In the deep valley, a scene of utter devastation unfolded, forever altering the once majestic landscape and the towering mountains that stood as silent sentinels.

As though an invisible power had let loose its wrath onto the land, this catastrophic occurrence had left no stone untouched in its wake. The once-proud mountains were in ruins, their shattered summits dispersed across the valley plain.

The valley itself showed signs of the earthquake; deep fissures had been engraved into the ground, as if Xelgar had writhed in pain.

Every step sent a tremor through feet, a continual reminder that earthquakes had transformed the very bedrock of this region.

Two bodies sprawled across the destroyed ground in the middle of the ruin, bearing the marks of the terrible conflict they had just experienced.

It was as if destiny had put them to the ultimate test, on the verge of utter destruction.

The Sword Emperor's gaze shifted towards Vespara, a warrior whose indomitable spirit refused to succumb to the devastating injuries she had sustained. Half of her right shoulder and leg were torn, leaving a grim reminder of the fierce struggle that had taken place.

Around Vespara's wounds, a smoky residue lingered, a makeshift remedy to temporarily stem the bleeding and provide a momentary respite from the pain.

"Why did the Blood Dragon not kill us?" He asked.

A barrage of wounds had damaged and battered his body. With one arm missing, he struggled to find a sitting position, the pain coursing through him.

"He knew we might have a trump card to use if we ever felt we were about to die," Vespara replied.

"How powerful he has become; it seems he was right. To catch him next time, we need everyone."

"What do you expect from a Grade VIII mage going serious and having a fucking huge ass Dragon that is more like an artifact," she said, her annoyance clearly visible on her face.

Their crystal balls buzzed with an intense vibration, synchronously signaling a message that sent a chill down their spines: "The Prince is dead."

"T... this, how is this possible?"

"I don't know anything right now. I am going home to get some rest and regenerate my body. I can't handle the royals and their drama tonight," Vespara replied.

Without delay, a thick cloud of black smoke surrounded her, hiding her from sight. Then, as if sucked up by the air itself, she disappeared, leaving the Sword Emperor alone.

Meanwhile at the Waterfall Valley,

Under the clear night sky, Isabella, Daisy, and Aizel sat around a fire, enjoying the smell of the meat sizzling on a makeshift grill and the company of one another.

Glasses of spirits were raised in their hands as they shared laughter and stories, basking in the tranquil ambiance of the open field.

With the children safely tucked away in their cozy tent, the three of them relished this precious moment of serenity before the dawn would cast its gentle light upon the world.

A veil of black smoke materialized before them, revealing Vespara lying on the ground, her body adorned with a cloak that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows.

Aizel and Daisy were quick to react, their worry evident as they ran over to check on Vespara's injured body.

"Oi oi oi hag, wake up..."

"Is that... you pretty boy?" She made a weak motion, reaching out with a shaky hand to touch Aizel's cheek.

Aizel instinctively grasped her fragile palm, his eyes filled with deep concern as he gazed at her.

"Tell me who did this to you, and I will fucking rip him apart."

"hehe.. cough if the person was able to almost kill me, then what will you do, pretty boy? You are still a Grade II mage."

Isabella, who had been standing back and watching them, gasped in disbelief.

How is he still a Grade II mage and yet so strong? What sort of monster has War Goddess trained?" she thought.

"Please don't leave me, Vespara. I am sorry. I always call you hag and never treat you well.

"You have helped me a lot; we both still have a long way to go. Remember, you wanted my help with something? I will help you even if I have to fight this whole damn world.

"For me, you all are most important; I don't care about a single soul other than you all.

"I never had anyone in my whole life, please don't leave me."

"Awww pretty boy, give me a kiss quickly before I depart to the other side."

With a swift motion, Daisy firmly grasped Aizel's arm and promptly yanked him backward, creating a safe distance between him and Vespara.

"She is fine Aizel.

"Vespara, don't make fun of his feelings," Daisy said.

"AHHHH Come on, I finally had a chance to kiss him, and you ruined it, Daisy."

Vespara got to her feet quickly, a renewed strength flooding her body.

Her appearance betrayed no signs of the intense battle she had just endured against a formidable Grade VIII mage; she seemed completely rejuvenated, as if untouched by the fight.

"Y... You hag, why do you have to make a joke about your life too?" Aizel shouted.

Vespara charged forward toward Aizel and wrapped him in an intense hug.

He felt pressed up against her bosom as he struggled to break free of her hold; nevertheless, her Grade VII mage talents combined with her physical strength made her an unbreakable force.

"I finally know how much you love me, pretty boy. Tell me what you need."

"Which type of potion do you want, or is it me you want in the bed?"

"Save me, save me from this hag..."

Daisy released a sigh, while Isabella observed the scene with a blend of bewilderment and astonishment.

The unexpected display of affection from Vespara towards Aizel left her questioning the behavior of the War Goddess and pondering what could possibly be amiss between them.

"Who did you fight?" Aizel asked, glancing at her from the cleavage area still in her embrace.

"Oldie," Vespara replied, glancing down at him with a sweet smile.

"Why did you fight him?"

"We were just stalling sword emperor and the other noble heads,"

"For what?"

"So that someone could kill the prince. I must say he did a brilliant job getting rid of him along with another noble head."

"WHAT!"historical