After two days of traveling, Count William and Lylie finally arrived in the town of Vigan.

Vigan is situated in the east of Shahara Kingdom, being the closest town to that of any other. It's much larger than Elridge with population and economic growth second only to Shahara. People like to call it the "weirdest town" in the Human Empire, mainly because of its people having an occupation not related to magic at all like wood carver, carriage driver, carpenter etc.

Citizen's living here of course use magic but they use it mainly for utilizing their job better and for protection nothing else. People didn't know why and didn't intend to dig deeper as it was nothing more important than killing the demons.

Nonetheless, Vigan became famous for its wooden carved product, be it different items, sword, arrows, bow, any kind of weapons, their creation is valued more than any other. Not only that it also became known as the carriage capital of the human empire with its many different carriages getting pulled by different fast creatures.

It also became the stop of the people going to the Kingdom of Shahara from the Capital since the last train station of the West is situated here than in Shahara for security and safety of the people in the Kingdom from slipping of cunning demons that can turn themselves as human and mask their demonic energy. If the station was built in the Kingdom it's no doubt that they could sneak in given the number of people going and coming inside.

As Count William and his daughter Lylie left through the stone gates of the station, their eyes widened in awe at the picturesque scene that unfolded before them.

The bustling streets of Vigan were lined with buildings made of brick and stone. Intricately wooden designed balconies adorned the facades, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the townsfolk despite the existence of magic.

The cobblestone pathways added to its charm, resonating with the echoes of footsteps and the occasional clip-clop of horses' hooves.

Count William looked over the hive of activity that was the town plaza. The male villagers are dressed in simple looking tunics and trousers while the ladies wore a chemise. They went about their daily chores as merchants enticed passersby with goods-laden wooden carts. A lovely ambiance was created by the melodic sounds of minstrels playing spirited tunes on stringed instruments as they filled the air.

A nearby bakery's perfume of freshly made bread mixed with the fragrance of flowering flowers decorating window ledges and balconies. The harmonious fusion of sights, sounds, and smells that filled the air and transported Count William to a new world made him grin.

"It's still as beautiful as the first time I saw it," Count William marveled, his voice a hint of admiration. Lylie, her eyes sparkling with wonder, nodded in agreement beside him. They both took a moment to appreciate the charm and uniqueness of this town.

As they admired the beauty of Vigan, a carriage stopped before them pulled by a scaled winged horse. The carriage, embellished with elaborate carvings and gold accents, projected elegance and grandeur. Its polished wooden wheels gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting the rich hues of the surrounding architecture.

Soon after A brown skinned man wearing a suit got out of the carriage. He remove his hat above his head, placed it on his chest and bowed in a respectful manner

"Count Roswell, Miss Lylie I am the one that Valet Richard Dawson sent to come and get you..." he said in a deep voice, gesturing towards the carriage "Valet Richard sent his apologies as he is currently handling the last matters you assigned him to. Please come inside the earlier we arrived at the Shahara the better and safer it would be"

"Although I guarantee that you would arrive there safe and sound, it's still better to remain cautious as we don't know what the demons think" he added in a confident and serious tone.

Cautious but confident, huh? I like it...Come to think of it, he looks a lot like Richard but much younger. Hmm...As far as I know Shahara was Richard's hometown...Yeah, He should be the younger brother he's always talking about Count William responded in a nod and smile. As he made his way towards the carriage, Richard's brother opened the door, revealing a plush interior adorned with rich velvet upholstery and intricately embroidered curtains.

Richard's brother extended his hand to help the Earl but Count William rejected it and instead offered his hand to his sweet little daughter helping her step into the carriage, ensuring her comfort and safety.

"My most dazzling gem please get inside.." he accompanied with a smile.

Lylie look at him for a moment and then take his offer, placing his hand above his father's. Count William followed after, Next was Richard's brother carrying their luggage. Once settled inside, they were enveloped in a cocoon of luxury and tranquility. The soft cushions provided respite and the elegant motion of the hand of Richard's brother as he signaled for the coachman to start their journey added to the enchanting ambiance.

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"By the way, you haven't properly introduced yourself",Count William suddenly said.

Richard's brother, who had been diligently preparing the tea, froze on the spot upon hearing the Count's words. He slowly straightened up, his eyes meeting Count William's gaze. With a polite and respectful demeanor, he bowed his head and replied, "Forgive me, Your Grace. My name is Sebastian Dawson, 26 years old....Dark Orange core mage and As you know I am Richard's younger brother and I am honored to be the one of service to you and your family."

I knew that the Dawson Family was strong but I never knew that they were this strong. Let's exclude the possibilities that his talent is due to the fact that he's Richard's brother but A dark Orange core mage at the age of 26? Interesting...Count William nodded appreciatively, acknowledging Sebastian's introduction.

The Dawson Family is a known family in the south, famous for its butlers and valets. They're business was focused mainly on providing their personal trained butlers and valets for noble families, making them have a booming reputation and influence becoming the strongest family in the south. Richard and Sebastian come from that family but they're not connected by blood to them. It was due to the fact that any butlers and valets that passed their training and examination would bear their surname, representing the family.

As Sebastian poured Count William a tea in a fluid movement, he said in passing " Your grace, I know quite a lot of history about this place and I take great pride in sharing it. If there's anything else I can assist you with any particular place you want to see and can stop by, please do not hesitate to let me know."

Count William took the cup of tea from Sebastian and then he glanced at Lylie, who had been peering through the ornate windows, taking in the sight and sounds of the bustling town. He then turned his attention back to Sebastian. "We've had a long journey and I really hope we arrive at Shahara as soon as possible, As I have a feeling that I will have a very important matter that I need to take care of. It's quite a shame but the next time we come here I hope that you could recommend us some place"

"Of course it will be my pleasure," Sebastian answered in a warm smile. He has a feeling that he will have an important matter to attend to? I wonder what it means, he silently added to his heart.

***

Inside of one of the chambers in the arena

A topless man could be seen in the center sitting on a lotus position. He's breathing in a calm and relaxed manner with his long white hair draped over to his well refined muscular body. He has two horns above his head as sweat trickles down from his forehead. Beside him was a long sword reflecting the orange sunlight that shone through the small window.

Suddenly the man opened his eyes revealing two crimson deeper than rubies itself. He stood up from his position as he picked up the long sword beside him.

He positioned himself with his right foot on the front and left foot on the back. He held the sword with both of his hands and swung it.

Swoosh!

One.Two.Three.Four...He swung the sword that seemed to threaten to tear the air continuously. It was sharp, precise and fluid even though he's just swinging it vertically. His biceps and calves were bulging with every swing that he made, not breaking to his stance.

He continued to do it a lot of times until the sun went out and changed with the crescent moon that cast a dim light below. The man swung his sword while basking through this moonlight that peeked through the small window.

Suddenly the man changed his stance, he cut the air with his sword with weird and swift motion. The movement was so fast and nimble that only his shadow could follow. He seemed to be dancing but his footsteps were quiet with only the swinging of swords could be heard.

Slash! Swoosh!

He kept it up until his breathing became ragged, finishing the movement with a pierce thrust. After that he lay on the wall and dropped his sword on the floor. He looked up and saw the wall filled with red sword's mark, forming a bloody crescent moon that seemed to be five centimeters deep. It's so shocking since the man only swings his sword in the air not touching anything but the man looks at it with his eyes filled with nothing but disappointment.

Soon after his breathing returned to normal, he remained motionless, lying against the wall. His gaze fixated on the moon outside, as if searching for solace in its gentle glow.

"Leia... Please forgive me," he murmured, his voice trembling with sorrow. "I... I couldn't protect you. I am weak. Our son... Our daughter... I couldn't shield them from harm."

Tears streamed down his cheeks, mingling with the anguish etched on his face. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry that you have a husband consumed by greed and self-pity. I'm sorry that you have me..."

His voice grew faint, choked with remorse. "Perhaps you are calling out to me from paradise, alongside the Great Azkael. But don't worry, I will join you so-" His words were interrupted by a fit of coughing, and he expelled a mouthful of crimson liquid. Blood also trickled from his nose.

With trembling hands, he reached for his chest, clutching it tightly, as if trying to contain the pain within. "This... This is it," he gasped. "Don't worry, this sacrifice is for our son..."

He struggled to speak, his breathing growing labored. "Xhin, my son... Keep fighting. Never give up... I know you will rise and conquer the heavens one day..." Jin's once-handsome face was now marked by the weight of time, his once-crimson eyes losing their luster. "This is for you... I know you will come and find it here... It is your destiny, from the moment you were born..."

As his final words escaped his trembling lips, Jin's breathing grew faint and relaxed until it ceased altogether. His crimson eyes turned empty, devoid of life, and his hand fell from his chest to the cold floor.

His lifeless body lay drenched in blood, the crimson stain prominent on his chest, a crescent moon-shaped symbol etched in his flesh, mirroring the one on the wall.

The moonlight bathed the lifeless form of Jin Ascoff, casting an ethereal glow upon his cold body. Under the watchful gaze of the crescent moon, tonight marked the end of Jin's journey.

Jin Ascoff finally accompanied his wife and departed this world.