Chapter 60 Ivory and Ebony

In an abandoned shack, a small room surprisingly fit seven people.

"I'm surprised that's the only injury you received from that monster, hell, I'm more surprised that you survived." says by the old man. "Scratch that, I'm more surprise, you fought her at all." he added, correcting his previous statements.

"It hurts you know, to think that even one of my friend thought of me as a coward." says by the armless elf jokingly.

"You can't really blame me." retort by the old man. "Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of you, but to think of all people, your first real fight is with Camilla." he added.

"I don't have any control for that matter." says by Clyde with a solemn tone while remembering the events that led him to lose one of his arm.

Alger just shake his head in regret. The once proud elf looks pitiful right now.

"I didn't meet you here so you can take pity on me, Alger." says by Clyde when he notice the slight gesture of his friend.

"No need to tell me." retort by Alger.

After their short conversation, Cleo intervene to run the plan once again through them. Clyde and Sylvia alongside Alger and the Hallows Guild will take the role of a bait and lure out both the Magus and Duskfall Guild. Anna alongside the Lion's Mouth will back them up if necessary however their main objective is to make sure Camilla can't escape if she decides to flee.

Cleo, Leah and Valerie will be the main party to take on Camilla. This might be the most dangerous role however they have the advantage since Camilla can't fight at her full power and they have two life line.

The God's Gift of Leah, Reaper's Shroud and the three remaining emerald stone that Clyde gave him.

The raven haired girl with an eye patch didn't utter a word ever since Cleo came back. She just intensely listen to the plan. Remembering every detail as to make sure it'll have a higher probability of being successful.

Except for Alger, all of the people present in the room were nervous. This is their first time participating at a large scale skirmish. No matter the reason is, a war is a war.

Valerie and Anna was not yet born when the first great war between all the races happened.

Clyde was not yet a Master Warlock back then and base on his tendencies. He will do all what he can to avoid enlistment.

Alger however was in his prime age that time. He might not be a Royal Knight yet back then but the passion of being young make up for it.

He was part of the front lines that was assigned to tackle the Orcs head on.

After finalizing their plan the party heads out at their respective assignment.

Before they part ways, Alger gave Cleo a stack of health and mana potion. This is a small gesture from him to get on Cleo's good side.

The red headed young man didn't hesitate to accept the gift and store it in his spatial ring.

He knew what's Alger is doing however the gift was too tempting to not accept. He just shrugged and let the future him deal with the consequence.

Cleo felt guilty and try to find the right timing to tell Leah what transpired on his visit from the Hallows Guild however as to not distract her, he decides to just tell her after they deal with Camilla.

After a few hours of horseback riding. Cleo, Leah and Valerie arrive at the border of Venundarr. The usual scene welcome them. A line of diverse people trying to enter the city and the bustling sound coming from the day market.

Cleo release a sigh of relief when he recognize some of the people hanging out just outside the border. It seems that the Lion's Mouth come through with his plan.

He just hopes that Phraan successfully set all the trap at the route where they will lure Camilla into.

After a few minutes...

*BOOM!* a huge explosion coming from inside Venundarr was heard, the sound was loud enough to reach the ears of those people outside the border.

Panic ensues, the people who were previously neatly lining up are now scattered. The lively and joyous sound coming from the day market is change into shrieks.

Cleo, Leah and Valerie nods at each other. This is the signal of the start of their plan. Its up to them now to locate Camilla and lure her out.

The trio rush pass the guards who are now busy trying to control the panicking crowd.

As much as they want to split in order to cover more grounds with their search. They decided its better to sacrifice a bit of efficiency and just stick together.

One by one, they scan through the establishments to find Camilla.

They start at the most obvious ones like apothecary, inns and even public baths in hopes that Camilla is relaxing in one of those.

To their dismay none of those establishments houses Camilla.

They then proceed to check the restaurants, smithy and general store however they didn't find her at those locations either.

When it seems that all hopes are lost. Valerie had an epiphany. Clyde's words rang into her brain. She recall knowing her true job.

An Asura.

Where does an Asura usually hangs out, she thought. She almost slapped her own face for not realizing it sooner.

"Cleo! Leah! I know where Camilla is!" confidently says by Valerie.

Cleo and Leah just nods at her, implying that they trust her and just lead the way.

After running for almost an entire hour. The trio reach an establishments that was located at the southern part of Venundarr.

The establishment was also made of cobblestone however overgrown plants sips through the crevices, broken window glass and a gate that's barely standing.

If Venundarr was a religious city, this establishment usually place at the center and is given an utmost respect.

This is the church of Asurendra, one of the major gods of Zirracania.

The trio braces themselves and kick the gates open. They didn't need to much effort since the gates was barely standing.

After entering, a sight that's not befit the purpose.of the establishment welcomed them.

Broke furnitures, cobwebs at the ceiling and weeds that seem to reach the interior of the church.

At the other end of the room, a huge statue of Asurendra is standing tall, it was almost out of place because of how clean it is.

Under the statue, a silver haired girl that seems to have been missing an arm is kneeling, facing the statue.

"Camilla" mutter by Valerie, she clench her fist and bit her lips. Her blood starts to boil at the sight of the praying girl.