Although she had consumed a large amount of magic power from firing Breaths in succession, surpassing her body's limit, and reinforcing her flight ability, she had now considerably recovered. Moreover, even though her wounds didn't instantaneously healed, the toxin had been suppressed.
Afterwards, she flew for several hours and she could finally see Ancadi in her view. If she kept flying any more than this, the people on the watchtower would be able to see Tio's current appearance. For a moment, Tio wondered whether or not to release her dragon form. However, thinking it would surely be necessary for her to be in her dragonformed while she travels with Hajime, since the Demon race man named Freed was likely to still be alive, she decided to come clean about it.
Also, her hidden town wasn't something that could easily be found. Even if it was found by chance, the Ryuujin race would not go downed that easily. Besides, if it turned into the nightmare (persecution) just like five hundred years ago, Hajime would surely lend Tio his power if she asked for his help. After all, Hajime was sweet to his companion.
While thinking so, she was finally only several kilometers away from Ancadi. From what she could see, the watchtower was in a commotion. Thus, because it would be a hassle to be attacked due to a misunderstanding, Tio made a detour towards the entrance gate and landed slightly away from it.
ZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP!
Ancadi's Soldiers moved towards Tio, who landed and created sand dust, with row formation. If one looked above the walls, many Soldiers were standing by with bow or magic array-carved staff in hand.
The sand dust was clearing away. The Soldiers could be heard gulping from nervousness. However, what appeared from the sand was a beautiful, gold-eyed, black-haired woman who looked extremely exhausted, making the soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment.
From among the confused Soldiers, a girl came out. It was a girl whose hair was black like Tio's, Kaori. Behind her, the Soldiers and the Lord's son, Viz, were telling her it was dangerous, but Kaori completely ignored them and she fiercely running towards the kneeling, panting Tio.
Having heard the report from the watchtower and knowing Tio was from Ryuujin race, Kaori had guessed Hajime was returning and ran in a hurry.
"Tio! Are you okay!?"
"Huh, Kaori... ugh, this one is rather okay. This one is just a little tired."
Kaori's expression changed when she saw Tio's body covered in wounds, and looking very exhausted. She immediately knelt nearby Tio's side, and hurriedly examined her condition. When she came to know there was an unknown toxin in Tio's body, she instantly began to activate detoxification and recovery magic at the same time.
"How... for it to not be detoxified..."
However, even the Holy Water needed time to detoxify the beam's toxin. Thus, Kaori's magic was unable to immediately detoxify it. However, although Kaori's face was distorted, Tio had considerably recovered thanks to the effect of the previously taken Holy Water, and Kaori's extraordinary recovery magic. She said to Kaori, "There's no need to worry, it will be detoxified soon," with a smile as she patted Kaori's head.
Guessing there was indeed nothing to worry about judging by Tio's expression, Kaori relaxed and smiled in relief. Following that, she looked around the surrounding and her expression gradually turned into one of unease.
"Tio... um, what about Hajime-kun and the other two? Is it only you? Also, what was... that eruption..."
"Calm down, Kaori. This one will explain everything. But first, tell the soldiers behind thou to calm down and take this one to a place where we can have a talk."
"Ah, nn, I will."
Only now did Kaori noticed the confused Soldiers behind her, and thus she nodded powerfully even though her expression was one of unease. Tio's expression that didn't contain any grievance was also a factor that helped Kaori to calm down.