Baruch City's gates slowly opened in the lingering glow of the setting sun.
Akes and his group descended from the sky. As the flying magical beasts folded their wings, they whipped up a fierce gust that swept dust from before the city gates. Barker landed unsteadily with the unconscious Boone on his back, while Gates, Hazer, and Ankh supported one another. They were drenched in blood and in a miserable state.
The soldiers at the gates cried out in alarm and rushed over. The captain of the gate guard was the first to charge forward. Recognizing these blood-soaked returning warriors as the principality's core commanders, his face instantly turned pale, and the spear in his hand nearly fell to the ground.
"Lord Barker! Lord Gates!" The soldiers' cries rose one after another. Some ran to summon healers, while others stepped forward to support the wounded commanders.
"Get the healers! Hurry! Bring the best healers!" the captain shouted at a soldier behind him. The soldier immediately sprinted into the city, his boots clattering urgently against the stone-paved road.
"Carry Boone inside first. He's the worst injured," Barker said in a low voice. Two soldiers carefully took the unconscious Boone from him, supported him by the arms, and headed toward the city's healing hall.
Akes put away the flying magical beasts, took Monica's hand, and entered the city.
More soldiers had already rushed over after hearing the news. Some whispered among themselves, wondering what could have happened to leave powerful men like the five Barker brothers so badly wounded.
The news soon reached the royal palace.
Linley strode out of the palace, with Delia and Bebe following behind him. Delia wore an expression of concern, while Bebe hopped along behind them, his little eyes darting around restlessly.
Linley had originally been cultivating