Chapter 162: Daoist O Mago de Pele Verde, Kale
In a ruined village, far from the aftermath of the fierce battle, Elton, Christy, Tongsheng, and Shayleaf sat with fresh injuries covering their bodies. Their faces were pale with exhaustion; their Ki and magic reserves were nearly depleted.
Elton's gaze shifted toward a light green–skinned man in mage robes standing not too far away. The man looked off into the distance with a cold, black expression. Though his face seemed indifferent, flashes of intrigue occasionally flickered in his eyes.
"Sir, thank you for helping us escape that terrible situation," Elton said with gratitude. "Things would have been far more arduous otherwise."
The mage glanced at him, scanning each of them with his sharp gaze. A faint smile formed on his lips, that intrigue deepening.
"Ah, it's nothing, young man. In fact, this isn't the first time something like this has happened between the two of us. Only this time…" His eyes glinted faintly. "I see far more value in you. Unlike before, when you were just a Silver tier 4."
The three women, though exhausted, exchanged curious looks between Elton and the stranger.
Shayleaf suddenly squinted, tugging at a faint memory.
"Ah! You… are you from Whispering Haven City?"
The man turned toward her and nodded.
"I vaguely remember you as well. Though, to me back then, you weren't worth taking note of. But now…"
Elton bowed slightly, and the women followed his lead.
"Sir, thank you again for saving us now—and for saving me and my friends back then, even if it was more for the city's sake than ours."
"Well, you're certainly a well-mannered young man," the mage replied. "As I said, it's no problem. I see incredible value in you now. My leader does as well—and likely the leader above him. You can think of our factions as loosely aligned allies."
Elton hesitated before asking, "May I ask your name, sir?"
"My name, hm?" The man gave a small, amused smile. "It's Kale. Or rather—Daoist O Mago de Pele Verde, Kale."
(Translation: Green-Skinned Mage)
"Golden Lord Kale," Elton began, "my name is—"
But Kale cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"You're Daoist Blue Heavens Sword. I know who you are, even if you're not wearing your White Star Radiance attire. And you, Miss, are Daoist Heaven Star Eyes. And you—" he turned toward Shayleaf— "Daoist Crimson Verdant Moon."
Shayleaf jumped in surprise, eyes wide.
"Eh?! When did I become Crimson Verdant Moon? Though… I suppose the name fits."
Kale chuckled. "It was the fanged elves—and even certain fae region circles—who began spreading it. Only recently has it been cemented. In fact, of the three of you, your identity was the easiest to track. Exploits, oracles, information leaks… it all leaves traces."
Shayleaf froze, speechless. She knew his words rang true.
Kale turned his gaze toward Tongsheng.
"And you… Witch of the Killing Arrows. Who would have guessed you'd reveal yourself as a Golden Lord, and that you'd stand beside these three given your background?"
Tongsheng's eyes narrowed. "Hmph. My background is nothing but the result of war—and of being given new life over four years ago. Naturally, I would serve beside her Majesty."
Kale's eyes glinted with faint understanding before he smoothly shifted the topic.
"Well then. This area will be targeted soon. I can only escort you for so long before I become implicated—and that, I don't intend to allow. Do you have any requests?"
Elton looked at his three companions. Their faces were strained with pain, waiting for his decision. His gaze swept the ruined landscape until a thought struck him.
"This place… feels familiar. Wait—could it be?!" Elton staggered to his feet, teeth gritted as his eyes fixed on a certain direction. Auras swirled in the distance, towering and chaotic—forces searching for them. They would arrive soon.
After a long pause, Elton faced Kale.
"Golden Lord Kale, I do have a request. Please take us to a village among a dilapidated forest in that direction. From there, we can move on our own."
Kale didn't question him. With a nod, he raised a bubble-like barrier around the five of them. It lifted them into the air, carrying them swiftly across the land.
Ten minutes later, they descended at their destination.
"Daoist Blue Heavens Sword," Kale said flatly, "I have brought you here. Do you need anything else? If not, I will be taking my leave."
"No, nothing else. Thank you once again for your help, Golden Lord Kale." Elton bowed, the women following suit.
"Then, I pray we meet again in the future. Continue to soar high." With that, Kale's form blurred and vanished.
Christy's eyes narrowed as she stared after him. "Such an interesting man… but I'm wary of his motives." Her Aka Boshi no Tengan glowed faintly as she turned to Elton. "Putting that aside, Gege—why ask to come here?"
Elton smiled faintly and pointed toward the distance.
"Through that large tunnel is where Zoro, Ramiro, and I first entered this place. That abandoned city may serve as a safe zone of sorts—it was abandoned, but we never explored it fully."
"Ah, I see." Christy nodded, understanding.
"Then, we will follow Brother Elly's guidance," Shayleaf said with a smile.
"As you both wish," Tongsheng added with a bow.
They greeted what remained of the villagers, though Elton was disappointed not to find any of those he had once met. After some time traveling through the land, they finally stumbled upon the same gate that Elton, Zoro, and Ramiro had once pried open—back when they first entered this forsaken realm.