CHAPTER 175: The Strength Of The Bond

It was only because of the drive the seven had for improving themselves these two felt like they couldn't slack off either.

They need to become stronger as well.

Unlike them who had more free time, the seven was very busy but not once did they neglect their own training and not once did they ever stopped looking for a way to improve themselves.

With them as a role model, the other two followed suit allowing them to become stronger to the point of being able to keep Chester busy.

They may not be able to win against him but if they can keep him here until the other six were free then they will do everything in their power just to let him stay.

Meanwhile...

Hunter frowned when he found himself inside the castle in front of his table with his brother Gideon telling him what they needed to do next.

"What is it? Don't go thinking something else. The aftermath of the war against darkness needs a lot of cleaning up," Gideon spoke to him.

His frown deepened.

"This must be Chester's illusion, we were just battling him," he spoke.

Gideon frowned as well.

"What are you talking about? It has been over for a year now, have you fallen asleep and dreamt of your battle against Chester?"

"Where are the others, I want to speak with them."

He stood up and left ignoring the calls of his brother.

Soon, he found the other six.

"Oh hey," Saphira waved her hand energetically.

"You are out?" he asked her referring to the cocoon.

"What do you mean? Yes I am currently outside," she spoke gesturing at the yard they were at.

All six of them were on training attire, it seems they have just finished their training for the day.

"It's quite refreshing isn't it? Training without really having the burden of ending the darkness. I really am glad that we were able to finish it with all of our bodies in tact."

"Weren't we just fighting Chester? This is one of his illusions," he insisted.

"Hey, are you still asleep? Or are you too tired from your work? We beated chester a long time ago, you all fell into an illusiona nd Zian and Felix tried hard to keep in check, then I appeared. Waht's wrong?" Saphira asked with a frown.

"No... That's-"

Then he remembered, they were indeed inside an illusion and were struggling while Felix and Zian tried their best to keep on fighting Chester while waiting for them.

When they were about to fall, Saphira arrived and helped them.

Then she helped in dispelling the illusion, freeing the six of them.

After that, they went on and fought against Flora next who was accompanied by Samuel.

Then came Raynisha with Ardel behind her.

Everything came back to him as clear as day, the memories of their battles and the difficulties they faced.

"What's... going on?" he asked.

"Could it be you really are tired? Why don't you rest for a bit?" Saphira spoke and the rest agreed.

Looking at them not looking confused he though that it must be an individual illusion.

After getting back to his room, he called out Qirin but Qirin was looking at him in bewilderment.

"What is wrong with you? Have you fried up your brain that you have lost your memories somehow?" he asked.

Hunter was frowining but for now, everything feels real.

he can smell just fine, taste the food, feel the air, listen to everything and see things clearly.

If this was an illusion, there should be a bit of difference in his senses bnut there was none.

Days passed but he just kept remembering the things they have done after battling with Chester.

Very slowly.

His body started believing it followed by his mind then by his heart.

The peacefulness and joy of living after the war.

Until...

*****

Zian coughed up blood while Felix was sent flying to the ground.

"Ugh, I think I broke some ribs," Felix spoke.

"My insides are injured," Zian replied.

Their arms and legs weren't spared, they were simply fighting out of will power right now.

It has been half an hour but the demonic beasts were still too many.

The imperial city have gained damages.

And it pains Zian to think that there might be casualties.

But it was still a good thing that Chester weren't on his top condition either.

He was injured and can no longer fly.

The two were close to one another, "What if we were to be placed under an illusion as well?"

Zian was starting to feel skeptical despite their achievement.

"I heard from them that his strongest illusion could only be applied once. Seeing the other six, he must have used it and seeing him glancing at them must mean that they were fighting it well."

Saphira and Hunter explained to him that if the one casted on by the illusion could fight the illusion longer, then the caster won't be able to use the illusion a second time.

Only until the people casted on were completely disillusioned can he use it again.

Because when one succumbs to the illusion, that one will never wake up again.

"Do you think they will surely wake up?" Zian asked him.

"I only spent a short period of time with them but I know they won't fall without a fight and that she will surely arrive when they are placed in danger."

He glanced back at the castle.

Even though Saphira's awakening was unknown, Felix could tell she wasn't someone who would leave these six to die on their own.

If she does not appear, it means that they will surely wake up.

He believe in the trust they have for one another and the strength of the bond they have shown.

"That is why we can only fight and give them more time," he said towards Zian.

He glanced up at Qirin and the rest who were doing their best in their battle as well.

"Well if we don't then surely we will all die anyway since they are our best fight against darkness."

After his reply, Zian dawned his last potion and prepared for one final battle.