"I'm fine, Phanm. I was just asleep for too long," said Wald, coming down the stairs.
The relief washed over Phanm like a tsunami, but the man kept his cool.
"Where's that demon fox? I thought he was supposed to be with you?" asked Wald as he sat on the chair in the living room.
"Yes... But he ditched me because Raiyen was calling him. In my opinion, which is great because I don't like being near that white fox," mentioned Phanm as he sat on the floor.
"Here; take Kai. I need to inform Gillian about something," said Ysabeau hurriedly as she dropped the baby on Wald's lap and rushed off.
The baby looked confused but continued to gurgle and clap his hands in glee. Kai then saw the burning flame on Wald's head and tried reaching for it, to which the Mage quickly shook his head.
"No..."
Poor baby Kai pouted and started to cry, resulting in Wald handing the kid to Phanm, who was as lost as him.
"I don't do well with kids!"
"Well, I don't want him putting my flame out!"
"You two are seriously horrible with kids..." complained Gillian as he approached them to take baby Kai out of Phanm's hands.
"How? I thought... I give up..." said a defeated Wald as his flame dimmed.
"The two of you should get a move on with your plan to take down the Tribe. The entire Five Domains are in chaos because of Old Man Pond's attack, so use the mayhem to your advantage. You may use the meeting room to discuss," instructed Gillian.
The two men nodded and headed for the room. Phanm was the first to break the silence as the two of them sat down.
"I've decided to go up against the Briton Tribe Camp. Is that ok with you?"
"Yep, I'm okay with whatever. Briton's camp should be accessible since it isn't too big and not many warriors are stationed there. We can do our usual of me fighting alongside you with only my axe and you using your daggers."
"That could work, but what happens if you need to fight them using your powers?"
"If we still have a bit of them left, then I want you to deal with them first while I'll handle the village chief. It is a high chance that I would have to use my powers on that Pyromancer. I trust you to have my back and use whatever methods you need to win."
"I can do that. And I need you to clarify something for me," asked Phanm, staring at Wald.
"What is it? If you are worried I might pass out as I did against Tomoe, then you needn't worry since no Pyromancer other than the leader is nearly as powerful as that Kitsune."
"No... It's not that. I feel that this might be our last fight with each other because of how dangerous the circumstances are. I heard that something called the Husks are coming back, and apparently, are quite a big issue, even for the Founders of the Arks to handle."
Wald was shocked that Phanm would know about the Husks. The purple flame sighed and smiled.
"It may be, it may not. I treat every mission we go to as our last, making every experience fun and memorable. All I know is that I will do my best to fight and complete the mission..."
"Whatever the cost? Maybe we shouldn't push too far..."
"Are you afraid that I might not make it alive?"
Just then, the door was lightly pushed open by a small child.
"We will make sure that everyone comes out of the mission alive... That's what Mama promised," said Circe as she dressed in battlewear.
For some wristguards and elbow padding, it wasn't too much armor. The child held a small brown pouch and wore an orange blouse and a red skirt.
"Mama?"
Ysabeau appeared before the young child, causing both men to jump out of their seats in attention.
"She meant Mavislin... But yes, we ensure those who go into the mission come back alive. We won't have any more casualties. Also, a message from Mavislin for the both of you to head to the Camp of your choice now. Circe, come along now," instructed the High Queen.
The two men nodded and went to gear up. Wald took refuge in Mavislin's room since he had been there earlier. After a bit, Phanm showed up, clad in leather armor.
"I have no clue how this armor set can help against the enemy, but I'm praying that it is at least fire-resistant," said Phanm, plopping down on the chair to tie his boots.
Wald was still in his own world as he absent-mindedly snapped his finger and summoned his battle gear.