Chapter 7- Rumors Died Quick

Xiao looked a bit flustered because people kept looking in her direction but also greeted Tala and Mino passing by.

Xiao told Tala and Mino, "Wow you guys are popular". They both smiled and said thanks to our older brothers and older sister.

Xiao replied, "I can see why you guys are popular but I can't wrap around my head how.

She said, "With the sacrifices of her father and brothers, Tala has established a reputation and standing in the city. This explains why her family is popular, and why Tala is proud of her family.

Xiao looked at Tala with a shocked face and asked, what is the name of your family's guild?

Tala answered I don't know. Ate Celestia, Kuya Dack, and Kuya Zion didn't say anything to us.

Xiao looked at Tala and asked who was Dack?

Tala replied, my oldest brother.

Xiao said, Oh, the oldest.

We're here, Xiao said. Take care, I'll pick you guys up later.

She wasn't sure if it was Zion, as the couple ran too quickly for her to get a clear look. She decided to let it go and not worry about it, as it didn't seem worth it to pursue since the school was about to start.

In the midst of her rush to the bus stop, Xiao managed to catch the bus stopped perfectly and ran right towards it but her watch was 20 minutes early.

Xiao picked up the kids to drop them off at school in that time frame when Xiao heads to middle school with her siblings and Zion's siblings.

Celestia, did you get the mission briefing? Zion asked as he walked around the corner.

In an attempt to finish reading, Celestia sprang out of bed to grab the paper on her table.

When Zion peeked into Celestia's room, he saw she was reading.

The paper Celestia is reading contains mission details.

Zion and Celestia, I hope this gets to you guys. Dungeon outbreak caused by demon worshipers seems like there are many demon priests and followers still alive. North of the city is a town called Durnatel near the Iron border. The Iron border guards were unable to stop them from passing west of town as it seemed they had successfully passed them. There is a task to complete to eliminate demon worshippers and priests by dawn.

Zion looked at Celestia and said, we need to hurry. We have 8 hours to finish this mission. Getting there is only 1 hour but I can reduce it by using gravity magic.

Celestia responded, let's go.

Back to Xiao in school.

Xiao is talking to herself. I have enough time to stop by the teacher's room while getting her in her slippers.

While heading toward the teacher's room, students from different classes and grades sucked up to her to gain her favor. Kira and Shyla shouted to the students, "Back up and give her some room". The other students were outraged saying that you just wanted her favor and so on.

It was with sincere gratitude that Xiao looked at Kira and Shyla and thanked them. She then thought about what ingredients she should buy when she returned home with the kids. Xiao looked troubled. The others thought that was why she appeared troubled by them.

To discuss Zion's absence, Xiao stepped inside the teacher's office. Xiao explained why he was absent.

Some of the students heard that he was absent and they wondered why. Then Xiao said he lived close. The teacher understood it as if their families were friends or something along those lines.

The students outside didn't hear what Xiao said when she said Zion would be absent. This is because a teacher shooed them away and scolded them because they were huddled in front of the teacher's room.

Many students assume they are dating. Strange rumors emerge that they are dating, may get married, or have already been engaged.

Xiao heads to class. They wanted to approach Xiao and confront her about the rumors that spread like wildfire.

There was a senior who confronted her and asked if the rumors were true.

As Xiao looked up at the tall senior, she said, I don't know what you're saying. What rumors are you telling me? With a confused face.

The senior delved into detail about the rumor.

Xiao shouted in front of the students huddled in front of her classroom and said, "The rumors circulating are baseless. We aren't in a relationship or engaged whatsoever.

He asked we've already seen your siblings' pictures, but who's the little one with you who resembles the president and Zion?

Xiao further emphasized that Zion is a caring brother who puts his family first. He sacrifices his school time to ensure his sister is healthy and taken care of. Celestia Zion's little sister is feeling under the weather so he stays home and takes care of her.

On the outskirts of the city near the village next to the Iron border a farming Town.

When Celestia and Zion arrived everyone greeted Zion by bowing their heads.

Zion immediately heads toward the village elder chief to greet him and know the situation.

The Chief explained that there were kidnapped merchant guards and something about the merchant themselves.

I sent a request from the Iron Border for a couple of soldiers to look into the cause of the disappearance, and they approved the request but no one returned alive. One person returned after being ravaged by a demon. Some of the soldiers saw the creature as dark, and tall with sharp claws and teeth.

Zion thought about what monster fit that description when he heard a deafening roar from the forest. He was sure it was a Ravenger. A B-rank demon level is 700-800.

Ravenger is slow but strong with thick fur and skin.

We can make a fortune if they avoid certain parts of the demon -- such as its nails, knees, and eyes. The skin is included, but we need a little less because it's really good armor.

Like an earthquake, the ground shakes violently, and the deafening roar came closer and closer to the town.