The two warriors had finally fallen down to rest. It was a pretty long fight but luckily, Kendrick was able to successfully escape.
It didn't take long until the Viscount himself finally arrived at the scene with knights surrounding him, only to witness the chaos in front of their eyes.
All the assassins he dispatched were all found dead. Not a single one could be found on a brink of death, they all died being killed in a single attack.
There's no way Kendrick could have done this…
The Viscount refused to believe what he's seeing right now until one of the knights he dispatched to scout came to report.
"Milord, from what we have gathered, it would be impossible for the young lord to have done all of this…"
"...In summary, Dan has aid behind his back?" The Viscount retorted.
The knight swallowed the saliva stuck on his tongue before finally giving the Viscount an answer; "Yes, Milord."
Bewildered, The Viscount were filled with anger and frustration. Now that an unknown enemy has arisen, it would be troublesome for them to retrieve Dan… And if things go for the worst…
The Viscount finally made up his mind…
"Tell everyone in the household before the audience with the Majesty, we will all move into the North."
It would be the last possible option if they fail to find Kendrick today. If they couldn't flee in time, their heads would definitely be rolling in the ground. The Majesty definitely wouldn't let them go so easily after such an incident.
"It would be lucky if we get to leave without a scratch from expulsion in the kingdom itself, but, the Majesty wouldn't sit idle, they'll definitely execute everyone in the household."
The knight seemed to be more eager and nervous now as he saluted and informed the other knights about it too.
And without wasting time, the knights scattered in an attempt to find Kendrick.
The Viscount looked up into the sky, his eyes scorching with deep hatred. Now that it has come to this, they were all doomed. But even so, the plan must go on… Everything didn't go accordingly but they still had a chance to win.
The Viscount shaped his hand into fist as cursed into the sky…
"Dan… I will chase you down until the end of the world… You will die a painful death, by this hand of mine…"
***
At the same time, Kendrick continued marching forward, his legs barely moving, mixed with his very ragged breathing…
It has been hours and yet, not a single living being could be seen on sight… It should be rather good for him but even so, such a situation puts him through a deep feeling of unease instead of comfort…
"Haaahh… Hahhh…"
He doesn't know when his legs will give up any time soon. Getting as far as he can is all he had on mind for now…
Even though he was almost overcome by the overwhelming exhaustion earlier, Kendrick managed to get back up and run forward.
But, even him, has his limit…
After a few minutes of running, his body finally gave up. Kendrick ran out of stamina, before ending up falling straight to the ground.
"Eurgh…"
Kendrick clenched his teeth, but even after his body had given up on its own, the will on his eyes refused to go away.
"I… Have to survive… No matter what…"
Kendrick held on tight over the parting gift of the old man. It was something he had to keep safe until they reunite again.
Kendrick bit his lips as he started crawling on the ground. His legs may not work, but he still has his hands. Kendrick refused to give up… The cowardly image of him slowly began to disappear…
Earlier, he was scared… He was scared of everything. Being thrown into all this nonsense, digging his own grave, being tortured to death… Even though they already all happened, everything is just… Sickening… And unreal for him… It's like just yesterday, he was on his computer peacefully playing the irritating otome game his friend forced him to play in an unending cycle…
Everything is just… Unreal.
If he could wish for everything to be just a dream, Kendrick would be more than happy… But, this is reality…
"Fuck… Fuck…! FUC@K!!!!!"
Kendrick screamed on top of lungs, tears started falling down from his eyes.
Being thrown into unrealistic situations, and…
"I'm sorry… Old man… I couldn't be there… To fight by your side…"
Even Kendrick knows, there's no way the old man will survive from those… It's true Kendrick knew the old man is strong, but…
"If… If only I was any stronger…"
He could definitely save him. Help him and save him. Instead of him running away, it'll be them having their backs for each other.
Kendrick slammed his fist on the ground… Eyes burning in rage, hatred on his own for being weak…
"If only… I'm stronger…"
His heart beating so coldly, he could barely feel his emotions. He feels… Rather… Broken…
And at that moment…
A whisper of death… Resounded over his ears…
[Child, do you wish for power?]
A very cold voice, close to those of tyrant kings. Despite Kendrick being distracted over his own self being powerless, hearing the voice whisper in his ears sends shivers to his heart and soul… It's a different feeling than the one he felt when his father abandoned him or when he's close to death while being tortured…
It's like… Death itself is talking to him…
Kendrick started shaking under his cold breath…
[If you desire power. Follow me child, and I will grant your wish…]
A very tempting offer, but is it from a devil or for good..?