Holy Island loomed faintly through the sea mist.
The sea was extraordinarily calm. Mist rolled in from every direction, wrapping the island in grayish white.
White-robed priests walked back and forth before the temple square, and the clatter of patrolling holy knights' armor echoed along the stone paths.
The people here did not know that this was their last morning on Holy Island.
On the horizon, two figures appeared at the edge of the mist.
Linley was in front, with Bebe crouching on his shoulder. The sea wind whipped Linley's robes as he gazed expressionlessly at the island.
From here, Holy Island looked just like Fenlai City more than twenty years ago, steeped everywhere in that sickening aura of light.
"Boss." Bebe's voice lacked its usual playfulness. "How long have we waited for this day?"
"Twenty-three years," Linley said.
Linley took a step forward. Wind Element magic elements gathered automatically beneath his feet, carrying him and Bebe toward Holy Island. Delia had not come.
Linley had not let her accompany him this time. He alone was enough. Bringing Bebe along already showed the Radiant Church more than enough respect.
The watchtower on Holy Island was the first to notice something wrong.
A sentry rubbed his eyes and nudged his companion. "Look over there-is that someone?"
His companion squinted, and his expression changed. A black-haired young man emerged from the sea mist with a black rat crouching on his shoulder. The young man's face was calm, as though he were taking a stroll. But there was no flying magical beast beneath his feet, no magical device. He simply walked on the wind.
"Enemy attack-"
The watchtower's alarm bell finally rang. Before its sound could travel far, Linley struck.
He drew the Purple Blood Soft Sword. The blade flashed in the wind.