Chapter 202: Flames of Reunion and Rumors of Return
Twelve days had passed since Elton and his companions met with the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan, the Fanged Elf Tribe, and the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect. During most of this time, their whereabouts remained completely under wraps, with only those they traveled alongside aware of their movements.
Because they traveled almost constantly through the air at extreme speeds—on magical aircrafts and giant beast mounts—they made it back to what was once the Fae region on the eleventh day. It was on this day that word slowly trickled out about the possibility of Daoist Crimson Star Fang's reappearance. The reason: the massive movements observed from the Crimson Forest on the twelfth day.
The activity was in perfect sync with the three-force alliance of the Fanged Elves, the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan, and the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, along with their allies. A large army of crimson-eyed experts marched through the forest in a synchronized and militant manner, far more disciplined than their usual savage style. In passing, they wiped out countless opposers while following the lead of the alliance.
Rumors quickly grew. Whispers spread of a detachment of five different races of powerful creatures, never before seen in the Pocket World, fighting alongside the crimson-eyed beings. To enemies it was a nightmare. To allies, a blessing.
By the fifteenth day, the forces had left the Crimson Forest and charged into the distance without hesitation, disregarding whatever faction domains they crossed. Between the fifteenth and eighteenth days, altercations broke out because of this overbearing march. Yet most factions quickly backed down, realizing that attacking such a terrifying army was not worth the risk. During this time, witnesses confirmed the presence of infamous leaders among the crimson-eyed warriors—Golden Lord experts and above, including the Witch of the Killing Arrows herself.
By the eighteenth day, a certain sect lording over its region refused to tolerate the intrusions and overbearing nature of this strange coalition. A battle erupted that shook the land. No Mortal Lords joined the fight—each side feared going too far and causing wide-scale destruction—but even without them, the massacre was shocking. The combined strength of the crimson-eyed warriors and the five races proved overwhelming.
Most terrifying of all was the Umankan woman with the aura of death trailing behind her. Her assassination sword arts as a Golden Lord left many on the brink of death before they even realized it. Obianuju and the other Umankans were stunned, utterly shocked by methods never before seen within their race. Even allies who kept pace with her felt their skin crawl.
In the end, the sect was forced into a full retreat, allowing the alliance to pass unchallenged. This single battle forced countless powers across the region to take notice. Even clans and sects outside of the Pocket World, on Desert Star Red itself, were stirred into vigilance. Attention spread like wildfire.
Still, Elton, Christy, and Shayleaf's presence remained a carefully guarded secret—even from many of their allies.
But such secrecy could never last forever.
…
Inside a newly built city, in a fine building, Erica sat at a table staring at the holographic image of a kneeling figure. The person wore dark robes with a hood concealing their face, but the insignia of the Soloman clan was faintly visible beneath the cloth.
"Are you absolutely sure there is truth to this?" Erica asked calmly, her tone sharp with authority.
"Yes, Milady! While it is only a vague rumor, I moved according to your orders. I am certain there is around a sixty percent likelihood that Princess Shayleaf is in their midst. By extension, Lady Christy has a forty-five percent chance of being there as well. There has been no proof, and the Aka Boshi no Tengan detachment has remained silent about her… but that silence may speak for itself. As for Daoist Blue Heavens Sword, no one truly knows."
Erica sat in silence, her thoughts deep, before she nodded.
"I understand. You may leave. Thank you for your work," she said with a faint smile.
"Y-yes, Milady!" The hologram flickered and vanished.
"El Onyem and Christy are definitely there. Because of our connection through the heart contract, I can feel it. It's time I make my way to him—before all those fools get in my way." Erica murmured with fierce resolve as she prepared for departure.
…
Beneath the building, in a secret basement chamber, magical symbols and inscriptions spread across walls, floor, and ceiling. White flaming runes burned with a steady rhythm, flickering with sparks of static. At the chamber's center sat a glowing ore within a glass-like dome, shining with a dangerous light.
For three days, Erica meditated within this chamber while maintaining a rare Soloman clan secret art—the White Burning Clone. Unlike ordinary White Burning Arts, this technique was reserved only for true prodigies and high-status members of the main family. The clone acted as her stand-in above ground, radiating her aura and voice naturally, making it nearly indistinguishable from the real Erica. However, even this elite secret art had limits: the clone could not stray more than half a mile from the true body before dissipating.
At last, on the third day, her eyes snapped open with fierce determination.
"El Onyem! I'm coming to you now. Big Brothers Ramiro and Zoro—I'm also counting on you."
Her eyes glinted as she whispered the old incantation:
"White blaze born of Soloman name,
Through sacred thread and heaven's flame,
Let oath and fire braid my soul
To where the fated echoes roll.
Not by step nor sky I fly,
But through the blaze that does not lie.
Where destiny's gaze meets the light,
Let my flame cast aside the night.
—O Flames, Reveal the destined presence—"
White thunderous flames burst within the chamber, a grand formation blooming beneath her feet. The room roared with divine light for a single instant—and then fell silent.
Erica was gone.