F/VoH Ch 135: Meeting Amanda

Where Ryan viewed the situation with a cool head. Even if they leaked Ryan and Arash's whereabouts to the Polons Kingdom, it would not change Ryan's plans. The Polons Kingdom was already on the brink of destruction, and Ryan was confident that the assisted rebellion would be the final blow. The Polons Kingdom was just a small stone in the grand journey Ryan was undertaking.

The night wind carried the fading scent of blood, mingled with the smell of char as Arash lit a fire. The sound of cracking wood and the growing flames swallowed the darkness of the night. Ryan walked away, his eyes fixed on the towering shadows of the Cursed Region Forest in the distance.

Ryan's steps halted when he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Arash returned, dust and the smell of ash still clinging to his cloak. "Everything is done, Master," Arash said confidently. "The bodies have been burned, and some have disappeared as you ordered. Are there any further commands?"

Ryan looked at Arash for a moment, scanning Arash's face, which appeared satisfied with his work. "Good," Ryan replied briefly. "Now, we must move. I need to meet them in the forest."

Arash nodded quickly, like a soldier ready to carry out any order. "Alright, Master. Let's go."

Without much more conversation, Ryan led the way toward the Cursed Region Forest. The towering trees looked like giants guarding dark secrets within. The dark leaves hung heavily under the dim moonlight, casting eerie shadows on the ground. A cold wind swept across their skin, carrying faint whispers from the depths of the forest.

Ryan continued to walk without hesitation, his gaze sharp, as if the darkness were an old friend. Arash followed Ryan, occasionally glancing around, on guard against unseen threats that might be lurking in the shadows.

During the journey, Ryan and Arash remained vigilant. The forest was so quiet that their footsteps sounded like whispers among the leaves. The cold air enveloped them, and occasionally the wind brought the piercing scent of wet earth. Tension hung in the air, yet Ryan remained calm, his focus directed ahead.

They finally sensed the presence of several people in the distance. Without hesitation, Ryan directed his steps toward the source of that presence. The large trees seemed to be silent witnesses to their journey, shadows encircling every corner of the path they traversed.

When they finally arrived, their gaze fell upon two women standing in the middle of a small clearing. One of them was immediately recognized by Ryan—Cheonghee. Next to Cheonghee stood a slightly younger woman, with a firm posture and a strong aura of leadership. Ryan suspected that the woman was Amanda, the leader of the Rebel Forces.

"Hey, you took a long time! I thought it would be easy for someone like you. But apparently, you needed more time than I expected," Cheonghee said teasingly, a slight smile etched on her face.

Ryan was unfazed by Cheonghee's teasing. In a nonchalant tone, Ryan replied, "Just taking care of a few things."

Cheonghee let out a small laugh, her voice like the melody of the night wind. "Oh my, you're still as cold as ever. Yet, just last night we did that with such... enthusiasm," Cheonghee said, her voice deliberately playful.

Arash, standing behind Ryan, nearly choked on the air. He tried to stifle a laugh, but the slight smile on his face was hard to hide. Meanwhile, Amanda looked awkward, her eyebrows slightly raised at Cheonghee's words. Amanda then glanced cautiously at Ryan, trying to read his reaction.