NOVEL WEB Chapter 229: Escort
Four days had passed since the survivors of the two regiments sent to deal with the threat in the east had left the Parralen Valley Outpost, and today was the same old continuation of the journey back to the borders of the Imperium.
Hal sneakily opened his system and checked his Chaos Points, remembering that a notification sounded the moment Zephyron appeared.
==
Chaos Points: 25,000
==
Unfortunately, he had seen a much bigger amount, so there wasn't much reaction on his face.
Such was the workings of the ever-greedy human mind.
But this was only part of the reason why he wasn't too excited.
The larger part was that, even if he invested more points in the draws, he felt that it would be useless until he found a way to bypass the limitations of a human's reflexes.
It would be unwise to always rely on the fell race's underestimation.
'I'll ask master…'
The plan was to ask Zephyron on the way back to the empire, but Stiff Face unfortunately couldn't go back with them.
Hal's question would have to wait.
Or so he thought…
Loud hums of a Manatech Vehicle engine suddenly echoed in the distance, followed by the sudden, momentary flight of an all-terrain jeepney.
Its appearance…and the way it spun in the air.
Hal was sure he had seen that jeepney before.
A few more wild jumps later, he finally caught a glimpse of the darned driver, remembering the slightly older man's face.
It was Shaun, his master's crazy driver.
Of course, how could the accursed jeepney operator be here without his master, who was chilling at the front seat?
Hal suddenly felt safe; his tense body finally relaxed, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him.
And why shouldn't he?
After all, his master was a former Magna and someone who would gladly sacrifice herself for the continued existence of the Imperium.
She would never allow him to die, not on her watch.
Hal somewhat expected that it would be she who would escort them back to the empire, or Ennya's master, as they were two of the strongest wizards in Aeloria City.
Plus, their students were among the survivors.
In any case, he was glad to see her again, especially after encountering that horror of a Fellkin.
Hal was highly certain that even his master wouldn't be able to take the bastard in a duel, perhaps even in her prime.
Maybe two Magnas fighting together would do the job.
But in a one-on-one, the Fellkin known as the Atrox Seres seemed unbeatable.
Hal's mind, however, continued to wander with this interesting train of thought, remembering the name mentioned by Khatu and Zephyron: Kalna, the Magna of Time.
Based on how highly Stiff Face and the delusional fell leader regarded the man, Hal could only wonder whether Kalna could take on the Atrox Seres in a duel.
Time Magic was among the rarest, if not the rarest element in the history and records of the Imperium, after all.
Oh how mighty would a Magna, who most probably had boosts in this type of magic, be?
Still, Hal was only curious about the man and the magic he wielded.
He didn't believe that Chaos Magic was inferior at all.
Perhaps it was self-bias that made him think this way, but Hal inwardly held firm in his belief and potential, especially after how his arsenal of spells helped him survive, and even almost defeat, an opponent he should've had no business fighting.
Minutes passed, and the volume of the revving engine of his master's all-terrain vehicle grew louder and louder, soon stopping at the forefront of the convoy.
"I'll speak to her."
Hal gave his platoon members a heads up, quickly disembarking from the small vehicle he was on.
Meanwhile, at the forefront, Isolde was talking to Emmanuel.
"Call my student and Ennya Kasai. I shall escort them back to Aeloria," the headmistress instructed, suddenly sensing Hal's approach and adding, "Ah, never mind. My student is on the way, just summon Freyra's."
"Yes, your excellence!"
In the next moment, Emmanuel sped off to the middle of the formation, calling for Ennya.
"Paying respects to master!" Hal bowed respectfully upon arriving.
Isolde nodded in response and ordered:
"Quick, get in the backseat and wait for me. We'll leave shortly."
Hal nodded, noticing Shaun grinning and waving at him annoyingly at the side, as if saying: "Hello there, little brother, it would be my honor to turn your guts upside down again!"
He could only sigh and bear with the bastard's crappy driving again.
He should be able to adjust again soon enough…
Hal walked towards the all-terrain jeepney and boarded the backseats, waiting as instructed by his master.
A few more moments later, another familiar face approached, also boarding the backseats.
Hal somewhat expected it, but he was glad that Ennya's safety was also being prioritized.
Heck, who the hell was he to doubt the sole possessor of a five-hundred percent elemental boost in the entire history of the Imperium?
It was only natural that her treatment would be similar to his.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" the midget asked with furrowed brows and a slight scowl.
It was impossible to be in a nice mood after their traumatizing experience.
"Nothing," Hal responded with an indifferent shrug. "Just make sure to hold on tight. This guy's driving is quite unconventional…"
After their short conversation, Isolde also boarded, having already informed Emmanuel that a battalion of reinforcements from Aeloria was on the way, relief supplies in hand.
"Here are your goggles."
Hal unceremoniously received and wore them, fully knowing what was to come, while the midget was a bit confused, although she still wore them like her childhood friend did.
"Well then, since everyone is ready…" Isolde glanced at the backseat, shifting her attention to her driver: "Shaun, go. The usual speed.
A dozen seconds later…
"YOU DAMNED DRIVER!! I'LL INCINERATE YOU IF I SURVIVE! MARK MY WORDS!! YOU'LL BE NOTHING BUT ASHES! ASHES, YOU HEAR ME?!!"