The stench of charred scales and scorched earth lingered thickly in the air. Bones of Wyverns littered the rocky pass, their flesh stripped clean by Golems or burned by searing flames. Wind stirred the ash across the path as Ophelia’s group arrived just outside the cavern.
Her golden hair fluttered as she stepped ahead confidently, eyes gleaming. "There’s no mistake. The Spirit Stone mine is inside. And someone’s already claimed it."
William narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening on his twin sabers. "Then we’ll have to take it back, won’t we?"
Behind him, a few of their elite guards readied their weapons. Even the Winged Lion beside them growled lowly, sensing foreign auras within.
Sounds of footsteps echoed from inside. With each atep, the rocky walls trembled slightly.
Igaris emerged first, calm and tall, followed by 2 Infernal Wyverns, and Evernight beside him.
The blue glow from his eyes flickered off.
And at the very end, came The Mountain Golem King in towering 7 meters tall frame.
The two groups locked eyes.
And surprise flickered in Willam and Ophelia’s group of seven as they saw two obedient Infernal Wyverns and the Towering Golem behind. Contracted by just two people.
That would one of them had the Talent to Contract two of them at once.
"So you’re the ones who claimed the Spirit Stone Mine?" Ophelia asked with a frown.
"We did," Evernight replied, her expression disappointed, "but as you can see, there’s nothing inside for us. Some people lied to us to get those wyverns cubs. I swear, if I ever find them, I will kill them with my own hands."
William narrowed his eyes. He didn’t believe her words, but a quick glance showed they weren’t carrying any Spirit Stones either.
Ophelia and the others looked puzzled.
They couldn’t have hidden them under their clothes, could they? But even so, how many could they possibly hide?
"Let’s check inside, Ophelia," William said, stepping toward the cavern without hesitation.
Ophelia nodded and turned to the three powerful guards beside her.
"Don’t let them escape. We need to find out the truth first."
"No problem, young miss. No one escapes under my watch," said the knight in crimson armor, gripping his sword tightly.
His confident gaze locked onto Igaris and his group.
Igaris simply shrugged, letting them act as they pleased.
They would find nothing.
Mountain King had already shifted the terrain to erase all traces. As a result, no one would ever guess if there were Spirit Stones in the first place.
Evernight murmured in surprise, eyes locked on the three-tailed fox hovering above Ophelia’s head.
"Is it rare or something?" Igaris asked, catching her reaction.
"Hmm... calling it rare would be an understatement," she replied. "Each tail grants both the Summoner and the Spirit Beast a Divine Ability. In total, they can share up to nine. Only if, they manage to evolve the creature fully, that is."
Her voice was calm, and informative. But inside, her thoughts chaotic:
"The appearance of a Celestial Fox in the mortal realm can only mean one thing—They’ve are descending. I must tread carefully now. More importantly, I think it’s time to tell him everything."
Her eyes reflected Igaris’ curious, handsome profile.
"He now has Acquired Father’s eyes. That means he can’t avoid the coming war. He’ll have to choose ome side or another.
Depending on that, he could either be my enemy or my ally.
But... which one will he choose? That, even I can’t predict right now."
After a while, William and Ophelia returned, both wearing flabbergasted expressions.
"Did you really find nothing, Ophelia?" asked the young woman beside Igaris.
Ophelia shook her head slowly as she approached.
"Tsk... doesn’t that mean those five fools died for nothing?" she muttered, clicking her tongue in annoyance.
"That means they even tricked us to steal the wyvern babies," Igaris said, his tone turning slightly forceful. "So, you should give them back to us."
The guards instinctively held the wyvern hatchlings closer, protectively.
"Not happening! Everything found here belongs to the Freedom Force," William said firmly, stepping between them.
He glared at Igaris, clearly trying to intimidate him.
But Igaris barely flinched, unimpressed by the weak attempt.
Instead, he glared back, radiating a cold, unrelenting pressure from his eyes.
For some reason, William felt his core tremble slightly.
Just then, Ophelia’s radiant green hair lifted gently in the breeze as she asked, "What’s your name?"
"There’s no need for enmity just because of a misunderstanding. As for these babies, we’ll send your reward for your merits once we return to base," she added, her tone softening.
"Rewards?" Igaris scoffed inwardly.
"Okay then, my name is Hylander! Make sure to send it to me soon. Otherwise, I’ll complain to the higher-ups," he said, sounding straightforward and honest.
"Tsk... you’re so bad at lying," Ophelia said, her eyes glowing faintly.
Her gaze narrowed with suspicion. "Why are you trying to hide your name? Don’t you want the reward? Or is there something else?"
Igaris was taken aback. "How did she know I was lying? Does she have some kind of appraisal ability? Or did I give myself away through body language?"
Only one way to find out.
He masked his surprise and acted annoyed.
"Alright, alright. No need to be so dramatic. I was just trying to avoid unnecessary attention. My real name is Izroth."
Igaris said, acting as natural he could be.
But seeing Ophelia’s unconvinced expression, Igaris confirmed his suspicion.
"Hmm.. She definitely has some kind of appraisal ability that reveals people’s information... but how much does she actually know?"
The thought irritated him.
"If you’re so sure I’m lying, why don’t you just tell me my real name yourself?" Igaris asked, glancing at her round, charming face and soft pink lips.
Ophelia smirked. "You’re smart. Yes, Igaris, I have a special eye ability," she admitted, her tone amused. "Though it only reveals your true name and affiliation. I can’t see hers, though... What’s her name?"
Her tone turned a bit sour as her gaze shifted toward the voluptuous woman beside Igaris. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Compared to Evernight’s generous breasts and elegant demeanor, her own petite frame seemed lacking.
"Her name is Evernight. She’s a senior member of Freedom Force and acts as my mentor. And believe me, she’s incredibly strong," Igaris said honestly.
"Ohh, Evernight, huh? Never heard of her. But I suppose we’ll meet again soon, Igaris," Ophelia said coolly as she turned away with her group.
Igaris and his party also departed, heading in the opposite direction.
"Mentor, huh?" Evernight whispered teasingly, raising an eyebrow.
"You’re at that age, after all," Igaris replied with a straight face, though his eyes once again wandered over her body.
Evernight caught the strange flicker in his gaze but couldn’t quite place the meaning behind it. She was dense, like a block of wood.