The many residents of the town stand to block their path, women, men and children acting in unison like a hivemind to the earpiece on their left ears.

The people aproach them while walking at a fast pace, seeming more focused on Helena and Johan then Qiang who is simply standing on the side.

They continue to repeat "Glorious Lord Lucifer" in a monotone manner as their footsteps echo through the town, the farmer from behind them uses a Flatus spell at Johan who dodges without much difficulty, only his long white hair getting damaged.

"Eleborate on why i shouldn't kill every single resident of this village." Johan says to Helena, materializing his swords again.

"Are you really okay with killing kids?!" Helena says vehemently, looking at him with a look of shock and anger as Johan simply answers "Yes" coldly.

Helena shouts at him in anger, then bonks him on the head with her newly regenerated arm, Johan lets out a defeated sigh as his swords dissapear from his hands.

"Alright then... What is your plan, smartass?" He turns to Helena with an annoyed expression.

"I don't know... I will try something though..." She claps her hands together and summons a geyser of water from the ground, destroying the road and pushing the people away.

They now rush through the streets, eventually leaving the town as people follow them up until they reach some ruins within a dark forest. They stop near the ruins to catch their breath, discussing the next course of action between themselves as they look around the creepy forest they have rushed into.

It is the middle of the day, the forest is relatively normal apart from the abundant manna that can be sensed throughout the forest, they walk some time, before reaching a downwards slope, they slide down through the thorny bushes, no animals in sight as they reach further into the deep forest.

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Hours pass without a word as night falls and cold air fills the forest, they decide to start a fire and rest in the forest, they gather around the bright campfire as the sounds of the crackling flames and nightly creatures is only able to be heard. Many minutes pass in silence before Helena finally decides to speak.

"So... How do we know we are headed in the right direction?"

"Well... According to a map i had used before i met Qiang... We should be going in the right direction." Johan says, slightly impatiently.

"Wait a second... Did you remember the whole map?!" She stares in disbelief.

"Well... Yes, i lost the map a while back. Must have fallen out."

"That's amazing! You never told me you had such a great memory! I'm kinda jealous now..." She says, almost acting like a little kid.

"Anyway, let's not waste any more time... What do you think happened in that town...?" Johan leans closes to the fire as he asks, the fire eluminating his face.

This shuts down every word as only silence followed, later, Helena merely said "Lucifer".

"Can you elaborate?" Johan looks over at her.

"Lucifer is, well... Was, an immortal. One of the greatest ones as he was given the title of "lightbringer". As he was defeated in the war of the previous era, three seals were placed on him if he were to ever return to life. The first seal limited his power over gravity, the second taking away him immortality, and the third, taking away "Calamity"." Helena says, "his blood however, is known for having a powerful effect on people, even giving people power and taking over people's minds."

"How do you know all that..?" Johan tilts his head at Helena.

"As a former Principle, one of Lucifer's closest people, i am supposed to know all that is going on and the history of Lucifer's power so i could better know how to carry out his plans. Lucifer, however, made sure no Principle knew more than they should, that went for me too."

"So... Do you mean..?" Qiang adds more wood to the fire as he asks.

"Yes, he likely added his own blood to the ear pieces so they could control people better, he took over their minds and from what i know... It's very likely that he will attack Archos next..."

"So, how do we stop him?"

"We will leave first thing in the morning and go to revive Johan's friend, then, we will leave to Archos before Lucifer does anything."

They all nod, shortly before going to sleep, the fire is finally out as they wake up at dawn and leave, they walk for nearly half a day through many dangerous traps and kill some dangerous animals as they leave the endless amount of trees, reaching a paved road that looks to be leading to a mansion.

TO BE CONTINUED...