As the ship sailed steadily towards the fabled Beast Kingdom, Aizel seized the opportunity to deepen his understanding of their destination.
With a gentle yet firm grasp, he led Daisy to a secluded corner of the deck, a place where they could immerse themselves in conversation away from the prying eyes and clamor of the crew.
"Whatever you know about the Beast Kingdom, tell me everything."
Daisy nodded.
"Just by the name, you can guess that alongside humans there live many different races.
"Seafolks, beastmen, dragons, elves, and many more."
"Okay, do you know about the political situation or anything like that?" Aizel further asked.
"No, I don't have knowledge about it. Don't worry, I will ask the princess if the opportunity arises."
Aizel nodded.
"Come inside everyone; let's plan how we're going to operate," Zraeena shouted.
The group gathered inside a spacious chamber on the ship, a room meticulously designed to foster collaboration and discussion.
The room exuded an air of refined scholarship, like a place where great minds gather to discuss important matters.
A splendid wooden round table, its polished surface inviting the touch of hands engaged in deep discussion, stood at the room's center.
Bookshelves adorned the room's walls, each one brimming with tomes that told tales of distant lands and ancient wisdom.
Everywhere you looked, there were paintings on the walls, their vivid brushstrokes portraying scenes of legendary wars and mythical animals, sparking the imagination.
With a collective sense of anticipation, each member of the group settled into their respective seats, their gazes fixated on the princess.
"So let me first tell you where we are headed in the Beast Kingdom.
"We will only stay in the southern part of the coast of the kingdom. In the area of the seafolk.
"The group we are hunting is mainly roaming and hiding in this area.
"And the group called themselves 'Cursed Magi."
"What did they do? Why are we hunting them?" Aizel asked.
"The four of them once were royal mages. Three of them were Grade III, while one of them was Grade IV.
"They were loyal to the royals and to the kingdom. But one day, in a small skirmish against the Theodora Kingdom, they disappeared with stolen artifacts.
"And now they are even sharing the kingdom's trade secrets and information with the Theodora Kingdom," Zareena replied.
"Even though we can easily travel and roam in the Beast Kingdom, it's better to hide our identities and hunt them." She further said.
"Are we going to bring them back, or are we going to kill them?" Raven asked.
"We are going to kill them. Once you betray the kingdom, you only deserve death.
"And we can't take them lightly," Zareena replied.
"What about the council?" Edumont asked.
Aizel's ears perked up after hearing that.
"The eight of their representatives, along with their race, are busy preparing for the tournament.
"Except for Dark Elves. But if we keep our identities hidden, I don't think we will create enough problems.
"We will simply hunt them and return home."
"Are we going to cooperate with the seafolk?" Seraphine asked.
"Not all of them. I know a few of them that can help us. We will not trust anyone other than them." Zraeena replied with a smile toward her sister.
"And one more thing, it's the message from the King."
The word "King" echoed around the room, bringing with it an air of reverence and respect.
The group's stance changed in unison, like a well-rehearsed symphony, with everyone automatically straightening their backs and inclining their heads slightly in a sign of respect except for Aizel.
"He said to take care of Aizel. We can't let his identity be revealed.
"No one has information about him, and those who tried to relay the message about him have been killed.
"No one should know about him until the tournament. Protect him at all costs." Zareen said, but her expression looked like disgust.
Fuck," Aizel thought.
"Don't worry, no one can touch my sparring partner," Soren replied.
Aizel snorted.
"I see, the king holds you in high regard," Edumont said.
"It is a good strategy to surprise everyone in the tournament, as expected of the King," Raven replied.
"What strategy? He is only a borderline Grade II mage," Zareena snorted and said.
"That's why you will always stay weaker than me, Zareena. It's not like you can reach my level, but still.
"You can't see the depth that my sparring partner holds.
"If you treat him only as a strong mage with a dual-core, then your heads will roll down on the ground before you can even react," Soren replied. A small sparkle could be seen in his eyes.
[Master]
Yes, I know. This fucker is not completely an idiot," he thought.
"If Soren says you are more than what meets the eye, then I can't wait to have a duel with you," Edumont said.
"Not interested," Aizel replied.
"Huh?" Edumont didn't know how to respond to that.
"Just focus on the mission for now, buffons," Raven said.
"Okay now do whatever you want, but always remain ready. We might not know if a sea monster decides to attack us."
At last, the meeting was over, and everyone went their own ways.
Some went back to their rooms, needing some quiet time to process the new information they had just learned. Even though it was getting dark outside, Aizel and Daisy stayed out on the deck for a while, talking and enjoying each other's company because of their mutual love of the wide sea.
"Are you excited to visit another kingdom, Daisy?" Aizel asked.
Aizel and Daisy stretched out next to one another, their bodies resting comfortably on the deck.
"A little," she replied.
"Maybe we can take note of everything and then come afterward with everyone."
"I like that," Daisy replied.
"Do you think we can complete this mission without facing any problems?" She asked.
"I don't know. I only know one thing for sure that we will both return safely.
Daisy smiled a little as she turned her head towards Aizel.
Aizel glanced at her blue eyes and moved a little closer to her.
Both of them felt something inside of them for each other when Aizel was going to make his first move, a sudden blast of water near their ship startled not only them but everyone.
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