The entire Rosewell castle was buzzing from within as everyone prepared for the battle. Hunters were also hired, and the same was going on at Paul's family castle.

They had already been informed by spies and hunters that Rosewell would be paying them a visit. The hunters were debating who they should fight for.

They only considered benefits and rewards; it didn't matter who was right or wrong.

They were tense because they knew their decision could have serious consequences. They were, however, adamant about making the best decision for themselves and their families.

Rosewell Family Castle...

Inside one of the luxurious rooms, Leah was preparing herself for the upcoming battle.

She stared in the mirror wearing light blue leather armor that emphasized every curve on her body.

In the mirror, she saw a young girl with long blonde hair playing with her father and her brother.

"I know what I'm doing is wrong, and I know you wouldn't be proud of it if you were here.

"But this is the only way; even if I have to sacrifice every life in this town, I will gladly do it." She said.

She exhaled deeply and left the room, determined to carry out her plan and fulfill her twisted sense of purpose. As she concentrated on the mission, the image of the young girl in the mirror faded.

In the Grand Hall,

historical

The family mages were gathered around and chatting among themselves. Leah's mother was engaged in conversation with two men who gave off a stronger aura than the rest of them.

"So, sister, is that him?"

"Yes brother, he is kind of frustrated right now, as you can see, so it's better not to include him in the planning." Leah's mother told her brother.

Her brother stood about 6 feet tall, with broad shoulders, short blonde hair, and sharp blue eyes that stared at Aizel.

"Hoho, Yelena, your daughter has found someone really worthy." The old man said as he stroked his long beard.

"Yes, father," Yelena replied.

She was proud of her daughter, who matured at a young age. When compared to her son, she was clearly on a different level.

Daisy approached Aizel, who was sitting in the corner, closing and opening his fist slowly and repeatedly, while the Rosewell were discussing among themselves.

"The kids are asleep in the room," she said sitting next to Aizel.

Aizel nodded and sighed.

"I should have not left them alone at night; if something happens to her, I won't be able to forgive myself for it," Aizel said, as tears started running down his cheeks.

"A man should never show his weak side in front of anyone," Daisy said, wiping his tears.

"What will kids think of you if they see you like this?"

"I just hope nothing happens to her before I get there."

"Don't worry, Aizel, you shouldn't think about that; instead, think about how you can save her and bring her back to us."

Aizel nodded in agreement at Daisy's advice. The grand hall door suddenly opened and Leah entered with Alisha and Thomas.

"What is Alisha doing with her? Is she going to participate?" Aizel asked.

"Yeah...something like that," Daisy replied with a shaky smile.

Leah approached her mother and informed her that everything was ready and they could attack the Paul family castle in the evening.

*****

All the hunters had gathered around the castle gate and were talking amongst themselves. There was a chance that some of their friends or known ones from the town could fight against each other.

But, for the people of Xelgar, benefits, and powers came first. People here were so cruel that they would go against their own families without hesitation.

Aizel hadn't witnessed even a percentage of what Xelgar had to offer, and had no idea what the future held for him. But for the time being, his focus was solely on one thing.

As he walked towards the castle gate, he exuded the aura of a beast ready to bare his fangs.

The hunters made way for him because they didn't want to mess with him right now. The fact that Aizel was a Grade II mage was already well-known among them.

His feats with Leah—killing the Grade II Monkey King and then killing the Goblin King with his army—along with Paul's family elder Tristian and the Paul family's eldest son Tintin put him ahead of everyone else.

Aizel's reputation as a powerful mage preceded him, and his recent victories only enhanced his enigma.

"Hey, isn't that Aizel? Is he also taking part?" Alisme noticed him in the crowd.

"Yes, he is the cause of what is happening," Nathan replied to her.

"Let's go and meet him," Harry said while he alone headed towards Aizel.

Nathan and Alisme raised their brows, not wanting to meet Aizel for the time being but still followed Harry.

"Hey Aizel brother, are you alright?" Harry spoke casually, placing his hand on Aizel's shoulder.

Aizel was already frustrated and irritated, but when he saw Harry, he relaxed a little.

"Harry, I have a favor to ask," Aizel said.

"Yes, brother, I will go to any length for you." Harry smiled.

"Follow me from afar, and when I call, come help me," Aizel said.

"Sure brother."

"Why are you both participating in it?" Aizel asked looking towards Alisme and Nathan.

"Of course, for the rewards; what else would be the reason?" Nathan replied.

"What about Lucas? Did you find where he went?" Aizel asked.

"Yeah, about him; he has been missing ever since the goblin raid. No one knows where he went."

Lucas had been close to Harry for many years, and now that he had gone missing, he couldn't seem to do anything to find him. It frustrated him greatly.

"Maybe after this, we can ask Leah for help, maybe she can help us with that," Aizel said, trying to comfort him.

"ARE YOU ALL READY?" Leah's thunderous voice resounded in the area commanding everyone to look at her.

She was dressed in her light blue leather armor, with her mother behind her. It was obvious that Leah would be in charge of the mission.