Chapter 263: Sunset Return

Chapter 263: Sunset Return

Minas grandmother stretched her wings, dropped to one knee, and bowed her head, Thank you, young mages, for saving our lives. She glanced at Stryg and Sylvie, who was still covered in the viperidaes blood, Especially you two. You have my clans eternal gratitude.

...It was nothing, Stryg shrugged. He immediately regretted the motion as pain buzzed in his broken ribs. Stryg looked away and tried his best to hide his grimace.

We made a bargain with your granddaughter. Goldelms always hold up their end of a bargain, Freya said proudly.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Were just glad youre all safe, Sylvie looked up at the group of fairies sitting on a low branch.

But are you okay, Sylvie? Callum asked worriedly. You were eaten by that monster.

Im fine, Sylvie pulled the golden amulet beneath her shirt, My aurum aegis protected me.

Oh, thats good, Callum sighed with relief.

What I want to know is how you managed to kill that giant fucker, Freya gestured towards the Dark Bloods corpse in the distance.

The Dark Bloods scales may have been incredibly tough, but its insides werent, Sylvie explained. I focused all my willpower and casted the most powerful storm spell I could manage. I thought the lightning would drive a hole right through its gut, I didnt expect the lightning to rip off its entire head. Sylvie smiled weakly, Lucky me.

Well damn, Freya whistled. I guess I really underestimated you. Looks like we might really have a chance of winning the tournament after all.

Stryg stared at Sylvie skeptically. The others may have been too busy fending off the other viperidae, but he had seen the Dark Blood die. There had been no blue flash of lightning. The Dark Bloods stomach had exploded in a burst of golden light.

Stryg had gotten a closer look at the viperidaes corpse, its insides were covered in blackened scorch marks. It could have been caused by lightning, but he didnt believe that was the case. It reminded him of when he found Sylvie in her charred room.

What are you hiding, Sylvie? Stryg wondered.

Hey, guys, speaking about the tournament, the sun is beginning to set, Callum blanched.

Shit, we dont have time! We gotta be back before nightfall! Freya turned to Stryg, Do you have the flower?

I got several, Stryg patted his jackets pocket.

Great, then lets get going, Freya nodded.

What about that thing? Callum pointed his thumb back at the Dark Bloods corpse. Shouldnt we take a fang as a trophy or something?

That fang is as tall as you, Cal, do you really think we can just lug that thing back? Freya said. Not even Sylvie could carry that without being slowed down.

Maybe we could just grab one of its scales then? Callum asked.

The Dark Bloods scales are as tough as steel, itd take too long to rip one off, Freya shook her head. We have to go now if we hope to stand any chance of passing the First Challenge.

So, what? Are we just supposed to leave the whole carcass behind? No one will believe that we fought a Dark Blood, much less killed one! Callum frowned.

We dont have a choice, well fail if we stay any longer. We have to leave now, thats an order, Freya said sternly.

This is nonsense, Callum muttered.

Its probably best if we avoid more attention anyway, Sylvie nodded to herself.

Ready whenever you are, captain, Stryg said.

Thank you, again. All of you, Minas grandmother bowed.

Mina and the other fairies bowed as well and whispered their gratitude in their fae tongue.

Freya grinned, On behalf of Hollow Shades finest, youre very welcome.

~~~

The sibling heralds, Jane and Mark, stared at the setting sun and shared a glance at each other.

Should we call it? Mark asked.

No, not until Lady Thorn gives the signal. They still have a few minutes left, Jane whispered.

Very well. Mark glanced at the notes the courier had just brought up to the Heralds Tower, Lets begin the days closing ceremony then?

Lets, Jane nodded.

Yes, well, show me the flower, Ophelia tapped her foot.

Stryg stepped forward, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a pair of pale grey flowers. As requested, Silverbright flowers.

Ophelia grabbed the flowers reluctantly, careful not to touch Strygs hand in the process. She examined the flowers with deep scrutiny. After a few tense moments she nodded, ...Very good, you have passed.

Stryg and his teammates breathed a sigh of relief.

Where are your lantern and fairy? Ophelia asked.

The lantern broke, Freya said.

And the fairy? Ophelia asked.

Freya bit her lip, Um

We set her free, Sylvie said adamantly. She should never have been in that lantern cage in the first place.

That fairy was not yours to give away, Ophelia said sharply.

The rules of the Challenge gave us the lantern and fairy to aid us in our quest, Callum said. The rules said nothing of what we could or could not do with the lantern nor fairy.

Ophelia narrowed her eyes, Callum Veres was it? Ill remember your name.

Callum paled, but he held his ground, ...Nice to meet you too.

Ophelia raised her eyebrow questioningly.

Well done, darling, Kalliste clapped from across the stage. She smiled brightly, Hollow Shade continues to impress with its extraordinary capabilities. A word of friendly advice; in the future when you decide to bend the rules, try not to get last place anyway.

Sylvie glared at the vampiress, We only got late because we saved a fairy clan from a swarm of viperidae.

Viperidae? Kalliste giggled. Is that the best excuse you can come up with? Oh! Sorry, did I say that out loud?

This little Sylvie growled.

There are no viperidae this close to Undergrowths borders, Ophelia said coldly. I suggest you take your loss gracefully and refrain from lies, child.

I didnt lie! Sylvie yelled.

Then where is your proof, hm? Ophelia looked around. I see no evidence of your ridiculous claim.

Thats Sylvie clenched her fists, but bowed her in defeat.

I have the evidence right here, Freya reached into her satchel and pulled out a large jade-green scale.

H-how? Sylvie whispered.

No way Kalliste muttered in disbelief.

Ophelias blue eyes widened with surprise but she quickly smothered it with an impassive expression.

I took it from the first viperidae we killed, Freya smirked. If this wasnt a part of the 1st Challenge then I suggest soldiers and mages be sent to investigate the citys borders. The peoples lives may be in danger.

...Yes, Ill send my best soldiers right away, Ophelia said curtly. You must have had a long day, all of you, she gestured towards the four teams. Congratulations on completing the 1st Challenge. The next Challenge will be much more difficult. I suggest you get some rest while you can.

Ophelia raised her hand and gestured to the Heralds Tower.

And with that, the 1st Challenge comes to a close! Marks voice echoed across the coliseum.

Hollow Shade manages to pass with the skin of their teeth! Jane yelled. But who knows if theyll manage in the upcoming Challenge

...~THE CHALLENGE OF PILLAR & SEA~!!! Jane and Mark called out at once.

How long until the next Challenge? Stryg asked Freya.

Three days from now, she said.

Stryg held his broken ribs and sighed, I need a bath.