As a few days passed uneventfully, Samael found himself questioning what he knew even more. Spiraling into confusion as he pried deeper.

After confirming Vapad's innocence, he was left with no one to blame. He did not know or have any hints as to who could possibly be the culprit.

Samael massaged the bridge of his nose as he released a sharp breath. A bloody headache pestering his head.

The situation of the Georgo road was uplifted a little when they arrived. But their progress was soon slowed down again.

Samael was pretty sure it was because of the mole. Otherwise, how could the enemy know their move?

But he could not afford to jump to conclusions anymore. This time, he'll remain calm. He has already failed once, he cannot fail again.

That being said, Samael must first confirm the Liesco Knights situation. Hopefully, they managed to get out safely and return with the information at hand.

But he must do so without informing anyone. Samael was fairly certain the mole would get even more cautious if he knew Samael was still alive.

This time, he must move in the shadows.

***

As nightfall arrived, Samael found himself sitting on a wooden desk with Vapad and the kids. In front of them was the meat stew the priest had cooked. Its mouth watering aroma filling the room.

The kids were rowdy, chatting away and filling the candlelit room with their innocence as Vapad sat down.

"Shall we pray?" The priest said as he took the kids hands.

However, Samael shook his head in refusal.

"Why don't you pray, mister?" Eva asked.

Samael remained silent for a few seconds as he stared at the candle flame.

"...I suppose I do not like the feeling of leaving my faith in something I've never personally seen or felt," Samael answered in a hushed tone.

After their prayers, the kids began to eat with vigor. Clawing through the food and leaving not a single drop.

Samael did the same, but he left a little bit for the kids to share.

"Ah, please finish your food, sir Samael. The kids are plenty full," Vapad said as he scratched his head.

"No, it's okay. Let the kids have their fill," Samael replied.

"Well, if that is the case, kids, what do you say to Mr. Samael?" Vapad asked.

"Thank you, mister!" The kids said in unison as they dived into the remaining stew.

Seeing this, Samael excused himself as he rose up and made his way outside. There he sat on a wooden log resting on the ground, watching the stars glitter in the night sky.

His mind was burdened. So was his heart. The innocence of the kids reminded Samael of her sweet smile. Oh, how he longed to see her again. To forget all his troubles just like before.

Samael silently grasped the ruby-red necklace dangling on his neck, caressing its smooth surface as the glimmer of the stars in the starry night sky shone in his pupils.

The beautiful gems in the sky reminded him of their promise. It gave Samael solace in such trying times.

Gathering his resolve, Samael shifted his focus to his arm.

My regeneration is going well. Fortunately, Vapad had purification; otherwise, I might have just lost my arm, Samael thought.

If all goes well, he should be able to use his arm soon, albeit not to its full extent. But a damaged arm is better than not having one.

I must return Samael thought.

To fix what needs fixing, he must go back.

"Mister?" A voice called to Samael, luring his attention back.

Eva slowly approached Samael, a cup lying in her hand.

"Uncle Vapad said to give this to you," Eva said.

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"Thank you," Samael said as he took the steaming cup.

"Why are you sad?" Eva asked.

"I'm not sad," Samael denied.

"But your eyes looked sad," the girl insisted.

Samael's eyes shifted towards the beautiful moon as he answered. "I'm not sad. I'm just remembering a promise."

"What promise?" The kid asked as she came closer.

Seeing this, Samael tapped the log beside him, making the girl sit down.

"A promise bound by blood—one I can never break," Samael replied.

"Like a pinky promise?" Eva wondered.

"Yes, like a pinky promise..."

***

As a few more days passed, Samael was able to finally move his arm. However, he could not swing it or apply too much force, as he could feel a sharp pain emanating from it.

But he is now able to grab things with just the right amount of strength.

"I have never been more glad to hold something," Samael uttered to himself as he grasped Crimson Raven's hilt.

"Are you leaving soon, sir?" Vapad asked behind Samael.

Samael shot a look over his shoulder.

"Yes, I have to," he answered.

"I figured that much. Being with you for a few days, I realised you're not one to idle around," Vapad said as he walked closer.

"Here, this was made by the kids," Vapad said as he opened his palm, revealing a straw doll decorated with all sorts of ornaments.

"As you can figure, they gave what little possessions they have in making this," Vapad said.

Samael gently took the doll, examining it with care.

"Give the kids my thanks," Samael said as he tucked it in his pocket.

"I will," Vapad said before he left.

It was still dark outside. The morning has yet to come. Samael chose to depart at this hour to not burden anyone.

He knows the kids have grown rather attached to him. This was for the best.

That being said, Samael also left tonnes of rations for Vapad and the kids. With that much food and water, they should be able to eat plenty for the next month or so.

As Samael finished his preparations, he took a final look at the worn-down house before he dove into the dark forest ahead.

Samael's footsteps echoed in the forest as he bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon. After staying there for a week or so, Samael has managed to pinpoint the location of the house.

As he suspected, it was not too deep. It was in the middle of the safer regions. Not only that, but Samael used the road Vapad often used. If he kept to his pace, he should arrive before the light of day even touched the horizon.

Samael traversed the forest in silence, with only his thoughts keeping him company. Sensing there were no threats, he had no need to keep his senses sharp.

As he closed the distance feet by feet, Samael enjoyed the wind brushing his face along with its whispers in his ears.

Soon, seconds passed by like the breeze coming and going. Eventually turning to minutes as Samael halted his steps.

I am back, Samael thought.

Samael inhaled deeply before he casted.

"Abyss walk."

As his aura darkened, he set off. Stealthily blending with the shadows of the night as he passed by the guards keeping the gates safe,.

He slithered his way through as he found himself before his tent. It was untouched, just like he remembered.

Entering inside, Samael noticed two letters sitting beside his bed. Judging by the dust accumulating on its surface, it was probably a few days old.

He carefully picked the two up, examining the envelopes with keen observation.

From Ajax and from Ashley Samael read.

Without making as much noise, Samael pried open the envelopes, revealing the contents.

Samael's gaze weaved back and forth, his brows furrowing as he saw the words written in them.

Both contained bad news.

The first letter from Ajax said that the officials were starting to get worried and impatient.

This was mostly because of Ajax's presence, giving them the idea that they could finally clear the road. But another factor was that the wolves have started advancing further.

Ajax says it might not be long before an all-out attack occurs, seeing how the knights are organising the largest attack group he's seen ever since they arrived.

But there were no mentions of the intelligence he gathered.

Did they not receive it? What happened? Samael wondered.

On the second note that came from Ashley, another bad news lay.

Apparently, Yuin had gone on a scouting mission deeper down the Georgia road. However, it has been a few weeks since his last update.

There have been no signs of him whatsoever, so they sent a tracker for him.

Could that be the man I encountered back in front of my tent? He said he had an important mission he could not reveal even to me, Samael thought.

Unfortunately, even that tracker had gone silent just a few days ago. Ashley fears something worse is at play.

Samael massaged his temple in exasperation. He was merely gone for a week, and this much had already happened.

But there was no point in dwelling on it. He knows his first move.

Samael silently left his tent with the notes in his pockets as he made his way to tent 46. Without knocking, he made his way in, revealing the sleeping knights.

Without uttering a word, he tapped Portugal a couple times, waking the man up from his slumber.

"Wh... Huh... What's going on...?" He groggily muttered in confusion as he opened his eyes, albeit slightly.

"It's me, Samael," Samael replied.

"Sama, who?" Portugal asked as he brushed his eyes, clearing them out before he took another glance.

Then his face paled.

"Samael!" He shouted, waking up the other knights.

Samael swiftly covered his mouth.

"Shh! Don't attract the guards!" He silenced the man.

Portugal nodded a couple of times.

"I thought you were dead!" Portugal said.

"I survived. But I don't have much time," Samael said.

As the other knights woke up, Samael did the same, as their reaction was no different from that of their captain.

"What do you mean you don't have time?" Portugal said.

"Where are the informations I gathered?" Samael asked.

"It... It was left behind. When you left, another wave struck us blind. Some of us are still injured from it," Portugal said.

"We fled as fast as we could, and in the chaos, we left the intelligence back there," he said.

A heavy sigh escaped Samael's lips. It cannot be helped. They had to save themselves first before getting the information.

That intel could still be there, Samael hoped.

But it was an opportunity.

Yuin's last update was near that place. They could also sweep the place for him and hit two birds with one stone.

"Everyone listen," Samael called.

The Liesco knights gathered in a circle as they shifted their focus to Samael.

"I'll give you till morning to prepare. Afterwards, I'll meet you at the forest near the camp. We'll delve deep and retrieve that information. Once I get it, you leave and return it back," Samael said.

The Liesco knights nodded in unison.

"I'll take my leave now," Samael said as he vanished in the dark.

Hopefully, this time things will go their way.