Chapter 896 The Future of the Group  

After collecting the bodies of their dead allies and enemies, Vicente and the others flew south.

For the time being, it wouldn't do to stay too far north or even near The Ivory Desert. With the goals of this journey accomplished, it was time for them to retreat and plan their next steps.

But as they flew at low altitude, keeping an eye on their surroundings, the survivors couldn't help but talk about the terrible results of today's encounter. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

As they flew over green fields, leaving the nearby fog behind, Elmo said. "Victor and the others had to die in the end... It's a shame. Magicians like them could have done so much for humanity."

Others also regretted the death of these magicians. Even though they were mostly beasts, it didn't mean they wished the worst for humanity.

After all, humanity was necessary. For the sake of balance, even beasts considered humans necessary enough to mourn the loss of such important pillars as Ayden, Paul, Jacob, and Victor.

Bonfi murmured, his voice weary. "It's a shame. We almost died too... I didn't think a single High-level Paragon vampire could be so terrible."

"Unfortunately, they're stronger than we could have imagined. That just makes things worse. We're on the run now, but it won't be like that in the future."

"What should we do now, Vicente?" Qiang asked, his eagle eyes focused on the black-haired human at the front of the group.

Vicente looked to the side and spotted the twelve monsters he had subdued moments before.

"First, we'll escape the vampires' domain. It's too dangerous to go too far north." He turned his eyes forward, monitoring the path and the surroundings. "As soon as we find a place further south, that's safe enough for us, we'll use these resources from today's battles for an indefinite time."

He glanced at Acidbelly and Tenglin. "I believe you two will improve your levels after this seclusion. So let's wait until that happens.

In the meantime, I intend to send most of these twelve creatures south to join our companions in defending the human realms."

Vicente looked at Elmo and Bonfi, aware these two were brave and honorable warriors, willing to risk their lives for the destruction of the vampires, if at all possible. But they had joined his group mainly to help him complete the pentagrams of the Throne of Darkness. Now that he had accomplished that, the two of them might prefer not to take any more risks.

Unlike Acidbelly and Tenglin, Elmo and Bonfi didn't have tribes as powerful as those in Majestic Treefrog Grove. If they died, their tribes would miss them terribly.

"You are all welcome to continue to stand by my side to fight the monsters and vampires. But I won't ask you to sacrifice yourselves by fighting alongside me. From now on, the battles will be increasingly difficult and dangerous," he said sincerely, touching on the most important topic for the group.

Elmo sighed at Vicente's words, feeling at a crossroads. He really wanted to see Vice's impressive journey. After all, the human had reached an unparalleled level of fighting skills, rivaling that of vampires on his level. But even a Leshy like him, ancient and experienced, feared death.

"Vicente, I want to wish you the best and success in your upcoming battles. However, I must prioritize the welfare of my tribe. With your newfound strength, my presence by your side wouldn't make a significant difference." Elmo's wooden lips parted, and he spoke with resolve. "Once I've regained my strength, I will return to the central region. There, I will assist in erecting barriers to protect the area from the monsters."

"Hmm, do your best." Vicente nodded positively, preferring things that way. It was beneficial to have Elmo, an Intermediate Archmage, by Vicente's side. Among the people present, Elmo was one of the few capable of effectively combating the formidable opponents Vicente would encounter in the future. However, it would also be advantageous to position him in the central region, where he could protect the human territories. "I will follow Elmo," Bonfi said after much deliberation, somewhat embarrassed. "Save your resources for the others who will be at your side, Vicente. I don't deserve them—"

Vicente interrupted him, not accepting these words. "No, I want you all to take the resources collected today. It's the least I can do to compensate you for your efforts. There's a lot of good stuff here. Use it to become stronger and more useful in your travels after we say goodbye." Tenglin and Acidbelly looked at each other for a moment before the great Roc said, "We will remain by your side until we can no longer help you."

Qiang and Lonan made the same decision, willing to continue this journey with Vicente. They wanted to have the chance to absorb more valuable resources in the future, but they also wanted to see him in action.

Vicente had grown much stronger. With 10 pentagrams, he now had perfect control over the Throne of Darkness and could truly use 100% of his powers.

Until a few hours ago, Vicente had been limited. After all, he couldn't use everything in a magical form until his pentagram slots were filled. Now that this had changed and Vicente's first pentagram had even gained indigo lines and symbols, he was at his full potential.

Already in the last half of a High-level Paragon, it shouldn't be long before Vicente becomes an Archmage!

'I will stay by his side until he absorbs his 12th essence. I'll help him hunt down his next two pentagrams, and then I can return home.' Tenglin thought to himself, remembering the mission his elders had given him by sending him with this group.

Vicente accepted those who wanted to continue helping him before things died down, and they continued their journey in silence.

Amid this silent part of the journey, he couldn't help but reflect on all that had happened and how strong he had become.

All in all, Vicente had gained not only two new pentagrams, but three new powers, several ways to combine powers, mana, and a control over his two magical forms that were more refined than anything he had ever achieved before.

With High-level Paragon vampire blood at his disposal, he was eager to increase his strength even further and finally begin his preparations for Demien Bloodthorne.

'Time to go into seclusion!'