The Moonlight Swordsman

David's response echoed throughout the room, sending shivers down everyone's spine. They had no idea he would be so determined to exact revenge, but they admired his tenacity and were eager to rally behind him.

His ability to dispel mana and artifacts gave them renewed confidence to terrorize the royal family and other powerful figures.

"Now show me where all your groups are," David asked.

The hunter's hand shot to the map, which he quickly retrieved and unrolled across the table, laying out the elaborate topography of Felgura kingdom in front of them.

The mages and hunters gathered around, pointing and gesturing at various locations, discussing the current situation and the various groups involved.

David listened intently, absorbing every little piece of information to determine how he could use it to his advantage in his quest for vengeance.

"I see," David murmured.

While scanning the Felgura kingdom map, David couldn't help but notice a small town near Chester town.

"You said some of them went to this Ashford town, right?" David asked.

"Yes,"

David motioned to a nearby table, and a mage quickly brought him a piece of parchment and ink. He scribbled a note and handed it to the mage, his gaze fixed on the small town near Chester.

"Find out where this woman is; we have to make her come out in the open. She is Katherine's mother." He said.

The mage nodded quickly as he accepted the paper from David and hurriedly passed it to the group of hunters. They quickly gathered around the table to formulate a plan to complete the task assigned by David.

"Meanwhile, who among you is a great blacksmith?" he asked.

"Yes, wait a minute…"

"COLENNN…"

One of the group members alerted Colen as a massive figure approached them, wielding a large hammer.

His muscles rippled beneath sweaty skin as he approached them, his gaze fixed in their direction.

"Colen, this is David, take him with you and help him to the best of your abilities."

With a nod, Colen acknowledged David's presence and motioned for him to follow.

"So, can you make a staff?" David asked while walking with him.

"I can make you anything as long as I have the perfect description of it and materials," Colen replied.

"I need you to make a blade that has a sheath that looks like a staff. And on top of that, add this crystal."

David carefully removed the purple crystal from his pocket, his fingers gripping it tightly as he handed it to Colen.

"Make sure to make the sheath strong enough to handle the weapon's attacks. Do you think you can do it?"

"Of course."

"Great, let's start right away."

Their footsteps echoed in the silent corridor as David and Colen made their way to the blacksmith's workshop.

*****

Meanwhile in the Vespara potion shop...

While conversing in the cozy room, Vespara and Daisy savored the aromatic tea. The children were engrossed in reading books on the first floor.

Vespara had brought a slew of books with her that were chock-full of information on magic, the world of Xelgar, various monsters and creatures, the history of other kingdoms, and even a biography of Cedric Felgura.

"Vespara, will Aizel be safe there?" Daisy asked.

"hahah... Look at you caring about him like his wife." Vespara giggled, making Daisy blush.

"Don't worry about him; there isn't anything he can't handle right now. Besides, Soren is with him. He will be alright."

"Is Soren really that powerful?"

"Among all the families, he is considered to be the strongest. Some even say he can win the fight against the princess of the royal family." Vespara slowly sipped her tea, enjoying its flavor.

"...Why are you helping Aizel?"

Daisy leaned forward; her gaze fixed on Vespara as she waited curiously. She attempted to read the mage's expression in hopes of gaining insight into her thoughts and feelings.

"I have seen his soul, it's really unique. I think he can help me in the future as he grows stronger."

"Even you need help?"

"Darling, I am just an insect in the world of Xelgar."

Daisy's body shuddered involuntarily as she heard Vespara's words.

"Do you know why the northern part of Xelgar is so mysterious? Because no one is strong enough to go there. And those who have tried have never returned."

"Just like Cedric Felgura?" Daisy inquired.

"Yes, he tried to explore the north along with people from the other kingdoms when their cores reached Grade IX.

"But they never returned.

"Now, leave these serious topics and tell me more about Aizel. Did you guys do it?"

"D... Do what?"

"Make love with each other." Vespara leaned forward.

Daisy's face flushed, and she quickly covered it with her hands, embarrassed.

"T... There is nothing like that between us." She said.

"Aww… come on. You should try to use a little force sometime. If you wait for him, who knows; another woman might take him away from you."

"B... but I don't think he has feelings for me. I mean, who would love me after knowing what has happened to me in the past?"

Daisy's voice was tinged with sadness, her thoughts drifting back. As she spoke, her eyes became distant, her voice soft and wistful.

"Do you think Aizel cares about things like that?" Vespara asked.

"I... I don't know."

"Then you should discover that. You won't mind sharing him with me, right?"

"He is not mine that I can share with you."

"Ohh, well, then I might enjoy him first," Vespara said licking her lips.

Their attention, however, was quickly drawn to the creak of the door as four burly men entered the potion shop.

"Is the supply ready?" One of them asked.

"See behind your back, idiots, where the boxes are placed; they are all yours," Vespara replied sipping the tea.

The three other men acted quickly, opening the crates and inspecting their contents. They stowed the items in their rings after ensuring everything was in order.

"Who is she? Why haven't I seen her before?" The man asked scanning Daisy's body.

"She is new here," Vespara replied.

"Do you want to sell her? I like her body, we can offer a good rate if you will."

Daisy tensed up and took a step back from Vespara and the man.

Her reaction caught Vespara's attention, and she could sense her fear. Daisy appeared to be terrified of both her and the man standing next to her.

The people around the potion shop began to notice an unsettling change in the air. The once-bright sky had been obscured by a blanket of darkness, and a chill had crept into the air, making everyone uneasy.

The noble families residing in the city of Felgura also observed the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

"Damn it who was the idiot who made her angry? Find him and get rid of him before it's too late."