After dealing with the unexpected beasts. The Red Wings decided to search the village to see if they could find any other humans that were still alive. Unfortunately, they found no survivors. The only thing they did find was that the attack had to have been done recently.

Through their investigation, they also found that the attacks on the humans looked to have been done by beasts.

"I guess that means it wasn't Monk and his gang." Martha said. "Maybe it was done by the same beasts that attacked us?"

"So are you saying they took another route?" Harry replied. "If so then maybe taking this path will get us to the other fortress quicker than we thought. We might be able to catch up to them still."

It was a shame but there wasn't much the Red wings could do, they wished to bury the dead families that they had found, but it would take up to much time, so instead. The bodies were piled up in the centre of the village and then burnt by Ray.

It was much more peaceful for them to pass on like this, rather than them be used as food for beasts. Even if beasts didn't come back to eat them, there was a chance the dead bodies could spread sickly diseases.

After finding out that there were still humans that lived in the Shadow continent, they started to think about these things a lot more.

They continued their travels and eventually they had reached the area where the smoke could be seen in the distance. Looking up above, there was what could only be described as several large swirling trees all stuck bunched up and stuck together, and beyond what they could see, was smoke. The signal that the fortress has been destroyed.

"Judging by the fact that we haven't run into Monk and his group yet, it would suggest that they have already reached the fortress." Lenny said.

"Fortress, I can't see any fortress?" Jack replied as he sniffed the air and looked around, and the rest did the same.

"This fortress used to belong to the Kindle kingdom." Lenny started to explain. "They were well known for having a strong defence so they built their fortress in this forest of giants, and they did so at the very top of these giant trees."

What was even more worrying for Ray, when looking at where the fortress was, was that on the other side of these giant trees was the edge of the forest. Everyone could see it, the weather once again changed once they would exit from this path, into the treacherous snowy mountains they once walked through before. If one was to fall from the very top and pushed on to the other side, they might never be found again.

At first Ray started to climb one of the trees, there was a clear path made from those that had walked before, and vines to help one pull themselves up. Soon he heard the tired huffs and puffs from those behind him.

The men including Katie were tired, they were worn out from the fast pace they had been going this whole time. They weren't superhuman like the others. They hadn't been partially infused with beasts.

There was the option of just the Redwing leaders going up, but Ray quickly dismissed that idea. He didn't want to split up the group at all. Not while in the shadow continent where beasts could come out from anywhere at any time.

"We will rest here at the bottom, that way we can see if Monk and the other group will leave. One more day won't hurt us." Said Ray.

Although no one wanted to show it, they were relieved as they started to pitch up tents and more to camp for the night. Getting closer they all had worries on their minds. Ray was concerned with what the shadow really was as he was getting closer.

Martha was still thinking if there was a way to get back Monk. Jack had dedication to Ray for helping him with his family troubles and now would help him out, and Van was busy worrying how the fate of the human race, was possibly in his hands with the white stone.

Harry was watching Van carefully, not just him but where the white stone was as well. His eyes glued on to the object, as he saw Van lie in his makeshift sleeping bag.

A sudden tap was felt on his shoulder, and he pulled his sword quickly but it was stopped, being hit back in his sheath before he could even take it out.

"Calm down." Ray said. "I just wanted to tell you to not be so obsessive or clear with your d.e.s.i.r.es. I believe that the shadow is able to enter our hearts more easily based on how strong our d.e.s.i.r.es are. Making promises of fulfilling them, it eventually enters us. Gary was too obsessed with strength to find his sister's killer and wanting to prove he was the best.

"Kyle, always feeling weak and blaming himself for not being able to help his friends. Eventually feeling self conscious and wanting to prove he could follow in the footsteps of them."

"Oh, and what's you d.e.s.i.r.e Ray, I saw your memories, wasn't it at one point to kill all of humankind? Yet it didn't affect you. Don't worry Ray, the only thing I want to do is to make sure that people around here are doing their job properly. I fear that Van is hesitant when he uses the white stone. I understand he can control its powers due to his own power, but when I held it in my hand I…I.."

"You felt like you could do better?" Ray replied. "And this is why I worry about you. I don't want anyone else to fall into the shadow, right now my d.e.s.i.r.e more than anything, is to make them pay for all the suffering I have had during my time as a human. Once my d.e.s.i.r.e is done then I will leave everyone at peace to do as they wish."

With those words said, Ray walked off to go into his own deep slumber.

'Leave everyone? What are you thinking Ray, do you think this world will no longer need you when the shadow is gone. Once the shadow is gone, humans will just fight each other again. The humans need you more than you think Ray.'

******

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