11 Chapter 239: Gryphon (1/2)
Caesar moved through the vast plains at an astonishing rate, even faster than horseback. His hair whipped behind him, shrouding most of his countenance. Since he was alone, there was no need to take detours and camp out for the night. Instead, he beelined for the Northern Forest, where his legacy had first taken shape. Conflicted emotions could be seen in his eyes as he passed the old goblin encampment, and peered down below, at the burnt forest.
Unlike before, when thousands of animals chittered about and loitered around the pine blanketed ground, the area was relatively desolate. Not many birds could be seen in the sky, nor were there squirrels resting on the trees. Only ash and a few powerful trees were present, standing strong amongst the war-torn landscape.
Unlike when he had first departed from Rahvin Kingdom, Caesar was not nearly as frantic, nor as swift. After his initial bout of indescribable rage, he cooled off along the lonesome journey. Upon deliberation, he realized that it was highly unlikely for Ahri and Elizabeth to be put in any danger. At least, it was doubtful that they would be physically harmed or killed.
The main reason for this was Elizabeth's very appealing ”holy magic” talent, alongside her absolute love for her mother. No matter who it was, not many people would be capable of resisting her charm, nor the church's wrath. Additionally, even with the abstract organization name given to him, Caesar determined that it was most likely the church at work. After all, there were very few people who could accurately gauge Elizabeth's worth.
With this mind, Caesar shuffled through the burnt forest in search of the towering gryphon. It was the very same scenery he had achieved his first evolution, but the circumstances were vastly different. A strange light irradiated from his eyes as he thought about evolving. Not even he knew what he would become after today.
***
Caesar's conjectures had been somewhat correct, and both Ahri and Elizabeth were relatively safe. The two ladies stood together, in a hug, surrounded by golden pillars and magnificent murals. Lutes and symphonic singers were busy relaying their tunes in some kind of religious prayer, while at the forefront, an old man sat atop a pearl-coated throne. He carried an amiable smile, peering down at both Ahri and Elizabeth below him as if he were a member of the respected older generation.
To be honest, the old man was beginning to feel tons of headaches come his way. Surrounding the two girls were a multitude of men and women, armored up in the fanciest of gear. Most prominently, two middle-aged men, paladins, stared at Ahri with vigilance. Contrary to expectations, on the way to the church, she had burned a few inquisitors and even harmed a paladin. It was with much difficulty that they had finally calmed her down, just a little bit.
”Young ladies, we have brought you here with no ill intentions,” the old man stated, ”your talents would be wasted in other places, so we wish to extend a hand toward you two. In hopes of betterment for both you and the world!”
Ahri scoffed, ”not only did you forcefully take my daughter, but you also attempted to blindfold us on the way and even used some kind of clones to replace us back in our home. Whatever point you are trying to get across has already been dragged through the mud and buried six kilometers deep!”
Elizabeth nodded her head, unable to really comprehend what was going on. She just cutely agreed with her mother and growled toward the men around her.