Chapter 29 – A Brother’s Resolve

  In the streets of the Northern Kingdom, a peaceful day: demons walking with their families, children playing, markets bursting with the morning rush.

  A sudden disturbance broke the tranquil morning:

  "Attention, demons of my realm. I am your beloved Tower Master. I know that we have been having a food scarcity for a while now. The culprit responsible for it has been apprehended. The thief has been ransacking all the storage of crops for years. Finally, today, after the hard work of the Tower’s Defense Corps, we have captured the culprit— the old Tower Master, Gale Tombslayer, and his daughter, Melody Tombslayer.

  Today, for the crimes of starving the citizens, the criminals are going to pay by burning in the flames. I invite every citizen of the kingdom to assemble before the Magic Tower. The punishment will be displayed to the whole kingdom— for this is what happens to those who harm my people.

  I will be waiting for you all."

  The broadcast ended.

  The marketplace started to become noisy. A couple of housewives were discussing.One spoke, "So he is the reason we have suffered."Another replied, "Indeed. He should be burned alive."A third one spoke, "I will surely be there to see him burn."

  In another group of ragtag children, one spoke, "My father gave his life to feed that bastard’s hunger."Another girl said, "My sister gave her last piece of bread to me, then died of starvation."The leader of the ragtag group declared, "We will be there today to see the thief burn."

  In the Underground Prison

  "Who is there?" asked Leo, on his guard.

  Reed and Ryan stood ready too. Ryan said, "We are dangerous demons, so you better run away."

  Then the shadow got closer. It spoke, "Don’t you recognize me, little brother?"

  As he came in front of the broken prison gate, it was Drake.Ryan thought, The crazy demon...

  Leo let go of his sword, and the others relaxed too.Leo said, "Mr. Drake, it’s you."Drake replied, "Indeed. Who else would come here, into the heart of the Magic Tower, to rescue its prisoners, if not yours truly— the crazy demon?"

  Drake stared at Ryan.Ryan’s eyes flickered, I definitely didn’t think that."Hahahaha!" Drake laughed and moved to break the shackles of everyone.

  Leo asked, cautiously, "Why are you here, Mr. Drake?"

  Drake, with a tender, warm look at Leo, spoke, "Who would sit back and watch his brother die?"

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  Leo was baffled. His thoughts: My brother...?

  His thinking was interrupted by the soft voice of Drake as he carried the fainted old Tower Master on his back."Chop chop, let’s go now. We don’t have much time till the next shift of guards arrives— two minutes tops. Go get all your things."

  The trio hurried, found their belongings in the guard room, and suited up.

  Ryan asked, "How do we get out now, Mr. Craz— I mean, Drake?"

  Drake smiled. "Follow me." He took out a small orb, swung his arm, and threw it to the ground. Bhaam! The mana in the air gathered at the spot. A mana circle formed from the fragments, runes arose from it, walking one behind another, forming an arch. The arch glowed, the space around it warped, and a gate opened.

  Drake, carrying Gale, stepped into it.

  Reed said, "Leo, we don’t know him."

  Leo replied, "We have to overcome this frost, even if it is by embracing the warmth of a venomous serpent."

  Then, with resolve in his steps, Leo led the trio out to the gate. He stepped into it, and as he emerged, he found himself in the alleyway near the tavern.

  The trio arrived there, and the gate closed behind them.

  Ryan said, "Finally, we are safe."

  Drake replied, "Not yet, Ryan. The mana can easily be traced back. We need to hurry. I was able to save you easily only because the Tower is preparing to sacrifice the princess and the old Tower Master to flames when the twin suns shine their brightest. So we have time, but we must vanish quickly.

  I made preparations. Go to the outskirts, find the stray rat, and he will guide you. Give him this."

  Drake handed Leo a scroll.

  Leo said, "Thank you, sir. But forgive me for refusing this. I can’t leave."

  Drake, frustrated, spoke, "What?! You fool, do you know how hard it was for me to get you out of there? If you don’t escape, what are you going to do?"

  After a brief silence, Leo looked resolute in his decision.He said, "We can’t leave Melody alone. I could never forgive myself if I fled, leaving behind someone who trusted me."

  Drake continued, "Don’t tell me you’re thinking of going back. That’s it. I’ve repaid my debt for you saving my life."

  "Can you please keep Master Gale in a safe place until we return with his daughter?" asked Leo.

  Drake sighed. "Fine. If you want to die, go ahead. I shall fulfill the wish of a dying demon. Good luck, brother. May we meet again, if fate favors it."

  Saying this, Drake left without turning back once.

  As he was leaving, Leo bowed and shouted, "Thank you, sir!"

  The gang followed Leo and did the same.

  Drake replied, in a soft whisper, "Don’t you dare die, brother."

  The trio stood in the alley.

  Leo spoke, "Forgive me for deciding on my own."Ryan answered, "My foolish friend, it’s exactly for times like this that we exist."Reed, with scorn, added, "Indeed. I would never leave you alone."He thought silently, At least not until you die.

  Leo looked at the two and said, "I am glad to have you both with me."

  "Then what’s the plan, my friend?" asked Ryan.Leo replied, "It’s the same as before. Except this time, we are going to fight without Melody. It’s a great trial— a trial of mana."

  With resolve in their eyes, the trio set forward to meet their next trial in the heart of the Magic Tower.

  What will happen next?Will Leo survive?Will Melody be saved?Will Gale be alright?What is the fate of the people?

  Stay tuned to find out.

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