章節 21: Unexpected explosion.

Ethan remained with his back turned, unaware of Aiko's restlessness. As the atmosphere grew quiet, the only sound echoing through the carriage was the faint creaking of its wooden structure.

Aiko's eyes slowly fluttered open, sleep eluding her. She gazed over her shoulder, ensuring that Ethan still slumbered peacefully.

Reassured by his tranquil state, she released a quiet sigh. "I can't sleep, perhaps a stroll will do me some good." She whispered to herself, contemplating the idea of venturing outside for a brief stroll.

However, before she could take a single step, Ethan's firm grip closed around her hand, surprising her. His back still facing her, he sat up abruptly and pulled her closer, causing her to lose her balance and settle on her rear. She found herself positioned between Ethan's thighs, her back against his chest, as his hands encircled her from behind.

"E-Ethan... what are you…?" Aiko's voice quivered, a mix of confusion and anticipation lacing her words.

Her face flushed with warmth as she became acutely aware of her buttocks pressing against Ethan's groin. The heated breath that caressed her neck only intensified the sensations coursing through her body.

The air thickened with tension, as both of them remained locked in this unexpected embrace, leaving Aiko's mind filled with a myriad of emotions.

Her heartbeat quickened, echoing in her ears as she awaited Ethan's response, her curiosity mingling with an indescribable longing.

"Hey, Aiko," Ethan's voice broke the silence, its seriousness catching her off guard.

Aiko's body tensed, her heart pounding with anticipation. She turned her head, her gaze meeting Ethan's face, searching for answers. "Y-Yes?" she managed to respond, her voice trembling slightly.

"There's someone here... listen," Ethan said, his tone conveying a sense of urgency.

"Someone here?" Aiko repeated, her eyes widening with a mix of concern and confusion. She glanced around the dimly lit carriage, trying to make sense of his words. "What do you mean?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"The creaking of the other carriage... it has stopped. Can't you hear it?" Ethan's words brushed against her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

Aiko's mind raced, trying to comprehend how he could detect something she couldn't. "How can he sense that when I can't... he doesn't even possess magic," she mumbled to herself, her thoughts spiraling.

After a few moments of strained concentration, Aiko's ears finally caught the change in the air. The eerie silence that had settled upon them was now replaced by the faint sound of multiple feet making contact with the ground. Each footstep echoed ominously, sending ripples of unease through Aiko's being.

A realization struck Aiko like lightning, her thoughts racing to process the imminent danger. 'He's right... not just one person, but multiple... bandits? Assassins, perhaps?" she pondered, her mind fraught with concern. "Damn it... What if they are monsters, I must warn the others!" Aiko determined, her heart torn between the need to protect and the urgency to alert her companions.

However, her decision hung in the balance, knowing that leaving Ethan alone could expose him to peril. The weight of her dilemma bore down on her, her brows furrowing with worry.

But then, in a sudden surge of instinct, Aiko's eyes widened as she sensed impending doom drawing near.

Without a moment's hesitation, she cried out, her voice laced with urgency. "Sorry about this!" She exclaimed, her body springing to its feet in one swift motion. She seized hold of Ethan's collar, propelling him out of the carriage with all her might.

Almost instantaneously, the carriage erupted into a cacophony of destruction, a deafening boom reverberating through the air. Flames engulfed the wooden structure, consuming it voraciously as charred debris rained down upon the ground.

The once serene environment was now cloaked in a fiery inferno, casting an eerie glow over the chaotic scene.

Veronica, Elena, and the other priestesses jolted awake at the thunderous explosion that shattered the tranquil silence. Their eyes widened in alarm as they grasped the gravity of the situation.

"What was that?!" Veronica's voice pierced through the chaos, her gaze fixed upon the crimson glow emanating from the nearby conflagration. With determination etched upon her face, she swiftly rose from the ground, summoning her heroic weapon—a fan adorned with magical radiance—into her waiting hands.

"W-Wait!" Elena's voice interjected, her body springing up from the ground with equal urgency. In an instant, her own heroic bow materialized, poised and ready for battle.

As Veronica made her way toward the carriage's exit, her gaze met with the remaining priestesses, who had also gathered their resolve and stood before her.

Their collective attention was riveted to the roaring flames that danced before them, casting an eerie glow across their determined faces.

Unspoken words passed between them, a shared understanding of the danger that loomed. With unyielding resolve, they steeled themselves for the forthcoming battle, their expressions set in a fierce determination to protect what they held dear. The flames reflected in their eyes, reflecting both the chaos and the unwavering strength within their souls.

Right in the midst of the priestesses was Gabi, trembling with shock, sank to her knees amidst the gathering of priestesses. Her hand instinctively rose to cover her quivering lips as she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief, "W-What has happened here?"

Veronica's jaw clenched tightly, a surge of frustration surging through her. "Where in the world are the guys?!" She bellowed, her voice echoing with urgency. She anxiously scanned the surroundings, desperately seeking any sign of their presence. And then, her eyes locked onto a figure in the distance.

On the other side of the raging flames stood Ethan, his shirt charred by the blaze. Yet, an air of unwavering calm enveloped him, his gaze fixed upon the burning remnants of the carriage.

There was no trace of fear or concern etched upon his face, as if he stood resolute amidst the chaos, a bastion of unwavering resolve.

Veronica's heart fluttered with a mix of confusion and curiosity at the sight of Ethan. But then it hit her, her eyes widened in shock as she muttered, "Hold on, where is Aiko?".