Regaining consciousness I didn't recognize the room I was in. I felt my side as I sat up. There was still a lot of pain but it was mostly healed. Staggering to my feet I made my way to the door and opened it running into Arrion on the other side. I almost fell over when he grabbed my arm. I said, "Thanks for catching me.".
He asked, "How are you feeling?".
I answered, "I'm in a lot of pain but the wound is almost healed.".
I asked, "Where are we?".
He answered, "We are currently in Grimevale. The town doctor let us stay in his clinic. You've been unconscious for sixteen hours.".
"Where is everyone else?, "I asked.
He answered, "They are waiting near the inn with Charlotte.".
I leaned on his shoulder and started walking toward the door. Exiting the clinic I noticed the carriage next to a small rundown building. Charlotte looked like she was screaming at someone. Getting closer I could see she was yelling at Josento. Charlotte yelled, "Why do we have to stay in this rundown town?".
Josento just ignored her and stood there. He noticed Arrion and I getting closer and sped past Charlotte. He looked me up and down and gave a satisfied nod. Meeting up with the rest of the squad they bombarded me with questions. Mina grabbed my hand and drug me around the corner. When we got out of sight she hugged me insanely tight. I yelped, "Mina too hard.".
She eased up and just hugged me silently. Finally she asked, "How are you feeling?".
I answered, "I'm still in pain but the wound should close fully in a couple hours.".
I hugged her tightly for a couple minutes before joining the rest of the group. Gathering everyone I announced, "We leave in a few minutes.".
I made my way over to Emilia. I asked her, "How are you holding up? We were the only two to stare in the Grievehood's eyes.".
She answered shakily, "I'm doing better now. It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced.".
Hearing her reply I patted her head and went to manage my horse. Everything was in order so I ordered the Shadow Squad back in formation. I ordered, "Do not engage any Grievehoods from this point onwards. We barely beat the first one. Soulfangs on the other hand are easy targets. Everyone keep close eyes on your surroundings.".
With that we departed. Moving deeper into the woods I could hear rustling leaves around us. Moving full speed off my horse and checking the surroundings I found thirty bandits hiding in the brush. Getting back on my horse I stopped and signaled the others. When we stopped the bandits exited the woods and surrounded us. I noticed one with a bow and formulated a plan. I started taunting the guy with the bow. I said, "You couldn't hit a still target.".
Making him angry he fired an arrow. Letting it travel a short distance I moved the arrow to an angle where it would hit Charlotte inside the carriage. Stopping in my original position I waited for the arrow to hit its mark. Hearing a gargled noise Charlotte stumbled out of the carriage. She moved toward Takino who started acting like she was in distress trying to help Charlotte. After five minutes she stopped moving. Since the mission was complete I wiped out the bandits. Swinging my sword sent an unbearable pain through my body.
We put Charlotte's body in the carriage and continued on our way to the Unon border. It took us another day to reach the border. Arriving we were met by a group of knights. I greeted them, "My name is Rokuza Korizaguya. I am the captain of the Shadow Squad.".
She introduced herself, " I'm Elinor Seon. Im Leader of the Unon kingdoms Assault Squad.".
Getting introductions out of the way I gave her the bad news. I told her, "Unfortunately we were attacked by bandits who killed Lady Charlotte.".
We got her body out of the carriage and presented it to the knights. Checking it over they confirmed her identity and took her body to show the king of Unon. Leaving the border heading back home we discussed random topics. Josento said, "Nice going with the arrow.".
I responded, "Had to make it look like an outside attack.".
The rest of the trip back was uneventful. Arriving back at the barracks we reported to Gerard. I said, "During the escort mission we ran into some bandits. Unfortunately they killed Lady Charlotte with an arrow. We also killed a Grievehood. I was heavily injured during the fight.".
Giving Gerard the rundown he said, "Good work making it back alive. I'll handle the rest.".
After the debriefing we all met up in the cafeteria. Eating some stew while drinking ale made me feel alive again. I said, "Great work everyone. Now all we do is wait for the next mission.".
I left first and went to my room. Opening my cupboard and pulling out my journal. Writing down that I had killed thirty bandits and technically killed Charlotte. I feel nothing when taking a life. Possibly because I have killed seventy eight people in a short span of time. I finished my entry and hid the journal. Waiting up for the others to get back I just went through my own thoughts. How could I train my ability to become unstoppable? I need to be able to kill my father.
Joento was the first one to arrive. I asked him when he walked through the door, "Will you train with me tomorrow? I need to advance my ability.".
He answered, "Will do. I'll meet you first thing in the morning.".
Hearing his answer I waited for Mina to get back before heading to bed. She arrived last out of everyone. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into my room. I embraced her and kissed her a few times before saying, "I'm glad I survived. Thanks to you guys.".
She said, "Wasn't our efforts alone. You kept the Grievehood from hitting any of us.".
Hearing those words made me feel grateful for having her with me. We fell asleep in each other's arms. I need to focus on getting stronger.