The funeral of the Star Engravers members ended with great solemnity. Unexpectedly, the Human Alliance announced to the entire continent at the end of the funeral that the selection for the second phase of Star Engravers would begin. The second phase of Star Engravers would serve as the support team for Panini Frontline, with recommendations from military academies of various countries to select 12 suitable candidates. Within half a month, Elliot's office was filled with the files of recommended candidates. The first batch of Star Engravers members resumed their training on the training ground, but the atmosphere became somber. After the battle known as the "Blue River Holy War", everyone had undergone different changes.
Selina would occasionally gaze at the corner of the wall, but that figure never appeared. During the quiet nights, Anya would often ask Selina the same question.
"That day, did we disappoint Lord Black Flag... He risked his life to save all of us, but when he was severely injured and in a miserable state, not a single person dared to stand up and at least ask how he was."
"I don't know, Anya, but if it were me, I would definitely feel very heartbroken!" Selina would always remember the look in Lord Black Flag's eyes that she saw last, even though it was through a mask. Through that mask, she could always discern sorrow, sadness, and confusion.
Neil would lock himself in his room all day, researching more powerful alchemy and puppets. Evan and Belian would engage in real combat on the training ground with real swords and guns. The fierce and formidable aura and immense power they displayed made the other soldiers tremble with fear. The training ground would turn into Star Engravers' exclusive space each time, until everyone was exhausted.
"I couldn't save Gawain and Drake with my limited strength; my selfishness and cowardice hurt Lord Black Flag who was the most helpless at the time. I hate myself for being like this. I think the other Star Engravers members must feel the same way as me, so everyone is desperately hoping to become stronger, not wanting to lose anyone else." In her letter to Cecilia, Iloth poured out her heart. After reading it, Cecilia couldn't write for a long time and could only write two words.
"Keep going."
Ray left Heaven's Territory silently and returned to the Papal States.
Chris did not ask for the details of the battle. The battle records brought back by the Star Engravers had been studied repeatedly by various organizations for a long time. He simply watched Ray quietly and said one sentence,
"You're confused, child."
Ray only said one thing.
"I want to go to the library, I need permission." After thinking for a moment, Chris replied,
"You deserve that permission."
"Regarding Lodstadt...," Ray hesitated, not knowing how to ask.
"The contract is not over, so you need to return to the frontline. But if you grow tired of that place, you're welcome to come back at any time. Lilith is currently dealing with some tricky matters in the West, so the position of the librarian is temporarily vacant."
"I'll temporarily return to the frontline. There are many things I still need to figure out." After saying this, Ray left. Chris opened a magic image, and a figure in a black robe, Ray, was holding a huge shadow ball aloft.
Lodstadt was still startled awake in the middle of the night by Ray's quiet presence by his bedside, but he seemed more concerned about Ray's injuries than Chris. He voluntarily stated that Ray didn't need to perform any tasks. The Star Engravers had undergone a metamorphosis and become true warriors, heading east of the Blue River on their own for reconnaissance missions. Ray could rest and move around freely. If he had the time, he could help Elliot find suitable candidates for the second phase of Star Engravers. The first round of selection had already ended, and the second round of practical selection would be held at Fort Cangyang soon.
Ray left again without saying a word, only responding with "yes" and "okay" throughout the whole process, causing Lodstadt to worry about him.
A month had passed since the battlefield by the Blue River. The chaotic elements had already calmed down, but the broken space remained unstable. All the bloodstains on the ground had been cleaned away. In this month's time, humans, orcs, demons, and many other forces had visited this land on the boundary of confrontation. Ray had hoped to find a trace of Gray Shadow's blood, but he discovered that the land where Gray Shadow and himself fell was completely excavated, leaving no clues behind.
"Azazel's blood." Recalling these words, Ray stood in the air where he had once fought, remembering the first words his teacher had said upon seeing him.
"Come with me, you mongrel. I'll treat you to a meal!""Serafine, Azazel, Ray, what exactly are you!"
