CHAPTER 323: TOO RISKY

Triavert had become their new goal, but Isiah faced a significant challenge: he had destroyed the ring tech that would have allowed them to navigate to that elusive destination.

The device was now nothing more than a pile of ruined circuits and metal scraps, rendering their journey into the unknown even more complicated.

Isiah knew that any attempt to use such technology again would put them at risk of being easily traced by the government.

He understood the gravity of the situation; they had to tread carefully and leave the shelter of the forest as soon as possible.

The forest had provided them with a sense of isolation and security, but Isiah was acutely aware that it couldn’t shield them forever.

The vastness of Afan held too many secrets, and the government’s watchful eye extended even into its deepest corners.

One pressing concern was Ciel’s status as a wanted individual. The authorities were undoubtedly relentless in their pursuit of him, and every moment spent in hiding increased the risk of discovery.

Isiah’s protective instincts towards him kicked in, and he vowed to keep Ciel safe, no matter the cost.

Moreover, they had to contend with the fact that they were being monitored in the lower regions by Afan’s authority.

The feeling of being constantly watched was suffocating, a reminder that there was no escape from the ever-watchful gaze of those in power and how sadistically they acted when they put them in those circumstances .

Based on the fragmentary map he had glimpsed within the remains of the destroyed ring tech that fateful night, Isiah managed to piece together some fragments of Afan’s history and geography.

They weren’t positioned in the heart of Afan, and he knew that finding their way there was crucial to their goals.

Lexie’s presence, on the other hand, had become a source of frustration for Isiah. He couldn’t help but view her as a liability.

In his eyes, she seemed to serve no tangible purpose in their group, other than being someone Ciel had insisted on bringing along.

Her perceived uselessness gnawed at him, but he understood that Ciel had his reasons for wanting her around.

Eijar, despite her growth, remained an enigma in terms of her powers. Isiah couldn’t shake the feeling that she held untapped potential, abilities yet to be discovered.

One thing was certain: Isiah needed to find a way to level up once more. His actions had left both Delwia’s Island and Emperium in chaos, and he was willing to accept the consequences of his choices.

But he also understood that he needed more power to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.

"We have to move," Isiah said calmly the moment he sensed Eijar drawing closer to him.

She seemed hesitant, her usual inclination to crawl on top of his neck momentarily subdued.

Isiah couldn’t help but notice the change in Eijar’s behavior, and a sarcastic smile graced his lips.

He spoke to her in a calm tone, "You can come here. I’d rather not raise my voice right now."

Eijar’s eyes lit up with joy at his words, and with surprising swiftness, she scurried up his body to reach his neck.

She approached this intimate space with a sense of territorial pride.

She even licked his neck , right under his ear with her split tongue as if marking her presence in her own unique way.

"You sure like to mess around," Isiah remarked firmly, and Eijar responded with a playful glint in her eyes. She brought her face closer to his ear and whispered, "You have no idea."

Isiah quickly redirected the conversation, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. "Focus here... we have to split right now."

Eijar, however, didn’t hide her reluctance. "I hate splitting, Master," she confessed, her loyalty and attachment to Isiah evident.

Isiah reassured her, recognizing her strength and significance within their group. "You are the strongest here. That girl is just useless, and the kid... the kid is still young. You, Eijar, you are a dark creature. I’m sure you’ll figure things out."

Eijar’s face brightened with a smile at Isiah’s acknowledgment of her strength and her transformed appearance. "When you put it like that," she responded with a newfound confidence.

Curiosity gleamed in her eyes as she turned the conversation back to Isiah. "And you, Master?"

Isiah’s answer was resolute, revealing his determination. "I will go back to the city."

Eijar couldn’t contain her concern, and she interrupted him with a hint of worry in her voice. "But they will hurt you, Master."

Isiah’s response was unwavering. "Do you think I’m scared? I’m not going to sit here and wait until they find me again."

Eijar sensed the determination in his voice but couldn’t help herself. She knew the dangers that awaited him in the city, and she wanted to protect him.

"Master," she began softly, "I understand your resolve, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’re a team, and we’ll find a way together. Your safety matters ."

"I am not going to jeopardize Ciel’s safety," Isiah reiterated, his voice carrying a tone of unwavering determination. "Triavert is the key. Gregor said that they can’t track us there because the place is underground, hidden from their surveillance. I have to find it."

He paused, considering the gravity of their situation. "Wandering around with a kid and an injured girl is just not the best idea, especially in this place. It’s different from what we’re used to. They have ways of seeing us, even when we can’t see them. It’s too risky."

Eijar, sensing Isiah’s resolve, couldn’t help but ask, "Are you going to tell Ciel? or even Lexie ...I think she deserves to know your next move "

Isiah paused for a moment, his expression unreadable. But then, without answering Eijar’s question, he turned and began to make his way through the dense forest. His silence spoke volumes, leaving Eijar with a sense of unease and uncertainty about the path they were about to embark on.