Flint the familiar

"That should be the final touch, Your Eminence. The traces of your battle with the ape should've been erased by my [echo dissipation] spell," said Vincent as he cast an illusion over the ground.

His spell required a keen understanding of mana signatures, as it worked by capturing the residual energy from battles and then creating high-definition, three-dimensional images to reconstruct the scene.

In this case, however, Vincent had used it to subtly alter the energy flow and remove the faint sparks of mana left behind.

To successfully cast the spell, Vincent had to precisely match his own mana frequency with the remnants, adjust the illusion to naturally blend with the environment, and ensure that no magical disturbances lingered that could reveal their location.

"Hmm Good work, I have transferred the ape's blood essence and a spatial ring to your [Inventory] as your start-up capital..so that issue is sorted now..." murmured Aetheris as he sighed

"I am faster than you, so you won't be able to keep up, and the Dyson sphere can't be used... and I'm really in a hurry..."

"Ahh, if it's a transport issue, I can assist, Your Eminence," Vincent declared with an arrogant smirk, the corners of his lips curling as if he held a secret no one else knew.

Biting his thumb, he watched his crimson blood, now laced with faint traces of golden essence, emerge briefly before the small wound closed itself in an instant, his eyes gleaming with pride as if to flaunt the latent power running through his veins.

The drop of his blood landed on the ground, and Vincent whispered a small incantation. From the crimson stain, a large hawk-like creature materialized, its wingspan stretching wide enough to darken the area beneath it.

The bird stood tall, towering over Vincent, with a sleek, powerful frame, its golden-brown feathers gleaming faintly in the light. Its sharp eyes, almost unnervingly intelligent, scanned its surroundings.

The creature's muscular build was evident, its broad back and strong legs hinting at the ability to carry at least 30 people with ease. Vincent glanced at it, the faintest smile on his lips. "Hi Flint," he called it.

Flint, Vincent's familiar didn't even return the kind gesture of Vincent instead it slowly approached Aetheris and lowered its head offering him a ride it was as if it acknowledged Aetheris as a higher being due to his presence and this surprised both Aetheris and Vincent because familiars are loyal to their contractors

"H... Hi Flint, *cough* Vincent, can you please help me climb up?" Aetheris requested shyly as he struggled to climb. After helping Aetheris up, Vincent quickly scaled the surface himself, and Flint took off without delay.

"Hahhh, I missed this feeling. It seems like my rebirth enhanced my senses too... I can smell it, Your Eminence—a storm is coming... Use your full speed, Flint," said Vincent as he observed the forming thunderstorm.

Flint, a peak 10th-order magical beast with a wind attribute, enhanced her speed, breaking the sound barrier and entering Mach 1 at her full speed.

Aetheris was quietly observing the forest, taking in the stillness of the night. However, after hearing Vincent, his attention shifted to the distant sky, where clouds were beginning to form, disturbing the serene canvas of the silent night.

Despite his yearning for greater heights, Vincent explained to Aetheris that ascending further was not feasible due to safety constraints. Their current level, nestled high above the ground, provided a sanctuary hidden from the prying eyes of common folk. This elevation also kept them far from the soaring predators of the skies and the vigilant Skyward Sentinels—an elite force formed by the union of multiple rulers to protect the aerial domains.

These Sentinels, known for their unmatched prowess and relentless vigilance, patrolled the skies with unwavering dedication, ensuring the safety of all who dwelled above the world.

Their presence was a constant reminder of the dangers lurking in the upper echelons of the atmosphere, where ambition often met peril.

Here, in their sheltered enclave, Vincent felt a bittersweet sense of security, understanding that their lofty perch offered both protection and limitation, binding them to a realm where dreams of soaring higher were stifled by the need for caution.

Aetheris squinted his eyes, narrowing his focus on the ground far below. Through the haze of distance, he spotted his carriage, its elegant form standing out against the rugged landscape.

Nearby, Vedic was immersed in intense training, each movement a testament to his dedication as he honed his battle style with relentless precision. Aetheris felt a flicker of jealousy rise within him, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor.

"Vincent do you remember the other favor that I asked you before"

"Yes, Your eminence," said Vincent with a tone of anticipation; he felt as if he was going to be invited to an adventure.

"Your Servants have been given new identities, so you don't need to worry about them; as for my favor, Vincent, I want you to live... don't live for me but yourself...

From here on, you plan to go back to your kingdom and end your brother, but that would be suicide... judging by your heartbeat, I am right... take a few years.. execute the mission I have given you... observe your brothers and follow these four rules for your revenge

Make the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to fail, and throw away the plan... see you when you see me"

Aetheris launched himself from Flint, the wind roaring in his ears as he plummeted toward the earth. The descent was exhilarating, every second stretching into eternity as the ground loomed closer. His body sliced through the air, the sheer force of gravity pulling him down like a celestial object.

He struck the earth with an explosive impact, sending shockwaves radiating outward and creating a massive crater that swallowed the ground around him. Dust and debris billowed into the air, obscuring the view of the nearby carriage and shaking its frame violently from the sudden force.

As the dust began to settle, Aetheris emerged from the center of the crater, standing tall and unfazed by the chaos he had wrought. Vedic, positioned outside the carriage, blinked in astonishment, caught off guard by the spectacle.

"Hey, V. It's been a while," Aetheris called out, his tone casual yet confident, cutting through the lingering dust and surprise in the air.

....

Thank you for reading 😊🙏