Chapter 33: Smurf Attack
As it turned out, none of them aside from Raiden had a systematic voice in their head to tell them when they increased in rank—they felt it within themselves. It was instinctive, like something you just knew even before looking at the numbers on your crest. So the moment Raiden heard of Leo’s achievement, it filled him with hope.
He began thinking everything through thoroughly. Since Levi’s mission couldn’t be timed precisely, he needed stronger defenses in case they were attacked while Levi was away. Leo’s advancement couldn’t have come at a better time.
It was late into the evening, and Levi was finally able to leave on the mission to save Speed’s sister. They gathered in the living room while he collected supplies for the journey.
Raiden placed a thousand persa on the sofa. "Take the forest route and maneuver through it to Persia City. Get a carriage if you need one, and you’ll obviously need somewhere to sleep—this should cover everything."
Levi gave him a firm nod. "You said there might be a spy around, right?" He glanced at Raiden. "Either way, I won’t be coming back if I spot any of them in the forest." His voice was firm and steady, leaving no room for bargains.
"Good... and don’t forget to get us information on the kingdom too. I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is coming."
Levi turned to him with a smirk, turned invisible, and left the room entirely. Raiden didn’t know if he wanted them to succeed. He felt no sympathy for Speed or his sister whatsoever. He just wanted to get Ash on her feet. But the question that haunted him was whether what he was doing was worth it.
At that moment, Leo returned from Speed’s room, holding a book as he resumed his studies on magic and Ash.
"Speed wants to speak with you." Leo’s words cut through Raiden’s daze. Raiden turned to him and gave a firm nod but remained motionless for a moment, wondering: was this the only thing he could do?