The King Descends

Throughout this process.

Everyone present had their eyes fixed on the ragged old man.

Aurora's little face tightened with worry.

She clenched the black wooden cross hidden against her chest, ready to act at any moment.

It was a consecrated item Dean Padmel had given her before departing, imbued with the mysterious power of inscribed magic.

Although Aurora knew full well that she was weak, she could not simply stand by and watch Mr. Gilan suffer an enemy attack.

"Don't act rashly!"

However, without even turning around, Alida lowered her voice and warned her. She had clearly noticed Aurora's little movement long ago, afraid that the child might act impulsively.

Aurora froze.

Then she heard Vice President Alida say gravely through ventriloquism:

"Do you understand what it means for two Long-Lived Ones to join forces...? Once they start fighting, I won't be able to look after you. A lot of people will die."

Hearing this, Aurora took a deep breath. Yet her small hand gripping the black wooden cross did not loosen; instead, it tightened further.

She raised her eyes and looked again at the old man gradually approaching Mr. Gilan... only to suddenly spot a familiar figure among the opposing crowd.

Ragged clothes, a hood over his head.

The exposed half of his face was covered in stubble, his brown hair disheveled.

The man met Aurora's gaze from afar, silently shook his head, and signaled for her to stay calm.

"It's Mr. Werner Zimmerman, the 'Black Snipe'!"

Aurora's heart jolted.

"Right, during the Dream Gathering, Mr. Werner said he had followed the Ascetic Sect south..."

Knowing that Mr. Werner was here as well calmed her somewhat.

Because she believed that, like her, Mr. Werner would never stand by and watch the old man harm Mr. Gilan.

And indeed, just