The strange invisible, metaphysical fight between Galina boosted by her dear Young Master and the unknown entity related to this whole corruption raged on.

From the outside the only thing that could be seen was that the light that shined from beneath the girl's skin continued flickering, losing and regaining its strength seemingly at random. At the same time, the girl, Galina was clearly struggling, her face was glistening with heavy beads of sweat. A faint tickle of a golden glimmer could be seen seeping into her body from the long black-haired young man's connected right palm, which even from a distance felt soothing, calming.

Like the first rays of the summer sun, the golden energy spread its comforting warmth to every soul under its domain. historical

Seconds soon turned into minutes as both sides struggled. Neither the dark formless entity nor the Galina and Aiden combo could gain a definite ground, a step closer to victory, slowly turning this previously hopeful quick attack into a battle of attrition.

Ultimately however, Galina with her nigh limitless reserves thanks to the constant support from his Young Master managed to slowly, but surely push against the servant of the void, lifting this heavy curse from the minds of the two girls.

It seemed that while the entity didn't want to give up its stolen minions easily, it didn't push too hard either and eventually gave up and retreated away. Perplexing as its actions may be, the group and Aiden didn't have the luxury of time to ponder and lament about it. With the veil gone, and their minds once again was freed from the haze, the twins, Ginny and Gilly finally reacted to the treatment.

Two soft groans escaping both their lips allowing their constipating Captain and the rest of their 'family' to heave a sigh of relief. Even without asking, they all knew: finally, the girls were safe.

—

"What do you make of that? Who could that person be, Sebas?" Looking from behind the large window frame in the study of the mansion, the Masked Mistress frowned under the mask. Though her expression remained hidden, the curve in her tone betrayed her frustration.

Even though just like the boy, she too was aware of the curse there wasn't any information she could gain in these last weeks. Other than seeing more and more signs of something sinister happening behind the scenes, there was nothing substantial. There were no leads, no clues which she could investigate.

Random altercations kept happening all around the city. Families suddenly turning against each other, thugs going rampant even attacking the guards on occasion. Guards growing greedier by the day, taking extra tolls, or bribes to overlook the actions of those with deeper pockets.

Thievery, robbery, murders, extortion, assaults.. The tendrils of darkness could be seen making its presence known all around the city. It was as if slowly, but surely everyone lost themselves in their own misery.

Still, no matter what happened, they never found anything. Even if they grabbed the perpetrator and examined him or her before the officials could have time to react, they never found anything. In almost every case, once the deeds were done, it was as if the hold, the control they were subjected to was suddenly gone, wafted away with the crimes or sins they committed. For weeks there was no clue, no step forward in untangling this mystery.

Until now, that is. Now, with the case of the two mercenary girls, Aiden and the girl seemed to come in contact with something. Though she was inspecting, monitoring the scene from a distance, both her and her faithful servant, Sebas could clearly see the signs of their struggle.

"My lady.." Responding to her inquiry, the elderly butler spoke up from behind. "I may not be entirely correct here, but I do not think that this is related to others." His voice was respectful and collected as she responded.

"Hmm.. I am not entirely sure about that.." The lady hummed, focusing her gaze on the two girls that just regained their consciousness and were swiftly surrounded by their team once again despite the warning of Aiden and Galina. Seeing the scene, she smiled, swallowing the chuckle she almost released.

"Though I highly doubt that pathetic old man or that lecherous pig would be capable of such actions.. We barely know anything about that fourth participant. Remember, the reason we wanted the boy and his team's assistance was precisely because of him. I could deal with the other two with ease, I wouldn't need such a wild card against them." She added as she kept her gaze on the situation outside.

"My lady.. Do you think that.."

"Yes, I believe so." Before Sebas could finish, the Masked lady waved her hand signaling for him to stop talking. "We will see how it plays out, or what effects it will have on them. For now, we just watch as the situation unfolds."

The old man bowed deeply at her Mistress's words.

"As you wish my lady.. Though.." He couldn't help but raise his head as the image of the Young Lady came to his aged mind. ".. What of the Young Lady? Are you sure it is wise to push her to such a-"

"Not a word more, Sebas." Suddenly the Lady's tone turned cold, as she flared up. "She needs this experience, it will help her to shape up to the person she always wanted to be. Besides.." Her eyes glimmered with a strange light under the mask as she focused on the back of Aiden below in the training field. "This will give her ample opportunities to settle the matters of her heart as well and eventually break through her limits."

She sighed, taking a pause in her speech. At the same time, her tone calmed down, from the hard coldness, it suddenly turned melancholic, with a hint of sorrow.

"Though the future holds many grave hurdles for her and her friends, only by overcoming them can she step higher, and shed her current shackles."

Then she turned towards the north, looking far into the distance as she continued, once again shifting into the cold, cruel mistress play.

"As for this pathetic excuse for a kingdom.. It is high time that it matured and was baptized by its own sinful blood. Only by getting rid of these leeches can it finally grow and evolve into something that could withstand the test of time."

—

Deep inside the vast expanse of the barren wastelands stretching all around the west, the city made out of tents currently were on high alert. After days of wasting away in these hellish lands, High General Dorian, the appointed commander of His Excellency has decided that the time was right and gave the order to the leaders of each battalion to get ready.

The waiting was finally over, the time has come: Today they begin their march towards the Kingdom of Draquilea! Their first target: The border city of Higrove!

---

AN: Hey there Readers!

Just a friendly reminder, that from wherever you are reading , you can reach out to me using any of the below methods!

For you, sailors of the seventh sea (non-WN readers), be a bro/gal and throw me a cup of joe, show your appreciation!

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/shaele