Alejandro's POV:
I stare intently at a map of the area, searching for any clearing we can use. The density and length of the forest irritate me. I look up from the map as I sit down in a chair behind me. My dashed hopes of finding an easily accessible spot leave me exhausted. I squint slightly as I survey the forest before me once more. My tension is distinctly different from other days. I can't help but frown as I glance outside the tent. The messenger should arrive soon.
"Still worried about that gang of thugs?"
I turn to look over my shoulder. A purple orb floats there languidly, as if asleep.
"You don't have to look at me like that, Al! I'm sorry if I said anything insensitive, but I still don't understand your attachment to that gang of thieves."
Her words echoing in my head only fuel my irritation. Despite her feminine voice, her words completely lack the gentleness she had used earlier. Sometimes I even think Chan looks down on me.
- A gang of thieves? Those idiots may be idiots, but they're still my family. I hope you at least have a modicum of respect for them.
My gaze hardens as I stare at the orb on my shoulder. Despite my threat, the orb continues to float lazily beside me. Its reaction only fuels my anger. My head throbs as I watch it, and I'm about to reach for my shoulder.
- Sir, I have an urgent message!
His initially irritating entrance quickly grabs my attention. I rush toward the messenger, hoping for some news from the Lightning Gang.
- Spill it already! What happened to the Lightning Gang?
- ...The messenger you sent to the capital hasn't arrived yet. The reconnaissance unit has sent you an urgent message.
I stare in astonishment at the man in front of me. My pent-up anger flares up again. Perhaps noticing, the soldier stiffens and lets out a soft groan. My bubbling anger surges within me as I slowly raise my hand to the soldier's face. Sparks crackle from my hand as the soldier remains frozen in place.
"How childish! Are you seriously going to take it out on the poor messenger? For a lightning hero, you're really being immature."
The crackling intensifies as sparks begin to fly in all directions. Chan's insults only add fuel to the fire. A burst of lightning strikes the messenger, charring him completely black… Or so it almost was.
- What happened there?
- The captain had another fit of rage!
- Poor guy.
I feel several eyes on me. Apparently, the sound of the sparks alerted nearby soldiers, causing a small group to gather around us.
- ...
"Hahaha. Your men sure know how to keep you in check, Mr. Spotless Reputation."
I let out a heavy sigh as I lower my hand. I take a few moments to relax before looking back at the still-petrified soldier in front of me.
- So?
- …Ah!
As if he'd been thawed out, the soldier begins to stir, his hand hurriedly moving to his head.
- Of course, sorry for the delay in delivering the message. The reconnaissance unit has informed me that there has been no movement in the plants since yesterday afternoon.
- !
Surprise hits me as I stare at the boy in astonishment.
- …Are you absolutely sure about that?"
- Yes, sir. We've been carefully observing since yesterday afternoon when the plants suddenly stopped moving. The unit captain waited until the following morning to be certain. He even gave me this to bring as proof.
The soldier pulls a small handkerchief from his armor. He opens it to reveal a piece of root. The root doesn't appear to have been cut, but rather burned. My eyes widen in surprise as I take the root between my fingers to examine it more closely. The base, clearly burned, is a yellowish-black color, while the rest is brown.
- …Weren't you attacked while you were burning this?
- Negative, sir. Despite burning a plant, it didn't react.
I grin from ear to ear as I examine the piece of root in my hands. The anger that had swirled within me vanished as if it had been an illusion, leaving only pure happiness.
- Men! Raise the tents. Today we will invade the lair of the unknown witch!