Uniting With Others

  Ryker let out a heavy sigh. His last attack had consumed a lot of his qi, yet it was still worth it, seeing how his opponent finally died. He looked at his sword, wincing as he saw the crack forming on it.

  "Looks like that attack was too much for it. Hmm. I should name the attack," he said to himself. After giving it some thought, he said, "Deathly Flame Slash," 

  He nodded to himself, the name was amazing and it's it showed the technique could showcase. However, he felt like he was forgetting something, "Ryker!" oh right, he forgot him.

  "Ryker, I heard a powerful explosion. Did an expert come here and deal with the expert from the Uru Family or was the Uru Family responsible for it?" Silence asked, worried in his tone.

  Ryker didn't want him to know his full strength. If the Hal Family knew of his strength, they might try to tie him down. So, he decided to not tell the full truth, "After I dealt with the Genesis Foundation experts of the Uru Family, the Genesis Core expert was attacked by another expert. I'm not sure of the expert affiliation but at least he or she was hostile to the Uru Family,"

  "Glad to hear that. For a second I thought you had fought and gotten killed by the Uru Family elder. You sure are lucky to have the Uru Family elder get killed by another expert," Solance said to him, glad his friend survived the fight.

  "Sure, lucky," he didn't want to tell him of his strength yet to have his deeds being put at an imaginary expert pissed him a little.

  "We should get to the capital as quickly as we can when the Uru Family is still shocked by the fact one of their elders got killed. We should meet up with the others soon," Solance reminded him, Ryker nodding in agreement.

  The two quickly sprinted to the agreed location, Ryker hoping that his family would be safe, or there would be hell to pay.

-x-

  Mashia looked around, searching for possible danger before letting out a sigh of relief. It had been nearly four days since they had split up with the two men. Their journey had been a constant game of hide and seek, except they were the only ones who hid while being found would result in a horrible future.

  Thanks to the talismans the young master gave them, they were able to escape from most of the dangerous situations, like when one of the bandits had decided to come to their location, only to get attacked by a wild beast and attract his entire group. 

  That was one of the many near dangers they underwent. One time, one of the bandits had come in their direction, so close that if not for Miriam's tight hold on Ariana, the little girl might try to hug the new person. 

  Or the time when another bandit enters the forest walking past them before entering a bush. The sound of water hitting the grass was heard. If not for the fact that she ripped the man in half the entire group would have been alerted by their presence, she would have ended the man's life once and for all.

  The three accident was the closest one to them being found though the other experience were also nerve-wracking. It took everything she had to lead them. She had been worried about the children but thankfully, they were obedient, making her job easier.

  She wonder if the other two already reach the agreed place or if they... No, she shouldn't think like that. While she didn't believe in Solance's abilities, she knew Ryker was powerful,  he was likely already there.

  Still, even though she tried to think as positively as possible, the possibility of Ryker meeting his end had caused her to be in a constant state of worry. She knew the other women also felt the same way, but much greater as their relationship had been established while she still didn't made them official.

  "Ryker, you better be alive. Or I swear that I will find your soul and revive you so I can kill you myself," she said to herself, already spotted the agreed place. She ordered them to move slower, preparing the last talismans in case there were enemies in the place. 

  She moved closer before her eyes met with silver pupil, the owner giving her a smile.

  "Took you long enough,"

-x-

  Ryker was surprised when Mashia ran towards him, the other trying to catch up. The dragon princess jumped to his arm, making him stumble before he steadied himself. He returned the hug, the dragon princess seemed to like it greatly.

  "We should stop for now. We needed to take the chance to get to the capital while they were still in chaos. Besides, when we get to the capital, we can do it," he told her, Mashia nodding before reluctantly letting him go.

  After Mashia, Ina was the first one to hug him, followed by Era and lastly Miriam. Then his siblings was the last one to give him a hug. Solance merely looked at them with bitterness, being a single child he never knew the joy of having siblings.

  His bitter thought was stopped when a small arm hugged his legs. He looked down to see the adorable Ariana hugging his legs giving him a hug. He gave a small smile and lifted the small girl, giving her a hug.

  The squeal of the small girl made the others look in the direction, making them smile at the two. After the two had their moment, Solance looked at Ryker with a serious look.

  "The last thing we have to face before getting inside is the guard. However, I can't show my face or the Uru Family would try to do their best to deny their involvement. We need to enter the capital without alerting the Uru Family.

  Unfortunately, the gates were heavily guarded and required for newcomers to be identified. So, I have to show my face or we can't enter. I should stay outside while you tell my family about my condition. I'm going to give you one of my symbols so they will believe you," 

  Hearing what he said, Ryker was about to agree when he remembered something.

  "Actually, I have a way for us to enter, all of us,"