Supreme BeastTamer: I Can Copy and Upgrade Skills 10x!

When these words were said, the atmosphere became more oppressive for some reason. Everyone seemed to avert their gaze, looking to the side.

Jack, Nyx, and Akira also watched silently. Even though they were practically in a hurry, they knew this was very important for Jared.

"What is it? You know you can say it." Jared let out a bitter laugh when he saw the expressions of his citizens.

He clenched his fists, digging his fingers into his palms in an attempt to calm his nerves, but it had no effect. Everyone could tell he was just a step away from breaking down.

It was at that moment that Jared felt a hand on his shoulder. He glanced up and saw that Jack had placed his hand there.

"No matter what, we're all here for you." Jack gave a reassuring smile.

Just then, an old man in tattered clothing stepped forward.

"Young master," the man said. "Your father, Lord Landon, fought valiantly."

A single tear rolled down Jared's cheek.

"The demons came with their full force," the man continued in a grim voice. "Their numbers far surpassed even that of the beasts that attacked the town years back."

"Yet... yet..." the man's voice quivered. "He rallied us and led the charge. During the first wave, we successfully defended the town, but everything came crashing down when the seventh wave came."

"Our soldiers, overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and strength of the demons, were killed like flies... it was during that wave he... he fell as well."

There was silence. Jared just stared blankly at the man, his thoughts unknown to those present.

But what was surprising was the fact that there was not even a drop of tears on his face... it was almost alarming.

Without saying a word, Jared turned to Jack. "Let's help them aboard the dragons and leave as fast as possible. There's still one town left."

Jack hesitated, staring at Jared with concern in his eyes. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes." Jared nodded confidently.

Akira, Nyx, and Serena exchanged glances. They felt slightly awkward but proceeded to do what needed to be done.

Some time later, all the citizens boarded the dragons and slowly rose into the air. All through the process, the others kept a strict eye on Jared. He didn't cry, look sad, or frown. He was... just there.

Something which was even more alarming, as they knew nothing of what was going on in his mind.

When they met up with Nox again, who was actively watching his surroundings, he looked at them and frowned.

'According to the ant, the fight back at home is very intense. Should I keep them here for the meantime and assign some dragons to watch over them in the meantime?' he inwardly pondered.

Since he couldn't come up with a decision alone, he asked the opinion of the others present.

Nyx was the first person to speak. "I say it's better they return to the Cromwell Barony instead. That way, some of us can stay back and help as well."

"Your twin is right." Jack agreed. "According to you, your grandfather and the others seem to be holding on just fine. I'm sure they can hold back that wave until you return."

A small frown appeared on Serena's beautiful face. "Does this mean some of us will need to return to the barony?"

"Yes." Nox nodded. "Though the likes of grandfather, mother, the ant queen, and king are back at home, I need some of you to return as well."

He paused and then added, "At least buy time for me."

"Shall we vote then?" Jack asked.

"I'm going with Nox." Jared said.

"I'll return to the barony." Nyx said.

"Me too." Serena said. A part of her wanted to follow Nox, but in the end, she chose her childhood friend instead.

"I'll go with you." Akira said.

"I guess I'll tag along as well." Jack smiled.

Serena narrowed her eyes on Akira, like someone who was sizing up their rival. 'Why does she have to follow him?'

Now that she was much older, she was very observant and aware of her surroundings. She had caught Kaifa staring at him with longing gazes countless times.

It was quite easy to tell that she had feelings for him.

'I... knew and liked him first!' This was what she wanted to tell Akira. She kept her mouth shut, knowing that it was not the right time to make her feelings known, as the kingdom was literally in shambles.

Akira felt someone glaring at her back with the intensity of a predator, it felt as if her life was in danger.

Her eyes flickered with alertness and confusion, wondering who could hold such malice against her.

She quickly turned around, but when she did, she found no one looking, and the malicious intent disappeared as if it was never there.

A few minutes later, the group parted. Now, only four people were left: Jack, Akira, Jared, and Nox.

As for the likes of Wendy and Rab, they were among the group that escorted the survivors back. Since they had to return, Nox could only guess they were helping the town fend off the demons.

"The last town is the Armstrong Duchy." Nox told the others as they flew towards the town.

"According to my intel, it's the headquarters of the demons in this region," he said.

"Which means there will be several high-level demons present." Jack narrowed his eyes.

Nox replied with a nod. "Exactly. It won't be easy to take over, and besides, there's something I want to check out... those summoning artifacts... I'm sure there will be more of something like that in the duchy. If we can destroy them, we'll greatly weaken the demonic forces in this region."

While they were heading towards the Armstrong Duchy, hundreds of miles ahead of them, the joint forces of the Flaming Rose and demons drew closer.

"Are we close?" Kira said as she looked at Hendrix, who was walking beside her.

"Yes, we are..." Hendrix replied as a small smile appeared on his face.

"A few more hours and we'll reach my home... Armstrong Duchy."

...

Another chapter coming up in few minutes !