Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday-Chapter 308: Rune’s Pursuers
Just like Grace planned, the Great Alliance got no news of her hunt mission, or the dragon. Except for the team of warriors that followed her on the mission, no one knew about these secrets.
Since she was planning to let the rest of her Shadow Beasts to train in the outside world, she went on three more secret hunt missions with different teams of warriors each time.
All these hunts took place within a month, and by the end of the fourth mission, each one of her Shadow Beast had at least one experience of fighting real enemies.
There were no serious casualties in all the missions, except for a few wounds and exhaustion.
It was only when she went out on the fifth hunt mission, only with a team of warriors, did she let the Great Alliance and the world know about it. 2025 broadcasted the entire hunt throughout the safe zones, keeping 'all that should be kept hidden' a secret.
And the moment she let the Great Alliance know that the old world was ready for more hunt missions, they too started making preparations.
The countries of the Alliance started sending out their warriors and scientists in the ruins of the old world. The former were to hunt down the beasts and collect resources, while the second group was to study the changes in the world after the rain disaster.
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Each nation had its own purpose, but they all shared the same goal - to reclaim what was stolen.
* * *
Grace stepped into the villa and her gaze landed on Rune who was sitting in the living room while looking lost in his thoughts.
Any other day, finding him like this wouldn't have made her worry, but not today. She had noticed how he had been quieter than usual ever since they returned from their last mission.
Though his movements were just as efficient, just as controlled, but something about him felt off.
Even during their usual training sessions, he seemed distracted.
At first, she chose to leave him alone with the thought that if something was bothering him, he would tell her when he was ready.
But days had passed and his behavior hadn't changed at all. Instead, it was only getting worse.
He barely spoke unless necessary. His sleepless nights were increasing. And whenever he thought no one was looking, he would check the skies, as if expecting something, or someone, to appear.
Finally, she had enough.
She approached him quietly and took a seat beside him. Though he immediately noticed her, he remained silent and just kept looking outside the glass doors.
Grace sneaked a glance at him as she finally spoke, "You are worried about something."
He didn't react at first. But after a long moment, he exhaled. "I am." His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it.
She turned to face him fully and asked, "What is it?"
Her question made him finally turn to look at her. For a split second, he appeared uncertain, which was rare for him. Then, with a sigh, he leaned forward and rested his head against her shoulder.
"During the hunt," he started speaking, "I sensed them."
Grace knew who exactly he was talking about - the group from his realm that had come here looking for him and the ring.
A heavy silence stretched between them as she patted his back slowly and softly. The last time they came across this group was years ago, who would have thought that those people were still around.
"You think they noticed you," she guessed.
He pulled back to look at her as he answered, "I don't think, Grace. I know."
She inhaled deeply while trying to process the news. "Are you worried that they might come after you now that they have located you? But I'm sure, they won't be able to get in."
Starfall Isle was protected by a powerful barrier. It kept out both Shadow Beasts and unwanted intruders. Even if Rune's pursuers had located him, they couldn't be so strong to get past the barrier.
Rune nodded as he confirmed her guess. "They can't enter Starfall."
"But," Grace said slowly, "they won't stop looking."
Rune's silence was enough of an answer.
She sighed, rubbing her temples. "You should have told me sooner. We might just go out and take care of those pursuers of yours. I'm sure the dragon will love to take down some powerful opponents."
Rune chuckled but his expression remained serious. "Taking another group down would only make their master send another. Besides, if these seven were strong enough to survive the old world's dangers, then they are really powerful. We can't take them lightly."
Even if they couldn't get into Starfall, they could cause trouble elsewhere.
They could ambush warriors on hunting missions. They could cripple the Great Alliance's efforts if they wanted to.
Grace exhaled. "We need to find out more about them." She then reached out and took his hand in her own before adding, "We will handle it together."
* * *
Far from Starfall Isle, in the heart of the old world's ruins, seven figures were standing in the shadows.
They had felt him.
The one they had been searching for.
He was close.
It was Zerek who spoke first. "So, he's still alive after all."
Leena folded her arms as she added, "And hiding behind a barrier like a coward."
Zerek chuckled at her words, before adding his own thoughts. "And he's actually fighting alongside the humans."
"What's so surprising about that? Have you forgotten his identity? He's the leader of the number one Elite team of protectors of the realms. All he had done his entire life is either training to be a protector of worlds of this universe, or have protected these worlds. He's doing exactly what he should."
The one who spoke this time was none other than Nerissa. Her expression was unreadable as she gazed at the night sky that was filled with stars.
Their leader stepped forward, his golden gaze piercing through the night. "You sound impressed." His voice was quiet. Dangerous.
"I'm not. It's just what it is." Nerissa replied without looking away from whatever had caught her attention. "I'm just waiting for him to come out again."
"And when he comes out," she continued, "we'll be there to welcome him."
