Chương 417: Chapter 390. A Vow Of Survival

John Ericsson's Point Of View / SWOOSH! /" I can't believe that worked!"" I told you to trust me when I explained it, didn't I, Hank? Thank you, Harry! I couldn't have done it without you!" I was currently spread completely out on my back as the wind blew all over my body as I laid on Hank's back as he flew high in the sky to the Southwest... To Diablos... Away from Alfheim... To Paradise... To Sarah and Anna... I could feel myself forming a smile even as I struggled to move after doing what I did.

The trick to the plan was simple. First I cast Accelerate on myself, so I was fast enough to cast multiple Spells. Then I remembered that I used 2 Illusions last time, then tried to attack him. So this time, I asked Harry to make a 3rd. With the Archer turned Swordsman's attention taken up with the Illusions, and having to deal with the Illusions with a sword, I was able to begin the 2nd part of the plan for a distraction. Just recently, I've been able to use a technique that Scarlet had thought up.

It's called Scarlet Lotus. It's supposed to be a wide-reaching attack that rains down fire on my enemies, but for the situation at hand, it was perfect for starting a forest fire. The only issue was that it takes a good amount of time and mana to use. That why, when he went off to stop the flames from spreading, I let loose a sigh of relief before I made a B-line for the Spear that was still stuck in that wooden statue of his. Once I absorbed the mana, it was a quick Summon of Hank to get out of the forest.

He assured me that he'd be able to fly us out, so I trusted him. Thankfully, we were near the end of the forest, so he didn't need to dodge between too many branches. I did scrape my arm on a sharp branch, but it's not bleeding, so I think it'll be fine. Right now, I've only got one thing on my mind anyways, getting back to my Wives. It's going to take about 3 days according to Hank. But it should be fine. We can stop and rest when we need to... Speaking of which... I can feel myself... Relaxing...

I'd usually stay awake in case the Summoning failed or something, but with Paladin's Recovery and my current Mana Reserves, I should be able to maintain Hank indefini..." Zzzzz..." / SNORE. /" He finally fell asleep..."" Well, he's had an eventful day, Paula. He's worked extremely hard to get away from those Elves. Let's let him rest for now everyone, okay?"" I still don't know why you don't show this side to him a bit more, Queen Lily."" That's because someone needs to be strict with him, King Gilbert.""

All of you should relax for now. We're out, I'm flying, he's safe, I won't let the kid fall. We can finally take a breath after the hell we've been through these past 2 months."" You're right, Mr. Hank... We were all anxious, but now, he's finally free."" You're right, Ms. Paula. There's nothing worse than seeing what was happening and not being able to help."" At least you all knew what had happened... Julia and I were stuck in a dark box for 2 months hoping that our connection to John wouldn't die out." Sniff!"

Then when he opened the box... I just wanted us to leave as soon as possible..."" It's all going to be alright now, Little Scarlet. We're all together now, the Little One is safe and no one is going to be able to catch up to Hank now that he's this far up in the sky. Just look at him, he looks like this is the first time he's actually been able to sleep since the Summit." Open!" Haahhh!" This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon." Ah!?

You've woken back up. Good. Did you sleep well, Kid?"" Yeah... Your feathers make for a great bed, Hank."" Us Giant Hawks do take pride in our feathers. We've actually traded them at different points in time for different products before. We haven't done it for years though."" So, I should feel honored? Well, I am. Tell me, about how long was I out for?"" I think it's been around 8 hours? The sun is beginning to rise on the horizon after all."" Do you want to stop somewhere so you can rest?""

No, I can continue for another few hours before we actually need to stop. I'm pretty sure we're going to be seeing some mountains soon, there should be a stream and some decent trees for firewood. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to eat. Unless you want to try your hand at hunting?"" No need... I'm here, remember?"" Oh, right... Sorry, Queen Lily, I'm used to having to scavenge when I'm traveling."" It's no issue, Hank. I just think we've faced enough dangers for now. I'll feed you both for this journey.

Also, don't light any fires, we don't want the enemy to see us." Lily reminded us that she could just use her Spells to feed us. I'd usually think about this myself, but to be fair, I've only been awake for a few minutes now. However, Lily's reason for not wanting a fire was something that interested me." Do you really think they're still chasing us?"" I wouldn't be surprised. They sent an entire squad of Hunters to fetch you, you were able to kill all but their leader.

Not only that, but you started a forest fire in their Country. I wouldn't be surprised if they place a bounty on your head by the time we arrive back in Paradise, John."" You really think so? I mean, their heading to war soon, wouldn't you think that they'd be focused on that?" I questioned Lily a bit more, since I was surprised at her thinking." Yes, I do. The Elves are a "prideful" Race. They won't take the fact that they failed to capture and kill you and brush it off. They'll want to make good on that.""

Great... I guess I'm really going to need to watch out going forward." I could already feel my future moving towards a more dangerous direction... To think I won't just be able to relax and sell ice cream is somewhat heartbreaking.

"... Speaking of that.. John... Do you really have to fight?"" What do you mean, Paula?" Paula asked a strange question as I was thinking about the future." It's just... You've already been through so much and the battles haven't even begun yet. If not for the fact that you're a Paladin, you would've been captured or worse already. Do you really need to do more than you have? I mean, you brought Darkheim into the fold almost single-handedly. Do you really need to actively fight the Elves as well?"" Ah. I see..."

I listened to Paula as she explained her question to me. She's worried, but I know that I'll end up needing to fight regardless." Paula. Whether or not I want to go to war is irrelevant. Warrick didn't want this either, but the decision was taken out of his hands when they bombed us at the Summit. An act of aggression like that meant that war was the only outcome. As for actually going to fight. I'm a Marquess of Diablos. I'm of the 3rd highest Noble Rank in the Country, behind Royalty and Dukes, in that order.

If I won't take to the battlefield, why should anyone below me? Besides, my People are going to be put into the battle as well. Paradise is located outside of the Eastern Diablos Border. We're a prime target now that my plans have made it into a trading hub with riches to plunder. What I'm trying to say is that, whether by Warrick's command or the Elf King's command, I'm most likely going to wind up needing to fight."" But that doesn't mean you have to fight! You're not even from Gaia! Just look at what happened!

You've been shot and slashed and nearly stabbed! You've already gone through so much!"" You're right, Paula. I'm not from here. I've been kidnapped and I've been hurt already. Of course, if I had it my way, I'd have them all call the war off, but I'm no King. And the populations at large, from all 4 Countries don't trust Humans, let alone a Human of dubious origin like me. As for not fighting at all, even if I became a conscientious objector to the war, Alice, Charlotte and Delcan are going to end up fighting.

Not just them, but all of the Demons that I view as Friends, hell, the Demons I view as Family, Warrick, Aqua, Cynthia... At the end of the day, Paula, I can't just sit back and let them fight without me. I want to be there, and I want to protect them. Not only that... But say I stay back while Sarah and Anna are forced to fight... I know I'd join the fight just for that. I lost My Family once and was powerless to stop it.

Now I have the power to protect them and make a difference, I won't just stay away from them and lose it all again. No matter what, I'll protect Sarah and Anna until my dying breath. And no number of Elves or anything else will stop me from doing that." Sniff! I opened the palm of my hand in response to the sound that I heard Paula make. Next a small black light formed in my hand and then I saw Paula's small indigo eyes full of tears. I placed my finger gently on the top of her head. rub... rub..."

I know it's scary, Paula, but I won't die. I'm going to live through this, I'm not going anywhere. This goes for everyone else as well. Scarlet, Julia, Lily, Gil, Rex, Hank, Harry. I'm going to survive this. Everyone is, and we're going to be able to return to my busy life running a town and nothing is going to stop that from happening. Okay?" Everyone just kept silent at my statement, all I could hear was the sound of the wind from Hank flying and the flapping of his wings.

That and Paula's tears as I tried to calm and comfort her as best as I could.