The red bird flying over the Rocx valley was as obvious as dirt on white cloth. Anyone could tell that the delicate and beautiful bird did not belong in the valley.

And yet, no monster tried to attack the bird.

It looked as if the bird was being protected by a higher power. Even the monsters looking up toward the sky ignored the bird.

This was what the outlander’s scout observed. He noticed the fast-flying bird heading their way and the monsters ignoring its presence.

“Boss, I think the Abyss Tower is out to scout the Rocx valley again. Their messenger bird is flying over the common valley” everyone in the common plaza tensed. They all had the same question on their mind – should they hide?

This was a random scout by the Abyss tower. One they happened out of the blue. Generally, the tower workers liked to stick to a schedule. It also made it easier for the outlanders to hideaway.

Personally, Damian knew that it was because the tower people did not think the outlanders were capable enough to hide. Being labeled as the ‘barbarians highly skilled in machinery’, the tower made minimum effort to engage them indirectly.

“Should we hide? You look pleased with the bird’s arrival. Don’t tell me that you are going to betray us now?” Domain looked at the pleased blue-haired female at his side.

“I’m not betraying you but I did expect this bird to come. That should be the written request for the academy. Don’t worry, they are not expecting the bird back.” the outlanders looked scared.

Aurora could feel their fear and the need to hide.

“Would it be better if I took this to someplace else?” Aurora asked, turning toward the female that had been detaining Rita.

Her partner was finally free but she was not out of capture radius. If the outlanders wanted, they could easily detain her back with some force.

“It would be much appreciated. Your partner would have to stay behind a little longer though” the guard replied back.

Had it not been for her empathy, Aurora was sure she would not have been able to read what the woman meant.

But she did and she nodded.

Aurora received the messenger bird on top of a hill a few minutes away from the Outlander’s settlement. She raised her hand and allowed the bird to land on it.

The pretty red bird erupted in a sea of flames but they did not burn Aurora’s hand. The flames were a special kind of blend only used by the Abyss tower and they never dimmed.

But it was only now that Aurora could feel why that happened. These flames were not ordinary.

They were a goddess’s flames. But Aurora had no idea which one.

“Let’s see. So, the one to approve our grant was Minerva.” Aurora knew that the Abyss Tower was affiliated with gods and goddesses.

Rather, it was better to say that the main force governing the Abyss tower was a group of gods and goddesses. That was what gave the Abyss Tower so much sway.

“How did the resistance manage to get her to agree?” Aurora questioned as she folded the paper.

She did not care how Rex managed to get her this permit, just that he did. And that meant the world to her. She could finally start the main phase of her plan.

Her happiness was unbound when she returned to the outlander’s base. Damian’s disgusted look was a clear indicator of what he felt.

“Stop that. You are looking far too flowery.” Damian inched away from her as she approached the kid but Aurora did not care.

She changed her direction at the last second toward Rita and threw her arm around the younger’s shoulder.

Aurora could tell that her action had spooked Rita but she did not care.

“We got the permit for the academy. I’ll be in your care from next week” it was awkward to bow down while still being attached to Rita’s shoulder. But it was comfortable and Aurora did not want to change spots.

“Good. You will finally get out of our hair now” Domain hissed back but Aurora felt his satisfaction.

It was really easy to forget that the kid was only nine years old. The way he spoke made him sound so much older.

“Sure kid. You will get rid of me for a week. But do consider joining the academy once it’s open. You’ll see a new world there” the kid did not believe her but Aurora knew she had time to convince him.

“So, are we leaving now? Where are we going?” Rita asked. She sounded excited at the prospect of traveling and Aurora flashed her a wide grin.

She had her next destination in mind already. She knew it might be too early for Rita to head into the Abyss but Aurora’s first choice for alchemy instructor lived in the abyss.

“To the Abyss. You’ll finally get to see your first glimpse of the hell-hole” Aurora was sure her grin had a sinister tint to it.

“The Abyss? Isn’t it too dangerous?” Rita asked. It was cute how she was trying to be brave, but Aurora could feel her uncertainty.

Even Damian looked intrigued but disturbed. Abyss was a forbidden fruit that gripped everyone’s interest but it also burned.

“Yes. Abyss is dangerous. But you will come along with me anyway, won’t you Rita?” Rita looked mesmerized. Aurora felt like Rita would do anything she asked at this moment.

Aurora turned toward Damina next, her serious look turning mischievous.

“Damina, you want to come along?” Aurora was joking but the resounding ‘No’ that echoed in the valley made her chuckle.

“Master Damian, don’t even think about it. You are too young and there is the danger of the Abyss Tower. You can’t abandon us here. You also need to train with master and-” the more complaints that came from the outlanders, the sulkier Damian got.

The atmosphere had lightened enough to make Aurora let out a chuckle. The pleading look Damina aimed her way was golden and Aurora could not help tease back.

“Sorry kid. Once you are a teen you can try to dig deeper into the abyss. But focus on getting stronger till them.” It was not a promise but Aurora had a feeling that Damian took it as a promise anyway.

“Tomorrow we leave for the abyss. We won’t venture deep but it will be tough. Prepare yourself Rita” Rita gulped. She was nervous for sure but Aurora knew she would get over it.

She would have to. The Abyss was in her blood anyway.