“It’s been a while, Uncle Drew,” Kent said with a cheerful smile.
Uncle Drew didn’t reply at first. He first turned back into his human form, flashed Kent a smile, and finally responded.
“Indeed, young master. I hope you’ve been well.”
Kent nodded before turning his attention to the two figures behind Uncle Drew. By their appearances alone, he could tell one was female and the other male.
“They are the new additions to the ranks of the Night Riders,” Uncle Drew explained. “It’s my job as the captain of the Night Riders to find those I can lead into the night.”
Kent nodded in understanding. “I see. But I must first complete their transformations.”
Uncle Drew nodded again, having brought them for that very reason.
Kent stepped toward Aria, who met his gaze from beneath her hood. She didn’t appear agitated or confused. Despite meeting Kent for the first time, she could sense that he was someone with immense authority over her.
Hyx, the former leader of the Dark Devil Church, was standing nearby. He now looked far more obedient.
Kent placed his index finger on her forehead and spoke a few words.
“By the silent vigil of the crescent moon, I call upon Lunaris Venator! Rise, Saden, and pierce the veil of shadows with your unerring light!”
As soon as Kent uttered those words, a crescent moon tattoo appeared on her forehead, and her body was suddenly enveloped in a green flame. Her clothing transformed, taking on a new form.
This time, it was mostly leather with tattered cloth lining certain parts. Her bow changed, becoming more bone-like, and a quiver made of an unknown material hung on her back.
Her Shadowmare also received upgrades, now bearing a metal armour-like coating around its vital areas.
When the transformation was complete, Kent felt his strength rise once again. It was a sign that Aria—now known as Saden—had officially joined the Night Riders.
“Welcome to the Legion, Aria—or should I call you Saden?” Kent asked.
“Aria was my past life. I would like to be called Saden from now on, Master,” she replied politely, shifting into her human form.
A telepathic connection formed between her and Kent, meaning they can now communicate telepathically from anywhere.
“Then you shall be known from now onwards as Saden Nighthorn, the Luner Archeress.” Her tattoo glowed a few times before dimming.
A swordsman and now an Archer has joined the night riders. His secret Army grows by the second. Kent was happy, so he quickly moved toward Hyx and did the same.
“From the depths where shadows reign, I summon Umbra Arcanis! Eryndor, command the night and awaken the spectral might of the Shadehoof bloodline!”
Similar changes occurred to him, but the most distinctive feature was the two horns that appeared on his forehead.
These transformations began when a tattoo of a shepherd’s staff appeared on his forehead. There was no doubt—Hyx, now known as Eryndor, was a summoner.
Before joining the Night Riders, summoning had been just a hobby for him. However, now he possessed the power to summon shadow beasts and could even tame creatures that would transform into shadow beasts the moment they were summoned.
“From now onwards, your name shall be Eryndor Shadehoof, the Shadow Summoner,” Kent declared. Like Saden, he accepted his new name and officially became a Night Rider.
After everything was set, Uncle Drew provided Kent with a detailed rundown of the true identities of the two newest members of his secret army.
“Interesting. So, you were the one who ordered the 12 men to kill everyone in the Alderford mansion?” Kent asked with a smile.
Eryndor, formerly Hyx, visibly tensed. It was true—he had indeed sent men after his master. But that was his past self. He is now a changed man. His past self as the leader of the Dark Devil Church in Athea kingdom was somehow over.
“That was the past me, Master. I wouldn’t do that again,” Eryndor said with a guilty expression. He was now in his human form.
“No need to tense up, Eryndor. I won’t bite. However, I do have a mission for you.”
“You do?” He looked more relaxed now.
“Indeed. Since you’re high-ranking in the Dark Devil Church, you must have access to most of their information. I need that information. If possible, I want to know everything about the other branches they have in the other kingdoms,” Kent said.
“I’ll get it done, Master, but it might take some time to gather everything you want,” Eryndor replied, making Kent smile.
“Take your time. I don’t need it right away. However, since your mission is to retrieve the Atomic Divine Body, just tell them she was taken by the Hand,” Kent proposed, and Eryndor nodded.
With Li Hua hidden inside the tower, no matter what they tried, they wouldn’t be able to track her. Kent knew better than to assume someone wouldn’t find a way to locate such a precious treasure.
After fine-tuning some more details with Eryndor, he left. He had quests that would gradually bring him closer to the head of the Dark Devil Church, but with Eryndor now under his command, progress would be much faster.
“Saden, do you need help with your revenge, or can you handle it on your own?” Kent turned to Saden, who burned with the desire for vengeance. Her friend—the one she called sister—had betrayed her, all because of petty jealousy over her beauty.
Saden wanted revenge, and she wanted it fast.
“I can do it alone, Master. I promise I’ll get things done quickly so I can return and serve you,” Saden said, bowing deeply.
“No need to be so polite. Also, take your time with the revenge. It’s always better to savor it. As they say, revenge is best served cold,” Kent said with a mischievous smile filled with dark intent.
Even Saden looked visibly shocked at the savagery she sensed from Kent. Of course, he seemed dangerous—he had every reason to be. After all, he had been murdered once and planned to settle that score someday.
“Then I will return when I’m done,” Saden said.
“Don’t worry. Your captain and I have business to handle over the next few days, so take your time. He’ll call for you when he’s ready.”
Saden left, taking her Night Rider form, which allowed her to traverse the realm of the night with ease.
“So, where is the master going?” Uncle Drew asked.
“I was on my way to Vastport City. From there, I’ll head to the sect with my master… By the way, my master would like to thank you in person, but we must first get to Vastport City,” Kent said, making Uncle Drew nod.
The Shadowmare transformed into the carriage Kent had given him. It was the same carriage Jacob and his men had left in the Alderford Mansion.
“If the master keeps walking, it’ll take you two days to get there. With the carriage, we’ll get there in less than a day.”
Kent nodded and got inside. He had already been walking for two days. A few seconds later, they started moving, heading toward Vastport City.
Uncle Drew could have used the power of the night to ride them through the night realm, where they would reach Vastport City in just a few minutes.
But that would defeat Kent’s purpose of wanting to catch some fresh air on his way to Vastport City.
Seventeen hours later, they arrived in Vastport City.
