Chapter 34: My Brother, You're in My Way

Chapter 34: My Brother, You're in My Way

As the night fell completely, the bustling port town was bathed in a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

A pristine full moon rose above the sea's horizon, casting a soft, silvery glow that seemed to drape the entire harbor town in a fine, shimmering veil.

At this moment, Lynn stood on the rooftop of the Pedrohl estate, gazing down upon the entire town. It felt unusually peaceful today, as if not a single insect's chirp could be heard. This abnormality made him sense a hint of danger in the air.

"Report energy reserves, 071," Lynn silently inquired in his mind.

(Energy remaining: 40.2 percent...)

"Unfortunately, it's still a bit low..."

Lynn thought to himself. The full moon tonight had increased 071's energy reserves by about thirty percent in four months, which was remarkably fast, but it could only sustain an overload mode for about two hundred seconds.

In this state, he could unleash the full power of white phosphorus flames. Despite his unease, Lynn had no intention of changing the plan. Tonight was their only chance to rescue Dove and Jonny. After all, the passage to the land of the wizards only opened on Mondays, and tomorrow was the scheduled public execution.

Lynn took out the diary belonging to Lotte and placed it on the table. After today, he could no longer stay in the harbor town, and the identity of Lotte would have no relation to him.

This diary would serve as Lotte's final message to Baron Pedrohl and Ivina. Though he didn't expect it to change anything, it was the only thing he could do.

After packing his belongings, Lynn walked out of the room alone, recalling the information gathered by the Guild of Ships.

Yadan, a recently transferred priest in the harbor town, Archbishop Anluke's right-hand man, a noble by birth, and the champion of the previous Nordlan Knight Exam, possessed formidable sword skills.

Most importantly, Yadan had a very predictable routine. He would go out at this exact time every night, his destination unknown, presumably to attend some noble's evening banquet.

"Ivina, what are you doing here?" Lynn asked in confusion. Her room should be on the second floor.

"Why?" the brunette girl spoke softly. "Why is it that no matter how hard I try, no matter how excellent my performance, Father will never acknowledge me, while you, who couldn't even pass the Knight's Exam, fail repeatedly but always effortlessly obtain everything I desire..."

Ivina lowered her head, her words filled with suppressed anger. She clenched her teeth, seemingly struggling to contain her fury.

However, her expression soon returned to a calm demeanor, and her tone became icy.

"My brother, you're the obstacle to my progress..."

Lynn's pupils contracted. Just as Ivina's words fell, she had already rushed forward with her slender blade.

Clang!

Accompanied by the crisp sound of clashing metal, Lynn drew his steel longsword from his waist to parry the incoming blade. It was clear that the girl possessed greater strength and speed than during their practice sessions, indicating her true strength.

In Ivina's amber eyes, a cold and murderous glint flashed as her slender blade, like a streak of cold light, slashed through the air once more.

"You always have this carefree attitude..."

"Tell me, why haven't you told Father about this?" she continued. "You know very well that I've always wanted to kill you!"

With each sentence, Ivina's blade swung faster, her gaze complex as she stared intently at her brother...

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