The cultist had already fallen unconscious, his body going limp after Chris's kick. A faint trace of irritation crossed Chris's face as he stepped forward and grabbed the man by his clothes, lifting him effortlessly with one hand.
"Let's move up," Chris said.
Without wasting time, he turned toward the stone stairs leading out of the tunnel. Skye, Ray, and Leo followed closely behind. As they approached the stairs, the flames burning along the tunnel walls flickered weakly before dying out completely, leaving the place dim and cold.
For a brief second, Chris's gaze shifted.
The lifeless body of the spy still hung there, unmoving.
His jaw tightened slightly, teeth clenching, but he didn't stop. "Move," he said again.
They climbed the stairs and finally stepped out of the tunnel.
The moment Leo took his first step outside, bright sunlight hit his face. He squinted, raising his hand slightly.
"That was fast… is it already morning?" he muttered.
Just ahead, a carriage stood waiting.
It carried a subtle royal presence—crafted from polished dark wood, with fine golden carvings lining its edges. The wheels were solid yet elegant, and the doors bore engraved patterns that reflected authority without being overly extravagant.
Chris walked straight toward it, still holding the unconscious cultist.
As he reached the carriage, the door opened from inside.
Two girls stepped out and bowed slightly. "Captain."
Both wore clean, well-fitted cloaks of the 6th Division. The first girl was slightly taller, her straight hair neatly tied back, her features simple yet refined. Her posture was relaxed but confident, and her calm eyes reflected quiet assurance.
The second girl stood beside her, a little shorter, with shoulder-length hair and a naturally soft expression. She looked approachable, her stance easy and composed.
There was nothing intimidating about them—just calm professionalism and natural respect.
Chris opened the carriage door and tossed the cultist inside. "Tie him properly. Make sure his hands are secured."
Both girls nodded and quickly tied him with rope.
"Get in," Chris called.
Skye, Leo, and Ray stepped inside, . The two girls took the front, guiding it forward.
With a slight signal from them, the creature began to move.
The carriage rolled forward smoothly, pulled effortlessly by the powerful beast.
They entered Velmora town's main street.
The same street that had been full of life and noise the previous night now lay quiet and nearly empty under the soft morning light.
Leo looked out through the window. "Why is it so empty?"
Chris, sitting across from him, replied calmly, "It's early. Give it some time."
Leo nodded and continued watching outside.
Then his gaze suddenly stopped.
"What… is that?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, clearly impressed.
A massive jet-black creature was pulling the carriage. Its muscular body carried a natural strength, while its deep blue glowing eyes gave it an unusual presence. A long, thick mane flowed gently in the breeze, adding to its striking appearance.
Chris glanced at it and gave a faint smile. "Aurelios. My personal beast. It goes wherever I go."
Leo's interest was obvious.
Chris leaned forward slightly, continuing, "They're highly aggressive creatures. They don't trust easily."
Leo finally looked at him. "Where did you find it?"
Chris smirked, as if he had been waiting for that question. "I didn't find it. I captured it. When I first became captain of the 6th Division, I heard one was in the nearby forest. I went there at night… and we fought."
He paused briefly.
"Both of us were injured… but I landed the final blow. After that, it became mine."
He brushed his hair back casually. "Defeat one, and it will follow you. They're extremely loyal once they accept you."
Their conversation continued as the carriage rolled forward.
Then suddenly—
"I'm hungry," Leo said.
Skye immediately hit him on the head. "Can you stay quiet for once?"
"I am hungry!" Leo protested.
Ray raised his hand calmly. "Same here."
Skye grabbed both of them by their collars. "Sit quietly, or I'll make you."
Then Chris slowly raised his hand. "I'm hungry too."
There was a brief silence.
Then Leo and Ray grinned.
"…Fine," Skye sighed.
The carriage stopped near a roadside dhaba.
It was simple but lively. A clay stove burned steadily in one corner, flames flickering as fresh rotis puffed up on the hot surface. The air was filled with rich aromas—spices frying, curry simmering in large pots, and butter melting over hot bread. Wooden benches and tables were arranged unevenly, giving the place a raw, authentic charm.
A few early customers sat quietly, enjoying their meals.
Leo jumped out first and walked straight toward Aurelios. "Wow… it looks incredible," he said softly.
Ray joined him. "I've only read about it… never seen one in real life."
Leo stepped closer and reached out his hand.
"Leo, don't—!" Chris shouted.
But it was too late.
Leo gently touched Aurelios's neck.
And the creature didn't react.
Chris froze, surprised.
Leo looked back. "What?"
Chris turned away slightly. "Nothing. Let's eat."
Inside the dhaba, they sat on wooden benches. The two girls sat nearby, calm as ever.
The smell of fresh bread and spicy curry filled the air, making everyone hungrier.
A man approached with a smile. "Welcome. What would you like?"
Leo quickly grabbed the menu. "Hot roti, curry… and lassi."
Chris took the menu from his hand. "Let us see… and bring some sweets as well."
"Right away," the man said.
Soon, plates arrived—fresh rotis, rich curry, and soft sweets.
Everyone started eating.
Leo ignored the spoon completely, tearing the roti with his hands and dipping it straight into the curry.
Skye and Ray looked at him. "Does he have no manners?"
But Chris quietly placed his spoon down… and started eating the same way.
The food was too good to care.
After finishing, Leo picked up a few extra rotis and went outside. He fed Aurelios by hand, smiling.
The creature accepted it calmly.
Chris watched from a distance, still slightly surprised—but said nothing.
Soon, they returned to their seats, and the man brought chilled lassi.
Everyone took a sip.
Cold, refreshing, perfect.
For a moment… everything felt calm.