Apollo used his new Technique to transport the Slumstreet people to the north gate of Belthias City.
Along the way, he saw the devastation the Monster Stampede had caused. Fortunately, thanks to the leadership of the Headmasters and the Mayor, the city was 90% unhard.
The Headmasters greeted him at the gate, but since he still had more people to transport, he simply nodded goodbye before heading back into the desert.
He also found his disciple Don sleeping in the forest. Apollo healed the kid's injuries with his Qi. His Water Falcon stood by Don's side, guarding him from any potential threats.
"Good job," Apollo said, gently caressing the blue bird's head. "But we still have work to do. Wake him up."
At his words, the Water-Attributed Falcon let out a shriek before hurling Don into the air.
"Ah! What the f*ck?!" Don shouted, shocked by the sudden spinning sensation that left him dizzy.
As his body descended, he scread in fear—Fortunately, the falcon caught him midair.
Don didn't even have ti to process what was happening when he realized the forest was already disappearing beneath him.
"Ah… where are we going?" he asked, looking around—his eyes eventually locking onto his Master, who stood calmly on the falcon's head.
"We're going to fetch your family," Apollo said with a small smile.
"My family?" Don repeated. At first, he looked confused, but as the words echoed in his mind, realization struck him. "R-really?! Are they safe?"
"So are," Apollo said simply—but that was enough for his disciple to understand.
"I'll kill all of them," Don's killing intent erupted.
"I already took care of that," Apollo shook his head. "Just help them settle into the city. I'll speak with the Mayor about where they can stay."
"Thank you, Master!" Don said, kowtowing on the back of the falcon.
"No worries. You're my disciple—this is the least I can do," Apollo replied.
…
Apollo, along with his mount and Don, landed at the spot where he had left the settlent.
The mont they arrived, the people quickly picked up their weapons at the sight of the "monster"— That is, until they saw Apollo standing on top.Only then did they lower their guard and heave sighs of relief.
"You guys have so serious PTSD," Apollo chuckled.
Don, on the other hand, looked toward the Slumstreet people. Seeing familiar faces brought tears to his eyes.
"Everyone!" he shouted, imdiately catching their attention.
"Don!"
"Don! You're here!"
Cries of joy echoed around as people rushed toward him. Don jumped into their arms.
"Sorry, everyone… I took too long," Don sobbed, the warmth of their embrace lting the coldness in his heart.
Apollo wasn't too fond of reunions, but he let them have their mont. After a while, once emotions had cald down, he began encasing them in water bubbles and let so ride the Water Falcon.
Once everyone was secure and comfortable, Apollo took off—followed by the people floating in bubbles and his loyal Water-Attributed Falcon.
The journey didn't take long.
Soon, they reached the north gate of Belthias City, where the rest of the Slumstreet people had gathered.
The mont they landed, everyone burst into tears. They had finally escaped the desert that had terrorized them for so long. Just thinking about it still caused so to shiver.
Apollo was well aware of their trauma, but there was nothing he could do. They would have to fight those demons on their own.
"Rachel, Don, and the others—you guys are now my disciples. Greet each other," Apollo said, his words surprising Don.
"M-Master… you took them as your disciples?" Don's tears were about to burst again, causing Apollo to frown.
"Cry, and I'll feed you chili," Apollo threatened.
Hearing the word chili, Don shivered—and even Bluetooth visibly trembled.
"I… I'm not crying," Don said, doing his best to suck the tears back into his eyes.
"What is a chili?" Rachel asked with great curiosity, seeing Don's twisted expression.
"Forbidden word," Don said with complete seriousness.
"Really?" Rachel covered her mouth, glancing at their Master. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw he was preoccupied with the Headmasters.
"Just don't ever say that word again," Don warned. "Don't anger Master and you'll be fine."
That was vague, but Rachel nodded. "I promise—I would never dare to anger him."
The other disciples nodded in agreent.
…
"These people are?" Mathias asked, glancing curiously at the Slumstreet crowd.
"From Slumstreet. They escaped to the desert, hunted by the Callum Family—on orders from the previous mayor. They were enslaved and suffered greatly," Apollo said as he smiled at the Mayor. "Surely, they have a place in this city, right?"
Hearing the slight threat beneath the Beggar's words, Mathias chuckled. "You don't have to worry. They are my people now, and I'll make sure they live a comfortable life in Belthias."
"Hahaha, that's good to hear," Apollo smiled, and as he thought about the life these people were finally going to have, he couldn't help but rember his old friend, Big Chub.
This is my gift for you, Big Chub. I hope you can see this, Apollo thought.
"So, what happened out there?" Nathan asked from the side. As his question sank in, the Headmasters nodded, their expressions turning serious as they waited for the Beggar's response.
"This isn't the best place to talk about it," Apollo said as he expanded his senses to scan the area for anything suspicious.
The Headmasters, Nathan, and the Mayor could feel his Qi sweeping over them. Realizing the reason, they nodded in agreent.
"Let's talk in my office," Mathias offered, and the others agreed.
"Let take care of sothing first," Apollo said, then walked over to Don.
After instructing his disciple to stay together inside the city, Apollo, the Headmasters, the Mayor, and Nathan flew toward the Mayor's Mansion.
anwhile, Don and Rachel looked at each other, wide smiles on their faces.
"Did you guys eat already? I know a place that serves good food," Don said, his mind drifting to the Filly Restaurant beside the Beggar Spot. And thinking of the Beggar Spot reminded him—the monkey was still there, probably waiting for their return. Guilt crept in, and he decided to bring the monkey so food. "I'll also introduce you guys to Bubba."
"Bubba?" Rachel raised an eyebrow.
"Hahaha, you'll see. Let's go!" Don waved his hand, and the others enthusiastically followed.
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