The thirty-one young Adventurers continued their journey. They were running swiftly through the cold night, led and guided by Diana at the front. Each of them felt a different weight in their hearts as they left behind the place that only moments ago had been the stage of desperation and sacrifice.
Fortunately, no Vicious Beasts appeared to intercept them. The path remained eerily clear, granting them a fleeting sense of relief. After a few more minutes of traveling, they were nearing the border that separated the three regions of the Mystic Treasure Realm.
But it was impossible not to notice the expressions on the faces of the Soaring Seven. Juvia and Lan already had tears welling in their eyes, threatening to spill any second, while Ezekias, Leo, and Lore struggled to contain the sorrow etched upon their faces.
They had believed all seven of them would make it out together. But now, none of them could be sure whether they would ever see each other alive again.
They clenched their fists tightly, jaws grinding in frustration. They blamed themselves for being so powerless. If only they had more strength—if only they had been capable—Finn would never have needed to face two 8th Level Profound Rank creatures alone, just to buy them a chance to escape.
And if only they were strong enough, Ashe wouldn't have had to return alone to stand by Finn's side.
Again and again, Finn had risked everything to save them. He had lifted their Cloud Soaring Sect's reputation higher than it had ever stood. Because of him, the sect finally claimed first place in the Seven Great Faction Games, and many of them had gained treasures beyond imagining.
They were about to step into the forest region when, without warning, Diana stopped in her tracks. She sensed something was wrong—something was missing.
She turned sharply, her gaze sweeping over the group.
Because Diana stopped, everyone else halted too, glancing around in confusion.
"Is something the matter, Princess Diana?" the Eighth Prince asked, puzzled.
She didn't answer. Her eyes searched every face until they settled on the Soaring Seven—though now there were only five among them. Her brow furrowed in alarm.
She strode over and fixed her gaze on Lore. "Where is Ashe Vermillion?"
Lore stiffened, his fists trembling at his sides. He lowered his head, voice hoarse.
"Earlier… Ashe went back. She returned to stand with Finn…"
His words dripped with grief. He slowly lifted his head to meet Diana's gaze, countless emotions warring in his eyes.
"She went back…? Has she lost her mind?!" Diana snapped, her fury surging. She clenched her jaw, turning to face the entire group. "Proceed into the forest at once. I will follow Ashe Vermillion and assist Finn Doria. I am a Profound Rank—I will not be defeated by a mere vile creatures. Besides…" Her voice broke slightly. "…I will not allow him to die."
She started to turn, ready to sprint back—but a soft voice halted her.
"Princess Diana. There is no need to return."
It was Theo's voice. He stood with a faint, disdainful smile. "It has been hours already. Surely the two of them are dead by now."
The Soaring Seven flinched as though struck. Lore could not contain himself.
"What right do you have to speak of Finn and Ashe like that?! You disgust me!" Lore's voice trembled with rage. "Finn gave you your life! How dare you speak of his death so lightly? You call yourself a prince—yet you were useless to help when it mattered!"
Theo looked utterly unmoved, only glancing at Lore with thinly veiled contempt.
"And why should I thank Finn Doria? He is merely a servant of the Sacred Dragon Family. I am a prince. The only regret is that all his treasures will be lost with him. And that Ashe Vermillion followed him to her death—what a waste. I was planning to take her as my wife."
Gasps rippled through the young adventurers. Even Tiffanya clenched her fists, her eyes wide in shock and disgust. For the first time, she understood what it meant to feel genuine hatred for someone.
"You—!!" Lore's eyes blazed, his whole body quivering.
He lunged forward, intent on striking Theo down—but before he could take another step, Diana's figure flickered into place in front of Theo.
"Hm?" Theo's eyes widened, confusion flickering across his face.
PAK!
A crisp, resounding slap echoed across the clearing.
The entire group froze. Some covered their mouths in shock.
Diana had struck Theo across the face with all her strength.
Blood trickled from the corner of his lips and from both nostrils. His expression went blank, stunned by the force of her blow. For a moment, he couldn't even hear the world around him.
Gradually, the shock lifted from everyone present. A few were elated to see Theo humiliated—but most still couldn't quite believe it.
Theo turned, clutching his cheek, staring at Diana with wide, trembling eyes.
"You slapped me…?" he hissed.
"You—!" Diana's voice cracked with fury. "You are a disgrace to the Royal Clan! Instead of gratitude for the man who saved your life, you dare pray for his death?!"
Her face flushed red as her voice rose. She was shaking from the fury and the helplessness festering inside her. She was a princess—she should have been able to protect them.
"Princess Diana!" the Eighth Prince cried, stricken.
He knew they were standing before dozens of young Adventurers, and Diana's outburst was a scandal. She had humiliated her own royal brother in public—something that could never be undone.
How would Theo ever face the world again after this?
"Hmph!" Diana exhaled sharply, turning her back on Theo.
She started to run back toward Finn and Ashe—but once more, she froze.
A sudden glow was spreading across her fingers.
Gasps erupted. Every single one of them found their hands glowing with the same white light, which soon enveloped their arms—then their whole bodies.
"What is this?!" Diana demanded in disbelief. "We still have six days left in this world!"
But within seconds, all thirty-one figures were swallowed by the white radiance.
And then, they were gone.
--
Floating Island – Cloud Soaring Sect's Faction House
In the quiet hall, Noah sat alone, sipping warm tea.
Three knocks broke the silence.
"Come in," he said calmly.
The door opened, and Marcus stepped inside, bowing respectfully.
"Sect Master Noah, I have successfully delivered the letter to the Cloud Soaring Sect."
Noah inclined his head. "Sit with me a moment."
Marcus sat across from him, his expression solemn.
"When the young Adventurers emerge from the Mystic Treasure Realm, we must prepare to depart. We have to ensure their safety before the vultures gather."
Another round of urgent knocks interrupted them.
Noah took a slow sip of tea while Marcus went to open the door.
A man clad entirely in black entered and bowed.
"What is a Royal Guard doing here?" Marcus asked, frowning.
"Lord Helbram instructs me to inform you—there has been an incident at the Mystic Treasure Realm's portal. All faction masters and Elders are required to assemble immediately. The talented young Adventurers… have returned."
BANG!
Noah's teacup slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor. He stared at the messenger, unable to believe it.
"What do you mean?! There are six days left before their time is up! What has happened?!"
The guard shifted uneasily. "I—I am only a messenger, sir. Lord Helbram demands your presence at once."
Noah and Marcus exchanged a tense look—and the next instant, they vanished.
The messenger followed soon after, leaving the hall in utter stillness.
--
Mystic Treasure Realm
Finn still stared blankly at Ashe, her body impaled on the creature's blade. Her breathing was ragged, her brilliant crimson eyes dimming, losing their final flickers of life.
Her blood streamed like water from the wound in her chest. More flowed from her nose, mouth, ears, and eyes. Her skin was pale as death itself, and Finn knew in his heart she only had moments left.
The world seemed to stop. A thousand questions twisted through Finn's mind.
'Why… why did you come back?'
'Why did you throw yourself in front of the attack meant for me?'
'Why… why would you sacrifice your life for mine?'
'I could have survived that blow—I was wearing an Excellent Armament… and you… only had a Rare one…'
'How will you ever achieve your dream now…?'
'It's true—I saved your life once—but I never risked my own to do it… Why…? Answer me…'
He wanted to scream the questions at her, but no words came. He was terrified that she would never speak again.
Then, as if to mock him, the creature ripped its blade from Ashe's chest.
It snarled, kicking her limp body aside. She tumbled across the ground, rolling and rolling until she finally came to a stop.
Her empty red eyes stared up at the moon, which now glowed crimson through the blood flowing from her eyes. Every breath was shallow agony. Her body was going numb.
Finn watched, rage and sorrow consuming him.
The creature turned and lunged for him, shrouded in a monstrous aura.
Finn trembled, both hands clutching the hilt of his crimson sword.
Energy gathered around him in a terrifying swell.
"I WILL KILL YOU!"
He roared the words, swinging his sword with every ounce of strength left in him.
Seven Heavy Sword Art – First Skill: Heavenly Slash!
BOOM!
The slash exploded against the creature's body, hurling it back. But it was already climbing to its feet. Even such a powerful attack could not truly harm it—Finn was still only 5th Level Profound Rank, while these creaures were 8th Level.
Blood dripped from his lips as he bit them hard. He reached into his interspatial ring, pulling out two small bottles.
"I refuse to die here!" he shouted, crushing them both.
Two pills landed in his palm—one a vivid red, one a pitch black.
A Rank 7 recovery pill. And a Rank 7 forbidden pill, capable of raising his level by one—at the cost of his life.
He didn't care.
Swallowing both at once, he felt the searing heat of their power flood his veins.
The wounds across his body began to close. His aura surged higher… and higher… until it stopped at 6th Level Profound Rank.
It was enough.
Expression dark, Finn let his killing intent pour out.
The first creature lunged again, claws slicing through the air—but Finn moved like a phantom. Not a single strike landed.
His right leg blazed with golden light.
Luminous Technique – First Skill: Luminous Kick!
BOOM!
The creature smashed into the ground, a crater erupting beneath it.
No emotion touched Finn's eyes.
He turned, blade raised, meeting a second incoming attack.
BOOM!
The blast slammed against his sword, forcing him back only a step. With a single motion of his hand, he swept the dust away.
Then he charged.
Three blinding slashes carved into the creature's body.
It roared, tumbling across the earth.
Before it could recover, Finn appeared above it, eyes burning with fury. He inhaled deeply—
Heavenly Dragon Roar!
His voice tore through the night.
The creature smashed into the earth and disintegrated into ashes.
A final creature lunged at his back, claws poised to pierce his heart—
But Finn vanished.
Unrivaled Flame Technique – First Skill: Flaming Claw!
His hand closed around the creature's throat, claws of searing flame piercing deep.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
His sword rained down again and again until there was nothing left but charred remains.
Covered in blood—his own and theirs—Finn stood motionless, empty golden eyes staring at the sky.
He turned at last, staggering toward Ashe's fallen body.
His vision darkened. Pain wracked every inch of him, as if hammers were smashing his insides.
But he kept walking.
He didn't know if she's still alive—and he no longer had the strength to find out.
He reached her side—and finally, his body gave out.
As he collapsed, tears fell silently from his eyes.