Chapter 2052: Vermillion City
The young boy looked horrified when he saw a man's head get bitten off and finally fainted when another one's head suddenly separate from his body. Seeing that the young boy giving into exhaustion, Adrian decided to bring them Vermillion City with him. It might be six hours away, but he cannot return the kids to their village as it was razed to the ground according to them.
Adrian summoned Saena to heal the two kids and managed to save the young girl as she was heavily injured. He looked at the two kids softly as he could not imagine what they must be going through. The fact that the young boy had the courage to ran as far as his feet could take him despite knowing the impossibility of surviving means that he has great tenacity.
"It might also be the reason why his soul shines golden as if to say that he is someone with a heart and will of gold." Adrian stated.
He then looked at the young girl and could only look at her soul with interest. The young girl's soul had a fiery essence to it. He could easily guess that this young girl might have abilities relating to flames as her hands could be seen covered in bandages due to burns. Saena was able to heal her hands but some of the scars still remain. She might have overused her abilities in order to save her brother.
"Such great siblings. One did not leave the other behind while the other used everything to protect the other." Adrian mumbled as he passed by the razed village.
The small village could be seen filled with ash and still a bit hot as the hooded men just did this earlier. The bodies of the dead could be seen burnt to the point that they are unrecognizable. He then saw the souls of the dead rush towards him as if they saw the light. Adrian made sure to fulfill his duties and send the souls to the underworld as they needed to rest in peace. Lingering in the mortal realm with grudges or resentments will transform them into vengeful spirits.
"A benevolent grim reaper?" The young girl stated as she woke up slightly but fell to sleep again as she needed to recover.
The two kids suddenly had smiles on their faces but also cried as well. They saw the image of their family and acquaintances say their farewells. Even their beloved mother told them that they should grow up big and strong. They should always have each other's backs as they only have each other to rely on.
"Where are we!" The young boy suddenly stated as he woke up from his deep sleep.
"It seems that the both of you have gotten a good rest because we are now close to Vermillion City." Adrian stated as he could now see the silhouette of the city from afar.
A lot of things also happened on the way as there were bandits then monsters. There was even a seductive plant monster that tried to lure Adrian with its charm, but Wisteria destroyed it. Adrian never saw a plant monster so traumatize to the point that it wanted to yank its roots from the ground. It was both disturbing and utterly jaw dropping to see such a scene.
"Thank you, great master! We are in your debt!" The young boy suddenly stated as he woke up his sister.
"Are both of you going to be fine?" Adrian asked as he knew that the two young kids lost everything.
"Thank you but we will be fine. We can manage as long as we are together. Thank the great master as well." The young boy stated.
"Thank you, great master." The young girl stated as she clung to her brother with all her might as Vermillion City looked bustling despite the recent activities of the cults.
"If you want, I can help you two to settle in as I know someone that could help both of you. The help would not be free as you might need to work for them." Adrian stated as he felt that leaving them to fend for themselves leaves a sour taste in his mouth.
"You already helped us too much that we feel that we are taking advantage of you." The young boy stated.
"Think of this as fated meeting that would not have happened if you were in different circumstances. Also, you can call me Equinox as being called great master is a bit too much even for me." Adrian stated.
"Then Master Equinox... thank you once again. My name is Kenta, and this is my sister Hotaru." Kenta stated.
"Well, it is nice meeting both of you. So, do you want to accept my proposal?" Adrian asked.
"We would like to as we are very lost. We promise that we will repay you to the utmost when we grow up!" Kenta stated.
"You do not need to do so. You can just think of this as a fortuitous encounter. Follow me as we are going to Vermillion Pagoda." Adrian stated.
"Vermillion Pagoda? You mean that?!" Kenta shouted as he pointed towards the red pagoda where the Vermillion Bird lives.
"Wow! We are going to the pretty pagoda!" Hotaru exclaimed in shock and excitement. "Come now. I have an important meeting with someone there and I believe that person can help both of you." Adrian stated as he proceeded to walk towards the Vermillion Pagoda. Vermillion City is still bustling but the people in it could be seen being a bit tense. Even if they are under the direct protection of the Vermillion Bird, they knew that the cultist could attack anytime or linger in the shadows. The guards in the city could be seen being very alert as if they are always ready should something bad happened. Adrian made sure to keep an eye on the children as he might need to find another home for them if the Vermillion Bird does not take care of them.