"Get him," the City Lord said. This time the guards were not as reserved; the arena bloomed with energy as the Rune weapons were activated one after another.

"You!" Calder stepped forward, but the figures blocked his way. Amarok, Wisdom, and Mist were now surrounded, with enemies charging at them.

The man who had almost killed them at the banquet was leading. His curved lance shone brightly as it kept slashing down. Calder smirked.

Under everyone's astonished gaze, Amarok and his group turned into white smoke that dissipated after a single strike. Everyone was baffled, to say the least.

The City Lord turned to Calder with an ugly face. He finally understood why the other party was so calm. He had not even protected his disciple; that was strange. The old fox had planned everything in advance, as if he knew what would happen.

"Well, I have nothing more to do here. I will excuse myself now, City Lord," he said with a satisfied smile. "They can't be far; chase them," the City Lord was unwilling to give up.

.....

Amarok held Wisdom in his hands as he stared at Wandleaf in the distance. He was conflicted; he had not expected to leave this place in such circumstances. He exhaled; he was bound to leave anyway. The winds whistled on his face, blowing his dress. Mist and Neo stood by the side, all wore long robes with hoods hiding their faces.

The air was whistling around them. Amarok couldn't help but stare down. His mind was trembling. The town had turned minuscule by now. They rode a black-winged eagle. It was a low-level monster many people used for long-distance travel. It had saddles to help people stand steady and not fall during the travel.

"Don't worry; he will be fine," Amarok said to Mist next to him. "I know. Who do you take my master for?" she shot him daggers like stairs and turned away.

"According to the map if we go straight we should reach Alden in a few days," Neo said, turning a piece of paper in his hand. He also glanced back at Wandleaf disappearing on the horizon and then at Amarok. This would mark the beginning of their journey. Would they find a cure? Or will they meet their demise trying? He was unsure. Only the future will tell them.

"I am certain Agris had something to do with that," Mist said. "There is not much to gain for him by doing that. Wandleaf is just a small town to the south," Amarok said. Wisdom was hiding inside his cape, sticking his head from the top. Its puppy eyes stared intensely at the clouds.

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"Not much, but the City Lord is a Rune sorcerer Runesmith. His strength is undeniable," Neo explained. "Does he plan on using him?" Amarok was perplexed. "How is the power hierarchy in Alden?" Neo asked, turning to Mist. Of all of them, no one knew Alden better.

"It's very simple. There is the City Lord Agris's father. He is the only Rune Sorcerer smith at Alden. He controls every aspect of the City. His authority is Supreme, and his words rule. There is also the Alden academy; it is where all the best from Alden have studied, including the City Lord. There are also a few noble families, but none really worthy of attention. My master is from the Alden academy," Mist said and then paused.

"But recently a noble family has been standing out. Their leader was also part of Alden academy. Some say their leader has already reached the smith rank," she said after some thought. "I see. Now everything makes sense," Neo's eyes flashed. "I am still clueless though," Amarok scratched his head; was he the only one who did not understand what all this meant.

"Only a Rune sorcerer smith or a Rune warrior smith can be City Lord," Neo added. Amarok's eyes widened in understanding. "Our stay in Alden promised to be agitated," he smiled awkwardly.

The black-winged eagle flapped its wings, going even faster. "They are catching up," Neo said with a dark face. The trio suddenly tensed. Even Wisdom's eyes turned sharp.

Not far behind them, a black-winged eagle had appeared with several figures on it. The leader was Hawk, holding his curved lance; his face held a huge grin.

"How could they catch up so fast?" Amarok asked, his eyes still looking at the fast-approaching enemy. "It's Wind Blessing," Neo said, looking at the green glow and pattern on the black eagle wings.

"It's a very complex Rune only a Rune sorcerer Runesmith and above can use. I didn't expect the City Lord to know it," Neo was deep in thought. They were definitely at a disadvantage. The other party had started drawing in the void, the runes shining in front of them. Their intention was clear.

Mist took out her sword, and Amarok did the same. Soon the chasing enemy was in range. The void brightened. Fire snakes burst out of the runes, biting the void in their direction.

"Hold on tightly," Neo said. He commanded the black-winged eagle, spun, rising up; the fire snakes hissed, exploding. The trio kept flying. Next, a white curtain appeared before them. Their black-winged eagle crashed into it, its body coming to a brutal halt. Mist was thrown off the eagle and started falling at lightning speed.

Amarok's heart skipped a beat. Another Rune was launched, a wave of Snow waves whistled through the void, going straight for Mist. "Master, I count on you," he said jumping off the eagle. His sword danced; it collided with the first.

His body trembled as he was sent flying downward. Mist's sword waved; she pierced through the void, tilting her body, barely avoiding the waves. Amarok was falling at lightning speed, finally caught Mist with his hand.

Hawk was dumbfounded; Amarok had used their attack to catch up with Mist. He was furious; the black-winged eagle swept downward, runes still unleashed with even more frightening power. Suddenly a cry was heard; a figure flashed out, and one of Hawk's men was thrown off the eagle. Neo's eyes were cold.

Soon another cold laser was shooting at them, the Rune cold pillar. Amarok and Mist spun, joining their feet; they pushed against each other. Whoosh. The white snow shot through them. Amarok blinked; his whole body was feeling cold as if the temperature had fallen.