Chapter 194
Not long after, the glow of the staff faded.
Nina felt… nothing. There was no change at all.
A shadow of worry crept across Odian’s brow. “Nina… even the staff couldn’t break it. I’m sorry p>
“It’s okay,” Nina said gently, reassuring him. “We’ll figure something out later. There’s always a way p>
Odian hesitated, then asked quietly, “Nina… that dark wizard—did he ever take your heart’s blood p>
Curses formed with heart’s blood were notoriously difficult to remove. He had a strong feeling that this was exactly the kind she was suffering from.
“Yes,” Nina replied. “When I was very young p>
Pain flashed across Odian’s eyes. He pulled her into his arms.
“Nina… I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again p>
Nina returned the embrace softly. “Thank you. I’ll protect myself too p>
After a pause, Odian spoke again, “Nina… maybe we shouldn’t go to Sea Blue City for now. Come back with me to the Phoenix clan instead. I’ll have the elder priest take a look—he might have a solution p>
Nina hesitated. Let me think about it p>
If Little Bun still couldn’t find an answer later, then she would go. This curse was a ticking threat. It had to be removed.
“Alright.” Odian led her back to the cave to rest.
The next day, they set out according to plan, heading toward the territory of the flame beasts.
As expected, both Hilan’s group and Drago’s group followed.
Along the way, Nina separated from Rosen and the others.
“Nina, be careful,” Rosen urged. “Stay safe p>
“I will. You too,” Nina replied.
After a brief farewell, Nina moved ahead. The moment she left, Lex and Dian tried to sneak after her, only to be caught immediately.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Lani barked.
The two froze, glaring at him with guilt.
“We p>
“You want to follow Nina p>
Lani saw right through them. “You know that environment is unfavorable for our merfolk. Why go and hold them back p>
“I don’t want to be apart from Sister Nina!” Dian pleaded. “Father, let me go. I have ice abilities—I won’t be a burden. I can even help cool things down for her p>
The thought of being separated from her for days made his chest ache.
He pointed at Lex. “Brother is still injured. Let him stay p>
Lex shot him a glare. “Father, I want to go too. My leg is mostly healed—it won’t affect me p>
Rosen chuckled softly.
“That’s enough. Dian can go—his ability will help Nina p>
She then pulled Lex back. “You stay. Your leg isn’t fully healed. And if we lose contact, we can rely on your bloodline connection to find her p>
Even though they had a rendezvous planned, it was better to have a backup anyway.
“Mother Lex protested unwillingly.
“I’ve made my decision.” Her tone left no room for argument. “Flinn, send two eagle clan warriors to accompany Dian p>
Flinn nodded and immediately arranged for two powerful eagle warriors to escort him.
Dian quickly set off after Nina.
Lex watched his brother disappear into the distance, frustration burning in his chest—before reluctantly turning back.
As long as his mother said no, there was no sneaking away.
It didn’t take long for Dian to catch up.
Nina was a little surprised to see him, but said nothing—only reminded him to be careful.
He nodded eagerly, falling into step beside her, delighted.
Soon, they entered the territory of the flame beasts.
The air grew hotter with every step. Heat shimmered in waves across the land.
Dian stayed close to Nina, working together with Mino.
One used ice, the other used wind, alternating their abilities to regulate the temperature around her, so that she could remain comfortable, even in the rising, oppressive heat.
They picked up speed, deliberately drawing Hilan and Drago’s groups deeper into the flame beasts’ territory.
Before long, flame beasts began to emerge from all directions—closing in, surrounding them, and launching attacks.
Aron exchanged a glance with Odian.
It was time.
Nina turned to Sal and the others. “When you kill the flame beasts, collect their bodies if you can p>
She had just checked—these creatures were highly valuable. Selling them to the system would help Little Bun level up.
“Got it,” Sal replied. Then he looked at Odian. “Protect Nina p>
The phoenix nodded and immediately brought Nina and the children over to Setan’s group.
“Please protect Nina and the children for now p>
The Blazing Lion clan could form fire-resistant shields—perfect for shielding them from the flame beasts’ attacks.
“Don’t worry,” Setan said. “We’ll keep them safe p>
At once, the lion clan males surged forward eagerly.
“Little female, I’ll carry you! I’m eighth-rank—very strong p>
“Let me do it—I’m fire-elemental. My shield is safer p>
“Me p>
They crowded around, each volunteering enthusiastically.
They all assumed Setan wouldn’t step in, so everyone rushed to offer themselves.
Nina hesitated, unsure whom to choose. Setan frowned slightly and waved them aside.
“Enough. I’ll do it p>
These fools, he thought, acting like starving wolves at the sight of prey.
The lion warriors were stunned.
Since when did their city lord change like this?
He had always avoided close contact with females.
Setan stepped closer, his expression slightly stiff. “I’ll carry you p>
Nina nodded. It made no difference to her—as long as someone helped protect the children.
He wrapped a strong arm around her waist and pulled her close. The moment her soft, warm body pressed against him, Setan shivered faintly.
A flush crept across his face.
So soft… so warm p>
He couldn’t help but take a quiet breath. There was something about her scent—something that drew him in, inexplicably.
Nina stiffened for a brief moment at the contact, too, but then relaxed. She had expected something more… practical. Being carried like this hadn’t crossed her mind.
Wouldn’t this be slower?
Just as the thought formed, she suddenly felt herself lifted into the air.
Her eyes widened in surprise. A pair of huge blazing wings formed behind Setan’s back.
He can fly? She wondered.
This world truly was full of surprises.
Seeing her reaction, Setan explained quietly, “These are formed from my ability—they are not real wings p>
Nina nodded, her attention drifting away.
Still, that ability was incredibly useful.
As her gaze left him, Setan felt a strange flicker of disappointment.
Carrying her, he quickly moved away from the danger zone, with Odian and Finch guarding nearby.
But suddenly, a group of flame beasts appeared ahead. Three of them radiated particularly powerful auras.
Odian and Finch immediately moved to intercept them.
“Take Nina and go,” Odian commanded. “Leave this to us p>
She had to be brought somewhere safe first.
“Understood.” Setan didn’t hesitate. With Nina in his arms, he surged forward—leaving the battlefield behind.
The hunt had begun.
And behind them, the trap was closing.