Marcus went to the front door. He made a quick trip to the Stone of Destruction and looked for a ribbon. He found one and went to grab Nikolo.
He placed it on his chest and carried him out. Chain marks were still fresh around his legs and arms. Nikolo didn't even try to move. His head was just facing down. His mind's in utter disorder.
Marcus went back to the outside world with Nikolo in tow. He loudly knocked on the door and zipped away as fast as he could, activating the stone of destruction in the process.
The guards immediately reacted while the adulterous pair also stopped what they were doing. If they were found, their heads would probably be rolling, well for the guy at least.
As the Commanders arrived at the front door, they saw a man sitting on the floor. Tears were flowing down his cheeks. He couldn't talk properly, he only made weird noises.
The door opened and the mother who got interrupted from having a good time had a frustrated look on her face. But it drastically changed as Mrs. Krimz looked at the person on the floor. Her eyes went wide. The man behind him also had the same shocked expression.
"Nikolo?" A name came out of her mouth as she began crying. She went straight to the boy and hugged him. As she got closer she saw Nikolo's condition and immediately called a healer.
"Call my husband right away." Mrs. Krimz ordered.
Nikolo glanced at the man who was doing his mother. His eyes were shaking as he hastily looked away.
Rowan Krimz came dashing from his room. He saw his son and the state he was in. He blew up.
"Where'd you find him?!" Rowan angrily looked at the Commanders.
"Sir, we found him sitting outside. We also saw a bolt of reddish lightning streaking away." One of them reported.
"Fuck! Why didn't you chase after him? you're supposed to be Commanders!" Veins could be seen bulging out of Rowan's forehead.
Another of the Commanders was brave enough so he said "He was too fast sir. We couldn't chase him."
"Useless bums!" Cursed as they brought Nikolo to a room.
Marcus made a breakthrough to rank 7 Elite. Plus his lightning form is now at the Advance Stage. Rank 1 Commanders won't be able to chase after him especially if he went all out.
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In the alchemy room.
Eva wearing white hanfu, stood in front of a green-colored cauldron with her eyes closed. She raised both hands below chest level, palms facing her. She breathed and started to cast 'Holy Flames'. White-colored fire blazed around her hands. You could feel that when you touch it, the fire won't hurt.
She lit up the cauldron and put the white flames around her hands out. Now she grabbed the ingredients. One by one she placed them in careful order. She adjusted the flames according to what the book said. As time went on, beads of sweat were gathering on her forehead. She continued carefully, trying not to make any mistakes.
The color of the liquid inside the cauldron changed. A few minutes later 3 light green circular objects floated.
"I did it!" She shouted and looked towards the side of the room. But there was no one there. She dryly chuckled and shook her head. Eva was used to Nexus being beside her when she's training so by habit, she looked to the side.
She turned her head back to the pill which she already got from the cauldron. She brought it close to her and said "You are the first of the millions I'll make.". After that, she kept it in her spatial ring.
The journey of the woman who will have both gods and demons beg outside her palace has finally started.
--------------
Marcus arrived at the hotel. A wide smile adorned his face. The mission was a success. He was also proud of his speed. He actually planned to just rush outside their front door and leave Nikolo there. But he was thankful that he sneaked around a bit. The satisfaction of making the guy see that was over the top.
He went inside the hotel room and saw Nexus sitting on the couch who turned his head towards him.
They both went in the Stone of Destruction and found out about Eva successfully concocting three pills which she showed them. Though it was only a peak rank 1 pill, they were still both really proud, especially Nexus. He was just a bit upset that he wasn't there.
After a few minutes of talking, Marcus went to Carmen's room. He sat beside her bed and lightly pinched her cheeks. "Baby you're missing out on all the fun. You should wake up soon. Do you know I could already use 'Army Manipulation'. We're now one step closer to attaining our goals. Hahaha, what am I talking about, It's a good thing you're asleep. I wouldn't want to talk to you about this if you are wide awake."
Marcus didn't stay long. He headed to his room and started cultivating. He placed mana stones on the floor in front of him and closed his eyes.
'I need something else other than lightning in my arsenal. But I can't seem to pick something that I like.' Marcus thought. He needed to add something to spice up his firepower. 'On second thought I think I'm being too greedy. I haven't even learned a lot of spells from the book yet. Hmm, I should just learn a new one.'
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The next day.
The sun was high up in the sky. Busy streets and noisy people surrounded the trio. Marcus already called a ride and now they were outside the hotel waiting.
"Hahaha, I can't wait!" Eva was holding a brochure. Her loose white shirt and knee-length floral skirt attracted quite a lot of onlookers.
"What was this place again?" Nexus asked. He's wearing an unironed white shirt, simple shorts, and slippers he got from the hotel.
Marcus wore the same outfit as always. Black long-sleeve and smart trousers.
Eva was shocked by their fashion sense at first but later she just shook her head. She told herself that she would teach these two about fashion when they arrive at Estra.
Holding the brochure she said. "We are going to Helia Hotsprings. It's not the best in the whole Kellar Republic but it's the best one that's close to the capital. It's just outside the city in the forest. The reviews are amazing too. They say that Helia Hotspring serves one of the best tea they ever tasted. According to them, the atmosphere at night is invigorating and the breathtaking view of the stars is worth the money. You guys excited now?"
Marcus nodded "I really just want to relax and soak."
"Do they have TVs available?" Nexus scratched his head. He had the appearance of a man who's close to being homeless.
"Why are you addicted to television?" Marcus could not understand the phase this cat is going through.
"Hey! I was in a stone for a long time, okay? The isolation I felt when I was inside was unbearable, It felt like I was suffocating. Now I'm finally free, I deserve this." He said in an upset tone, trying his best to act. It was pretty lousy though.
"Right, so what's the real reason?" Marcus flatly asked.
"The story they dish out is just so good. I've never seen stuff like these before. Especially when they leave you hanging. It's like, dude show me more, or imma lacerate you and your entire production. Hey, why don't you tell your mom to make this popular in the Heavenly Realm?" Nexus' turned back to normal.
"Fuckin drama queen. Oh and about that idea of opening something like that in the Heavenly Realm, I have to let my Empire survive first." Marcus dryly chuckled.
"Drama queen? You dare call me a drama queen? Heh, not to brag but I was known as a King quite some time ago!" Nexus posed.
"Ahem, boys let's go" Eva interrupted as their ride arrived.
They rode all the way to the hot springs. The trip went smoothly and they soon arrived in the town where Helia Hotsprings is located. It was indeed a tourist attraction. There were no huge buildings in contrast to their nearby neighbor, Kellar City.
The houses only have 2 floors at most and some houses were even made with both wood and stone.
"It's not a poor town, it's actually pretty rich. The houses here are like a tribute to the past. Tourists come here every day. Not only are they attracted by the hot spring but also by the simplicity of the town." The driver said. It was clear and concise. It was as if he had said it a thousand times before.
They just listened as they looked at the peaceful town.
It didn't take long to reach Helia Hotsprings. The gang went out as the cab stopped in front of the entrance.