I Can Copy And Evolve Talents

Chapter 1175: You Missed The Party

From the vast blanket of the sea, a vessel drifted closer to the ocean’s edge, dark smoke rolling into the morning sky.

The sound of the ship rolled forth before its presence, shattering the peaceful silence of the aftermath, even stirring Nirruern in his sleep, but he merely turned, drenching himself deeper in slumber.

After a while, the ship reached the port and people started disembarking—faces both known and unknown.

They were greeted by the Knights of Luinngard who were still able to walk. Commander Sheer limped on one leg, even with the assistance of a cane, and walked over to meet the people who touched the harbor.

The moment he drew closer, his entire visage froze and he stood straight, disregarding the injury he bore. His face hardened, stripped of all emotion. His subordinates, who had been beside him, couldn’t help but exchange confused glances, but the Knight Commander’s sudden composure caused them to fall in line with the stern atmosphere.

Before them, a tall, white-haired lady approached with long strides. There was nothing extraordinary about her presence at first glance—hence it took more than a glance to recognize it. For weaker people, at least.

Power had words, even when someone was suppressing the ambience of their strength, not wanting to announce they were the strongest in the room. If you were equal to them, or close to their level of strength, you would figure it out—either by instinct or by experience.

Most of the soldiers here were not that. Even the White Knights, prestigious and known to be terribly strong, didn’t come close.

However, certain people’s attention was immediately drawn to the edge of the port. Raven, for example, was using her fist to break down a pillar that had survived the blast but was needed to create a makeshift wall around the harbor’s perimeter.

She was about to throw another strike when she stopped and turned toward the harbor, her gaze narrowing. She started walking. On her way, she met Thalen, who also wore a stern look.

”You felt it too?”

Raven nodded.

”It’s not every day one gets to see a Luminary. I hope it’s not Rughsbourgh.”

Thalen chuckled.

”To be able to tell it’s a Luminary right away—you’re splendid.”

Raven nodded. The two walked in silence for a while, then her voice came, somewhat tender.

”I’m sorry about your friend. I could’ve done better...”

Thalen shook his head.

”You don’t need to feel sorry. He was a Paragon, and strong. I would’ve been surprised if you’d actually had things your way. And it was all beyond our control.”

Raven looked down for a moment, clenching her fist. The memories of everything that happened with Ul were still fresh in her head—how the ugliness of a deity they all revered had played out before her eyes.

They reached the harbor and Raven spotted a vermilion-haired lady with an eye patch. Her eyes widened.

”Annette!”

She immediately bolted forward, rushing over. She reached the port and fell into Annette’s grasp—which shocked both Annette and Vida, who stood behind her.

They had hugged before Raven realized how impulsive she’d been and awkwardly pulled away.

Annette looked at her, grew embarrassed, turned slightly away, and laughed internally.

’I guess even she had no idea how much she’d missed everyone.’

Raven belatedly noticed her surroundings—the Knights bowing, and the tall white-haired lady with alabaster skin standing, watching her with cold eyes.

Annette spoke in Raven’s defense.

”Please, she’s a student of mine. One of the survivors of the dark continent.”

The princess shifted her gaze and scanned the entire expanse of the port and beyond.

She brought her eyes to the Knight Commander, and her voice bellowed, nearly shaking the ground.𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

”Where’s my brother? His big sister has come to end this treacherous battle!”

Raven responded with a flat tone.

”You’re late. The battle’s ended.”

She looked at Raven, suppressing her anger, then looked away.

”Can someone older and less annoying talk to me, please?” She gave the Knight Commander a look with a question mark attached. ”Sir Sheer?”

The Knight Commander lowered his head slightly and spoke with a reverent tone.

”It is as she said, Your Highness. The battle has come to an end. I’m not sure of the details, but the white-haired boy, this lady, the man behind her, and three other notable individuals were what emerged from its ruins.”

The Princess looked over to Thalen, who frowned slightly, having figured out her identity the moment they drew closer. With her right hand, she gestured for him to come closer.

Thalen obeyed and stood beside the Knight Commander.

”Care to explain?”

Thalen exhaled softly.

”It’s a long story. You might want to settle in first. However, before I speak—you said something earlier. Your brother?”

”Rey?”

Just as he spoke, a soft voice came from behind, making him pause and turn back.

Lady Henai trudged forward with hesitant steps.

The Princess looked at her and smiled.

”Aunty.”

The Knights parted for Lady Henai. She trudged forward and hugged the princess.

”Oh my stars, it’s been so long.”

The princess patted Lady Henai’s back.

”Well over fifteen years, Aunty.”

Lady Henai withdrew from her.

”How is he?”

The Princess wore a warm smile on her face.

”The Emperor is as cold and distant as always. You know him.”

Lady Henai looked a bit somber at the response, then quickly raised her head.

”What about your brothers and sisters? Ruya—she must’ve grown so much by now.”

The Princess laughed lightly.

”Indeed, indeed she has.” Her face hardened the next second. ”Aunty, is it all right if we step into somewhere closed? About your son... my stepbrother—I heard some things.”

Henai’s expression froze for a moment, then a gentle smile spread across her face.

”Sure. Let’s go inside the tower. I’ll tell you about your stepbrother.”

She and the princess walked toward the massive tower that stood like a bastion over the port. A man and a woman followed closely behind the princess, but not close enough to eavesdrop. Meanwhile, the knights finally breathed and muttered in shock, realizing they’d been standing before a princess of Reimgard.

Annette rested her hands on her hips and sighed, watching the princess and the white-haired lady as they walked toward the tower.

’I’m guessing that’s Northern’s birth mother.’

Raven gave a long, stern look, making her shrug in confusion.

”What?”

”You need to tell me what’s going on. Everything.”

Annette chuckled.

”Of course. But first, I need to see Northern.”

Raven glanced toward the roof and returned her eyes to Annette.

”You will. But it’s better for us to just let him rest for now. He’s had a very long day... and night.”

Annette gave Raven an intense look of suspicion.

”I’m going to need you to fill me in on that.”