Chapter 111: A Peaceful Morning Before the Storm

Next Day

The morning sun slowly climbed above the horizon, spilling warm shades of orange and gold across the sky.

Birds chirped from the trees outside the mansion. A soft breeze wandered through the open windows, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers from the gardens.

It was a peaceful morning.

For Victor, however, the day already had a purpose.

He was planning to return to Suncloud City.

Victor had barely finished preparing when Lane appeared beside him. She immediately wrapped both hands around his arm and looked up at him with a pleading expression.

"I want to come with you, Young Master."

Her black eyes were wide with hope.

Victor glanced down at her and couldn’t help smiling.

"You’re really determined, aren’t you?"

"Of course I am."

Lane tightened her grip as though Victor might escape if she loosened it.

"We always go together."

Before Victor could answer, Skyla hurried over.

"Me too!"

She slipped onto his other side and grabbed his free arm.

Her green eyes sparkled.

"I’m coming with you."

Victor looked from one girl to the other.

Both were staring at him with the same stubborn determination.

He sighed.

"You two..."

A faint smile remained on his face.

"Not today."

Lane’s expression immediately fell.

"But, Young Master..."

"I want to go alone this time."

His voice was gentle, but there was no hesitation in it.

"Sometimes I need a little time to myself. I’ll only be gone for a few hours."

Lane puffed out her cheeks.

"But we always go together."

"I know."

Victor reached over and lightly patted her head.

"That doesn’t mean I’ll disappear."

He smiled.

"I’ll be back before evening."

Skyla’s expression softened, though she still looked worried.

"Promise?"

Victor turned toward her.

"Promise."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Skyla’s cheeks immediately became warm.

Lane watched the scene for a moment before letting out a quiet huff.

"Fine."

She finally released his arm.

"But you have to bring something back for us."

Victor laughed.

"That’s your condition?"

"Yes."

Lane nodded firmly.

"And don’t forget."

"Deal."

The two girls finally stepped aside and let him prepare to leave.

Victor had just reached the entrance when three more familiar figures approached.

Anna was the first to speak.

Her long black hair rested over her shoulders, moving gently with the morning breeze. Her red eyes carried the quiet concern of someone who had already started worrying before he had even left.

"Victor, take care of yourself."

"I will."

Clara stood beside her.

A playful smile curved across her lips, and her purple eyes held their usual mischievous glimmer.

"And don’t go looking for trouble."

Victor raised an eyebrow.

"Me?"

Clara gave him a knowing look.

"Yes, you."

"I think you’re confusing me with someone else."

Clara laughed softly.

Rias stood quietly beside them.

Her red eyes remained calm as she looked at him.

"Be safe."

Victor’s expression softened.

"I will. Don’t worry."

He stepped forward and pulled Anna into a hug first.

Anna froze for half a second.

Then she relaxed and returned the embrace.

Victor released her and turned toward Clara.

She smiled as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Don’t cause too much trouble while I’m gone," Victor said.

Clara chuckled.

"No promises."

Finally, he turned toward Rias.

She seemed slightly surprised when Victor embraced her.

Her body stiffened for a brief moment.

But she didn’t pull away.

Instead, she remained quietly in his arms.

Victor smiled faintly before letting her go.

"Thank you, everyone."

He looked at all of them.

"I’ll be back soon."

With those final words, Victor stepped outside.

The cool morning air brushed against his face.

He glanced back at the mansion once.

Then he turned and began making his way down the mountain.

After walking for some time, Victor finally reached the main road.

Several wagons were passing through the area.

He raised his hand and stopped one.

The driver was an elderly man with a weathered face and kind eyes.

"Suncloud City?" Victor asked.

The old man nodded.

"That’s where I’m headed."

Victor paid the fare and climbed into the wagon.

"Then let’s go."

The journey was surprisingly peaceful.

The wagon rolled steadily along the road, its wheels creaking softly beneath them.

Victor leaned back and watched the scenery pass by.

Rolling hills stretched across the distance.

Dense forests covered the slopes.

Far beyond them, towering mountains pierced the horizon.

The wind occasionally swept through the open wagon.

It caught Victor’s long hair and sent the dark strands drifting behind him.

He closed his eyes for a moment.

The sunlight warmed his face.

For a while, there was nothing to think about.

No battles.

No cultivation.

No troublesome enemies.

Just the sound of wheels turning against the road.

But that peaceful feeling didn’t last.

As the wagon drew closer to Suncloud City, Victor noticed something strange.

The city looked different.

More guards stood along the walls than before.

Several soldiers were stationed near the gates.

Even from a distance, Victor could see patrols moving through the streets.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Something had happened.

The wagon eventually stopped near the city entrance.

Victor paid the old driver and stepped down.

"Thank you."

The old man smiled.

"Take care, young man."

Victor nodded.

"You too."

He turned toward the city gates.

He hadn’t taken more than a few steps when a guard stepped in front of him.

"Halt."

The guard looked him over.

"State your business."

Victor stopped.

He kept his expression calm.

"I’m just visiting the city for the day."

The guard studied him for several seconds.

His hand remained near his weapon.

Eventually, he nodded.

"Fine."

Then his expression became more serious.

"But be careful while you’re inside."

Victor noticed the change immediately.

"Why?"

The guard glanced around before lowering his voice.

"There has been trouble recently."

"What kind of trouble?"

The guard hesitated.

For a moment, he seemed unsure whether he should say anything.

Then he sighed.

"The army of the Obsidian Dune Kingdom is advancing toward the Suncloud Kingdom."