Chapter 298: Dead or Rotten (1/2)

”This barrier is as reliable as you said, Gala.” Arthur smiled when he saw Neray's futile attempts to break the barrier. ”Dia, shoot him down.”

”Do you have any idea who would come after you if you hurt him?” Dia looked at him with fear. ”The Dragonair family would haunt you down even if it took down the Alva kingdom with it.”

Hearing her words, Arthur frowned and ceased his Bestial Order. If judging from the name, he was an heir of a dragon-family, then it would be troublesome indeed.

”Gala, can you take care of him?”

”I thought you would never ask,” Gala said, fearless. ”I'm not afraid of his family, so I can punish him a bit for his arrogance.”

”I don't want enemies left and right.” Arthur shook his head. ”It's best if you don't hurt him. Can you achieve that?”

”Fine.” Gala pouted but still held a smile afterward. ”It's a lot of fun to challenge the whole world, but I'm okay with following you, Seika.”

As she said that, Gala spread her arms. A presence left her body and hovered above her. A fairy that had antennas on her body but otherwise looked human floated there with a devilish smile.

”Charm him, Zoe!” Gala waved her hand and the spirit rushed forward, snickering. Neray frowned and flexed his arms before sending blades of white light, but they did little harm to the spirit.

The spirit appeared in front of him and caressed his cheek, making his eyes turn unfocused. His eyelids dropped as he went into a deep slumber and fell to the ground.

Arthur looked at Neray speechless as Gala unsummoned her spirit. She turned with a smile and winked at Arthur.

”Don't worry, it only works on the weak-minded.” Gala tried to reassure him but Arthur reminded himself to keep her as an ally.

”Dia, let's go.”

The ice platform rose in the air and started soaring away from the mansion. A wave of flames chased after them but was shot down by Dia.

”Gardener!” Duke Zenos roared from beyond the steam. ”Don't expect to live after this! You've chosen the path of self-destruction!”

'You would've killed me anyway, dude.' Arthur shook his head as he gazed at the distance. He looked back and saw the Knight of Courage fighting the duke back. Suddenly, a knight flew over to them and Arthur allowed him entry.

The knight took off his helmet and Rinzo was revealed. Dia's eyes turned wide but Rinzo didn't try to explain himself.

”Seika, you surprised us all,” Rinzo said with a weird expression. ”Nonetheless, our king has approved of you. Let's get you to safety first.”

”We're heading to Herav.” Arthur declared. ”Relay this message to the Knight of Courage.”

”Herav? Your arm should be in the mansion with Lady Larza.” Gala asked with curiosity. ”Do you have something more important than your arm?”

”If you can convince Larza to give it up, after breaking through the duke's defenses, then be my guest.” Arthur sighed. ”Someone is waiting for me in Herav.”

”Ah, I see.” Gala smiled. ”The person you're trying to help.” Arthur noticed a change in Dia's emotions after she heard Gala's words.

”Dear Princess,” Arthur said and saw her body flinch. ”If you think about hurting them to get back at me, then I'll kill you even without the Bestial Order to help me, I promise.”

The princess didn't answer, but Arthur knew she was still trying to break the Bestial Order. The seed of his power of creation was far stronger than anyone in this world could break.

The ice platform was controlled by the princess to carry them away. The sounds of battle were far behind them as they flew over the city, seen by every citizen in Freya.

***

The news spread like wildfire. The Daughter of Ice and Fire was kidnapped by the one-armed Seika that was supposed to save her. The hate was unimaginable as the hope of the Alva kingdom to end the war was taken away.

The good impression that the citizens had of Arthur was destroyed, but the person in question didn't care a lot. He knew that a good impression wouldn't guarantee that he would be safe, especially with the painful lesson Larza gave him by taking away his arm.