Chapter 302: The Explosives
"IVAN!"
Alistair urgently exclaimed, his eyes widening in premonition as the space he vacated erupted into a shower of debris and flames. The shockwave rippled through the air, leaving a chaotic symphony in its wake, and for a moment, Alistair could do nothing but look away.
He shielded his face from the onslaught of dirt and leaves, still uncertain about the danger that had narrowly missed him. However, an inexplicable fear clutched his heart as he thought the worst had befallen on his cousin. A collective gasp echoed through the camp as they believed Ivan had been caught in a devastating explosion.
Time seemed to slow as the dust settled in, revealing the aftermath of the explosion, and the few soldiers who had stepped out of their tents, stood frozen in a moment of dread, unable to utter a word. Alistair, wide-eyed and trembling, expected the worst. A stunned silence enveloped the forest, their almost-mourning eyes settling on the spot where their King once stood, but from the dissipating dust, a weak figure staggered out, cutting through the lingering smoke.
His clothes were disheveled, and a fine layer of dust covered him. A series of shallow cuts adorned his face, evidence from the impact of the blast’s impact, and his usually imposing stature diminished as he coughed, struggling to clear his throat from the lingering dust. To everyone’s disbelief, the minimal injuries he sustained didn’t match the magnitude of the explosion that had just occurred, and most of them were in shock to see him standing... even though it was obvious he still needed help.
His soldiers, initially frozen in disbelief, rushed forward to support him. Cassian and Tobias were the first to quickly assist him on time, still struggling to comprehend the miraculous escape, and Lucy, who was standing beside Madeline close to a tent, could finally breathe after confirming that he was alright. Going closer was not permitted, else they would have assisted in any way they possibly could.
"He’s injured, wait here for me." Madeline placed a comforting hand on Lucy’s tensed shoulder, helping her snap out of her daze, and Lucy could only nod her head quietly, immediately rendered speechless, as she had never witnessed something like an explosion happening before. Her body still trembled, and she rubbed her arms to soothe the goosebumps rising on her skin.
Ivan was made to sit on a chair, surrounded by everyone, and Duncan stepped forth with a realization he had picked on too late. His eyes scanned Ivan who, despite his injuries and weakened state, still had the strength to glare at him, meanwhile, he was here trying to grapple with the surreal reality of him surviving what was impossible.... If it had to be anyone else, their whole body would be blown into unrepairable pieces.
"I thought you said you disconnected all the explosives?" Ivan queried Duncan, already aware of the hidden bombs planted in this region. When Marius said to come find him, Ivan already picked up on the Demon’s plan, and although Duncan may seem to know about nothing but his Piano, those hands were capable of deactivating the most dangerous weapons it could get a grip of. Being the son of Vampire whose aim was to construct the deadliest weapons in the realm, Duncan was lucky to have been gifted in that aspect.