Recovery

"That bastard," the queen hissed, her voice low and dangerous. Her aura flared, casting a brief, blinding light through the hall.

The intensity of her power was palpable, causing the air to thrum with energy.

After a moment, she regained her composure, and her aura dissipated. She took a deep breath, her expression hardening with resolve.

"This cannot go unpunished," she declared. "Barnabus and his men will be brought to justice. The fallen will be avenged."

As the queen was still speaking, Draco Ignis, unable to contain his rage, unleashed his aura.

The sudden surge of power sent a ripple through the hall, causing the other leaders to look at him with a mix of respect and concern.

Without a moment's hesitation, Draco shot up into the air, flying out of the palace with a speed that left a trail of flames in his wake.

Using a telepathic technique known as "Flame Link", Draco communicated with the shadow figure. "Take Agni and return to Pyro Cliff," he commanded.

The shadow figure bowed slightly, acknowledging the order, and swiftly exited the palace to carry out the directive.

As Draco flew over the sprawling city of Sylvaneth, his mind was consumed with rage and regret.

The cityscape below was a blur, his focus entirely on the devastation that lay ahead. The sun was just rising, casting a golden hue over the city, but Draco's thoughts were dark.

"Dammit, three towns," he thought, his face contorted with anger. Veins bulged on his forehead as his fury intensified.

"I should have completely destroyed that bastard to ashes back then."

The wind whipped around him as he soared through the sky, the flames of his aura trailing behind like a comet.

after a day of flying he arrived at mossy hollow late before the sun could set

He could already sense the lingering malevolent aura of Barnabus and the devastation left in his wake.

The lush greenery gave way to charred ruins and scorched earth, a grim testament to the massacre. Smoke still rose from the remnants of buildings, and the stench of death hung heavily in the air.

Draco's eyes scanned the scene, his heart heavy with the loss of innocent lives. "This ends now," he vowed, his aura flaring even brighter. "Barnabus will pay for this with his life."

"Dammit, I can't sense his trail," he thought, frustration mounting within him. "I swear, if I ever see your shadow again..."

Barnabus and his henchmen had wrought unimaginable destruction, leaving a trail of ruin in their wake.

Riverbend Hamlet, Mossy Hollow, and Oakheart had all fallen to their brutality.

The news spread like wildfire throughout Verdantia, reaching every inn, city, town, and guild.

The tales of the massacres were on everyone's lips, from commoners to nobles, creating an atmosphere of fear and outrage.

The reaction was swift and decisive. Every great family released their high-ranking disciples, each one now on high alert.

Despite the increased vigilance, Barnabus seemed to vanish without a trace, his whereabouts a mystery that gnawed at the minds of Verdantia's leaders.

In every inn and tavern, the stories of the massacres dominated conversations. 

The walls of every town and city were now plastered with scratched posters of Barnabus, each one offering a hefty reward for information leading to his capture.

---

clic... clic... clic...

The rhythmic clashing of wooden swords echoed through the training grounds of the Bluemoon Estate.

Oasis and Zane were deep in their training, their bodies glistening with sweat under the morning sun.

Each strike and parry was executed with precision and determination, the sound of their sparring resonating across the courtyard.

Oasis, shirtless and focused, moved with fluid grace and unyielding strength. His muscles flexed and rippled with each movement, a testament to the rigorous training he had undergone.

Opposite him, Zane matched his intensity, their wooden swords meeting in a flurry of strikes and counter-strikes.

The air around them seemed to vibrate with the force of their sparring, the ground beneath their feet showing signs of wear from their relentless practice.

Sweat dripped from their brows, evidence of their hard work and dedication.

From a distance, Conri Bluemoon watched the scene with a discerning eye. He could see the fire in Oasis's eyes, the drive to improve and push his limits.

It was clear that Oasis had fully recovered during his time at the Bluemoon Estate, his strength and resolve unwavering.

Marina had been a constant presence by Oasis's side, providing him with the support he needed to heal and grow stronger.

She had found her place among the alchemists in Lunalith City, while Oasis had become member of the Bluemoon family.

Conri's thoughts were filled with admiration as he observed the training.

"This kid has been pushing Zane to train harder," he mused, a small smile playing at his lips. "He's a blessing to us. Perhaps Zane can become a battlemage with his influence."

With a sense of pride, Conri decided to approach the two young warriors.

As he walked towards them, the sounds of their sparring grew louder, the intensity of their training evident in every move they made.

"Enough training, boys," Conri Bluemoon said as he arrived, his voice commanding yet gentle.

"Greetings, Father," Zane spoke, lowering his wooden sword and straightening up.

"Greetings, Master Bluemoon," Oasis greeted, equally respectful. Conri raised his right hand to acknowledge their greetings.

"It's been two months since you arrived in our family, Oasis," he began, his tone warm.

"I understand it wasn't easy after you lost your master, but I'm glad you are fine and managed to recover without forming a demon heart. That is good for your cultivation."

Both young men listened intently, their breathing still heavy from the exertion of their training.

"Both of you will soon be going to the Verdantial Academy, and I'm impressed with the consistency of your training."

"Oasis, you've been pushing this lazy son of mine," Conri said with a hint of humor, glancing at Zane.

Then, his expression turned serious.

"I will go straight to the point," he said. "I want you to officially be a disciple of the Bluemoon family. Since you are already sworn brothers with my son, it's only fitting."

Conri spoke humbly, putting aside his status as the head of the Bluemoon family.

"I have already discussed this matter with the elders of the family, so it's up to you," he continued, his tone sincere.