LRAB Chapter 82 RIP Ethan Rutgard
Chapter 82 RIP Ethan Rutgard
Ethan crouched behind a rock formation near the entrance, ensuring that they remained hidden from sight. He glanced at Lia, who was already moving from summon to summon, her fingers glowing with a faint golden light as she channeled her healing magic into the most wounded of them.
The wolves, still bloodied and battered, let out soft growls of relief as their wounds knit together, though they were still far from fresh. "You'll have to manage," Lia murmured under her breath, exhaustion creeping into her voice.@@@@
Her mana reserves were running low, but she refused to leave any of them untreated. Grug and Snarl received minor healing, enough to stabilize them
Ethan exhaled, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his dagger. There was still the matter of the three demons that had gone on their walk. If they returned and found the mine guards slaughtered, they would be on high alert. That meant Ethan had to take the initiative.
He turned to his summons, his voice low but steady. "We set up an ambush. We hit them hard, and fast. Go back up and drag the corpses away and hide them somewhere. Then stand guard, acting like nothing has changed. When the demons come back, bring one of them inside and take the other two outside if possible."
"Let's finish this." Ethan sighed.
The next half an hour was touch and go. Even the best laid plans go to waste so Ethan did not mind when the three demons charged into the mine without any warning, sensing something was amiss.
As of today, Ethan Rutgard would officially be dead. A perfect plan and perfect execution, thanks to the demons.
With all of the extra pressure and responsibilities on his shoulders lifted off, he relaxed into a slouched position with a small smile on his face. No more noble house ties. No more expectations. No more burdens.
A small smirk tugged at his lips as he considered his newfound freedom. The thought of being untethered to his past, his name, even his former weaknesses—it was exhilarating. And yet, he knew that this was only the beginning. The road ahead was unpredictable, dangerous, and full of unknowns. But he wouldn't have it any other way.
His gaze flickered toward Lia, who had finally slumped beside him, her breaths shallow and exhausted. "You should rest too," he murmured, nudging her shoulder slightly. "You look worse than I do."
Lia didn't argue. She let herself lean into the moment, closing her eyes and letting the exhaustion take hold.
Ethan allowed himself a few minutes to just breathe, to take in everything he had survived. He wasn't the same person who had first stumbled into this world, uncertain and out of his depth. He had killed, commanded, and outplayed. And he had come out stronger for it.
But there was still much to do.
The hunting parties would return soon, hopefully with valuable information about the movement of other demons in the area. He would have to decide his next move carefully.