Once again, they failed.
The saying that nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed was really true. Zyro once ventured the wilderness to reach Log Wall, hoping to achieve freedom through the airship within. But reality gave him a hard slap by informing him that he was mistaken - There's no airship in Log Wall.
But that's fine. Zyro was used to failing. He had already failed so many times, he loss count. However, the same doesn't go for Scarlet. Growing up in the royal castle as a princess was like a fairy tale dream. Everything is served to her on a golden plating. Wearing fancy dresses and jewels as servants assist her daily life within the safe confines of the majestic palace ruled by her loving father. Still, no one would acknowledge a incompetent girl, specially is she's the first princess.
Thus, the expectations of the masses for her are as high as her status. Which she's obligated to satisfy. At a young age, the scope of her studies already far surpassed a little girl's capacity. Every fault she showed is mocked by dozens, as if everyone was watching her. It's suffocating. Forcing her to learn cruel lessons at heart. Yet she persisted until eventually coming of age.
And ending up here, lost in the wilderness where a hundred killers threatened her life.
Truthfully speaking, Scarlet thought of herself as a genius. In fact, she really is. Among the history of vampires, she's the first to achieve mastery in their talent to control blood to this degree.
Still, she lost.
Although, they won against the assassins who intercepted them. It didn't feel like a victory at all because of the outcome. With the intersecting routes every vampire settlement shared known by Scarlet rivals, that way of returning to the castle was no longer an option. They need a new way, a new plan. But they have none nor they can think of any at the moment.
However, none of that matter right now. Because of the urgent need to hide from the approaching pursuers.
Zyro, Scarlet and Pert despite having not slept a wink and had just survived a bloody battle was really exhausted. Still, they push themselves for another march back under the gaze of the bright sun. Due to the urgency of the situation, they are required to hasten their pace as much as they could before the assassins could catch up. As if rushing forward with their tired body isn't enough, they had to deal with feral beasts that blocked their path. The monsters were more active during the day, so the troubles they met are greater.
That said, being their sole goal is to reach the Mine sooner. They abandoned direct confrontation and fought to escape faster. Instead of battling the abominations to death, they simply hold them back while Pert pass through. Soon after, Scarlet and Zyro would outrun the injured beasts. They even prioritize damaging the monsters mobility to hinder their speed. Leaving the abominations helpless in chasing them. Some monsters were assaulted by the young Archer arrows with the strength of an Alpha on their eyes or other vulnerable spots and ran away in pain.
Zyro's previous self won't manage to handle the pressure of traveling the dangerous wilderness at daytime. But that's the past version of himself. He had become stronger physically, surpassing human limitations itself. Coupled with Shroud of Night augmentation and his decisiveness, such feat are no longer impossible. Furthermore, he had Scarlet and Pert by his side. The young Aster was giving it his all, sending arrows after arrows to the unlucky monster that approached. Eventually, his quiver ran dry. He would have collected the arrows if they are killed the beasts, but their aim was simply to continue forward without stopping.
On the other hand, the princess seemed more active than usual, actively taking on the pressure of the momentary battles so that Zyro could catch his breath. She intentionally done so because of Zyro's declining condition.
Unlike them, he can't enjoy the blessing of Marks, so his body's only support is the cybernetic armor and soul core physical enhancement. Scarlet Mark is still unknown, but it's relatively high considering her individual might.
The three of them sprint through the wilderness, shunning every predator that dare stop their advance. There weren't many, actually. This forest is declared somehow safe because the most ferocious dwellers are wiped out by the kingdom's army, leaving behind insignificant creatures that doesn't pose much threat. With their team of three current strength, those creatures manageable.
The only reason they are inclined to venture at night was due to peace and convenience it offered. They don't want to battle against beasts everyday. So why would they?
Eventually, their small cohort arrived at the Mine mountain's back. A secluded area where no guards bother patrolling, and where Zyro had killed the infamous Blinker.
The place didn't change much, full of rocks and bushes like any other verdant mountain side. No one would have suspected a tunnel door to be here, nor could they find it. If Pert didn't possess a good memory and placed markings, he would have not found where the entrance is located.
They erase their tracks to prevent the assassins from tracing them and went in.
"Princess Scarlet, could you please ignite the torches?" Said Pert with an apologetic smile. Not like it can be seen at the moment.
It's dark. So dark Zyro could only see black.
In that deep darkness, Scarlet's soothing voice resounded.
"Sure. Wait a moment, please."
She's a vampire, allowing her to see in the place devoid of light clearly. Unlike Zyro and Pert.
After a while, the room was illuminated by warm lights from the dancing flames. Revealing the stone walls around them, along the intricate map of the forest carved on its surface. It was a masterpiece Pert had risked his life to engraved for years, in hope to lead him to freedom. Only to turn out useless because Log Wall doesn't have what they're looking for.
Of course, it hurts his little heart.
The kid sat on a corner, intentionally avoiding to see the stone map.
Zyro rested beside him. He lingered for a moment, then said.
"Don't feel so down, it's not a waste. Look, we even found a maiden because of it."
The young Aster was smart enough to know what he meant by that. If not for the map leading them to Log Wall, they wouldn't have encountered Princess Scarlet, who's capable of freeing them if she's within the castle.
Pert look at him with a sincere smile.
"Thank you. I think I can rest easy now."
With that, he slept.
Zyro then gazes at the quiet princess, she's smart enough to restrain herself from insensitivity poking into to sensitive topics. Instead, she mind her own business as she down hugging her knees. She seems... Sad.
Scarlet was the lead of their group, so the burden she felt was heavier. More so after this failure. She's probably blaming herself for being an incompetent leader.
Compared to Zyro, the young Aster and the Princess was new to life. For him, what transpired was a natural phenomenon of the world showing you reality. So, he took it upon himself to console this companions unstable minds. Apparently, Scarlet had no need for it. He wasn't good at it, anyway.
'She's probably resting, I should sleep too.'
Just as he was about to close his eyes, Scarlet whispered interrupted him.
"Umm, Zyro. I hope you don't mind, but can I ask you something before you sleep?"
He simply nooded in response.
There's many questions surrounding him, really. And he could truthfully say he came from outer space, or his the Fallen Knight.
'Yeah right, like anyone would believe me.' Was his drowsy thought. He really want to sleep.
Scarlet quickly continue.
"You see... I'm a curious girl. I can't sleep peacefully when something is bothering my mind. I hope you understand. Anyway, may I know what creature that bones belongs to?"
She pointed at the pile of bones nearby.
It seemed she's no longer in distress, having moved on already and was now troubled by mere bones.
Zyro had a blank look on his face, uninterested to anything but slumber. He reply blankly.
"Oh, that. Those things belong to the Blinker." He let out sigh."A really troublesome fellow."
Scarlet was stunned, speechless. She didn't know if Zyro was joking or telling the truth. Well, his more likely kidding, right? After all, the Blinker was a real menace to society. A mysterious legend that carved itself in Foggy Ring history despite having no witness of its harrowing figure. Because all those who did didn't live to tell the tale.
So, how could such an infamous monster be reduced to mere bones? Even the royal court was helpless against it!
Still, it took Scarlet some time to ease her mind and sleep.
The rest of the day passes as they slumber within the stone chamber. Eventually, night came.
That night, Zyro was awoken by Scarlet coming towards him, her eyes showed bloodlust.