Chapter 21 Battle in Poor Land Part 4

Elize's small voice broke the silence, calling to him in a trembling tone. Ar turned his head and found Elize and Thomas standing not far from him. Their faces were pale, their eyes round, filled with unconcealed fear.

Their gazes were fixed on the headless bodies lying on the rocky ground, pools of blood flowing slowly beneath them.

Ar took a deep breath, trying to slow his still rapid heartbeat. With a calm movement, he sheathed his sword back into the long staff he always carried. His gaze shifted to his two little brothers and sisters.

"Are you okay?" His voice was softer than usual.

Thomas nodded slowly, although his expression of fear was still clearly visible. "Brother... we were really scared."

Ar looked at them, his eyes conveying an exhaustion that was not only from the battle. Behind his sharp gaze was something deeper, a desire to protect.

"Don't worry," he said in a calm voice, "I'm here. I won't let anyone touch you, Clau, or Mother Laila."

Elize cried, her tiny fingers gripping Ar's arm tightly, as if afraid that if she let go, her brother would disappear from her side.

But Ar's gaze was not on Elize. His eyes traced the destroyed streets, the ruins of buildings, the scattered stone fragments and the black smoke billowing into the sky. In the distance, explosions still shook the air, mixed with cries of pain and the clash of weapons.

Ar clenched his jaw. "You've helped a lot with the traps you've set," he said, his voice firm and undeniable. "Now go. Find a safe place."

Thomas, who had been silent all this time, raised his face. "But... what about you and Sister Clau?" he protested, his tone containing clear displeasure.

Ar stared at Thomas for a moment before he sighed. "We'll manage," he said, his voice a little softer this time. "Go."

Thomas was still hesitant. His lip was bitten, his eyes looked at Ar reluctantly, but finally he nodded slowly. "Be careful, brother."

Ar only gave a small nod in response, his eyes watching them until Thomas and Elize's figures disappeared behind the ruins.

Only after they were gone did Ar take a deep breath, trying to get rid of the remaining doubts that tried to creep into his mind. His eyes returned to the ongoing battle, his gaze hardening.

"This isn't over yet... and I must have Baron Bartemus' head," he muttered before stepping forward, back to the battlefield.

After making sure that Thomas and Elize were safe, Ar turned his attention back to the battlefield before him.

A small explosion echoed in the distance, followed by a flash that split the bright afternoon sky. Immediately, Ar recognized the signal. A signal that could not be mistaken. Baron Bartemus was heading for him.

Without wasting any time, Ar pulled down the hood of his robe. For a moment, a faint golden light enveloped his body, creating an illusory shadow that remained in its original place. Then, in an instant, his figure disappeared.

The glimmer of light led him to an old, nearly collapsed building. The remnants of the fire still lingered on the walls, blackened and brittle, though not as bad as the main building he had destroyed earlier. The air was filled with the smell of burning wood, mixed with the pungent smell of metal, piercing his senses.

Ar stood at the edge of the darkness, his gaze tracing the interior of the dimly lit room. There, flashes of light danced in the air, accompanied by the sound of metal clashing. Two essential forces collided, one familiar though weak, the other so strong and pressing, like embers ready to burn everything.

Ar's red eyes sharpened as his gaze caught a small figure in the center of the room.

"Clau!"

His twin sister stood tall, her small body nearly drowned in the shadow of the much larger figure before her. A muscular man with an aura of mana that blazed like fire. Baron Bartemus.

The difference in strength between them was so great. Clau, still at Junior Level 1, was facing a Level 4 Master Channeler head-on.

Ar remained calm, though his gaze was sharp as he watched the figure of Baron Bartemus towering in front of Clau.

The man was muscular, his shoulders broad, covered in a protective layer that glowed with embers. Red-orange flames flickered wildly around his body, dancing along the curved blade of the dagger that was bright red in his hand.

Seeing his twin sister in danger, Ar didn't think twice.

Just before the red blade sliced through Clau's small body, Ar moved. As fast as lightning, his body melted into a golden light that flickered in the glow of the battle. In an instant, he was between them.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing echoed through the room, creating sparks that illuminated the shadows. Ar's sword blocked Bartemus' dagger with full force, knocking the man back for a moment.

Baron Bartemus stiffened before finally grinning broadly. His sharp eyes flashed with unsettling amusement.

"You finally showed up, Ethel's trash!" his voice was deep and husky, filled with satisfaction. "I'm tired of playing with your little sister."

Ar didn't answer. His red eyes remained on the man, but he glanced behind him to make sure Clau was out of harm's way.

Clau looked up, his breath still ragged. His eyes filled with relief mixed with exhaustion.

"Brother..." his voice was small, barely a whisper.

Ar's grip on his sword tightened, the powerful thrust of his Essential forcing Baron Bartemus to take a few steps back.

The tall man raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise mixed with amusement. "A trash of the Ethel clan dares to challenge me?" He slowly twirled his dagger, a red light flickering and shimmering along the blade. "But I've always enjoyed country boys like you who like to play hero."

Ar remained silent, not answering the insult. But his gaze remained sharp, cold, calculating.

Baron Bartemus grinned even wider. "Ah, you're quiet? Good. At least you understand who's stronger here."

A gentle tug on his robe made Ar turn his head. Clau stood beside him, her face full of tension.

"Brother, he's too strong for you," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ar didn't take his eyes off Bartemus. "I won't let him escape."

Bartemus' harsh laugh echoed around the room. "Good choice. Unfortunately, you'll die here."

Without warning, the man lunged. His dagger blazed brightly with flames that shot toward Ar.

As fast as lightning, Ar's body faded into an illusory glow of light. In an instant, he had carried Clau away to a nearby hiding place in the old building, a place unknown to Bartemus. Only after making sure his little sister was safe did Ar return to the battlefield.