254,
While Cyclone and Cabellus were meeting for the first time, something else was happening elsewhere.
The twilight light filtered through the colorful stained glass windows, casting a dim glow in the Throne Room of Allen City.
It was a special emergency meeting called due to new intelligence on a certain mission.
"They went south?"
"The remnants of the demons..."
An unusual tension filled the Throne Room, creating a sense of oppression in the air.
And in the midst of it all, a man spoke.
"Based on the situation, it seems they took a detour and are trying to enter the Steel Tribe from the south."
The speaker was Daniel, Allen's strategist.
"I've heard that the Steel Tribe is currently embroiled in internal conflict. I believe the demons are seeking new hiding places amidst the chaos."
Some people in the crowd responded to Daniel's words.
"It's been two weeks and they still can't clear them..."
Suddenly, a silence fell over the room, as everyone fell silent due to one person's statement.
"After all, she's a witch..."
"Yes, yes! I heard she dealt a fatal blow to Cyclone Theodore... it was also that witch!"
"That woman is too dangerous!"
"Yeah! She single-handedly broke through our army!"
"Forget it... we can't stop her anyway..."
"Witch Yuna..."
"It's no longer a matter of quality or quantity. Let them pass through the Steel Tribe. They can't rise again to the east."
The Throne Room erupted into heated debates, until that voice resounded again.
"Forget it?! Can't stop them?!"
King Allen struck his throne with his left hand, the echoes reverberating throughout the room.
His anger penetrated the hearts of everyone present, as King Allen's fury burned on.
"I, the king, will not... spare any evil existence!"
Every word was powerful, carrying an overwhelming sense of oppression.
"My city will not allow their presence! To completely eradicate them is the only way to make Allen City... prosperous again!"
One statement after another, no one dared to defy King Allen's orders.
"Only by the witch's death can all this end!"
The air in the Throne Room turned cold, filled with the scent of bloodshed.
"Daniel! How is the witch hunting preparation going?"
Only when King Allen asked did Daniel have a chance to speak again.
"Everything is being calculated. Even if the witch Yuna is powerful, as long as our team is strong enough, she can only escape in a direct confrontation."
The ministers nodded in agreement with Daniel's statement.
"There are already three teams conducting an encirclement by deception."
"Three teams... Is that enough?"
King Allen questioned it.
"Not enough. At most, we can only drive her away, but not achieve a kill."
Suddenly, Daniel took a step forward.
"But worry not, Your Majesty. I will personally depart and form the fourth team. For the sake of Allen's heroes, this time..."
"Indeed... to put an end to all this, let's use the blood of that witch to draw the final stroke!"
"Yes!"
Cyclone only learned about what transpired in the Throne Room later from Daniel.
And at this moment, Cyclone still knew nothing.
After a chat on the hillside outside Riverbranch, Cyclone finally made two new friends.
Cabellus didn't want to move anymore until Hilmirya woke up.
It was said that they still had a ways to go before reaching his secret base, but Cabellus thought it would be better to stay put and push Hilmirya along.
It was evident that Cabellus didn't want to leave Hilmirya alone here either. Like Cyclone, he protected this innocent girl based on gentlemanly etiquette.
"The Ecstasy Guild?! What the hell is that?"
Cyclone shouted the name by the wooden cart.
Cabellus's eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing someone else shout the name.
"What is this guild...?"
"Haha!"
Cyclone, sweating profusely, was met with Cabellus's laughter.
"Didn't expect that~"
"...Tch!"
