Aspiration to the Heavens: Becoming the Supreme Mage Vol 2- Descent of Darkness

Episode 77: Strength through Unity

*Sarah*

After our brief battle with An's team, we retreated to the base of Mt. Rios, the tallest mountain in the country of Rios. Several rivers originated from the mountain's snow packs, giving the mountain and the clan its name. The rivers were to be an advantage to us if we should be attacked.

"Lady Sarah," Huan said. "Uan's team has woken up."

"Thanks. Tell them to enjoy the meal that we've prepared for them." I took out the paper that Xue had given me. It was a message from Vermeil concerning a rumor. We were to meet her here.

"Mistress," Jie said. "Are you sure this isn't a trap?"

I stood up from the rock I had been sitting on. "If it is then we'll handle it the way we know how. We've ran a lot throughout this competition even while the other marbles are already being collected at a fast pace. There will be two extra marbles left, so relying on others to attack us and us getting their gems will backfire on us if we wait too long."

"Good morning," Xue said, grinning.

"Aren't you going to eat?" I asked, raising an empty stick.

"I will. Thanks for the meal by the way. You didn't have to use up your resources to feed us too, your magic is enough for me."

I shook my head. "A true alliance is one of mutual assistance. If I only allow you to use us then you'll be no better than Kyuu Seishin with our entire country. By helping you more, I hope that you'll be motivated to play a larger role."

"Eien attacked you, didn't he?" she said.

"That's right. The members of his group appear to have split up to find marbles wherever they can find them. Teamwork is difficult for them, so separating is more effective."

"The opposite of why we are here," Vermeil said, walking over to us unannounced. Behind her was her brother, Haroun. "While Kyuu Seishin's team splits, we instead bring other teams together."

"Good for you to join us," I said, crossing my arms together. "Let's go to main camp, there you can tell our teams what you've uncovered."

"Wait!" An ran out of some bushes.

I summoned my wand. "Damn, they've found us!"

An put his hands in the air. "W-wait, I've come to join you!"

"You did?" Vermeil said. "I don't recall having invited you." A light chuckle escapes her lips as a blush covers her face. "Not that I mind."

An put one hand down and took out a black marble hidden under his chest plate. "I even brought a marble from my team. I know this may sound silly, but I had a dream where I made an alliance with you, well not Vermeil's team. I'm kind of surprised that she's here."

"I'm also surprised to hear that you four are making an alliance," Hal's voice rang out. Hal jumped down from a tree. In his hands was a red marble. "I've also come to join you."

"You can't," I said. "There can only be four teams at most."

Hal grinned. "Then kick out An, his team already has like three or more marbles."

Vermeil smiled. "No, it's fine. He's a strong guy, he'll be a powerful asset to our alliance, as will you. Did either of you bring any of your fellow teammates?"

"I told Dan, Vita, and Catriona about it, they think it's a fine idea. Sloane is iffy about it. Vita managed to get us another marble to replace one of the ones we lost to An's team, but getting two more will be difficult. Especially with Sloane having to fix her scythe. Once she fixes it, she might join us alongside Dan, Vita, Catriona, and the latter's puppet."