not a surprising matter for many knowledgeable. What surprised everyone was the poisonous smoke cloud emitted after the collapse of the array.

Everyone had two questions in their heart?

Who won?

What exactly happened inside?

*****************

Lucas was relieved seeing the bustling street ahead of him.

'Now I need to change my clothes and quickly return. The headache is killing me.'

Lucas rubbed his forehead and walked at a quick pace.

"You there! Halt!"

Lucas was petrified for a moment. His eyes shook but he didn't show any suspicious actions, he slowly turned towards the voice.

"What?" Lucas with a irritating voice asked.

What Lucas saw was a bunch of guards from Arsln family coming, but Lucas was surprised to see a person among them. In the middle was one of the renowned genius of Arsln Family, Relin Arsln, a prodigy in formations.

Now Lucas didn't need to ask System for checking his memory. Everything felt normal, every memory was branded deep as from the start they were there. Still he needs to organize everything after going home.

He walked arrogantly towards Lucas and looked at him from head to toe. With a disdained look he asked.

"You must be coming from north side, tell me what have happened there and I will reward you?"

Inside Lucas was completely nervous, he didn't put much effort in disguise because of the short time. He feared Relin recognizing him if they interacted more.

Lucas respectfully lowered his head and after organizing his mind he politely said. "Young Master, I have just escaped from there."

"Escape?"

After taking a deep breath Lucas continued.

"The Skylark mercenary group have killed all of the Blood Hawk mercenaries and was checking for anyone left out. But we never saw Captain Hawk of Blood Hawk mercenary group, according to our squad leaders speculation Captain Hawk is fighting with someone inside an array. We have tried to enter the array, but all those who tried died due to unknown reasons, so we didn't dare to continue send more people."

"An array?" Relin Arsln's interest was piqued. He hurriedly asked. "Do you know which one?"

After once more taking a deep breath Lucas cautiously looked toward Relin Arsln and replied. "Our knowledge was shallow and couldn't identify."

Irritated Relin mumbled under his breath. After a short time Relin asked.

"Why are you in such a terrible shape then?"

Relin took a glance once more at Lucas and snorted.

Lucas feigned a forced smile and replied.

"Everything was all right. But suddenly the array collapsed and some kind of poisonous smoke started to come."

"Without any other choice we could only run for our life. During the chaos I was separated from my companions "

After pondering a moment, Relin nodded and waved towards the man nearby and left.

Lucas was relieved and turned around.

"Halt!" Again irritating Lucas a strong tough voice called out to Lucas.

Lucas felt a boiling anger rising from within, but forcefully controlled himself and politely turned and asked.

"What can I help you with?

The middle-aged man in a black suit approached Lucas and tossed a gold coin to him.

"Your reward."

Lucas easily caught the coin and delight filled his voice and eyes. Tugging the coin inside his armor Lucas detected the strange man didn't leave but was observing Lucas.

All of a sudden Lucas's heart jumped.

Did he realize?

Lucas without any change in his expression asked.

"Is there anything else?"

The man smiled and replied, "No, nothing. It was my first time seeing someone like you who forgets money."

Lucas forced a smile and reluctantly said. "I'm tired and it was a long night."

As if understanding Lucas's plight, he nodded.

"Anyway I am Ceaser."

"I am Ron."

Ceaser left immediately with a strange smile on his face and followed Relin,

Lucas narrowed his eyes and looked at the moving party for a brief moment.

After a while, Lucas called for a cab.

"To Sunset Inn"

Lucas after travelling a couple of times in the cab and spending some time cooling his head he moved on foot and slowly removed his disguise as he moved on.

As time passed his headache began to grow. With blood shot eyes Lucas entered his house and put away his robe.

Lucas didn't immediately went to sleep and washed his face and took a short bath. After that he dragged himself to the bed and slept.

He didn't know how long he will sleep and if Aunt or Uncle will come inside while he was sleeping. And if they saw his disheveled attire, it will certainly arose many questions.

So he needed to clean himself.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

As Lucas was sleeping chaos ensued all over the City of Datura.