The vehicle finally moved through the air. It rose a little, then more, until it began climbing through the layers of wind. The engines grew louder while the upper balloon's lights glowed brighter.
From below, between the trees, the masked man watched it silently while Tell hovered beside him, staring at the ship.
The vehicle rose higher and higher until it turned into a tiny dot in the sky, then vanished completely.
The masked man showed no expression. He simply turned and walked back between the trees.
With every step he heard grass being crushed behind him and the sound of light but unmistakable footsteps. Hearing that, he stopped, pulled out his gun quickly, spun toward the source of the sound and lunged.
But he did not find a monster. He found Oliver, and beside him Lemur. Oliver lifted his hand and waved, while a small smile appeared on his face.
"Hello,"
Oliver turned toward Tell and waved lightly, as if seeing an old friend he had not met in a very long time.
