Xandas returned to his feet in triumph however there was no expression of victory on his face, instead a grave look remained.

Ava felt even more nervous for her father as Elex regarding him calmly seeming unperturbed by her fathers victory.

“Elex just let us go, you know them better than I do, I was stupid for thinking my daughter can have a life inside the capital, don’t let her be punished for her fathers mistakes.” Her fathers pleading seemed to move Elex but it was not enough.

“Xandas, I respect you, you are a true elf, unlike that fool.” Elex said gesturing down to the fallen Algar before continuing, “Though you know I can’t let you go, their influence runs deeper than you think, why else do you think we sat back and let them be? We’re trapped as much as the ignorant, few of us have our mental faculties, it’s not worth the price to save one girl that needs time to grow, time we don’t have.”

Her Father face seemed to turn gloomy upon realising he cannot change his resolve, trying one last time he said, “Elex…”

“Enough! Whatever you say will not convince me, prepare your blade.” Elex replied.

Her Father gripped his blade intently, however deep down he knew this was a battle he cannot win, Elex was far stronger than Algar yet he did not waver as he faced the crushing aura from Elex.

Nonetheless despite Xantas’s determination to protect his daughter this was a fight he had no chance in from the start.

All Ava saw was a blur as her Father’s body was thrown backwards, his sword snapped into two from the force of meeting Elex’s swing, a large gash was left on his chest as his armour was left shredded beyond recognition.

Ava screamed as she saw her Father’s prone body as he appeared still.

“You monster!” Ava shouted at Elex in frustration, tears started to spill from her little face.

She couldn’t hold it no more. First her mother, second Hoatan who is likely also dead and now her Father laid before her, bleeding out on the floor from trying to protect her.

It was all her fault, if only she was strong enough they wouldn’t have had to die in order to save her.

‘Pay attention Ava, your father still lives…’ Cense voice filled her mind.

It was then she noticed despite the grievous wound, her Father chest was still rhythmically going up and down.

“He’s alive…” Ava breathed a sigh of relief however she forgot about the one who put him like that in the first place.

Elex sighed looking at Xantas’s prone body as he said, “You truly are talented in swordsmanship, that strike was to kill the fact you managed to block me despite my cultivation being magnitudes stronger is a testament to you. Maybe in a hundred or so years you’d surpass me, but alas it seems your fate is to die here.”

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Elex gaze hardened as he walked to Xantas, his sword raised as he was prepared to finish off his opponent.

However at that moment his demeanour changed to one in surprise and shock, raising his blade he swung it in another direction, behind him towards the charging behemoth that appeared out of no where.

“Fiend Bear” Elex shouted in apprehension as his sword uselessly bounced off the bears hide.

The Fiend Bear roared before it swatted at him with its huge paw sending him flying.

Elex felt a wave of apprehension as he felt the force of the strike, shouting, “What the hell is a Fiend Bear doing here?”

Ava looked upon the huge bear with a wave of fear. The bear would not look small even next to the giant Forest Wyrm.

She was wondering if their situation just got even worse. Her Father was left injured on the ground meaning she could not get away even if she wanted too, since it would be a terrible idea for a young child to run around in a forest filled with magical beasts.

If Elex was able to beat the bear, then she would end up a prisoner by the Royal Clan, her Father would die and if the bear won they’d all end up dead.

She was starting to ponder if ending up in a bears stomach was better than living as a prisoner for the rest of her life.

That was when the bears eyes met her and she found it looked strangely familiar.

‘Hello young in, sorry for your master being late, I was delayed…’ A voice sounded in her mind.

Did the bear just speak? Wait didn’t he sound just like…

‘Your thinking correctly, Arwen’s a Druid, which is a very rare class, not exactly a mage but related in ways. Looks like he’s been following us…’ Cense said with clear enthusiasm in his voice.

It was then Elex seemed to notice something too.

“Damned Druid! I know those eyes anywhere, a Druid meddling in the Royal Clans business, are you damn crazy!” Elex cursed in frustration as he struggled to hold back the bears rampant attacks.

Arwen replied in a grizzly, deep voice, “Better than trading your morals to serve those who have betrayed our ways, the Royal Clan has long stopped acting like true elves.”

Elex held of sadness knowing Arwen was right, however he could not go back now, not after everything he did.

Knowing this was a fight he was never going to win it would be best to retreat and get reinforcements.

Nonetheless right when the thought of retreating came upon his mind, he felt himself being suddenly binded by thick vines.

“You should pay attention to your surroundings young one, well maybe next time…” Arwen voice sounded before he felt his vision go black as the bear paw closed in on his face.

With Elex slumped in the bindings of vegetation unconscious, the bear turned around to regard Ava and her prone father.

Ava was about to open her mouth to ask a barrage of questions however she was interrupted by Arwen before she can do so.

“I will answer whatever questions you may have, but first I will need to act with haste if I want to save your Fathers life, he is almost gone, to take a full powered attack from a cultivator multiple tiers above him, it’s miracle enough he’s still breathing.” Arwen deep voice sounded.

Ava found herself nodding realising the precariousness of the situation.

Seeing her mentor as a big bear was the last of her worries, at least she seemed to be saved; well for now.