KEEPING themselves with their power going consistently for this long was exhausting. Even the elite Krysts, Celine and Angelica were struggling. These bandits knew how to deal with Krysts. They had weapons that could deflect magic, which in Celine's suspicion was that they acquired it from the land of Markus. Celine and Angelica fought with their fire and ice, respectively. As the hours grew longer, the two would often elicit grunts whenever their fire and ice diminish.Vivien gritted her teeth as she moved away from her opponent, her crystal scales falling away due to the impact and then it slowly grew another bunch. Compared to earlier, the replacement of her crystal scales began to decrease. She knew that their inner core would break once they exhaust it to their limit. Maybe with more meditation, Vivien would be able to keep her power longer, but for now she was reaching her current limit. Once it was gone, the three of them wouldn't be able to do anything to protect each

"W-WHAT?" both Marjien and Vivien exclaimed."We kind of just agreed to go in a survey on our own," Celine said. "Zephrain here was present in the meeting when the lord of the Graire Province boasted about their economy rising. He wanted to know what was really happening. When Hwa Elisa gave him a silent mission, as he wasn't supposed to be revealed until he became the Trux, he decided to drag us along and see this place."Vivien had heard so much about this lord of the Graire Province but they haven't had any encounter with the man yet. Zephrain seemed to take his time, reaching out to the villagers instead of going after their good-for-nothing leader and create a rapport with them. Vivien saw this as an opportunity for Zephrain. Once he was revealed as the new Trux of the Kingdom of Demetrius, he was already loved by the people. And he would become a leader who knew the hardship of his people."I hope your day was less eventful," Angelica said, glancing at Vivien

BEIGE material fluttered above Zephrain as he woke up, the cloth caught in a gentle breeze. The top of the tent that Celine, Marjien, Angelica and Vivien shared was the same color… this was the tent. Memories flooded back to him as he remembered the course of the afternoon, how Marjien had almost been captured by bandits, how he had used his power.Emotions raced through him, vying for dominance. He wasn't a violent man. He intended to make use of his power once the Blood Star was born and the Great Witch appeared. He felt guilty for not being able to protect the villagers better, shame for being down and exhausting his inner core even before he controlled it, gratitude that Marjien was there to finish off what he started. A touch of lingering excitement, leftover from the way using his powers had made him feel like he gave justice to the oppressed, as if he truly was a king. And worry, worry for Vivien once she finds out, for the villagers, but mostly for Vivien.Worry

ELIJA smiled at her before reaching over and pulling her hood up and over her head, hiding her face. "Don't cry. It makes your face all red."While Elija tended to the stew, Vivien decided to make herself busy. She got up and started finding their bowls and utensils so everyone would be able to eat once they returned to the camp. She had all of them lined up by the fire when Lukas tumbled out of the tent, followed by a harassed-looking Dan."You're so boisterous, it's impossible for anyone to get rest when you're around," Lukas said, shoving his hair back with both hands.Dan skipped away with his happy mood and Celine went out right after them. She looked over at both Lukas and Dan's departing figures and she sighed, then she narrowed her eyes at Elija. "Are you burning that?""Nope, Mother, I'm stirring it diligently," Elija joked, holding up the spoon as proof. "I'm not an expert, but I do think it's almost ready.""Mmm…" Celine walked over and then

THE sun had set on the village and the night had grown cold when Zephrain saw a bright light erupt in the sky and shimmer out. He and Vivien were sitting on the edge of a porch, enjoying the quiet moment and watching the stars bloom in the evening. But when the light flashed, Zephrain stood up and watched the explosion. He had seen a light like that enough times to know what it could mean.The first time he had seen one had been during the inauguration of the Saeri ust Trux. To let everyone in the Kingdom of Demetrius know that there was a Saeri ust Trux appointed, the Krystalline Palace set off a large cannon-like ball that exploded in the sky, making a huge firework that lights up the whole sky. Smaller fireworks were used to celebrate festivals and other events. But there was nothing to celebrate here. Fireworks could also be used as a warning or an alert, a call to arms or a signal.Someone had sent up a signal."What was that?" Vivien asked, standing up beside