Chapter 2 Running into Him Again

• Four years later, they found themselves on the outskirts of Zagrus' capital.
• "Mommy, I'm hungry. I need food."
• A petite girl with rosy cheeks pulled at the robe of a woman by the roadside, her little head tilted in a plea.
• Next to them stood a solemn little boy with sharp eyebrows and eyes bright like stars, showing signs of future handsomeness.
• While the boy stayed quiet, his dark eyes lingered on the woman, betraying a longing for food.
• "Alright, it's time to eat," Arya said, pulling out a piece of bread from her bag and tearing them in half for each child.
• "Mommy is the best!" little Thea Dillon exclaimed joyfully as she bit into her bread.
• "Thank you, Mother." Her elder brother Orion Dillon was courteous, his eyes sparkling with gratitude.
• Arya smiled out of genuine happiness. Despite these four years being tough, the presence of her two children had brought much joy to her life.
• She had been using her medical skills from another world to survive in a small mountain village, practicing medicine for food and shelter.
• Now, as Orion and Thea approached school age with no educational options in the village, Arya and Holly decided it was time to leave for the town.
• Suddenly, the clanging sound of a skirmish rang out from the path ahead.
• Arya quickly pulled Holly into the bushes to hide with the children.
• Peering out, they saw a group of masked assailants ambushing a man not far off.
• Arya caught her breath.
• A tall, impressive man on a dappled horse caught her eyes, his face obscured by a chiseled mask, emanating a chilling, menacing aura.
• With the flash of a sword, the attacker struck the man's back, leaving a streak on the man's dark, gold-embroidered robe. Blood splattered out.
• An X-shaped scar was visible on his powerful back muscles!
• It's him!
• Is it really him?
• Arya's mind reeled, a cold shiver running down her spine.
• This man, the very one who had taken her virginity, was also the father of the child she held tightly in her arms!
• Swish! Slash!
• The man confronted a dozen masked assailants, his sword flashing as it cut down his enemies.
• "Ah!" Thea cried out involuntarily, and Arya quickly covered her mouth to silence her.
• Bang! Another foe fell, spraying his blood. Immediately after, the attackers scattered in terror.
• In the distance, clouds of yellow dust rose as four robust horses galloped towards them.
• The warriors dismounted swiftly and bowed before the man on the dappled horse.
• "We apologise for the delay in your rescue, Your Majesty! Please forgive us!"
• "Rise!" Titus commanded authoritatively, gesturing with his hand.
• His gaze beneath his mask then shifted coldly towards Arya's direction.
• His eyes, deep and cold like night, were filled with a mix of suspicion and recognition.
• He seemed to catch a glimpse of someone familiar, but as he looked around, he saw nothing.
• As they departed, Arya, still in a state of shock, helped Holly to her feet.
• "Mother, who were they? Why were they fighting here?" Orion asked, his young face marked by a hint of bravery.
• "They ... "
• Arya held her baby boy close, whose eyes held a haunting resemblance to the 'Hades', her heart was stirring with uncertainty.
• "Mommy, I'm scared," Thea whimpered, her lips quivering, "There was so much blood ... "
• "Let's move quickly," Holly urged, gathering their belongings. "We need to get out of here fast!"
• They hastened towards the city.
• Once settled, Arya began her job hunt, driven by the urgency to support her family of four.
• With only a handful of coins, she knew they would not last long.
• After being turned away by the thirty-third shop, Arya stumbled upon a promising lead: Senior Royal Healer Elton Wilson urgently sought thirty healers.
• With her background as a distinguished medical student skilled in both alternative and modern medicine, it seemed perfect.
• "Mr. Wilson specified that only male healers are being recruited," the poster explained. "Why are you so pleased, young lady?"
• "Male healers only?" Arya expressed surprise. "Why restrict it to males? Do you think female healers are incapable?"
• "It's not about capability," the poster clarified. "The job requires healers to accompany soldiers into battle, so they're specifically seeking males. It's been challenging to fill these positions."
• "Soldiers?" Arya repeated, her interest growing. "So, they're recruiting medics?"
• The poster paused, unsure at first, then nodded. "Yes, that's right."
• "How wonderful," Arya exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Medics are highly respected and hold significant roles!"
• The servant gave her a puzzled look, shaking his head before departing.
• Energised, Arya broke through the crowd at the notice board and made her way towards the marketplace.
• She soon changed into a men's blue linen robe and a cap and, with renewed determination, headed to Elton's office to apply for the position.
• The office was as empty as she had been told.
• Arya adjusted her cap and cautiously peeked inside.
• Before Arya could settle in, a servant briskly approached, grabbing her arm and urging her forward with an excited shout, "Master, at last, someone has come!"
• "Quickly, come in!"
• A distinguished elderly man with white hair hurried out, his voice filled with urgency.
• "What's going on?" Arya protested, confused. "I'm here for an interview, not causing trouble!"
• "We've been waiting for you," the servant hastily explained. "Mr. Wilsone hasn't slept for three days, worried we wouldn't fill the last position!"
• "You're the thirtieth applicant we needed," Elton added, seizing Arya's hand with a mix of relief and desperation. "If we can't find you, I was at risk of losing my position, perhaps more!"
• Subsequently, Arya found herself quickly escorted into the Ironclad Army.
• Elton looked at her sternly and advised, "The Shadow King himself will be inspecting our facilities soon. Please conduct yourself properly; any mistake could jeopardise us all."
• The Shadow King?
• Arya's mind raced, uncertain of what to expect.
• Suddenly, a clamour rose from outside, announcing, "The Shadow King is approaching!"
• Arya turned around and watched as a squad of warhorses charged into the Ironclad Army, stirring clouds of dust.
• The sight was formidable: the soldiers exuded a lethal presence, and the leader was on a striking dark horse that halted sharply in front of Elton.
• A chilling breeze swept in, carrying with it an aura of danger.
• This formidable presence originated from a strikingly handsome young man astride the dark horse, and his physique was quite sturdy!
• Arya looked over, but she involuntarily gasped as she saw the man's face clearly.
• He looks...