Though Jared didn’t fully understand how the draconic essence in his possession maintained its link to Cyanna, he allowed it to absorb the aura on its own.
He knew he’d eventually rely on this essence to find Cyanna and the others, as well as to locate the Demon Seal Tower-a place filled with sealed Draconians.
This tower held the key to Jared’s mission. He needed to confront its master and uncover the truth behind their grudge against the Draconians.
The following morning, Jared sought out Owen to inform him of his intention to take Scarlette back to Allardland. He had promised Cedric, and he intended to honor that promise.
Owen didn’t object, but he voiced one lingering concern-Keegan of Quinlan Town.
Though Harvey was gone and Quinlan Town wasn’t particularly strong, they were supported by the powerful Demon Seal Alliance. If Keegan decided to cause trouble for Castenada Town, it could spell disaster.
“Then I’ll take care of the Quinlan family,” Jared said firmly. “This way, you can live without worry.”
Without another word, Jared vanished in a flash.
Half a day later, Jared returned. Along with his arrival came news of Quinlan Town’s destruction. Jared’s wrath was swift and unrelenting.
The Quinlan family’s alliance with the Demon Seal Alliance had sealed their fate. In Jared’s eyes, anyone aligned with the alliance deserved no mercy.
Before leaving with Scarlette, Judith approached Jared with a resolute expression. “I’ll come with you,” she said.
Jared blinked in surprise. “Where do you plan to go?”
“I’m heading to the Dead Sea,” Judith replied. “I’ll find a remote island to cultivate on. That way, even Suspine won’t be able to track me down. As long as I have the secret scroll documentation device, Suspine will never give up. If I stay here, I’ll bring calamity to the town.”
Judith was determined to grow stronger, vowing that one day she would rebuild the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
Her words carried undeniable logic, and Jared could only nod in agreement.
Owen, though saddened to part with his daughters again so soon, took comfort in knowing they were safe.
“Dad,” Scarlette reassured him, holding his hand. “I’ll visit you often once I’m in Allardland. You won’t have to worry about me. When the time comes, I’ll bring you to stay in Allardland for a while so you can see its splendor!”
Owen’s face softened into a smile. “My daughters have truly grown into remarkable young women.”
With a wave of his hand, he added, “Go now. Don’t waste any more time.”
Scarlette and Judith boarded the airship as it prepared to depart.
As Owen watched the airship ascend, tears welled up in his eyes, streaming down his face. At that moment, he seemed to age noticeably, the weight of their parting heavy on his shoulders.
The airship soared toward the Dead Sea. By the time it reached its edge, dusk had fallen.
Jared, rather than remaining inside, stood atop the airship, gazing out at the vast, desolate sea as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Judith joined him, knowing her departure was near. She didn’t know if she’d ever see Jared again. Perhaps this would be their final meeting.
As she stepped onto the deck, she saw Jared standing at the bow of the airship, hands clasped behind his back. The last rays of sunlight illuminated him, casting a dreamlike glow over his figure.
Judith watched him in silence until her brow furrowed in confusion. An odd aura was converging around Jared, emanating from all directions.
Those illusory shadows appeared to be colossal dragons, each one poised behind Jared.
Judith’s breath caught.
Draconic energy?
The sight left her shaken. At that moment, she felt unworthy of Jared, her earlier actions flashing through her mind. How could she have thought herself worthy of someone like him? She felt a pang of shame, recalling how she had approached him the previous night.
