The trio decided to leave the bar once the commotion subsided. Soren, on the other hand, was still curious about the drinks and hesitated to leave. Not wanting to get caught up in any more trouble, Kaley and Aizel persuaded him to accompany them.
Soren, Kaley, and Aizel walked with purpose through the town, heading for a safe house in a quiet corner. They would meet with a fellow mage from the Damaris family at the safe house, who would brief them on the situation and provide information on the various riot groups.
Soren unlocked the door with a key as they arrived at the safe house, and they entered the small but cozy shelter.
It wasn't particularly large, but it was large enough for a few people to stay comfortably. Kaley stretched her tired muscles and made her way to the sofa, where she collapsed with a contented sigh.
"When will the mage from your family arrive?" Aizel asked while making his way to the kitchen; his steps were slow and measured; his eyes scanning the cupboards and shelves for any sign of food.
"Probably tomorrow."
"So, we should rest until then, I guess."
"I am going to sleep then; wake me up first when he arrives," Soren said, going straight to the bedroom to sleep.
*****
David and the unknown mage finally arrived in Freedom City, which was unlike any other city. Although it was not as large as Felgura City, it was still larger than most towns.
The city stood out from most others because it was not ruled by any family, allowing ordinary people and hunters to live freely.
Because the land around the city was barren and unproductive, the noble families decided not to establish their rule here.
Unfortunately, this made the city an ideal location for riot groups to operate, as they could easily blend in with the general public and evade attacks by using them as shields.
Furthermore, the city's proximity to the sea, which separated the Felgura kingdom from the Theodora kingdom to the east, allowed riot groups to flee quickly if necessary.
The hunters milling about on the roadside stopped to look at the newcomers with puzzled expressions as their carriage rolled through the city's narrow streets, and some even began to show signs of fear.
The presence of the group appeared to have disrupted the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of Freedom City, causing whispers among the locals.
As the mana vanished from the surroundings, the atmosphere within the city changed dramatically. Hunters who were accustomed to using mana found themselves helpless and vulnerable as their abilities were rendered ineffective.
The lack of mana gave them a sense of unease and uncertainty.
The carriage came to a halt in front of an old structure that appeared to be an orphanage. David and the mage exited the carriage and approached the entrance, pushing the heavy wooden doors open.
David noticed children playing and eating, while the caretaker acknowledged them and let them go deeper into the room, which extended all the way to the underground.
When David and the mage had descended into the underground base, they were met with the sight of a vast space.
There was a section dedicated to potion-making, where mages could be seen concocting various brews with care.
A group of hunters and mages were forging weapons in a large blacksmith area nearby. A group of them were gathered around a large, round table in the center of the room, discussing their plans in whispers.
The mages and hunters turned their gaze to the newcomers, their eyes filled with confusion and curiosity. The strange disappearance of mana from the air, which seemed to happen out of nowhere, piqued their interest.
"So, you really have the ability to cancel out mana." One of them spoke.
"But if you had it with you, why didn't you use it when you were captured?"
"I got it after I died," David replied calmly as he took a seat around the table.
"What do you mean?"
As all eyes turned to David, he was met with a sea of confused stares.
"David Rosewell is dead; I am just a common man now." He replied.
"Oh, so it's like that. Well, whatever, we are lucky to have you with us."
"Let me remind you of something…" David got to his feet and locked his gaze on everyone in the room, commanding their undivided attention.
"I am not going to work with you; in fact, you are all going to work for me. I know more about the nobles than any of you.
"I know how we can manipulate them and bring chaos everywhere. And with me as your leader…
*Boom* His hand hit the table with a forceful impact, causing a resounding boom that echoed throughout the room and drew the attention of everyone present.
"With me, we can even kill them, making them sitting ducks without mana." David's lips twisted into a malicious smile, and his left eye suddenly began to glow a deep crimson.
"W... Well, we don't have any problems with that; we are happy to help you."
"In fact, we even managed to secure four artifacts that can help us in the fight against them." One of the mages said with confidence.
"How did you obtain them?" David asked.
"We got a little help from our neighbors."
"Let me guess, the Theodora kingdom." David guessed.
"Yes."
"Well, I don't know what they are planning as long as I can kill my family along with everyone," David replied.
"How far are you going to go for her, David?" one of them asked.
The room fell silent as everyone awaited David's response. They had been taught since childhood that power and benefits were the most important aspects of life.
With enough power, one could live a comfortable life or even become a ruler. People in this world were willing to go to any length to reap power and benefits, even if it meant betraying and killing their own kin. David stood before them as a living example, and they hung intently on every word he said.
David's mind was flooded with memories of Katherine as he reflected on all the wonderful times they had spent together since childhood. She was the only person in Xelgar who had loved him unconditionally.
Despite being a Grade I mage herself, she had never looked down on him for his inability to use mana.
As he looked at the mage who had asked him the question, David's eyes turned red, and he fought back tears. He responded with a trembling voice.
"If I have to burn the whole kingdom down with everyone in it, I will gladly do it."
