Chapter 381 Mysterious Calling Grew Stronger

"I’m a member of the Sunweave family and a worshipper of the Sun God. If the daughter of the Sun God is in danger, then it’s our responsibility to save it."

She lifted her head, her pink eyes filled with determination.

"I don’t know whether my ability will work, but I want to find out. I can’t just stand here and do nothing when there’s even a possibility that I might be able to help."

Brandon stared at her for a moment before letting out a long sigh.

He knew the Sunweave family well.

Their devotion to the Sun God was legendary, and their children were raised with a strong sense of duty toward those they worshipped and the people they were meant to protect.

Considering Lyria’s upbringing, he wasn’t particularly surprised by her answer.

"...All right."

He turned toward Carmel.

"In that case, Lady Elowen and I will escort Lyria to the World Tree. Carmel, I want you to remain here and look after the students."

Carmel nodded without hesitation. "Understood, Instructor Brandon. I’ll make sure everyone remains safe."

Lyria’s eyes brightened slightly. However, before she could express her gratitude, another voice interrupted them.

"Instructor Brandon, please allow me to accompany you as well."

Damien had approached the group and was standing beside Lyria.

Brandon immediately frowned.

"You too?"

"Yes, sir."

Brandon sighed and shook his head.

"No. I can’t take more students with us. The journey itself could be dangerous, and I won’t put more of you at risk than necessary."

"It’s dangerous everywhere right now," Damien replied calmly. "The Blood Elves are attacking people throughout the capital, and we don’t know how long the situation will continue."

He paused before adding, "I’m capable of protecting myself. I won’t be a burden, so please allow me to come."

Brandon furrowed his brows.

He couldn’t quite understand why the academy’s top-ranked student was so insistent on accompanying them.

Damien was certainly strong, but that didn’t mean taking him along was without risk.

The instructor studied the young man’s expression for a moment before sighing again.

Then he glanced at Lyria. After a brief silence, he finally relented.

"Fine. You may come."

Damien’s expression brightened slightly.

"But only you," Brandon continued firmly. "I won’t take any more students with us. And you must stay close to Lyria at all times."

He looked directly into Damien’s eyes.

"If Lady Elowen and I become occupied fighting a powerful enemy, you two will need to protect yourselves. I expect you to keep Lyria safe and avoid unnecessary risks."

Brandon paused before adding, "I’ve seen what you’re capable of, Damien. I trust your strength enough to allow this. Don’t make me regret my decision."

"Thank you, Instructor."

Damien bowed respectfully.

Lyria watched him with a hint of surprise. She hadn’t expected him to insist on coming along.

’Why did he suddenly decide to accompany us?’

She wondered whether Damien had some other reason for wanting to go, but she didn’t ask.

Instead, her gaze drifted back toward the World Tree.

The crimson flames continued to consume its enormous crown, illuminating the night sky with their ominous glow.

Yet beneath the fear and uncertainty, Lyria could feel that strange sensation growing stronger.

It was no longer a faint impression she could easily dismiss.

Something was drawing her toward the World Tree. Something she couldn’t explain. She slowly clenched her fists.

’Finally... I’m coming.’

With Brandon and Elowen preparing to lead the way, Lyria took one last look at the burning tree.

And as the moments passed, the mysterious calling grew stronger.

---

The four figures rushed through the streets of Lunathiel, moving as quickly as possible toward the World Tree.

Instructor Brandon led the way, with Elowen following closely behind him. Lyria and Damien ran a few steps behind the two adults, remaining alert for any signs of danger.

The streets were eerily chaotic.

Buildings stood engulfed in flames, smoke rose into the night sky, and the distant sounds of explosions and desperate screams echoed throughout the capital.

However, nothing could have prepared Lyria for what she saw next.

Her footsteps suddenly slowed as a pungent iron smell of blood hit her nose.

Bodies were scattered across the road and along the corners of nearby buildings.

Some wore the familiar clothing of Lunathiel’s citizens, while others wore dark garments belonging to the invading Blood Elves. Several bodies had been brutally mutilated, their blood staining the streets beneath them.

Then Lyria noticed something that made her heart stop.

Children, several small bodies lay motionless beside a shattered carriage, their tiny hands stained with blood.

They had been ordinary children living in the capital.

They should have been laughing, playing, and enjoying their lives.

Instead, they had become victims of this horrifying massacre.

Lyria’s chest tightened painfully.

’Why...’

She clenched her fists, struggling to suppress the overwhelming emotions rising within her.

’Why would they do something like this?’

She knew the Blood Elves were their enemies, but seeing the cruelty inflicted upon innocent people with her own eyes was different from merely hearing about it.

A sharp pang struck her heart.

For a brief moment, she wanted to stop and help the dead, even though she knew there was nothing she could do for them anymore.

"Lyria! Keep moving!" Brandon shouted.

His warning snapped her out of her thoughts.

Before she could respond.

BOOOOM!

A massive thunder lance shot out from a nearby building, tearing through the air toward the four of them.

"Move!"

Brandon immediately grabbed Lyria’s arm and leaped sideways. Elowen and Damien reacted almost simultaneously, throwing themselves in opposite directions.

The thunder lance struck the street where they had been standing.

BOOOOM!

Lightning erupted across the road, blasting apart the stone pavement and sending chunks of debris flying in every direction.

Dust and smoke filled the street.

Lyria rolled across the ground before quickly scrambling to her feet, a golden color spear she pulled out from her storage ring.

Through the swirling dust, she spotted three figures standing in front of the damaged building.

Blood Elves, their mouths were stained with fresh blood, and their crimson eyes gleamed with excitement as they stared at the newcomers.

One of them slowly licked the blood from his lips.

Before Brandon could respond, another tremendous explosion shook the street several meters away.

BOOOOM!

An entire building collapsed as two powerful figures clashed amidst the rubble, their overwhelming mana causing shock waves to ripple through the surrounding streets.

Brandon’s expression darkened. He could see a familiar figure, Morgana.

"Stay behind us!" he ordered.

The three Blood Elves grinned. Their next victims had arrived.