The attack paralyzed the swarm of bats in front of the entrance. Their bodies were cut into several pieces like torn paper. Dark red blood splattered on the ground.
No more bats dare to enter here. The sound of their flapping wings could be heard fading away. Perhaps realizing the enemy's greater strength, the bats decided to leave.
The three of us remained silent in this place for a few minutes. Worried that it was just a ploy and attacked us when we were off guard.
"Are you all right?" I asked Dimas and Kak Shella.
"I'm okay."
"I'm fine!" replied Kak Shella. "It's absolutely amazing! I don't know you are that magnificent!"
"It's not my power. This thing is too overpower." I raised the viglet in my hand so both of them could see it.
Either Dimas or Kak Shella looked very impressed with me. Then stared at the black viglet with the ivory-colored pattern given by Prince Keylan with admiration. So did I. If I used a normal viglet, I wouldn't be able to make such a big wind blob. At most, just a gust of wind. But with this thing, my Esze's energy output could be many times greater.
If an amateur like me could produce significant power, what about someone who has experience controlling Esze's power? Almira, for example. I was sure that woman could destroy a city if she wanted to. Unfortunately, Almira didn't want to use it when we practiced. Seemed like the right decision. If not, maybe I could be blown away by the hurricane she accidentally created.
"Anggi!" called Kak Shella softly. Her low voice was so light it was barely audible.
"Yes, What's up?"
"Just look at your back for a moment!"
At first, I was confused, but I still did what she asked. I turned around and turned my back to her.
"Gosh! You're hurt! There's a fifteen-centimeter mark, and it looks pretty deep," the girl exclaimed.
"There's one bat almost bit me earlier. I'm lucky enough to get rid it before that damned flying monster stucks its fang into my body."
"You can rest. Leave this to me! I have to clean your wound before it gets infected."
Kak Shella put her backpack on the ground. Her hands seemed to be searching for something inside. She took a clean cloth and a small bottle of alcohol. After that, she dripped the liquid onto the cloth and started rubbing it around my wound. The effect of alcohol on my injuries was stinging. But I could still stand it.
I was still the beginning of the journey. It was too soon for me to groan in pain. The attack of the Black Vampire Bat swarm was indeed unexpected. Even if this group got away with sheer luck, that wouldn't let me back down.
I've decided to live it to the end. Though didn't know if I would survive or not.
*****
It had been five days since the man had left the Army Barracks in the capital. Traveling thousands of kilometers from Lurich to Glafelden would take more than ten days by horse-drawn carriage. But the man and his colleagues cut it down to just five days.
He continued to ride on his warhorse in any condition and weather, be it hot or stormy. With a relatively super short rest period, it would definitely make anyone feel tired. But not with this man. Trained as an elite force, he and his comrades wouldn't feel tired over a small thing like this. His gaze was so sharp looking ahead. Short haircuts to almost bald become characteristics that couldn't be separated from him. He was Indra, aka 'The Bald.'
"Captain! The Glafelden Town's Gate is in sight!" he called to a man directly behind his horse.
"Good! Give signal the guards to open the gates!"
"Alright!" Immediately after being ordered, from atop Indra's horse raised the Lurivia Kingdom-flagged spear aloft.
Flag with the emblem of the Firebird with two crossed spears. Everyone in this kingdom who saw this flag held high must stand tall and pay homage. That's why the guards, who were usually lazing around, went wild just to pay their respects. The gate guard immediately opened the gate without any inspection first. Because they knew these cavalries were royal soldiers.
The cavalry that crossed over the cobbled streets of the city center became an interesting scene for the residents. Because it was rare for the residents to get a chance to see an army of elite soldiers complete with horses. The troops in this small town were just guards and patrol officers. They were responsible for the security of the town. Meanwhile, troops were permanently stationed in Lurich, and were only dispatched to any area if they received certain missions.
It was clear the residents knew something was wrong with their town. But since the capital had not given any news until today, they could still consider this situation safe and nothing to worry about. The townspeople returned to their activities after the equestrian platoon was out of sight.
"We've arrived, Captain Goofy!" said one of the knights when they were right in front of the gates of the Glafelden mayor's office. "Earlier I asked the mayor to help us with the investigation. All accommodations while we're here has also been prepared."
"Good job, Erik!" replied Captain Goofy. The man snapped his fingers while pointing at Erik.
After the maids opened the gate, they entered and got off the horses. Meanwhile, the servants pulled their horses to the stables in the backyard.
Captain Goofy led his troops to meet the mayor, who greeted them at the entrance. The mayor's body, which was slightly stooped, contrasts with Captain Goofy's tall body. The two of them shook hands and exchanged pleasantries for a while, a very mandatory ritual when meeting someone after a long time.
The elite troops arrived at the mayor's office at dusk, just in time for dinner to be served. The mayor treats them to very sumptuous food, such as honey-roasted beef or grilled rib-eye steak. Actually, there was no need to entertain guests with luxurious food. However, due to the 'Make guests feel comfortable' tradition in this kingdom, the mayor felt the need to serve delicious dishes. Moreover, these troops came from the capital and brought a warrant from the kingdom.
After dinner, all the troops were assigned to investigate the whereabouts of 'The Mixed Race Girl,' who was their target. All the information these troops had about her wasn't much. Just a Haier-Elvian woman who lived in Glafelden. Information about her characteristics wasn't too specific, only a young girl with long hair. There were so many people like that in this city. They seemed to have to work hard to find the girl.
But that didn't mean they wouldn't find it. As a trained elite force, they had been taught how to smell a person's scent. Things like a lack of information only hindered the process, not stopped it.
Of course, this could be clearly known by Indra and Erik. As friends of Anggi who come from the same world, they wouldn't have the heart to sell their own friends. Even Indra had sent a warning letter to Shella in this city a few days earlier. Both were forced to betray their troops and country for the sake of a friend.
Tonight they were ordered to gather information. Both of them knew for sure that sooner or later, one of the troops would get information about Anggi. That's why they decided to find Anggi's whereabouts faster than other elite troops.
The two people had arrived at Aunt Saantya's clinic but did not find Shella's whereabouts. Everyone in the place said they didn't know where the girl had gone. The letter she left only told that she would go with Anggi somewhere. Even the twins Vian and Vani just found out that Anggi had left the city.
"I think I know where she went, Kak Indra!" said Vani when met at the restaurant where she worked.
Then she briefly told the information about the Indemnius Spirit Crystal that Anggi had just found. It was something new to Indra and Erik's ears. So it's only natural that they both put on a severe and disbelieving face.
"It's hard to believe! But if that's the case, they're heading towards Elvian territory right now!" Indra scratched the back of his head even though it didn't itch. He was confused by all the things that had just entered his brain.
"I didn't know where exactly. Maybe you should ask Grussel about it!"
Indra was scratching his head even faster. Feeling lazy to move when his ears heard the old man's name. In the past, when he lived in the hunter's headquarters, Grussel always shouted and gave him more work because of his big body. No doubt, the man felt annoyed with Grussel.
But what was he going to do? He had to meet him if he wanted to know Anggi's whereabouts and her goals.
Finally, Indra and Erik went to meet Grussel at the hunter's headquarters. At first, Grussel mocked the two who were wearing the armor and frills of a royal knight, complete with warhorses that they both rode. But Grussel was willing to give them all the information they both needed.
"Arnest City," said Indra as he clenched his fists tightly. "We must go after them immediately!"
"Are you sure?!" cried Erik stifled. "If you do, it means you have betrayed our troops!"
Indra paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on his friend. "Ever since we kept our mouths shut and hid information about Anggi from them, we have already betrayed. What the difference does it make if we betrayed then or now?"
Erik grinned. "That's how you are. Your face could be scary, but still care about your own friends."
"Are you saying to leave your friend alone?"
"Of course not." Erik got on the horse, spurring him to walk. After a few steps, he stopped and looked back. "Why were you still there? Were what you said just a gibberish?"
After being pushed by his close friend, Indra immediately got on the horse and chased after him. When saying goodbye to Grussel, the old man gave the two of them some food for the trip. As the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Who knows that people with fierce faces like Indra and Grussel actually have kindness and concern for others in their hearts?