Bear School Astartes

Finding someone has always been a difficult task.

Such a separation over decades in time and almost across the Aegean Sea in space. Even in an information-rich technological era, the probability of success is minimal.

Enough to make one feel true despair.

The more one cares about those lost, the more despairing the seeker becomes.

Cassandra is someone who values family deeply, Lann could feel this during their time together.

For example, she cares deeply about Phoebe.

Although sometimes she would mock and tease Phoebe’s bumps during training, it was more based on the harshness of the education of the time, rather than indifference.

The cruelty of a mercenary’s life made Cassandra care even more about her family.

So the priorities Cassandra set for unresolved matters did not surprise Lann.

Because he knew, that’s the kind of person Cassandra is.

”Then, we may have to part temporarily, Cassandra.”

The Demon Hunter said regretfully as he handed over the black cloak and drama mask to Cassandra.

”I don’t believe a Prophet, an Oracle famed throughout the Greek World, with hundreds of people seeking her counsel daily, has any real ability. If she truly had it, then shouldn’t the Greek World be bursting with renowned figures every day? But there aren’t.”

”You plan to seek her out to ask about the whereabouts of your mother, which is somewhat of a path. But for me, I want to find the ’Bloodline Cultivator’ as mentioned by Erpinuo or any other members of the Divine Teachings to see what they’re really up to with me.”

After a brief silence, Cassandra nodded at Lann.

”I understand.” She reached out, and they clasped each other’s forearms, shaking them up and down.

”Our targets have diverged, I can only wish you all the best.”

”But do you have a target? Surely you aren’t just wandering around hoping to bump into members of the Divine Teachings?”

”Athens.” Lann released Cassandra’s hand and said softly.

”It’s the model city of civilization and trade in the Greek World. I think that if Erpinuo as a big merchant is among the members, it’s impossible to bypass Athens. Ultimately, they form their organization with drachmas and power. They must have a permanent presence there, or simply a base.”

As he spoke, Lann flashed a dazzling smile at Cassandra, making her feel a little dizzy involuntarily.

”Don’t feel sad, Cassandra. I have a premonition that you’ll eventually have to go to Athens too. It’s a city that gathers people from all around the Greek World, and if you want to find your mother, you must go. Besides...”

”You have to come to see Phoebe, right?”

Indeed, it was Lann who taught Phoebe’s training. He also took on the responsibility of looking after the little girl when they set sail.

Cassandra felt a sudden surge of joy, though it was unclear if it was because she would see Phoebe in Athens in the future, or because of something else.

So, the two embraced each other openly, and Lann began making his way back to the port along the path in the small town.

Cassandra remained on the rooftop of the Erpinuo Villa, only turning to join the group of Pilgrims once she saw his silhouette disappear from view.

Lann arrived on the deck of the Adrestia.

During the laying over, Barnabas, being a devout follower, had already gone up the mountain to worship the Pythia.

The sailors on the ship each found their own pastime.

They either gambled with sailors from other ships at the docks, or spent their savings at the port.

Which included but was not limited to indulging in feasts and releasing pent-up desires.

Ports have always been good places for such businesses.

Compared to these sailors, Phoebe was much simpler; she was jumping up and down the ship’s mast, showing extraordinary agility.

After gaining extraordinary knowledge, she seemed like a teenager addicted to the internet, quite immersed in it.

”Get down, we’re about to leave, Phoebe!”

Lann didn’t board the ship, he just called out to the girl from the port.

The girl on the mast happily waved at him, then climbed down using her hands and feet from the sturdy wooden pole.

Finally, when she was about three meters above the deck, she let go directly and fell straight down.

The crew on the Adrestia remained calm, but bystanders at the port widened their eyes.

They fully expected the little girl to have a bad fall.

Three meters high, a wrong landing position could be fatal!

But undoubtedly, Phoebe liked adventure, but she wasn’t foolish.

She landed lightly, as if her coarse linen clothing caught the wind.

This acrobatics-style display earned her a small round of applause at the port, making her cheeks flush.

She hopped beside Lann but saw the Demon Hunter examining her feet.

”If your breathing had been off just a fraction earlier, those leather sandals would have split... Have you been a little too energetic lately?”

You said being energetic is a good thing, didn’t you?

Phoebe mumbled in her heart.

But vocally, she worriedly said, ”Will damaged shoes affect training? Should I buy another pair? I brought savings from Cephalonia! If they’re too expensive, should I let Cassandra cover it first?”

Lann nonchalantly shook his head.

”Just a pair of shoes, consider it a gift from me. But you shouldn’t expect Cassandra to cover it for you. We’re the ones who should be off first.”

”What?”

The little girl looked up at Lann in surprise.

”There’s a split in our targets now.” Lann calmly responded to Phoebe’s question.

”Everyone has their own objectives with varying priorities, so we’ll have to do it this way for now.”

”But I haven’t said goodbye to Cassandra!” Phoebe exclaimed loudly. ”Will we see her again? Where are we going?... It’s all too sudden!”

In times of inconvenient transportation, a farewell might well be the last meeting in one’s lifetime.

Thus, Phoebe was highly agitated.

But Lann’s few words quickly calmed the little girl.

”Don’t get upset, it’s just a temporary split. We’re going to Athens on business, while Cassandra seeks her lost mother.”

”You know, the more people you ask, the better the chance of finding someone, and she will eventually go to Athens too.”

Phoebe finally breathed a sigh of relief.

In this era, the reason for a permanent farewell largely lies in ’the other party dying on the road.’

But Phoebe was not at all convinced that Cassandra would encounter any accident.

Nor did she believe that Lann, along with herself under his care, would face an accident.

So, ’See you in Athens’ became set in her eyes, without any worry.

Athens is the cultural and trade focus of the entire Greek World.

Finding a ship from Fergus to Athens was easy.

So in no time, Lann and Phoebe were able to board a merchant ship bound for Athens.