GUARDIAN OF THE END

"What just happened?" Issac asked.

"Nothing big. Julian patron just broke through the first layer of the barrier. Unfortunately, I have been reinforcing this for a long time. There are multiple layers he will have to destroy. I will keep on generating more layers as long as I am here."

Hearing Amon's reply, Jason understood why it was important for him to be there. He was the creator of the barrier and was responsible for maintaining it and preventing others from being panicked.

"Should we go out and meet them?" Amon asked.

"I have been thinking of doing that as well. Let's see if Risa wants to go or not." Issac closed his eyes for a few seconds before looking at his right.

Risa appeared at that exact spot with a serious look on her face. Without saying anything, she placed her right hand on Amber's shoulder and closed her eyes.

Jason saw life mana traveling from her hand and transferring into Amber's body in the form of life magic.

Risa had already sensed that something was wrong with her without even needing to hear it from Amber or Jason.

"If you are going to meet Julian and his patron, I am coming as well. I think it will be best if Amon remains here and works on the barriers. You will be able to create at least two more layers while we keep him busy." Risa suggested.

She lifted her hand off Amber's shoulder and looked directly at Amon.

"Fine with me. Though I wanted to see that god's expression when he realizes that I am the one responsible for maintaining this banner." Amon chuckled before vanishing from his spot.

But before that, he waved to Jason and Amber one last time.

"May, I think it will be safe for you to remain here only. I don't want others, especially a god who is our enemy, to know that I have a demi-god child with me." Jason said.

May wanted to argue back but she knew that he was saying the truth. While sighing, she started floating in the air and headed towards his room.

"You can ask Ray for help if you need anything. Just release a bit of your mana and make sure to not use your divine energy!" Risa called out and warned May.

If the demi-god ended up using too much divine energy, Julian's patron would be able to sense her presence.

However, due to the barrier, he might not be able to tell who she exactly was. Added to the fact that there were multiple divinity bearers inside the barrier, May was relatively safe.

Still, it was best to safe rather than sorry.

"Let's go." Issac smiled before stretching his body.

'You can walk now?' Jason questioned Amber telepathically.

'I think so. Your grandmother's magic helped me a lot but I think its better for me to use you as a support for the time being. You don't mind, right?'

'No, I don't. Use me as a support for as long as you want.' Jason replied and started moving out of the house.

A small smile briefly appeared on Amber's face as she walked beside him, her body still leaning on his arm.

When Risa and Issac saw this, both of them exchanged a look before nodding. They already gave Jason their approval inside their hearts.

They knew that things would be tough but then, they always were.

"Jason, make sure you don't use your divinity in front of him. He is definitely going to get enraged knowing that he can't do anything to you like he does to others." Risa reminded.

"I do want to see him infuriated though." Jason replied. "But I guess I will hold back and not show him my divinity."

"Don't worry, if things get out of hand, you can shove that divinity into his face. I will support you there." Issac grinned.

Jason wholeheartedly agreed with his grandpa and nodded in reply. Risa shook her head at this but didn't tell them to stop.

'I wonder what will happen if the entire family was gathered together, including those from the demon continent. It would be a fun scene to watch.' Amber thought with a smile.

[ It will be quite chaotic as well. Though I guess you are right. It will be fun. ] Flamey agreed.

Jason and Hestia could still hear the duo's conversation but didn't say anything against it.

"Should we take them on a tour or directly reach the border?" Issac suddenly questioned.

"Now that I think about it, let's take them directly to the border. We shouldn't let the others know that they are back in case someone tells Julian about it before we get to see his surprised expression." Risa replied and vanished from her spot.

"Jason, carry her to the start of the town. Make sure to travel at a speed where no one can see you." Issac winked before vanishing as well.

Jason and Amber exchanged a glance, reaching a silent agreement. Jason's hands went to Amber's waist as he tightly held her against his chest.

[ That's not the correct position, host. You should take another position which is more suitable for travel. ]

'I know but…'

Jason sighed before suddenly bending down and picking Amber up in his arms in princess style. His heartbeat once again increased as he turned on his white thunder and started moving towards the entrance of the town.

[ Don't be that nervous. Amber doesn't find this uncomfortable at all. ] Flamey encouraged.

'Flamey!' Amber hissed at her guardian.

[ What? I am just telling the truth to him so he will relax. ]

Jason couldn't help but chuckle at Flamey's words. 'Thank you, Flamey. That helped me relax a bit.'

[ Told you. ]

It took them three minutes to reach the entrance of the town. Jason could have traveled the same distance in a minute, but he had to make some changes to his path due to spotting multiple people around the town.

'Most of the townsfolk are hiding inside their houses while only the stronger mages from the two other families are roaming around the street.' Jason noted.

He put Amber back on her own feet once he noticed Risa and Issac observing the barrier right outside the town's gates.

"Be on guard. There is no knowing what trick he might play on us," Risa warned. "Ask your guardians to be on the lookout as well. They will be the most helpful in sensing divine energy."

Jason and Amber nodded and stared at the barrier as well. Outside the town, a dozen soldiers clad in red armor were shooting magical arrows at the barrier.

Each of the arrow was deflected by the barrier yet it didn't seem to affect them. It was as though they were working on orders that they couldn't deny.

_{𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢}

[ Exactly. Remember that Julian can force most people into a contract and make them obey his commands? ]

'I know. Can you sense him anywhere around us?'

[ Hestia would be able to sense him before I do. She is more used to sensing divine energy than either of us. ]

As if to prove the system's point, both Hestia and Flamey suddenly spoke up.

[ There! ]

[ He is coming! ]

Jason relied on the information to his grandparents just in time to see a pillar of light descending right outside the barrier.

Julian materialized outside the town with an amused smile on his face.

"Hello, my future slaves." He waved. "We meet again. I hope you are ready to be captured by me."