St Chaos Healer

Ch 68 - The Celestia's Convoy

"Um, weren't we just discussing the urgency of leaving?" I interjected, attempting to redirect their focus.

Ultear suddenly seemed to snap back to reality, a realization dawning on her,
"Oh, you're absolutely right. The agents of Celestia are waiting for us. Just give me a moment."

With deliberate grace, Ultear positioned the cross before her.
Adorning the cross were seven sizable green gemstones, each one prominently set on its surface. The cross had elaborate detailing, with intricate runes and designs meticulously etched into its form. Even to an untrained eye like mine, it was evident that this cross was a mana-infused weapon, intricately linked to the unique ability she wielded—self-inflicted harm as a means of hunting down those assassins.

Her eyes became fixated upon her own cross.
Then, in a sudden burst of action, Ultear's hand clenched into a closed fist, and with astonishing force, she punched one of the gemstones. The punch caused the gem to shatter and crumble into fine dust, the remnants dissipating into the air.

"Is she still in her crazy state?" I whispered to my mother, unable to contain my amusement.

In a swift reaction, my mother quickly covered my mouth, her eyes wide with urgency, "Shut up! She might overhear you!"

In the next heartbeat, a faint yet unmistakable green luminescence enveloped Ultear's form.
Her injuries, inflicted only moments ago, began to mend at an astonishing pace. Deep gashes sealed shut, the contorted finger straightened and restored.
Even the little finger that had been torn off seemingly regrew.

Ultear stood before us, now fully restored except for the telltale stains of her own blood that still stuck on her clothing.

"Very well, we've spent enough time here. It's crucial that we get moving this instant," she declared with an authoritative tone.

We hastened to follow Ultear as she skillfully guided us out of the city, maintaining a hushed demeanor that matched the gravity of the situation.

Our path was briefly impeded by vigilant city guards, yet their initial suspicion turned to recognition upon seeing Ultear and greeted her with the utmost respect.

With an authoritative directive, Ultear instructed them to open the gates, granting passage for the Almond family. The guards swiftly complied, allowing the gates to swing open. However, prior to our departure, the guards retrieved the purple bracelets that had been clasped around our wrists throughout our ordeal. With their removal, our arms felt oddly lighter, the sensation akin to shedding an unwelcome burden.

Ultear led us down a winding dirt road through the dense woods. The darkness and moisture made the air feel heavy, and Ultear kept a watchful eye on our surroundings.

We were all aware that our enemies might be following us, so it was important that we be careful. Fortunately, the moon provided enough light to see where we were going.

For now, the woods were quiet and peaceful, and we could relax for a bit.

I moved closer to my mother, my eyes sharpening as I posed a question, "Mother, are you the daughter of a Viscount?"

Her initial reaction seemed a mix of surprise and a hint of sadness, the curve of her lips forming a bittersweet smile.
"Well, how can I put it... Your grandfather does hold the title of Viscount, one of the kingdom's high-ranking officials. Yet, he's displeased with me for leaving the family household behind. After the incident when I lost my mage abilities, he practically declared me dead, likely to spare the family from further disgrace, trying to salvage the remaining reputation," she explained, a glint of moisture glistening in her eyes.