Return to the Fortress
When they entered the fortress, the guards looked at them in astonishment. Sophia rushed forward and, upon seeing Casmir's condition, sighed heavily.
— "You're badly wounded. Lay Casmir down first!"
Nodding, she supported Stornov and led him inside. Sophia examined the wound and entered a deep state of concentration. A faint light glowed from her hand as she tried to stop the bleeding.
Sephist adjusted his armor and spoke in a cold tone.
— "The force tracking us was in the forest... They've caught our scent. We need to relocate the fortress."
Airaa nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the distant horizon.
— "Where did Kraan go?"
Sophia replied:
— "He went to the Darkness-Light Mountain—the boundary between the realm of men and demons."
Kraan had told them, "If they ask about me, just say it was a hunch."
Everyone fell silent for a moment. They all knew that an unending war raged on that mountain.
Airaa, deep in thought, murmured:
— "Did he want to witness that war?"
Sephist seemed to understand. That might be where Kraan would truly discover the power of darkness.
"We must also relocate the fortress to that mountain."
Everyone stared in shock.
— "It's a strategically favorable position. With nine of our members missing, moving the fortress into the heart of the mountain may be our safest option. From there, we can gather intelligence... and begin the hunt."
Casmir exhaled slowly. He could sense the battle drawing near.
— "Then we must move the fortress, find Kraan, and strengthen our forces... Otherwise, soon, there will be no place left for us to retreat to."
— "Yes," said Airaa, "and from there... the hunt shall begin."
Let the hunt begin for all.