Yrellea gazed at the two archers as she noted their frustration and excitement.
"If you want to fight to the death against one another, then wait for the Berian Kingdom to wage war on the Pinhian Republic. Show off your true skills at that moment," Yrellea spoke sternly.
"Yeah, yeah," Aurelio responded while placing his bow back in his interspatial ring.
Meanwhile, Rueben did the same while speaking, "So, what do you plan to do?"
"I guess I will return to the Berian Kingdom, but not before I check out this nation. It's my first time travelling to another nation, and I want to return with some souvenirs for everyone dear to me," Aurelio responded casually.
"That is a good idea," Rueben spoke. A soft smile appeared on his face as he proposed, "How about I show you around this nation? I have travelled across the entire nation and know lots of good places. You can even meet my brothers and comrades."
Aurelio raised his brow and asked, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate? We belong to rival nations."
Rueben rolled his eyes and responded, "I don't care much about this. My brothers and I aren't strictly part of the Pinhian Republic's army as we are disciples of the Vicious Lightning Paragon."
"… That's the same for me. But what if your master comes back and learns my identity? Will he try to kill me?" Aurelio asked curiously.
As powerful as he was, he wasn't arrogant enough to assume that he could defend against the Vicious Lightning Paragon.
In pure strength, the Vicious Lightning Paragon was considered superior to his master, the Dreadful Whirlwind Grandmaster. Aurelio had yet to defeat his master even once, so there was no chance he could defeat an even superior warrior.
Rueben confidently replied, "He won't attack you if I vouch for you."
"That's great then," Aurelio responded happily.
"I can't travel along, though," Yrellea suddenly spoke. She noticed Aurelio and Rueben inquiring gaze.
Aurelio spoke, "How can I return to the Berian Kingdom without causing a huge scene?"
"…I think you will cause enough scene when you meet the Vicious Lightning Paragon," Yrellea muttered.
Obviously, both archers heard her words and internally agreed with her assessment.
Yrellea added thoughtfully, "Let's stay in touch with the Voice Transmission Array Jade. Contact me once you decide to return. Also, inform your senior brothers back in the Berian Kingdom and inform them of the situation. They are bound to get worried once they realize that you are in the Pinhian Republic. Ask them not to cause any trouble for the Misty Flower Pavilion."
"… That's a good idea. I will talk to my senior brothers and request his help. You can rest assured no one in the Berian Kingdom will dare to mess around with your Misty Flower Pavilion," Aurelio patted his chest with absolute confidence.
"Alright," Yrellea did believe him quite a bit.
The confrontation between Aurelio and Rueben made Yrellea realize their power and talent. It was probably equal to or just below Sargan, William, and Ralph's talents. She didn't dare to compare the two with Noah, Tiana, or Laura because these three possess monstrous power and ability.
Especially Tiana. Among his retainers, Azaroth had spent most of his time grooming her and improving her physique. Her Sacred Ice Sovereign Manifestation Technique could change the entire battlefield's fate.
Yrellea had a feeling that after Aurelio and Rueben advance to the Emperor-Rank, they will even surpass the Vicious Lightning Paragon's strength. This meant their combat prowess would advance into the territory of Gods and Saints.
'We might need their assistance when we attack the Great Qin Empire,' Yrellea thought.
At this moment, Yrellea was using the expansion of Misty Flower Pavilion in the Berian Kingdom as an excuse to form a connection with Aurelio.
She had observed his character and knew he had a straightforward and fearless personality.
Meanwhile, Yrellea felt that Rueben was a bit trickier to deal with. He was calm and seemed to think before acting.
However, this wasn't a huge issue. She had time to find his weakness and a method with which she could control him.
Yrellea swiftly exchanged contact with the two warriors before urgently departing the city. She was keenly aware of the danger that arose from anyone linking her to the sudden disappearance of the High Pontiff and thus was eager to put as much distance between herself and the city as possible.
Meanwhile, Aurelio and Rueben embarked on a journey across the Pinhian Republic.
Simultaneously, the news of their battle near Amton City spread throughout the Pinhian Republic. Well, it was only natural for the word to spread as the entire area was transformed into something else.
Cracks ran through the earth, and rocks and debris were scattered everywhere. Trees and plants were uprooted, and the surrounding landscape was scarred with deep trenches.
The once-tranquil scenery was now a picture of utter destruction. The very air seemed to crackle with the power that had been unleashed in the battle. Clouds of dust and smoke hung in the air, obscuring the view of the surrounding terrain.
Many individuals in Amton City were questioned, and it was soon revealed that the monstrous talent Rueben Blake lived in this city. They speculated that Rueben must have fought some mighty warriors in this area.
Many of Rueben's allies were worried as they caught wind of this rumour. Those who could contact Rueben immediately picked up their Voice Transmission Array Jade and contacted him.
It was only after talking to Rueben that they were relieved. However, Rueben's following statement shocked them.
"…The reason for that destruction is because I was sparring with an archer, who is just as skilled and powerful as me," Rueben spoke seriously.
After the shock faded, Rueben's comrades laughed as they thought he had cracked a joke. It was utterly impossible for them to believe there was a warrior as skilled as him in archery.
Rueben remained stubborn about his point and made his comrades reluctantly accept it. However, he wasn't satisfied with this answer and decided to have them meet Aurelio.
Aurelio welcomed the idea, thinking that it would be enjoyable to meet new people.
However, there was something they didn't expect. Rueben's fame had risen considerably ever since he fought and defeated five Demon Kings.
At times, Rueben would draw attention and gather a large crowd around himself and Aurelio.
Initially, the two would stop as they attended to the crowd peacefully, but they soon found it to be a hassle.
To avoid the constant stares and inquiries, the two decided to travel incognito, concealing their identity with cloaks and hats that hid their faces from the public. They took less-travelled roads and avoided the major towns and cities, sticking to small villages where they could blend in more easily.
At times, they encountered groups of people who recognized Rueben despite his disguise, but he deftly deflected their attention, pretending to be someone else entirely.
Aurelio found this journey rather refreshing. Rueben had shown him the capital city of the Pinhian Republic, Valcour.
Valcour, the capital city of the Pinhian Republic, was a bustling hub of activity, filled with colourful market stalls, tall towers, and exquisite architecture. Aurelio walked through the cobblestone streets, marvelling at the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.
The marketplace was the heart of the city, where vendors sold a wide range of exotic goods, from fragrant spices to intricate jewellery and from rare books to exquisite art pieces. The food stalls served an array of mouth-watering dishes, including grilled meats, savoury soups, and sweet desserts.
Aurelio walked through the bustling streets of Valcour, searching for the perfect souvenirs for his three senior brothers. He wanted to make sure that each gift was unique and special, just like his brothers.
First, he went to a local armoury and found a rare sword.
Sword of Midnight Sun: This sword was forged from a rare metal that can only be found in the deepest mines of Valcour. Its inner gem is made of the essence of a powerful sun spirit, granting it the ability to unleash devastating solar strikes that can obliterate even the most resilient of foes. He knew that his eldest brother would appreciate the craftsmanship and power of the weapon.
Next, he visited a shop filled with rare treasures and found a stunning piece of jewelry - a pendant made of rare, iridescent stone.
Amulet of the Mystic Tide: This amulet is made of a rare crystal that can only be found in the deepest ocean caves of the Pinhian Republic. Its inner gem is made of the inner core of a sea serpent, which grants the wearer the power to breathe underwater and control the element of water. He knew that his second brother, who had an eye for beauty and elegance, would love it.
For his third brother, Aurelio searched high and low for a rare piece of equipment that would be both practical and unique. He finally found a set of leather armor that was both lightweight and durable, with intricate designs etched into the chest plate.
Armor of the Iron Rhino: This armor is made of a rare metal that is said to be as strong as a rhino's hide. Its inner core is made of the inner core of an iron golem, which grants the wearer enhanced strength and defense.
