Refining the Heavens 4 (炼天四)

Chapter 7: To the frontlines

They marched the very next day.

Those that stayed in the Snowdrifts are brave souls, and friends that had either fought alongside or against Kairos in the past.

Although the five had been busy gathering information and studying in the Dark Hall, when the whole group met up, there were smiles on everyone's faces.

It was as though they were saying, "I knew you'll come along," despite no one spoke.

There were grins all around, as if replying that they wouldn't miss it for the world.

Their clans and families are supportive of their decision. Not everyone will bow down when threatened by death and fear, especially nobles that still cherish the old values.

Of course, there are also families that did not care for the decision of their youngs, after all there are other heirs to choose from.

And then, there are those that vehemently discourage them, like Luciette's clan.

The White Snow clan almost went crazy when she refused to quit the Snowdrifts.

Unfortunately for them, once Luciette set her mind on something, she will continue all the way until proven wrong. And so far, none could convince her she is wrong for standing by her friends.

The ones that could not withstand the threat of death or the discouragement of their families are not amongst the three hundred odd members marching together.

The first place they headed was towards Rutea Village. The location of the Dark Hall was expertly hidden. When they entered the place, they had to use a teleportation ward, but when they exited, they found themselves transported to another place. Fortunately, it is near Saint City by an unassuming pavilion. The place was run down and unmaintained, but large enough for them to appear in groups of fifties.

After seven batches of them had arrived, they travelled another three days on foot and reached their destination.

As Kairos' noble rank raised, his territory had increased, and he received a one-time stipend to hire help. With his status, it was proper that he has five hundred men to protecting his land at all times.

It was fine in the beginning, with soldiers sent by the crown protecting their borders, and the place being close to the capital.

However, after the Devilheart was declared Emperor Regent, these peacekeeping troops that should've stayed for a decade at least, pulled out after only a year and it couldn't be helped that there will be all sorts of vagrants attracted to this place.

Most nobles would've a proper personal army that ensure safety in their realm, but the Astroires had risen too quickly, and their home is mostly undefended.

Fortunately, the Earl's business had provided enough to employ armed men and proper patrols, but the true guardians of his realm aren't just these people that were hastily trained and armed.

The five hundred guards they hired was only what was seen on the surface, more for the purpose of thwarting small-time rogues and those trying their luck in a newly minted Earl's property.

Few know that there are spiritual forces guard the land.

Nature spirits walked alongside men, living in blades of leaves, hidden in the running rivers, and staying in the soil and the air.

They are unseen and hardly felt, but they are real, and they harness great powers.

They live on the other side, but they kept an eye out for the earl. Those who dared to test the law and justice of his land were smite down by strange occurrences.