'Symons families, huh? This doesn't end here.' A masked man at the Fuller mansion dressed all in black and standing in front of a rifle positioned towards the mansion's entrance thought to himself.
Everyone in the family adored sweet little Nina. Even though she was disabled, she didn't act like a victim and often tried to help, even though Vice kept her out of everything he did.
It wasn't uncommon for Nina to climb the stairs of her home and deliver a snack to Vicente's men, who were usually in charge of security or the residence.
For such interactions, she was well-liked by everyone in the family. Hence, her kidnapping could not fail to irritate even the less fanatical men in the family.
Some of Vicente's men were even willing to die for their leader, certain that their families would not be left helpless by their deaths. But even those who were not so determined could not take Nina's kidnapping lightly.
For them, any chance of a relationship between their family and House Symons had ended with Nina's kidnapping!
'We will show this town what happens to those who attack our people!' Thought another Vicente soldier nearby as he watched Nina return to her estate.
'We'll just have to stand still for a while... With the chief going to Ironcrest, we'll get resources to strengthen the family a few more levels.' A man at the door of House Fuller thought while keeping a neutral expression on his face.
"Now that Nina is safe, I have to go," Nova commented to Eve. "Unfortunately, I can't stay any longer. I have some problems to solve in the army."
"Thank you for your help," Eve said sincerely, seeing that Nova really was a good friend to Vicente.
Casey didn't want to stay either and soon left to meet Shelby.
But even though tonight's affair was over, it didn't mean everything was settled regarding Marcus Symons!
'I may not be strong enough to deal with you, but that won't always be the case. Just wait me, Marcus. If Vicente doesn't bring you down, I will!'
Casey thought as he ran through the shadows of Millfall.
...
Hours later, the day had already broken over the Scott Province as Vicente's group prepared to split up again.
This time, however, it would not be to explore more of the Alpine Woodpecker Forest or to divide the enemy forces that might be pursuing them. After days in this forest area, the group had finally served its purpose there.
After escaping from the 3rd stage woodpecker hours ago, the group had moved away from the deepest part of Alpine Woodpecker Forest. However, on their way, they spotted a group of beasts, which they carefully hunted so as not to attract the attention of enemies. Eventually, they obtained two new pentagrams for the group.
Over the next few hours, they would return with their carriages to an area where Vicente had sensed a group of three beasts compatible with some of his men.
They hunted these beasts for the last two hours when the one who had not yet conquered his second pentagram finally killed his target and began to absorb it.
The last man in the group to absorb his second pentagram had just done so a few minutes ago when Vicente gathered his group for one last chat before they split up.
It was time for Rory and most of them to return to Millfall, while Vicente and a few men would go to Ironcrest.
Looking at the 13 of the 18 men who had left Millfall with him and Rory, Vicente said to them. "We lost some of our companions on this journey, which is a shame.
However, everyone was aware of the risks when we left, and I will, of course, keep my promises. The families of our dead comrades will now be taken care of by the Mazzanti family."
The men around the group's three carriages, standing on a dirt road trail, heard their leader's words and didn't complain, confident that Vice would take care of these five families.
At the same time, they couldn't help but look down at the ground, feeling bad about losing five of their companions.
"Anyway, be careful on the way back to Millfall. Until you reach the city, you may have to deal with dangerous people of all kinds. Be prepared for anything."
Everyone nodded as Vice looked at Rory. "When you get to town, split off a small group to accompany our Acolytes who didn't come with us to hunt for their pentagrams. Otherwise, just do what we've already planned. Avoid any additional actions during my absence."
"Okay. But be careful in Ironcrest. There will certainly be powers looking for someone selling the Irwin family jewels."
"I know. I'll save the jewels for when we leave the province." Vicente was no fool to trade such stolen resources so close to House Irwin.
Then he looked at the three men who would accompany him and nodded to them as he walked toward his carriage.
"A good journey to you. If I'm successful in Ironcrest, I'll be back in Millfall in no more than 20 days."
With those words, the group split up, with Rory and 10 men, level 1 and 2 Acolytes, heading back the way they came weeks ago to Alpine Woodpecker Forest.
Vicente and his three level 1 companions took a new route, beginning a journey to circle the forest area's core to avoid problems with the woodpeckers.
Already in his carriage, as it moved along, Vice thought about how his family must be doing, looking forward to returning home and spending some time with Nina and Eve. Of course, Nova was also on his mind.
'Things will get better soon.' He smiled.
...
While Vicente's carriage was moving, in another part of the Alpine Woodpecker Forest, three level 5 humans were moving at high speed towards the core of this area.
"Are you sure, Jasmine?" Mark asked the light pink-haired woman in front of him.
Jasmine's ability to track humans was phenomenal. But when she told him their targets were heading towards the heart of this dangerous area, Mark couldn't help but feel uncertain.
The group they were following was supposed to be made up of low-level Acolytes. How could they venture into that area?
It would be too dangerous! The risk of losing almost the entire group, or even the entire group, would be enormous!
"I'm sure of it, Mark. But why did you convince me to come here if you don't trust me?" Jasmine looked back seriously.
"Of course I trusted you. I just find it strange... Anyway, are we away from them?"
"No. We'll catch up with them in one more day, two at the most, no matter where they went."
"Good!"
