Chapter 436: Family Trip (Start of Volume 5 Part 5)


    <strong>456. Family Trip</strong>


    The cityy waiting in the distance. An undting field of hills and valleys surrounded it, ravaged from weeks of fighting until just two days ago. Id been gone from Alyras for quite a while, and when I returned, I hadnt been able to luxuriate in the peaceful confines of the city due to the state of chaos it was in.


    I barely even had time to say hi to any of mypanions before I was fighting for my life against Demon after Demon, facing Grand Skill after Grand Skill, and Treasure of Alexander after Treasure of Alexander. I was lucky I had my own Grand Skills and my own Treasure of Alexander, otherwise I probably wouldnt have stood a chance against them.


    And after a protracted battle, we finally came out victorious and defeated most of the Archdemons assailing Alyras. Many people died. Some of whom I knew. I mourned their losses as I was somewhat close with them. But even still, I was ted. After all, I was Level 144 now. I was one step closer to reaching my next evolution. It had been so long, and I was finally on the precipice of taking the next step.


    It wasnt just me who grew stronger, either. Both Edithe and Daniel reached Level 120 from this the former literally just at Level 120, while thetter was at Level 125 somehow. Apparently Daniel leveled up even after the battle was over, when one of the Demons that ran away died. Still, I was pleased. I managed to keep my promise to the both of them. I told them Id help get them both to Level 120, and while I technically wasnt the one responsible for bringing those Archdemons to Alyras, I was ready to take full credit for it. I mean, I did save their lives, didnt I?


    Either way, it was all resolved mostly fine. And that meant that


    Its finally time.


    It was something Id wanted to do for a while, but couldnt due to a litany of reasons. Now though? Now was the perfect chance for it. I nced back at the three figures waiting behind me. They backed away shyly, trying to hide behind the hill. But they knew just as well as I did that I wouldnt let them get away. It was happening today.


    A [Will O Wisp] flitted by my head and snorted.


    <em>Idiot.</em>


    The decision was announced in the morning. It came only two days after the siege of Alyras was lifted. Laux Lionfist, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company, was the one to make the announcement.


    With the conclusion of the Conference of Alyras, all parties have unanimously agreed to form a coalition to put an end to this Demon threat once and for all!


    Of course, there was a lot more nuance to that statement than what he said, but he was met with apuse as he stepped off the podium. It was a good decision, after all. The only right decision after those seven Archdemons gued the Conference of Alyras for so long. To think that the best of Humankind would be so unprepared to face only a handful of Demons


    Laux Lionfist had been more wary of the Demon threat than most other parties, but even he didnt anticipate this. It clearly emphasized just how much of a threat the Demons posed to Humankind. After all, when all of the Humannds were united under the Immortal King Alexander himself the highest-leveled [Hero] to ever be summoned they barely managed to fend off the Demon Kings invasion. And it was at a great cost too, with Alexander sacrificing his life to save all of Humankind.


    It was always tantly clear to any observant watcher that the odds were against the currently splintered Humannds. But so many factions had been against forming a coalition, trying to push on the task of exterminating these Demons to the Vaun Qieur Empire or the Three Honorable Companies or the Greater Vampire Families. Only now did they change their minds.


    That was the difference between knowing something and <em>understanding </em>it. After the siege of Alyras, everyone now clearly understood just the threat the Demons posed. And that was why it was a unanimous decision to form the coalition they were so against forming.


    Laux Lionfist also knew there was some politics behind it. Some bribes or threats made behind closed doors. But it didnt matter. The decision was made and announced, and he stayed behind in the city square to answer any questions and clear up any concerns that might be had.


    It was a tiring job. It was honestly his least favorite part of being in his position. He much preferred being in a life-or-death position, punching his enemies as they punched him till he was an inch from death. He didnt really have to think too much about what he did, instead letting his instincts take over and drive his actions.


    Here, he had to wear a politicians mouth. Think through every word he said ensure he couldnt be misinterpreted, and keep the popce calm. If he misspoke once, the rumor mill would take over and he would have to spend the next few days or weeks trying to clear it up. He was far more focused here as he addressed the concerned people of Alyras


    But even his steel-like concentration on the crowd before him broke when he saw the figures moving through the streets of the city. He raised his head, ignoring the questions as he stared at the silver-haired girl and the three creatures following behind her. The crowd turned with him, and a susurration slowly spread throughout the city.


    Is that a baby Wyvern?


    <em>Excuse me! Sorry! Please dont stare theyre shy!</em>


    This was a terrible idea. Willy knew it was a stupid idea. But all he could do was watch as Salvos led the three baby Wyverns into Alyras.


    It was bad enough that he was a Grand Spirit. His presence drew a lot of attention. Coupled with Salvos being a famous Diamond Ranked adventurer who gained even <em>more recognition </em>after her efforts during the siege of Alyras. They were already quite a spectacle to behold.


    Now with three baby Wyverns tagging along, everyone was asking questions.


    Thats Salvos! Liberator of the gunds! Why does she have those baby Wyverns with her?


    This attention was too much for Novis, Bellum, and Oriur. The three of them were still young. Not even a month old. And while they did have some exposure to <em>people </em>with the Beastmen just a few days ago, it was iparable to the bustling life of a city.


    Novis and Bellum stuck close to Salvos, too scared to wander around with all the eyes fixed on them. They didnt even raise their heads as Salvos gestured at the street just ahead of them.


    This is the city square. You can see the pce of Alyras just ahead here I am pretty sure they holdrge gatherings here for important things. Like right now! Look. Theres something happening over there!


    Sure enough, there was a crowd of hundreds just up ahead, although whatever important thing they had been doing was interrupted by Salvos presence. Willy sighed as he shrank back, making himself as small as possible which was unfortunately not as small as hed like to avoid the stares and the attention.


    Salvos didnt care for it. She continued forward as Novis and Bellum clung to her legs, quite literally being carried by her with each step she took.


    And this is market street. They sell lots of disgusting I mean delicious food here.


    She had not a care in the world. And because Willy was too embarrassed from all the staring, neither one noticed Oriur slipping away. The third of the baby Wyvern siblings and the shyest of them all was most interested in the Human city. Willy and Salvos only noticed he was wandering around and exploring when they heard the scream.


    <em>Monster! Someone call the guards!</em>


    Willy and Salvos snapped their gazes to the side. They watched as Oriur snatched up a roasted pig from the front of a nearby stall. Thedy at the counter was sprawled on the ground with silver coins scattered and clinking all around her. She pointed with shaking fingers at the baby Wyvern as he scampered back to Salvos.


    Theres a Wyvern in the city! Were under attack!


    No Oriur! You cant just take that!


    Salvos eximed as thedy continued her shouting, drawing even more attention to the scene. The silver-haired girl picked up the baby Wyvern and tugged the burnt pig carcass from his mouth. She tried to return the half-eaten food back to thedy.


    Sorry about him. He doesnt know you cant just take things from people yet well, actually, you <em>can. </em>As long as no one stops you, you can take whatever you want. But you know what I mean, right?


    Thedy just looked up at Salvos with wide eyes.


    Are those yours?


    Theyre, um Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.


    You named those Wyverns?


    Salvos nodded.


    Yep. I guess I kind of adopted them because their mom died?


    Thedy got to her feet, now ring at Salvos.


    You adopted those Wyverns after what they did to Catark?!


    She pointed usingly at the silver-haired girl. Salvos blinked as the watching crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. They turned to each other, casting sidelong nces back towards her.


    Thats true. Why does she have those Wyverns with her?


    My family died in Catark to those damn Wyverns!


    Theyre monsters! They shouldnt be allowed in the city!


    Their voices grew more and more outraged as Salvos stood there, caught off guard by the sudden anger directed towards her. She spun around, confused. But Willy knew things would quickly spiral downwards if left unchecked. He moved to defuse the situation, but was too slow.


    A burly man stepped forward from the crowd and spoke in a booming voice.


    Now, now, whats this ruckus going on?


    Laux Lionfist! Our city is under attack by those monsters!


    Thedy stumbled past Salvos, pointing at the trembling baby Wyverns. Salvos blinked as she saw the scared looks on Novis, Bellum, and Oriur.


    Stop scaring them!


    Salvos stepped forward, raising a fist. But thedy ignored her. However, the burly man Laux Lionfist cleared his throat.


    Monsters? Im sorry madam, but I do not see any monsters here.


    What?


    Thedy stared up at him in shock. Laux Lionfist nodded.


    All I see is a young woman taking care of her pets.


    Pets?!


    Both Salvos and thedy sputtered. But he waved a hand off, interrupting the both of them.


    Now I understand you are troubled and upset because of what happened to your stall, so I shall ensure you are fully reimbursed and more.


    Thedy tried to work her jaw.


    But but


    And Laux Lionfist pped his hands together and made a shooing motion at the crowd.


    Lets not make a fuss, everyone. Im sure were all tired after the events of thest few weeks. Lets go back about our day, shall we?


    For a moment, the gathered crowd hesitated. Eventually, they began to disperse one after another, not wanting to get involved with therge and clearly important man. Willy held Salvos back she was still upset that he called the three baby Wyverns pets. But the [Will O Wisp] managed to convince her that Laux Lionfist only said that to help her. Which was true. Although she was still upset about it.


    Theyre not pets


    <em>Calm</em>


    Willy said the word like it was supposed to be a spell. Laux Lionfist did as he promised, handing over a handful of gold coins to thedy as she sulked back into her broken stall. He shook his head andughed.


    Well, that was quite the scene, wasnt it? Honestly, I had no idea you were a [Beast Tamer] in your second ss.


    Um, actually


    She raised a hand to correct the man, but Willy stopped her. Salvos looked between Willy and the baby Wyverns for a moment before mouthing an oh and lowering her hand.


    Nevermind. Thanks for the help.


    Salvos smiled at Laux Lionfist. He nodded back at her.


    It is my pleasure, Liberator of the gunds.


    You know me?


    She cocked her head at him.


    I do. Everyone knows you. Especially after that stunt you pulled with your clones.


    He shook his head and proffered her a hand.


    In any case, I am Laux Lionfist, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Forsaken Company.


    Salvos returned with a nk stare.


    Who?


    He paused. He narrowed his eyes at her, scrutinizing her look of confusion.


    Youre serious, arent you?


    Yep. Never heard of you in my life. Although you look a bit familiar.


    Laux Lionfist guffawed at that. He threw his head back as heughed boisterously before patting her on the shoulder.


    It doesnt matter. Honestly, Id prefer that you didn''t know who I was. I dont have to deal with formalities that way.


    Same. Pretending to be who Im not is annoying.


    Salvos nodded in agreement, although Willy knew she was referring to something else entirely. Laux Lionfist ushered Salvos forward as Willy and the baby Wyverns trailed after.


    Youre an interesting person, arent you? I can see why Orgaf has taken quite the interest in you.


    You know Orgaf?


    Lets just say were co-workers.


    The burly man winked at her. He brought her away from the city square, towards a more secluded street beforeing to a halt.


    But before we stray too far from the topic of honesty, I must confess, while I dide here to both offer you a hand and to get to know you better, I do have ulterior motives.


    Salvos stopped behind him, raising a brow.


    Ulterior motives?


    Willy froze, unsure of whether this was a good or bad thing. He was almost certain that he should intervene, but Laux Lionfist was above Level 150. And the burly man probably wasnt going to try anything too bad, right?


    Well, the [Will O Wisp] got an answer soon after as Laux Lionfist nodded and gestured at Salvos.


    Those artifacts youre wearing I believe that we are going to be needing them back.


    Salvos looked down at the boots and greaves she was wearing, before raising her head at the crown on her forehead. Laux Lionfist pointed at each of the Treasures of Alexander, and she blinked.


    Huh. <strong> </strong>