Chapter 253: Back again
Chapter 253: Back again
The next few days were spent with Immy and Sidus. We trained together, honing our skills and improving our abilities. They had grown stronger, and their progress was undeniable, but they were still unable to defeat me, even when they teamed up.
As we rested after our spar, I looked at them, proud of their growth. "You have both come a long way since we last trained together," I said.
Immy nodded, her expression serious. "We have been working hard, but we still have much to learn."
Sidus grinned, his eyes sparkling in defiance. "Yeah, but we're getting there. It won't be long before we take you down, brother."
I chuckled at his enthusiasm. "You will need more than just enthusiasm to defeat me, Sidus," I grinned to which he simply harrumphed. Immy shook her head by the side.
As the sun began to set over the mountain, I stood up, stretching my wings. "Well then, I believe it's time for me to head back out there, and find that sneaky bastard."
"Already?" Immy asked subconsciously.
"Yes," I nodded before continuing, "There's no point in waiting any longer. It's best I take care of this already."
"I see," Immy replied. Sidus was silent by her side. His face held an annoyed expression as he rolled his eyes.
I lightly tapped his head with my tail and spoke, "Don't be making that face, now. As I said, we'll be having our chance to fight together soon enough."
"I understand, brother."
"Good, then let's head back. I need to say my goodbyes to mother before I leave."
As we approached the cave. I landed gently on the ground and slowly made my way inside, Sidus and Immy right behind me. As soon as I was inside, I felt a sudden rush of warmth surround me, and I knew that my mother had used her mana to gently wrap me in an embrace. It seemed like she already knew why I was there.
"Be careful," she said softly, "Although you can't use your cosmic mana, you still have your water element, and your body to take care of everything."
I nodded with a smile, "I understand, mother. Don't worry."
"Good, then go."
With a final glance, I turned around to leave. My siblings stood by the entrance, Immy's eyes were solemn, but she said nothing, only nodding silently. Sidus, on the other hand, awkwardly approached me and placed a claw on my shoulder, giving me a reassuring squeeze.
"I'll be waiting for you, brother," saying that, he quickly turned around and walked back inside the cave.
Seeing that, Immy rolled her eyes and spoke, "Stay safe,"
A small laugh escaped my mouth as I replied, "You too,"
With that said and done, I spread my wings wide, feeling the warm breeze brush against my scales. I looked back at the floating mountain where I had spent the last few days with my siblings and mother, bidding them farewell with a heavy heart.
Before I began to fly toward the horizon, my powerful wings propelled me forward. The landscape below me changed gradually as I flew, from the forest terrain below my home to the vast expanse of the sea. Leaving the forbidden continent behind, the sea stretched out before me like an endless abyss, its waves crashing against each other. I dove into the water, feeling the cool embrace of the sea and the comfort of the water elements envelop me, I occasionally hunted some large fish monsters as I made my way toward the mortal land.
As I emerged from the water, I spread my wings, taking to the air once more. As I continued my journey, the ocean below me gave way to a lush green forest that stretched out to the horizon. I landed on the edge of the woods, my claws digging into the soft earth. I took a moment to rest and observe my surroundings, the sweet scent of blooming flowers filling my nostrils.
With a deep breath, I launched myself back into the air, the sun setting behind me, casting a warm orange glow across the landscape. The sky above me was painted in shades of red, pink, and purple as I flew toward the distant horizon.
****
The next day, as I got closer to the celestial ranges, the landscape changed, giving way to tall peaks and jagged rocks. It didn't take long before I caught a glimpse of the shining spires of the church in the distance, and its grounds were bustling with activity.
I quickly landed on my usual platform. I could see the representatives hurrying out to welcome me in awe and respect. Their eyes sparkled with admiration, however, something felt amiss. The bald head priest was not there to greet me.
"Greetings, my lord!" one of the representatives says, bowing low.
"En, where is your leader?" I ask, my voice rumbling like thunder.
One of the representatives hesitates before responding, "He is ill, my lord. He has been bedridden for days."
My brows furrow as I ask, "Is it serious?"
"It seems like he caught a fever. We have been praying for his recovery," another representative interjects.
I nodded thoughtfully, "I see."
"Is there anything we can help you with, my lord?" the first representative asks hesitantly.
"No, you can leave first. I have some matters to attend with my apprentices," as I said that, I could sense my disciples' auras heading over to this peak.
"Your word is our command, my lord!" Saying that the representatives quickly bow in respect and turn around to leave. A few could not help but continue to sneak glances at my figure in awe and disbelief.
A few seconds after their departure, the area around my platform was quickly closed to the other inhabitants of the church, and guards began to patrol with puffed chests and heads raised high in pride. I inwardly shook my head at the display.
Just then, the clouds above the church parted as my apprentices appeared and gently floated down toward me. They were all riding a gentle wind that Halbor had summoned to carry them over.
The guards seeing their appearance quickly lowered their heads. As soon as my disciples landed they quickly bowed to me in respect and spoke in a united voice, "Welcome back, master!"
"En, I see none of you has been slacking off in your training. That's good," I nodded in acknowledgment causing their eyes to light up in pride. Even little Kaida had a deeper aura surrounding her, her temper seemed more restrained now.