After the battle ended, the atmosphere on the rocky mountain became quiet. The thick fog that had previously enveloped the area slowly faded away, revealing a scene filled with destruction and injuries. Amphiptere's corpse lay on the ground, while the surviving Awakeners scavenged it.
"Bring it here! Be careful!" Sylvia shouted, organizing the awakeners who carried their comrades on stretchers to the medical tent.
The healers, including Joanna, were attentively treating the awakeners who needed help. They carried medical equipment and healing potions, ready to help heal wounds and ease the pain felt by the injured ones. They felt a sense of relief and comfort as the healer treated them. They feel the healing energy flowing through their bodies, relieving pain and speeding up the recovery process.
The healers examined the wounds carefully, applying healing ointments and stitching up the more serious wounds. Joanna also performed her duties with dedication, ensuring that each Awakener got the care they needed. She patiently chanted [Cure], healing cuts and bruises on every patient. Joanna was usually always angry, but the current critical situation forced her to behave maturely.
Meanwhile, Justin and several members of Rays of Hope took the initiative to lead in a ceremony honoring the fallen in battle. They stood together in silence respecting the departed souls. There were not enough words to describe the feelings felt by the Awakeners at that time.
There were 32 people who died, 50 people were seriously injured, and 120 people got minor injuries.
There were not enough words to describe the feelings felt by the Awakeners at that time.
Those who contributed the most had the privilege of resting. Olivia and Akio leaned against a boulder, cleaning off their gear to prepare for the next battle.
"How does it feel to kill an Amphithere?" Olivia wiped her blood-soaked sword.
Akio smiled nosily. "Nothing. I don't mean to be arrogant, but killing a monster or two is normal for me."
"You arrogant bastard." Olivia shook her head.
Akio chuckled. "Anyway, you're great too. You've improved a lot. Maybe that damn monster wouldn't have died if you hadn't helped me. What's your secret?"
"That's an obvious question. Hard work, of course."
Akio smirked. "Oh, I see. Thought it was Klaus."
Naturally, Olivia stopped wiping her blade. Her brow furrowed. "He had nothing to do with my development. Yeah, although I must admit that the arcana he gave me made me more confident. Other than that, he didn't contribute anything."
"Oh, really? I heard you guys slept in the same tent last night. I thought he gave you stimulation—Aw!!!"
Olivia smacked his head. "Watch your mouth! People will misunderstand you if they hear your nonsense!"
"But everyone already knows."
"WHAT!!!"
The busty woman was shocked. Akio told her the rumors circulating about her and Klaus. Apparently, these people knew that the two of them slept in the same tent. More precisely, they slept in threes, including Sylvia.
Everyone knew this fact except the three of them. They were currently on a raid, so they didn't mind it.
Still, Olivia tried to explain what really happened to Akio, but he pretended not to know anything, and continued to tease her. This oriental man really liked to see someone upset.
"You really haven't changed a bit, Akio," Michael muttered as he watched them arguing from a distance.
The man sat leaning against a rock, resting his burly body that was tired and drained of energy.
Between them, Gavin sat with a distant look. His face betrayed frustration and anger. He reflected on the sacrifices and struggles of his friend had made. He felt like a failure for not being able to defeat Amphithere.
In the silence that was created, Gavin heard footsteps. A man with emerald green eyes drew close to him.
"If you came just to ask if I'm okay, you better leave. I don't need you."
The bitter words escaped his mouth as he saw Klaus standing before him.
Klaus squinted. "Did I do something to you? I thought I saved you from death."
"Yeah, but not with them."
When the Amphithere attacked them, Klaus secured his cousin and brought 50 awakeners to hide with him. With Noah's permission, they retreated about 30 meters from the battle area, waited for the amphithere to exhaust itself and attacked it at the right time.
"You sound like you're blaming me. I'm not the leader of this party, remember?" Klaus retorted rhetorically.
"I'm not stupid. Sacrificing his men exhausts the enemy, huh? Noah would do no such thing. He's too stupid to think that far ahead."
Klaus fell silent. He knew that he had no right to defend himself or justify his actions. Without the need to withdraw part of the army, they could have defeated Amphithere together. He did it to get Gavin killed by the monster.
This guy was an S-Class, after all. Klaus needed to get rid of Gavin without having to get his hands dirty.
However, something changed his mind in the middle of the process.
"What about your wound?" Klaus asked.
"Like I said. I'm fine. Mind your own bussines."
Klaus pointed at Gavin. "I mean, the black things."
The black streaks spreading across Gavin's stomach were the reason why Klaus had canceled his intention to get rid of this man. It was the same mark Akio and Alexa had when they were poisoned.
Klaus was curious as to how Gavin got the black marks. If he knew what caused it, maybe Klaus could find some clues.
However, before Gavin could answer, a voice from distant called Klaus.
"Cousin! Come here!"
Noah waved his hand, signaling Klaus to come over.
Seeing that Gavin was still angry, Klaus decided to leave him and walk over to Noah. He gave this guy some space to cool his head.
"What are you talking about with my man?" Noah asked gruffly.
"Nothing. I was just comforting him. He looked really beat up."
Noah pursed his lips. "Well, it must be hard for him. But he'll get through it anyway. And I'd like to discuss the next plan. So, what next? "
Klaus advised Noah to find a flatter spot and pitch a tent there. The awakeners needed to rest for a few days before they could continue their journey. He also assured Noah that there would not be another Amphithere attack. So, their camp would be safe while they rested.
Losing so many comrades-in-arms was enough to shake them up morally even though they had a lot of experience in the dungeon. They needed to recover their energy and mentality to be ready to fight the more powerful monsters ahead.
"Everyone! Immediately finish scavenging the amphithere corpses. We'll find a place to set up camp! Chop-chop!"
Noah did as Klaus suggested. After finishing treating the wounded Awakener, they continued to climb the mountain. After about three hours of hiking, they found a large flat area despite the ravine on the side.
They pitched their tents there and rested.
As time passed, the awakeners began to recover both mentally and physically. They felt stronger and more ready. Three days later, the tents were taken down and the awakeners continued their ascent.
"Get up your assess! The laziness time is over. It's time to set off to face the monsters ahead!"
Noah's loud voice started them on their way.
Every step they took was hard, but their determination never waned. They didn't know what awaited them at the top of the mountain, but they were ready for it.
After a grueling journey, they finally reached the top of the misty mountain. There, they saw something that stunned them. Spread out before them was a gigantic castle that looked haunted and abandoned. It towered high above the clouds, creating an aura of darkness and mystery.
"What are we going to do now?" Gavin asked in low tones. The sight before his eyes made him unsure.
"Of course we're going in," Klaus replied.
"I'm not asking you, but Noah," Gavin retorted.
Klaus sighed. He knew this man had not been able to let go of the incident that killed his comrades a few days ago.
Meanwhile, Noah rubbed his chin, considering what his next move should be.
"Like Klaus said. We're going in."
Noah made a bitter face.
And then, they entered the abandoned castle grounds. Their steps could be heard echoing around the walls that were cracked and eroded by time.
As they walked further, a sinister sight greeted them. The carcasses of Amphipteres were scattered around the castle grounds, giving the impression that a fierce battle had taken place in this place.
Large, rotting, mangled bodies filled their view. The Awakener's eyes were riveted to the horrifying sight. Their blood froze, sensing the gripping presence of darkness all around them.
"Oh, my. It explains why no Amphithere has attacked us for the past three days," Noah muttered.
However, in the midst of the eerie silence, a faint sound was heard. It crept into their ears, provoking a sense of pent-up fear. The Awakeners looked at each other, trying to figure out the source of the sound. Was this castle completely empty, or was there something left behind these fragile walls?
