I JUST WANT A PEACEFUL LIFE



"Let's just say that I owe her a lot and she is my grandniece." said Patimura with an indifferent expression.

"What did you mean? Jayna never met you before." asked Angus confusedly.

"The Guardian of Everwhite is a family tradition. It is a job and duty passed down since ancient times. Long short story, my ancestor had some dealing with Phoenix. From the good thing to the most despicable thing." said Patimura.

"According to my family record, all those phoenixes who bore a grudge to my ancestor. Their last words always refer to the same thing."

"No matter how we hide it, conceal it, the Phoenix will always know and find out about what my ancestors did to them when they reached Everwhite Basin. Truthfully, I disagree with what my ancestors did. I even feel ashamed about it."

"Over time, some of my ancestors also believed the same opinion and let this matter become our family life debt towards the Phoenix. As long as we meet the Phoenix, we must help them, even if it costs everything we had." said Patimura.

"And you believe that?" asked Angus.

During the short explanation, Angus slowly notices the gist of the problem that led to Jayna's previous emotional burst. What the ancestors of the Dipo family did to Phoenix is not only vicious but also very inhuman.

The legend of the Phoenix is an immortal creature, which is common knowledge that everyone knows. However, it didn't mean they were invincible. In fact, what makes them genuinely immortal is their ability to reincarnate.

Be it through changing your body, reforming their own body, or being born as a baby in a new body. All these abilities and methods make them become a mythical beast that is very hard to kill. In short, their soul is the truly immortal one.

Angus didn't know what Dipo's ancestor did in the past, but he knows it has a connection with the phoenix soul. Through his bond with Jayna, Angus could see a glimpse of some phoenix souls trapped in this land.

Most of them no longer have consciousness and have already turned into vegetative states, just a presence without self-consciousness or will.

If Angus sees his own kind trapped in this place and turns into this horrible state, he will also burst out in anger, much less the fire phoenix, famous for her short fuse. Still, he didn't understand something, like Jayna referring to them as her child.

However, it also means Angus needs to raise his vigilance to Patimura. Although the previous Archduke said he disagreed about what his ancestor did, Angus knows Patimura also has the power or magic to trap phoenix souls in this land for who knows how long.

Seeing his story only raised Angus' vigilance. Patimura didn't comment anything about it and decided to change the topic.

"You said before you want to forge a weapon in this place. What kind of weapon did you need to forge in this accursed land." said Patimura.

"And why should I tell you? It is not like I need your permission to forge a weapon here." said Angus nonchalantly.

"Kid, you should pay attention to your manners. I know you are strong from our previous bout, but you should respect your elders when you speak to them." said Patimura, releasing his aura.

Unbothered by the pressure aura, "Respect is earned, not granted." said Angus coldly.

"Also, if you want to scare someone, at least do it at this level, " said Angus, releasing his own killing intent.

*WHOOOSHH* *CRACKK* At a split second, an enormous killing intent flared up from Angus towards Patimura. The killing intent is so thick and feels real that it even cracks the surrounding frozen lake. This magical phenomenon surprised both Patimura and the silent Nabe on the side. 

Ignoring the surprised Patimura, "I will stay near the Basin opposite your camp. We are not going to be involved with Guardian or whatever you did." said Angus coldly before hopping back to the frightened Cupid.

"Now, that's what I call interesting. See ya, human." said Nabe, following Angus.

Seeing Angus and the others go alone, Patimura could only see them go away silently with complicated expressions. He actually feels frightened when Angus releases his killing intent. It is as if his body is facing death and subconsciously fears it.

'What a horrible killing intent? I wonder how he could reach such a height despite his young age. No wonder that kid Leon decided to let his child go with him. Though, I wonder if he is from an outside nation.' thought Patimura inwardly.

Patimura knows if Angus releases his killing intent for another split second, all the living beings nearby will also be affected. Some of them may go outright crazy or just die on the spot. This already shows Angus' terrible killing intent.

A moment later, the Guardian captains again come after feeling the previous disturbance.

"Leader?!!" called the guardian captain anxiously.

"Forget about the tent and supplies. They will be camped near the Basin opposite from us. Tell the others to not disturb them." said Patimura.

"Yes, my lord." replied the guardian captains respectfully.

After a moment of hesitation, "My lord, about those people…" said Guardian Thedel.

"What about them?" asked Patimura.

"They are attacking Captain Miguel and his squad. Kill everyone and leave Miguel badly poisoned. Even now, his condition is getting worse." explained Guardian Thedel.

"Captain Miguel?" asked Patimura with a frown.

"He is one of our sixth-grade guardian captains." said Captain Dannet.

"One of our sixth-grade guardian captains?" said Patimura before nodding without further reply.

"Err.. Leader, should we do something to them?" asked Captain Thedel.

"If you want to avenge Miguel, do it on your own. However, I warned you and the others not to disturb them. Also, this matter is between you and them." said Patimura before returning to his previous spot.

Patimura's last word clearly stated his position in this matter. The matter about Angus' group and Guardian is their own. He will not help or prevent them from getting revenge on Angus.

"What should we do next?" asked Captain Dannet.

"Of course, kill those bastards," said Captain Thedel.

"No, I am against it." commented Captain Gofrey.

"Gofrey, what did you mean?" asked Captain Thedel.

"Our leader clearly stated to not bother them. Besides, you should also notice that the red-skinned woman is seventh grade and a strong one. Fighting them without the leader's help is suicide." said Captain Gofrey.

"S-She is just one person. There are four of us here and another whole army ready to fight." said Captain Thedel.

"I also refuse to fight them. What the senior said is right. Besides, our duty is to fight Gram, not fight other humans. I refuse to send my men to fight against other humans to death." stated Captain Gabel.

"Gabel, not you too." said Captain Thedel.

"Forget it, Thedel. Even senior Gofrey and Gabel are against this. We should just focus on the next Gram Wave." said Captain Dannet.

In the end, Captain Thedel could only agree to this decision while cursing Angus and his group in his heart. On the other hand, Angus' group finally settles down in the opposite direction of Patimura and the Guardian.

With the help of Nabe, they manage to secure and reinforce the frozen lake below them before setting up a camp. Currently, the atmosphere in the group is somber. Angus keeps hugging the unconscious Jayna and Anna, closing his eyes as if meditating.

At the same time, Lilith and Brigida are setting up the tent in a downcast mood. Previously, they falter to react when Patimura charges against their master. Before they know it, Patimura already clashes with Angus and Jayna.

This makes them hate themselves for not being able to protect their Master because of their own weakness. Although Angus didn't wrong them, they still blame themself deeply. Angus and his little family may not be the best Master, even far from a benevolent Master.

Under their reign, they often give ridiculous tasks, especially Jayna and Anna. However, it didn't mean they didn't enjoy being near them and serving them as their private maid. Compared to the hard and pitiful life they had before, their life as a personal maid is simply too good.

They also often get Angus' personal advice and teach during his free time. The lesson they got from Angus is simply priceless compared to anything. Yet, they couldn't simply protect their master because of their own weakness.

Noticing the somber feeling in the group, Nabe could only release a sigh before silently drinking with the two female dwarves. No one knows when they suddenly become good drinking buddies during their short interaction.

Time passes, and the night's darkness gradually envelopes the frozen lake. At this moment, the unconscious Jayna suddenly releases a soft groan before opening her eyes with cold sweat on her head.

"Jayna, you okay?" asked Angus worriedly from the side.

"Yes. I just have a headache and a bad dream. Where are we?" replied Jayna.

"We are still in the frozen lake near the Everwhite Basin. Should we change our place?" asked Angus.