Ali had Tian spill everything that had happened. He was so certain that, with Tian not returning to him, his two companions would be fine. He hadn’t expected to see Tian appear before him as soon as he entered the summoner realm. The more he listened, the more he couldn’t bring himself to look at the air serpent. He then felt tears rolling down his cheeks uncontrollably but he didn't bother stopping it.

All I did was hide and hope to survive. Svenne, he was a hero. He was thinking about us the whole time.

The idea of Svenne purposely distracting the enemy into traps and taking a few down with him made Ali clench his fist. The teenager forced himself to hear every word. Then, he simply sat down facing the ground. Tian said a few things but he ignored the air serpent.

You were a fool, Svenne. You were the best leader we could have gotten. It’s a shame we parted so soon.

Ali thought back to the memories they had together. He placed his right hand over his chest, wondering why they separated so soon. After what felt like an hour, he stood up and faced Tian.

“This isn’t time for me to be so worthless,” he said as he got into his stance. “How is Kamis doing?”

Tian dodged an air slash and closed the distance for a strike.

“He reached the base and is waiting for you,” said the air serpent as he missed his attack and dodged a second air slash. "He said he believes that you'll make there safely."

“We started with four and now there are only the two of us.”

After landing a few wind blasts on the air serpent, Ali went in for close combat. He, envisioning Tian as one of the red uniform mercenaries, attacked relentlessly. His relentless attack only halted when magnificent flames shot out of his fist. He stared down at his fist, forgetting all about the bout he was having.

“What…what was that?”

Ali checked with Tian and his companion verified that flames came out of his fist. The two of them couldn’t figure out where that ability came from. After a short brainstorming session, the air serpent reminded Ali about his talisman and the red outer ring.

“I didn’t pick an ability…that’s so unfair! Why was the ability picked for me?”

“It’s probably a strong ability. You can check when you’re awake…and once you’re safe.”

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The teenager completely forgot that he wasn’t safe yet. He was inside a hollow tree but he could still be discovered. Luckily for him, Tian could keep an eye on him while he slept so, for the time being, there were no enemies. The duo had a discussion before they agreed that he should get a full rest before he returned to the forest. There was a high likelihood that it would be dark out when he woke up but he would at least be rested and likely make better judgment. Before they returned to training, Ali turned to Tian.

“You didn’t inform me as soon as Svenne was killed, did you?”

Tian explained that the tall teenager pleaded with him to stay with Kamis. Even during his final hour, Svenne had the interests of his two roommates in mind. He knew the air serpent would struggle to find Kamis once he was unsummoned. In addition, Ali would be worried sick if Tian returned unexpectedly. Their leader stated that he hoped his sacrifice wouldn’t be in vain and the two of them would rise in ranks while finding happiness in their lives.

I won’t let you down, Svenne. I’ll become so strong that no one can harm me or those I care about.

A few hours later, Ali readied himself to wake up. He blinked and found himself inside the hollowed tree. Immediately, he summoned Tian to quickly scout the area. Meanwhile, he listened for anything out of place like footsteps. Yet, he could only hear the birds, insects and other wildlife that made the forest their home. Once Tian confirmed the coast was clear, the teenager headed in the direction of the swamp, keeping close to bushes and shrubs that he could hide behind if necessary. The darkness provided extra cover but it hindered his vision as well.

Please move ahead and let me know if you spot anything.

Ali wasn’t going to slow down too much because, the longer he stayed in the forest, the more likely he would encounter something dangerous. He had to cover as much ground as possible should the mercenaries be still around. Tian helped him at least know what was in front of him while informing him of tricky terrain ahead.

Must be nice to have the ability to see in the dark...

If his pursuers had a skilled tracker, then he could only rely on his speed to get away. He was relieved that the air serpent at least knew where the base was. He didn’t need to wander aimlessly, hoping to hit the jackpot.

We’re about to exit the forest, Ali. We should approach the base slowly. Don’t want you mistaken for a threat.

The teenager did as he was told. As soon as he exited the forest, he walked at a steady pace towards the base. He soon got the attention of the watchman who informed the soldiers of his presence. Before he knew it, Ali was surrounded by heavily armored men who all carried torches.

“What is your business, kid?” asked the one with the most authority.

“I went into hiding to avoid the pursuers,” said Ali. “I’m part of the liberation army.”

“Or you could be a spy sent to sabotage us.” The man brought his blade inches from Ali’s face. “I suggest you share whatever you know about those who ambushed us.”

“I belong to the liberation army,” said the teenager with as much conviction as he could. “If I know their whereabouts, I’ll be the first to tear out their throats.”

Svenne’s sacrifice won’t be in vain. I’ll also make sure to kill them in his name.