While Rulu, Kallen, and the Suzaku Guard Captain were fighting Hydra, Lord Euphemia and the others fled desperately into the distance. About fifteen minutes ter, Lord Euphemia and the rest had escaped so far that they were completely out of sight.

  After a prolonged, high-intensity battle against Hydra, Rulu, Kallen, and the Suzaku Guard Captain were all badly worn down. Their injuries grew heavier and their movements grew slower, and it took tremendous effort just to dodge Hydra's attacks.

  Rulu knew that if they kept fighting Hydra, they would eventually exhaust themselves and be killed. The others had already escaped far enough — they had to break away from the fight as soon as possible. With that in mind, he shouted toward the other two: "Enough! We have to get out of here now."

  Kallen and the Suzaku Guard Captain shared the same thought, yet they both knew that if any one of them broke away first, the remaining fighters would bear the full force of Hydra's attacks — especially the st one to retreat, who would be in the most dangerous position and might well be killed. In other words, at least one of them would likely die.

  Kallen shouted at Rulu: "How do we leave? Who goes first?"

  Before Rulu could answer, the Suzaku Guard Captain called out: "You two go first — I'll hold it back."

  Hearing this, both Rulu and Kallen froze. They knew that if the Suzaku Guard Captain faced Hydra alone, it would be certain death. The Suzaku Guard Captain was prepared to sacrifice himself to cover their retreat.

  Rulu shouted: "No — I'll cover the rear. You two go first."

  "Are you out of your mind? What are you thinking?" Kallen yelled at Rulu, completely unable to understand him.

  Rulu said again: "Don't worry — I have a way to deal with this beast. Go, now!"

  Even as he spoke, Rulu charged at Hydra, summoning several fireballs and hurling them at its heads. Hydra swiftly turned its attention onto Rulu.

  The Suzaku Guard Captain looked at Rulu for a long moment and called out: "What is your name? I will remember you."

  Rulu shouted back: "Stop talking and go! Kallen, leave with him — don't wait for me!"

  The Suzaku Guard Captain said: "If you make it out alive, head to Yufei City — southeast of here."

  With those words, the Suzaku Guard Captain turned and sprinted away from Hydra. Kallen hesitated briefly, then followed him, leaving Rulu alone to face Hydra.

  ---

  Ten minutes ter —

  Kallen stood in the open grassnd, staring back toward where Hydra had been. She was now far enough away that the beast was completely out of sight. She could not make sense of what Rulu had done. Why hadn't he let the Suzaku Guard Captain stay behind to hold Hydra off? Why had he insisted on staying himself?

  "Thank you for what you did back there. I owe you one." The Suzaku Guard Captain stood beside Kallen, his expression sincere as he looked at her.

  Kallen gnced at him with displeasure and said in a cold, unfriendly tone: "Don't people in the Sanctuary hate outsiders like me? And here you are saying thank you to someone like me — how unusual."

  The Suzaku Guard Captain took the barb in stride. "My duty is to protect Lord Euphemia's safety. As long as you pose no threat to Lord Euphemia, it makes no difference to me whether you're from the Sanctuary or from outside it."

  "Well, your Lord Euphemia is safe now. That should put your mind at ease."

  The Suzaku Guard Captain said: "Yes. Now we should be on our way — come to Yufei City with me."

  "Yufei City?"

  "It's the city where our Lord resides. Once we get there, we'll be safe."

  "You go your way. What I do is none of your business."

  "Very well. But if you go alone and another dangerous beast appears, I won't be there to help. Take good care of yourself." With that, the Suzaku Guard Captain turned and walked away into the distance.

  "A dangerous beast…" Kallen couldn't help but shudder, thinking back to the Hydra. She gnced at the Suzaku Guard Captain's retreating figure, then finally left her spot and walked after him.

  ---

  About four hours ter —

  Far to the southeast of where Hydra had appeared, a tall, long white city wall rose from the nd. Lord Euphemia stood near the city gate, surrounded by a rge crowd of people. They were ragged and terrified, their faces and clothes caked with dust — like refugees. Some had bloodstains on their bodies.

  Standing before Lord Euphemia was a poised, golden-haired middle-aged woman wearing gold-rimmed spectacles, her hair pinned up elegantly.

  The woman's expression was unusually stern. She spoke to Lord Euphemia in a firm, steady voice: "Lord Euphemia, you should know the rules of the Sanctuary. These outsiders are not official members of the Sanctuary — they came here only as temporary visitors and have not been granted the right to reside within it. Therefore, they cannot enter Yufei City."

  Lord Euphemia pleaded with her: "I understand, but we were just attacked by a Hydra beast. Many people are injured. Without timely treatment, their lives will be in danger. So please, Lady Jessica — make an exception and let them in."

  The golden-haired woman known as Lady Jessica kept a stern face. "Lord Euphemia, I was entrusted by your sister Cornelia to assist you in managing the affairs of Yufei City. I must strictly follow the rules. Even at Lord Euphemia's request, I cannot agree to this."

  Lord Euphemia hesitated. "Then… even if we can't let them into the city, surely we can at least treat their wounds and give them food and water?"

  Lady Jessica considered this, then said: "That much is fine. Very well — I will arrange for tents to be set up outside the city walls and send physicians out to treat the wounded. Lord Euphemia, please return inside Yufei City and rest. I will handle things here."

  Lord Euphemia shook her head. "I can't. The Suzaku Guard Captain hasn't returned yet. I'm staying here to wait for him."

  Lady Jessica sighed, her voice heavy. "Lord Euphemia, I did not witness the Hydra myself, but a beast that powerful cannot be stopped no matter how many people stand against it. The Suzaku Guard Captain went to face it alone. I'm afraid… I'm afraid he may already be gone."

  Lord Euphemia froze, then cried out in arm: "No — that's not possible! The Suzaku Guard Captain told me he would come back. He'll be fine!"

  Lady Jessica said gently: "Lord Euphemia, please try to calm yourself. The Suzaku Guard Captain fought that beast to protect you. His sacrifice was meaningful — you should be proud of what he did. Please don't grieve so."