Forbidden Island of the Dragon Lord…
Before the teleportation gate, Kent and Aunt Eila were engrossed in a critical conversation.
“Kent, you’re sending all these men away without any real assurance of their loyalty or their motives. Are you certain everything will be alright?” Aunt Eila’s tone was cautious, her gaze fixed on Kent with a mix of worry and trust.
Kent paused and met her questioning eyes, a slight smile crossing his face. “Don’t worry, Aunt. These men…they were all suffering under the iron grip of the Quinn family for decades, treated like insects, some even like slaves. Nearly every one of them has lost everything – families, homes, their very purpose. All they have left is revenge.
And that is why they’ll remain loyal. I’m not forcing them into anything; I’m giving them a chance to channel that hatred toward their oppressors, in their own way. A way for them to reclaim their dignity when the real war against the Quinn family finally begins.”
Eila sighed, running her fingers over her robes in a nervous motion, absorbing his words with a contemplative look. “I understand your thoughts, Kent. You want justice for those who’ve been wronged. But, Kent, don’t forget you’re already playing a very dangerous game. Living here in incognito, balancing so many responsibilities…” She hesitated before speaking…
“You’re plotting to raid the royal treasury and master the legendary Sun-Moon Eclipse Arrows. These are monumental risks. And now you’re adding one more by assembling this network of criminals. If your true identity is ever discovered… the threat to your life would be immense.”
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Her words hung heavily in the air, and her gaze softened as she reached out, touching his hand gently. “Remember, there’s a family waiting for you. A family that loves you, that’s yearning to see you safe. Sometimes, rather than taking revenge, letting go is the stronger choice.”
Kent’s face hardened, his jaw clenched with conviction as he gently squeezed her hand in return. “Aunt, I appreciate your worry, but I can’t simply let go. Risk has become an inseparable part of my life. This burden, these wrongs – they don’t vanish on their own.
My mother suffered for years, forced to live in the shadows, all because of a man’s thirst for power that destroyed her happiness. As her son, I owe it to her – it’s my duty to right these wrongs. And, Aunt, I have to teach my father a lesson for forsaking his values, for sacrificing his principles for influence.”
Eila’s lips pressed into a thin line as she nodded, understanding the fire that burned within Kent, the stubborn resilience that was so much like his mother’s. She sighed, seeing that his mind was set.
“I see your mind is as immovable as a mountain, just like your mother. I won’t try to dissuade you any further. But, before you go, there’s something you should know.” She paused, her gaze softening as she leaned forward, her voice barely a whisper. “On the other side… Fatty Ben and the others are waiting for you. They’ve missed you, Kent. Don’t you wish to see them, even for a moment?”
Kent took a deep breath, weighing her words carefully. “No, Aunt. I can’t afford to draw attention. The royal family will already be suspicious once they realize I used the teleportation gate. To use it more than once, to risk an encounter, would be reckless.”
“And… now isn’t the time for reunions. There are harder trials ahead, and if I see them, it’ll only remind me of my burdens. Please, ask them to stay strong and continue cultivating. And Aunt,” he paused, an urgent look in his eyes.
“Send word to Fatty. In a few months, I’ll be leaving for the Spirit World. Tell him to be ready with the dimensional orb given by the God of Fortune. Make sure he reaches the Spirit World on time with that orb.”
Eila absorbed his instructions, nodding slowly, her heart heavy yet touched by his resolve. “Understood. I’ll relay your message, Kent. They’ll know of your intentions.” She glanced around, and then, with a small sigh, asked, “Where is that milky bird? It’s time for me to depart.” She extended her hand, expecting the bird to appear.
Kent scratched the back of his head, looking sheepishly at her. “About that… Aunt, is there any chance I can keep it?” He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. “I made a promise to the bird to grant it freedom, to allow it to fly without a master. I want to keep my word, Aunt… if there’s any way you could return to its owner with something else in exchange.”
A deep silence settled between them as Eila’s expression turned from surprise to mild frustration. She folded her arms, her face showing the strain of Kent’s unexpected request.
“Kent… do you understand the position this puts me in?” she said slowly, her tone one of careful reproach. “I only borrowed the milky bird for a few days, from someone who’s known for her pride and her strictness. I had to promise on my word to return it. If I don’t, I’ll lose face.”
Kent’s face fell, struggling with the weight of his promise and the consequences it had created for his aunt. “I… I didn’t think of that, Aunt. I made the promise without considering the full repercussions. Is there really no way around it?”
Eila’s brows knitted together, clearly troubled. “The owner of the bird is no stranger to our family, Kent. She’s one of the lady witches who serves directly under your mother. And unfortunately, she’s one of the most… unyielding women I’ve ever met. She only listens to your mother and no one else. However,” she sighed, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
“I’ll try to speak with her, to offer compensation or some form of reward in exchange for the bird’s freedom. If she agrees, then you can keep it. But if not…” her voice trailed off, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
Kent nodded, reluctantly accepting her terms. “I understand, Aunt. Please, do what you can. But if it comes down to it, I’ll return the bird.”
Aunt Eila gave him a small, reassuring smile, the maternal warmth in her eyes showing that, despite her concerns, she trusted him. “Very well, Kent. I’ll take care of it.” With that, she adjusted her robe and picked up the divine pot containing the criminals, securing it with a final glance at her nephew.
With a heavy heart, Aunt Eila stepped onto the teleportation gate, her form glowing as the power of the divine pot hummed in her hands. The last look she gave Kent was filled with pride, worry, and a quiet acceptance of his path.
And then, in a flash of light, she vanished, leaving the chamber empty but for Kent, who stood in the silence, his mind racing with plans, contingencies, and the weight of the dangerous road ahead.
– *Can anybody guess the owner of that milky bird? -Who?