That marauder camp was the first one on their list. Every week, after consuming their [Gaia Serum], Emery would go with the girls to eradicate any bandit group they could find from Southern Briton.
Most of the targets were selected through information gathered by Gwen and Luna.
The fact that it was not hard to find a new target was a testament to how chaotic the current situation was in southern Briton.
The invasion of the Cantiaci Kingdom merely added fuel to the fire and the amount of bandits hanging around what was once Lioness territory became practically endless.
Most of the time, Emery did not join the fight, as the girls were more than capable of taking care of themselves. However, there were some outlying cases wherein the girls would be overwhelmed.
Some cases where this was true included infiltrating the pirates' coves, raiding barbarians from the sea, and even going against cruel nobles, who happened to be rich enough to employ a Golden Knight.
Each time they succeeded, they would always take the loot back to Luna and the Quintin's would always find a way to distribute it back to those in need.
One time, during a raid on the base of a massive slave smuggling ring, they battled in a ruined fort until the place went up in flames. They did manage to escape and Emery took the time to help a young boy and his wounded father escape as well, earning their gratitude.
Seeing the father and son survive the incident somehow served as a reflection of Emery's life.
Time went on and the fruits of their labor eventually started to show.
From the happy smiles of the victims to the enraged or even pitiful faces of the criminals
As the weeks went by, Emery started to understand what Gwen meant by 'using his power for the good of the people.
As their reputation became more renowned, along came the variety of rumors and half-truths that were being spread about them. Throughout the land, the girls soon became known as 'The Fairies'. For their beauties and their magical appearance and disappearance.
Gradually, they also began to get closer to one another, including Emery too.
Before they knew it, another 12 weeks had passed.
At this particular moment, Emery, like always, was sitting in the Khaos Space, absorbing its energy in his dark core nonstop.
[Spirit force increase]
[Spirit force increase]
He was almost sure the increasing spirit force points would become harder the higher his spirit force actually was. Surprisingly, once he had gained over 400 spirit force points, his rate of absorption remained the same. He could even say it was even faster than before.
Emery's spirit force was gradually increasing at a fast and steady pace.
[Emery Ambrose]
[Battle Power: 69 (52)]
[Spirit Force: 486 (355)]
[Spirit Core of Darkness – Stage 5]
[Fey Bloodline – Rank 3]
[Acolyte Rank: 8]
It was 70 plus spirit force increase in the span of three months. At this rate, he could finally maximize his current ranking in the span of two or three weeks.
Emery felt such a powerful force flowing through his body.
"Just a little bit more, kid!!" Said the dragon in front of him.
As the dragon urged him on, Emery inquired him regarding what the reason was behind his fast absorption.
"You moron! Like I have said a thousand times! Focus on the darkness within you and you will grow faster!"
Emery had gotten used to the dragon enough to know that when he said something very vague, it normally meant the dragon didn't really know the reason why.
"Please, supreme being, anything you can tell me about this will be very beneficial to me and I will be forever grateful."
The dragon decided to spill the little information he knew, stating that because the dark core was separated undisturbed from the other elements, it had started to take a more solid form.
The other thing the dragon noticed was that Emery's ability to concentrate on his cultivation seemed to increase. Something about his mind was more relaxed, yet focused at the same time.
This last factor caused him to think even further. He somehow thought the last few weeks had been such a relaxing time for him... For the first time in a while, he was actually happy. Spending time working on his cultivation and his weekly routine somehow fulfilled him. Could this actually help his cultivation?
While he was thinking of this, surprisingly he saw a figure approaching the stone formation. It was Gwen.
It had not even been a week yet, so he wondered silently to himself as to why she came to see him. Knowing his next target was just around the corner, Emery decided to go outside and meet her.
Gwen was startled when he suddenly showed up out of thin air.
"Do you need anything, Gwen? Did anything bad happen?"
Gwen was a little jumpy, as she responded to him she stammered slightly. "No... Yes... I mean, there's no problem, but yes, I do need your help."
"What is it?"
Gwen hesitated a little. "Actually, Emery… Luna told me that the Canciati's plan was to destroy the Lioness castle, tearing most of it down, so that they could do major changes on it becoming the kingdom's strongest fortress or something. I wondered… if you could help me see the castle one last time before it happened"
Emery's unsure expression made the girl quickly added, "There is a possibility they haven't found the Lioness' hidden wealth... I mean, we could redistribute it and it could help the people."
Despite what she had just said, Emery could tell it was never about hidden wealth or aiding the people at all. The girl must be missing her home immensely after being away for 6 months. But he wasn't sure it was a good idea, as the place was most likely swarming with Cantiaci knights.
Gwen continued. "They say the palace was left with a minimum number of men standing guard because of the renovation… So… Maybe..."
Emery could tell the girl was hiding something but Ultimately, he thought it was just a simple spell cast into the palace. Besides, he could sense if anyone was approaching and, even if they were found out, no one could stop them. In the end, Emery decided to fulfill her wish.
As they spoke, the night was beginning to fall. Now was probably as good a time as any.
"Okay, let's just go now then"
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