Chapter 33

Autumn stuck her tongue out at the adventurers who were still gaping in disbelief. Sol's words seemed light, yet that phrase would have them banned from all the major cities, including Arkas.

"Are you leaving? Or do you need help?"

The adventurers quickly walked away, their hushed words indiscernible to human ears but clear as day for Autumn.

Their indignant protests were of little importance to Autumn, but a certain phrase caught her attention.

"She didn't say this would happen!"

'She? Who instructed them?' Autumn mused quietly.

"Now then," Sol continued, "What did Melany tell you?"

Autumn shifted nervously, silently debating whether or not to run. 'I can't leave if Ember is still here, and if she was caught by someone other than the Phantom adventurer team…'

"Spirit Animals have energy cores and you're trying to monopolize all of them!" Autumn blurted out.

Sol paused, his expression freezing.

Autumn's eyes widened, "It's true, isn't it?"

"Even if I tell you it is you won't believe me. Must I personally cut someone up before you realize the truth?"

"Then tell me it isn't. Tell me and explain!" Autumn growled out, her ears pinned to her head. "No, take me to Ember."

Sol's eyes dimmed as he lifted his communication stone. "…yes, let's meet there."

Autumn numbly followed Rui through the dissipating fog. 'I don't know what is true and what isn't…at least I know Ember is on my side.'

They soon reached an odd looking building, wires and machinery sticking out in various places.

"Shabby," Autumn commented.

"When your eye heals you'll be able to appreciate this building's beauty."

'Which is never,' Autumn thought.

Rui pushed open the door, standing to the side and allowing Autumn to enter first.

Autumn had remained in her wolf form, longing to keep the security she felt when unnoticed. However, that didn't stop Ember from scooping her up and hugging her tightly.

"Oh, I've missed you!"

"It's only been a few hours," Autumn laughed before adding, "I've missed you too."

Khrona snickered, "A few hours or a few days…either way we're all dying."

"Can you stop being so negative? And that didn't even relate to what we were talking about!" Ember yelled.

Autumn hopped down from Ember's arms, shifting back to her humanoid form. There were times where height was needed, and now was one of them. It was quite strange to have a serious conversation with others when you were quite literally a quarter their size.

With the addition of Sol who was behind her, Sage, and Azura hidden in the shadows…'Everyone's here,' Autumn thought.

She caught Ember's eye. "What's new?"

"We were fooled, that's what's new," Ember sighed.

"Care to elaborate?" Autumn asked, her gaze probing.

"Melany works for Angel's Trumpet, which is apparently a really well known organization."

"Apparently? So you didn't know…" Autumn mused.

"Suspicious, huh? I mean, you've lived under a rock for most your life, but I haven't…at least I think."

Lapis cut in, "They're famous among adventurers. Ordinary people as well as non-contracted Spirit Animals wouldn't usually know."

Ember nodded her head, "They want to prevent adventurer teams from growing stronger. Disposing of Spirit Animals, killing off new adventures, etc. They're also continuing the creation of Shadow Haunters."

"Not to mention their goal is unknown. Once they reach their goal the world will most likely be in a barren state due to the sheer amount of Shadow Haunters," Rui added.

"Maybe that's their goal," Autumn suggested.

"We have taken that into consideration."

"And energy cores don't come from Spirit Animals, right?"

"Energy cores are from evolved animals. Spirit Animals are closer to hybrids than evolved. However, it is possible for humans and Spirit Animals to form a core. It's called a mana core, created by years of collecting mana. Once you create one, it allows you to use magic."

Sage added, "Certain bloodlines, like the one I come from, already allows magic usage. That would be considered a noble bloodline."

"Then…" Autumn hesitated, "We're sorry for going back on our word."

Ember nodded in agreement. "I'd like to be able to trust you more, and I'm sure Autumn would too. If it isn't too much to ask could you swear an oath?"

"An oath?" Rui blinked, surprised. "Of course. Sage, would you do the honors?"

Sage nodded, his blue eyes glowing slightly as he drew up a spell. "I swear to not hurt anyone in the room of my own accord. If I do, let me die a thousand deaths. Speak your names now."

"Ace." Ace started.

"Rui."

"Lapis."

"Azura."

"Sol."

"Hmmm…Khrona, Xay, and Alp."

When Ember spoke, her voice was confident. "Ember."

Autumn followed in suit. "Autumn."

Sage concluded, "Sage."

A glowing symbol appeared on their hands, shining brightly before disappearing.

Autumn felt the urge to test it, but her mind wandered back to the words 'die a thousand deaths.' She shuddered, waving the thought away.

A knock sounded.

"Come in," Ace called as if he was expecting it.

"Damage reports are here."

Ace nodded, taking a few papers from the adventurer. "Not as bad as I thought. We should be able to leave the day after tomorrow."

He turned to face Autumn and Ember. "Let's head to one of the properties we own here. I'm sure we've had enough exploration for the day?"

Autumn snickered and nodded in agreement. "Of course."