Attack-Defense (2)

Ang lounged against a bench outside the council hall, sunlight streaming through the windows onto him, warm and pleasant.

Quintina sat quietly beside him, but her gaze rested on the warriors training atop the distant high walls, her expression thoughtful.

"Ang, is this... over?" Her voice was soft, as if afraid of disturbing this brief moment of peace.

Ang narrowed his eyes and looked at the clouds on the horizon. "You could say it's over, but if you say it isn't... then it's not finished yet."

Quintina frowned. "Do they still want to keep causing trouble?"

"Let them." Ang shrugged. "As long as they don't go through official channels, there's no need for us to pay them any attention."

Quintina said softly, "Indeed... as long as they don't dare act openly, the Tribunal Court won't take their side."

"Don't worry." Ang looked at her and smiled. "Since they even brought in the Grand Judge from the Tribunal Court, it means they've already played all their cards. From here on, they can only resort to tricks in the shadows."

Quintina's brow lifted slightly, and she suddenly smiled. "You must be hoping they make a move in secret."

"Ha ha ha! No one knows me like Quintina!" Ang laughed, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her hard.

"You're awful..." Quintina gave him a light shove, her cheeks flushing, but she did not truly struggle free.

--

Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away, the Magic Teleportation Array at Byron Fortress silently activated.

Amid blue-white light, Habakkuk, Joan, and Hudson stepped out of the circle.

Their expressions were completely different from a few days ago. They no longer harbored their own private thoughts; instead, they now shared a tacit understanding and the same grim purpose.

After returning to their quarters, the three did not