Published at 3rd of April 2026 7:59 am

Chapter 1643 Rendezvous Point

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For more than a week, Edward and the others guided the children through the Mourning Mountains.

The journey was slow and unforgiving. The mist clung to them day and night, the terrain proving to be treacherous and disorienting.

The children struggled the most, for they were tired, hungry, and weak from what they'd endured. Many had to be carried at times, and others supported as they stumbled step by step.

Magi, however, fared better. But even they showed faint signs of fatigue. Still, they pressed on for the children's sake. And at last, the mist began to thin.

The suffocating veil slowly gave way, revealing clear skies and distant horizons. The air felt lighter and easier to breathe.

They had finally made it out.

Ahead of them, the land sloped downward until it met the sea. The sound of waves crashing against the rocky cliffs echoed in their ears.

And there, docked near the cliffs…

A ship awaited them.

This was their way out.

The rendezvous point… they had finally arrived.

Krummor glanced at all the children with them. Seeing the looks of happiness and relief on their faces made him feel glad.

The dwarf then turned to Edward and asked, "What about the Dark King?"

Edward glanced towards the sea for a few moments before replying, "We were instructed to wait here at the rendezvous point. Adam and the rest are camped by the secret base, or… what remains of it, anyway. In case any other cultists show up, you know."

He then turned to the dwarf and added, "In any case, they'll be coming here too. We just have to wait for them."

"I see." Krummor nodded.

He glanced at the men on the ship making preparations for them to come on board. These were the Agents and Acolytes of the Twilight Brotherhood.

Although the rescue operation had been a success, there were still a lot of things that weighed heavily on the hearts of him and his men.

"What are your plans?" Edward asked in a soft voice. "Back to the Union?"

"Yes." The dwarf snapped out of his daze. He gazed at the children and added, "We'll help them settle down far in the south… away from the ravages of war. We'll try our best to locate their parents."

Edward nodded. He then offered a handshake and a faint smile. "It was nice working with you."

The dwarf glanced at the youth's calloused hand. He then tightly clasped it and replied, "Likewise, Edward."

The Storm King and his men helped Krummor and the Agents guide the children aboard the ship. One by one, the children were onto the deck. The men of the Brotherhood worked together in silence.

It was a bittersweet moment. Many of the children looked back with uncertain eyes, clutching onto the only people who had pulled them out of hell.

The men could only offer them gentle reassurances, hoping that one day these children would be reunited with their families and given the chance to live normal, happy lives.

At last, the final child was brought aboard.

The ropes were cast off, and the ship slowly pulled away from the rocky cliffs, its sails catching the wind as it began its journey across the open sea. The waves parted beneath it as it sailed southward toward the sun-kissed horizon, growing smaller and smaller until it disappeared from sight.

And right at that moment…

A giant shadow fell over the cliffs. The clouds above parted as a colossal skyfaring vessel descended from the heavens.

The Red Wind had arrived.

***

A somber mood settled over the deck of the flying vessel.

After Edward and his men came aboard, word spread quickly. It didn't take long for everyone to piece together what had truly happened in the Mourning Mountains.

They had all witnessed it. The Dark King descended like a falling star, and then the mountain was erased in a single, overwhelming strike.

At the time, they felt nothing but awe and respect. But now, that feeling had turned heavy.

Because now they knew…

Edward's recount left no room for doubt. The children who couldn't be saved, the horrors buried beneath that mountain, and the reason behind that devastating blow.

Silence hung in the air. No one celebrated Edward and his men's return. They barely even spoke.

And then their thoughts inevitably turned to the Dark King.

Ever since returning, he had gone straight to his cabin and hadn't come out since. At first, they had thought he was simply recovering.

But now they understood…

That Divine Meteor hadn't just destroyed the enemy.

It had taken something from him as well.

The Red Wind ascended into the sky and drifted eastward, far concealed from the prying eyes of the enemy.

***

Knock! Knock!

Balthazar stood outside Adam's private cabin, a complicated look on his face.

It had been a few days since Edward and the rest had returned. Yet, they still hadn't heard anything from their Commander.

He doubted whether Adam would even open the door. After all, his sister and friends had tried, but to no avail. Only Valerian was allowed in, for he had simply transformed into a gray flash of light. And that was all.

Balthazar heaved a helpless sigh and turned around.

Tomorrow, then…

But right at that moment, the door creaked open, much to the man's surprise.

He hesitated briefly before entering.

Adam's cabin was a mess. Dozens of empty bottles of wine lay scattered across the fall. Maps were crumpled on the table, ink spilled and smeared as if abandoned midway.

By the window, the raven-haired youth stood in silence.

The pale light of the twin moons spilled across his figure, stretching long shadows behind him as he looked out over the endless sea of clouds.

Balthazar's first thought was:

Thank goodness that stupid cat isn't around.

He walked up to Adam and studied him as he asked, "Are you… good?"

The youth turned to him and faintly smiled. "Always."

Balthazar's lips opened and closed several times. He could see the sorrow in the youth's dark eyes, yet the smile on his face was so radiant.

He hesitated briefly, then gently placed his hand on Adam's shoulder and spoke in a low voice:

"You did what you had to. Those children… what awaited them wasn't life. And what you gave them was peace."

Adam's eyes flickered briefly as he heard those words.

Balthazar continued, "These are burdens no one should have to carry. And yet, they fall on those who stand at the top, on those who people look to for answers and guidance."

He deeply looked into the Dark King's eyes and solemnly said:

"Always remember, Adam… heavy lies the head that wears the crown."

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