CHAPTER 47:Gratitude

"What of Bethran? Leo asked quietly now that the mage had gone.

Alexander stared at him for some minutes before he replied "He is up in the tower's library"

"And for our best interest, he's race must be kept a secret".

Leo nodded and within seconds the little tunnel became eerily quiet with only a few dragging and sorting noises as the four assassins tried their best to find any worthwhile information.

The massive chest in the middle to their surprise was unmovable and at the same time unbreakable, to the extent that it could resist massive punches from Leo's hybrid form; punches that could have caved a normal person's skull in not to mention the spatial slashes that it just seemed to absorb.

Eventually they had unanimously agreed to leave the ancient item alone, but unknown to the Midnights Leo at the moment just had an idea of what they needed to open the chest.

Using the 'azure' eye he had noticed a strange symbol etched unto the chest's front, this symbol would have remained invisible to most of their normal eyes except for one.

"But why did she keep this information to herself" Leo pondered for he was pretty sure that Alicia must have noticed the strange symbol. "Regardless, where have I noticed that trace of mana?

And then it hit him.

"The STAFF! Leo unknowingly blurted out, and earning himself concerned glances from the Midnights that immediately came to the conclusion that maybe the earlier fight with the demon had done a huge number on his mental health.

Taking a deep breath, Leo explained to the Midnights everything while he masked the 'azure' eye as a new spell he had unlocked while fighting Wulfe.

"So the Sun still plans to come here" Vince shook his head.

"No, she! plans to come here" Alexandre corrected.

"She didn't strike me as the scheming, conniving type" Cassandra sighed. "Which makes me wonder what she intends to do with all this".

"That's why I always say"

At this point Alexandre's eyes locked in with Leo's

"Never trust mages or anyone with high magic power".

"Let's not jump into conclusions here" Vince smiled. "Who knows, maybe there is a good explanation for all this".

The rest didn't give their take on this and after an hour of fruitless searching, they left the tunnel and arrived at its top some hours later where to their surprise was Bethran sitting on the floor with teary eyes that stared right at the ceiling.

"Bethran?

Cassandra asked affectionately; moving forward to embrace Bethran that had changed from a fearsome assassin to a big crybaby.

Some minutes of comforting later and Bethran kept quiet, wiping his eyes and giving off a small smile when he saw Leo standing in one piece.

"It's okay" Leo smiled. "Let's go home".

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"I still can't believe you feel no remorse over what has happened" Redneck growled as he gritted his teeth.

As though he had gone tired of what seemed to him like 'endless bickering', Clyde who was sitting contentedly on the floor, got to his feet and began to walk forward followed by rows of injured and fatigued mages that used somber glances to express their condolences and show that unlike their Supreme, they themselves were quite sorry for the way things had gone.

"WAIT! Redneck roared; his deep throaty voice bringing the exiting mages to a stop.

"All the dwarves and fairies of the Twilight grove, express our deepest gratitude that you were all able to come to our aid on time and still fight with all your, might to ensure the overall safety of the Phoenix".

Small shuffling sounds soon followed as all the dwarves took one knee before they took of their helmet as they bowed towards the mages.

"We promise to return this favor one day"

Clyde only gave a deep nod before he stepped through the golden portal in front of him.

But all the other mages didn't follow and instead turned around placing their right hand against their left breast before bowing towards the dwarves.

And then as though they were part of one organism, they faced forward and with military like steps disappeared in bright glows until the portal followed suit; fading away in a bright yellow light.

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(Elsewhere in a dark castle surrounded by malevolent mana)

"What news have you brought demon? The thunderous voice boomed, not even trying to hide the anger in its tone.

"The chosen one is here on this realm" was the reply from the floating dark mist in front of him.

"He still lives? The thunderous voice asked. "Even though he faced you?

Making a gulping noise, the mist replied:

"Yes, but he hasn't figured out his powers completely and he had a lot of outside help".

"What of the supreme leader, the one that you claimed stopped you from capturing the princess?

"My vessel was forced to use the capturing spell on her since she was making things so difficult".

A cracking noise followed the demon's reply as small fragments of white bone fell from the arm rest of the ominous throne.

"Not only did you fail to capture the princess but now I have to deal with a Superintendent who would probably discover a way out of the seal in a matter of days!

"Did you mark the Huntran at least ?

The mist with a shake replied fearfully "No, but I was able to mark a close comrade of his".

"Good" the figure smiled, revealing rows of jagged teeth. "I get to end him myself".

Seeing that his master had stopped talking, the demon continued "The chosen one is from the Night"

The ominous figure hearing that name smirked.

"The Night huh? It seems I have allowed their excesses for far too long". The voice then laughed "And thankfully I have just the right person for the job".

"And as for you" the figure grinned. "You of all forsaken creatures should know what happens to demons who fail to accomplish MY contracts.

The mist didn't say anything and in a bright burst of flames disappeared; screaming and wailing until he finally left the realm of the living.

"Interesting, it seems I might still have use of you" the figure said, seemingly to no one.

"I am pleased that in your benevolence, you have decided to give me a shot of redeeming myself" the red mist that had just entered from the massive doors said, twisting and swirling before it appeared at the throne's foot; looking up with reptilian eyes that showed nothing but absolute loyalty.

"Don't make me regret this" the thunderous voice added.

"You won't".

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Hi readers, it is with great joy that I bring to you the end of the 'Brotherhood wars' but this is only the beginning of a wonderful tale….