Jared arriving with Infinides meant there was some connection between them. Hanes had already seen Infinides’ abilities firsthand. If the latter lent his strength, their chances of victory would skyrocket.
“Haha! If Jared wanted to destroy the Demon Seal Alliance, he wouldn’t need my help,” Infinides laughed heartily. “Even I tread carefully around him these days!”
Hearing that, Hanes was completely stunned, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.
“Stay here and rest for a few days,” Jared advised. “Once the Demon Seal Alliance is gone, everyone here will be free to return to the Ethereal Realm.”
“All right!” Hanes nodded firmly.
Infinides then suggested Jared and Catalina explore the city while he stepped aside, deciding not to be a third wheel.
Despite being filled with Demonic Cultivators, the city was well-organized. There was no sign of chaos or disorder. As Jared wandered through the streets, a familiar figure suddenly caught his eye.
“That’s…” He was momentarily stunned, then quickly took off after the disappearing silhouette.
“Jared, where are you going?” Catalina called after him, quickly following.
Jared caught up with the figure and blocked their path. The moment he saw their face, his eyes lit up with excitement. “M-Ms. Ira?”
The elderly woman before him was slightly hunched, but there was no mistaking her identity.
“Jared?” Ira’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Ms. Ira, I can’t believe you’re still alive!” Jared exclaimed. “If Emily knew you were still here, she would be overjoyed!” Overcome with emotion, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Ira was someone Jared had met in Rock Village during his first visit to the Ethereal Realm. The girl who once saved Jared’s life had been raised by this very woman.
Even though his time in Rock Village had been brief, Jared had never forgotten it. He owed his life to that village. He could still vividly remember the humble villagers-Emily, Ali, and Percy, among others.
“Jared, how did you end up here?” Ira asked excitedly. “How is everything in Rock Village? And how is Emily?”
“I…” Jared fell silent. After leaving Rock Village, he had never gone back. He had no idea what had become of it.
Seeing his hesitation, Ira sighed. “With Mr. Antonio still there, things should be fine,” she said. “But I worry about Emily… that poor child. Without me around, I don’t know how she’s been doing.”
Her eyes were filled with longing-she had clearly missed Emily all this time.
“Ms. Ira, if you miss Emily so much, I’ll take you to her right now!” Jared declared. “From now on, you can live peacefully in Rock Village with her.”
Ira shook her head. “It’s not that simple. My identity as a Demonic Cultivator has been exposed. If I go back, I’ll bring disaster to the village. The Demon Seal Alliance… they kill without mercy.”
“Ms. Ira, don’t worry,” Jared promised. “As long as I’m here, the Demon Seal Alliance won’t dare make a move. Soon, Demonic Cultivator, the human race, and the beast race will all coexist in peace.”
Ira sighed. “It’s a nice thought, but it’s unrealistic. People have hated Demonic Cultivators for thousands of years. That kind of resentment doesn’t disappear overnight. And the Demon Seal Alliance won’t allow it. How can you, alone, stand against such an enormous force?”
“Ms. Ira, trust me. I’ll make it happen!” Jared said firmly, gripping her hand. He then turned to Catalina. “Get me out of here now,” he ordered. “Tell Abbot Infinides-I need to return to the Ethereal Realm immediately!”
Catalina nodded, sensing Jared’s urgency. Though she was curious, she didn’t ask any questions.
