《Moonlight》


 Prologue

    Year 479, two great kingdoms, Caerno and Naeron, are engaged in a bloody war. Near the border on the Naeron side lies the Elven town of Valentia, where the wife of the chief who is currently fighting at the front, Vestele, has given birth.


    "Veste! Veste!" Saelwen, her aunt, burst into the room where Vestele was giving birth. "Veste, are you alright?!"


    Vestele looked at her aunt with tired eyes.


    "Aunt Sael... you¡¯re back already?" she slowly adjusted the pillow under her head.


    "As soon as I heard you were in labor, I dropped everything and returned as quickly as possible." Saying this, she sat down on the chair next to the bed.


    Suddenly, the cry of a baby... or rather, babies could be heard. A young midwife entered the room, carrying two infants in her arms.


    "Twins?!" Saelwen stood up from the chair and approached the midwife.


    "Nieven and Sylleth..." Vestele quietly uttered the names of the children.


    Saelwen took one of the babies in her arms, slowly rocking it. The baby stopped crying and then opened its eyes... the first person it saw was its aunt, a white-haired elf with a fierce-looking scar on her neck, yet with a very kind expression on her face.


    "I wonder how you will tell them apart." Saelwen said with a slight smile on her face, slowly rocking the infant.


    "The one you are holding is Sylleth." Vestele replied in a weakened voice. "He has a little mole under his eye."


    "He looks very much like his father." Saelwen said, handing the baby to his mother.


    A soft smile appears on Vestele''s face.


    "I hope he hasn''t inherited his hot-tempered nature." She says while rocking the baby slightly.


    As soon as Vestele looked back at Saelwen, she was already holding the other twin, gently rocking him and quietly humming an old lullaby.


    "They''re so cute..." She said with a genuine smile on her face.


    <hr>


    A few years after the twins were born, they are both 9 years old now. Nieven has perfectly found his way wielding a sword, which looking at his hot-tempered and energetic nature, suited him perfectly. On the other hand, Sylleth was calm and shy; he spent his days reading books and helping his mother and aunt with simple chores.


    One day, while Nieven was practicing his swordmanship with Saelwen and Vestele was outside the village, meeting her husband, Sylleth, as usual, was reading a book in his favorite spot: on the tree that is lying in the glade behind the house.


    Suddenly his attention was drawn to a small animal, staring at him. Sylleth descended to one of the lower branches, approaching the animal, whose fur was white, and its eyes had two different colors, yellow and pink, the pink eye looked like a gem. As soon as Sylleth descended on the ground, the animal rushed back to the forest. Shortly after, Sylleth heard a loud crash, followed by his brother''s scream, and immediately ran back home. He burst into the house through the back door, then dashed through the room resembling a living room, to finally burst out through the front door, to see Nieven with a bleeding wound on his hand, trees destroyed around, and Saelwen sitting on the ground.


    When everyone calmed down, Saelwen explained that Nieven subconsciously used magic, the excess of which caused the injury to his hand.


    Next few years Nieven spent training his magic together with Saelwen.


    In the meantime, the war between the two kingdoms was decided by Naeron''s defeat. The Kingdom of Naeron lost most of its people and territories, not to mention money, which also made the inhabitants poorer. This led to the emergence of the so-called "slave hunter groups" which attacked smaller villages, taking their inhabitants as slaves and selling them in the capital.


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    "Hey Sylleth!" Nieven called out to his brother from outside. - Come practice swordmanship with me!


    Sylleth opened the window of his room and leaned out.


    "I told you I''m not interested in it!" the boy shouted with annoyance.


    "Then what will you do all day? Read books?" Nieven asked his brother, already knowing the answer.


    "As a matter of fact, Aunt Sael gave me this book, so I have to read it before she returns." Sylleth closed the window, sat at the table, and continued reading.


    After several minutes, or perhaps an hour, screams could be heard outside. Sylleth thought his brother was trying to annoy him again, but when he opened the window, he saw...


    "S-Slave hunters..." Sylleth''s face turned pale as he watched people setting fire to houses and gathering all the residents on the main road.


    His body refused to move, although he knew that if he didn''t act, he would meet the same fate as the others. Then he noticed his brother kneeling in the crowd. He couldn''t see his expression, but he knew he was scared for his life. At that moment, one of the hunters noticed him.


    "Hey, there''s another one!" He shouted, pointing at the window where the boy was watching.


    Sylleth shook himself and ran out of the house, into the backyard, which couldn''t be seen from the main road, but a few of the hunters followed him. Tears started flowing from his eyes as he ran as fast as he could, until he reached the nearby forest: Austeria. where he decided to hide.


    Sylleth ran into the forest under the pressure of the thugs chasing him.


    "Run! Run! Run!" He was screaming in his mind, while tears were streaming from his eyes.


    The group of hunters ran after him, shouting something to each other. Sylleth ran as fast as he could, when suddenly he tripped over a tree branch, something grabbed his leg and pulled him into a hole under a tree.


    "Wha-" before Sylleth could finish speaking, the person who pulled him in covered his mouth.


    "Be quiet -" The stranger whispered.


    The hunters were getting closer, the stranger covered the entrance to the hole with bushes. For a split second, Sylleth could notice that the stranger was actually a girl with short grey hair. The stranger crouched down under the bushes, covering the entrance to the hole.


    "Damn it, we lost him!" shouted one of the hunters from outside.


    One of them, dressed in leather armor and a tattoo covering his arm stood next to the tree under which Sylleth and the stranger were hiding, and then shouted with a hoarse voice.


    "Alright, let''s go back! We still need to find that runaway demi-human!"


    After a few minutes, the voices of the hunters died down, and the stranger approached Sylleth.


    "What''s your name?" she asked with curiosity, tilting her head slightly to the side.


    "Sylleth, and you?" the boy asked in a calm voice, wiping away tears.


    The stranger extended her hand towards the boy.


    "I''m Shalyn" She said, then smiled faintly.


    The sun rays gently illuminated Shalyn''s neck, where there were... gills? Sylleth looked at Shalyn''s neck, she blushed slightly and covered it, after a moment the boy started.


    "You..." Sylleth couldn''t even force out a word.


    "I''m a runaway... that''s what those hunters called me, they attacked my village and somehow I managed to escape" Shalyn visibly saddened, but after a few seconds she shook it off and asked. "Why were they chasing you?"


    "For the same reason... they attacked my village and c-captured my brother" Sylleth barely held back tears.


    Suddenly, one of the bushes slipped from the entrance to the hole, revealing the beautiful dark blue sky.


    "Come with me" saying this, Shalyn grabbed Sylleth''s hand and led him to the surface "I intend to head to Drevale or some other city, join the adventurer''s guild to earn money and ransom my family" Shalyn''s voice reveals how scared she is, yet at the same time how determined she is "Would you like to be my companion? I''m sure that together we''ll save everyone!" Shalyn smiled widely.


    Sylleth looked at his new companion and replied.


    "I-I''m in! "


    "Then let''s go, there''s no time to lose, the hunters may be nearby" Said Shalyn, pushing through the bushes.


    After a few hours of traveling and attempting to get to know each other better, the sun slowly disappears behind the horizon, and the sky changes color from blue to orange. Sylleth followed Shalyn slowly. After a few more minutes of walking, the sun finally hid behind the horizon, and our duo traveled in complete darkness.


    "Aren''t you afraid of the dark?" Sylleth asked with a slightly trembling voice.


    "Not at all" Shalyn replied confidently. "Are you?"


    "N-No." He responded visibly scared.


    "Stay close, or you''ll get lost." Shalyn said, then grabbed Sylleth''s hand.


    "Alright... " He said with a slightly embarrassed voice.


    After some time, they stopped near a small lake; the moonlight illuminated a small space between the lake and the completely dark forest. Shalyn sat down under one of the trees, looked at Sylleth, and said.


    "Shall we stop here for a moment?" Shalyn asked in a tired voice.


    Sylleth sat down beside her and then replied.


    "Yeah... I''m a bit tired" He looked at Shalyn, who seemed to be sleeping "Shalyn?" He asked with a tired voice.


    No response other than a soft snore.


    "She fell asleep" He thought and then closed his eyes, falling into the darkness.

 Chapter 1

    The sun slowly rises above the horizon, a sweet scent wafts through the air, carried by a gentle breeze, and in the distance, the chirping of birds can be heard.


    "Sylleth, wake up," Shalyn says, leaning over Sylleth''s head.


    Sylleth slowly opens his eyes and sits up.


    "Hmmm... something smells nice," he says in a sleepy voice, rubbing his eyes.


    "That''s because we''re in a peach forest... we must have ended up here while walking in the middle of the night..." Shalyn says, while looking around.


    Shalyn stands up and stretches, a gentle breeze rustling the branches of trees adorned with yellow and orange leaves.


    "The peaches here are incredibly sweet," she says, plucking one from a tree.


    Sylleth rises from the ground and stretches as well.


    "Do you know how far we are from the nearest village?" he asks, slowly walking to the edge of the nearby lake.


    "I have no idea, there''s not a soul in sight," Shalyn replies, biting into the juicy peach.


    Sylleth washes his face with water from the lake, then stands up. After a moment, his face visibly saddens.


    "I''ve never been this far from home..." he says, looking down.


    Shalyn walks up to him and gently pats him on the back.


    "Don''t worry, you''re not alone," she says with a slight smile. "We''ll get through this together."


    "T-Thanks, Shalyn..." Sylleth says, wiping his face.


    "Have a peach, it''ll lift your spirits," Shalyn suggests, approaching one of the trees.


    Sylleth walked up to Shalyn, picked a peach, and took a bite.


    "So sweet~" he said with his mouth full.


    "Right?" Shalyn replied, a slight smile on her face.


    Sylleth looked at his companion and after a moment said,


    "My aunt also really liked peaches..."


    Shalyn was slightly surprised by his words, and after a moment, she asked,


    "Did she... also get kidnapped?"


    Sylleth''s expression changed, looking as if he had an idea.


    "She left for work a few days ago..." Sylleth grabbed Shalyn by the shoulders. "She can help us! We just need to find her!" A wide smile appeared on his face.


    Shalyn looked at his smiling face for a moment, trying to process what he had just said.


    "T-That''s great! Why didn''t you mention this earlier!?" A wide smile also appeared on Shalyn''s face.


    "I completely forgot, probably because I was in shock," Sylleth removed his hands from Shalyn''s shoulders.


    "Do you know which city she went to? And can she really help us?" Shalyn asked, hoping that Sylleth''s aunt could save their loved ones.


    "We''d have to go all the way to Naso... But I''m sure she will help," Sylleth said, smiling.


    "Naso, huh? That will probably be a few days'' journey east, near the capital... but we can make it," Shalyn said, gathering a few peaches. "So let''s go! Let''s find your aunt!"


    Our duo set off towards the city of Naso to find Sylleth''s aunt, Saelwen. After traveling for several minutes through the peach forest, dark clouds became visible in the distance, the wind began to blow stronger, and the animals fell silent.


    "Looks like a storm is coming," Shalyn remarked, looking at the clouds in the distance.


    "Yeah, we need to find a proper cave or something similar to wait it out..." Sylleth said, glancing around for any sign of shelter.


    "On the way, I saw a small one, if we turn back now we should make it in time," she said, grabbing Sylleth''s hand and leading him back.


    During their return, rain began to fall, prompting the two to quicken their pace. Eventually, they reached a small cave where they managed to find shelter. They sat down next to each other.


    "Looks like we''ll be here for a while..." Sylleth said, watching the rain falling outside the cave.


    "Yeah..." Shalyn replied.


    Suddenly, a fox-like creature approached Sylleth and sat on his lap.


    "Is this... a fox?" Sylleth asked, surprised, as he looked at the animal resting on his lap; it looked familiar, but it was so dark that he couldn''t even see the color of its fur.


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    Shalyn looked at the creature and then said.


    "Seems like it..."


    The storm outside was growing more intense, with the wind so strong that some trees bent to touch the ground. Suddenly, a lightning bolt struck one of the trees, startling the fox lying on Sylleth''s lap.


    "Where did it come from?" asked Shalyn, looking at the animal, slightly frightened by the raging storm outside the cave.


    "I have no idea, it must have been here before we arrived. But it looks very scared." Sylleth gently touched the fox''s back.


    The animal was slightly startled, but after a moment, it approached Sylleth''s hand on its own.


    "He''s so sweet." said Sylleth, gently stroking the fox, which began to purr softly.


    "Maybe so, but more importantly, don''t you think it''s a bit cold here?" Shalyn asked, looking around.


    "Well, perhaps a bit... but considering the storm, it''s not surprising," replied Sylleth, still stroking the fox at the same time.


    Shalyn stood up, trying to look around the cave for something useful. After a while, she returned to Sylleth and threw some twigs and leaves beside him.


    "Leave that fox alone and start a fire for us," she said, searching for some stones and flint.


    "Alright," he said, gently removing the fox from his lap and then standing up.


    Sylleth arranged the sticks, branches, and leaves gathered by Shalyn into a pile against the wall, and then tried to light it up. Throughout, the fox didn''t leave him for a moment.


    "I think he really likes you," Shalyn said, sitting against the wall, waiting for Sylleth to light the fire.


    "I guess so." Sylleth replied, looking at the fox for a moment before continuing to try to start the fire.


    After a while, the boy managed to light the fire, and the warm light illuminated the cave. Sylleth lay down against the wall next to Shalyn.


    "And? How''s that?" he asked. The fox lay down on his stomach.


    "Much better." Shalyn said with a slight smile on her face.


    Sylleth looked at his companion and then asked in a slightly tired voice,


    "How long do you think this storm will last?"


    "Hopefully not too long... it would be great to start moving soon," Shalyn replied.


    After a few minutes of silence, interrupted only by loud thunder, the sounds of rain, and wind caused by a strong storm, Shalyn asked,


    "Hey... would you like to tell me something about yourself?"


    Sylleth looked at her, slightly surprised.


    "Where did that question come from?"


    "Well, you know... we don''t really know each other that well, and we still have a really long journey ahead of us." She thought for a moment and then said, "I''d like to get to know you better."


    After a brief pause, Sylleth responded,


    "Well, I''m not sure what I could tell you... you already know that, I have a brother, Nieven... as a child, I wasn''t very sociable, and in a way, I still am not." He paused for a minute. "Oh, I''m 13, totally forgot about that."


    "So I''m older than you..." said Shalyn, laying on the side. "Keep going."


    For a while, the boy pondered what more he could share and then said,


    "And...I don''t know if you noticed, but I''m..." Sylleth pushed his light brown hair behind, showing his ear. "...an elf, not a human."


    "Yeah, I know, and that''s why I trust you," the girl said, pointing at her gills, her voice sounding a bit sleepy.


    "What about you? Do you have any siblings?" asked Sylleth, then began to gently stroke the creature lying on his stomach.


    Sylleth looked at Shalyn, who... seemed to be asleep.


    "Is she really..." Irritation appeared on Sylleth''s face.


    The fox lying on the boy''s stomach moved closer to his face and looked at the boy with his now clearly visible two-colored eyes.


    Sylleth''s eyes widened in shock, but before he could say anything, his consciousness unexpectedly began to slowly fade away.

 Chapter 2

    Naso, the largest commercial city of Naeron and the third largest on the continent, is home to many travelers, adventurers, businessmen, scientists, people looking for work and in need of money. It is here, in the south-west part of the city, that the Aurelia Magical University is located.


    The university is home to over 13 thousand students and 650 professors; one of them is Saelwen. It is divided into six sections, each specializing in different fields of magic: Elemental Arts, Summoning and Conjuration, Alchemical Sciences, Enchantment and Warding, Divination and Prophecy and Ancient Runes and Glyphs.


    <hr>


    After a long day of work, Saelwen and her friend are resting in the staff room.


    "And how were today''s lectures?" asked Ceana, a brown-haired woman with blue eyes and a tiny mole under her left eye as she leaned against one of the walls, sipping her dark coffee.


    "Ugh... I''ve had enough..." Saelwen sighs, resting on the couch. "Those students are wearing me out; they keep fighting each other in the courtyard... and what is more, Veste isn''t replying to my letters."


    Saelwen looked out the window, gazing at the walls surrounding the building and vast streets outside of them, filled with inhabitants of various species, as well as shops and stalls. Her face visibly saddened, still thinking about Vestele and her children.


    "I hope she''s okay..." she said, her voice gloomy.


    Ceana set down her coffee on the table and slowly approached Saelwen, then grasped her arm.


    "Don''t worry, I''m sure they''re all right... in three weeks, there are the festivals in honor of the goddess Rosmerta," she mentioned with her a bit shaky voice. "You can go back to your loved ones then, and next time, bring them here with you," she said with a soft smile on her face and sat next to Saelwen.


    Saelwen glanced at her. "You can also send someone to check on them," she continued, looking through the window. "Or we could go toge¡ª"


    Saelwen interrupted her, shouting in delight. "You''re right! I can ask someone if they could check on them!" A wide smile appeared on her face; she stood up and took Ceana''s coffee. "I''ll be going then, bye!" she exclaimed happily before leaving the room.


    "Wait!" Ceana''s voice was cut in by the sound of closing door. The woman lied down on the couch then gently muttered with a deep blush on her face.


    "Shit..."


    Saelwen walks through the corridors, sipping Ceana''s coffee. "So bitter..." she said with a grimace on her face, but still drinking all of it. She walks through one of the back doors and slowly makes her way across the courtyard, where Professor Artair''s class for the first-year students on magical creatures is currently taking place.


    Professor Artair is a black-haired, feline-type demi-human with black eyes, who constantly carries a wooden cane in his hand.


    "My dear students!" his voice is soft and cheerful, together with a slight northern accent, adding charm to his voice. "In today''s class, we will be studying the beautiful creatures known as..." he spoke in a rapid-fire manner, barely pausing for breath then opened a magic circle beside him. "...Kitsune!"


    Saelwen, leaning against one of the square-designed pillars, watched as a fox-like creature emerged from the circle opened by Artair. It had white-blue fur, yellow eyes, and three tails. It stretched slightly and then looked at the man.


    "Kitsune are creatures that strikingly resemble foxes, but they differ greatly from them... for example, they can transform into humans! And the number of their tails indicates their age," Professor Artair explained to the students with great enthusiasm for the next few minutes.


    Saelwen watches with a mixed expression as the man enjoys his work of telling everything to the students. "That he''s willing to..." is the only thing that comes to her mind.


    Suddenly, the Kitsune released by the professor transformed into a young man, with his hair the same color as his fur, reaching his shoulders.


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    "Good morning, my name is Colla, and I am Mr. Artair''s assistant," his voice is smooth and velvety.


    Saelwen continued watching the class conducted by the professor, and his students seemed to be very interested in the lesson, unlike hers. After a long while, Artair announced a short break and quickly walked towards Saelwen, who was leaning against one of the pillars.


    "Sael! My dear, how are you?" the professor, with a big smile, leaned on his cane, waiting for a response. "How''s your family?" The sun is shining bright on his dark hair and ears.


    Saelwen walked up closer to him. "I actually need to talk to you about that... Could you send someone to Valentia? I''m afraid something might have happened because Veste isn''t replying to my letters," she whispered so quietly that he could barely hear her.


    All of a sudden, Colla walked up to them, glancing at the woman.


    "Good afternoon, Mrs. Saelwen," he said with a courteous and respectful voice.


    "Good afternoon, Colla," Saelwen smiled slightly, looking at the young man.


    Artair leaned over to Colla and whispered something to him; in a moment, Colla walked away. The professor turned to the woman.


    "I''ll do everything I can! But you''d better run to your classroom because it''s probably time for your lecture," he said, pointing at the large, metal clock on the main wall of the building.


    Saelwen''s eyes widened in shock after seeing that it''s already so late.


    "You''re right." Saelwen headed toward her classroom. "I''m counting on you, Artair!" she shouted, disappearing into the crowd of students.


    <hr>


    "...Alright then, in the next class, we''ll focus on summoning familiars, but for today, that''s the end," Saelwen concluded her class.


    On the way to the exit, she met Ceana again in the hallway, who had also finished today''s elemental magic class. Ceana''s eyes widened in shock; her face turned slightly red.


    "S-Saelwen, have you finished your class already?" she sounded excited, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.


    "Yes, although a bit earlier than I should have, but yes," she smiled slightly. "And I told you, you can call me Sael."


    "Oh, yes... Would you like to go out to a caf¨¦, since we both have the day off today?" Ceana asked, a slight blush on her face.


    "Sure, why not." Saelwen walked up to her. "Do you have any particular place in mind?"


    "Mhm," nodded Ceana. "There''s a nice caf¨¦ not so far from here."


    They both headed towards the city center to spend together some great time.


    In the meantime, Artair and Colla set off towards Valentia at Saelwen''s request, to check if her family was doing well.


    "Mr. Artair... How long will it take us to go there?" asks Colla, brushing through his shoulder-length, smooth hair.


    "Around two weeks, if not longer," the professor replied, his voice full of enthusiasm as he stared at the full moon above the horizon.


    "I thought it was no longer than three days..." Colla walked closer to Artair as they both moved across a bridge connecting Naso with the nearby forest.


    "Yes, but through a magic circle," the man says and then uses a spell to light up their way through a dark forest. "We''re going there on foot."


    They both walked for the next few hours, and as the sun slowly rose behind them, Colla sensed something unsettling.


    "Mr. Artair..." he whispered, his ear pointed in the air.


    "Yeah... I sense it too." The professor uses his cane to send a small fireball in every four directions.


    In a matter of seconds, a massive creature rushed at them, screeching. Artair dodges its claws, and in the same moments, Colla goes back to his Kitsune form.


    "Wyvern!" Artair shouts enthusiastically, a spark appearing in his eyes.


    A colossal wyvern leaps into the air, roaring. Its emerald green scales shimmer in the sunlight, and its large, membranous wings and menacing gaze create an imposing sight that dominates the sky.


    "Why is it here?!" screams Colla, his eyes wide with shock.


    The creature charges at them, its enormous wings destroying trees in its path. Artair sends a volley of fireballs at it, but this only enrages the creature further, causing it to spit out green acid.


    "Colla, let''s seal it for now!" shouts Artair, dashing towards the wyvern.


    "Are you out of your mind?!" Colla dodges the acid still falling from the sky.


    "Maybe." Artair whispers to himself with a sinister smile and sends more fireballs at the wyvern.


    The creature flutters its wings, sending off the fireballs, and attempts to spit acid at Artair. Suddenly, its left wing is struck by a bolt of white lightning, its roar of pain so loud it can be heard for kilometers.


    "I''m covering you!" shouts Colla from afar, his form now bigger, reaching half the height of the trees. Colla then casts a spell, creating magic circles to protect them from the wyvern''s acid.


    The wyvern desperately tries to stay airborne, but its second wing is struck by more bolts of lightning. It eventually falls to the ground, roaring and standing on its hind legs, spitting out more acid. Artair continues to rush at it, now using his cane to deflect the acid and parry the wyvern''s attacks.


    "Got you!" Artair screams, his smile as wide and sinister as ever. Artair takes out a hidden scroll from the bottom of his cane and unrolls it. A large swirl of magical chains emerges, completely consuming the wyvern. The creature tries to resist, but the chains tighten, and the swirl becomes smaller, pulling the wyvern into the scroll. Artair rolls the scroll back up and puts it inside his cane.


    "Finally got you!" Artair smiles and laughs with joy.


    Colla watches from the back as he changes back to his human form. "Like a child... just like a child," Colla says with an annoyed look on his face as he rests on the ground.

 Chapter 3

    As Artair and Colla continued their journey, they found themselves enveloped in the serene beauty of a vast, deciduous forest. Tall, sturdy trees with broad leaves stretched skyward, their canopies forming a mosaic of green that filtered the sunlight; which was now at its peak, into dappled patches on the forest floor. The air was rich with the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen leaves, a mix of loam and the faint musk of decomposing plant matter.


    "What are you going to do with the wyvern?" Colla asked, walking beside Artair, his eyes darting between the leaves scattered on the ground. "I don''t think the seal will hold it for long."


    "That''s the least of our worries right now." Artair replied, leaning on his cane as they moved through the forest. "We have to figure out why it was so close to the city."


    "Do you have any ideas?" Colla''s gaze remained fixed on the ground, his ears twitching attentively.


    "Not really." Artair admitted, his brow furrowing in concentration. "But there''s no way it got here on its own." His eyes narrowed as he sifted through his thoughts.


    "What about the hunters?" Colla lifted his gaze from the ground and glanced at Artair.


    The professor stopped in the blink of an eye.


    "Do you think they would be that foolish?" He leaned on his cane.


    "Maybe they''re not so foolish." Colla crossed his arms. "They wanted to make a fuss in the nearby towns and earn more money from the trades..."


    Artair''s eyes shifted in shock, widening as the reality of the situation sank in.


    "To think they would be capable of doing that..." The man stuck his cane into the ground, pushing through the dried leaves, gravel and dirt. "We have to quickly check on Valentia and then get back here as soon as possible." Crimson flames began to emanate from Artair''s cane, forming a magic circle on the ground, a few meters in front of him and Colla.


    "You were able to do that from the beginning?" Colla looked at the man with an annoyed gaze.


    "If that were the case, I would have done it long ago; I relied on the power of the wyvern from earlier. It will also save us the problem with keeping it sealed" Artair spoke with his head held high and a barely noticeable smile on his lips as he walks towards the magical circle.


    The duo stands on the magical circle and in the blink of an eye, they are enveloped in crimson and emerald green flames.


    <hr>


    "It got completely destroyed..." Says Colla with his ears down, as he gazed at the ruins left from the village.


    "So something got here before us." Artair walks closer to one of the buildings, crouches and picks up a copper dagger from the dust. "Definitely hunters."


    "I''ll go look around, maybe someone got away." Colla says, as he begins to shift into his animal form, his height matching Artair.


    "Even if, they''re not here for sure." Professor stands up, examining the village for any signs of life. "We should look for Sael''s house first, but if you find something worth a look call for me."


    For the next few minutes, Colla and Artair both searched the village, looking for the house where Saelwen was living before.


    "Professor, I found something interesting!" Colla''s shout spread across the village.


    Artair approached Colla with slow steps.


    "It looks like an ordinary hut to me." He said, kicking a piece of wood.


    As he moved it aside, Artair''s eyes fell upon a photograph showing Saelwen sitting next to another woman and two children. The professor lifted the image, which appeared to be partially bent.


    "Hmm? And what might this be?" He said to himself with curiosity as he picked up the photo, upon unfolding which revealed another child. "Hm? Saelwen said her niece had only two children..."


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    "Mr. Artair we should focus on the task Mrs. Saelwen gave us." He sighs, knowing that when Artair gets involved in something, there''s no way to distract him from it. "There''s probably a good reason she never said anything about them."


    Artair folded the photo and then put it in his pocket.


    "Alright alright, but don''t think I''ll completely forget about this matter." He moved ahead, deeper into the ruins of the house.


    Colla followed the Professor. For the next moment, they searched together for any traces until finally Colla came across footprints in the form of trampled grass leading into the forest.


    "So, we know that someone likely managed to escape." said Artair, leaning on his cane.


    "Should we follow them? Perhaps it''s someone Mrs. Saelwen knows?" asked Colla, ready to set off.


    "No, I think a better idea would be to head to a town where slave hunters sell captives. That way, we can make sure they haven''t caught anyone important to Sael." replied Artair, slowly going back to the main road.


    "B-But how will we know we''ve found the right town?" asked concerned Colla, as he followed the man.


    "Well... we won''t." Artair said, smiling stupidly and leaning on his cane. "Come on, or we''ll be late for dinner."


    Next, they headed together back to the trading city of Naso, where their plan was to locate the hunters and rescue Sylleth, Nieven, and Vestele. However, along the way through a small path, leading through the forest...


    "Professor, we''ll need help if we''re going to rescue them, especially if the hunters have already escaped beyond the kingdom''s borders." Said Colla, his voice tired yet concerned.


    "Don''t worry about that, my furry companion... we''re actually approaching the home of Rosmerta... she will help us." Artair replied with sleepy voice.


    "Rosmerta...? Th-The goddess Rosmerta?!" Colla shouts, his eyes widen in astonishment.


    "Right, that''s her." Artair keeps on walking, completely ignoring Colla''s surprised reaction.


    "H-how do you know her!?" Asked Colla, completely flabbergasted.


    Artair remained silent for a brief moment, clearly deep in thought, then responded, slight smile formed on his lips.


    "I was bored."


    Upon hearing his words, Colla was dumbfounded.


    "_He was bored... why does that not surprise me..._" He thought to himself.


    A few moments later, as the sun slowly begins to set they arrived at a place that looked like a small house hollowed in a tree. Artair approached the door, lifted his cane, and then knocked on the door with its top metal part, almost punching a hole through it.


    "What are you doing?" asked Colla, worried.


    "Knocking on the door." Artair responded calmly, still knocking.


    In an instant, vines emerged from under the door, seized Artair''s cane, and flung it towards the thorny bushes.


    "W-What is this?!" exclaimed a bewildered Colla, as he had never seen anything like it before. - _Magic? Magical creatures? A curse? What is this...?_ - He pondered for a moment.


    Colla''s contemplation was interrupted by a visibly annoyed Artair.


    "Those darn vines again..." He took a few deep breaths, then shouted in what seemed like an aggressive but calm voice, as if he were addressing an old acquaintance. "Open the door you old hag!"


    Next, the vines emerging from under the door dissolved into the air, and at that moment, the doors opened, revealing a vast library.


    "This... is much larger than it seems from the outside..." Colla sniffs his surroundings. "No, it''s an entirely different place." He remarked, looking at the Professor. "Teleportation magic?" he asked.


    Artair stepped through the door and after a moment replied. "Almost... it''s spatial magic."


    "Spatial? What does that mean?" Colla asked, clearly intrigued.


    "It means I can manipulate this space however I please." Came a soft, feminine voice from the other part of the library.


    In the distance, a woman with gray hair could be seen sitting at a desk. She set aside the book she had been reading and then appeared before Colla''s face in a single stride.


    "You''ve brought an interesting companion with you, Artair." She said with a excited yet it also seemed like a calm tone.


    Artair turned towards her.


    "This is Colla, and we''ve come to ask for a favor." He said.


    "Well... alright, but first." Woman looked at him and handed him his cane. "Here you go, old man." she smiled.


    "Should I remind you that you''re over two thousand years older than me, oh great goddes Rosmerta?" Artair said, with a slight chuckle.


    Rosmerta giggled and then then snapped her fingers. In an instant, they appeared in another room.


    "Alright, enough of these jokes... What have you come to ask of me?" She asked, sitting down at her desk.


    "We''re looking for anyone who got away from the attack on Valentia." Artair sat in front of Rosmerta.


    "A boy, woman and a girl." Rosmerta says, as some paper appears on the bench in front of her.


    "What are their names?" Artair picks up the paper and checks it, but the page is blank.


    "In order; Sylleth, Raina and Shalyn." She says, glancing at Colla.


    "Sylleth... that''s Mrs. Saelwen''s nephew." Colla says, his voice full of hope.


    Rosmerta stands up as the room changes once again, now with shelves full of flowers and plants.


    "He and the girl went west, you can look for them there, now begone, because I want to read a book." She says, and then looks straight into Colla''s eyes, the space around them seems to stop. "Beware of his flames."


    "Strange title." Artair says as he stands up. "We''ll be going then."


    "Sure, goodbye for now." She smiles, then both Artair and Colla appear outside of her house.


    "So we know where to look for... now them." Colla says, looking at the starry sky.


    "Let''s go, there''s no time to lose." Artair says with enthusiasm in his voice as both of them head west to save Sylleth and his companion.

 Chapter 4

    "-leth... Sylleth, wake up!" says Shalyn, shaking the sleeping boy.


    Sylleth slowly opens his eyes, his vision slightly blurred.


    "Mhmm... what is it...?" he asks, rubbing his eyes, his voice muffled, the remnants of sleep blurring his speech into a soft, indistinct murmur.


    "The storm is over, we should get going." Shalyn stands up and stretches, ready to continue their journey.


    Sylleth got up from the ground, yawning and rubbing his eyes. He looked around the cave with tired gaze.


    "Hey, Shalyn... have you seen the fox?" he asked, scanning the cave with a concerned look.


    "What fox?" Shalyn replied, clearly puzzled, her brow furrowing in confusion.


    "the little fox..." the boy muttered, slowly standing up and running a hand through his hair.


    "I think you must have dreamed it. I haven''t seen any fox."  Shalyn replied, shaking her hands before stepping out of the cave.


    "W-What do you mean?" Sylleth stammered, quickly following her outside, his confusion growing..


    Outside, the air was filled with the chirping of birds, puddles dotted the ground, and several trees lay uprooted or snapped in half. Sylleth hurried to catch up with his companion.


    "Shalyn, don''t mess around with me like that."


    "I''m serious, I didn''t see any fox..." She turned to face the boy. "Maybe your mind is playing tricks on you." She smiled playfully.


    "P-Please don''t tease me like that." Sylleth stuttered nervously.


    "Okay, okay, I''ll stop." The girl turned away and continued walking ahead.


    For the next few hours, our heroes made their way through the sprawling forest, their destination set for the city of Naso. As they traveled, Sylleth remained unusually quiet and lost in thought, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.


    This shift did not go unnoticed by Shalyn, who grew increasingly concerned about her companion''s uncharacteristic behavior.


    "Hey, what''s going on with you?" Shalyn asked, her voice tinged with concern as she noticed Sylleth''s unusual demeanor.


    "It''s nothing, really..." he replied, avoiding her gaze.


    Shalyn reached out and gently took Sylleth''s hand, her grip firm yet comforting.


    "I can tell something''s on your mind. Is it about that fox?" Shalyn asked, her concern growing.


    "No, it''s not that... I feel strange... scared..." Sylleth''s voice trembled, his eyes reflecting his unease. "...I don''t even know if my family is still alive..."


    "Sylleth, don''t worry," Shalyn said, wrapping her arms around him. "We may not have known each other long, but we''re in this mess together, right? Whatever happens, I''ll be here to help you." She gave him a warm, reassuring smile.


    "Thank you," Sylleth replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt a small glimmer of hope flicker to life inside him. "I don''t know what I''d do without you."


    "You''ll never have to find out," Shalyn said confidently, giving him a playful nudge. "Now come on, we''ve got a city to reach and answers to find. Let''s not keep Naso and your aunt waiting!"


    "Yeah... let''s go."


    Sylleth and Shalyn continued their journey through the forest as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. They came across a small clearing dotted with a few majestic oak trees.


    "How about we rest there?" Shalyn suggested, pointing to one of the larger oaks in the center of the clearing.


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    "Sounds good, I''m exhausted," Sylleth agreed, making his way toward the tree.


    Shalyn followed with a spring in her step. Along the way, Sylleth gathered some branches that had been scattered by an earlier storm.


    "Hey Shalyn... how about we finish our conversation from yesterday?" Sylleth asked, lying beside the campfire under a tree in the small clearing in the middle of the forest. Shalyn had lit the fire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows around them.


    "Hm?" Shalyn turned towards the boy, clearly expecting him to elaborate.


    "Well... I don''t even know how old you are or where you''re from!" Sylleth crawled closer to her, his eyes wide with curiosity. "So, who are you really?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine interest.


    Shalyn gently pushed his head aside. "Sylleth, stop, you''re scaring me..." she sighed. "Alright, what exactly do you want to kno¡ª"


    Before she could finish her sentence, Sylleth interrupted her with another question. "Where are you from and how old are you?"


    "Those are the kinds of questions you should have asked when we first met..." Shalyn replied, visibly irritated. "I''m from Diae, and I''m 15 years old."


    "So you''re older than me..." Sylleth muttered to himself under his breath, deep in thought.


    "Sylleth, you''re really starting to scare me..." Shalyn said, though a slight smile tugged at her lips. "Alright, it''s getting dark. Now go to sleep."


    "Can I call you sister?" Sylleth asked, settling down under the tree.


    Shalyn responded almost immediately as she extinguished the campfire.


    "No, absolutely not."


    Sylleth turned toward her and sighed.


    "Well, it was worth a try. Goodnight!"


    Shalyn lay down a few meters away, her voice tired as she spoke, "What am I going to do with you..."


    Just before they both drifted off to sleep, the night sky suddenly burst into a display of vibrant colors. Sylleth shot up instantly, his eyes widening as small red objects began to fall from the sky in various directions.


    "Hey... Shalyn..." Sylleth, clearly frightened, tried to rouse his companion.


    Shalyn groggily sat up and gazed at the sky.


    "W-What is that..." she whispered, her voice trembling as she stood up, just as terrified as Sylleth.


    After a few seconds, it became clear that these objects were flaming arrows, falling one after another, both onto the clearing where our heroes stood and into the nearby forest. Sylleth froze, the image of his burning village flashing through his mind. Fear paralyzed him, rendering him unable to move or think, as he stared at the spreading fire, teetering on the edge of hysteria. Shalyn grabbed his hand firmly.


    "Sylleth, we have to run, now!" Shalyn shouted, urgency in her voice. She started to sprint toward the part of the forest that the fire hadn''t yet reached, pulling Sylleth along with her.


    The heroes ran into the forest, with the fire slowly spreading into this part as well. Sylleth''s breathing became rapid, and he was clearly terrified for both his and Shalyn''s lives. The girl ran as fast as she could, determined to reach safety before the fire caught up with them. Unexpectedly, Sylleth felt a drop of water on his face...


    He snapped out of his daze and, pointing to a small but sufficiently large stream of water, shouted, "Shalyn, water!"


    Shalyn turned around and then, with quick steps, pulling the boy behind her, dashed into the stream. The raging fire finally reached them, setting the grass and trees around the stream ablaze. As they submerged under the water''s surface, it seemed they might survive. However, Shalyn had forgotten that Sylleth would eventually run out of air. The boy started thrashing, desperate to reach the surface, and Shalyn grabbed his leg, trying to hold him back.


    Sylleth''s movements grew weaker, yet Shalyn refused to let go, knowing that surfacing meant facing the flames. With his last bit of strength, Sylleth broke free and reached his left hand out of the water. Just as he was about to surface, the flames engulfed his entire hand. He screamed in agony, swallowing water in the process and starting to drown.


    Shalyn, panicking and unsure of what to do, frantically tried to extinguish the fire around the stream. In her desperation, she hit her head on a stone and almost got caught by the flames herself.


    Despite the searing pain and confusion, she managed to resurface and grabbed Sylleth, pulling him back under. Her vision blurred, but she refused to let him go. In a final act of desperation, she pulled him towards a deeper part of the stream, hoping the flames wouldn¡¯t reach them there. The world around them became a chaotic blur of fire and water, their survival hanging by a thread.


    As the boy began to slip into unconsciousness, Shalyn, fueled by desperation, grabbed his right hand. Despite the peril, she resolutely decided to pull him from the stream. Just then, the sky above shimmered with an ethereal light, and a wave of radiant, blue water, sparkling with tiny stars, surged through the forest.


    The magical water danced and twirled, extinguishing the flames in its path before evaporating into a fine mist of shimmering particles. Shalyn, exhausted and drenched, crawled onto the bank, dragging Sylleth behind her. As she caught her breath, a smooth, velvety, and slightly alluring female voice echoed through the now-silent forest.


    "And who do we have here?" said a pale, mysterious woman, her voice smooth and almost musical. She stood before the girl, holding a glowing azure crystal that pulsed with an otherworldly light. The woman was dressed in a gray robe adorned with intricate black accents, giving her an air of dark elegance.


    Shalyn tried to stand, but the exhaustion from prolonged stress and the rush of adrenaline overwhelmed her. She stumbled and fell, her vision blurring as consciousness slipped away.


    "What an interesting aura..." the woman¡¯s voice echoed in her mind, the last thing she heard before everything went black.

 Chapter 5

    As her consciousness slowly returned, the world seemed to refocus, swirling from darkness into fragmented clarity. Sounds that were initially muffled gradually sharpened, transforming into distinct whispers, like echoes bouncing off the walls of a cave. Her eyelids fluttered like weakened wings, struggling to free her from the remnants of sleep. With a painful effort, she lifted her head from the soft pillow and gently opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings with growing awareness.


    Looking around, Shalyn saw a variety of vials filled with different kinds of liquids blooming in many colors and shades, numerous books, and what appeared to be precious crystals, all neatly arranged on wooden shelves and racks.


    The room had a warm, inviting glow, with candlelight casting flickering shadows on the walls, illuminating intricate tapestries that depicted ancient, mystical scenes. Looking around, Shalyn saw a variety of vials filled with different kinds of liquids blooming in many colors and shades, numerous books, and what appeared to be precious crystals, all neatly arranged on wooden shelves and racks.


    She looked around for a few moments, trying to remember what had happened and how she ended up there. After several long moments, she decided to get up. She gently placed her feet on the dark, wooden floor and then quickly stood up from the bed, which caused a slight dizziness.


    Shalyn grabbed her head, which turned out to be bandaged, and then took a hesitant step towards the window, bypassing the large table. When she looked out, she saw a small garden with a pond in the center.


    The garden was full of multicolored flowers, trees, and shrubs that Shalyn had never seen before. In the pond swam creatures that looked like eels and small jellyfish. Her attention was also drawn to the large number of birds perched on the branches of the larger trees. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds created a serene background sound, accompanied by the distant trickling of water caused by the movement of eels.


    For a while, the girl lost herself in the splendid view, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Then she noticed a familiar silhouette. It was the same woman they had both encountered in the forest. Right, "both" for it was only at this moment that Shalyn remembered Sylleth, and a pang of worry shot through her.


    The woman approached one of the bushes, which was a beautiful crimson color, and gathered a handful of its leaves, along with a few thorns from the blue bush next to it. Shalyn watched her with growing curiosity and a hint of apprehension, when she heard the familiar voice again, sending a shiver down her spine.


    "Peeking isn''t very polite, my dear." the woman said softly, turning towards the girl. With a slow motion of her hand, she placed the gathered leaves and thorns into a basket nearby. "I thought it would take you longer to recover." she remarked, picking up the basket from the ground.


    She wore a flowing robe of soft gray, adorned with intricate black accents that added a touch of dark elegance. The robe was cinched at the waist with a silver cord, enhancing her graceful silhouette. Around her neck hung a glowing azure crystal, pulsating with an otherworldly light that seemed to resonate with her very presence.


    The woman began to walk slowly towards the wooden door to the right of the garden, which likely led to the cottage where Shalyn currently found herself.


    "Wait a moment, I¡¯ll join you shortly." The woman said before disappearing behind the wooden door.


    "Y-yes!" Shalyn replied in a slightly embarrassed and tired voice, then walked over to the bed and lay back down, contemplating where Sylleth might be now.


    Several minutes passed before the woman reentered the room, holding a clay cup filled with what appeared to be tea.


    "Drink this, but slowly¡ªit¡¯s still hot." the woman instructed as she handed Shalyn the cup, then sat down on a small wooden chair beside the bed.


    "Thank you, ma¡¯am¡ª"


    "Lazare." the woman interjected with a soft smile. "That¡¯s my name."


    Shalyn took a cautious sip of the tea, grimacing at its exceptionally bitter taste. "I¡¯m Shalyn," she replied, her voice heavy with exhaustion.


    "And your friend?" Lazare¡¯s question made Shalyn¡¯s eyes widen, jolting her to full alertness.


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    "Oh, right! What about him?! Is he okay?!" She leaped from the bed, her face a mix of worry and hope.


    "He¡¯s resting in the next room; he should be alright." Lazare said with a shrug. "Well, except for his hand¡ªit¡¯s in pretty bad shape, but he¡¯ll survive."


    Shalyn sighed in relief, took another sip of tea, and then asked, "Ms. Lazare, thank you so much..." The girl knew that in these post-war times, few people would dare to help strangers, especially an elf and a shapeshifter.


    "Oh, it¡¯s nothing." Lazare said, gently patting Shalyn on the head. "But if I may ask, what were you doing in this part of Austeria?"


    "We¡¯re trying to get to Naso... our families were captured by hunters, and our last hope was Sylleth¡¯s aunt." Shalyn explained, sipping her tea intermittently.


    "Naso? That¡¯s quite far from here..." Lazare rose from her chair and walked over to one of the shelves, where a large black book sat with a black serpent embossed on its cover.


    The woman carefully removed the thick, black book from the shelf and carried it over to Shalyn with deliberate steps.


    "Normally, traveling there on foot would take you just over three weeks." she said, her voice calm but carrying an edge of gravity. She opened the book and began flipping through the pages with practiced ease, her eyes scanning the text as if searching for a specific passage.


    "Three weeks?" Shalyn¡¯s face registered clear surprise. "I was under the impression it was only a few days'' journey..."


    Lazare closed the book with a soft thud, a faint frown creasing her brow. She then rose from the chair with a graceful motion, her robe flowing around her.


    "Please wait a moment, I¡¯ll be right back." she said, her tone carrying a hint of urgency. With that, she exited the room, leaving Shalyn alone with her thoughts.


    Shalyn sighed softly, her eyes following the retreating figure of Lazare. After a moment of contemplation, she took a sip of her tea, savoring the warmth and trying to calm her racing thoughts. Setting the cup down, she slowly got out of bed and made her way to the window.


    Gazing out, Shalyn watched as birds flitted among the branches of the vibrant garden outside. The sight was calming, the gentle rustling of leaves and the cheerful chirping of the birds providing a soothing contrast to the turmoil of her recent experiences.


    Shalyn spent the next few minutes watching the birds, their cheerful chirping providing a fleeting sense of home. Just as she was about to sink completely into her nostalgia, Lazare reentered the room, holding a scroll.


    "I have a small proposal for you." Lazare said, unfurling the scroll to reveal a complex pattern of overlapping magical circles.


    Shalyn turned her attention to her, placing her now-empty cup on the windowsill.


    "Yes?"


    Lazare''s eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement. "I could use this magical circle to send you to Naso." she explained, rolling up the scroll with care. Shalyn''s eyes brightened with hope. "However, I lack the magical energy to activate it myself."


    The hope flickered out as swiftly as it had come, leaving Shalyn¡¯s spirits to sink.


    "Do you know someone who might have enough?" Shalyn asked, her voice tinged with desperation as she made her way back to the bed.


    "I actually do." Lazare answered, turning toward the door with a hint of resolve. "But first, would you like to visit your friend?"


    A spark of excitement ignited in Shalyn¡¯s eyes. Despite the pounding pain in her head and joints, she leapt from the bed with renewed energy.


    "Has he woken up yet?!" she asked, her voice full of anxious hope.


    "Unfortunately, not yet." Lazare said, stepping into the corridor, which was lined with wooden bookshelves that served as walls. "He¡¯s in worse shape than I initially realized."


    Shalyn hurried to follow her, taking in the vast array of books that filled the shelves. Lazare stopped before another set of wooden doors and opened them slowly.


    Shalyn entered the room, which was modest in size. Bookshelves flanked either side of the door, and a rich brown leather rug covered the floor. At the center of the room, next to a small desk, was a large bed.


    "Sylleth!" Shalyn rushed to the bedside where the boy lay.


    His head and left arm were encased in thick bandages, starting from his fingertips and extending up to his forearm. From the bandages, faint wisps of purple smoke drifted upward. Shalyn settled into a small wooden chair, identical to the one in the previous room, and leaned over the unconscious boy.


    "What¡¯s happening to his arm?" she asked, her voice quivering with concern.


    Lazare moved closer, positioning herself next to Shalyn.


    "It appears that the fire you encountered was cursed." she said gently. "It¡¯s causing his hand to rot."


    "Cursed? Rotting? By whom?!" Shalyn¡¯s voice was a mix of alarm and desperation as she clutched Sylleth¡¯s right hand. "Sylleth¡­"


    Lazare approached the desk on the right side of the bed, bent down, and picked up a small, ornate vial, which she tossed gently toward Shalyn.


    As Shalyn caught the vial, she noticed it contained a swirling, hypnotic purple flame.


    "The fire was caused by a wyvern." Lazare explained, her tone steady. "However, their nearest nest is located north of Ilythyrra."


    "S-So, how did they end up here?" Shalyn asked, her voice quivering with fear.


    "It¡¯s likely that someone brought them here," Lazare said, stepping closer to Shalyn. "This person also enchanted the fire."


    "But I saw arrows..." Shalyn extended her hand, handing the vial back to Lazare.


    "The arrows were probably used to spread the fire across a wider area..." Lazare took the vial from Shalyn¡¯s hand. "But we have a more urgent issue now." She nodded towards the unconscious Sylleth. "I can''t treat him on my own; he needs a medic."


    "We have to get to Naso quickly... But wait, who is this person you mentioned?" Shalyn released Sylleth¡¯s hand, her concern evident.


    "Well, it is you..."

 Chapter 6

    ¡°We''ll do it here,¡± Lazare announced, approaching a small pond behind one of the larger trees.


    The water was still and undisturbed, devoid of any visible creatures. At the center of the pond was a small wooden platform, just large enough to hold one person. With a fluid motion, Lazare pulled out a scroll from her book. The scroll bore a complex, intricately drawn magic circle, which she carefully laid out on the platform.


    ¡°Sit here,¡± Lazare instructed, gesturing to the platform.


    ¡°All right,¡± Shalyn replied. She carefully crossed the pond and settled herself on the scroll. ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Focus. Do you know the feeling when chills run down your spine?¡± Lazare asked in a calm, measured tone as she flipped through the pages of her book.


    ¡°I think so¡­¡± Shalyn responded hesitantly. ¡°...But how will that help me awaken my power?¡±


    ¡°You''ve already done it,¡± Lazare exclaimed, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. ¡°Now you need to learn to control it.¡±


    ¡°I did? When? I''ve never trained before,¡± the girl said, her voice filled with surprise.


    Lazare chuckled softly, and in a way Shalyn couldn¡¯t quite understand, the pond seemed to ripple slightly in response.


    ¡°Magical skills aren''t acquired solely through training,¡± Lazare said, closing her book and tucking it under her arm. ¡°They can be gained in many other ways: various curses, blessings, or, as in your case, intense emotions.¡± She started walking slowly toward her house. ¡°With this knowledge, you should manage by evening. I''ll work on your friend''s curse.¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to manage on my own?!¡± Shalyn''s gaze followed Lazare''s silhouette as she disappeared behind the bushes.


    "Stay calm¡­ I¡¯ll figure this out and find a way to help Sylleth¡­" She sank to her knees and rested her hands on her lap, trying to steady her breathing.


    She sat there, immersed in intense concentration, but no results emerged immediately.


    "...She mentioned something about inducing chills, didn¡¯t she?" Shalyn drew a deep breath and then slowly nodded, focusing all her attention on her neck, attempting to conjure the shivers. Is this how it¡¯s done?


    Gradually, a tingling sensation began to spread from her neck, rapidly coursing down her back, traveling across her shoulders and forearms, and finally reaching her elbows.


    "I don¡¯t feel anything¡­" the girl sighed in frustration. "Am I even doing this correctly? Could it have been just a metaphor?" As she opened her eyes, she was startled to see hundreds, if not thousands, of jellyfish that had previously been invisible. They were no bigger than a palm, and most of them were a shimmering blue, but scattered among them were a few glowing purple ones. "How did they appear here?!"


    Shalyn tried once more to induce the shivers, this time keeping her eyes open. Again, she felt a pleasant sensation at the nape of her neck, which this time spread all the way to the tips of her fingers. The water around her began to ripple gently at first, then more noticeably.


    "I did it?" A broad, proud smile lit up Shalyn¡¯s face as she marveled at her success.


    As a wave of joy surged through Shalyn, the water around her erupted in a powerful explosion, emptying the pond and sending a cascade of droplets splashing in every direction. Shalyn¡¯s vision blurred as a wave of heat washed over her face, making her body feel heavy and sluggish.


    "What just happened¡­-" Before she could finish the thought, her legs gave out, and she collapsed, falling straight into the mud.


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    As her consciousness slowly returned, the intense heat lingered, searing her from deep within. From time to time, the heat was replaced by a chill, providing the girl with fleeting relief that didn¡¯t last long. Shalyn tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids remained still. In the distance, she could hear a whisper, as if someone was sitting beside her, trying to wake her up. She opened her mouth, or at least she thought she did, but she couldn¡¯t produce any sound.


    Suddenly, she felt a familiar touch on her hand.


    "Sylleth?" she thought, trying her best to open her eyes as the darkness clung stubbornly.


    Finally, Shalyn¡¯s eyes fluttered open, revealing a wooden ceiling above her. Though she felt too weak to move, she managed to turn her head slightly to the side. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on a wooden table and a chair positioned near the bed.


    ¡°Is it night already?¡± Shalyn wondered aloud, her gaze drifting back to the ceiling as she tried to piece together what had happened after she lost consciousness. ¡°I feel awful.¡±


    After a short moment, Shalyn turned onto her side, trying to rest a bit.


    ¡°It¡¯s unbearably hot in here,¡± she murmured, tossing the blanket aside. ¡°Have I come down with a fever?¡±


    She closed her eyes, trying to rest, but sleep eluded her. Using all her strength, she managed to sit up and leaned against the wall, glancing around. The lingering effects of the fever kept her from fully gathering her thoughts.


    The girl lay back down, unable to find her place, when suddenly the door to the room swung open and Shalyn¡¯s eyes shot toward it in an instant.


    "Syleth?!" Shalyn thought with a pleading urgency.


    But it was Lazare who entered the room, holding a bucket of water in one hand and her book tucked under her arm.


    ¡°Finally awake, are we?¡± Lazare set the bucket down on the table and took a seat in the chair.


    Without moving from the bed, Shalyn replied, ¡°I guess¡­ What happened?¡±


    ¡°You overheated.¡± Lazare placed her book on the table next to the bucket. ¡°It happens often when you can¡¯t control your power.¡±


    ¡°I did? Is that what caused the fever?¡± Shalyn asked, her voice barely above a whisper, still feeling drained.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Honestly, I didn¡¯t anticipate this level of reaction. I had quite a mess to clean up afterward.¡± Lazare chuckled softly, though her laughter was somewhat forced. ¡°Rest for now. We¡¯ll pick this up tomorrow.¡± She said, her voice softening as she took a cloth from a nearby shelf and dipped it in water.


    ¡°¡­But what about Sylleth? Has he woken up yet?¡± Shalyn asked, her voice laced with hope and concern.


    ¡°Sadly, not yet. The rot is spreading, so we have to act fast.¡± Lazare replied, gently pressing the cool, damp cloth against Shalyn¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Can I see him?¡± Shalyn¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, her exhaustion evident as she struggled to keep her eyes open.


    ¡°You will.¡± Lazare assured her, her tone gentle but firm. ¡°In the morning, you¡¯ll have a chance to see him.¡± She walked over to the table, carefully setting down her book. ¡°For now, you need to rest. It¡¯s important to be well-rested for what¡¯s ahead.¡±


    Shalyn closed her eyes, and as if sinking into a dreamless abyss, she was enveloped by the soothing embrace of sleep. What felt like mere moments later, her eyes fluttered open, though hours had actually passed.


    ¡°Already morning¡­?¡± she murmured, blinking as she slowly came to her senses. As she pushed herself out of bed, she leaned against the wall for support. Through the window, the cheerful chirping of birds reached her ears, a gentle reminder that the world outside had stirred to life long before she had.


    The girl moved toward the window, revealing a familiar landscape teeming with vibrant plants and singing birds. But Lazare was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s with Sylleth?¡± Shalyn wondered, her thoughts racing as she took a deep breath and slowly made her way out of the room, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet house.


    Passing by numerous bookshelves, after what seemed like an eternity, she finally reached the room where Sylleth was supposed to be resting. She opened the door, her eyes immediately falling on the bed where Sylleth lay. His condition appeared worse than before; bandages wrapped around him up to his shoulders, some parts of it were covered with glowing magical circles, each one pulsing faintly, working tirelessly to halt the spread of the rot. The sight made her heart ache, and she rushed quickly to his side.


    ¡°Sylleth?¡± She asked quietly, taking his right hand in hers. ¡°When will you wake up¡­?¡± she repeated, her voice tinged with desperation, hoping for him to respond.


    The silence stretched, broken only by the soft, labored rhythm of Sylleth¡¯s breathing. Shalyn¡¯s heart ached with the quiet, the uncertainty weighing heavily on her. She squeezed his hand gently, hoping for any sign, any flicker of consciousness. The room felt colder, the weight of the situation pressing down on her, making each breath feel a bit harder to take.


    ¡°I promise¡­ I¡¯ll help you, all right?¡± Shalyn took a deep breath and released his hand. ¡°You will get through this.¡±


    Stepping out into the hallway, she spotted Lazare standing by one of the bookshelves, her fingers lightly tracing the spines of the books. Lazare looked up, her eyes meeting Shalyn¡¯s with an encouraging smile.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Lazare asked, her smile widening.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Shalyn replied, her voice firm and filled with resolve.

 Chapter 7

    After a few days of grueling, yet productive, training, Shalyn had begun to notice subtle changes in herself. The once foreign tingling sensation that accompanied her magic now felt almost natural, as if it had always been a part of her.


    Lazare''s lessons were grueling, pushing Shalyn to the brink of her endurance every time, to the point where the nightly fever, sparked by sheer exhaustion, became an expected part of her routine. Over the course of those few days, Sylleth''s condition shifted dramatically. With Lazare''s magic at work, the rot had halted at his shoulder, keeping it from spreading further. However, this containment came at a cost, as his entire arm began to slowly decay.


    Shalyn studied her reflection as she sat by the pond, the very same one that had been a constant presence during her training. The tranquil water mirrored her weariness and the faint glimmer of newfound strength and desperation.


    "How much time do we have left?" the girl inquired, her mind plagued by the worst possible scenarios.


    "We have a maximum of 2 days before his entire arm deteriorates." Lazare responded from behind her, her voice steady and composed despite the gravity of the situation.


    Upon hearing this, Shalyn felt her heart freeze in her chest.


    "Two days?! There¡¯s no way I can open that gate in such a short time."  she thought to herself, her panic rising.


    "You¡¯ll manage, I have faith in you." Lazare said, her tone carrying a reassuring certainty, as if she had read Shalyn¡¯s mind.


    "Will... will they really be able to help him?" Shalyn¡¯s voice wavered, betraying her growing despair.


    "Advanced magic has the power to save lives, believe me." Lazare stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Shalyn''s shoulder. "Are you ready to start today¡¯s training?"


    "Can I... try to activate a teleportation circle today?" Shalyn asked, her gaze still fixed on her reflection in the water.


    "I''m not sure you''re ready yet, but it¡¯s worth a try. Wait here for a moment." Lazare said, as she walked towards the house. A few moments later, she returned, a scroll held carefully in her hands.


    The woman placed the scroll on the ground between the pond and the large tree, then extended her hand over it. Shalyn watched her intently, analyzing every move. Lazare whispered something under her breath, and a moment later, orbs of pure mana began to hover around her. Their color shifted between black and purple, and the crystal on her necklace turned a dark shade of purple.


    Shalyn felt a sense of unease emanating from the mana surrounding the woman, causing the hairs on her arms to stand on end. Her instincts screamed at her to flee, as if she was in imminent danger. The sky darkened, turning black as the orbs of mana rose high into the air, each one gathering deep within the clouds to finally all converge and descend as a beam of pure mana, striking directly at the scroll lying in front of Lazare.


    To Shalyn, the beam seemed extremely powerful, as if even a slight contact with it would erase her entire existence. The girl tried to stand and move away, but all her muscles refused to obey her. She could only hear a faint buzzing emanating from the beam, unable even to avert her gaze, as if her eyes were in a sort of trance. However, Shalyn didn¡¯t feel anything that suggested the beam affected her surroundings. She didn¡¯t even feel a slight breeze or a drop of water from the pond, and even the animals in the trees seemed indifferent to what was happening.


    The beam itself seemed endless, as if Lazare was expending all the mana she had gathered throughout her life. Yet, there was no trace of fatigue on her face, as if this was just part of her daily routine. Finally, the beam vanished, fully absorbed into the scroll, and the sky returned to its original color as Shalyn¡¯s senses returned to normal. The pattern on the scroll was black, but it radiated a purple glow around it. Lazare turned towards Shalyn, her eyes as black as coal, but her face bore a wide smile, as if she had returned to a hobby she had long abandoned.


    "It¡¯s ready now. We can begin our training." Lazare''s voice betrayed a hint of genuine excitement, though she tried to conceal it beneath her usual fa?ade of calm and elegance.


    Shalyn scanned her surroundings, making sure all her senses had fully returned.


    "What on earth was that..." she mused internally as she slowly rose from her knees. "And yet, she claims she doesn¡¯t have enough mana?"


    "Come on now, we don¡¯t have much time." Lazare urged her, clapping her hands lightly.


    Shalyn stepped forward and positioned herself in front of the scroll. At first glance, the scroll appeared rather ordinary, but the mana emanating from its pattern carried an undercurrent of unease and fear. The light radiating from it twisted and writhed like tentacles, as if the scroll itself were a living entity, eager to engulf the girl.


    "What kind of mana is this?!" Shalyn¡¯s thoughts wandered, filled with increasing regret over her decision to attempt this.


    "Stay calm, my dear. Try to extend your hand over the scroll." Lazare instructed, circling the scroll slowly.


    Shalyn hesitantly extended her hand over the scroll. The light wrapped around her arm, preventing her from pulling it back.


    "What¡¯s happening?!" Shalyn exclaimed, trying to break free from the light''s grip.


    Lazare approached Shalyn from her left side.


    "Relax, it¡¯s normal... Try using your magic as I taught you." Lazare whispered gently, continuing her slow circle around the scroll. "And remember not to get lost in it... Power is like a river¡ªonce you tap into its current, it can either guide you or sweep you away."


    Shalyn closed her eyes, trying to invoke the familiar shivers, but nothing happened. Just as she was about to open her eyes in frustration, she felt a sharp pain in her hand.


    "Ouch!" she cried out, instinctively trying to pull her hand back, but the shadowy tentacles held her in place. "What was that for?"


    "Power often demands sacrifices, Shalyn. The greater the power, the greater the price." Lazare said coldly, her expression unmoved as she sheathed the dagger. "Try again."


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Shalyn winced, her hand throbbing from the cut. Her mind raced with confusion and pain, but she didn¡¯t voice her doubts. She closed her eyes once more, determined to succeed despite the discomfort.


    This time, something shifted within her. A surge of mana coursed through her body, as if a hidden barrier had been broken. Energy began to flow from her hands, pouring out in streams of blue light and streaming into the circular pattern on the scroll. The connection to her blood was unclear, but the vortex of blue-purple light that formed was undeniable.


    The vortex grew larger with every second as Shalyn channeled her mana into it, expanding until it reached the ground beneath her. Lazare positioned herself beside Shalyn, stepping into the circle''s radius, her eyes full of an unusual for her excitement and... hope?


    In an instant, a shimmering wall of blue energy encased them, only to dissolve moments later, unveiling an entirely new landscape: a serene lake bordered by the charred remains of a once-vibrant forest. As the mana ceased to flow from Shalyn¡¯s hands, she collapsed to the ground, utterly drained.


    "Excellent job." Lazare praised, her eyes scanning the surroundings.


    "W-Where are we?" The girl asked, her voice faint and her breath coming in heavy, labored gasps.


    "We''re behind my house. This is where I managed to contain the fire." Lazare explained, kneeling beside her.


    Shalyn surveyed the charred, barren landscape. Amidst the blackened remains, small green shoots signaled that the forest was beginning to reclaim the land. Behind her, she noticed a stone wall encircled by a high hedge.


    "Am I ready now?" Shalyn asked, struggling to her feet.


    "I believe so..." Lazare responded, standing up and moving towards a small cottage. "...Tomorrow, you''ll attempt to open the way to Naso."


    <hr>


    The next day, Shalyn awoke with great enthusiasm, eager to finally reach their destination. However, a lingering sense of unease from the previous day remained at the back of her mind, but she brushed aside all the negative thoughts and immediately went to visit Sylleth.


    She sat in the chair beside his bed and took his healthy hand in hers.


    "Sylleth... Today we¡¯ll finally be at Naso... they¡¯ll save you." Shalyn whispered to him, holding onto a sliver of hope that he might wake up. "I... I really miss your company." She squeezed his hand gently, waiting for a response, which... came in the form of a faint squeeze of her hand. Shalyn¡¯s head shot up in surprise, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    "Sylleth?" the girl asked, but received no response.


    "Maybe I just imagined it..." Shalyn thought to herself as she let go of her friend''s hand.


    She then turned to leave towards the door, but just as she was about to open it, Lazare entered the room.


    "Oh, good that you''re here." Lazare said, approaching Sylleth''s bed. "Could you help me move him?" she asked, beginning to remove the blanket from the boy.


    "Move him?" Shalyn asked, also approaching the bed.


    "How else do you plan to get him through the circle? You won¡¯t be able to open it here." Lazare replied, gently lifting Sylleth''s body. "But never mind... he¡¯s surprisingly light"


    Lazare carefully carried Sylleth out of the room, making sure not to disturb any of the seals on him.


    Once everyone was in the garden, Lazare placed Sylleth on the grass and set up a large, ancient scroll beside him. The scroll appeared old, slightly torn, and the pattern on it looked well-worn, which raised some doubts in Shalyn''s mind.


    "Do the same thing as yesterday, but this time try to open a portal instead of just transporting us." Lazare instructed, stepping aside. "Just focus your mana in front of you, instead of below."


    "Okay, but... could we avoid the blood sacrifice part?" Shalyn asked, wincing slightly.


    "You can try, but I wouldn¡¯t count on success," Lazare replied coldly. "Do as you see fit."


    Shalyn rolled her eyes, assuming her position above the scroll and extending her hands. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself, and closed her eyes. She visualized the same blue energy and attempted to tap into it... but nothing happened. She tried again, concentrating harder, yet she felt no tingling sensation, nor any rush of energy.


    With a sigh, she withdrew her hand and glanced at Lazare. She opened her mouth to say something, but Lazare had already drawn her dagger, preparing to give Shalyn another incentive.


    "You know we don''t have much time..." She sighed, handing Shalyn the dagger.


    "Okay..." Shalyn extended her hand over the circle and quickly cut her hand. "Ouch!" She she choked out.


    The blood started pouring down on the paper, and as soon as it made contact with the circle, a magical projectile shot towards Lazare.


    Lazare deflected it with her hand and smiled at Shalyn, though she seemed slightly irritated.


    "It¡¯s probably a bit unstable..." she said, taking a few steps back.


    "Probably so..." Shalyn''s doubts were growing with each passing second, the unpleasant feeling intensifying however she was too close now to give up.


    Once again, she extended her hand over the scroll. This time, streams of mana emerged, wrapping around her hand. The mana began to flow from Shalyn''s palm, faster and more forcefully than before, quickly draining her strength. She tried to focus all her energy in front of her, and it partially worked, forming a vortex that soon began to expand into a growing portal.


    "I can do this! I will succeed!" Shalyn screamed in her mind, occasionally glancing at Sylleth lying beside her


    The portal expanded with each passing second, until it began to release smaller pulses of mana, indicating that it was nearly finished.


    "Excellent work!" Lazare shouted, her usual mask of calm and composure falling away to reveal a face alight with unrestrained excitement and enthusiasm.


    However, Shalyn was too focused on maintaining the flow of magic to pay much attention to Lazare. The waves of mana grew more intense and powerful, until finally, one of them struck Sylleth directly, while another surged into the surrounding flowers and trees, causing them to bloom instantly.


    Shalyn was in a trance-like state, teetering on the edge of exhaustion, her entire focus locked on the portal. When she finally succeeded, the mana stopped flowing from her hands as she fell on the ground, and the portal''s wild surges of energy ceased, stabilizing at last. Only then did Lazare move closer.


    "I can''t believe it... finally!" Her voice, once soft and elegant, now rang out with chaotic, uncontrolled excitement.


    Shalyn turned toward Sylleth, whose eyes were wide open.


    "Sylleth? Are you al-" Before she could finish, Lazare cut her off, using her magic to hurl Shalyn onto the grass beside Sylleth


    Shalyn hit the ground hard, skidding across the earth with brutal force. Her vision blurred as she began coughing up blood.


    "At last... finally!" Lazare''s eyes darkened to a pitch-black hue, just as they had the day before. Her smile twisted unnaturally wide, the crystal hanging from her neck now dull and cracked, while shadowy tendrils crept out from beneath her robes. "I will return to Avarel and take my revenge... once again as the nightmare of Bosques!"

 Chapter 8

    Shalyn''s world spun as she lay on the cold, unforgiving ground, pain radiating from every corner of her body. Her vision blurred, and she could barely make out the twisted figure of Lazare standing before the portal, dark tendrils snaking out from beneath her robes and weaving ominously through the air. The serene garden, once a place of solace, was now tainted by the creeping shadows, the vivid flowers withering under the malevolent presence that Lazare exuded.


    - Sylleth... - Shalyn managed to choke out, struggling to lift herself off the ground. Lazare turned towards her, her eyes as black as coal.


    - Still conscious, are you? - Her voice was a distorted echo, layered and dripping with irritation. Shalyn summoned every ounce of strength to stand, but when her knees buckled and she collapsed again, coughing up blood, she began to drag herself toward Sylleth. - Hm? - Lazare glanced at the boy lying on the ground beside her. She walked over to him and, with a flick of her hand, used her magic to fling him toward Shalyn.


    His body hit the ground with a thud, landing in a crumpled heap, and a moment later, he began to cough up blood.


    - Sylleth! - Shalyn cried out, rushing to his side and cradling him desperately. She looked up at the woman standing a few meters away. - Why...


    - Just shut up already. - Lazare snapped, turning her back to them as she refocused on the portal. - You were nothing more than tools to me.


    Tears streamed down Shalyn¡¯s cheeks as the cold sting of betrayal finally hit her. Summoning the last of her strength, she struggled to her feet and reached out a trembling hand toward Lazare.


    - Still on your feet? - Lazare¡¯s voice grew sharper, laced with fury and irritation.


    Suddenly, in a desperate act of defiance, mana began to flow from Shalyn''s hand once more. However, this time the streams were thinner, their light dim and fading.


    - Well, isn''t that interesting. - the woman remarked with a sly smile. With a mere flick of her wrist, she sent Shalyn crashing back into the ground. - It seems you''re worth far more than what I am going to get for you.


    Before Shalyn could even question the woman''s intentions, she felt something¡ªno, someone¡ªgrasp her hand.


    - S...Shalyn? - A familiar, fragile voice... Sylleth''s voice whispered urgently in her ears.


    In a flash, despite the agony wracking her body, she twisted around to find Sylleth kneeling before her, his bandaged hand gently clasping hers. Blood dripped steadily from his lips, a dark bruise bloomed beneath his left eye, and his face was ashen, yet his gaze remained sharp and unwavering.


    - You''re awake... you''re alive! - Shalyn''s voice trembled with emotion as she squeezed his hand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Lazare started laughing, it was a mocking snarl, twisted with sinister glee, as if she found twisted joy in their suffering.


    - Of course he''s alive. How else could I feed you with his mana? - the woman sneered, a cold laugh escaping her lips.


    - F-Feed me? - Shalyn stammered, her voice trembling with exhaustion.


    - My m-mana? - Sylleth echoed, his voice strained as he slowly pushed himself to his feet.


    With another flick of her wrist, Lazare sent the boy crashing to his knees once more.


    - W-What kind of spell is this?! I can''t stand... - Sylleth''s thoughts raced as he struggled to rise, but his attempts to resist Lazare were futile.


    - Sit down. Unfortunately, I have to keep you here until they return... - Lazare turned toward the portal, through which a breathtaking landscape was visible¡ªa vast coniferous forest bathed in orange hues, with towering marble walls and the spires of a colossal city rising in its midst and a giant mountain range at the back. - ...And I so desperately want to see it already. - Lazare''s voice shifted into a maniacal whisper.


    Sylleth and Shalyn stared at the woman, their minds racing to piece everything together, when Shalyn turned back to the boy.


    - What about your arm? - she asked in a faint voice.


    - Nothing I can''t handle, don''t worry. - Sylleth replied with a slight smile, trying to reassure her. He then shifted his gaze toward the woman before them. - Who¡¯s supposed to come back here?


    - Someone who would pay every amount for an elf and a demi-human... - +Lazare smiled wickedly as the tendrils emerging from beneath her robe began to writhe slowly. - Ah, speak of the devil.


    The rustling of leaves and whispered voices filled the air as a man suddenly emerged from the bushes. He was dressed in leather pants and an open coat, holding what appeared to be a two-handed sword. The man looked young, with a scar over his right eye and what seemed like burn marks on his neck.


    - Damn, getting through your barriers was a real nightmare. - The man muttered as he strolled toward Lazare, casually brushing off the leaves clinging to his clothes. - Do me a favor and disable them. I have no interest in fighting my way through twice.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    - They¡¯ll shut down on their own once I reach the capital. - Lazare replied coolly.


    Sylleth stared at the man, trying to make sense of who he was and what was happening. But Shalyn already knew.


    - You... - Despite the pain wracking her body and the overwhelming nausea, she forced herself to stand once more.


    - Shalyn? What''s going on? - Sylleth asked, still gripping her hand tightly.


    - He... he killed my brother. - Her voice was cold, filled with a deadly resolve as she locked eyes with the man. Her hunger for vengeance was unmistakable.


    The man turned toward the pair, completely disregarding Shalyn''s stance.


    - These are the ones? Honestly, I thought you were trying to double-cross us. - He smirked at the prospect of his new prey.


    - Shalyn, please calm down¡ª Sylleth began, trying to soothe his companion, but she cut him off with a scream.


    - You killed him! - she shouted, tears streaming down her face.


    Lazare once again used her power to slam the girl into the ground.


    - For the love of everything, shut up. - Lazare growled, pressing Shalyn deeper into the earth with her magic.


    - Shalyn! - Sylleth rushed to her aid, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t lift her.


    - Hey, hey, careful there. What if you break her? I¡¯m not waiting around to sell her until she heals. The other one¡¯s already in terrible shape. - A man interjected, grabbing Lazare by the arm.


    Irritated, the woman swatted his hand away and withdrew her own under her cloak, releasing Shalyn from her magic.


    - Take them and get out of here before the portal closes on me. - Lazare said, striding toward the gateway.


    - Yeah, yeah... nagging as usual. - The man muttered under his breath as he approached the characters. - Now, be nice and make my job easier by not putting up a fight, will you?


    - You must be kidding. - The weakened Sylleth replied, positioning himself protectively in front of Shalyn.


    - Well, that¡¯s a shame... - The man glanced toward Lazare, but she had already crossed to the other side. - ...Are you going to help me with him?! - He shouted after her.


    Even though the woman had her back turned to him, the irritation radiating from her was palpable. Still, she nodded in acknowledgment. In that instant, Sylleth felt as if his very soul was being torn from his body. His vision blurred, and his hearing faded away. Moments later, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.


    <hr>


    The world around them faded into darkness, the last echoes of Sylleth''s heartbeat pounding in his ears before everything went silent. Time slipped away unnoticed, lost in a void of unconsciousness. The stillness was oppressive, and the once sharp edges of reality softened into a hazy blur.


    Then, slowly, a distant sound began to pierce through the fog. It was faint at first, just a muffled murmur, but it grew louder with each passing moment. Light filtered through closed eyelids, a dim glow that gradually brightened, pulling him back to the surface of awareness. Sylleth stirred first, the cold, hard ground beneath him bringing an uncomfortable clarity. He blinked, his eyes struggling to adjust as he tried to piece together where they were.


    Sylleth¡¯s head moved sluggishly as he took in his surroundings. To his right, he saw Shalyn, chained up lying unconscious. His gaze then settled on a figure sitting on a chair.


    - Finally awake, I see. - the man remarked, casually munching on an apple.


    - Where... where are we? - Sylleth inquired, trying to lift himself, but the chains around his wrists, ankles, and neck kept him firmly restrained.


    - We¡¯re heading to Naora. - the man said, casually tossing the apple out of the window.


    - Naora? The port city? - Sylleth struggled against his chains, trying to make sense of the situation.


    - Whoa, calm down. - the man said, standing up. - Those chains were quite pricey.


    - Where are you taking us?! - Sylleth pressed, his eyes locked on the man, desperate for answers.


    The man let out an exasperated sigh and took his seat again, clearly annoyed by the repeated question.


    - We¡¯re heading to Naora to sell our cargo, as I¡¯ve already mentioned. - the man said, casually propping his sword against his shoulder. - And let me give you a piece of advice: watch your tone. If you keep it up, you might just end up as dinner for our Arcathors. - He grinned menacingly.


    The man got up and moved to a door on the left that Sylleth had previously overlooked. When he opened it, the view revealed a vast expanse of lush, sprawling forests, indicating they were in a moving carriage. The man leaped out of the carriage and slammed the door shut behind him. Sylleth made a desperate attempt to break free from his chains, but when his efforts yielded no results, he slumped back onto the floor in frustration. Moments later, which felt like an eternity to him, Shalyn began to stir, gradually coming to her senses


    - Hmm... - Shalyn murmured, her voice barely a whisper.


    - Shalyn... are you okay? - Sylleth asked, turning his head to face her with a worried expression.


    - Where... are we? - Shalyn¡¯s voice was weak and filled with fatigue.


    - We¡¯re supposed to be on our way to Naora. - Sylleth said, trying to sit up despite the chains.


    - Naora? - Shalyn asked, her eyes scanning their surroundings with confusion.


    - It¡¯s a port city down south. - Sylleth replied, pushing himself upright.


    - I see... What happened to us? - Shalyn¡¯s gaze settled on Sylleth, and then her eyes widened. - Your arm...


    Sylleth¡¯s left arm appeared to have mostly healed, though a large, dark scar stretched from his hand up to his forearm.


    - I didn¡¯t notice it before... but don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not painful. - Sylleth said with a reassuring smile, trying to soothe Shalyn, who had enveloped him in a tight hug.


    - I was terrified you were going to die... - Shalyn¡¯s voice trembled, and she started to cry softly.


    - That¡¯s just silly... I¡¯ve got centuries ahead of me. I¡¯m not going to let something like this take me down, - He joked, gently patting her back.


    - I guess you¡¯re right... - Shalyn managed a tearful laugh. - What happens now? - She asked, slowly pulling back from the embrace.


    - It looks like we¡¯re going to be sold... - Sylleth said, his voice heavy with resignation.


    Shalyn wiped her tears with the edge of her leather blouse, then replied with a determined edge in her voice.


    - Well, we need to find a way out of here, don¡¯t we?


    - Or we could just hope for a stroke of luck... - A disembodied voice chimed in from behind the wooden wall, dripping with indifference.


    After a moment of silence, Shalyn''s curiosity got the better of her.


    - What?


    - What I said stands¡ªif we create a diversion, the guards will definitely lose their focus for a moment, and that¡¯s our chance to escape! - The mysterious figure shouted, her voice revealing that she was a girl around Shalyn¡¯s age.


    - And what about the chains? - Sylleth asked, getting to his feet and approaching the wall, which was topped with wooden bars. - How do you plan to get rid of them?


    The boy peered through the bars and saw a young girl with dark skin . Her amber eyes gleamed with intelligence, and her sleek, tawny hair resembling the coat of a cheetah fell around her shoulders. Her pointed ears were twitching slightly, and her long, slender tail, adorned with dark spots, flicked playfully behind her.


    The girl turned towards him, her sharp fangs visible as she flashed a confident grin. With nimble, clawed hands, she began working on the chains.


    - I¡¯ll figure these out. - She chuckled, her voice carrying a mix of determination and amusement.

 Chapter 9

    - I can still feel the weight of her magic¡­ pressing me down. I thought¡­ I thought that was the end for us. - Shalyn murmured, her back pressed firmly against one of the walls as she tried to steady herself.


    - What happened back there? - Sylleth asks, sitting beside Shalyn. - How long was I out, anyway?


    - No more than two weeks¡­ - Shalyn''s voice carries a hint of weariness, as if the weight of the past days had settled deep in her bones.


    - Who was that woman? - Sylleth asked, examining the dark scar on his shoulder.


    - I... I don''t know anymore... - Shalyn whispered, her voice trembling, clearly shaken by the memory.


    Seeing Shalyn''s distress, Sylleth stopped asking questions and leaned his head against the wall, thinking of a way to calm his companion.


    Shalyn closed her eyes, trying to rest, but at that moment, a soft hum reached her ears.


    The melody filled the room, simple yet carrying a note of peace and nostalgia. The hum was a small comfort in the tense moment, a way to steady Shalyn''s nerves as she lost herself in the rhythm of the tune.


    The girl glanced to the side, realizing the melody was coming from Sylleth. After a brief moment, he stopped humming and, with a gentle smile on his lips, said.


    - My mother used to hum this tune all the time. Apparently, it''s an old elven folk melody. - Sylleth said, leaning on his hand as memories of his childhood, his family, and his hometown washed over him. - Maybe one day, I''ll hear it from her again.


    - Definitely... - The girl said, gently placing her hand on Sylleth''s shoulder. - Together, we''ll find... our loved ones.


    - Shalyn... - Sylleth tried to say something, but a quiet chuckle from behind the wall interrupted him.


    - Liar! - The girl said slowly, peering through the wooden bars at Sylleth and Shalyn. - I''ve never heard elves sing anything like that... unless you¡¯re talking about the ones from the North. - She chuckled again, her laughter echoing softly.


    - Zara, weren¡¯t you supposed to be working on a way to get us out of these chains? - Shalyn asked as she stood up from the ground.


    Zara raised her hands, making sure they were visible through the bars.


    - I''m already free from them. - She said, her smile widening as her tail flicked playfully. - And on top of that, I know when we''ll finally have a chance to escape from here!


    - Don''t shout like that, the hunters might hear you. - Sylleth said as he stood up, and together with Shalyn, they approached the wall.


    - Don''t worry, they''re as dumb as a bag of rocks. - The girl giggled again, her laughter filled with mischief.


    - You said you know when we can escape? - Shalyn asked, whispering so no unwanted ears could overhear them.


    - Exactly! - Zara exclaimed. - I overheard them last night talking about moving us to a boat tomorrow night. That''s when you can make your escape. - She said with a warm, cheerful cadence, her tone playful and full of energy, despite the whole situation.


    - Us? And what about you? - Sylleth asked, his curiosity piqued.


    - I''ll escape from here once we''re already on Isernia. It¡¯ll be closer to home for me. - She replied, her tone light and almost playful, as if she was being kidnapped on a daily basis.


    - As if it were that simple... - Shalyn retorted. - ...This isn¡¯t a game, we could actually die here. - She tried to mask his fear with an annoyed snort, but the worry in his voice was unmistakable.


    - Let¡¯s not give up so easily. Just a moment ago, you were saying we¡¯d make it, remember? - Sylleth said, offering a reassuring smile to lift his companion¡¯s spirits.


    - Exactly, exactly! - Zara chimed in cheerfully.


    - I¡¯m sorry... The whole situation with Lazare is still bothering me. - Shalyn explained, her voice calmer now but still tinged with fear.


    - Who? - Zara asked, her face showing curiosity.


    - Never mind. - Sylleth replied, turning back to the girl. - But let¡¯s get to the point... Are you sure we can escape? - He asked, his voice filled with hope.


    - No. - Zara answered almost immediately.


    - And why did I even ask... - Sylleth sighed, then sat down on the floor.


    Shalyn sat beside him, leaning her head against the wall behind them.


    - So... - Zara began, extending her hands through the bars as if trying to reach them. - ...Would you like me to help with those shackles?


    No sooner had she spoken the words than she quickly pulled her hands back, retreating behind the wall. She whispered urgently, her voice barely audible.


    - They''re coming for you.


    Shalyn flinched, trying her best not to appear suspicious as the door to their carriage creaked open. The same hunter they had encountered at Lazare stepped inside.


    - How¡¯s the journey treating you? - He asked, settling onto a wooden chair fixed to the wall opposite the pair. He placed his sword beside him with a casual thud. - You don¡¯t have to answer. - He continued, a smirk playing on his lips. - I don¡¯t really care.


    - What are you doing here? - Shalyn asked angrily.


    - The boss wants everyone separated, each in a different carriage... - The man stood up and walked over to the door. - And my group is responsible for you two. - As he opened the door, two masked figures stepped inside. Their build made it clear they were both men.


    One of the men grabbed Sylleth by the neck and slammed him into the floor.


    - Sylleth! - Shalyn screamed as the second man grabbed her by the arms, unlocked her shackles, and began dragging her out of the carriage.


    - Shalyn! Let her go! - Sylleth struggled to break free from the man holding him, but his efforts were in vain.


    - Let me go! - Shalyn shouted as the man pulled her outside.


    - Well then, next time, I¡¯ll pay you a visit when we''re already in Naora. - The man said, lifting his sword before stepping out of the carriage. The man holding Sylleth also stood up, leaving the carriage and locking the door behind him.


    Sylleth immediately scrambled to his feet and rushed towards the door, but the chains held him back, preventing him from even getting close.


    - Damn it... - Sylleth turned towards the wall, where he saw Zara staring at him in surprise. - Zara... Please, help me with these chains - Sylleth begged, reaching his hands through the bars towards the girl


    - No. - Zara replied, stepping away from the wall.


    - Please! - Sylleth shouted desperately, his voice trembling with fear and urgency.


    - Calm down. There''s nothing you can do right now. - She said in a unusual for her serious voice, sitting down on the floor. - They won''t hurt her. You''ll see her again when they move us onto the ship.


    Sylleth sank back against the wall, feeling the weight of their recent separation. They had barely managed to reunite before being torn apart once more. Lost in his thoughts, he was consumed with worry for Shalyn, his family, and his own uncertain future. His mind was overwhelmed with dark, relentless thoughts that refused to let him find any peace. But just as he was sinking deeper into his troubled trance, a bright and cheerful voice cut through the gloom, jolting him back to the present.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    - Hey, hey, take it easy. - Zara said, looking down at him with a teasing smile. - I told you they¡¯re not the brightest, right? They won¡¯t even notice when you make your escape. - The girl chuckled again, resting her head against the bars as if trying to squeeze through them and join him on the other side.


    Sylleth looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips as Zara¡¯s laughter reached him.


    - Okay, thanks... - He said, reassured by Zara''s words. - You¡¯re acting like a cat, you know that? - He said, pushing himself off the ground.


    - Well, that¡¯s because I am one... - Zara pointed at her orange ears and tail. - ...Or rather, a cheetah, but only halfway. - She glanced down, gently stroking her own tail with a playful grin


    - Alright... I guess I¡¯ll take a nap. - Sylleth said, sitting back down against the wall.


    - How many times are you going to get up and sit down on this floor? - Zara teased, pushing her fluffy tail through the bars in an attempt to reach his head.


    - Quiet, now. - He replied, gently pushing her tail away from his face before lying down. - Good night.


    - Good night! - Zara shouted, as if she wanted the entire carriage to hear her


    <hr>


    The next day, Sylleth was jolted awake by a loud banging on the wall.


    - Get up, get up! - Zara¡¯s voice came through, clearly intent on rousing him from sleep.


    - Mmm... What¡¯s going on? - Sylleth mumbled, his voice thick with sleep as he tried to open his eyes.


    - I¡¯ll tell you, you¡¯ve been sleeping forever, it¡¯s already afternoon. - Zara leaned her head against the wooden bars, continuing to bang on the wall.


    - Already...? - It took Sylleth a moment to fully wake up, but the relentless noise from Zara sped up the process. - When will we be at the port?


    - I have no idea. - Zara giggled. - I was just bored, so I decided to wake you up.


    Syllleth got up from the ground and glanced into Zara¡¯s carriage, where she had moved aside.


    - Is there a window in there? - He asked, scanning the carriage for any sign of one.


    - Nope. - Zara replied with a playful smile.


    - So how do you know it¡¯s already evening? - Sylleth asked, glancing at Zara.


    - I didn¡¯t know for sure, but I had a feeling. - Zara chuckled again, clearly in better spirits for some reason.


    - Never mind... - Sylleth said, pushing himself away from the wall.


    - You... where are you from? I can see you¡¯re an elf... - She asked, her tail and ears twitching with curiosity.


    - A small village; you probably wouldn¡¯t know it. - Sylleth replied, pacing around the small area where his chains were fastened.


    - Ah, I thought you might be one of those Northern elves... - Zara''s ears drooped, showing her disappointment.


    - Well, I do live in the North. - Sylleth said, continuing his pacing with a hint of amusement.


    - That¡¯s not what I meant... I¡¯d really love to see the elves from Ilythyrra. - Zara said, stepping away from the wall with a wistful look.


    - Maybe someday you¡¯ll run into someone from there. - He said, finally coming to a halt.


    - They¡¯re coming back. - Zara warned, quickly retreating to her corner.


    Just then, the door to Sylleth''s carriage swung open, and a massive shadow fell across the floor. A familiar voice reached his ears, sending a jolt of recognition through him.


    - I told you I¡¯d be back. - The man stepped into the carriage, carrying a set of heavy chains.


    - Are we already in Naora? - Sylleth asked, his posture and tone defensive.


    - Quiet, I need to change your chains. - The man said, beginning to unfasten Sylleth¡¯s current restraints.


    At that exact moment, the wall separating Zara¡¯s and Sylleth¡¯s carriages began to tremble and crack, loud thuds echoing from behind it.


    - What the hell?! - The man shouted, dropping the chains onto the floor and turning toward the wall in alarm.


    Suddenly, the wall shattered, pieces flying across the room. The man lunged for his sword, but Zara was faster. She kicked him in the face mid-air, sending his weapon skidding across the carriage.


    - Now! - Zara shouted, grabbing Sylleth¡¯s hand and pulling him toward the opening. They rushed outside, the chaos of their escape unfolding around them.


    - Stop them! - The man yelled, racing back for his sword.


    Outside, the sprawling cityscape unfolded before Sylleth and Zara. Tall gray stone buildings lined the wide cobblestone avenue. Scattered throughout the area were groups of slaves¡ªelves, humans, demi-humans, half-breeds¡ªof all ages, all bound in chains. The grim sight of their shackles contrasted starkly with the imposing, indifferent architecture surrounding them


    - Do you see her anywhere? - Zara asked, darting towards one of the side alleys.


    - No... - Sylleth scanned the area frantically, his eyes searching for his companion.


    - Let me go! - A familiar voice reached his ears, it was Shalyn¡¯s.


    Sylleth immediately spun around, searching for the source of the sound. He spotted a group of hunters running toward them, but they were still a good distance away, giving them a bit of time.


    - There she is! - Zara shouted, sprinting toward Shalyn, who was just being pulled out of a carriage.


    Sylleth surged forward, unexpectedly overtaking Zara as he raced to reach Shalyn.


    - Shalyn! - Sylleth shouted as he sprinted toward her and the huntress holding her chains.


    As Sylleth closed in, the huntress turned toward him, pulling a dagger from her belt.


    - I¡¯ll handle her... - Zara said, rushing up beside Sylleth. - We don¡¯t have much time; the others are on their way.


    Sylleth nodded and tried to sidestep the huntress, but she lunged at him. Zara seized the moment, taking advantage of the huntress¡¯s distraction, and slashed her face with her sharp claws.


    - AGH! - the huntress screamed, clutching her face.


    Sylleth managed to reach Shalyn and immediately started trying to break her chains.


    - Sylleth! - Shalyn cried, tears streaming down her face.


    - Hold on, just a little longer... - Sylleth said, glancing over his shoulder. He saw Zara running toward them, but behind her, a group of hunters was closing in at an alarming speed.


    Zara quickly struck at the chains, but they didn¡¯t break as easily as she had hoped.


    - These are tougher than they look... - She muttered, almost admiring their craftsmanship.


    - Hurry... please. - Shalyn choked out between sobs.


    After a few more determined strikes, the chains finally shattered, freeing Shalyn.


    - Alright, run! - Zara patted Sylleth on the back with a wide grin. - I''ll try to free some of the others. Maybe we''ll meet again. - She then dashed toward the group of slaves, heading straight for the oncoming hunters.


    - Let''s go! - Sylleth shouted, grabbing Shalyn¡¯s hand.


    Shalyn wiped the tears from her face and nodded. They started running down the alley, heading in the direction that seemed like an exit. Just as they gained some distance, Sylleth felt a sudden tug on his back.


    - Got you! - The familiar man shouted, lifting Sylleth off the ground and pressing his sword against Sylleth¡¯s throat.


    - Let go! - Sylleth yelled, struggling and kicking at the man.


    - Sylleth! - Shalyn screamed, running toward him.


    - Stop! - Sylleth shouted, suddenly freezing in place. His eyes met Shalyn¡¯s, silently pleading with her to run, to leave him behind. He was trying to convey that he could handle this on his own, but Shalyn hesitated, uncertainty and fear clouding her judgment.


    - Let him go! - Shalyn screamed.


    - You¡¯ve got to be kidding. - The man sneered, dragging the blade lightly across Sylleth¡¯s neck, drawing a few drops of blood.


    - Shalyn... run... - Sylleth gasped, his voice trembling. - Please.


    The man glanced over his shoulder, checking how close the other hunters were.


    - Looks like your time¡¯s running out. - He chuckled, mocking their desperate attempts to survive.


    - Shalyn¡­ - Sylleth pleaded again, trying to urge her to escape.


    - ...Sylleth... - Shalyn¡¯s voice trembled as she began to back away, tears streaming down her face. - ...I¡¯ll come back with help... - She turned and ran, leaving Sylleth behind.


    - So she left you after all... how interesting. - The man sneered, tossing Sylleth to the ground.


    - Agh! - Sylleth cried out in pain, his eyes following Shalyn as she disappeared into the distance.


    - You''ve caused us quite a bit of trouble. - The hunter glared down at him. - We''ll have to come up with a fitting punishment. - He grinned wickedly, a dark gleam in his eyes.

 Chapter 10

    Artair and Colla


    "Don''t you think it''s taking us a bit too long to find them?" Colla asks, walking in step behind the professor along the academy''s corridors.


    "Yeah, it is... I thought this would be a lot simpler." Artair replies, his voice tinged with disappointment.


    "Do we even know what''s happening with the rest of them? I mean, that nephew... what was his name again?" Colla asks, scratching behind his ear.


    "Sylleth." Artair prompts.


    "Right... so we know where he might be, but what about the others? The father, mother, and the other brother?" Colla continues, glancing out of the large windows to his right, which offer a view of the vast courtyard below.


    Outside, students and teachers were busy preparing for the upcoming festival. They were crafting large wooden effigies, weaving flower crowns, and practicing traditional dances and songs.


    Colla stepped closer to the window, clearly intrigued by the lively commotion below.


    "Is this your first Feast of Blossoms?" Artair asked, stepping up beside the boy.


    "Yes, we didn¡¯t have anything like this in Lunareth." Colla replied, continuing down the hallway.


    "I always forget that¡¯s where you''re from... Do you have any interesting festivals there?" The professor asked, resting his hands on the windowsill as he looked out.


    "Nothing too exciting, really." The young man replied with a shrug. "But since there are more gods in the south, we do end up with more holidays."


    "Interesting... and to answer your earlier question..." The professor quickly caught up to him. "I have no idea." Artair said with a smile.


    "Figures... I should''ve expected that." Colla thought to himself.


    As the men approached the stairs leading to the lower levels of the university, they spotted Saelwen, engaged in conversation with one of the professors.


    "Sael! Astram! How¡¯s it going?" Artair called out cheerfully as he approached the pair.


    "Hey, we were just talking about you." Saelwen replied, handing him a folder full of documents.


    "And what¡¯s this?" Artair asked, his voice dripping with curiosity.


    ¡°It¡¯s a project for the new teleportation circle.¡± Answered the professor standing next to Saelwen. He had a darker skin tone, hazel eyes, and chestnut-colored hair tied up in a neat bun. He was dressed in the typical dark suit worn by professors, with a white shirt underneath.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡± Colla greeted them as he approached.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Colla.¡± they responded almost in unison.


    Artair opened the folder, flipping through pages filled with various designs, spell descriptions, and types of mana infusion.


    ¡°And what am I supposed to do with this? I¡¯m not especially skilled in casting spells.¡± Artair remarked as he closed the folder.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point.¡± Astram said with typical for him, precisie manner. ¡°We need a reliable source of mana to power it up...¡±


    ¡°Normally, I¡¯d handle it myself, but I¡¯m swamped with festival preparations.¡± Saelwen sighed. ¡°...and then there¡¯s the situation with Veste...¡±


    "Alright, I¡¯ll figure something out." Artair said, smiling to himself. "We¡¯ll head to Austeria tonight. Sounds good?"


    "We...?" Astram asked, taking an instinctive step back.


    "I meant Colla and me." Artair replied, weaving through the other professors as he made his way toward the stairs, with Colla following closely behind.


    "Yeah... I''m counting on you!" Astram shouted as he walked in the opposite direction.


    Saelwen hurried after Artair and Colla, and the trio stepped out into the bustling courtyard filled with people.


    "Artair, I know you had to turn back last time because of the storm... but this time, you¡¯ll find Sylleth, right?" She asked, glancing around the courtyard anxiously.


    "Don¡¯t worry! You¡¯ll be seeing him by the end of the day." Artair responded quickly, flashing her a reassuring smile.


    "Artair... I can tell you''re lying." Saelwen sighed, turning toward the group of students working on the effigies. "We''ll talk later."


    "She is right, you know. You really shouldn''t lie like that." Colla added from behind, his tone slightly reproachful.


    "And now you''re siding against me?" Artair chuckled softly, shaking his head as he continued walking toward the main gate that led into the heart of the city.


    "No, I just think we should focus more on our work." The boy replied, trailing behind the professor.


    The pair exited the courtyard, passing through the main gate into the bustling city center.


    With only a few days left until the festival, the city had come alive more than ever. The air buzzed with the shouts of merchants hawking their wares in the market, children playing in the streets, the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith''s hammer, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the nearby bakeries.


    The streets were alive with vibrant stalls and colorful banners fluttering in the wind, while bright birds soared overhead, carrying baskets full of flowers and letters.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Colla murmured, his voice barely audible as he took in the sight. The decorated streets and the joyful laughter of people left him breathless.


    ¡°It¡¯s something, isn¡¯t it?¡± the professor said, a grin spreading across his face as he approached one of the stalls.


    The stall was brimming with exotic fruits, the kind you wouldn¡¯t normally find in this part of the country. Each one looked more intriguing than the last.


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    "What can I get for you?" The elderly vendor asked, his voice raspy but warm, as he eyed the professor and Colla.


    "What would you recommend?" the professor inquired, inspecting the fruits one by one with a discerning eye.


    "Hmmm... How about these here?" The old man pointed to a round, crimson fruit with a slightly wrinkled skin. "Citrus from the Maevrielle Mountains, just 23 copper bits a piece. A rare treat, I promise."


    The professor picked up the fruit, its vibrant color contrasting with the duller, more common produce around it. "Interesting... What makes it so special?" He asked, still examining it.


    "Ah, it¡¯s the altitude!" The vendor¡¯s eyes lit up with pride. "These fruits grow on the high cliffs, where the air is thin and the sun is strong. Makes them sweeter, with a hint of something... wild. You won¡¯t find anything like it anywhere else."


    "They¡¯re really good. You wouldn¡¯t normally find these outside the South." Colla added, handing Artair another piece.


    "Really?" Artair took a bite, savoring the flavor as he handed the coins to the old man. "Mmmm... Delicious!" He exclaimed, his face lighting up with delight.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you?" Colla grinned, grabbing a few more of the fruits.


    "I¡¯m glad you like them." The old man said, his smile stretching from ear to ear. "These fruits carry the warmth of the southern sun with them. Makes all the difference."


    "We''ve got a bit of time left... want to browse through some more stalls?" Artair asked, finishing off his fruit.


    "If you don''t mind, I''d love to." Colla replied, strolling down the bustling street.


    The professor followed, his eyes scanning the various displays for anything interesting. As they walked, a familiar face caught his attention.


    "Ceana!" Artair called out, waving enthusiastically at a brown-haired woman.


    "Artair? What are you doing here?" the woman asked as she approached the pair, holding a basket full of purchases.


    "Good afternoon." Colla greeted her, as polite as ever.


    "Hey, Colla! No need to be so formal, I¡¯m off duty right now." She replied with a warm smile.


    "We''re supposed to be finding something for Astram, but we figured we''d do a bit of shopping instead." Artair replied with a sheepish grin, leaning casually on his cane.


    "Actually, it¡¯s lucky I ran into you." The woman said, her tone shifting slightly. "Do you happen to know where I might find some coffee stalls? Or maybe wine?" She asked, tilting her head with curiosity.


    "No, but they¡¯ve got some delicious fruit back there." The professor said, pointing toward the old man¡¯s stall from earlier.


    "Damn it..." Ceana muttered, biting her lip in frustration. "Oh well, if you happen to see Saelwen, could you please let her know I¡¯ll be late?" She asked as she sidestepped the pair, continuing down the street.


    "Sure thing." Artair replied, resuming his stroll with Colla.


    After a short stroll, a group of people caught Colla¡¯s attention. Their attire was bright and colorful, standing out starkly from the other pedestrians. The garments were adorned with various green crystals, shimmering in the sunlight, and they held bird feathers, arranged like fans, in their hands. Their hair was intricately braided, interwoven with vines and grape leaves, adding an earthy elegance to their appearance.


    "What''s that?" Colla asked, stepping closer, his curiosity piqued.


    "Oh! My dear friend, those are dancers dressed in traditional attire." Artair replied with a wide grin. "They''ll be performing the Blooming Waltz during the festival."


    The dancers moved gracefully along the wooden stage, which was also adorned with grape leaves and flower petals. The crystals on their costumes jingled softly, catching the light as they clinked together with each rhythmic step. The dancers gently waved their feathers around them, creating an almost hypnotic pattern as they twirled and swayed in unison.


    The delicate sound of the crystals and the fluid motion of the feathers added an enchanting layer to the performance, making the entire scene feel like a celebration of nature''s beauty and the city''s vibrant culture.


    "Incredible..." Colla thought as he took slow, deliberate steps closer to the stage. Throughout his life, he had witnessed many celebrations, but nothing as beautiful as what he was seeing now. The sight left him utterly speechless and his ears unconsciously began to twitch in time with the melody created by the tinkling crystals.


    "Do you like it? Trust me, this is just a taste! When you see the whole ceremony, you¡¯ll be absolutely blown away!" Artair exclaimed with enthusiastic energy, leaning playfully on his cane.


    Colla nodded, still mesmerized by the dancers, his gaze locked on them.


    "Shall we move on? I¡¯m telling you, there¡¯s so much more to see." Artair suggested, placing a hand on Colla''s shoulder.


    The boy finally tore his eyes away from the dancers and followed the professor down the street.


    "Where to next?" Colla asked, his excitement evident as he eagerly looked around for more intriguing sights.


    "I never thought I''d see you this excited!" The professor said cheerfully, grinning widely.


    "It¡¯s... no surprise that I liked it." Colla replied, clearly flustered as he looked away.


    "Sure, sure." Artair chuckled. "So, how about we find that thing for Astram first, and then we can wander around the marketplace a bit?" The professor suggested, pointing to the road leading toward the city¡¯s main gate.


    "You don¡¯t have any classes today?" Colla asked, his gaze wandering over the various stalls around them.


    "All the students are busy with festival preparations, so we¡¯ve got the day off!" Artair exclaimed cheerfully.


    "Right... I guess we can head out then." Colla replied with a nod.


    As they continued down the bustling streets, the sounds of the festival gradually began to fade into the background. The vibrant colors of the market stalls gave way to the muted greens and browns of the city outskirts. The cobblestone paths turned to dirt, and the air grew cooler and crisper, carrying the fresh scent of pine and earth.


    Artair and Colla walked in comfortable silence, the lively chatter of the town now replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant calls of forest creatures. The towering trees formed a natural archway, guiding them deeper into the forest. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the path ahead.


    "Do you have any ideas yet? Maybe a magical crystal or something?" Colla suggested, his eyes scanning the surroundings for anything of interest.


    "We''re still too close to the city, there''s nothing worth any attention here." Artair replied, lifting his staff. He unscrewed the bottom, revealing a hidden compartment from which he pulled out a magical scroll. Handing it to Colla.


    "We''re teleporting deeper again?" Colla asked, laying the scroll down on the grass in front of him.


    "Yes! Unless you''d prefer a nice long walk." The professor offered with a grin.


    "No, thank you..." Colla muttered, focusing as he began to channel his mana into the scroll. The magical circles inscribed on the parchment began to glow brighter with each passing second, until finally, they formed a swirling vortex of mana that expanded outward.


    The vortex expanded beneath the heroes'' feet, forming shimmering walls of energy around them.


    "Reminds me of that wyvern incident!" Artair exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.


    The walls of energy faded in an instant, leaving them standing in the middle of a dense forest.


    "Yeah, I wonder if the council will investigate that further." Colla remarked, rising from his knees.


    "I''m sure we''ll beat them to it." the professor chuckled sarcastically.


    "As I said earlier, please don''t lie¡ª" Before Colla could finish lecturing Artair, a thunderous roar echoed in the distance.


    "What was that again?" Artair grinned, glancing sideways at Colla.


    The roar grew louder, rustling the leaves around them as it reverberated through the forest.


    "That... does not sound like a wyvern..." Colla muttered, his ears drooping slightly in fear.


    "Whatever it is..." Artair lifted his staff with a grin. "...it sounds like fun!" He shouted, charging recklessly toward the source of the sound.


    "W-Wait, please!" Colla called out, quickly shifting into his animal form before sprinting after the professor.


    As the two of them drew closer to the source of the noise, the air around them grew noticeably warmer. The once thunderous roars began to fade, gradually replaced by the crackling sound of sparks and fire.


    "What the...?!" Colla shouted in disbelief as the now-visible flames began to reach the treetops. Through the thick cloud of smoke, a massive silhouette of a winged beast loomed, its form tethered to the ground by some sort of chains.


    "So I was right after all!" Artair exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as he looked up. "It was the hunters who got them here!"

 Chapter 10.5 - Saelwens first day at work

    The rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestone echoed in the still morning air as the carriage approached the gates of the Aurelia¡¯s University. Saelwen leaned forward, peering out the small window, her breath catching as the towering spires of the academy came into view. The sun was just beginning to crest the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the ancient stone walls, making the ivy that crept along them shimmer like threads of emerald.


    As the carriage came to a halt, Saelwen''s heart raced with excitement and nerves¡ªit was her first day as a Professor at one of the most renowned and prestigious academies in the country. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her light green dress.


    "Everything will be fine..." She thought, trying to calm down her emotions.


    After another few deep breaths, with a swift motion, she opened the carriage door, ready to step into this new chapter of her life.


    Before her stood a tall man with dark skin, matching his deep brown hair and eyes. His light pink lips stood out in contrast to his complexion. He adjusted his round glasses and gave a slight bow in Saelwen''s direction, a gesture of polite respect.


    "Good morning, I''m Astram." He said, stepping closer to the woman. "I''ll be responsible for you from today on."


    "Good morning..." Saelwen replied with an awkward smile. "He seems awfully stiff." She thought to herself.


    "Come, I''ll take you to your room and show you the classroom where you''ll be teaching." Astram continued, turning on his heel and heading toward the main gate.


    "Right behind you!" Saelwen called out, quickly grabbing her suitcases and hurrying after the professor.


    Saelwen followed the professor, passing through the grand iron gate with golden accents arranged in a pattern resembling climbing grapevines


    They then continued down the cobblestone path through the courtyard. The path split into two, both winding around a big garden-like place and leading to two large entrance doors.


    "Professor Artair often holds his lectures on magical creatures here." Astram said, gesturing toward a wooden platform in the middle of the garden, surrounded by charred plants. "Lately, he''s been looking for an assistant. If you''re interested, you could apply."


    "Sure..." Saelwen mumbled with a polite smile. "I''ll probably pass on that." She thought to herself.


    Both of them walked down the left path, passing beneath expansive arches until they entered the building. Inside, the university''s walls were dark, and instead of windows, there were stained glass panels. The only sources of light were candles and small magical orbs suspended from the ceiling.


    "Why is no one here?" The woman asked, glancing around.


    "Because classes are still in session and should end in a few minutes." The professor replied, heading toward the stairs.


    "Right..." The woman thought to herself, embarassed as she followed the professor.


    Then the two of them continued in silence up the grand staircase, which spiraled toward the upper floors of the academy. Their footsteps echoed loudly off the empty walls and floors, filling the otherwise quiet space with a rhythmic sound.


    Finally, they reached the third floor, where Astram stopped in front of a set of towering oak doors.


    "This is where your classes will be held." He said, pushing open the heavy doors with ease.


    As the doors swung open, Saelwen found herself standing in a vast, high-ceilinged room filled with rows of wooden desks, tall bookshelves lining the walls, and faint magical symbols gently glowing in the air.


    The room itself wasn¡¯t particularly large, but it had two levels, each with five rows of seats. At the very bottom, in the center, stood a small podium and a large chalkboard behind it.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Saelwen muttered under her breath, slowly descending the steps toward the front of the lecture hall. Her eyes wandered over the seats, imagining them filled with eager students, all looking to her for guidance. The space felt intimate yet grand, a perfect blend of tradition and magic.


    "I''m glad you like it." Astram said, his voice echoing slightly as he stepped back into the hallway. "My class starts soon. The dormitories are on the floor above; you''ll find your room there. You should manage just fine." He added, before quickly walking away without another word.


    "Wait... wasn''t he supposed to be taking care of me?" Saelwen thought, a bit irritated by the man''s abruptness. His aloof attitude left her feeling dismissed, and she couldn''t help but frown at his arrogance.


    As Saelwen made her way to the upper floor, the muffled sounds of voices and excited chatter from the lower levels of the building began to rise - students, no doubt, finishing their classes. The lively energy of the academy was finally stirring after the morning''s silence.


    Just as she reached the door to her room, a loud crash echoed through the hallway, followed by a piercing scream.


    "AAAAAHHH!" The scream reverberated through the building, unmistakably a woman''s voice.


    "What¡¯s going on?!" Saelwen thought, alarmed. Without hesitation, she turned and sprinted back toward the stairs, rushing toward the source of the scream. Her heart raced as her boots pounded against the stone floor, dread filling her as she descended toward the chaos.


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    As Saelwen rounded the corner, her eyes fell upon a student standing in the middle of the corridor. Waves of pure mana were pouring out from the girl''s chest, surging uncontrollably, ricocheting off the walls and sending nearby students scrambling to avoid the blasts.


    "Where is Artair?!" A professor on the far side of the hallway shouted, her voice strained as she struggled to contain the wild mana with a glowing magical scroll, its energy flickering in her hands.


    The situation was spiraling out of control, and Saelwen knew there wasn¡¯t much time to act.


    "PLEASE! IT HURTS!!" The student screamed, tears streaming down her face as she desperately tried to stop the mana surging from her body, but it was futile.


    Her trembling hands reached out toward the professor standing across from her, and in that instant, the chaotic mana shifted, redirecting its violent path straight toward the woman.


    "HELP ME, PLEASE!" The girl cried in agony, her voice cracking as the overwhelming energy surged uncontrollably, threatening to lash out at everything in its path.


    Saelwen crouched low, narrowly dodging the streams of mana ricocheting off the walls toward her. She shielded her head with her hands, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding around her.


    "What¡¯s happening?!" She thought frantically, her mind racing. "Mana burnout? A curse? Or maybe some kind of drug?!"


    As she tried to assess the situation, she noticed the student¡¯s uniform beginning to tear apart under the pressure of the overwhelming energy. Beneath the fabric, a large, pulsing red scar became visible on the girl''s neck, glowing with an ominous intensity.


    "Petra, calm down!" The professor on the other side shouted, her voice strained as she held the glowing scroll before her, desperately trying to redirect the mana away from the other students. But it was clear she was struggling to maintain control.


    "So it is a curse?" Saelwen muttered to herself, quickly forming a small spell, conjuring a shimmering orb of mana in her hand. "If that''s the case, this should do the trick."


    She moved toward the struggling student, narrowly dodging the surging waves of energy that shot across the corridor.


    "Get out of here!" The professor shouted to the other students as the scroll in her hands began to burn away, its power weakening under the immense pressure. Saelwen could see the strain on the woman''s face, and that she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on much longer.


    Saelwen moved closer to the student, her heart pounding as she reached out and grabbed the girl''s neck, right over the pulsating scar.


    "AAAAHHH!" The intense heat burned her hand instantly, causing her to grit her teeth in pain.


    "HELP ME!" The student screamed, turning her tear-streaked face toward Saelwen, her eyes wide with desperation.


    "I''M TRYING!" Saelwen shouted back, her voice strained. Summoning all her strength, she forced the glowing orb of mana directly into the scar on the girl''s neck. The mana pulsed in response, resisting her efforts as the energy crackled violently around them.


    The energy orb was working, slowing the rate at which the waves of mana poured from the student, but it was also draining Saelwen completely.


    ¡°Damn it...¡± She thought, feeling her strength ebbing away. Her vision blurred, but she didn¡¯t stop - she kept pressing the orb into the girl¡¯s scar, determined to hold the spell together.


    In an instant, the spell shattered. The mana burst forth with explosive force, knocking both Saelwen and the student backward in a surge of raw energy.


    "AAAAHHH!!!" The student screamed in agony, clutching her neck as the mana raged out of control once more.


    Saelwen hit the ground hard, gasping for breath, her body barely able to move.


    "It¡¯s not a curse?!" Saelwen thought, struggling to catch her breath as she lay on the cold stone floor. Her mind raced, but her body refused to respond.


    "AAAAAAHHH!" The student continued to scream, her voice filled with agony. The mana kept pouring out, not just from her chest now, but also from the scar on her neck. The surge of energy was even more intense, swirling wildly and threatening to engulf the entire corridor.


    Saelwen¡¯s heart pounded as she watched helplessly, unable to stop the chaos unraveling before her eyes.


    Suddenly, in a single moment, all the mana dissipated into the air, vanishing as if it had never been there. The student collapsed to the floor, unconscious, and the professor dropped the scroll, which burned away mid-air in a flash of ash.


    "Did it work...?" Saelwen thought, struggling to stand as her limbs trembled from exhaustion.


    From the distance, near the stairwell, the soft sound of clapping echoed through the now silent hallway.


    "Bravo!" A cheerful voice called out, filled with amusement and admiration.


    ¡°You¡¯re late, Artair.¡± The professor said, still catching her breath, her voice strained.


    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯ve been here the whole time, Ceana.¡± He replied with a smug grin, leaning casually on his staff.


    ¡°Eh?¡± Saelwen muttered, turning to face him, confused and exhausted.


    ¡°You must be the new professor, right?¡± He asked, still smiling as if the chaos that had just unfolded was a mere spectacle. ¡°You did pretty well, but if I were you, I¡¯d have held that spell just a bit longer.¡±


    His playful tone only added to her irritation, but she was too drained to respond.


    ¡°And now, excuse me, but I need to figure out what drugs that student took,¡± Artair said, moving towards the girl lying on the floor.


    ¡°Drugs?¡± Saelwen stammered, her confusion evident.


    ¡°Yep. I¡¯ll handle this. You all can go back to whatever you were doing.¡± Artair said, effortlessly lifting the girl from the ground. His tone was dismissive, as if this was just another routine task for him.


    As he began to check the student, Saelwen and Ceana exchanged bewildered glances, still trying to process the strange turn of events.


    Ceana walked up to Saelwen, her concern evident.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± she asked, extending a hand to help.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Saelwen replied, gratefully accepting the support as she struggled to her feet. Her voice was faint but sincere, and she gave Ceana a weary smile, appreciating the gesture amid the chaos.


    ¡°You were impressive, thanks for the help.¡± Ceana said with a slight smile.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Saelwen replied, still shaken by the entire ordeal.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your name?¡± Ceana asked, glancing at the professor.


    ¡°I¡¯m Saelwen, but you can call me Sael." The woman said, shaking Ceana¡¯s hand firmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ceana. Nice to meet you.¡± Ceana responded, her smile growing.


    ¡°Hey, could you both go get the headmistress?¡± Artair interjected, holding up a dagger smeared with a strange, reddish substance. ¡°It looks like we¡¯ve got more of this than I expected.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Ceana said, heading toward the stairs. ¡°Are you coming with me?¡± She asked, glancing at Saelwen.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d be happy to.¡± Saelwen replied, falling into step beside her.


    "Oh yeah, welcome to the academy. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll fit right in, given how you handled things today.¡± Artair shouts after the woman.


    "Thanks, I guess." She replies with an awkward smile. "Let''s hope I''ll never have to do that again."


    Ceana chuckled softly as she descended the stairs, the sound a comforting contrast to the earlier chaos. Saelwen followed closely behind, both of them making their way toward the headmistress''s office.


    And as the evening sun cast a golden hue over the ancient stone walls of the Aurelia¡¯s University, Saelwen stepped into her new chapter with renewed determination, knowing that she would be met with both trials and triumphs in the days to come.

 Chapter 11

    A thick cloud of black smoke billowed high above the treetops, obscuring the silhouette of a massive creature. Its maw spewed flames, setting the surrounding forest ablaze as it roared, shaking the very ground beneath them.


    ¡°That thing is enormous!¡± Colla shouted, his voice tinged with fear, as he narrowly dodged the charred remains of collapsing trees.


    "Too enormous!" Artair shouted back, but there was fascination in his voice as he sprinted toward Colla, leaping onto his back. "Get us closer!"


    "What?! No way!" Colla yelled, dodging the burning trees with all the agility he could muster, the heat of the flames singeing the air around him.


    "Come on! I want to see it up close!" Artair cried out, his excitement growing even more as they barreled toward the monstrous creature.


    "You''re going to get us killed one day!" Colla barked, charging toward one of the chains that keep the monster in one place.


    "Not to worry, one day is not today!" The professor shot back, grinning widely as he stared up at the enormous, clawed feet covered in black scales, hovering just above them.


    "I think it''s coming down!" Artair warned, though his tone sounded more thrilled than concerned.


    The massive creature landed just behind the heroes, its enormous claws shaking the ground beneath them. Tattered wings, almost entirely covered in black scales, crushed every tree in their path. The wyvern crouched low, leaning its huge, blackened body on its wings for support before slowly opening its gaping maw.


    "It has four rows of teeth!" Artair shouted, sounding almost gleeful as he stared straight into the creature¡¯s gaping maw.


    "And is about to turn us into ash!" Colla yelled back, panic creeping into his voice as he dodged between trees and flames.


    The creature opened its jaws even wider, curling its disgustingly long tongue. Its eyes glazed over with a dark membrane, and a strange, thick substance began to ooze from its mouth.


    "It''s not attacking?!" Colla asked, trying to put even more distance between them and the creature.


    "Don¡¯t tempt fate!" The professor shot back, still studying the beast with growing curiosity.


    Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the creature¡¯s throat ignited with a fiery orange glow. A split second later, a massive vortex of fire erupted from its jaws, followed by a barrage of smaller, blazing projectiles.


    The fiery vortex chased after them, and if it weren¡¯t for Colla¡¯s agility and quick reflexes¡ªdropping to the ground and sprinting out of the blast zone¡ªthey would have been incinerated on the spot.


    "Incredible!" Artair exclaimed, leaping off Colla''s back with wide-eyed excitement.


    "Incredible? More like insane!" Colla growled, grabbing the professor just in time to pull him out of the path of a flaming projectile.


    "How is it that we always end up in situations like this?!" The exasperated kitsune shouted, tossing Artair onto his back and charging headlong toward the wyvern.


    "Right? We¡¯ve got plenty of luck!" The professor replied, grinning.


    The wyvern curled its tongue again, this time launching itself into the sky. The sheer force of its massive wings snapped the surrounding trees like twigs and snuffed out most of the lingering flames.


    "What is it doing?!" Colla asked in panic, skidding to a halt.


    "Run, now!" Artair shouted, pointing toward the chains.


    The creature''s throat began to glow again, and as Colla bolted toward the chains, a thick, viscous substance oozed from its jaws, coating the ground beneath it.


    A wave of fire erupted from the monster¡¯s mouth, hurtling toward the earth and incinerating everything in its path.


    The flames surged through the forest, mercilessly consuming everything in their path and wiping all traces of life from its surface. A cloud of pitch-black smoke stretched across the entire forest, choking the sky and reducing visibility to almost nothing.


    Colla barely escaped the inferno, leaping onto one of the massive chains that held the wyvern in place.


    "I¡¯ll admit, that was terrifying!" The professor remarked, gripping Colla''s fur tightly.


    "Do you have any idea how to defeat this thing?!" Colla shouted, his voice filled with fear as he climbed higher up the trembling chains.


    "Try using lightning, it might work!" Artair called back, his eyes scanning the enormous creature, which had finally stopped spewing fire.


    The wyvern¡¯s massive form descended from the sky with a bone jarring crash. The ground trembled violently, sending shockwaves through the earth and uprooting trees like matchsticks. A cascade of debris and splintered wood exploded outward, the impact shook Colla and Artair loose from the chains, sending both of them crashing into the dirt.


    "AHH!" Artair yelled before he hit the ground with a thud.


    Colla, on the other hand, landed calmly, seemingly unaffected, on the scorched grass.


    For a moment, the massive creature fixed its gaze directly on Colla. The murderous intent radiating from it was palpable, a wave of raw malice that left the kitsune frozen in place.


    "Professor?" Colla asked, his voice trembling with fear, unable to tear his gaze away from the monster. No response came.


    "Damn it..." He thought, opening his own mouth, ready to act.


    In response to his movement, the wyvern mirrored him, widening its gaping maw and curling its long, sinister tongue.


    "Alright, Colla, stay calm... you¡¯ve got this." He thought to himself, slowly gathering mana around his jaws.


    The wyvern, once again, began to spew the thick substance from its mouth, signaling its impending attack.


    "So this is how you want to play, huh?" Colla thought, baring his fangs and unleashing all the energy he had stored.


    Spheres of yellow mana flowed from his mouth, swirling and rising high above the wyvern.


    "By the wrath of the skies..." Colla began, channeling even more power into the sky above the creature.


    The wyvern lowered its head, the back of its throat glowing an intense red, as a flash of fire ignited deep within, aimed directly at Colla.


    "...May the goddess Nimraya give judgment apon this creature! Kraa-Zethar!" Colla finished, his voice sharp as he summoned a massive bolt of lightning straight down onto the enormous creature.


    The force of the strike was so powerful, it sent both Colla and Artair flying through the air. The roaring flames headed toward them vanished, replaced by the deafening sound of the wyvern''s agonized screams.


    "AHH!" Colla yelled, crashing into the ground with a heavy thud about 30 feet away from the beast.


    Despite the blurred vision and the ringing in his ears, Colla staggered to his feet, changing back to his human form and staring at the massive plume of gray smoke where the wyvern had stood moments before.


    "Did it work?" He wondered, struggling to shake off the disorientation from the impact.


    As the cloud of smog thinned, the massive creature emerged once more. Its wings were scorched, its maw dripping with blood, and here and there, the scales on its body smoldered with flickering orange flames.


    "How... I used the incantation..." The boy thought, rising from the ground, eyes fixed on the beast in disbelief.


    The massive creature lumbered toward the boy, crashing through the remnants of the trees, leaving destruction in its wake.


    ¡°How am I supposed to beat this thing if even the incantation didn¡¯t work¡­¡± Colla thought, glancing frantically around, searching for any sign of help.


    The wyvern opened its maw wide once more, and a thick, viscous substance began to spill from its jaws, pooling across the scorched earth beneath it. The ground hissed and sizzled as the liquid spread, a sickening heat rising from it, warning Colla that the beast was preparing for another devastating attack.


    "This sludge..." Colla focused his gaze on the thick substance, analyzing its movement and behavior. There was something unnatural about it, how it clung to the earth, sizzling like it was alive, reacting to the heat. His mind raced as he tried to piece together what made this creature so dangerous.


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    "I¡¯ve got it..." Colla muttered, extending his hand forward, pointing directly at the wyvern.


    The massive creature widened its maw even further, its long, twisted tongue curling inward as it spewed even more of the thick, oozing substance onto the ground.


    Colla clenched his fist, channeling his mana into a small, fiery orb. "Eat this..."


    "...Fyren!" He shouted, hurling the blazing sphere straight into the wyvern''s gaping maw.


    The fireball shot straight into the wyvern¡¯s face. The fiery sphere surged into its gaping maw, incinerating the thick, viscous substance that had been oozing from its mouth.


    The spell exploded inside the wyvern¡¯s throat, filling its massive head with a blinding blaze. Flames roared violently within the beast, turning its insides into a raging inferno. The wyvern staggered, its massive wings flailing wildly as it tried to shake off the torment.


    An agonized roar erupted from the wyvern¡¯s fiery maw. The massive creature continued to expel more of the thick substance, which instantly ignited, fueling the inferno inside its jaws and spreading the blaze further.


    "I knew it... It¡¯s not fireproof from the inside!" Colla shouted, watching as the wyvern¡¯s face continued to smolder and smoke.


    The massive creature collapsed to the ground as the fire continued its relentless journey along its neck.


    As the massive body of the wyvern lay still, the flames continued their relentless work, turning the beast¡¯s remains to ash. Gray smoke billowed upward, mingling with the ashes and creating a dense, ghostly cloud that drifted into the sky.


    ¡°I did it...¡± Colla sighed, his eyes fixed on the burning remains of the beast.


    Unexpectedly, as Colla struggled to recover from the battle, a tall figure emerged from the billowing smoke. Clad in dark robes, the figure carried a large staff topped with a glowing green crystal.


    "Impressive, I didn¡¯t expect you to defeat it so quickly..." The figure said with coarse voice, approaching the exhausted Colla with a measured stride.


    "When did he got here...? There was noone here seconds ago" Colla thought, gazing at the mysterious figure.


    "Who are you?" The boy demanded, taking a cautious step back.


    "I am Ewald Bosques, son of Conrad Bosques and right hand of Emmerich del Esserg!" The man proclaimed, raising his staff high.


    "Great... just what I needed, another lunatic..." Colla thought, beginning to gather the remnants of his mana into his right hand.


    "Don''t even think about it!" The man shouted.


    "How does he...?" Colla wondered, halting the flow of mana into his hand.


    "Did you really think that the descendant of the great Bosques line wouldn¡¯t sense your mana flow? How foolish!" The man retorted, swinging his staff with authority.


    "Who the hell is he?!" The boy thought, taking a few nervous steps back, edging closer to where the professor lay unconscious on the scorched ground.


    The slaver advanced, each step deliberate, the charred earth crackling under his boots.


    "Professor, please wake up..." Colla whispered, kneeling beside Artair and shaking him gently, desperation creeping into his voice.


    Ewald halted a few feet from the boy, looking down at him with disdain.


    "Pathetic... I thought you¡¯d be strong, considering you managed to defeat my mutant." He said, pointing his staff at Colla.


    "But here you are, begging an unconscious man for help." He sneered, a mocking laugh escaping his lips.


    "Dammit... I don¡¯t have enough mana to fight him..." Colla thought, rising from the ground, his eyes darting to the still motionless professor. "Why isn¡¯t the professor waking up?!"


    "And now... by the breath of the wind and the fury of the flames..." Ewald began, channeling his mana into the crystal atop his staff.


    "An incantation?!" Colla¡¯s heart raced, pounding in his chest.


    "...let the skies ignite with your ruin..." Ewald continued, the crystal glowing ominously as raw power surged through it.


    Colla¡¯s thoughts spiraled in panic. "How do I dodge this?! What about the professor?! Am I... going to die?"


    "... Xenthra-Fyren!" Ewald bellowed, forming a massive sphere of fire, swirling with violent winds at the tip of his staff.


    With a sharp swing, he hurled the blazing orb straight at the terrified Colla.


    In a desperate move, Colla''s hand shot toward Artair''s staff, lying just beneath his feet. He yanked out a large scroll hidden within its base.


    "Please! Work!" He shouted, tearing the scroll to shreds as the fiery spell raced toward him.


    The falling pieces of paper ignited, burning away completely and leaving only ashes behind. In a flash, those ashes swirled and transformed into orbs of pure energy.


    "It worked!" Colla shouted, thrusting his hands forward.


    The fireball was mere inches from him now, its heat already searing his skin.


    With all his remaining strength, Colla gathered the energy orbs around him, forcing them into a shield in front of him. The air crackled with raw power as the barrier took shape.


    But as soon as the fireball collided with the shield, Colla¡¯s hands erupted in burning pain, like they were set ablaze themselves. The intense heat from the fireball surged through him, and the boy screamed in agony.


    "AAAHHHH!" His cry tore through the smoke-filled battlefield as the fiery sphere crashed into his outstretched palms.


    The fire dissipated on impact, vanishing completely, leaving Colla with burns scorched across his hands.


    "How... how did you survive my Xenthra-Fyren?!" Ewald bellowed, his voice dripping with frustration.


    He stormed forward, closing the distance between them until he was only a few steps away from Colla. His eyes flared with fury, and his grip on the staff tightened.


    "Even the great Rosmerta couldn¡¯t withstand it!" He continued, his face reddening with rage.


    "Rosmerta?!" Colla froze in shock, his mind reeling at the revelation.


    "I¡¯ll... damn well kill you!" Ewald roared frantically, lifting his staff high.


    "He¡¯s gone insane!" Colla thought, using the last of his gathered mana to partially transform into his kitsune form.


    "By the shadows of the abyss and the whispers of the forgotten, rise from death''s embrace, my creation!" the slaver shouted, as swarms of dark energy began to emanate from his body and swirl around his staff.


    "Rise from death?! He¡¯s trying to resurrect that monster?!" Colla exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. With a burst of determination, he charged directly at the slaver.


    Colla¡¯s half-transformed form flickered with silver light as he darted between the smoldering remains of the forest. His claws slashed through the air, leaving trails of glimmering sparks.


    Colla narrowed his eyes, the distance between him and Ewald shrinking with every step. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, nearly drowning out the chaotic whispers of mana swirling around the slaver¡¯s staff.


    Colla drove his foot straight into Ewald''s stomach. The force of the kick reverberated through his leg, but the man didn¡¯t flinch, as if the blow had no effect on him at all.


    "Too weak..." Colla thought, leaping away from the man as quickly as his battered body would allow. He began gathering mana into his right hand, feeling the energy swirl and build, crackling with intensity.


    "...But this should do the trick." His eyes narrowed in focus, the faint glow of the mana pulsing brighter with each second.


    "May the skies and goddess Nimraya grant me power, Kraa-Zethar!" Colla shouted, channeling his mana into a bolt of lightning that shot straight toward Ewald, and then split in two.


    Ewald slowly turned his cold, empty gaze toward the boy. A sneer curled at the corners of his mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯re too weak after all, kitsune.¡± He hissed through clenched teeth. Before Colla could react, Ewald appeared before him, completely avoiding his spell and swung his staff with lightning speed, striking him squarely on the head.


    Colla¡¯s head snapped to the side, and the world spun as he was sent flying through the air. A sharp, searing pain exploded in his skull, as if every nerve in his body had ignited. As he fell, the ground seemed to slip away beneath him.


    He crashed into one of the charred trees, snapping it clean in half.


    "Dammit..." He groaned, clutching his head as waves of pain shot through his body, every nerve screaming in protest.


    "I don¡¯t have time to play with you anymore..." Ewald''s voice dripped with disdain, as he pointed his staff, now pulsating with raw, crackling energy, directly at Colla. The air hummed with power, swirling around the tip of the staff like a gathering storm.


    "You know... me too." The boy muttered weakly, extending his hand toward Ewald. "By the will of the heavens, the strength of the earth, and the breath of time itself... bind him..." He finished, his voice faltering.


    "What are you... why are you still alive?!" Ewald spat out, his irritation clear.


    In the blink of an eye, chains of mana materialized around Ewald, wrapping tightly around him and completely sealing off his magical power.


    "What is¡ª" the man began, but was cut off by excruciating pain piercing through his entire body. "AHHHH!"


    "It worked..." Colla thought, resting his head against the remnants of a charred tree. "...I need to thank Linn for those lessons on sealing magic..."


    "What did you do to m¡ª" The man tried to speak, but the pain continued to pierce through his body.


    "Nothing special, just a basic seal." Colla replied, rising slowly and limping toward Artair.


    ¡°Professor, please get up...¡± The boy said, shaking the professor gently.


    ¡°Mmhh... just one more minute.¡± Artair mumbled, turning onto his side.


    Colla raised an eyebrow and delivered a firm punch to Artair''s stomach.


    ¡°UGH!¡± Artair exclaimed. ¡°Alright, alright... I''m awake...¡± The professor groaned, curling up in pain.


    ¡°...How long have you been conscious?¡± Colla asked, preparing for another strike.


    ¡°I woke up just a moment ago, stop hitting me...¡± The professor grumbled, pushing himself up from the ground.


    "Alright then..." Colla sighed and sat down next to the professor.


    "What exactly happened while I was out?" Artair asked, surveying the devastated forest, the remains of the wyvern, and the large fires still burning around them.


    "He happened..." Colla gestured toward Ewald, who was still struggling to free himself from the bindings.


    "And you?" Artair inquired, examining the wounds on Colla¡¯s body.


    "Just used up too much incantations... that¡¯s all." Colla replied, his voice weary and strained.


    The battle''s roar faded into silence as the last echoes of Ewald''s anguished cries disappeared into the smoky haze. Colla and Artair, both battered and exhausted, surveyed the devastation around them.


    Artair, still wincing from the pain, staggered to his feet. "Alright, enough of the theatrics." He said, rubbing his aching stomach. "We need to focus. What¡¯s our next move?"


    Colla, catching his breath, glanced over at Ewald, who was now securely bound by the seal¡¯s chains. The slaver''s struggles were growing weaker, his once menacing facade now a picture of frustration.


    "Let¡¯s interrogate him... He might know something useful." Colla said, standing up and walking towards Ewald.


    "Ha! As if I¡¯d tell you anything useful¡ª " The man began, but was interrupted by a fresh wave of pain.


    "You mentioned something about the goddess Rosmerta..." Colla said, drawing closer to Ewald.


    "What!?" Artair asked, his curiosity piqued. "About Rosmerta?!"


    "Ha, I¡¯ll tell you nothing!" Ewald shouted defiantly.


    "Spill what you know!" Artair grabbed Ewald by the collar, his grip firm and unyielding.


    Colla and Artair towered over Ewald, who struggled against the magical chains binding him.


    "Start talking!" Artair demanded, tightening his grip on Ewald''s collar.


    "Never!" The man shouted. "The boss would kill me!"


    "The boss?" Professor Artair asked, furrowing his brow.


    "Heh... Emmerich, of course." The man smirked, wincing in pain.


    "Emmerich?" Artair pressed. "Who is she, what is she planning?"


    "I¡¯m not telling you anything!" The man growled. "She¡¯s already got plans to unleash chaos across the lands."


    "And how is she supposed to do that?" Colla taunted.


    "You really don¡¯t get it, do you?" The man sneered, his eyes glinting with malevolent amusement. "Here¡¯s a hint: the Guardian¡¯s Core."


    Artair froze, his face going ashen as he processed the words.


    "You can¡¯t be talking about..." He began, but Ewald cut him off.


    "The Feast of Blossoms isn¡¯t for another few days..." Ewald taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.


    "What¡¯s going on, professor?!" Colla asked, bewildered by the situation.


    "Damn it!" Artair shouted, grabbing his staff from the ground and sprinting across the burning earth with all his strength. "They¡¯re going to kill her!"


    As Artair dashed off, Colla¡¯s heart raced. The threat was real, Rosmerta¡¯s fate, and possibly the continent''s hung in the balance.

 Chapter 12

    The air was thick. Heavy with the scent of damp earth and leaves, it pressed against Artair''s lungs as he ran through the dense forest. Branches clawed at his arms, leaves swiped across his face, but he didn¡¯t stop. His heart pounded louder than his footsteps, thudding like a war drum in his ears.


    ¡°Damn it... I should¡¯ve known they¡¯d target her next...¡± Artair cursed under his breath, his legs pumping as hard as they could, the forest blurring around him.


    The air grew warmer with each step, carrying the acrid scent of burning wood and ash. It clung to his skin, thick and suffocating.


    "This isn''t good..." Artair muttered under his breath, quickening his pace.


    His eyes darted ahead as he weaved through the forest, the dark silhouettes of flames licking the blackened trees just up ahead.


    "They''re already here..." Artair thought, pushing his way past the collapsing tree branches. The scorched grass crunched beneath his boots with every hurried step.


    As he drew closer, the silhouette of a massive tree came into view, its towering form engulfed in flames. The fire danced around it, wrapping the trunk like fiery tendrils, the heat radiating so intensely that even from a distance, Artair could feel it on his skin.


    "Damn it!" He shouted, pushing himself to run faster. The very thought of being too late made his hair stand on end.


    The charred vegetation crackled beneath his feet as he drew closer to the towering tree. Each step brought him nearer to the entrance. Finally, he burst through the last layer of trees, his path illuminated by the fierce, licking flames. With a final, desperate push, he crashed through the large doors marking the entrance to Rosmerta''s hideout.


    Before him, shelves that were once pristine and meticulously organized with alphabetically arranged books now lay in ruin. Many were destroyed or burned beyond recognition. The floor was pockmarked with debris and scattered rubble, and patches of fire still flickered here and there. Maps hanging on the walls had turned to ash, their once-detailed contours now nothing more than smudged remnants.


    ¡°Rosmerta!¡± Artair shouted desperately as he rushed deeper into the library, his voice echoing through the chaotic remains of the once peaceful sanctuary.


    He leaped over piles of rubble, his eyes scanning every shadowed corner for any sign of his friend.


    ¡°Are you here?!¡± His voice cracked with urgency as he made his way toward the grand staircase at the far end of the library.


    Suddenly, a loud crash reverberated from the wall to his right, a thunderous impact that shook the very floor beneath him.


    Artair spun toward the sound, rushing forward with quick, frantic steps.


    ¡°Rosmerta?!¡± He shouted at the wall, his voice filled with worry.


    But before he could take another step, the wall cracked, and chunks of stone exploded outward, scattering across the floor in a cloud of dust and debris.


    From the swirling dust emerged the gleaming blade of a massive battle axe, slicing through the air like butter.


    In the blink of an eye, Artair felt a sharp, burning pain shoot through his right shoulder, leaving him gasping.


    The axe tore through his shoulder, and the sheer force of the blow sent him flying straight into the bookshelves on the other side of the room.


    "AGHH!" Artair screamed, clutching desperately at his shoulder, trying to steady himself.


    Out of the swirling smoke emerged a figure. It was a woman with long, reddish-brown hair tied back in a ponytail, with a few loose strands falling across her pale face. Her eyes were a striking blue, sharply contrasting with her fair skin.


    "Who... is this?" Artair thought, struggling to rise from the rubble.


    "And who do we have here?" The woman asked, her voice dripping with mockery as she cast a sly smile in his direction.


    "Who are you, and where is Rosmerta?!" The professor shouted, leaning on his staff for support.


    "Oh, you mean that little guardian?" The woman replied, resting her massive axe in front of her, the metal gleaming ominously. "If that''s who you''re asking about... well, I killed her." She answered, her lips curling into a mocking, wicked grin.


    At those words, Artair gripped his staff with all his might, feeling it strain under the pressure, cracks beginning to form along its upper section.


    "You¡¯re lying..." He hissed through clenched teeth, his voice low and fierce.


    The woman drove her axe into the wooden floor beside her, a confident smirk playing on her lips as she reached into her pocket.


    "Are you sure about that?" She taunted, pulling out a small, malachite-glowing crystal that pulsed with an eerie light.


    At the sight of the crystal, Artair felt his legs go numb, all his strength funneled into his hands, crushing the top of his staff in the process.


    "Your name?" He gritted out, his gaze fixed on the floor.


    "Emmerich Esserg." She replied, gripping her axe with a predatory gleam in her eyes.


    "I..." As Artair lifted his gaze to meet his opponent, tears streamed down his cheeks. "I will kill you, Emmerich."


    ¡°Everyone says that...¡± Emmerich taunted, charging at Artair with her massive axe raised high.


    With a swift motion, Artair ducked just in time, the blade slicing through the air above him. He sprang forward, determination fueling his every move as he aimed for her legs.


    Artair swung his half-crushed staff with all his might, but Emmerich deftly stepped back, her axe tearing into the floorboards around her.


    ¡°I thought I could take you down with a single blow...¡± She muttered, feigning disappointment.


    Without a word, Artair lunged at her, channeling a surge of mana into his right hand. Emmerich swung her axe, aiming straight for his head. Artair ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as the blade passed overhead. He pressed forward, targeting her abdomen with a fierce strike.


    In that moment, Emmerich blocked his attack with her left hand, countering with her axe from his right side. Artair felt a sharp, searing pain shoot through his already wounded shoulder before he was sent flying through the wooden wall, crashing into the room next door.


    The sound of the impact echoed loudly throughout the library, reverberating against the walls. Artair''s vision blurred, and every muscle in his body screamed in agony.


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    Footsteps rang out in the distance, growing louder and closer with each passing second.


    ¡°Get... up...¡± Artair thought, forcing his battered body to make even the slightest movement.


    Artair strained with all his might to stand, but his battered body refused to obey. His vision blurred, and the overwhelming pain coursed through him. Then, looming above him, stood Emmerich, her cold smile curling at the corners of her lips.


    "So... two strikes were enough." She laughed, pointing the edge of her blackened axe toward Artair¡¯s chest.


    "Get up! Get up, get up!" Artair''s mind screamed, pouring as much mana as he could into his limbs, desperate to move. He knew if he didn¡¯t, death awaited him.


    "Goodbye, Artair..." Emmerich raised her axe high above her head, her eyes gleaming with sadistic anticipation, ready to cleave him in two. "Havo¡ª"


    Before she could finish, a loud shout echoed from the upper levels of the library.


    "Kraa-Zethar!"


    Suddenly, a massive bolt of lightning tore through the upper levels of the library, disintegrating everything in its path. It crackled and roared, descending with tremendous force toward the spot where Emmerich stood. With a swift, agile movement, she barely managed to dodge the attack, leaping onto one of the nearby shelves and shielding herself with her axe.


    The shelves around her exploded into splinters as the lightning struck, the energy still crackling in the air, illuminating the smirk on her face as she prepared for the next move.


    "I''ll buy you some time, professor! Please, focus on regenerating!" Colla shouted from the upper floor, streams of electricity sparking from his hands.


    Emmerich glanced up at him, brushing the dust off her armor with a calm but calculating gaze.


    "So, Ewald lost?" She asked, hefting her massive axe as she prepared to leap toward Colla.


    "Unfortunately, he managed to slip away... but you won¡¯t be so lucky!" Colla yelled, pointing his right hand at her, the air around him crackling with energy.


    "We''ll see." Emmerich sneered, launching herself toward Colla, pushing off the shattered walls with brutal force.


    In an instant, a volley of lightning bolts shot from Colla''s hand, scattering across the upper floor and converging on Emmerich from multiple angles.


    "Not bad..." She praised with a smirk, swinging her massive axe with blinding speed, deflecting the incoming bolts with precision as they ricocheted off the weapon in bursts of light.


    She then leapt toward Colla, her black axe smashing into the floor in front of him, shattering the ground with a deafening crash.


    Colla barely dodged, springing backward just in time. His hand shot out once more, crackling with energy.


    ¡°Not so fast!¡± Emmerich roared, charging at him again, her axe slicing through the air as she swung it in a wide arc aimed directly at Colla.


    As the blade neared his neck, Colla conjured a small energy barrier around his forearm, deflecting the axe and shielding himself from the deadly strike.


    Emmerich pulled back, her eyes narrowing as she swung the axe again with even more force. This time, the black blade tore through Colla''s defense, slicing into his arm and nearly severing it.


    ¡°AAAHHH!¡± Colla screamed in agony, stumbling backward and clutching his injured arm, blood seeping between his fingers as pain wracked his body.


    Without hesitation, Emmerich charged at the boy, swinging her massive axe high above her head.


    ¡°AHH!¡± Colla yelled, dodging to the right just as the floor where Emmerich''s axe struck shattered into splinters.


    ¡°Do me a favor...¡± She growled, tearing through the debris with her weapon and aiming an upward strike at Colla. ¡°...and stop running!¡±


    The sheer force of her swings left cracks and fissures in the ground as Colla narrowly avoided the next blow, his movements growing desperate.


    "Professor... get up... I can''t hold out much longer..." Colla thought, desperately dodging each of Emmerich''s vicious strikes.


    "Come on! Let me kill you already!" Emmerich roared, swinging her axe wildly in every direction, her attacks growing more erratic with each passing second.


    Colla ducked and weaved, his body aching from the relentless onslaught, barely managing to stay one step ahead of her chaotic blows. The sound of her axe cutting through the air was deafening, as if the very room itself trembled under her fury.


    As Colla dodged once more, his ankle twisted sharply, and with a gasp of pain, he fell to the ground. Helpless, he looked up just as Emmerich loomed over him, her axe poised for a fatal strike.


    ¡°Die!¡± She screamed, bringing the massive weapon down with brutal force.


    The axe tore into Colla¡¯s body, ripping through flesh and bone. Blood sprayed across the shattered floor, the crimson droplets painting the wreckage around them. The air was filled with the sickening sound of tearing flesh and Colla¡¯s agonized screams.


    "AAAAAHHHHH!" His voice echoed through the ruined library, hands clutching desperately at the gaping wound that stretched across his torso.


    ¡°Oh? You broke already¡­¡± Emmerich sneered, a cold laugh escaping her lips as she lifted her axe once more.


    ¡°Ahh! A-Ah!¡± Colla gasped, each breath ragged and shallow, his bloodied hands pressing desperately against the wound, trying in vain to stop the relentless bleeding. His vision blurred, pain radiating through his body as he struggled to hold on.


    <hr>


    Artair''s heart raced wildly as he poured every ounce of mana into healing his wounds. Blood trickled from his lips, a grim reminder of the internal injuries he sustained, but his thoughts were consumed by Colla''s plight.


    ¡°Just a little longer¡­¡± He urged himself, pushing against the debris to rise, scanning the devastated floor around him.


    He wiped the blood from his mouth, determination igniting within him as he grasped his battered staff.


    ¡°It has to be here...¡± Artair muttered, opening the bottom of his staff and rummaging through the hidden compartment for one of his precious scrolls. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, but he refused to falter. He would fight for Colla and everyone else who depended on him.


    With a shake, a small red scroll slipped from the cane and fluttered to the ground.


    ¡°So it still works...¡± Artair thought, bending down to retrieve the scroll and unfurling it with urgency.


    As he opened it, the scroll ignited, flames dancing across its surface. Ash swirled into the air, then wafted down like soft snow, seeping into Artair''s wounds. The searing pain turned to a soothing warmth as the ash sealed his injuries, mending him as though the scroll was weaving a protective spell around him.


    ¡°That should do it.¡± He muttered, glancing up at the ruined ceiling. ¡°There¡¯s no way I can climb up there in this condition... but there should be stairs somewhere around here.¡± He thought, scanning the room.


    He then pushed himself up from the ground. With determination, he rushed toward the back of the room, finding a hidden staircase behind a toppled bookshelf.


    "Got it!" He shouted in delight, running up the staircase.


    In the distance, the clash of metal against wood echoed, a reminder that the fight was still raging.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming... hang on a little longer, Colla.¡± Artair urged, quickening his pace as he climbed the spiral staircase. Each step felt like a battle in itself, but he pressed on, adrenaline fueling his resolve. At last, he reached the upper floor, ready to confront whatever awaited him.


    His eyes were met with a grotesque scene. The floor and walls were utterly ravaged and splattered with blood, at the center, next to a massive gaping hole in the ground, Colla was gasping in pain, clutching at his wounds. Standing before him, poised to deliver the final blow, was Emmerich.


    She held her axe high above her head, but then turned her gaze toward Artair. ¡°You¡¯re still alive?¡± She spat, her voice dripping with irritation. Her left eye glowed a deep crimson, a stark contrast to its usual blue.


    ¡°Colla¡­¡± Artair uttered, his heart sinking as he looked at his wounded companion.


    Emmerich turned to face Artair, flinging Colla against the wall with a powerful swing of her axe.


    ¡°AAAGHHH!¡± Colla gasped, bouncing off the wall and crashing onto the wooden floor.


    ¡°Colla!¡± Artair shouted, desperate to rush to his friend¡¯s side, but Emmerich blocked his path with a sinister grin.


    ¡°You could have played dead...¡± She began, raising her axe ominously toward the professor. ¡°...but now I¡¯ll have to kill you.¡±


    Suddenly, orbs of mana began to swirl around her, converging at the blade of her axe.


    ¡°Rising crimson winds, grant my blade the fury of the storm... Vyris-Kael!¡± With those words, the gathered mana surged into the axe, coloring it a fierce red.


    ¡°You want to play this way...?¡± Artair asked, slowly channeling all his mana into his hands and legs, feeling the energy pulse through him.


    Around Emmerich''s axe, streaks of wind materialized, swirling as if caught in the eye of a miniature cyclone. The air crackled with tension, ready to explode at any moment.


    ¡°To the flames of my spirit...¡± Artair began, but Emmerich instantly lunged at him, unleashing a barrage of wind blasts from her axe.


    ¡°I won''t let you!¡± She shouted, swinging her weapon with ferocity.


    ¡°Too late...¡± Artair thought, executing a swift dodge. ¡°...Let my fury ignite! Kraen-Thar!¡± He roared, striking with all his might against the blade of Emmerich¡¯s axe.


    As his fists and legs ignited in crimson flames, his senses sharpened, and he felt an overwhelming surge of power coursing through him, elevating him to the brink of divinity.


    Feeling the resistance, Emmerich stepped back, fury flashing in her eyes as she focused on the man before her, particularly on his limbs engulfed in crimson flames.


    ¡°So this is your power...¡± She whispered, a hint of both respect and anger in her voice as she charged at Artair.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you... I will kill you, Emmerich.¡± Artair reminded her, launching himself at her with all his might.

 Chapter 13

    The air buzzed, thick with the overflow of mana.


    On one side of the room, Emmerich swung her axe with brutal force, sending streams of wind slicing through the air in every direction, their speed blinding.


    On the opposite side, Artair weaved between the blasts with fluid grace, dodging most with ease, while the rest were incinerated by his flame-wreathed hands.


    "Damn it... I have to find a way to get closer to her." Artair thought, his mind racing as he carefully inched forward, trying to close the distance between him and Emmerich.


    "Don''t even try!" Emmerich shouted, channeling even more mana into her weapon.


    With swift steps, Artair advanced toward Emmerich, hurling a stream of crimson flames in her direction.


    The woman responded with a barrage of air projectiles, completely destroying the flames and obstructing Artair''s vision.


    The professor quickly shielded his face with his arms, redirecting the flames to cover his forearms, absorbing the full force of Emmerich''s relentless assault.


    "Ugh... damn it..." Artair cursed silently, pushing forward despite the overwhelming force of Emmerich¡¯s attacks. With every step, he edged closer to the woman, determined to close the distance.


    "Just die already!" Emmerich screamed, swinging her axe even faster, her movements growing more chaotic by the second.


    "In your dreams!" Artair shouted back, swiftly ducking low and charging toward her with all his strength.


    Seeing this, Emmerich halted her wild swings for a moment and charged toward the professor, her axe raised high.


    Emmerich swung her axe with deadly precision, amplifying the sharpness and speed of her strike using her air magic incantation.


    Artair dodged the incoming blow, swiftly redirecting his flames to his hand. With a powerful motion, he thrust his fist into Emmerich''s abdomen, flames erupting on impact.


    "UGH!" Emmerich gasped as the crimson flames seared through her leather armour, burning her skin.


    Artair swung his other hand, aiming straight for her face.


    "Now!" He screamed in his mind, channeling all his energy into that second strike.


    Suddenly, all feeling vanished from Artair¡¯s hands, and blood splattered across his face.


    His severed limbs flew in opposite directions, crimson flames trailing behind them as blood sprayed violently, painting the room in arcs of red. The flames, once under his control, now danced wildly across the walls and floor, consuming everything in their path.


    "Ah... A-Ah..." Artair gasped, his breath ragged and shallow. His wide eyes locked onto the stumps where his hands once were, blood gushing from the raw wounds. The shock kept him frozen, his mind struggling to process the pain, the sight of his own mangled body.


    Slowly, he raised his head, his gaze meeting Emmerich¡¯s. A wicked grin spread across her face, her eyes alight with cruel satisfaction


    Before Artair could react, a gust of wind slammed into him, sharp and unforgiving. He was lifted off his feet, the force of the impact wrenching the breath from his lungs as he was hurled across the room. His body crashed into the shelves with a sickening thud, books and debris raining down around him.


    "How about that?!" Emmerich shouted, pointing her blood-streaked axe at the man lying broken on the ground.


    Artair¡¯s mind raced, struggling to process what had just happened. "What the hell... How did she hit me?!" His thoughts blurred with confusion and pain as he pressed his mana to the bleeding stumps, desperately trying to stop the flow of blood.


    Artair''s gaze drifted toward Colla, lying just a short distance away, a large pool of blood spreading beneath him.


    "Damn it..." He thought, and despite the searing pain coursing through his body, he continued to transmute his mana into his wounds, trying to heal them as fast as possible.


    "I have to do something..." Artair thought desperately, closing his eyes as he channeled more and more mana into his wounds.


    Then suddenly, in the darkness that swallowed his vision, figure emerged, a towering silhouette with three pairs of arms.


    "Artair..." The figure spoke softly, its voice gentle and undeniably feminine.


    "...Reach for me..." She whispered, extending one of her hands toward him, her presence both eerie and strangely comforting.


    "...You need me..." Her voice echoed in Artair''s mind. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t open his eyes and his eyelids felt as though they were stitched shut.


    The figure drew closer, extending all six of her arms toward him, like she was about to embrace him.


    "...Accept me, Artair..." She whispered, her arms wrapping around him, enveloping him in a cold, yet strangely familiar warmth.


    "N... no..." Artair thought, desperately trying to push the figure away, but his efforts were in vain.


    The mysterious figure wrapped her arms tighter around him, as if she intended to strangle him with her grip. The pressure grew, and his breathing became labored.


    "...Artair... you need my power..." The figure lifted his chin, forcing him to meet her gaze. Blood-red eyes stared into his, unwavering and intense.


    "I..." Artair began, but the woman interrupted him.


    "...We¡¯ll kill her... Artair... kill her." She whispered, her voice both soothing and terrifying, her grip tightening as if she could crush his resistance entirely.


    "Kill... her...?" Artair responded subconsciously, his voice barely more than a whisper.


    "Yes... Let¡¯s kill her... let¡¯s kill them all..." He figure replied, her grip tightening even further, her many arms coiling around him like a serpent constricting its prey.


    Artair¡¯s breath grew ragged as the pressure mounted, the figure¡¯s voice echoing in his mind, seducing him with promises of power and vengeance.


    "Kill..." Artair mumbled, staring into the woman''s blood-red eyes.


    At that moment, he felt an overwhelming surge of mana flooding into his body, a force unlike anything he''d ever experienced.


    "We''ll kill everyone..." The figure whispered, releasing him from her suffocating embrace. Her form dissolved into a wave of energy, flowing seamlessly into him.


    The power consumed him, raw and untamed.


    Suddenly, small orbs of dark-red mana began to emerge from the open wounds on his arms, merging with his blood and slowly taking the shape of hands.


    "Kill..." Artair mumbled to himself, getting off the ground and gritting his teeth as the blood-forged flames crawled up his arms, snaking across his shoulders until they seemed to stop at his neck.


    Artair lifted his gaze toward Emmerich, blood dripping from his eyes as the flames crawled further up his neck.


    "I... have to kill her..." He muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. With trembling resolve, he extended one of his flame-forged hands toward Emmerich, the crimson glow intensifying as it reached for her.


    "Well, isn¡¯t that interesting..." Emmerich whispered, raising her axe in front of her, preparing for yet another charge at Artair.


    But before she could strike, Artair appeared beneath her with blinding speed, driving his fist through the blade of her axe, shattering it completely.


    "Kill!" The professor roared, his voice no longer the gentle, cheerful tone it once was, but now rough and filled with hatred, reverberating through the room.


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    Artair drove his foot into Emmerich¡¯s abdomen, sending her staggering backward. Without missing a beat, he unleashed several waves of flames from his hands, the crimson fire roaring toward her.


    Emmerich braced herself, using the broken remnants of her weapon to deflect the flames. With a single swift motion, she knocked the fire aside, leaving only faint wisps of smoke in her wake.


    "Is that all you can do?!" She mocked, a sneer curling across her lips as the blade of her weapon began to slowly regenerate, reforming piece by piece.


    Without a word, Artair lunged forward, throwing a barrage of punches at Emmerich. The flames engulfing his fists flared wildly as he swung, each strike aimed to kill, but she deftly dodged every one of his attacks with ease.


    "I¡¯ll kill you!" He roared, swinging a fiery fist straight toward her face.


    "You¡¯re painfully predictable..." She mocked, her voice dripping with condescension as she caught his hand mere inches from her face. The flames flickered against her skin, but she showed no sign of fear, only a smug grin.


    "Oh, is that so?" Artair chuckled darkly, his voice laced with menace as he lifted his other hand.


    "Then watch this..." He growled, his voice twisted and distorted, no longer sounding entirely human. He raised a single finger into the air.


    In an instant, the ground beneath them erupted in a violent explosion of crimson flames, swallowing more than half of the room in an inferno of destruction. The fire roared like a beast unleashed, its heat searing through the space as it consumed everything in its path.


    "HAHA! Eat this!" He roared, his laughter echoing through the room, wild and unhinged.


    Artair leaped out of the raging flames, a wicked grin spreading across his flame-wreathed face. His eyes gleamed with a sinister joy as he unleashed a barrage of fireballs into the inferno.


    "Already dead?!" Artair bellowed, his voice cutting through the crackling roar of the flames as he scanned the chaotic blaze for any sign of movement. But there was no response, only the relentless hiss of burning debris.


    "Good..." He muttered with a twisted grin, his eyes darting around the room. The madness in his gaze deepened as he searched for his next victim, his bloodlust was far from satisfied.


    After a moment of scanning the room, his eyes locked onto a trail of blood leading into the next chamber. A wicked smile crept across his face as Artair began to follow the crimson path, eager for more destruction.


    But suddenly, his advance was halted. A massive axe came crashing down in front of him, slamming into the ground with a force that rattled the floor.


    "Heh!?" Artair spun around, startled by the raging flames beside him. Out of the fire, Emmerich emerged, appearing completely unscathed.


    "You... you are really starting to irritate me." She began, stepping closer to him, her presence radiating a menacing calm.


    But before she could close the distance, Artair was already right in front of her, his gaze fierce and unwavering.


    "You were supposed to die..." He declared, extending his hand toward her, flames flickering ominously around his fingers as he prepared to unleash his fury.


    "I could say the same a few times already." Emmerich remarked, stepping closer.


    Suddenly, Artair lunged to strike Emmerich directly in the head, but she deftly evaded his attack. With a powerful shove, she sent him crashing into the adjacent wall.


    "UGH!" He grunted, hitting the ground hard as the impact rattled his bones.


    Emmerich dashed toward her axe, hurling it straight at Artair with lethal precision.


    He narrowly avoided the attack by leaping to the side, the axe whistling past him. Seizing the moment, he charged toward the woman, determination fueling his every move.


    Emmerich sprang into action as well, skillfully dodging one of Artair''s strikes by darting past him, her focus shifting to reclaiming her axe.


    With a fierce determination, she swung her weapon, unleashing a powerful wave of wind toward her opponent, the air crackling with energy as it surged forward.


    "I will kill you!" Artair shouted maniacally, deftly dodging her strike and immediately rushing toward the woman, swinging his fist. Determination sparkled in his eyes, and flames danced around his hands.


    Suddenly, Emmerich pulled out a shimmering malachite crystal from one of her pockets, holding it toward the man.


    Artair stopped, staring at the crystal in the woman''s hand.


    ¡°R... Rosmerta...¡± He stammered as the flames slowly began to dissipate from his face, and his bloodshot eyes filled with tears.


    ¡°Exactly...¡± The woman laughed, charging at the man, her hand glowing with an emerald light.


    With his senses finally returning, Artair attempted to dodge her attack. But the moment he made a move, a searing pain ripped through his chest, as if his very soul had been pierced. He staggered back, gasping for breath, the fiery remnants of his earlier fury dimming under the weight of her power.


    Suddenly, a hypnotic, feminine voice once again echoed in Artair¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Artair... let¡¯s kill her...¡± He heard, and then felt the weight of a body pressing down on him.


    ¡°No... leave me alone...¡± Artair stammered, clutching his head in a desperate attempt to block out the voice.


    ¡°Why...? Accept me, Artair...¡± The voice continued, and at that moment, he felt a constricting grip around his neck.


    ¡°Get out... get out of my head!¡± He shouted, fury igniting within him as the flames surged wildly, consuming the upper part of his body.


    The heat was excruciating, yet it fueled his rage, pushing him closer to the edge of madness. The pain felt like a twisted blessing, sharpening his focus amid the chaos.


    Seizing the moment, Emmerich lunged toward Artair and, using the power of the crystal, forcefully slammed him into the ground.


    Chunks of wood splintered, and flames erupted from the point of impact, filling the room with chaos. Artair lay unconscious in the center of a large crater, surrounded by smoldering debris and curling smoke.


    ¡°Crazy¡­ You''re so pathetic.¡± Emmerich said, putting the stone back into her pocket and stepping away from the man.


    ¡°W¡­wait¡­¡± Artair sputtered, trying to push himself up from the ground.


    ¡°No.¡± Emmerich turned around, laughing right in the man''s face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s kill her¡­¡± The voice continued to echo in Artair¡¯s mind, pushing him to the brink of madness.


    ¡°Leave me alone... get away!¡± The man shouted, gripping his head tightly.


    ¡°Oh, right¡­¡± Emmerich began, climbing over the crumbling walls toward the library''s exit.


    ¡°¡­Havoc sends her regards.¡± She said, laughter bubbling from her lips as she dashed outside.


    The moment she stepped out of the library, the very foundation began to tremble and shatter, the chaos unleashed in her wake.


    ¡°What¡­ n-no¡­¡± Artair stammered, struggling to rise from the ground.


    The entire ceiling began to collapse, revealing countless additional floors and rooms, all teetering on the brink of destruction.


    ¡°You heard her? Now you need me¡­¡± The voice persisted, and once again, Artair felt the weight of her presence bearing down on him.


    ¡°No! Get off me!¡± He shouted, hitting his head in frustration, desperate to shake off the oppressive sensation.


    Darkness began to creep into the man''s mind, the voice growing louder and more insistent.


    "Accept me already..." The voice became increasingly impatient, pressing against his thoughts like an unrelenting tide.


    "No... get away from me!" He shouted, clutching his head in a desperate attempt to drown it out.


    As Artair fought against the encroaching darkness, a sudden rumble shook the ground beneath him. The crumbling sanctuary groaned like a wounded beast, its walls threatening to collapse around him. Just as despair threatened to swallow him whole, a brilliant flash of light pierced the shadows.


    ¡°Artair! Are you alive?!¡± A familiar female voice rang out from the upper levels of the library.


    Struggling to lift his head, Artair searched for the source of the sound, his vision blurred by pain and tears.


    At that moment, he spotted her: a red-haired woman standing near the collapsing structure, just a few steps from the exit.


    ¡°L...Linn...¡± Artair managed to gasp, tears streaming down his cheeks, a mix of relief and desperation flooding his heart.


    Her presence felt like a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, repelling the voices from his head.


    ¡°Stay with me, Artair! I¡¯m coming!¡± Linn shouted, her voice filled with determination as she rushed toward him, navigating the falling debris with agility and grace.


    The woman landed beside him, slipping her arm under his and slowly lifting him up.


    ¡°Linn... what are you doing here...¡± Artair began, wiping the tears from his eyes.


    ¡°Astram sent me to find you. He said, knowing you two, you¡¯d get yourselves into some kind of trouble.¡± She glanced around at the crumbling sanctuary, a hint of worry etched on her face. ¡°And it looks like he was right.¡±


    ¡°C...Colla... Where is Colla?!¡± Artair shouted, panic evident in his voice.


    ¡°He¡¯s already on the surface.¡± She reassured him.


    ¡°Luckily, you distracted that woman long enough for me to get him out." She said, extending her hand forward, creating a small portal on the floor, its shimmering surface reflecting the chaos around them


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Artair stammered, his voice thick with gratitude.


    ¡°You¡¯re unusually meek today.¡± Linn teased, her smile brightening the dire situation as she widened the portal.


    Together, they stepped through the shimmering gateway, and in an instant, they were outside. The sun dipped slowly below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, while in the distance, patches of forest burned fiercely, smoke rising like dark clouds into the twilight sky.


    Beside them lay an unconscious Colla, bandages tightly wrapped around the wounds on his chest and arm. Linn gently lowered Artair to the ground before settling down beside him.


    "So, what happened?" She asked, concern etched on her face as she studied his odd demeanor.


    "Nothing... important." He replied, though the quiet whispers still echoed in his mind, refusing to fade away.


    Linn¡¯s brow furrowed, sensing that something deeper was troubling him. ¡°That doesn''t look like ''nothing important''''.¡± She remarked, pointing at the fires engulfing the forest.


    Artair nodded slowly, but the weight of his thoughts lingered, casting a shadow over his response.


    "How... did you even know we were here?" The professor asked, trying to shift the topic away from the chaos that had just unfolded.


    "I ran into this strange green-haired woman while I was searching for you. She told me you¡¯d be here." Linn replied, her gaze drifting toward the burning forest in the distance.


    A faint smile tugged at Artair''s lips, a small relief washing over him. "So she''s alive..."


    Linn looked at him, puzzled. "Did you know her?"


    "You could say she¡¯s the reason we ended up in this mess." Artair replied, glancing back at the smoldering ruins of the sanctuary.


    "Let me guess¡ªwere you saving another damsel in distress?" Linn teased, rising to her feet with a playful grin.


    "Something like that." Artair chuckled, pushing himself up as well. "It seems to be my specialty these days."


    Linn shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Just promise me you won¡¯t make a habit of it. We¡¯ve had enough drama as of lately."


    "I agree... let¡¯s head back home." The man said, moving closer to Colla and gently picking him up.


    "Are you already feeling better?" She asked, her voice laced with concern as she created another portal on the floor.


    "Not fully, but I can manage enough to help him." The professor replied, positioning himself beside Linn, determination evident in his posture.


    Then, they both stepped into the portal, feeling a rush of energy as it enveloped them. In an instant, they were safely transported back to Naso, the familiar surroundings bringing a sense of relief.


    The vibrant colors of the landscape greeted them, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air. Artair took a deep breath, the weight of their recent ordeal slowly lifting.


    "You have to tell me everything that happened in detail," Linn insisted, walking toward the university.


    "Tomorrow. For now, I''m exhausted." Artair replied, trailing behind her.


    As they made their way through the familiar paths of Naso, the weight of their experiences hung heavily in the air. The sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the campus, but Artair felt an uneasy chill deep within.

 Chapter 14

    Sylleth and Zara


    Sylleth¡¯s wrists throbbed painfully against the cold iron shackles as the ship rocked gently beneath him. The thick chains that bound him rattled with each movement, a constant reminder of their captivity. The dim lanterns swayed in the cramped cargo hold, casting flickering shadows across the wooden walls.


    Beside him, Zara was slumped against the carriage¡¯s wall, her golden eyes half-lidded, her orange-striped tail occasionally flicking with irritation.


    "Why didn¡¯t you run?" Sylleth asked, leaning forward and glaring down at her with irritation.


    "...They were smarter than I expected." Zara muttered, her frustration evident as her claws scraped against the chains with an agitated rasp.


    Sylleth took a deep breath, trying to push down the rising tension. He leaned back against the wall behind him, letting the cold wood press into his back.


    "So what now?" He asked, trying to keep his voice steady, though a trace of uncertainty crept in despite his efforts.


    "For now, nothing. We have to wait until we reach Isernia..." Zara replied, tapping the chains slowly against the wooden floor, the sound dull but persistent.


    "Right..." Sylleth muttered, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back.


    The rhythmic crash of waves against the ship¡¯s hull filled his ears, mingling with the sharp cries of seagulls circling above. In the distance, the creaking of wagons rolling across the deck added to the chorus of the ship¡¯s movements. The harsh clanking of metal against wood punctuated it all, Zara¡¯s frustrated attempts to break free echoing through the cramped space.


    "Do you think she managed to escape?" The boy asked, still listening intently to the sounds surrounding them.


    "Most likely, yeah. The hunters were too focused on the other escapees." Zara replied confidently, tossing her chains aside and turning her gaze toward him.


    A few moments of silence passed before Sylleth opened his eyes again and glanced at her.


    "What?" He asked.


    "Oh, I was just wondering who she is to you..." Zara began, raising her hand to her chin thoughtfully. "...You''re an elf, and she''s a demi-human, so siblings are out of the question... unless you¡¯re adopted." She chuckled.


    "We¡¯re not siblings." Sylleth responded, shaking his head.


    "So, what¡¯s the deal then? You¡¯re definitely not married." Zara teased, tilting her head playfully.


    "No, of course not!" Sylleth sputtered, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks before he took another deep breath. "It¡¯s just... when I was a kid, I wasn¡¯t exactly the most social or outgoing type..."


    "So you were the sad, lonely outcast?" Zara asked, her tail swishing happily as she grinned.


    "Ugh... yeah, you could say that." He admitted, glancing around the cramped carriage. "What I meant was, she was my first real friend. Maybe that¡¯s why I got so close to her so quickly."


    ¡°First friend? Does that mean I¡¯m the second?¡± Zara teased, scooting a little closer to Sylleth, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    ¡°...We¡¯re friends?¡± Sylleth blinked, genuinely surprised by the question, his voice laced with confusion.


    ¡°Of course we are! We''re the best of friends!¡± Zara declared, her tone bursting with excitement. She wagged her tail and flicked her ears playfully, as if to emphasize her point.


    Hearing those words, Sylleth smiled warmly. He had never met anyone quite like Zara before, and her presence, even in such bleak circumstances, was oddly comforting.


    ¡°Yeah, sure... maybe we are.¡± He replied, chuckling softly.


    Zara''s infectious energy had a way of cutting through the tension, like a spark in the dark. And in that moment, despite the chains and the uncertainty ahead, Sylleth felt just a little lighter.


    "Yup! And we''re gonna escape from here as friends!" She exclaimed.


    "Heh...wait, how did the hunters even catch you?From what I''ve seen you are quite strong." Sylleth asked, his brow furrowing with curiosity.


    "Catch me? Nah, I came here all on my own!" Zara laughed, her ears twitching happily.


    "...What?" Sylleth asked, still trying to wrap his head around her carefree attitude.


    "Yeah, I could¡¯ve stayed hidden, but I was bored." Zara chuckled, her tail flicking playfully behind her.


    "That... sounds exactly like something you''d do." Sylleth responded, his voice heavy with exasperation.


    "Well, yeah!" She said, nodding enthusiastically and raising a finger. "Besides, I didn¡¯t really have a way to get home anyway, so I figured, why not?"


    "You''re impossible..." Sylleth sighed heavily, shaking his head.


    "Thanks." Zara grinned, leaning casually against the wall, her ears flicking contentedly.


    "...That wasn¡¯t a compliment." Sylleth chuckled, the tension from the situation slowly easing off his shoulders.


    "Could''ve fooled me." She teased, winking as her tail swished behind her, clearly pleased with herself.


    "You know... you kind of remind me of Remus." Zara said, staring happily at the ceiling.


    "...Who?" Sylleth asked, puzzled.


    "My younger brother, Remus." Zara glanced back at Sylleth. "He spends every day with his nose buried in books and never wants to go hunting with me." Just thinking about it made her pout slightly, her ears twitching in irritation.


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    "Heh... that kinda reminds me of me and Nieven..." Sylleth replied with a faint smile, though it quickly faded into a look of unease.


    "Hm? What''s wrong?" Zara asked, clearly concerned.


    "Nothing... I''m just worried something might''ve happened to him." Sylleth''s voice was quieter now, his anxiety creeping into his words and tears began to well up in his eyes.


    Zara tilted her head, her ears flicking with concern. After a moment, she scooted a little closer to Sylleth, her usual playful energy softening.


    "Hey, I don¡¯t know him, but if he¡¯s anything like you, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll manage, right?" Zara said softly, her usual lively tone now much calmer, trying to soothe Sylleth. Her ears twitched slightly, showing just a hint of her own worry, but her voice remained steady.


    "Yeah... maybe you''re right." Sylleth replied, wiping away the few tears that had started to fall, his voice wavering but grateful for her comfort.


    Sylleth leaned back against the cold, wooden wall of the carriage, letting out a deep sigh as the sound of chains rattled faintly with every small movement. His head leaned back, his gaze briefly catching the dim light filtering through the cracks in the wood, highlighting the dust swirling in the stale air. Despite the tension, Zara¡¯s presence made it a little easier to breathe, though he would never admit that aloud.


    ¡°You know.¡± Zara piped up again, breaking the silence with a grin. ¡°Remus would love this kind of adventure, though he¡¯d probably complain the whole time about the lack of food and sleep.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say he never wanted to go hunting with you?¡± Sylleth asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°That¡¯s different.¡± Zara replied with a playful laugh. ¡°Hunting requires patience, waiting for the perfect moment for hours, then chasing down prey for even longer. He gets bored after a few minutes.¡± Her tail swished lazily behind her as she continued, a smirk on her lips. ¡°But here? In this kind of mess? He¡¯d feel like the hero of one of his books.¡±


    "Heh... I have a feeling I¡¯d get along with him," Sylleth said with a small smile.


    "See? I told you! You two need to meet up when we get to Lunareth!" Zara exclaimed excitedly, her tail swishing.


    "Lunareth? Is that where they¡¯re taking us?" Sylleth asked, a trace of fear creeping into his voice.


    "Nope!" Zara replied, raising a finger as if to emphasize her point. "I have no idea where they¡¯re taking us." She shrugged nonchalantly before her eyes gleamed with mischief. "But we¡¯re staying put until they drop us off in Isernia, then we¡¯re making our big escape and heading straight for Lunareth!" Her ears perked up as she spoke, twitching happily


    "...So you really are planning our second escape? They just caught us!" Sylleth stammered, pulling his legs closer to his torso.


    "The only thing I¡¯m planning is to go all out!" Zara exclaimed cheerfully, her enthusiasm bubbling over.


    "Yeah... I kind of expected that," Sylleth chuckled lightly, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Suddenly, a loud bell echoed in the distance, causing the carriage to sway and shake slightly.


    "What¡¯s happening?!" Sylleth shouted, panic evident in his voice.


    "I don¡¯t know¡­ but something''s going on." Zara replied, quickly getting to her feet and crouching down, her ears perked up in alarm.


    The carriage lurched violently, jolting Sylleth to the side.


    "Ugh!" He gasped, hitting the floor with a thud.


    "What¡¯s going on?! Are they transporting us somewhere?!" Sylleth shouted, panic rising in his voice.


    "Probably! It¡¯s very likely we¡¯ve just arrived at some port." Zara replied, closing her eyes to focus. She tuned in to the sounds surrounding them, her ears flicking as she tried to decipher the chaos outside.


    ¡°...Do you hear anything?¡± Sylleth asked, trying to steady himself and push off the ground.


    ¡°Nothing interesting...¡± Zara murmured, blinking her eyes open again.


    Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a sudden stop, throwing Sylleth onto the floor once more.


    ¡°Ugh! What¡¯s going on now?¡± He groaned, pushing himself up with a mix of irritation and confusion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel the waves anymore... I think we¡¯re on solid ground.¡± Zara pointed out, settling back onto the floor, her orange-striped tail curling around her legs as she surveyed their surroundings.


    ¡°Wait, so we¡¯re really in Isernia?!¡± Sylleth asked, a small smile breaking through his earlier tension.


    ¡°Well, unless they¡¯ve decided to take a detour somewhere else.¡± Zara giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even joke about that¡­¡± Sylleth mumbled, his heart racing at the thought of being taken somewhere unknown again.


    "Sorry, sorry!" Zara laughed, her tail wagging joyfully.


    "Well... so when do you plan to escape?" Sylleth asked, impatience creeping into his voice as he pushed himself off the ground.


    "Well, not right now... we¡¯ll try to make our move at night." Zara replied, leaning back against the wall, her expression thoughtful.


    "And how will you know it¡¯s night? We don¡¯t have any windows in here." Sylleth pointed out, raising an eyebrow skeptically.


    "I have my ways... down here in the south, it gets a lot colder when the sun goes down," Zara replied.


    "Okay... so when we start freezing, that¡¯s our cue to escape?" Sylleth asked, a smile creeping onto his face.


    "If that was sarcasm, it didn¡¯t land because that¡¯s exactly what we¡¯re going to do!" Zara exclaimed, her fluffy tail wagging excitedly.


    Sylleth chuckled softly as he settled against the wall, curling his legs back under his chest.


    "So, what do you say... should we catch a little sleep?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.


    "Are you really tired from talking to me?" Zara teased, a playful glint in her golden eyes.


    "Well, to be honest, I am just a bit." Sylleth admitted with a sheepish grin.


    "Alright... you can go ahead and sleep." Zara said, lifting her shackles.


    "And what about you?" The boy asked, resting his head on his knees.


    "I¡¯ll work on these chains. I¡¯ve managed to break free from them once before and I''ll do it again!" The girl replied, striking the chains against the floor once more.


    ¡°Do you really think you can do it?¡± The boy teased her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you believe in me?!¡± Zara shouted, as if offended.


    ¡°No, of course I believe you can do it.¡± Sylleth chuckled.


    Suddenly, loud bangs and shouts echoed from outside.


    "What¡¯s happening?!" Sylleth yelled as the carriage began to shake violently.


    ¡°Something¡¯s going on!¡± Zara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    The booming sounds and cries grew increasingly louder, and in the distance, a woman''s voice rang out, filled with urgency and determination.


    ¡°Take the ones on the right!¡± She shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Sylleth asked, pushing himself up from the floor, his heart pounding in his chest.


    ¡°Do I look like I know? But they sound interesting!¡± Zara replied, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement as she bounced on her feet, tail swishing energetically behind her.


    Sylleth couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes at her carefree attitude. ¡°Interesting? This sounds like madness!¡±


    "And that¡¯s exactly why it¡¯s exciting!" Zara exclaimed cheerfully. "So, are we making our escape now?!"


    "Right now?!" The boy shouted, panic flooding his voice.


    "Yes! Come on, let''s go!" Zara replied with a bright smile, her claws scratching against the chains as if they were mere playthings.


    Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the air.


    "In the light of the stars, I summon the ancient forces. In this hour of darkness, may the light be my guide!"


    At that moment, blinding light pierced through the cracks between the boards of the carriage, illuminating the cramped space with an ethereal glow.


    "What is happening?!" Sylleth shouted, panic rising in his voice as he shielded his eyes from the brilliance.


    Suddenly, the wall of the carriage shattered, revealing a group of determined adventurers framed by a glowing orb of light behind them. The air hummed with energy as debris flew in every direction.


    A woman burst into the carriage, her long, black hair trailing behind her like a dark banner in the air.


    ¡°Come on! We don¡¯t have time!¡± She shouted, extending her hand toward Sylleth and Zara.


    As she did, a flurry of shimmering beams shot from her fingertips, striking the chains that bound them. In an instant, the heavy iron shattered like glass, falling away in sparkling fragments.


    "Not so fast!" A furious voice echoed through the air.


    The woman spun around, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure Sylleth had already encountered, a man gripping a massive, two-handed sword. His face was twisted with frustration and anger, practically on the verge of bursting from sheer fury.


    "We''ve got another problem." Whispered a young man that was standing on the right of the woman, clutching a spear tightly, his eyes scanning the area for threats.


    "Indeed." The woman replied, stepping confidently out of the carriage. The light from the glowing orb illuminated her determined expression, revealing a fierce glint in her eyes.


    "You won''t take our goods anywhere...!" The man shouted, pointing the blade menacingly at the woman. "I, Helier, will stop you!"


    "How amusing..." The woman chuckled, her azure blue eyes sparkling with determination. "Because I, Sif, have no intention of giving anyone back!"

 Chapter 15

    In the air, beyond the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the shrill cries of seagulls from the nearby shore, the clash of blades echoed.


    Sif moved with grace, her black hair flying behind her as she effortlessly dodged her enemy''s attacks. Helier, on the other hand, swung wildly, his strikes chaotic and uncoordinated, driven more by rage than skill.


    "Lukius! Get them to the rest!" Sif shouted, lunging toward the enemy with her blade ready to strike.


    "On it!" Lukius called back, turning toward Sylleth and Zara. "Let¡¯s go!"


    Zara sprang to her feet in an instant, grabbing Sylleth and pulling him along with her.


    "Zara?" The boy stammered, still dazed and confused by the chaos around them.


    "We''re going!" She shouted joyfully, yanking his hand and following the young man ahead with boundless energy.


    As Lukius led the heroes to safety, Sif did everything in her power to keep the hunter''s attention focused on her. She moved with precision, her blade flashing in the dim light as she parried Helier¡¯s wild strikes, each movement designed to draw his rage further away from the others.


    "Why you..." Helier began, his voice seething with anger. "How did you even know we¡¯d be here?!" he shouted, his face flushed with fury.


    "As it happens..." Sif replied, shoving him back with a powerful kick, sending him stumbling. "...one of ours let himself get caught by you." She smirked, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.


    "Damn it..." The man cursed under his breath, then without a second thought, he turned and sprinted towards the dense forest that surrounded them.


    "Huh? That¡¯s it?" Sif muttered, lowering her weapon, a look of disbelief crossing her face.


    Suddenly, a massive metal arrow slammed into the ground, destroying one of the larger trees and blocking the man''s path with a loud thud.


    "Don¡¯t even think about escaping!" Shouted a young man perched on one of the tree branches above. His purple-gray hair, tied into a ponytail, fluttered gently in the breeze, partially falling over the large longbow he held at the ready.


    "You..." The man muttered, turning towards the boy.


    "Yep, it''s me. Bet you didn¡¯t expect that this ''weakling'' you caught was an adventurer, huh?" The boy chuckled softly, smoothly drawing an arrow from his quiver and nocking it onto the string of his bow in one fluid motion.


    "Niall, don''t." Sif said calmly, her voice carrying a sense of control.


    "But..." The boy started, only to be cut off by the woman.


    "No arguments. We need information, and a dead man won''t give us any." Sif''s voice grew firm as she slowly walked toward Helier, her gaze unwavering.


    "Yes... of course, ma''am." Niall replied, disappointed but obedient, lowering the arrow back into his quiver and settling back on the branch, a hint of frustration in his eyes.


    "Information? You think I¡¯ll tell you anything?!" The man laughed mockingly.


    "A sane man wouldn¡¯t... but we have our ways." Sif replied calmly, pulling a small gray pouch from one of her pockets.


    "...Are you trying to bribe me, woman?" Helier shouted, his frustration rising.


    At his outburst, Niall, now lounging lazily on the branch, let out a snicker.


    "Oh, you wish." He chuckled.


    Sif pulled out a small, square device from the pouch, a gray crystal embedded at its center.


    "What the hell is that?!" Helier shouted, taking an instinctive step back.


    Without warning, Sif lunged forward, driving the black box straight into his ribs.


    "UGH!" Helier grunted, the force of the blow knocking him off balance. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his side, pain and confusion flashing across his face.


    Tendrils of gray smoke began to rise from Helier''s body, swirling and twisting in the air like serpents.


    The man clutched his chest, writhing in agony, but no sound escaped his lips beyond his initial scream. His mouth hung open, but his voice had been stolen by the pain.


    The smoke slowly began to funnel toward the gray crystal embedded in the device, as if drawn by an unseen force. The more the mist was absorbed, the more Helier''s body convulsed, his eyes wide with panic, each tendril that vanished into the stone intensifying his torment.


    "It''s always fun watching the bad guys squirm when the crystal gets them..." Niall said, clearly amused, swinging his legs playfully from the branch above.


    "Niall, go to Lukius and the others. I''ll join you shortly." Sif commanded, her tone firm as she held the device steady over Helier''s trembling body. Her focus remained on the man beneath her, the gray crystal continuing to draw the swirling smoke from him, its eerie glow intensifying with each passing second.


    "On it!" Niall replied with a grin, standing up and gracefully hopping from branch to branch until he finally landed on the ground with a soft thud.


    "They¡¯ve headed toward the port." Sif informed him, pointing with the sword she still held in her other hand, the blade gleaming faintly in the dim light.


    Niall gave a quick nod, then dashed off in the direction she had indicated, his movements swift and sure, leaving Sif to finish her business with Helier.


    <hr>


    Lukius, with Zara and Sylleth trailing closely behind, pushed through the thick brush, his eyes constantly scanning the path ahead. The air was thick with the smell of salt and seaweed as they neared the coastline.


    "We''re almost there!" The man shouted over his shoulder, his voice barely audible over the sound of their hurried footsteps.


    "Where are you taking us?!" Sylleth yelled back, confusion etched on his face as he struggled to keep up.


    "No time to explain! We''ll tell you everything later!" Came the quick reply, his pace increasing as they navigated through the thick underbrush.


    Zara, still gripping Sylleth¡¯s hand tightly, shot him a reassuring glance. Though exhausted and just as confused, there was an undeniable spark of excitement in her eyes as they raced through the forest, pushing toward whatever safety lay ahead.


    Suddenly, a soft, feminine voice rang out from one of the trees above them.


    "Oh Lukius, that was quick." The woman said, her tone casual as she pulled back the hood of her black leather armor, revealing short, raven-black hair and a scar across her lips.


    "Syviis?! What are you doing here?!" Lukius exclaimed, clearly bewildered by her sudden appearance.


    "Vidar decided he didn¡¯t need my help, so I took off." She replied nonchalantly, swinging her legs playfully as she sat perched on a branch, her expression calm and unbothered.


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    "...The oldest, yet they act like kids..." The young man muttered in disappointment, running a hand through his hair.


    "Hey, what are you mumbling over there?" Syviis asked, frowning down at him.


    "Nothing important. You should probably go help Vidar before Sif finds out and we all get an earful." Lukius replied, waving it off as he continued moving ahead.


    "...They don''t seem to be a very coordinated team..." Zara whispered to Sylleth, her voice low with concern.


    "Right?" Sylleth replied, nodding as they followed Lukius further down the path.


    ¡°What?! Why should I? He can handle himself!¡± Syviis shouted back, her voice laced with annoyance.


    ¡°Syviis, you know him.¡± Lukius called out, exasperation creeping into his tone. ¡°For all we know, he might have charged headlong into that mage Slanei mentioned. And if that¡¯s the case, he¡¯s in deep trouble.¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Syviis groaned, clearly frustrated but knowing Vidar, Lukius was right. With a reluctant sigh, she slowly jumped down from the tree, landing gracefully.


    Zara tightened her grip on Sylleth¡¯s hand, her face reflecting concern. Whatever lay ahead, she wasn¡¯t eager to find out just how reckless their new allies could be.


    Then, all of them burst through the final line of trees into a clearing.


    The scene before them made Zara¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    On one side of the clearing lay a man, pinned beneath an overturned wagon, his face twisted in pain. On the other, a hooded figure stood tall, clutching a massive staff that crackled with raw energy.


    ¡°Vidar!¡± Lukius shouted, his voice filled with urgency as he spotted the faint glow of mana orbs beginning to form at the end of the hooded figure¡¯s staff.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Syviis cursed under her breath, instantly dashing toward the trapped man, her eyes fixed on the precarious situation as she moved.


    The hooded hunter turned sharply toward the sprinting woman, and with a single swift motion of his staff, unleashed a barrage of fiery projectiles in her direction.


    ¡°Syviis, watch out!¡± Lukius yelled, thrusting his hand forward instinctively.


    In an instant, a wave of pure, shimmering energy erupted from his palm. As it surged through the air, it began to ripple and twist, forming into a translucent barrier resembling the flow of water, curving to intercept the oncoming fire.


    The flames fizzled out upon colliding with Lukius''s magic, dispersing into a thick, swirling cloud of smoke that covered the battlefield.


    Syviis, unfazed by the sudden cover of smoke, darted swiftly toward Vidar, her focus unwavering.


    ¡°You... what are you doing here?!¡± Vidar grunted, his voice strained as he struggled to free himself from the heavy carriage pinning him down.


    ¡°Maybe start with a ''thank you'' first?¡± Syviis snapped back, gritting her teeth as she threw her weight against the carriage, trying to shift it off him.


    A moment later, Lukius, Zara, and Sylleth caught up with the group, their faces flushed from running.


    "Alright, we''ve got a little time before that mage comes to his senses." Lukius said breathlessly, immediately stepping in to help Syviis as she pushed the wreckage of the wagon aside.


    Seeing him jump into action, Zara quickly followed, positioning herself on the other side of the carriage. "Let me help too." She said, determination flashing in her eyes as she braced herself to push.


    Sylleth stood a few paces behind, still catching his breath and wide-eyed from the chaos of the battle. Zara noticed him hesitating and glanced back, her expression softening slightly.


    "Sylleth, come on, we need all the help we can get." She urged, her voice gentle but firm, nodding toward the carriage. "It''s not going to move itself."


    "Y-Yeah," Sylleth stammered, throwing himself into the effort, his arms shaking as he tried to help push the wagon with all his strength.


    "Just... a little more..." Lukius grunted, every muscle in his body straining as he gave it everything he had.


    Meanwhile, Vidar, still pinned beneath the wagon, gritted his teeth in frustration. In one swift movement, he reached over and yanked a dagger from the holster on Syviis'' thigh.


    "Hey!" Syviis shouted, glaring at him.


    Ignoring her protests, Vidar stabbed the blade into the ground beside him, using it as leverage to pull himself out from under the wreckage.


    "If you dull that blade, I''ll kill you myself!" She snapped, though there was a spark of amusement in her voice. She quickly returned to pushing the wagon, her eyes fixed on freeing him.


    The combined effort of the group began to pay off. The wagon, slowly but surely, shifted under their combined strength. With a final heave, it moved just enough for Vidar to pull his leg free. He staggered to his feet, dusting himself off and stretching his muscles with a pained grimace.


    "Finally!" Vidar shouted as he slowly pulled himself up from the ground, brushing off the dirt. "Took you long enough!"


    "Hey! That¡¯s how you thank us for saving your hide?!" Syviis yelled, her voice filled with frustration as she glared at him.


    Vidar raised his hands in mock surrender, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Alright, alright... sorry about that." He rubbed his short beard, trying to defuse the situation, before turning to Lukius. "Thanks for the help, man."


    Syviis¡¯ eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh, come on!" she snapped, her patience clearly wearing thin. "You can thank him, but not me?!"


    "Ugh..." Lukius groaned, clutching his head.


    Suddenly, as the thick smoke began to thin out, an intense light flared up from the direction where the hooded mage had been standing.


    "Xenthra-Fyren!" The hooded figure bellowed, his voice echoing with a sinister force as he pointed his now glowing staff directly at the group.


    "Watch out!" Lukius shouted, thrusting his hand forward.


    Zara instinctively dropped to the ground, pulling Sylleth down with her in one swift motion. The boy hit the dirt with a startled yelp but quickly realized the danger as he glanced toward the threat.


    Vidar and Syviis stood their ground behind Lukius, bracing themselves for whatever was about to come next. Both of them knew well enough to trust their comrade''s instincts when it came to magic.


    "Let¡¯s see it, man!" Vidar shouted, shielding his face with his arms as a gust of wind began to whip up around them.


    From the mage''s staff, a massive fireball erupted, hurtling toward the group at terrifying speed. Before Lukius could summon his magic to defend them, a calm, yet commanding voice echoed from the distance.


    "I¡¯ll handle this!" Niall''s voice rang out from one of the nearby trees, as he swiftly drew a golden arrow from his quiver.


    "Slanei?!" Lukius shouted in surprise, his eyes widening.


    "Do it, kid!" Vidar and Syviis yelled together, their voices full of urgency but also trust in the archer¡¯s skill.


    Niall drew the arrow against the string of his bow, his movements precise and calm. As he took a knee, his breathing steadied.


    "With winds of the ancients, I call upon thee..." He whispered, his eyes closing as the soft hum of mana coursed through him. "...to strip away power, and set the mana free!" He shouted, his voice carrying through the trees.


    The golden arrow, now nocked and ready, began to tremble ever so slightly. A faint glow surrounded it, pulsing in rhythm with his words as the magic infused into its core, preparing to break the enemy''s spell.


    In the blink of an eye, Niall''s arrow shot toward the massive fireball, which was now dangerously close to the group. Time seemed to slow as the glowing projectile sliced through the air with precision.


    Upon impact, the arrow pierced the enemy''s spell, and for a brief moment, the fiery orb hung suspended in the air before exploding in a flash of light. The unleashed energy scattered harmlessly across the battlefield, the once-contained magic now dispersed into the atmosphere like a gust of wind. The heroes stood unharmed, the danger passed as Niall''s mana-defusing spell did its work.


    "Nice job, kid!" Syviis shouted, waving toward the boy perched on the tree branch.


    "Thanks!" Niall called back with a grin, quickly leaping down from the tree with effortless grace. He landed softly on the ground, brushing off his clothes as he joined the others, clearly pleased with himself.


    The heroes turned toward where the mage had once stood, only to see another hooded figure emerging from the shadows, this time wielding a massive axe.


    "Looks like we''ve got another problem..." Lukius muttered, taking a cautious step back.


    "I''ll handle this one." Vidar said confidently, drawing his sword from the sheath at his side.


    "You already ''handled'' the last one," Syviis shot back with a smirk, pulling one dagger from the ground and another from her other pocket, her eyes locked on the new threat.


    The hooded figure swung their massive axe, its blade glowing with an eerie malachite light.


    "They''re attacking!" Niall shouted, his voice urgent.


    "Take cover!" Zara yelled, grabbing Sylleth¡¯s hand. In one swift motion, she pulled him up from the ground and dragged him behind the wagon for safety, her heart pounding in her chest.


    A sudden gust of wind swept across the battlefield, and in an instant, both hooded figures vanished as if carried away by the breeze.


    "Ahh!" Niall shouted, shielding his face from the blast.


    "Where are they?!" Syviis yelled, her voice laced with confusion as her eyes darted around the clearing, searching for any sign of the enemies.


    "Maybe... they ran away?" Lukius muttered, glancing around cautiously.


    "Ugh... no fun at all." Vidar grumbled, sheathing his sword with a frustrated sigh.


    "I''ll pass on that kind of ''fun''." Syviis snorted in response, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Did they run away?¡± Zara asked, peeking out from behind the wagon.


    ¡°I think so¡­¡± Lukius replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger.


    ¡°Uh¡­ is it a good idea to ask who you are?¡± Sylleth chimed in, leaning out from behind Zara.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell them?¡± Niall said, turning to Lukius with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°There was no time for that.¡± The young man answered, his tone laced with frustration.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Syviis sighed, crossing her arms as she faced Sylleth and Zara. ¡°We¡¯re A-rank adventurers.¡± She declared, her voice carrying a hint of pride.


    ¡°Actually, we¡¯re called the Stormbreakers.¡± Vidar interjects, a hint of pride in his voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like that name.¡± Niall replies, wrinkling his nose in disapproval.


    ¡°What did you just say?!¡± Vidar shouts, eyes widening in disbelief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t argue with him, Slanei.¡± Lukius chimes in, a smirk playing on his lips as he tries to diffuse the tension.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Niall groans, tossing his braid over his shoulder with a dramatic flair, the annoyance clear on his face.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s better than being called the ¡®Lost Causes¡¯ isn¡¯t it?¡± Syviis adds with a teasing grin, earning a laugh from the others.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, we get it! You¡¯re all clever!¡± Vidar retorts, crossing his arms but unable to hide his smile.


    ¡°...The most important thing you need to know is that...¡± Lukius begins, turning to Sylleth and Zara, his expression earnest. ¡°...we want to help you.¡±

 Chapter 16

    Lukius glanced back at the group as they trudged along the forest path, the sun low in the sky. The trees around them began to thin, giving way to the vast plains. The tension from the previous battle still hung in the air, but the urgency of their journey kept everyone moving.


    ¡°Hey, kid, where¡¯s the boss, anyway?¡± Vidar called out from the back of the group, his voice carrying over the sounds of their footsteps on the forest floor.


    ¡°She said she¡¯ll join us later.¡± Niall replied, walking alongside Syviis, casually carving a small figure from a piece of wood with his dagger.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ so where exactly are we headed?¡± Zara asked, her eyes scanning the trees around them, as if expecting something hidden in the shadows.


    "One of ours is currently in Ilythyrra." Syviis responded, her tone casual but focused.


    ¡°We also need to warn the guild about the fact that those slavers slipped through our fingers.¡± Lukius added from the front, walking alongside Sylleth, his gaze fixed ahead as they made their way through the forest.


    "Ilythyrra?" Sylleth asked, turning his gaze toward Lukius, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.


    "The elven capital." Lukius replied, his voice steady. "Biggest city on the continent."


    ¡°The capital¡­ of the elves?¡± Sylleth mumbled under his breath, his voice barely audible.


    ¡°You¡¯re an elf, right? Surely you¡¯ve been there plenty of times.¡± Niall commented, not even bothering to look up from his carving, his tone casual.


    ¡°No... I¡¯ve never left my hometown before¡­¡± Sylleth admitted, his expression growing more somber as he spoke, the weight of that realization sinking in.


    "Wait... never ever?" Syviis asked, her brows raised in surprise.


    "...Yeah, never ever." Sylleth responded, his expression downcast, a hint of sadness in his voice.


    "Well, now''s your chance!" Vidar shouted from the back, his booming voice carrying through the trees as he tried to lift the boy''s spirits. "First time for everything!"


    Sylleth managed a small smile at Vidar''s encouragement, though the uncertainty still lingered in his eyes as he glanced toward the distant horizon.


    In the distance, atop a hill surrounded by dense tropical forest, two large carriages appeared, each pulled by massive horses with glossy, dark coats.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Zara asked, jogging up to the front of the group, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.


    ¡°Our ride.¡± Niall replied with a smirk, flicking a thumb in the direction of the carriages.


    As they approached the carriages, Sylleth began to notice more details, the intricate emblems carved into their sides, and a crest depicting a butterfly delicately perched on a winding vine.


    ¡°What is it¡­?¡± He asked, curiosity lighting up his face.


    ¡°Those are the emblems of Ilythyrra.¡± Lukius explained, glancing back at him.


    ¡°Elves are snobs.¡± Niall added with a smirk, tossing his carving up in the air and catching it with practiced ease. ¡°They like to flaunt their status, so they slap their symbols on everything they can.¡±


    ¡°If Corym heard you, he¡¯d probably knock you out cold.¡± Came a raspy, amused voice from inside the larger carriage, around which the group was gathered.


    ¡°Oh, he knows I¡¯m right. He¡¯d just grumble about it." Niall shot back with a grin, lowering his dagger as he turned to face the speaker.


    A man emerged from the front of the wagon, cloaked in a long, black leather coat fastened at his neck and trailing down to his calves. His dark hair, long and loose, billowed in the wind, occasionally falling across his face and partially obscuring his deep, jet-black eyes. The shadowed look, combined with his half-smirk, gave him an air of confident indifference.


    "...And who are you?" Zara asked, her voice laced with curiosity.


    ¡°Maybe I should be asking you that, who are you?¡± The man replied, jumping down from the carriage to the thick, grassy ground with an easy grace.


    ¡°We took them from slavers.¡± Syviis explained, stepping toward the wagon.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± He murmured, his eyes scanning the group thoughtfully. ¡°And what about Siffy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll join us later.¡± Lukius answered, sounding slightly irritated by the way he adressed her.


    ¡°This time you¡¯d be the one getting a smack if she were here.¡± Niall added with a smirk, the jab light but teasing.


    ¡°Oh, she loves when I talk to her like that... doesn¡¯t she, beardy?¡± The man teased with a sly smile, turning toward the bearded warrior.


    ¡°Call me that one more time, and you¡¯ll be fertilizer for your beloved weeds.¡± Vidar warned, his tone dripping with menace as he glared at him.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot just how terrifying you are!¡± The man grinned, clearly amused, though he tried to mask it with a nonchalant expression.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Vidar huffed, turning his back on him and striding over to the second wagon without another glance.


    "Lirian, stop antagonizing him." Lukius said, packing some of their gear into the larger wagon.


    ¡°Oh, but why¡­? His reactions are so amusing¡­¡± Lirian replied with a feigned pout, brushing a lock of hair off his forehead with exaggerated drama.


    ¡°I¡¯LL SHOW YOU AMUSING!¡± Vidar bellowed from across the clearing, hurling an axe in Lirian¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Are you insane?!¡± Lirian yelped, ducking just in time as the axe narrowly missed him, embedding itself with a thunk in a nearby tree.


    Zara leaned in close to Sylleth¡¯s ear, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I have a feeling that by the time we reach the capital, someone is going to lose their head.¡± She said, her ears twitching in anticipation.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to disagree with you¡­ but you might be right.¡± Sylleth replied, keeping his voice low, his eyes darting between the others.


    ¡°Yeah, I think so too.¡± Niall chimed in, still focused on his wood carving. ¡°They¡¯re bound to end up tearing each other apart at this rate.¡± He looked up briefly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t want to miss it!¡±


    Zara giggled at the thought, while Sylleth couldn¡¯t help but chuckle nervously, the tension of the situation mingling with a sense of camaraderie among them.


    Vidar grabbed another axe and charged toward Lirian, a wild grin spreading across his face.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°You are crazy!¡± Lirian shouted, his voice a mix of fear and laughter as he bolted away from the bearded warrior.


    ¡°Vidar, leave him alone!¡± Syviis yelled, rushing after the two men, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.


    ¡°Honestly, they¡¯re acting like children¡­¡± Lukius remarked, shaking his head in disappointment as he watched the trio of grown adults racing around the clearing with axes in hands.


    ¡°And I¡¯m the youngest one here?¡± Niall quipped, leaping onto one of the carriages with a cheeky grin.


    Zara and Sylleth quickly followed him, their eyes bright with curiosity as they turned to watch the chaotic race unfolding behind the wagon.


    ¡°Look at them go!¡± Zara exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement as she leaned over the edge, eager to catch a better view.


    ¡°Do you really think they¡¯ll hurt each other?¡± Sylleth asked, peeking cautiously over the edge of the wagon.


    ¡°No, not unless Vidar catches him.¡± Niall chuckled, settling down beside Sylleth.


    ¡°Why is he so mad, anyway?¡± The boy inquired, his brow furrowed with curiosity.


    ¡°Well, Lirian is half-elf, and Vidar is half-dwarf¡­ that pretty much explains it.¡± Niall replied with a grin, focusing back on his carving. The piece of wood was beginning to take the shape of a small fox, its features becoming more defined with each careful cut of his dagger.


    Sylleth raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that really a thing? The whole elf and dwarf rivalry?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Niall laughed, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s like oil and water, two totally different worlds clashing. You¡¯ve got the elegance of the elves against the stubborn strength of dwarves. They can¡¯t help but rub each other the wrong way.¡±


    ¡°Do they do this often?¡± Zara asked, an amused eyebrow raised as she watched the chaos unfold.


    ¡°Think about it, why else would we need two carriages?¡± Niall laughed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    After a moment, Lukius stepped into the wagon, placing a heavy bag down on the floor with a sigh.


    ¡°When they finally tire themselves out, we¡¯ll get moving." He said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.


    After a few more moments of playful chaos, Lirian finally managed to evade Vidar''s relentless pursuit. Breathing heavily, he slid to a stop, hands on his knees, a grin plastered across his face.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough! I can¡¯t take it anymore!¡± Lirian gasped, wiping sweat from his brow.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky...¡± Vidar panted, collapsing to his knees beside him. ¡°...if it weren¡¯t for my knee aching all day, I would¡¯ve skinned you alive.¡± He huffed, trying to catch his breath.


    ¡°Oh, you poor thing¡­ you said the same thing last time too.¡± The man laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief.


    ¡°Shut it.¡± Vidar replied, a grin breaking through his feigned annoyance as he dropped onto the ground, sprawled out like a beached whale.


    ¡°Hey, girlies! Have you two had enough fun yet?¡± Niall called out playfully, leaning his head out of the wagon with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Shut up, you too!¡± Vidar shot back, his voice muffled as he kept his face pressed into the grass, clearly too exhausted to move.


    Lirian couldn''t help but laugh, turning around and plopping down beside Vidar, the mirth in his eyes matching the lightness of the moment.


    As the last echoes of laughter faded, the group gradually settled into a more purposeful rhythm. Vidar and Lirian picked themselves up from the ground, still catching their breath but sporting satisfied grins. With a collective sense of readiness, they moved toward the carriages, eager to start the next leg of their journey.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get moving before they change their minds and start Round Two.¡± Lukius said, taking a seat at the front of the wagon.


    ¡°Do you realize they¡¯ll probably be fighting the whole way to the capital?¡± Niall chimed in, sprawling out on one of the leather benches.


    ¡°At least it¡¯ll keep their minds occupied and provide us with some entertainment.¡± Lukius replied, glancing back at the chaotic scene behind them. ¡°We¡¯ll need the distraction, considering what awaits us.¡±


    He paused, looking for Lirian, who was still standing at the edge of the wagon, eyeing the commotion with a mix of amusement and apprehension. ¡°Come on, Lirian! Get in here before Vidar throws another axe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m coming, and you better not give him any new ideas!¡± Lirian shouted as he sprinted toward the wagon.


    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®considering what awaits us¡¯? What¡¯s ahead?!¡± Zara asked, her tail flicking with curiosity.


    ¡°Bandits... wild beasts, ambushes, maybe a suicidal mage, you name it.¡± Niall listed off, counting on his fingers as if it were an ordinary checklist.


    ¡°Suicidal mage?!¡± Sylleth exclaimed, his voice trembling with fear.


    ¡°Yeah, you know, the kind that looks like a helpless civilian. You pull them into the wagon, and then... boom!¡± Niall laughed, mimicking an explosion with his hands.


    ¡°Not funny, Niall!¡± Zara exclaimed, her eyes wide with alarm.


    Lukius rolled his eyes but couldn¡¯t help the smirk that crept onto his face. ¡°You really think that¡¯s how it goes? You¡¯re making it sound like a bad tavern tale.¡±


    ¡°I indeed heard that story in a tavern.¡± The boy admitted, swinging his legs casually.


    Finally, Lirian climbed into the wagon, brushing bits of grass off his black pants before settling down beside Sylleth with a sigh.


    "Alright then, let¡¯s get moving." Lukius announced, pulling the reins and giving a quick signal to Syviis, who sat at the front of the second wagon.


    "How long until we reach Ilythyrra?" Zara asked, settling into her seat to the right of Sylleth.


    "Around seven hours... unless something or someone decides to slow us down." Niall replied, casting a sidelong glance at Lirian.


    "Hey, it''s not my fault beardy got it out for me." Lirian shot back, crossing one leg over the other


    After a moment, Lirian glanced over at Sylleth, his gaze sharp and assessing.


    "You''re an elf, right?" He asked, his eyes flicking to the boy¡¯s pointed ears.


    "Uh... yes." Sylleth replied, sounding a bit awkward.


    Lirian smiled warmly and extended a hand toward him.


    "I''m Lirian, good to meet you." His grin was genuine, a mix of friendliness and a touch of mischief.


    "I''m Sylleth... nice to meet you too." The boy replied, giving Lirian''s hand a gentle shake.


    As the wheels began to roll, the forest slowly shifted from dense woods to scattered clusters of trees, and eventually, to the open plains that stretched toward Ilythyrra. Hours passed in lively banter, minor squabbles, and stretches of comfortable silence as they pressed onward.


    <hr>


    Halfway to the capital, the sun hung high, casting reddish rays across the vast expanse of fields and hills. The group settled into a relaxed rhythm as the terrain grew less rugged. Sylleth, Zara, and Niall leaned out to watch the landscape sweep by, admiring the lush fields that hinted at the fertile lands near the elven capital.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s going to happen to us when we finally reach Ilythyrra?¡± Sylleth asked, glancing out at the sweeping landscape rolling by outside the wagon.


    ¡°That really depends on what the guild decides.¡± Lirian replied, pulling a small pouch from his bag and tossing it lightly in his hand. ¡°They¡¯re the ones in charge around here.¡±


    ¡°What exactly is this guild, anyway?¡± Sylleth pressed, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°You¡¯re from Elandor, right? Think of it like your councils back home.¡± Niall replied, focused on his carving, his fingers deftly shaping the wood. ¡°They¡¯re the ones who make decisions for all the adventurers and mercenaries in the area. Not exactly a democracy, but they¡¯ve got their own rules.¡±


    "Sounds... complicated?" Zara chimed in, still leaning over the back of the wagon, her eyes darting to the landscape rushing by.


    "But it''s really not that bad! Just don''t get on their bad side, and you can pretty much do what you want." Lirian said, pulling out a handful of small blue seeds from his pouch. He examined them with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    "Well, if you don¡¯t like their decisions, you can always go higher... to the royal family of Ilythyrra or Lunareth." Niall said with a casual shrug.


    "What¡¯s that?" Zara asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned closer to examine the seeds in Lirian''s hand.


    "These are Amaryllis seeds. Dried, they''re good for channeling mana." Lirian replied, plucking one from the pouch and popping it into his mouth with a nonchalant grin.


    "I don¡¯t know how you can eat that bitter stuff..." Niall teased, wrinkling his nose in distaste.


    "Once you get used to it, it¡¯s not so bad." Lirian replied with a grin, crunching down on the seed. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s good for you. A little bit of bitterness never hurt anyone.¡±


    Suddenly, Lukius burst into the wagon, his presence commanding immediate attention.


    ¡°Ilythyrra is just on the horizon!¡± he announced, his tired voice laced with excitement.


    ¡°Oh, finally!¡± Niall exclaimed to himself, jumping up from his seat. ¡°I was beginning to think we¡¯d never get here!¡±


    Zara leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. ¡°Really? It¡¯s that close?¡±


    Lukius nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through his fatigue. ¡°Just a few more hills, and we¡¯ll be there. Prepare yourselves, the capital is even more stunning than you''d think!"


    Lukius drew back the curtain, revealing to the heroes a sweeping vista of rolling hills draped in dense tropical forests. Here and there, towering spires rose majestically, their walls crafted from shimmering white marble, while their roofs were artfully woven from vibrant green leaves.


    A kaleidoscope of colorful birds flitted between the towers, their bright plumage adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting landscape.


    Their cheerful songs filled the air, creating a symphony that resonated throughout the entire landscape. Sylleth stood frozen in place, utterly captivated; the beauty of this place took his breath away.


    "Do you like it?" Niall asked, a grin spreading across his face.


    "It''s... beautiful here..." Sylleth stammered, his eyes wide with awe as he took in the vibrant scenery.


    "Indeed, my friend." Lirian chimed in, his voice rich with pride. "Welcome to Ilythyrra, the capital of all elves. Here, magic flows through the air like a gentle breeze, and the beauty of nature intertwines with our very essence."


    As they stood there, surrounded by the lush greenery and the majestic spires, Sylleth felt a sense of belonging wash over him, igniting a spark of hope and adventure within his heart.

 Chapter 17

    The blazing sun illuminated the towering marble walls, their smooth surfaces draped in lush vines from which delicate white flower buds blossomed. Swarms of butterflies and bees of various species nestled among the vines, lending the scene an air of vibrant life as they flitted about, almost as if waiting patiently for dusk to descend.


    Here and there, atop the towering walls, elven soldiers could be seen in radiant silver armor, patrolling the area or receiving messages delivered by messenger doves. Their polished armor glinted in the sunlight, giving them an almost ethereal presence as they moved gracefully along the battlements, keeping a vigilant watch over the city.


    At the very center of the wall, a massive golden gate blocked the entrance, reflecting sunlight in all directions and nearly blinding anyone who passed nearby. Surrounding the gate were clusters of soldiers clad in gleaming silver or golden armor, their presence adding to the gate''s grandeur. This was the sight before Sylleth as he and the group of adventurers finally arrived at the gates of the elven capital.


    With every step closer to the towering gate, Sylleth¡¯s anticipation grew, a mix of nervousness and exhilaration fluttering within him. He hadn¡¯t felt this way in years... excited, almost joyful.


    Just as the wagon was a dozen feet from the gate, a tall figure stepped into their path. A woman with long, silver hair that cascaded behind her with each step, revealing the elegant points of her elven ears. Her golden armor gleamed with an almost blinding brightness, as though it had fused with the sunlight streaming down.


    ¡°Welcome, travelers.¡± She began, her voice smooth and surprisingly gentle despite her powerful build. ¡°I am Aslesa¡­¡± She paused, her keen gaze moving from one face to the next. ¡°¡­by Master Corym¡¯s request, I am here to escort you to the guild building.¡±


    Her words hung in the air, commanding yet warm, as she gestured toward the city waiting beyond the gate.


    "Thank you." Replied Lukius with a smile, steering the wagon forward.


    "Who¡¯s Corym?" Zara asked quietly, now seated beside Niall, who was fast asleep.


    "He was once a member of our group." Lirian replied, glancing out at the towering walls as they approached. "But now, he teaches magic at the academy."


    "And why did she call him ''Master''?" Zara pressed, her curiosity only growing as the wagon started moving again.


    "Because he''s the sole heir to the Dunne family." Lirian replied, still watching the world outside with interest. "Which means he might soon become the wealthiest man on the continent."


    Sylleth continued to gaze curiously at the external decorations of the capital, eagerly anticipating the moment he could finally see its interior. Lirian noticed his fascination and turned toward him.


    "So, what do you think? It''s breathtaking, isn''t it?" He asked, a light smile dancing on his lips.


    "Yes... it''s so beautiful that I don''t even know how to describe it." The boy managed to reply, a grin spreading across his face as he took in the enchanting sights around him.


    "I had a similar reaction the first time I saw it." The man admitted with a smile, turning back toward Zara. His gaze softened with the hint of nostalgia, as if he were seeing the city through fresh eyes again.


    As the wagon passed through to the other side of the wall, Sylleth was greeted by a breathtaking scene. Broad cobblestone roads, bustling with carriages, wound their way between rows of wooden cottages, likely the homes of civilians. Here and there, larger streets opened up to reveal lively markets, where merchants from distant lands displayed their wares, their stalls brimming with goods and the sounds of trading filling the air.


    Towering marble spires rose from the earth at regular intervals, each one connected by massive stone bridges that crisscrossed the skyline, adding to the grandeur of the city¡¯s layout. And at the very heart of this sprawling city, a grand castle stood, nearly hidden beneath a thick tapestry of vines that clung to its walls, giving it an ancient, timeless beauty


    ¡°Welcome to Ilythyrra¡­ the capital of elves and wisdom.¡± Said Lukius, the wagon driver, as he gazed up at the sprawling bridges arching above them.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ incredible.¡± Sylleth murmured, leaning further out of the wagon to take in the breathtaking view.


    ¡°Oh, this is just the beginning! Just wait until you see the underground city¡­¡± Lirian interjected with a teasing grin.


    ¡°Underground¡­?¡± Sylleth asked, turning to face Lirian, his curiosity piqued. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Ilythyrra sits atop a vast network of caverns inhabited by dark elves, vampires, and other such creatures¡­¡± Lirian explained, resting his chin on his hand thoughtfully. ¡°¡­it¡¯s essentially a series of underground cities interconnected by rivers of mana¡­ an incredible place.¡±


    ¡°Will¡­ will we ever go there?¡± The excited boy asked, his eyes wide with wonder.


    ¡°Of course! A stay in the capital wouldn¡¯t be complete without visiting Yralo." Chimed in Niall, who had just woken up from his nap. His voice was still thick with sleep, but the enthusiasm in his words was unmistakable.


    ¡°Yralo? What¡¯s that?¡± Zara asked, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°The largest of the underground cities, it¡¯s the trading hub of the continent.¡± Lirian explained, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.


    ¡°It¡¯s... truly amazing here.¡± Sylleth murmured to himself, taking in the breathtaking sights around him. The bustling streets, the vibrant atmosphere, and the promise of adventure filled him with a sense of wonder.


    After a few more minutes of travel through the vast city, both wagons arrived in front of the guild building. It was an impressive structure, with multiple floors, countless windows, and two tall towers rising up into the sky.


    "We''re here, everyone out.¡± Lukius announced, jumping down from the wagon with ease.


    Zara hopped down right after him, landing lightly on the cobblestone street with a faint thud. On the other side, Lirian stretched out in his seat, clearly in no rush to move.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Niall stood up and turned to Sylleth. "Come on, get up¡ªwe don¡¯t have all day." He remarked with a smirk before jumping down from the wagon himself.


    "You''re not coming?" Sylleth asked Lirian, standing up from his seat.


    "Nah, the guild isn¡¯t exactly fond of me¡­ I''ll keep an eye on the wagons." Lirian replied with a small, knowing smile.


    "Oh, alright then¡­" Sylleth mumbled, stepping down from the wagon and following the rest of the group toward the guild building. He glanced back briefly, catching Lirian giving him an encouraging nod, before hurrying after the others.


    As the group stepped into the guild building, they began to weave through rows of bustling tables toward a grand wooden staircase. Inside, the guild felt more like a lively tavern, filled with the hum of adventurers recounting tales, collecting rewards for completed quests, and filling up on hearty meals before setting off on new journeys.


    "Stay close." Lukius cautioned, glancing over his shoulder as he led the way up the wide staircase.


    Sylleth took in the sights around him with wide eyes. The atmosphere buzzed with energy¡ªa mix of excitement, camaraderie, and the lingering scent of ale and roasting meat. Warriors and mages, clad in gear from all corners of the continent, shared stories and laughed, their voices echoing through the hall.


    Suddenly, a petite woman stepped into their path. Her striking green eyes stood out against her deep skin tone and light brown hair, which faded to blue at the tips. Sylleth¡¯s attention was also drawn to the intricate tattoos tracing across her cheeks, adding an air of mystery to her already intense presence.


    "And where do you think you were wandering off without me?" She asked, casting a sharp glance at Lukius. Her voice was low and edged with a certain fierceness that made everyone pause.


    "Good to see you too, Mallory." Lukius replied, a faint grimace crossing his face.


    "And by the way, where''s that idiot brother of mine?" She continued, casting her gaze around the group, clearly searching.


    "He''s keeping an eye on the wagons." Niall answered smoothly, before muttering under his breath, "...and I¡¯m sure it has nothing to do with him being fed up with you."


    Mallory¡¯s sharp gaze snapped to Niall, catching his comment despite his attempt to keep it quiet.


    "Alright, enough of this fooling around," came a loud, authoritative voice as a tall figure began ascending the stairs.


    "Ma''am..." Niall muttered under his breath.


    "I was beginning to think something had eaten you all on the way." The woman teased, a smirk playing on her lips as she brushed a stray lock of dark hair away from her face.


    "As you can see, unfortunately, they¡¯re all still in one piece." Mallory interjected, still glaring at Niall, her expression filled with playful disdain.


    "Unfortunately...?" Niall echoed, turning toward Mallory with a raised brow.


    "Sif, I thought this would take you a bit less time." Lukius said, glancing back toward the leader.


    "Well... that guy was tougher than I expected." she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. Her gaze shifted to Zara and Sylleth, her expression softening slightly as she took them in. "Were they the only ones you managed to rescue?"


    Her words hung in the air, carrying a weight that made Sylleth glance away, while Zara¡¯s face grew somber. The lively energy they¡¯d felt on the way here seemed to fade as the reality of their journey and its losses settled over them.


    "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re here to help." the woman said with a warm smile. "What are your names?"


    "I¡¯m Zara, and this is Sylleth." the girl replied, gesturing first to herself and then to her companion.


    "Good, Zara and Sylleth... got it." The woman nodded, then turned her gaze toward Lukius, her expression shifting to something more serious. "So, what¡¯s your assessment of the situation, Lukius?"


    Lukius, glancing over at Niall and Mallory bickering nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Well, at this rate, they¡¯ll claw each other¡¯s eyes out before we even get to the main issue."


    "...I meant the hunters and the guild, Lukius." the dark-haired woman interrupted, rubbing her forehead with an exasperated sigh.


    "Oh... Well, I suppose they¡¯re likely in the same boat." Lukius added, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    "Ugh..." The woman sighed, closing her eyes for a moment, as if lost in thought. "...Alright, Corym¡¯s at the academy, so we won¡¯t be able to take any action today." She concluded, sounding resigned.


    "So¡­ what does that mean?" Zara asked, while Sylleth continued watching the scene from the sidelines, quietly absorbing everything.


    "We¡¯ll arrange some rooms for you at the inn tonight." Sif replied. "Tomorrow, we¡¯ll try to speak with the guild to figure out the best plan for you both."


    She gave them a reassuring nod, as if to emphasize that things were under control, for now.


    After a moment, as Niall and Mallory finally stopped bickering, the group gathered outside near the carriages.


    "Alright, we''re heading to the tavern." Sif announced, approaching Syviis and Vidar¡¯s carriage.


    "You didn¡¯t manage to settle anything?" Lirian asked, leaning his head out of his own carriage with a curious look.


    "Not a single thing¡­ aside from getting on Mallory¡¯s nerves, of course." Niall chuckled, hopping up into the carriage with a mischievous grin.


    "So, nothing new, then." Syviis added, glancing down from where she sat perched on the roof of her carriage.


    The group shared a collective chuckle, the tension from earlier dissipating into the evening air.


    As the group, now fully assembled, set off toward the nearby tavern, Sylleth gazed out the window with wide, eager eyes, taking in every detail of the bustling city. The flickering lanterns lining the cobbled streets cast a warm glow, while the laughter and chatter of evening crowds filled the air.


    "Really taken with this place, aren¡¯t you? Maybe you¡¯ll end up staying here with us permanently." Niall teased, pulling a small piece of wood from his bag.


    ¡°Maybe one day¡­ but first, I¡¯d rather go back home and make sure my mom and brother are alright.¡± the boy replied quietly. Mentioning his family brought a shadow over his expression, though he did his best to hide it.


    ¡°They were taken by hunters, weren¡¯t they?¡± Lirian asked, his voice softening as he moved a bit closer to Sylleth, sensing the boy¡¯s sudden sadness.


    Sylleth nodded, his gaze never leaving the passing cityscape outside the window. The bright lights and bustling streets of this new place made his own memories feel distant, yet his heart remained tethered to home.


    "Don''t worry, if you want, we''ll help you rescue them!" Niall chimed in cheerfully, whittling away at his small piece of wood.


    "R-Really?" Sylleth turned to him, his eyes bright with a spark of hope.


    "Well, why not? Catching the slavers is already part of our job." Added Lukius from the front seat, glancing back with a reassuring nod.


    Sylleth''s heart swelled with relief and gratitude. For the first time in what felt like ages, he sensed a glimmer of a real chance¡ªa way to bring his family home. The thought gave him a renewed sense of purpose as he turned back to the city, letting the sights of the bustling streets fill him with determination.


    <hr>


    The small flame of a wax candle, set on a stool between the two beds, cast a warm glow around the room, softly illuminating the walls and casting gentle shadows.


    Sylleth sat on one of the beds, visibly worn out from the long journey. He let out a sigh, stretching his aching arms before sinking into the mattress.


    "Already heading to bed?" Zara asked, bouncing playfully on the other bed, the springs creaking faintly beneath her as she leaped up and down with a mischievous grin.


    "Yeah... I¡¯m exhausted." Sylleth replied, lying down and turning onto his side, his eyes half-closed as he watched the candle¡¯s soft flicker.


    Zara kept bouncing on her bed, her tail swishing back and forth with playful energy.


    ¡°Hey, Zara¡­ what do you plan to do now?¡± Sylleth asked in a sleepy voice, half-muffled by the pillow.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She stopped bouncing, turning toward him with a curious tilt of her head. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You know¡­ now that we¡¯re safe, won¡¯t you be going back to your family?¡± he murmured, his voice drowsy but carrying a hint of sadness.


    "Hmm... no, not yet." Zara replied, then resumed her playful bouncing.


    "Why not¡­?" Sylleth asked, his voice fading as sleep pulled him under.


    "Because I have to help a friend find his family first." she answered with a warm smile. Then, with a quick, playful hop, she slid under her blanket and settled in on her bed.


    As the candlelight flickered softly between them, Sylleth¡¯s face softened into a peaceful smile, reassured by her words. Quietly, Zara watched as his breathing evened, and then she closed her eyes, her own heart warmed by the promise she¡¯d made.

 Chapter 18

    The dim light flickering from the candle cast a soft glow over the bedside table, spilling faintly onto Sylleth¡¯s face. He lay there, eyes open, staring into the shadowy stillness surrounding him.


    "I can¡¯t fall asleep..." He thought, his gaze fixed on the dark expanse in front of him, unable to shake the restless feeling.


    Minutes slipped by as he stared into the shadows, occasionally glancing at the slowly melting candle. Its flame danced softly, casting long, quiet shadows across the walls.


    "...I''m thirsty." He murmured to himself, pushing himself up from the bed and rubbing his tired eyes.


    Sylleth slid to the edge of the bed, letting his feet rest gently on the cool, wooden floor before pushing himself up. The sudden chill against his skin made him shiver slightly, but he steadied himself, moving carefully so as not to wake Zara, who was sprawled peacefully across her bed.


    "Maybe there¡¯s water downstairs at the inn..." He thought, creeping toward the door. With a quiet click, he opened it just enough to slip out, finding himself in a long, dim hallway lined with candle sconces here and there, their soft light casting faint, flickering shadows along the walls.


    "It¡¯s pretty dark..." He whispered to himself, closing the door behind him as he took in the quiet, empty stretch ahead. He padded softly down the hallway, each step nearly silent against the aged wood, heading toward the staircase. A warm, golden glow spilled up from below, beckoning him.


    When he reached the top of the staircase, Sylleth cautiously descended a few steps, then leaned over the wooden railing, peering down at the bustling tavern hall below. To his surprise, the place was still packed with people, an unusual sight given the late hour. The room was bathed not in the soft glow of candles but in warm, orange-hued light from mana orbs that floated just below the ceiling, casting an otherworldly glow over the crowd.


    Sylleth descended a bit further, trying to get a better view of what was happening. People clustered around tables in animated groups, their laughter and conversations blending into a lively hum. Elves, dwarves, and humans alike were sharing stories, some raising glasses in cheerful toasts. It almost felt as though he¡¯d stumbled into a celebration rather than a quiet night at an inn.


    When Sylleth finally spotted a small bar tucked along one of the tavern¡¯s walls, he hurried toward it, doing his best to avoid drawing the attention of the already-tipsy patrons. He weaved his way through the festive crowd, narrowly dodging a tipsy dwarven warrior who, just as Sylleth passed, suddenly launched into a wrestling match with an elf, each determined to get the upper hand.


    ¡°So, Niall was right about this after all¡­¡± Sylleth muttered under his breath, quickening his pace as he slipped around the scuffling pair and made a beeline for the bar.


    As he reached it, he felt a sense of relief at the quieter atmosphere. There were a few empty stools, and the bartender, a middle-aged woman with a warm but no-nonsense expression, noticed him approaching.


    "What can I get you?" She asked with a brief, indifferent glance, polishing one of the glasses in her hand.


    ¡°Oh¡­ just water.¡± Sylleth replied, feeling a bit self-conscious. He kept glancing around the room, half-hoping he¡¯d spot a familiar face in the bustling crowd.


    "Here you go¡­¡± The woman said in a bored tone, pouring water into a glass from a nearby jug and handing it over before moving on without another word.


    Sylleth took a small sip, savoring the coolness of the drink. He stayed by the bar a moment longer, eyes wandering across the lively scene. For a moment, he felt like a part of it all¡ªan adventurer among adventurers, each with their own stories to tell. The buzz of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air around him, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little more at ease.


    Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a man dressed in a white cotton tunic, draped with a silk cloak, and paired with oversized leather trousers, with their cuffs tucked neatly into his tall leather boots sat down beside Sylleth. He swept his gleaming blond hair back from his face, raising a hand to signal the bartender, then turned his gaze toward the boy.


    "Aren''t you a bit too young to be drinking?" He asked in a soft voice, his tone gentle but amused. His golden eyes held a hint of weariness, though their vibrant hue made the exhaustion less obvious.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ just water.¡± Sylleth replied, slightly startled, and took another sip.


    ¡°Ah, of course¡­¡± The man murmured, his voice trailing off as he glanced toward the bartender, who was approaching him.


    As the man turned away, Sylleth caught sight of a pointed ear poking through his blond hair.


    ¡°So, he¡¯s an elf too¡­¡± Sylleth thought, setting his glass down on the counter.


    "What can I get you?" The woman asked, her tone dripping with disinterest as she cast a slight look of disdain toward the man.


    "A glass of cherry wine, please." He replied calmly, gesturing toward a bottle resting on a shelf behind her.


    As she turned to retrieve it, Sylleth noticed another detail that made the man stand out. His fingernails were long and elegantly shaped, each adorned with tiny amber stones embedded in places along the edges.


    "A Royal?" Sylleth thought, his eyes widening slightly. He remembered reading in one of the books from his childhood that these amber-decorated nails were a favorite adornment of elves from the highest ranks.


    "So, what¡¯s a kid like you doing here at this hour?" the man asked, his voice calm as his gaze settled on Sylleth.


    "...I just got thirsty, that¡¯s all." Sylleth replied, feeling a bit embarrassed under the man¡¯s steady gaze.


    "No need to feel nervous, kid." The man said, giving him an easy nod as he took the glass and bottle from the bartender. "You¡¯re among friends here." He added, taking a slow sip of his wine.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "Ah... right, thanks." Sylleth managed a small smile at his words, feeling a flicker of reassurance.


    "¡­Hey, kid, have you been cursed?" The man asked, still sipping his wine.


    "S-Sorry?" Sylleth stammered, caught off guard by the sudden question.


    "You¡¯re reek of dark magic." The man said, his tone shifting as he placed the glass down on the counter. "I¡¯m pretty drunk, but I can still feel it." He glanced at Sylleth with a look of suspicion mixed with curiosity.


    "Dark magic...?" Sylleth stammered, unable to recall any moment when someone could have cursed him.


    "Especially your left hand..." The man added, his gaze fixed on the boy''s arm.


    "Left...?" Sylleth glanced down at his hand, rolling up his sleeve. "Oh, right... the scar." He thought, pulling the sleeve back to reveal a sprawling, dark scar that snaked from his wrist up to his elbow. "It looks bigger than before..." He thought, his brow furrowing slightly as he examined it.


    "Interesting..." The man said, leaning in closer and placing a hand on Sylleth¡¯s shoulder.


    "Eh..." Sylleth gasped, startled by the sudden contact.


    "Very interesting..." The man murmured to himself, tracing a finger along the scar.


    "W-What¡¯s so interesting?" Sylleth asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable under the man¡¯s intense gaze.


    "Where did you get this?" The man asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Sylleth.


    "It... it¡¯s a long story." Sylleth replied quickly, pulling his hand away and tugging the sleeve of his shirt back down to cover the scar once more.


    "Would you consider becoming my apprentice?" The man asked suddenly, settling back into his seat and continuing to sip his wine.


    "W-What?" Sylleth stammered, now completely shocked.


    "It¡¯s not every day you see someone your age with an Etheric Sink on their arm." The man remarked, setting his glass down on the counter and refilling it with more wine.


    "Wh-What do you mean?" Sylleth asked, his mind spinning, struggling to understand what the man had just said.


    "Your scar... it¡¯s practically an endless well of mana, and at such a young age..." The man began, taking another sip of wine. "...a perfect candidate for an apprentice."


    "Maybe... I should have just stayed in the room." Sylleth thought, taking a sip of his water and subtly leaning back.


    "I-I¡¯m sorry, but... I¡¯m not very good at magic." Sylleth admitted.


    "No worries, we all start somewhere," the man said with a shrug, sipping his wine casually. "I, for example, once set my house on fire trying to pour water into my aquarium." He added, a small smirk tugging at his lips as the memory seemed to amuse him.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know if that¡¯s such a good idea¡­¡± Sylleth replied, feeling awkward as he slowly slid off his seat, inching back.


    ¡°¡­Fair enough, but think it over, kid¡­ and give me your answer tomorrow.¡± The man said, finishing off his wine in one last gulp. Rising from his seat, he gave Sylleth a nod before striding toward the crowd, his energy shifting from quiet intrigue to bold confidence as he stepped into the bustling tavern.


    ¡°All right, folks!¡± He called out, pointing with a slow, sweeping gesture toward a group of adventurers who were deep in conversation. ¡°Which one of you is brave enough to take me one-on-one?¡±


    After a brief pause, a group of dwarves made their way toward the man, their leader stepping forward from their ranks. He was dressed in gleaming silver armor that shimmered in the tavern¡¯s warm light, every inch polished to perfection.


    He pinted at another one sitting in front of the man, clearly inviting him to the fight.


    ¡°Heh¡­ so you want me to show this Dunne show-off his place, huh?¡± barked the dwarf with a thick, graying beard, rising from his seat and striding over to face the man.


    ¡°D-Dunne? Wasn¡¯t that the family Lirian mentioned?!¡± Sylleth thought, his heart skipping a beat as he hopped down from his seat, glancing toward the unfolding scene with a mix of excitement and unease.


    As the tension built between the man and the dwarven leader, Sylleth felt a sudden pang of nervousness. He¡¯d seen enough bar fights in stories to know how they usually ended, and this one had all the makings of a rowdy brawl.


    "I should probably get back to my room¡­ before things get out of hand." Sylleth thought, weaving quickly through the crowd gathering around the two men now locked in a wrestling match.


    He slipped through the excited onlookers, heading toward the staircase he¡¯d come down earlier. Just as he reached the edge of the crowd, the blond-haired man shouted after him, his voice loud and slurred.


    "Think it over, kid! I''m telling you, you won¡¯t find a better teacher!" the man bellowed, slamming a dwarf''s arm down onto the table with a loud thud and immediately turning to size up his next opponent.


    Sylleth shook his head, half-amused, and hurried up the stairs, the raucous noise of the tavern fading with each step.


    "Actually... learning magic might help me find my family... and Shalyn." Sylleth thought as he made his way down the dim hallway toward his room.


    "And... it would be worth it just to see the look on Nieven¡¯s face... when he realizes I can wield magic too." A small smile crept onto his lips as he imagined it, the idea of accepting the man¡¯s offer becoming a little more appealing with each step.


    By the time he reached his door, Sylleth found himself surprisingly eager, a spark of determination mixing with his nerves. He took a quiet breath, feeling the weight of the night¡¯s events settle over him, and slipped inside, leaving the bustling world of the tavern behind for now.


    Sylleth hurried toward his bed, passing by Zara¡¯s, which lay unmade.


    "Hmm... I thought I made it up earlier," he mused, sliding onto his own bed and straightening out the tangled blanket.


    As he settled under the soft, warm covers, a sudden sensation made him freeze¡ªa gentle breath against his ear, followed by the faint sound of someone murmuring in their sleep.


    Quickly, he turned his head and found himself face-to-face with Zara, who was nestled into one of his pillows, fast asleep and completely unaware of his presence.


    "W-Wait... did I crawl into the wrong bed...?" he thought, blinking in confusion. His eyes darted around the room, landing on the bed to the left, next to the nightstand¡ªwhere Zara was supposed to be sleeping. "No... that¡¯s definitely her bed. So¡­ why is she in mine?"


    Sylleth let out a silent sigh, half-amused, half-exasperated. Deciding not to disturb her, he shifted carefully to avoid waking her and resigned himself to a cramped spot at the edge of the bed, trying to ignore her quiet, sleepy mumbling.


    R...Remus..." Zara mumbled, her tail slowly and lazily curling under the blanket.


    Sylleth turned toward her again, stifling a quiet laugh as he watched her drift in and out of her dreams. Suddenly, she shifted forward, nestling her head against his side.


    "Remi..." She murmured again, her face pressing softly against him as her head moved in tiny circles, as though searching for something in her sleep.


    Sylleth blinked, caught off guard, but he couldn''t help the small smile that crept onto his face.


    ¡°Goodnight, Zara.¡± He whispered, inching a bit further away to give her space and then finally closing his eyes.


    ¡°...¡¯night... Remi...¡± She murmured softly, a faint smile crossing her lips as she snuggled into her fluffy tail, her face peaceful and content.


    Sylleth closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to drift off. But just as he began to relax, memories surfaced¡ªmemories of his family, vivid and unbidden, filling his mind in the quiet darkness. He saw flashes of his brother''s grin, his mother¡¯s warm gaze, his aunt¡¯s laughter, and his father¡¯s steady presence. And then, like a whisper in his heart, came Shalyn.


    The memories felt so real, as if with just a stretch of his hand, he could grasp them¡ª and if he did, he would never let them go. Yet, they were still too far, just beyond his reach. These sweet memories slowly turned bitter, like a song where only fragments remained, fading and out of tune.


    Sighing, Sylleth turned onto his side, clutching the blanket tightly, as if trying to hold onto something more than just fabric.


    In that moment, the weight of it all settled on him¡ªthe fate of his family was not in his hands, not yet.


    "But I can change that..." He thought, the last spark of his consciousness clinging to hope as he finally drifted into the long-awaited sleep.

 Chapter 19

    The morning light filtered through the cotton curtains, casting a warm glow across the large bed by the window. Sylleth blinked his eyes half-open, gazing up at the wooden ceiling above him.


    ¡°Is it... already morning?¡± He thought, yawning as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± Zara¡¯s voice piped up from his right.


    Sylleth turned his head, blinking slowly as he took in the sight of her cheerful face.


    ¡°Uh¡­ yeah, I¡¯m up.¡± He mumbled, his thoughts still scattered from sleep.


    ¡°Then come on, get moving!¡± She chirped, hopping off her bed and bouncing toward the door. ¡°Niall stopped by earlier¡ªhe said to meet up downstairs!¡±


    ¡°What? Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡± Sylleth scrambled to his feet, tossing aside the cozy blanket that he suddenly wished he could burrow back under.


    Zara giggled, pacing little circles around the room.


    ¡°I tried to wake you, but I just couldn¡¯t do it¡­¡± She replied, picking up her speed as she dashed around faster and faster.


    ¡°Mmm... where do you get all that energy?¡± Sylleth asked, still sleepy as he flopped back onto the bed.


    "I''m just excited for where we¡¯re going next..." Zara replied, her tail flicking excitedly.


    "You... really aren¡¯t going back home?" Sylleth asked, glancing at her with a touch of curiosity.


    "Nope, I told you already." She said, hopping over toward his bed. "And now, come on¡ªget up, or the others are probably going to leave us behind!"


    She gave him a playful nudge, her eyes bright with anticipation for the day ahead.


    Sylleth slid off the bed and stretched briefly before following Zara toward the door. Together, they stepped into the hallway, now bathed in warm light streaming through the ceiling windows¡ªsomething Sylleth hadn¡¯t noticed the night before.


    As they made their way toward the stairs leading down to the bustling heart of the tavern, Zara bounced with excitement, her tail swishing energetically with every step.


    ¡°I wonder if that guy is still downstairs¡­¡± Sylleth mused to himself, struggling to keep pace with Zara¡¯s boundless enthusiasm.


    "Hey, where did you sneak off to last night?" Zara asked, turning to look at him, her ears twitching playfully. "I thought about looking for you, but I was way too tired." She giggled, her tail swishing behind her.


    "Ah... I just got thirsty and went downstairs for some water." Sylleth replied with a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    The heroes descended the creaky stairs to the bustling tavern below, weaving their way through a lively crowd of travelers drinking, laughing, and sharing stories before heading off on their next adventures. The air was filled with the clinking of mugs and the hum of cheerful chatter, giving the room a warm and chaotic energy.


    ¡°Careful now, don¡¯t get lost in the crowd!¡± Zara teased, flashing a grin as she darted through the throng with ease, her tail swishing behind her. She made a beeline for one of the larger tables near the center of the room, where Niall, Sif, and Syviis were already seated.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying,¡± Sylleth muttered, doing his best to keep up while dodging an enthusiastic group of adventurers mid-toast. He squeezed past a man who nearly spilled his drink and sidestepped a bard gesturing wildly as she recounted a tale.


    By the time Sylleth reached the table, Zara was already sliding into a seat with a triumphant hop, grinning as if she¡¯d won some kind of race.


    ¡°You slept in late¡­¡± Niall remarked, casually fiddling with one of his wooden carvings as his gaze flicked toward Sylleth and Zara.


    ¡°Sorry about that¡­¡± Sylleth mumbled, sliding into the seat next to Zara with a sheepish look.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to apologize for.¡± Syviis chimed in, raising her mug of ale with a serene smile. ¡°Everyone needs to rest, especially after the days we¡¯ve had.¡±


    Before Sylleth could respond, a familiar figure strode up to the table, it was Vidar, holding a frothy mug in his hand. His grin was as sharp as ever as he glanced at Sylleth.


    ¡°So, the sleepyheads are finally awake?¡± Vidar teased, taking a hearty sip of his drink.


    ¡°Says the guy who I had to wake up with a bucket of water.¡± Syviis shot back, her voice laced with amusement.


    The table erupted in laughter, Vidar¡¯s loudest of all. ¡°Fair enough.¡± He admitted, wiping the corner of his mouth. ¡°But I¡¯m awake now, and that¡¯s what matters.¡±


    ¡°Alright, so is everyone here now?¡± Sif asked, glancing around the table to take a quick headcount.


    ¡°What about Lirian? Or Lukius?¡± Zara asked, swinging her legs back and forth under the table with her usual energy.


    ¡°They¡¯re negotiating with the Academy,¡± Niall replied, placing his intricately carved fox figurine on the table.


    ¡°With who¡­?¡± Sylleth asked, leaning closer to Niall, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°The Academy,¡± Niall explained, his tone steady but patient. ¡°It¡¯s the largest and most prestigious university in the capital. The only institution that rivals the guilds in influence.¡±


    Sylleth nodded slowly, processing the information as Niall stood up, picking up the fox figurine from the table. ¡°I¡¯m going to grab a sandwich.¡± he said, already heading toward the bar.


    ¡°Get me one too!¡± Vidar called after him, earning a smirk and a dismissive wave from Niall.


    ¡°So, I spoke with the guild.¡± Sif began, taking a sip from her mug of ale, ¡°and it turns out the next ferry to Elanddor won¡¯t be here for another week. Looks like you¡¯re stuck here for now.¡±


    ¡°A week¡­¡± Sylleth thought, glancing at her with a faint frown. Gathering his courage, he turned fully toward her. ¡°I wanted to ask you something¡­¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Sif raised an eyebrow, setting her mug aside. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Could¡­ could I stay with you?¡± Sylleth asked, his voice quieter than usual. His gaze dropped to the table, and his fingers fidgeted nervously in his lap.


    Sif tilted her head, studying him for a moment before speaking, her expression unreadable.


    "And why is that?"


    "I... I want to find my family." Sylleth began, his voice trembling as memories of the day he was separated from his brother and mother surged to the forefront of his mind. His fists clenched on the table as he forced himself to continue. "...I can¡¯t just hide away, hoping that luck will somehow bring them back to me, that they¡¯ll survive and I¡¯ll see them again..."


    His voice quivered with raw emotion, each word dragging up buried pain. "But... I¡¯m too weak. I couldn¡¯t save my friend... and if I don¡¯t change, if I don¡¯t get stronger, I won¡¯t be able to save my brother and my mother either..."


    He lifted his gaze to meet Sif¡¯s, his determination shining through the uncertainty. "I... I want to join you. Please."


    The weight of his plea hung heavy in the air, his heart pounding as he awaited her response.


    Sif leaned back in her chair, her gaze sharp and calculating as she studied the boy in front of her.


    "Quite a bold request." She said slowly, her voice laced with caution. "But the life of an adventurer isn''t a game... There''s a chance you won''t make it out alive." She took a long sip from her mug, her eyes never leaving Sylleth.


    The boy lowered his gaze, the weight of her words settling over him. He remained silent for a moment, thinking.


    "Maybe... but I¡¯d rather die trying to help them than live with the guilt of knowing I did nothing." He said firmly, lifting his eyes to meet hers again, his voice steady and determined.


    At Sylleth¡¯s words, Sif¡¯s stern expression softened, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She nodded slowly, setting her mug down with a deliberate thud.


    ¡°All right, kid. You¡¯ve passed.¡± she said, her tone lighter now as she leaned back in her chair and took another long sip of ale.


    ¡°Passed¡­?¡± Sylleth echoed, his voice shaky as he struggled to steady the storm of emotions churning inside him.


    ¡°From today, you¡¯re part of the group.¡± Vidar chimed in with a hearty laugh, his deep voice filling the room. Without warning, he gave Sylleth a rough clap on the back that nearly sent him sprawling forward.


    Sylleth blinked in disbelief, his heart pounding as the weight of their words began to sink in. He was no longer just an outsider. For the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn¡¯t alone. A hesitant smile spread across his face, his hands gripping the edge of the table as if to anchor himself in this moment of belonging.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He managed to say, his voice quiet but sincere.


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank us just yet.¡± Sif replied, a small smile playing on her lips. ¡°You¡¯ve got a long road ahead of you.¡±


    Before Sylleth could respond, Zara suddenly sprang from her seat, her face lighting up with excitement.


    ¡°Alright then, where are we headed next?¡± she asked, her fluffy tail swishing back and forth energetically.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to the Academy.¡± Niall interjected as he approached the table, Lirian walking alongside him. ¡°They¡¯ve got a job for us.¡±


    ¡°Lirian!¡± Sylleth exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across his face at the sight of the familiar figure.


    The tall man grinned, his relaxed demeanor exuding quiet confidence. ¡°Hey there, kid. Good to see you. Now, come on, time to get moving.¡± He gestured with a wave, beckoning Sylleth to follow.


    The group rose from the table, gathering their belongings before heading toward the tavern¡¯s exit.


    ¡°What kind of job is it, exactly?¡± Sif asked as she retrieved her sword from its sheath propped near the door.


    ¡°There¡¯s a dungeon south of Yralo that¡¯s become cursed.¡± Lirian explained, pulling open the heavy wooden door and stepping outside. The street beyond buzzed with the sounds of merchants and travelers. ¡°Our task is to figure out the source of the enchantment and, if possible, cleanse it.¡±


    The sunlight spilled over the group as they emerged into the lively streets, the faint hum of an unfolding adventure hanging in the crisp morning air.


    Just before stepping out, Sylleth glanced over his shoulder, scanning the tavern for the man he had met the previous evening. He had promised to give him an answer.


    ¡°Looks like he¡¯s not here¡­¡± He thought, a hint of disappointment tugging at him.


    Letting out a soft sigh, he turned back and closed the door behind him. The familiar creak of the hinges faded as he followed the group down the wide cobblestone street.


    The group made their way down the bustling cobblestone street, crowded with townsfolk and merchants peddling their wares. In the distance, towering white walls came into view, marking the edge of the grand academy. It stood proudly on the far side of a great river, adjacent to the heart of the capital city.


    ¡°Whoa... That wasn¡¯t there before.¡± Zara said, her eyes wide with awe as she stared at the massive walls.


    ¡°That¡¯s because yesterday was the first day of summer.¡± Lirian replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He pulled off his black cloak, slinging it casually over his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s when the academy always updates its magical barriers. It causes the illusion spells around the city to glitch a bit.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why we couldn¡¯t see it before?¡± Sylleth asked, his gaze drifting to the rows of shops nestled in the stone buildings lining the street. The lively storefronts offered everything from fresh produce to shimmering trinkets, their colorful displays almost distracting him from the towering academy ahead.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Lirian replied with a knowing smile. ¡°Yesterday, the city probably felt a bit... smaller, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Now that you mention it, it did.¡± Sylleth admitted, nodding thoughtfully. The illusion must have subtly compressed the city¡¯s perceived size, hiding the academy and its sprawling grounds from sight.


    ¡°Magic in this city is so frustrating¡­¡± Niall muttered, falling into step beside Sylleth. His tone was as dry as ever, but there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes.


    The group pressed on, their footsteps echoing against the ancient stones of a massive arched bridge that stretched over the roaring river below. The water churned with relentless energy, a stark contrast to the steady pace of the adventurers crossing above it.


    ¡°Ready for your first mission?¡± Sif called back, her tone casual but her gaze sharp as it flicked between Sylleth and Zara.


    Sylleth nodded firmly, though he couldn¡¯t help but glance at Zara, who bounced with uncontainable excitement.


    ¡°I was born ready!¡± Zara chimed in, her voice ringing out above the rumble of the river.


    As the group reached the midway point of the bridge, a striking figure stepped onto the path ahead. A woman with an imposing presence, Aslesa, stood firm, her hand resting on the hilt of a gleaming sword. Beside her, Lukius stood silently, his expression calm but unreadable.


    ¡°Greetings.¡± Aslesa said, her voice steady and authoritative. ¡°Master Corym has tasked me with escorting you to the academy.¡±


    ¡°What does he want this time¡­?¡± Niall muttered under his breath, just loud enough for those nearby to hear. His tone was laced with irritation, though it carried the resigned familiarity of someone used to Corym¡¯s enigmatic ways.


    Aslesa glanced briefly at Sylleth, her steely demeanor softening for a fleeting moment as she offered him a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. Before he could fully process it, she turned on her heel and began leading the group down the road that stretched from the bridge toward the towering gates of the academy.


    Sylleth blinked in surprise, his heart skipping slightly. He glanced at his companions, but none of them seemed to have noticed the exchange. The realization left him feeling both curious and oddly singled out.


    Lukius fell in step with the group, his movements fluid and unhurried as they followed Aslesa¡¯s lead. Together, they descended from the great stone bridge, the roar of the river below fading into the background. The road before them opened into the expansive avenues of the city¡¯s southern district.


    As the group approached the towering gates of the academy, the faint hum of magic filled the air. The runes etched into the white stone shimmered faintly, reacting to the presence of the newcomers.


    "This is where I leave you." Aslesa said, her tone calm and formal. "Master Corym is currently teaching in his class. You can wait for him outside." She gave a small bow before turning sharply and striding away in the opposite direction.


    "We still have to wait for him... Ugh." Niall grumbled, rolling his eyes as he stomped up the stairs toward the academy''s grand entrance.


    Vidar and Syviis stayed behind outside, their figures casting long shadows in the late morning light, while the rest of the group followed Niall inside the academy.


    "Don¡¯t take too long." Vidar called out lazily, leaning against a stone pillar with his arms crossed. His grin was as sharp as ever, but there was a flicker of something more serious in his eyes. "We¡¯ll be here if you need us."


    After several minutes of wandering through the academy''s corridors, they finally arrived at the doors of the lecture hall where Corym was currently teaching.


    Sylleth leaned against the wall, his thoughts a mix of nervousness and curiosity as he glanced at the doors. Somewhere beyond them, his next challenge awaited.

 Chapter 20

    Sylleth sat with his back against the cold stone wall, his fingers idly tracing the dark scar etched into his shoulder. The pulsing black mark seemed to thrum faintly, as if alive, drawing his gaze into its swirling center.


    "<i>He called it... a mana sink?</i>" Sylleth thought, his brows furrowing in concentration. "... W<i>ho was that woman anyways...?</i>" He thought, recalling the events from a few days ago.


    The memory lingered, vivid and unsettling, as he struggled to make sense of it. His gaze lifted, settling on the rest of the group gathered near the towering doors to Corym''s lecture hall. They were chatting idly, their voices low but steady, their figures cloaked in the dim light of the academy¡¯s corridors.


    "Hey¡­ can I ask you something?" Sylleth called out, his voice hesitant but clear enough to catch their attention.


    Niall and Lirian turned toward him, both raising curious brows. "What¡¯s up?" Niall asked, crossing his arms as he leaned casually against the wall.


    "Do you guys... know anyone named La¡ª" Sylleth began, the name barely forming on his lips before a thunderous sound interrupted him.


    The deep, resonant chime of a bell echoed through the corridor, its vibrations reverberating in the still air. It was loud, commanding, and unmistakably urgent.


    In an instant, the heavy doors beside Sylleth burst open with a resounding thud, startling him to his feet. A blonde-haired man stepped through, his commanding presence filling the corridor. His robes swayed lightly as he strode forward, exuding an air of authority mixed with urgency.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s about time,¡± Niall scoffed, crossing his arms as he glanced at the man.


    "<i>It''s him...</i>" Thought Sylleth, standing up from the floor and staring at the man.


    ¡°Corym, couldn¡¯t you have waited until your lesson was over before calling us?¡± Sif asked, letting out a sigh of exasperation. Her tone carried a mix of irritation and resignation.


    ¡°Unfortunately¡­¡± Corym began, running a hand through his golden locks with a weary expression. ¡°Something¡¯s been discovered¡ªsomething that could lead to massive problems down the line.¡±


    ¡°What kind of problems are we talking about here?¡± Lirian asked, stepping closer with a curious yet guarded expression.


    ¡°Potential devastation of Sibashi and the surrounding towns. Possibly even reaching Yralo,¡± Corym replied, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt with deliberate precision. His tone was calm, but the gravity of his words hung heavy in the air.


    ¡°And you¡¯re bringing _us_ for this job?¡± Niall interjected, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Feeling particularly reckless today, are we?¡±


    ¡°At the moment, I don¡¯t have a better option, Niall.¡± Corym replied, his tone measured but carrying a subtle edge. ¡°Besides, I know exactly what you¡¯re all capable of¡ªwhen you¡¯re not busy turning everything into a joke.¡±


    He glanced sideways, his sharp golden eyes catching Sylleth watching the exchange intently. A faint smile tugged at Corym¡¯s lips, a brief acknowledgment that seemed aimed specifically at the boy.


    ¡°And." Corym added, his voice lowering slightly as if sharing a secret, ¡°I¡¯ve got a few aces up my sleeve.¡±


    Sylleth blinked, slightly startled.


    ¡°<i>Is he talking about me?</i>¡± He thought, glancing briefly at his shoulder, where the faint scar seemed to pulse ever so slightly.


    ¡°You and your aces¡­¡± Lukius interjected from where he leaned casually against the wall, his voice tinged with skepticism. ¡°You sure have a lot of them up your sleeve.¡±


    Corym turned to him with a faintly amused smile, his expression carrying an air of effortless elegance. ¡°What can I say? It¡¯s just the charm of me and my blessings.¡±


    ¡°<i>Blessings¡­?</i>¡± Sylleth tilted his head, puzzling over what Corym meant by that.


    ¡°All right¡­ so, are we heading out now?¡± Sif asked, pushing off the wall in one smooth motion, her arms crossing as she shifted her weight expectantly.


    ¡°The sooner, the better. Gather your gear¡ªI¡¯ll send for a carriage to take you.¡± Corym replied, his voice carrying a note of urgency as he sighed and turned toward Sylleth. ¡°And in the meantime, I¡¯ll have a quick word with my new apprentice.¡±


    At his words, Niall and Lirian let out startled exclamations, their disbelief ringing through the corridor. Sif and Lukius immediately shot Corym scrutinizing looks, their expressions sharp and calculating as they tried to piece together the meaning behind his statement.


    Only Zara seemed unaffected, standing off to the side with her tail swishing playfully. She tilted her head and looked between the others, clearly the only one who had no idea what all the fuss was about.


    ¡°What are you talking about¡­?¡± Sif demanded, stepping closer to Corym, her sharp gaze fixed on him.


    ¡°You were the one who told me I should take on a student.¡± Corym began, his tone calm yet carrying a hint of playful defiance. He gestured toward Sylleth, who blinked in confusion, his eyes darting between the two. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve found one.¡±


    "You two know each other?" Zara asked, hopping to Sylleth¡¯s left side, her tail swishing with curiosity.


    ¡°We met last night¡­¡± Sylleth replied, his gaze still fixed on Corym, unable to shake the feeling of being under a magnifying glass.


    ¡°What are you all staring at?¡± Corym broke the silence, his voice calm but tinged with amusement as he looked around at the group, who were all focused intently on him.


    ¡°We just¡­ weren¡¯t expecting this, that¡¯s all.¡± Lukius said on behalf of everyone, running a hand through his hair and letting out a weary sigh. His tone was casual, but the sharp edge of disbelief still lingered.


    ¡°How did you two even meet? And why him, of all people?¡± Lirian pressed, his voice tinged with curiosity but laced with a hint of concern.


    ¡°Last night. Over a cup of wine.¡± Corym replied with a sly grin, his tone casual, as if that explained everything.


    ¡°Great. And now you¡¯re handing out alcohol to minors?¡± Niall chimed in, throwing up his hands in mock despair.


    ¡°No, no, no! I was the one drinking!¡± Corym quickly clarified, waving his hands defensively in front of him. His expression was a mix of mild panic and amusement as he tried to dispel the misunderstanding.


    The conversation lingered in the air, a mix of incredulity and amusement rippling through the group as they exchanged glances. Corym¡¯s casual demeanor and Sylleth¡¯s wide-eyed confusion only added fuel to the dynamic, but the faint urgency in Corym¡¯s earlier words eventually tempered the mood.


    "Alright, alright, we don¡¯t have much time... gather only the essentials and wait for me in the courtyard," The blond elf instructed, turning briskly as he headed toward Sylleth.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Sif nodded sharply, gesturing with a swift motion for the group to follow her. Without hesitation, they fell into line, moving single file through the quiet corridors toward the academy¡¯s exit.


    Sylleth trailed a few steps behind Zara, her tail swaying rhythmically as she walked. He was focused on keeping pace, but his progress was halted when a hand gently clasped his shoulder.


    Turning, he found Corym standing beside him, a faint, knowing smile playing on the man¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Shall we have a quick word, my apprentice?¡± Corym asked, his tone light but carrying a weight that hinted at deeper intent. Without waiting for an answer, he steered Sylleth with an easy motion, guiding him to turn and follow in the opposite direction of the group.


    <hr>


    The group stepped out of the academy, the chill of the open air brushing against their faces as they joined Syviis and Vidar, who were waiting just outside. Syviis stood up from where she¡¯d been sitting on the stone steps, brushing off her robes, and gave Vidar a hearty pat on the back, prompting him to grunt softly in protest.


    "How did it go?" she asked, her sharp eyes scanning the group for any signs of trouble.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to Yralo.¡± Sif replied simply, descending the marble steps behind Lukius, her tone firm and businesslike.


    Vidar nodded silently, standing up and stretching his massive frame as if preparing for a long journey. Syviis, however, raised a brow, her curious expression lingering on the group.


    ¡°Hm...¡± Zara muttered, her ears flicking slightly as she glanced around, scanning the faces of her companions. Her tail swished behind her, betraying her unease. ¡°Where¡¯s Sylleth?¡±


    ¡°Probably dragged off by Corym.¡± Niall interjected with a shrug, pulling a small block of wood and a slender knife from the pouch strapped to his thigh. He started carving absentmindedly, the blade flicking deftly against the grain.


    ¡°But¡­ why?¡± Zara asked, her curiosity piqued. She bounced closer to Niall, her eyes gleaming with interest as her tail swayed behind her.


    ¡°Who knows?¡± Niall muttered, his tone dismissive as he focused on his carving. ¡°Probably wants to explain something to him.¡±


    ¡°Or keep him out of the way.¡± Lukius added with a half-hearted shrug, leaning against the stone railing at the base of the stairs. He glanced back at the group, waiting for them to descend, his expression slightly impatient. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll question the kid about it later.¡± Lirian interjected, letting out a sigh as he stepped up beside Lukius. ¡°For now, we should focus on getting ready. I doubt any of us want to head to Yralo without proper preparation.¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ says the one who¡¯s clearly the most worried about him,¡± Vidar teased, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest as he leaned back against the railing. His tone was playful, though his expression showed he was mostly clueless about the situation.


    Lirian shot him a sharp look, his brow twitching. ¡°I¡¯m being practical, not sentimental,¡± he muttered defensively, though the faint flush creeping up his neck suggested otherwise.


    Vidar just laughed harder, shaking his head. ¡°Whatever helps you sleep at night, friend.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Where¡­ where are we?¡± Sylleth asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with unease as he stared at the massive doors before them.


    ¡°My study,¡± Corym replied, a faint smile playing on his lips as he pushed the heavy doors open. ¡°This is where I conduct my research.¡±


    Sylleth stepped forward, his breath catching as the vast room unfolded before him. Towering shelves lined the walls, stretching up three stories and crammed with countless books and scrolls. The only way to access the upper levels was a long, sturdy wooden ladder propped against one wall.


    The floor was a chaotic sea of scattered papers, each covered in intricate magical circles and cryptic symbols. At the room¡¯s center stood a grand desk, its surface buried under sprawling maps, hefty tomes, and what appeared to be hastily scrawled notes.


    Sylleth¡¯s eyes widened as he slowly took in the sight, awe radiating from him.


    ¡°Impressive, isn¡¯t it?¡± Corym said with a note of pride, striding toward the desk. With a casual flick of his wrist, he sent the maps cascading onto the floor, clearing a space on the desk as if the clutter was of no consequence.


    "Amazing..." Sylleth murmured, taking a hesitant step closer and tilting his head back to gaze upward.


    Above him hung a grand chandelier, its cascading tiers of silver crystals casting a gentle, shimmering light across the room. The glow illuminated the towering shelves of books, giving them an almost ethereal quality.


    "Don¡¯t just stand there gawking¡ªcome closer." Corym said with a faint smirk, gesturing toward a sturdy wooden chair near the massive desk.


    The boy tore his gaze away from the chandelier and cautiously moved forward, curiosity lighting up his features.


    "So... do you know where mana sinks come from?" Corym began, his tone calm but carrying a weight of importance as he perched on the edge of his desk, a crimson-bound book in hand.


    "I... no, I don¡¯t even really know what they are." Sylleth admitted, his voice soft as he lowered himself into the chair Corym had indicated earlier.


    "All right." Corym said with a nod, flipping through the book¡¯s worn pages. "How about blessings and curses? Familiar with those?"


    Sylleth shook his head, his unease evident in the way his shoulders hunched slightly. "Not really... no." he said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Corym let out a thoughtful hum, his sharp eyes briefly scanning a passage in the book before closing it with a soft thud. "No need to feel embarrassed. Most people don¡¯t¡ªat least not in detail. But if we¡¯re going to get anywhere with that mark on your arm, we¡¯ll need to start with the basics."


    The man turned the book around, angling it so Sylleth could see its contents clearly. The aged parchment was filled with intricate diagrams and flowing, handwritten text.


    "In simple terms." Corym began, tracing his finger along the page until it stopped at a small, detailed diagram of a human figure. "A mana sink is created when someone blessed with a **blessing**..." He paused, tapping the figure''s chest where a faint glow was sketched. "...gets infected by dark magic¡ªparticularly while the blessing is still forming."


    Sylleth leaned closer, his gaze fixed on the diagram. The glowing mark on the figure was entwined with inky black lines that spread outward like a web, unsettling yet mesmerizing.


    "The mana from the blessing attempts to purify the dark magic¡¯s mana." Corym explained, his voice steady as his hand moved from the book to Sylleth¡¯s arm. He gently pulled back the sleeve of the boy''s tunic, revealing the dark, jagged scar etched into his skin.


    "And where this clashing mana is most concentrated..." Corym continued, gesturing to the pulsing mark. "...a mana sink forms."


    The scar seemed to faintly pulse in rhythm with his words, as if responding to the explanation. Sylleth stared at it, his mind swimming with unease and questions he couldn''t yet put into words.\


    "Okay... but what exactly is a blessing?" Sylleth asked, his gaze drifting back to the open book on Corym¡¯s desk.


    "Ah, well..." Corym flipped through a few more pages, stopping at one filled with dense, flowing script and a detailed drawing of a vertically positioned eye encased in intricate patterns. "...Blessings are gifts bestowed by gods and guardians¡ªusually upon individuals who catch their attention, whether through skill, heritage, or even appearance. And it seems one of them has taken an interest in you."


    His voice carried a note of intrigue as he once again reached out, his fingers brushing the edge of Sylleth¡¯s scar. The boy flinched slightly, his mind racing.


    "But why me?" Sylleth thought, unease mingling with curiosity.


    "Who knows? Maybe you unknowingly crossed paths with some minor deity, and they decided you were intriguing enough to bestow their blessing upon you," Corym theorized, his tone casual as he moved his hand to rest over his chest. "Just like what happened to me."


    "You¡­ you have a blessing too?" Sylleth asked, his voice tinged with surprise.


    "I do." Corym replied with a small smile as he stood from his chair. "Though it¡¯s not particularly powerful..." He glanced at Sylleth meaningfully before adding, "...it grants me the ability to sense the blessings and curses of others."


    "So¡­ what¡¯s mine?" Sylleth shot up from his chair, his voice carrying a spark of excitement.


    "Not so fast... first, you¡¯ll need to awaken its power." Corym replied, a knowing glint in his eyes. "But I have a feeling it¡¯s going to be quite fascinating, judging by the unique flow of your mana." He shrugged casually, striding over to one of the towering bookshelves that lined the room.


    With practiced ease, he began scanning the shelves, his fingers brushing over the spines of the ancient tomes. "Of course, we¡¯ll need to be cautious. Unawakened blessings are unpredictable... and paired with that mana sink of yours?" He let out a low chuckle. "Let¡¯s just say, it¡¯ll be interesting to see how it unfolds."


    "So... when will I be able to awaken it?" Sylleth pressed, his snowy-white hair falling into his face as he leaned forward eagerly.


    "Could be now, could be in a week... or perhaps when you¡¯re old, or even after death. Who knows?" Corym replied with a nonchalant shrug, pulling a small slip of parchment from between two massive tomes.


    "After... death?" Sylleth stammered, the enthusiasm draining from his expression as he processed the words.


    "But wouldn¡¯t sooner be better?" Corym added with a playful grin, flicking the parchment onto the floor.


    Before Sylleth could respond, their surroundings were engulfed in a burst of blinding light, sealing the two of them within a strange, shimmering void. The bookshelves and ornate chandelier disappeared, replaced by an endless expanse of ethereal whiteness.


    "And now..." Corym¡¯s voice cut through the luminous haze as he flipped his long, golden ponytail over his shoulder, leaning forward slightly, his posture suggesting combat readiness. "...let¡¯s test your potential."


    "Wait, what¡ª" Sylleth barely managed to sputter before a faint hum filled the air.


    Around them, blades began to materialize, hovering mid-air as if awaiting commands. The soft glow of their edges shimmered ominously, casting faint reflections onto the glowing floor.


    "Good luck." Corym whispered, his voice low and almost teasing. With a flick of his hand, one of the ethereal swords spun toward Sylleth at a terrifying speed.

 Chapter 21

    <b>Colla and Linn</b>


    The sound of footsteps echoed across the marble floor, reverberating down the corridor where Colla and Linn walked.


    "How''s the professor? I haven''t seen him since the day of the fire." asked Linn, as they passed by the large windows, through which the soft, orange glow of the morning sunlight filtered in.


    "Not so well, I¡¯d say... He¡¯s been holed up in the library with Diemut, endlessly searching for information on some seal..." Colla replied, following her and stretching his arms out as they walked.


    ¡°What seal?¡± Linn pressed, turning to face the young man.


    ¡°I have no idea¡­ but something¡¯s definitely off with him ever since that fight.¡± Colla replied, rubbing his forehead.


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t say I¡¯m surprised. You almost died back then yourself.¡± Linn said, turning back toward the corridor.


    ¡°Thanks to you I''m alive.... and at least today, we¡¯ll finally find out who was behind it all, thanks for bringing me along.¡± Colla added, flashing her a faint smile.


    ¡°No problem. I had to fill Artair¡¯s spot somehow anyways¡­ and honestly, you deserve to know what¡¯s going on.¡± Linn said, running her fingers through her fiery red hair.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± Colla replied, glancing out the window at the wide plaza in the city center, bustling with people enjoying the festivities. ¡°¡­Ugh, why does all this have to happen now, of all times?¡±


    Linn stepped closer, following his gaze to the lively square. ¡°You wanted to join the fun too? Can¡¯t blame you... I love the Feast of Blossoms.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Let¡¯s just get this over with quickly, alright?¡± Colla said, turning away and continuing down the corridor.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Linn replied, falling in step behind him as they made their way toward the council chamber.


    <hr>


    After several minutes of walking through the winding corridors, the duo came to a stop before a massive set of wooden doors adorned with intricate silver vines.


    ¡°This is it. Brace yourself¡­ The council members aren¡¯t exactly known for getting along with those of¡­ lower rank.¡± Linn whispered, her cautious expression betraying a hint of unease as she reached for the door. "I''ll be standing next to master Frye, you''ll wait until Director calls for you."


    Colla gave a quick nod, his lips pressed into a thin line, before following her into the chamber.


    The chamber they entered was vast, its marble walls curving upward to form a majestic dome. At its center, a massive window was set into the apex, allowing sunlight to cascade directly onto a grand stone table fused seamlessly with the floor at the heart of the room.


    Around the table stood nine chairs, each adorned with a unique crest carved into its front, symbolizing the role and identity of its occupant.


    The chairs were already mostly occupied by the council members, their gazes fixed and expectant as they awaited the arrival of the remaining visitors.


    ¡°Linn, you¡¯re finally here.¡± said one of the council members, his voice carrying a melodic quality that instantly drew attention.


    The speaker was a man with hair tinged in a soft rouge hue, matching the subtle color of his closed eyelids. Despite his perpetually shut eyes, a pair of glasses rested delicately on his nose, an unusual but striking detail.


    His expression was gentle, almost serene, a demeanor that seemed at odds with the formidable role he held within the council. As he spoke, a faint but unmistakable accent hinted at origins far beyond the borders of this land, adding an air of mystery to his already distinctive presence.


    ¡°Master Frye¡­¡± Linn nodded respectfully toward the man as she quickly took a stand beside him.


    ¡°Oh, please, I¡¯ve told you many times already¡ªjust Alaric will do.¡± The man replied, waving a hand lazily. On the inner side of his wrist, a pale pink mark shaped like a dragonfly shimmered faintly in the light.


    Before Linn could respond, another council member seated across from Alaric began tapping their fingers on the stone table, drawing Colla¡¯s attention. As he shifted his gaze, he found himself looking at a woman with striking green hair.


    Her hair was styled with two slender braids draped from the front, framing her delicate elven ears, while the rest of her locks flowed freely down her back in a graceful cascade. Her vibrant green eyes seemed to gleam with a quiet intensity, contrasting sharply with the bold red eyeliner that encircled them. A single black rose was pinned elegantly into her hair, adding a touch of dark beauty to her appearance.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to fill Artair¡¯s place, aren¡¯t you?¡± she asked, her gaze piercing as she studied Colla. Her voice was an intriguing blend of disinterest, drowsiness, and a faint, almost sugary sweetness that made her tone oddly captivating.


    ¡°Y-yes, ma¡¯am¡­¡± Colla replied, his words stumbling slightly as he spoke.


    The woman gestured to a spot on the floor beside her, silently directing him to stand there. Colla quickly obeyed, climbing the three small steps that led to her position and taking his place at her side.


    ¡°Well then¡­ is this everyone?¡± asked the woman seated beside Alaric, her voice calm but edged with authority.


    Colla couldn¡¯t help but notice the striking woman as she spoke. Her dark skin gleamed softly in the sunlight filtering through the room, blending seamlessly with her jet-black, intricately braided hair. What caught his eye most, however, was the scar that stretched across the upper right side of her face, trailing over her closed eye and her mechanical left arm.


    Far from diminishing her presence, the scar seemed to enhance her beauty, accentuating the quiet strength that radiated from her. Her faint freckles softened her stern appearance, while her faded-red shirt, layered under a practical black overcoat, gave her a distinct and memorable style that only added to her aura of competence and poise.


    "Where¡¯s Heath?" Alaric asked, tilting his head slightly toward the woman beside him.


    "He¡¯s in the hospital¡­ Unfortunately, the fire reached him too... same with Arvid and Mairenn." she replied, leaning back against her chair with a hint of weariness.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Oh¡­ uh¡­ sorry." Alaric muttered, looking away awkwardly and clenching his jaw as if chastising himself for bringing it up.


    "Alright, can we get started?" boomed a commanding voice from the head of the table.


    The speaker was a man with long, pale orange hair that were tied into a small ponytail at the back, while the front was slicked back, leaving a small fringe parted in the middle. His sharp, brown eyes bore an intense gaze, further accentuated by black bags under them and a series of small scars etched across his face¡ªthe most prominent running between his brow and his left eye.


    Dangling from his ears were red earrings crafted from tiny, polished crystals, glinting faintly as he shifted his posture. His presence exuded authority, and the room seemed to grow quieter the moment he spoke.


    At his words, the rest of those seated around the table nodded in unison, their attention shifting to him.


    "Very well, let¡¯s begin with the most pressing matter..." The man stood, exhaling deeply before continuing. "...I have received news that the goddess Rosmerta has been killed."


    Colla froze. He hadn¡¯t expected such a revelation, but now Artair¡¯s behavior made much more sense to him.


    "What....?" Alaric murmured, clenching his fists.


    The reaction from the others wasn¡¯t much different. The room filled with a chorus of gasps and murmurs as the gravity of the announcement sank in.


    The silence was broken only when the man spoke again.


    "Valisha... explain to them." he ordered, glancing toward the figure seated to the left of the green-haired elf.


    Valisha, the masked figure, rose from their seat. Their featureless white mask gleamed under the rays of sunlight streaming through the dome, and their medium-length white hair only deepened the air of mystery that surrounded them.


    "On the day of the attack, we completely lost contact with Rosmerta," they began, their modulated voice reverberating through the chamber, as though emanating from every corner of the room. It was almost angelic in tone¡ªcalm, yet unsettlingly omnipresent. "And several weeks prior, we also lost contact with another god who had been residing in the same region. While we cannot yet confirm if the two events are connected, we are certain of one thing¡ªRosmerta was murdered."


    Valisha¡¯s words hung heavy in the air, their weight pressing down on everyone present as they struggled to process the grim revelation.


    The elf seated beside Colla cast a sidelong glance at him, noting his face¡ªa mixture of fear and confusion etched into his features.


    "Hmm, there¡¯s nothing we can do about it, is there?" she remarked, her tone detached as she turned her gaze back to the man standing across the table. "So let¡¯s not drag this out. Move on to something else." she added, her voice carrying a melancholic apathy.


    "Lucetta¡­?!" Alaric interjected, his tone tinged with exasperation at her dismissive attitude.


    "What? She¡¯s dead, isn¡¯t she? What¡¯s the point of dwelling on it?" Lucetta replied with an annoyed tone, nonchalantly resting her head on the table, her green hair spilling across her arms as though to emphasize her indifference.


    "....General?" The dark skinned woman turned towards the standing man, also bewildered by Lucetta''s response.


    "Ugh... Salvitto''s right." the general replied with a heavy sigh. "No point in lingering on her death any longer... We''ll talk about it later, and now we have some more pressing matters to address." He stood up from his seat and walked over to one of the walls, where a large map of the country was pinned. His hand rested on the edge of the map, his gaze fixed on the intricate details of the land''s borders and cities, as if the weight of the country itself rested upon his shoulders.


    His tone was firm, carrying the weight of his experience in battles far beyond the council chamber. The general''s authority was clear, but beneath it, there was a sense of urgency, a recognition that the time for idle conversation had passed.


    "You may speak." Valisha said, settling back into their seat, their attention shifting fully to the general.


    "Very well." the general nodded in acknowledgment, his voice steady and commanding. "From the information we¡¯ve received from Artair..." He gestured toward Colla and Lucetta, signaling them to pay attention. "On the day of the attack on Austeria, in addition to the unprecedented number of wyverns and other dragonoids, there were also two other individuals present..."


    Suddenly, a parchment slid down from the ceiling, replacing the map with an image of a man¡ªone Colla had already encountered. "Ewald Bosques, and another unknown Bounty Hunter..." The image flickered for a moment, revealing the face of the man in question.


    "That Bosques?" asked the dark-skinned woman, her voice sharp, her hands pressing against the table.


    "Yes." Another man, sitting between the general and Valisha confirmed, his voice steady. "I¡¯ve made contact with the government of Avarel, and it turns out that a member of the Bosques family fled the country with his legions, slaughtering his brother''s forces in the process." He pushed his long brown hair back, his expression darkening as the weight of the betrayal settled in. "It¡¯s not just a political defection¡ªit¡¯s a massacre, and it only complicates matters for all of us."


    "So... we¡¯re dealing with a war criminal and an unknown bounty hunter... both of whom might be capable of killing a goddess." Alaric summarized, massaging his face as he tried to process the gravity of the situation.


    "In short... we¡¯re screwed." Linn muttered under her breath, still standing beside the man.


    Alaric shot her a sharp glare, and at once, Linn stood at attention, her posture stiffening.


    "Sorry..." she said quickly, her voice softening as she realized her mistake.


    "Do we know anything about the other one?" asked another woman seated to Alaric''s left, flipping her sleek black ponytail over her shoulder.


    Colla¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to her striking features¡ªher pair of jet-black horns curving outward from the sides of her head and the mesmerizing, swirling patterns in her pale irises.


    ¡°Lady Renae¡­¡± Colla stammered, recalling her name. She was the representative chosen by the people to serve on the council¡ªa voice of the masses amidst gods and generals.


    ¡°We know nothing about her.¡± the general interjected, his voice grave as he returned to his seat. ¡°Except that she is the one who killed Rosmerta... and that she stole her Core.¡±


    The weight of his words hung heavily in the room, and even Renae¡¯s ever-steady gaze faltered for a fraction of a second. She crossed her arms, her sharp horns catching the light as she leaned forward.


    ¡°That¡¯s all we have? No name, no motives?¡± she pressed, her swirling irises narrowing slightly as she spoke.


    ¡°Nothing concrete¡­ Whoever she is, she clearly has experience in this kind of work. There were no traces left behind¡ªapart from the fire, of course.¡± the general replied, sinking back into his seat with a weary sigh.


    ¡°And the Core?¡± Alaric pressed, his melodic voice carrying a note of urgency. ¡°No one who isn¡¯t at least a demi-god can do anything with it¡­ so why take it?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that either.¡± the general admitted, his frustration evident as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and his hands on his forehead. ¡°The truth is, we don¡¯t know anything about this situation at all¡­¡±


    ¡°If she can¡¯t use it herself¡­¡± Alaric began, his brows knitting together in thought.


    ¡°¡­Then she must be working for someone who can.¡± the woman to his right interjected, tapping her mechanical fingers rhythmically against the table. The metallic sound echoed faintly in the tense silence.


    ¡°So, let me get this straight¡­¡± Lucetta muttered, lifting her head back off the table and straightening her posture. ¡°We¡¯ve got a rogue member of the Bosques family, his legion of soldiers, and a ridiculously skilled bounty hunter¡­ all working under someone even <i>more</i> powerful?¡± She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. ¡°This is starting to feel like a case of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.¡±


    Her tone was casual, but the sharp glint in her green eyes betrayed a growing unease. Lucetta¡¯s comment drew a few nods and murmurs of agreement from the council members.


    Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the wooden doors of the chamber.


    ¡°General Rhoderick!¡± a male voice shouted from the other side, continuing to pound on the door.


    ¡°Luka? Come in.¡± General called out, rising from his seat.


    The door creaked open, and a young man, roughly Colla¡¯s age, stepped inside. His silver hair was slicked back, revealing a pair of white, feline ears twitching atop his head.


    ¡°General¡­ <i><b>she</b></i> has escaped¡­¡± Luka announced, his hands braced against his knees as he gasped for air.


    At his words, the room fell into a heavy silence. Everyone save for Valisha, Linn, and Colla tensed in unison. Even Lucetta, who had remained composed until now, seemed visibly shaken.


    ¡°¡­You¡­ you can¡¯t mean¡ª¡± Rhoderick began, his hands curling into fists as his voice trembled.


    ¡°¡­¡± Luka gave a single, grim nod.


    The reaction was immediate. Every member of the council shot to their feet, exchanging looks filled with dread and urgency.


    For the first time in his life, Colla felt the raw weight of fear hanging in the air¡ªa fear that even the mightiest among them couldn¡¯t conceal.

 Chapter 22

    Whispers, shouts, and heated arguments filled the chamber, a cacophony of voices clashing in the vast room. Amid the chaos, Alisha sat silently, their expression calm as they observed the others with a quiet intensity.


    Lucetta and Alaric exchanged uncertain glances, their gazes occasionally darting toward General Rhoderick, waiting for him to speak.


    "Calm yourselves..." Rhoderick commanded in a low, measured tone, his hands clasped together as he rested his chin on them.


    His voice, though soft, carried a weight of authority that momentarily stilled a few of the council members. But the others, still caught in their own heated debates, ignored him entirely, the uproar continuing unabated.


    "I said, calm yourselves!" Rhoderick bellowed, his voice reverberating through the chamber like a thunderclap.


    At once, the room fell silent. All eyes turned toward the general, his commanding presence drawing their undivided attention.


    Colla, standing near the edge of the chamber, stiffened at the sheer force behind Rhoderick¡¯s words. It was as though his voice carried an unseen power, pressing down on him with a weight that felt almost supernatural.


    "Are you certain?" Rhoderick¡¯s piercing gaze shifted toward Luka, who stood just inside the doorway.


    Luka nodded firmly. "We checked her seal... It wasn¡¯t destroyed. It simply vanished." His voice carried a tremor, though he tried to maintain composure as he stepped closer to the table.


    "Has she shown up anywhere? Has anything been attacked?" The dark-skinned woman interjected, rising from her chair. Her sharp tone cut through the tense silence, her mechanical hand gripping the edge of the table.


    "Nothing." Luka replied, shaking his head. "It¡¯s as if she¡¯s vanished into thin air."


    "In that case, for now, there¡¯s no need to worry..." the dark-skinned woman remarked, sinking back into her chair with a measured sigh.


    "''For now'' being the key phrase." Lucetta interjected, her sharp tone cutting through the brief calm. She glanced at Colla, her emerald eyes lingering on him before shifting back to Rhoderick. "She¡¯ll reveal herself eventually."


    "Ugh..." Alaric groaned, pressing his fingers to his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. His usually serene demeanor was noticeably shaken by the unsettling news.


    "These are the times we live in, aren¡¯t they?" Renae added, leaning back in her chair with a wry smile. Her swirling irises caught the light, a brief flicker of resignation crossing her face.


    Suddenly, Lucetta rose from her chair, turning sharply toward Colla.


    "Enough sitting around and speculating... you¡¯re coming with me," she commanded, striding toward the exit without a second glance.


    "Salvitto...?" Rhoderick¡¯s voice cut through the room like a blade, his heavy gaze locking onto her.


    Colla froze again, the weight of the general¡¯s words pinning him to the spot. He felt as though the air itself had thickened around him. Yet Lucetta, alone among those present, seemed utterly unaffected, as if Rhoderick¡¯s authority couldn¡¯t touch her.


    "What is this...power?" Colla thought, struggling to comprehend the overwhelming force behind the general¡¯s voice.


    "Leave him be, Sawyl..." Lucetta called out over her shoulder, just as she reached the doors. The flower tucked into her hair began to emit a faint glow, its petals shimmering like polished glass.


    Rhoderick narrowed his eyes, studying her intently. His brow furrowed, and for a brief moment, the tension in the room seemed ready to boil over. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he relented, sinking back into his chair.


    "And what exactly do you plan to do?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.


    "The usual... I¡¯m going to look for the boy." Lucetta replied, her back still turned to the room. Without waiting for a response, she stepped through the doors and disappeared into the corridor beyond.


    Colla, finally freed from the oppressive weight of the general¡¯s presence, hesitated for only a moment before hurrying after her. The doors creaked shut behind them, leaving the council chamber to once again fill with murmurs and heated arguments, voices clashing like distant thunder.


    <hr>


    The boy hurried to keep up with Lucetta¡¯s brisk pace as they passed towering stone pillars that supported the massive balcony above the entrance to the Grand Library.


    The Grand Library, the continent¡¯s largest repository of knowledge, was a marvel of both architecture and magic. It spanned four grand floors above ground, seven underground levels, and an intricate web of tunnels connecting it to other key structures in Naso¡ªand beyond. Unlike the marble-dominated architecture of the city, the library''s walls had been hewn directly from a granite mountain, then reinforced with layers of obsidian, marble, and mana by master engineers. This blend gave its surfaces striking black-and-gray patterns against the white walls and pillars, creating an aura of quiet majesty.


    "You''re sure he¡¯s here?" Lucetta asked as they ascended the staircase toward the grand entrance.


    "Ah, yes, ma¡¯am." replied Colla, nervously adjusting his uniform. "He¡¯s been here with Diemut for several days now."


    "Diemut? Well, now that¡¯s interesting..." Lucetta murmured under her breath as she pushed open the massive stone doors and stepped into the Great Library.


    The moment she and Colla entered, they were greeted by two guards stationed at the entrance. Clad in the standard Naeronian soldier attire¡ªleather tunics emblazoned with the Council¡¯s crest¡ªthey stood at attention, their expressions wary but respectful.


    "Ah, Lady Salvitto." one of them said, lowering his spear. "To what do we owe the honor of your visit?"


    "Where is Artair?" she asked curtly, her gaze already drifting past them to take in the library''s grand interior, clearly uninterested in pleasantries.


    "The professor? He should be on the second underground floor." the second guard answered quickly, gesturing to a nearby door on his right. "In the Runic Studies section. The stairway is through there. Shall we escort you, ma¡¯am?"


    "That won¡¯t be necessary." Lucetta replied with a dismissive wave, already moving toward the indicated door. "Come on, kid."


    Colla followed closely behind, his thoughts lingering on why Lucetta had chosen to meet with Artair instead of staying with the Council to address what it seemed a serious issue. The question gnawed at him, but he kept silent, for now.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As Lucetta pushed open the indicated door, glowing mana orbs flickered to life one by one, illuminating a spiraling staircase that descended into the depths of the library.


    The farther they descended, the stronger the musty smell of aged paper and lacquered wood became, saturating the air in the lower sections of the library. The faint creak of each step echoed ominously around them, adding an eerie stillness to the atmosphere.


    "Has anything changed down here since I was last visited?" Lucetta¡¯s voice broke the silence as she glanced around, her sharp eyes seemingly trying to pierce the veil of shadows still clinging to the edges of the light.


    "Uh... when was the last time you were here?" Colla asked hesitantly, struggling to keep up with her brisk pace. Despite her small frame, she moved with an almost unnatural swiftness.


    "About half a century ago." she replied nonchalantly, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.


    "Ah..." Colla hesitated for a moment, then the realization clicked in his mind. "Right... she¡¯s an elf."


    "Well?" Lucetta prompted, her gaze unwavering.


    "From what I know, they¡¯ve added a few new sections and tunnels," he answered, his attention momentarily drawn to the warm, flickering orange light that marked the entrance to the first underground level of the library.


    With a soft hum from the woman, the two finally descended the last steps, stepping onto the first of the vast subterranean floors.


    This level was organized into three distinct tiers: two upper walkways spiraled around the edges, encircling a central lower section that lay several feet below.


    The lower section was filled with towering bookshelves, stretching from the floor to the ceiling, crammed with countless volumes. The upper walkways were primarily designed for movement between various entry points to other levels and for better navigation across the sprawling floor.


    The lighting here was faint and ethereal, emanating from soft, glowing mana orbs floating between the bookshelves. Their placement was intentional, ensuring no flames from candles or torches would risk a catastrophic fire in this treasure trove of knowledge.


    Colla couldn¡¯t help but stare in awe. Even though he¡¯d been to the library before, the scale and meticulous design of this place never failed to leave an impression. "It''s... breathtaking every time."


    Lucetta¡¯s only response was a quiet hum as she continued forward, her steps echoing softly against the stone floor.


    They made their way toward another set of doors on the far side of the section.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ do you know exactly where he is?¡± Lucetta asked, leaning casually against the wooden railing at the edge of the upper floor, gazing down at the vast lower section below.


    ¡°He should be somewhere down there.¡± Colla replied, pointing toward one of the heavy wooden doors set into the granite walls of the lower section.


    Lucetta nodded, her expression unreadable as she turned and began descending a nearby staircase leading to the library''s central lower floor. Her movements were brisk yet graceful, exuding an air of confidence that Colla found simultaneously inspiring and intimidating.


    Hurrying to keep up, Colla followed her past towering bookshelves crammed with countless volumes.


    As they passed through a wide, dimly lit tunnel, the sound of their footsteps echoed in the stillness. It was a quiet that felt almost sacred, though Colla couldn¡¯t shake the faint sense of unease it brought with it.


    ¡°May I ask, ma¡¯am¡­ why exactly are we meeting the professor?¡± Colla ventured, his voice tinged with cautious curiosity as they continued down the wide, dimly lit tunnel.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out when we get to him.¡± Lucetta replied, her tone dismissive. She punctuated the statement with a small yawn, as if the matter wasn¡¯t worth discussing further.


    Colla frowned slightly but didn¡¯t press further. Moments later, they emerged from the tunnel into another section of the library. This one bore a striking resemblance to the last, save for one notable difference: instead of a lowered central floor, the middle of this section was dominated by a massive pillar. The pillar rose all the way to the ceiling, its surface completely covered with towering shelves full of books and scrolls.


    Standing near the base of the pillar was a woman with short blonde hair. Her bangs were neatly braided into a small plait that rested behind her ear, giving her an air of meticulous order. A pair of thin-rimmed glasses perched on her nose, partially obscuring her sharp, jet-black eyes as she scanned the spine of a nearby book.


    ¡°Diemut¡­¡± Colla muttered under his breath, recognizing her immediately. He quickened his pace, though he hesitated to get too close.


    ¡°Diemut!¡± Lucetta called out loudly, her voice echoing through the vast chamber as she strode briskly toward the woman.


    The blonde woman flinched at the sound, nearly dropping the book in her hands as she turned toward them. Her wide eyes landed on Lucetta, and her expression shifted to a mixture of surprise and unease.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Director Salvitto.¡± Diemut stammered, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°What are you doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be at the Council meeting?¡±


    The nervous tremor in her tone didn¡¯t escape Colla¡¯s notice. He glanced between the two women, noting how Lucetta¡¯s calm yet commanding presence seemed to unsettle Diemut.


    The nervous tremor in her tone didn¡¯t escape Colla¡¯s notice. He glanced between the two women, noting how Lucetta¡¯s calm yet commanding presence seemed to unsettle Diemut.


    "I have better things to do. Where''s Artair?" Lucetta cut straight to the point, her sharp gaze sweeping over the room as if it might reveal the answer on its own.


    "Ah, yes... Artair should be back shortly. He went to fetch some books from the upper floors," Diemut replied with a strained smile, taking a cautious step back as Lucetta stepped forward, narrowing the gap once again.


    "And what books, exactly?" Lucetta pressed, her tone laced with suspicion. Her steps matched Diemut¡¯s retreat, maintaining the same unnervingly close distance.


    Colla watched the exchange from the side, his heart pounding in his chest. The tension between the two women was palpable, so thick it felt like it could be cut with a blade. Even from where he stood, it weighed on him heavily.


    "I..." Diemut hesitated, her shoulders slumping under the weight of Lucetta¡¯s unyielding stare. "I¡¯m sorry." she finally said, lowering her head in defeat.


    Lucetta let out a slow, deliberate breath, softening her expression just enough to seem less intimidating. "Go home, Diemut." she said firmly but not unkindly.


    The blonde woman nodded quickly, her movements jittery as she stepped away. She turned toward the exit, her pace hurried, but before disappearing through the door, she glanced back at Colla, offering him a brief, almost apologetic nod.


    Lucetta leaned against the edge of the central column¡¯s bookshelves, crossing her arms and legs with an air of casual confidence.


    "We¡¯ll wait here." she declared, her tone brooking no argument. "He might not take too long."


    She gestured for Colla to settle himself. The boy nodded and plopped down on the stone floor beside her, his legs stretched out as he gazed at the faintly glowing mana orbs floating above the shelves.


    After a few minutes, the sound of footsteps and muttering came from the right. Soon, a disheveled man emerged, carrying several thick tomes. His dark hair stuck out in uneven tufts, and dark circles underlined his tired eyes.


    "Lady Salvitto... what brings you here?" Artair asked, adjusting the precarious stack of books in his arms. His voice held equal parts curiosity and fatigue. Then his eyes darted to the boy on the floor. "And you, Colla? Where¡¯s Diemut?"


    "I sent her home." Lucetta replied briskly, pushing off the wall and striding toward him with purpose. "We have something important to discuss."


    "Oh? And what might that be?" Artair asked, his interest piqued, as he set the tomes down beside him with a soft thud.


    Colla stepped closer, flashing Artair a small smile. Despite the tension in the air, the professor¡¯s presence brought a sliver of ease.


    "You¡¯ve heard she escaped, haven¡¯t you?" Lucetta sighed, cutting straight to the point.


    "Of course. Diemut already mentioned it to me... news like that travels fast." Artair replied, returning Colla''s smile with one of his own.


    "And what¡¯s your take on it?" Lucetta pressed, her tone firm as her sharp gaze flicked to Colla, silencing his momentary smirk.


    "The Council will handle it." Artair said nonchalantly, moving toward a particular shelf. His demeanor shifted, becoming more focused as his eyes landed on the lone book resting there. "I have something much more important to deal with."


    "Oh, really?" Lucetta chuckled softly, her tone laced with skepticism. She had been privy to Artair¡¯s so-called ''important matters'' enough times to know better.


    Without responding, the professor reached for the book, a worn and weighty tome. Opening it carefully, he extracted a photograph tucked between the pages. The image that was retrieved from Saelwen''s destroyed home, it bore the marks of age and wear, its edges slightly frayed.


    Artair held it up for a moment, staring at it as if it contained answers to questions only he understood. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he tossed it toward Lucetta.


    She caught it effortlessly, glancing at the picture.


    "This... is far more important," Artair said gravely, his tone devoid of the earlier lightness.

 Chapter 23

    The sun dipped slowly beyond the horizon, casting its orange glow over the ashen remains of a forest that stretched beyond sight. The light bathed the massive walls of Naso, a city encased by the very woods it seemed to stand in defiance of.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it... and we don¡¯t know where he is?¡± Lucetta asked, leaning casually against the stone wall of one of the watchtowers. Her gaze shifted to Artair, who stood beside her, quietly taking in the view. He shook his head in response, his expression neutral but his eyes weary.


    ¡°The slavers have probably taken him off the continent already.¡± Artair said, lifting a wooden mug to his lips and taking a slow sip of coffee. ¡°Could be Ilythyrra. Could be Krior. Who knows?¡±


    ¡°But why would they go to all this trouble?¡± Colla chimed in, sitting with his legs dangling over the edge of the wall. His question lingered, forcing a thoughtful silence among them. ¡°And why her nephew of all people? He can''t be any special.¡±


    Artair let out a low sigh, his brows knitting together as his eyes remained fixed on the setting sun. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted. ¡°But for the boy, this can¡¯t mean anything good. Gods don¡¯t always treat their incarnations kindly.¡±


    Lucetta frowned, twisting one of her braids between her fingers. ¡°What makes you so sure he¡¯s meant to become an incarnation in the first place?¡± she challenged.


    ¡°There¡¯s no certainty,¡± Artair said with a shrug, his tone as pragmatic as ever. ¡°But better safe than sorry. If he is, then we could be looking at the next Guardian.¡±


    ¡°Or another Archbishop,¡± Lucetta muttered under her breath, the disdain in her voice unmistakable.


    Artair pushed away from the parapet, straightening his coat as he made his way toward the stairs. ¡°Come on,¡± he called back. ¡°We¡¯ll find out soon enough, one way or another.¡±


    Lucetta followed with a soft scoff, gesturing for Colla to join them as she trailed after Artair. ¡°Let¡¯s hope you''re wrong.¡± she murmured, just loud enough for the others to catch, her tone dripping with cynicism.


    The trio descended from the walls, stepping onto one of the side streets of the city. The narrow lane was lined with crates brimming with goods, waiting to be sold in the shops or traded in the bustling markets. The faint scent of spices and wood lingered in the air, mingling with the distant hum of the city''s evening rhythm.


    ¡°So now we just... wait?¡± Colla asked, trailing behind the other two, his voice tinged with frustration.


    ¡°Exactly. Unless you¡¯d prefer to go looking for him yourself.¡± Artair replied, finishing off the last of his coffee and tossing the empty mug into a nearby bin with a practiced flick of his wrist.


    Lucetta groaned. ¡°Great. So why even bother knowing if we can¡¯t do anything about it?¡±


    She already felt the weight of the day¡¯s events, ran a hand through her braids and let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Honestly... What¡¯s the point? We learn something big, and all we can do is sit on our hands. It¡¯s infuriating.¡±


    She shook her head, her expression a mixture of annoyance and resignation as they continued down the dimly lit street.


    ¡°For now, you can deal with that other issue alongside the council. They¡¯re probably furious that you walked out on them,¡± Artair said, coming to a stop at a three-way intersection of streets.


    Lucetta rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯d almost forgotten how much you irritate me... see ya.¡± she muttered, walking ahead without a glance back. Ignoring that the others had paused, she strode purposefully toward the administrative building looming further down the street.


    ¡°See you around, oh mighty councilwoman!¡± Artair called after her with a casual wave. He chuckled to himself as she disappeared around a corner, leaving him alone with Colla.


    Turning to the young man, Artair grinned. ¡°Fancy a walk?¡±


    Colla raised a skeptical brow. ¡°Why so sudden? Weren''t you going back to the library?¡± he asked, his suspicion evident.


    ¡°What?¡± Artair shrugged with an exaggerated innocence. ¡°Can¡¯t I have a little one-on-one chat with my assistant?¡±


    With that, he gestured to the leftmost street and started walking, his steps light and casual.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going? Are your wounds healing up alright?¡± Artair asked, his tone casual but betraying a hint of concern as he glanced at the younger man.


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re fine now. I still need to keep the bandages on, but everything¡¯s healing properly,¡± Colla replied with a faint smile, appreciating the professor¡¯s attempt at nonchalance. ¡°And you? How are you holding up?¡±


    As the last traces of sunlight vanished behind the horizon, the mana orbs hanging from the street lamps flickered to life, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the cobblestone streets. Artair took a moment to study the light before responding.


    ¡°I suppose I¡¯m fine... Just waiting for Diemut to finish repairing my staff. She¡¯s been holding onto it for weeks now,¡± he said with a small chuckle.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡± Colla started, his voice hesitant. ¡°Linn mentioned¡ª¡±


    Before Colla could finish, Artair cut him off by placing a hand over the younger man¡¯s mouth, shaking his head firmly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he said with a forced smile, lowering his hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine now, really. No need to worry.¡±


    His smile lingered just long enough to appear convincing as he brushed a stray strand of hair away from his face, his expression briefly shadowed by something unspoken.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    As the two stepped onto the main street leading from one of the city gates, their attention was immediately drawn to a mysterious figure leaning heavily against the doorframe of the gate.


    The figure, short and cloaked in shadows, seemed barely able to hold herself upright. At the sound of their footsteps, her head turned slightly, her eyes locking onto them with a desperate, pleading gaze. Then, her body slumped forward, collapsing to the ground in an ungraceful heap.


    ¡°Please... help us....¡± she murmured, her voice faint and trembling with exhaustion. Though weak, it was unmistakably feminine, tinged with an urgency that sent a shiver down both their spines.


    Colla rushed to the figure, his steps quick and purposeful as concern flashed across his face. Dropping to one knee, he leaned closer to assess her condition and offer aid.


    The girl turned her head slightly, her movements sluggish and weak. Silvery hair cascaded over her face, but what caught Colla¡¯s attention were the small, delicate gills on the sides of her neck, faintly fluttering with each labored breath.


    ¡°Please... help me... please...¡± she choked out, her voice trembling with desperation. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached out, clutching at Colla¡¯s tunic with trembling hands. ¡°I beg you...¡±


    Her words, though fractured and faint, carried a profound weight that made Colla¡¯s heart clench. He glanced back at Artair, who was already stepping forward, his expression darkening with concern.


    <hr>


    The mana globes encased in the room¡¯s lamps cast their soft, bluish glow over the scene. Artair, Colla, Saelwen, and Ceana stood together, their gazes fixed on the mysterious girl wrapped in a deep red blanket. She sat on the edge of the couch, her shoulders hunched as though shielding herself from invisible threats.


    ¡°So... who are you?¡± Saelwen asked, her voice gentle but edged with curiosity as she lowered herself onto the cushion beside the girl.


    ¡°Shalyn...¡± the girl replied softly, her hands wrapped tightly around a steaming cup of tea offered by Ceana. ¡°My name is Shalyn.¡± Her silver hair caught the light as she glanced up, her golden eyes meeting Saelwen¡¯s elven ears. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she asked. ¡°Are you... Saelwen?¡±


    The question caught Saelwen off guard. Her brows lifted, and she exchanged a quick glance with Artair. ¡°Yes.¡± she said, nodding slowly. ¡°But how do you know that?¡±


    Shalyn¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she tightened her grip on the teacup. ¡°You have to help me... please. They¡¯ve taken Sylleth.¡± she stammered, her voice breaking. The words hung heavy in the air.


    Saelwen froze, her chest tightening as the name struck her like a physical blow. Her heart raced, and her mind spun in frantic circles. ¡°What... What are you saying?!¡± she demanded, her voice a mix of disbelief and rising fear. ¡°You know Sylleth?! Where is he!?¡±


    ¡°Saelwen.¡± Ceana interjected, her tone calm but firm. She moved to sit on the other side of Shalyn, her presence grounding the moment. ¡°Let her explain. Shalyn, can you tell us what happened? Take your time,¡± she added gently.


    Shalyn nodded shakily, her breaths shallow as she tried to steady herself. Her exhaustion and fear were palpable, etched into every movement. ¡°It was the slavers...¡± she finally said, her voice trembling. ¡°They took him. They¡ª¡± She faltered, her hands trembling so violently that tea sloshed over the rim of her cup.


    Ceana reached out, placing a steadying hand over Shalyn¡¯s. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. We¡¯ll listen. Just breathe.¡± she said softly, her calming presence beginning to ease some of the girl¡¯s distress.


    ¡°I met him... when they attacked his village...¡± Shalyn said, her voice unsteady as she fought to maintain composure. Her exhaustion was evident, her body trembling slightly as she recounted the memory.


    Saelwen froze, her breath catching in her throat as her face drained of color. ¡°Attacked... They attacked Valentia?¡± she whispered, the words barely audible, heavy with disbelief.


    Shalyn nodded, her movements sluggish as the weight of her memories bore down on her. ¡°We were trying... trying to get here, to find you, to ask for your help. But then...¡± Her voice faltered, trailing off as her mind replayed the harrowing events she had lived through.


    The memories of Lazare¡ªevents that had unfolded only days prior¡ªbrought a fresh wave of fear crashing over her. Her hands, still trembling, gently set the cup of tea down on the table. She drew her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them and burying her face against her legs as though trying to shield herself from the weight of her own words.


    ¡°They caught us and took us to Naora... and when we almost escaped, he let himself be caught... to save me,¡± Shalyn murmured, her voice muffled as she buried her face against her knees. Her words were heavy with guilt and sorrow, the weight of the memory pressing down on her small frame.


    ¡°Oh, gods...¡± Saelwen muttered, her hands flying to her head as she leaned back against the sofa for support, the shock evident in her wide eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m... I¡¯m so sorry...¡± Shalyn whispered, her voice trembling as tears threatened to spill over. Her apology was choked with the kind of guilt only survivors carry, her fragile composure teetering on the edge of collapse.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay... it¡¯s going to be okay,¡± Ceana said gently, wrapping her arms around the girl in a comforting embrace. Shalyn hesitated for a moment, then leaned into Ceana¡¯s side, seeking solace in the offered warmth as quiet sobs began to shake her shoulders.


    ¡°Well, at least we have a lead now,¡± Artair interjected, his tone pragmatic as he observed the scene from where he stood, hands casually in his pockets. His calmness provided a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil that filled the room.


    ¡°If they took you to Naora, then it¡¯s either Ilythyrra or Hoterra they¡¯ve gone to next,¡± Colla said, standing beside Artair, his brows furrowed as he pieced together the clues. His tone was even, but there was an underlying tension as he processed the grim possibilities.


    The room hung heavy with the unspoken implications of their conversation, the faint hum of mana lamps the only sound breaking the silence as each person wrestled with what they¡¯d learned.


    As the tension in the room slowly ebbed, Ceana glanced down at Shalyn, her arms still wrapped protectively around the trembling girl. Shalyn¡¯s silver hair shimmered faintly in the light of the mana lamps, her tear-streaked face pressed against Ceana¡¯s side.


    The woman turned to Saelwen, her pleading eyes filled with a silent request.


    Saelwen sighed, stepping closer to Shalyn. Her earlier frustration softened, replaced by a mix of guilt and understanding. ¡°I¡¯m sorry... for how I reacted,¡± she said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Shalyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I was just... overwhelmed.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t blame you,¡± Shalyn replied, her voice quieter now, tinged with weariness but no resentment. Still nestled against Ceana¡¯s side, she seemed to be calming down little by little, the tension in her body easing.


    ¡°Shalyn,¡± Ceana asked softly, stroking the girl¡¯s hair in a soothing motion, ¡°do you have anywhere to go? Somewhere you can return to?¡±


    Shalyn shook her head, her silvery hair brushing against the blanket draped over her shoulders. ¡°No... I don¡¯t.¡±


    Saelwen hesitated for a moment, then knelt down to meet Shalyn¡¯s gaze. ¡°What would you say... to staying here? At least for a while?¡± she offered, her tone careful and kind.


    Shalyn blinked in surprise, her voice barely above a whisper as she responded. ¡°If... if I could... I¡¯d like to stay here,¡± she murmured, almost as if afraid of being overheard.


    Ceana smiled gently, her hand continuing to stroke Shalyn¡¯s hair. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. You¡¯ll stay. This can be a place for you to rest and rebuild. And I¡¯ll help you every step of the way.¡±


    Shalyn¡¯s eyes welled with fresh tears¡ªnot of fear or sorrow this time, but of gratitude. She nodded silently, her grip on the blanket tightening as she let out a shaky breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re safe now,¡± Ceana added, her voice warm and reassuring. ¡°And we¡¯ll make sure it stays that way.¡±


    Saelwen gave a small smile of her own, her earlier distress giving way to resolve. ¡°We¡¯ll figure this out together, Shalyn. You¡¯re not alone anymore.¡±

 Chapter 24

    <b>Sylleth</b>


    The white void surrounding them shimmered, forming waves of energy that rippled and floated through the space.


    Sylleth lay sprawled on the ground, drained of energy, his chest heaving with each breath. His weary eyes followed the strange currents of light above before shifting toward Corym, who stood as calm and unshaken as ever.


    ¡°Now that I look at it... t''s beautiful in here....¡± Sylleth mumbled, his voice ragged, every syllable feeling like a monumental effort.


    ¡°Right? I call it... the blank space.¡± Corym replied with a chuckle, adjusting his coat before sitting gracefully on the pristine, featureless ground beside the boy. ¡°Not the most creative name, I¡¯ll admit.¡±


    Sylleth managed a faint smile despite himself. ¡°You¡¯re... strong.¡± He said between labored breaths, recalling with no small amount of awe how effortlessly Corym had outmaneuvered him for hours, the man had moved with such precision and force that Sylleth had barely been able to keep his footing.


    Corym smirked, brushing a strand of golden hair from his face. ¡°Heh... And only now you do want to be my student, hmm? Ambitious.¡± He chuckled again, this time with genuine amusement.


    "It¡¯s not exactly my own power though... I¡¯m not particularly good at close combat myself." he explained, glancing up at the chandelier above¡ªthe only thing from the room visible in the blank space.


    After a few seconds of being deep in thought, he said. "One thousand seven hundred and forty-four... That¡¯s how many mana crystals are in that chandelier."


    "That... sounds like a lot?" The boy also looked up at the massive chandelier, which radiated light not from usual candles, as one might expect, but from the crystals themselves.


    "An extraordinary amount." the man confirmed, a hint of pride in his voice. "Each crystal alone cost a fortune¡ªover 50 silver shards. And then they were attuned to my mana, which made conducting experiments in this room significantly easier."


    His tone carried a subtle smugness, making it clear he took satisfaction in flaunting his wealth and status.


    Sylleth could only widen his eyes and nod slightly at the mention of such an immense sum. He had never in his life heard of such an extravagant expense¡ªlet alone spent on a single object.


    "My magic consumes an enormous amount of mana... and unfortunately, I don¡¯t have as much of it as I¡¯d like. That¡¯s where these crystals come in handy." The man shifted his gaze from the chandelier back to Sylleth, his expression calm but purposeful.


    "Well then, enough chit-chat. Shall we join the others?" he said, his tone signaling that the brief pause was over.


    Sylleth nodded faintly, attempting to push himself off the ground. His arms trembled with the effort.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself too hard.¡± Corym said, extending a hand toward the boy. As his fingers moved, the void around them began to fracture, cracks of light spiderwebbing through the space. ¡°I gave you a good workout, so be careful.¡±


    With that, the blank space shattered into countless orbs of mana, each glowing with a soft, ethereal light as they floated freely around the room.


    Sylleth grabbed the man¡¯s hand and, with difficulty, pulled himself up from the ground.


    "I think we spent a bit too much time on this..." he remarked, doing everything in his power to resist the dizziness and exhaustion threatening to send him back to the floor.


    ¡°The blank space functions independently of time.¡± Corym explained, his tone calm as he walked over to his desk and opened one of its drawers. ¡°It may have felt like hours of training, but in reality, it¡¯s been no more than a few dozen minutes, so there''s no need to worry.¡±


    From the drawer, Corym retrieved a small black box, its surface adorned with a shallowly engraved crest filled with crimson pigment.


    Sylleth, still keeping himself on shaky legs, tilted his head and squinted at the object with curiosity.


    ¡°I wanted to show you this before we go.¡± Corym produced a key from beneath the box and unlocked it with a practiced hand. He opened the lid to reveal a bracelet resting inside.


    The bracelet was simple but mesmerizing: four white beads strung together on a black cord, glinting faintly under the soft light of the chandelier. The reflections gave the beads an almost otherworldly glow.


    Corym held the bracelet for a moment, his gaze lingering on it as if lost in thought. Then, with a measured motion, he extended it toward Sylleth.


    ¡°These are the magical crystals of my lineage... entrusted to my great-grandfather by his mentor, whose name unfortunately  was lost to the ages.¡± Corym began, his voice taking on a reverent tone. ¡°Passed down through generations, they grant immense power to their bearer.¡±


    Just as Sylleth reached out hesitantly to take the bracelet, Corym withdrew it with a teasing smirk. ¡°They¡¯re over a hundred years old, steeped in history... and responsibility.¡±


    Without another word, Corym placed the bracelet back into the box, locking it securely before tucking it into the inner pocket of his coat. ¡°And that''s all for now... I¡¯ll tell you more once we reach Shibashi.¡± He said, turning toward the exit with a swish of his cloak and sly smirk on his face.


    Sylleth nodded, and in a swift, yet still tired motion followed the man.


    Walking through the hallways, now silent and empty as the next set of lessons had already begun, Sylleth¡¯s thoughts lingered on the bracelet.


    "<i>Why did he show it to me...?</i>" The boy wondered, trying to keep pace with Corym¡ªa feat made all the more challenging by the difference in their height and age.


    ¡°So...¡± Corym¡¯s voice broke the silence as he glanced over his shoulder at the boy. ¡°How exactly did you end up here? Care to share some details?¡±


    ¡°Ah, well... it¡¯s a bit of a long story.¡± Sylleth replied hesitantly, his eyes darting toward the polished stone floor. After a moment, he added, ¡°Maybe I can tell you on the ride? It¡¯ll make the time pass faster.¡±


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s pick up the pace then¡ªthey¡¯re probably waiting for us already.¡± Corym nodded, quickening his stride.


    The two exited the academy and made their way along a gravel path that wound through its sprawling rear courtyard. The space was vibrant, with roses and ivy climbing gracefully up metal trellises, their leaves and petals swaying gently in the breeze.


    The courtyard itself was circular, surrounded by the academy¡¯s imposing buildings, each housing additional lecture halls and classrooms.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful here...¡± Sylleth murmured under his breath, his gaze following a flurry of butterflies as they danced among the rose blossoms.


    Corym glanced at him and smirked with a hint of pride. ¡°You like butterflies? This courtyard hosts species you won¡¯t find anywhere else in the country. It¡¯s all thanks to the magical barriers we maintain here.¡±


    Sylleth¡¯s eyes widened slightly at the explanation, a quiet fascination settling over him as he tried to keep pace with Corym while stealing glances at the fluttering wings of the butterflies.


    ¡°Can you create barriers?¡± Sylleth asked curiously, his gaze shifting to a tall linden tree standing beside one of the academy buildings.


    ¡°Of course I can, and the blank space is my finest work.¡± Corym replied with a hint of pride, glancing briefly at the linden tree as well.


    It''s leaves swayed gently in the breeze, momentarily revealing flocks of birds nestled within its dense canopy. Among the branches, glowing orbs of mana floated sporadically, a phenomenon that Sylleth thought be a common occurrence in the capital city, since he saw lots of them around here.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    After a pause, a soft, nostalgic smile crossed Corym''s face. ¡°It was planted by my father. Though, truth be told, my mother wanted him to plant an Otrina tree instead. But he was stubborn about having a linden.¡±


    The memory seemed to amuse Corym, as he chuckled lightly before continuing toward the ornate metal gate that marked the courtyard¡¯s exit.


    ¡°Why an Otrina?¡± Sylleth asked, following closely behind him. ¡°Do they grow here, too?¡±


    Corym shook his head. ¡°No, and that¡¯s exactly why she wanted one... to have something exotic around here.¡±


    "I had a similar situation once," Sylleth remarked, his gaze still fixed on the gently swaying linden tree. "...My mother insisted we plant a tree by the house. The problem was, my father wanted an oak, but my aunt was adamant about a Golden Birch." A warm smile crept across the boy¡¯s face as the memory unfolded, growing wider with every word. "My aunt challenged my father to a duel¡ªthe winner would decide which tree to plant."


    Corym chuckled, visibly entertained by the story. "That¡¯s quite an... unusual way to settle disputes."


    "Yeah." Sylleth laughed softly. "But before the duel, my aunt bribed me and my brother to secretly plant the birch for her during the fight." His laugh grew louder as the image of the mischievous act resurfaced in his mind.


    Corym erupted into hearty laughter, clearly picturing the scene, and mumbled. "And then what happened?"


    "We got punished by my father." Sylleth admitted with a grin. "He acted furious, although we all knew he was as amused as we were... but the birch is still standing there¡ª" His words faltered mid-sentence as the memory of the slavers surged back, replacing the warm reminiscence with a darker shadow. "...At least, it used to."


    The boy quickly composed himself, brushing away the vulnerability as best he could. "So, should we get going?"


    Corym nodded, but his gaze lingered on Sylleth for a moment longer. His sharp eyes had caught the subtle change in the boy''s tone, and though he said nothing, it was clear he¡¯d noticed.


    After a few more steps, he stopped just under the gate and turned to face the boy, grabbing him by the shoulder. A small, genuine smile softened his features. ¡°I enjoy talking with you, Sylleth.¡±


    Sylleth blinked in surprise at the unexpected comment, but then he smiled back, feeling a sense of ease in the man¡¯s company.


    ¡°There you are!¡± A high-pitched, familiar voice cut through the air.


    Sylleth turned toward the massive stone bridge just beyond the gate, and his eyes landed on a familiar figure¡ªan orange-haired feline girl bounding toward them.


    ¡°How long do you expect me to wait?! The others are already heading to the southern gate!¡± Zara shouted, stopping halfway across the bridge, her tail flicking with impatience as she hopped lightly on her toes.


    ¡°Zara?¡± Sylleth murmured, his surprise evident as he stared at her.


    Corym, equally caught off guard, turned to Sylleth. ¡°A friend of yours?¡±


    Sylleth nodded with a small, fond smile. ¡°A good friend. We both ended up here together...¡± He hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°I don¡¯t think I mentioned it, but I¡¯m from Elandor.¡±


    Corym raised a brow as he followed Sylleth, who had started walking toward Zara. ¡°Elandor? And how exactly did you find your way here?¡±


    Sylleth¡¯s steps slowed, and his face paled slightly at the memory. ¡°...Slave hunters.¡± He muttered, his voice quiet and tinged with bitterness. After a pause, he added, almost as an afterthought, ¡°I¡¯m from Naeron originally.¡±


    Corym¡¯s expression shifted, his curiosity replaced by a mix of understanding and sympathy. He said nothing for a moment, letting Sylleth¡¯s words hang in the air as they approached the now grinning Zara.


    Sylleth smiled at Zara, who returned the gesture with an enthusiastic hug and a wave, urging him to hurry.


    Corym observed the exchange from the side, his eyes narrowing slightly as if analyzing their relationship. After a moment, he shifted his gaze to Sylleth¡¯s arm, his expression thoughtful.


    ¡°You lived close to Austeria, didn¡¯t you?¡± Corym asked, his tone calm but probing as he began following Zara, leaving Sylleth a few steps behind, though his sharp eyes remained on the boy.


    ¡°Yes... but how did you know?¡± Sylleth asked, hurrying to catch up, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°A guess...¡± Corym said, glancing upward before adjusting his coat with a practiced motion, his face betraying no more of his thoughts.


    ¡°Oh, just hurry up already!¡± Zara called back with a frustrated huff, clearly annoyed that they weren¡¯t taking her pleas seriously.


    The trio eventually made their way down the bridge to the south of the capital and next through it''s gates, stepping onto the wide dirt path that curved lazily toward the distant southern hills,


    dotted with solitary lindens and sycamores, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, casting playful shadows over the road.


    The wheels of their modest carriage creaked as it rolled forward, drawn by a pair of sleek, dark horses.


    As the group approached the carriages, a gruff and familiar voice called out from one of them.


    "Finally! We''ve been waiting a while¡ªSif and Syviis were about ready to tear the place down." Vidar leaned out from the wagon, grinning broadly as he gestured toward the women. Both were seated at the reins, each guiding their own carriage with a clear air of impatience.


    "We had a few things to discuss, but now we''re good to go." Corym replied smoothly, walking alongside Sylleth and Zara toward the second carriage.


    The three climbed into the cabin, finding Syviis, Lirian, and Niall already seated inside. Syviis remained up front, firmly gripping the reins of the horses, while Niall and Lirian lounged comfortably in the cabin''s plush interior.


    "Took your sweet time." Niall remarked flatly, not looking up as he twirled a dagger between his fingers.


    "Could you be any slower?!" Syviis snapped from the front, her frustration evident as she didn¡¯t even bother turning around.


    "Can we get moving now?" Lirian asked lazily, sprawled on the right-side bench with an air of practiced disinterest.


    Corym, unfazed by the jabs, simply nodded. He settled himself at the back of the carriage, motioning for Sylleth and Zara to take their seats.


    Sylleth and Zara slipped into the space on either side of Corym, their anticipation growing as they felt the subtle jolt of the carriage beginning to move. Outside, the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the dirt path harmonized with the low creak of the wheels as the convoy set off toward the southern hills.


    "Alright, now that we''re finally on our way..." Corym turned to Sylleth, clasping his hands together and resting his chin on them with an expectant expression. "...Why don''t you tell us your story?"


    "My... story..." Sylleth echoed, a flicker of nervousness crossing his face. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to organize his thoughts under the weight of Corym''s curious gaze.


    Noticing the conversation, Lirian sat up abruptly from his reclined position. With a yawn, he adjusted the fur-lined coat draped over his shoulders and slid closer to the pair. "If you don¡¯t mind... I¡¯d like to hear it too." he said, his voice still carrying traces of drowsiness.


    Zara, ever the whirlwind of energy, bounded over to them with a mischievous glint in her eye. She climbed onto Corym¡¯s back, draping her arms around his shoulders as her tail flicked playfully behind her. "Me too!" she chimed, grinning as her bright eyes darted between the two.


    The boy closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to organize his thoughts. Then, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground, he began to speak.


    "So... as I mentioned, I grew up in a small village... near the border, on Naeron''s side, not far from Austeria." Sylleth¡¯s fingers unconsciously intertwined, trying to steady his racing heart and the slight tremor in his voice. "...But I had to flee because of the hunters... it¡¯s been about a month since then... a-after that... I-I was..." His voice faltered, trembling until it finally broke. He couldn¡¯t manage another breath, and tears began welling in his eyes, begging for release.


    Noticing his state, Niall rose from his seat and placed a steady hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder.


    "Give him some space. Can¡¯t you see this is hard for him?" he said to the others, his tone calm but tinged with an edge of irritation.


    "No... it¡¯s nothing..." Sylleth stammered, his voice growing shakier as tears started to trickle down his cheeks.


    "Sylleth..." Zara murmured. Concern etched into her face, she slid off Corym¡¯s back and moved closer to the boy.


    Lirian and Corym exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they took in Sylleth¡¯s distress. Both men had grown quieter, their usual confidence momentarily subdued as they watched the boy struggle with the weight of his story.


    ¡°Take your time.¡± Corym said again, his voice unusually gentle, breaking the heavy silence that had filled the cabin.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell us now¡­¡± Lirian added, settling back into his seat with a faint smile that was both reassuring and warm. ¡°Tell us when you¡¯re ready. We¡¯ve got plenty of time together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ it¡¯s just¡­¡± Sylleth wiped at his tears, shaking his head slightly as he took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sylleth.¡± Niall said with an uncharacteristic smile. It was, perhaps, the first time the boy had seen a genuine expression on the man¡¯s face¡ªone free of sarcasm or mockery. ¡°You¡¯re part of the team now. Think of us as family. Sure, we¡¯re a bit dysfunctional¡ªarguing more often than actually doing anything productive¡ªbut still, a family.¡±


    Niall chuckled softly, removing his hand from Sylleth¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If you ever need someone to talk to, or just someone to sit with, we¡¯re here for you.¡±


    His words, though lighthearted, carried a sincerity that Sylleth couldn¡¯t ignore. For the first time in a long while, the boy felt a flicker of warmth¡ªa fragile but comforting sense of belonging.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Sylleth said softly, offering a faint smile to the group. His voice still wavered, but there was a hint of warmth in it now¡ªa quiet gratitude that didn¡¯t go unnoticed.


    Niall stood, brushing off the tension in his usual offhanded manner, and reached into the satchel he always kept strapped to his side. After a moment of rummaging, he pulled out a small wooden carving¡ªa fox, the same one he¡¯d been working on earlier.


    ¡°Now, I don¡¯t normally just hand these out left and right¡­¡± Niall said with a smirk, tossing the figurine lightly toward Sylleth. ¡°¡­but I¡¯ll make an exception for you. Take good care of it, alright?¡±


    Sylleth caught it in both hands, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He examined the carving as he sat back down, running his fingers over its intricate details. It wasn¡¯t anything grand, just a small wooden fox with two tails curled neatly around its hind legs. Its left eye had been etched into the shape of a crystal, adding a peculiar elegance to the simple piece.


    ¡°It might not mean much to you now,¡± Niall began, leaning back in his chair and spinning his dagger between his fingers, the blade catching the light from outside. ¡°But that¡¯s Nashe¡ªone of the southern gods. Keeper of order.¡±


    Sylleth¡¯s gaze lingered on the figurine, his expression shifting as if trying to place a memory just out of reach. The little fox felt oddly familiar, though he couldn¡¯t say why.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Niall,¡± he murmured, clutching the carving a bit closer, as if it were a lifeline to something he¡¯d lost¡ªor maybe something he¡¯d just found.

 Chapter 25

    After an exhausting day of trekking through the wildest parts of the continent, the goal of their journey finally appeared on the horizon: the Yelakin Canyon, leading deep into the underground.


    It plunged as far as 30 kilometers into the earth, making it the only gateway to the underground capital, and stretched over two kilometers wide.


    Surrounding the canyon, which spanned the center of a vast valley, rose towering cliffs adorned with Ilythyrran watchtowers, ensuring the entrance remained fully protected.


    "Been a while since I¡¯ve been here..." murmured Lirian, gazing out the window at the vast, forested valley.


    "And you¡¯re telling me?" chuckled Corym, who was driving the wagon this time and had a much clearer view. "I¡¯ve missed this place."


    The valley was about twice as wide in diameter as the canyon itself, and if not for the stairways winding up the imposing cliffs, it would have been impenetrable¡ªeven with the mightiest incantations.


    "So... are we there yet?" Zara chimed in from her lounging position, too exhausted to muster any enthusiasm for the breathtaking scenery.


    "This is just the beginning. Wait until we head underground¡ªthat¡¯s the real nightmare," replied Niall, perched on the wagon roof with his head hanging down by the window, making himself visible inside.


    "Niall! Get inside! If the patrols see you up there, they¡¯ll probably laugh themselves to tears!" Syviis called out, walking between the two wagons to ensure their safety from any threats they might encounter along the way.


    "Yes, Mom!" the boy shouted back teasingly, hopping back inside through the window.


    "Well then, when will we learn more about this mission?" Lirian asked, rising from his seat and moving closer to Corym.


    "Once we get there. Honestly, I don¡¯t know the exact details myself... I just know it¡¯s important." This answer left Lirian unsatisfied, and his curiosity immediately got the better of him.


    "Maybe... you could honor us with the story of the Underground Capital in the meantime? To pass the time." he suggested, eager to distract himself with something else.


    "...Again? I feel like I¡¯ve told that story a hundred times already," the elf chuckled, glancing back over his shoulder.


    "Yeah, but they haven¡¯t heard it yet, have they?" Lirian pointed toward Sylletha and Zara, resting in the rear seats.


    "True, true!" Zara chimed in, her exhaustion forgotten at the mention of a tale.


    "I... don¡¯t think I¡¯ve heard it either." added the boy softly, trying his best not to sound too pushy.


    "...Alright then." Corym turned back, guiding the wagon closer to one of the guard towers that watched over the descent down the cliffs. "The whole history of the Underground began around the Fable Ages, during the last wars between the elves. A more persecuted faction among them found refuge in this canyon... But not everything went as they had hoped¡ª" Corym¡¯s voice swelled with dramatic flair as he tried to breathe life into the tale, but Niall interrupted him.


    "And then Seshadri!" Niall exclaimed, throwing his arms triumphantly into the air.


    "Yes, Niall... Seshadri." Corym took a deep breath and continued, his tone growing more serious with each word. "Seshadri, the serpent born of The World Tree''s branch, Asteryana, devourer of the ley lines, and the slayer of hundreds of thousands of elves¡ªand not just them."


    Just before descending, two elven guards dressed in the same armor, like those at the entrance gate to the capital, stopped the cart, standing in front of it.


    One of them, a dark-haired elf with a scar on his right eye, stepped closer, standing on Corym''s right side.


    "Reason for your visit?" he asked in a hoarse, emotionless voice, probably exhausted after a full day''s work.


    "We have an assignment in Sibashi..." Corym began, reaching into his coat pocket.


    "What kind of assignment? Do you have a permit to enter the city?" the guard continued, also pulling a small notebook from his pocket and writing something in it.


    Without saying another word, Corym handed him an envelope sealed with a crest, at which sight the elf nearly choked.


    "O-Oh, d-damn... a prince!?" he muttered under his breath, opening the envelope.


    At the guard''s words, Lirian flinched and turned his gaze toward Corym.


    Corym simply nodded, preparing the horses for the next leg of the journey.


    "Alright... have a pleasant trip then." the guard mumbled, then stepped aside, motioning for the other guard to do the same.


    The carriages moved onward, led by horses along the stairs carved into the massive cliffs.


    Corym turned back to the others, brushing away the hair that had started to fall into his face from the gentle jolts.


    Zara moved to the window, already woken up enough to want to watch the scenery.


    From the cliffs'' edge, the valley looked far more beautiful. The vast canyon appeared even mightier, with a few small lakes that were falling into it like waterfalls becoming more visible and bluer under the sun''s rays. The willow forests, whose catkins were just beginning to awaken with the first days of early spring, swayed rhythmically in the wind.


    "Alright then, let¡¯s continue." Corym started, clearing his throat and crossing his arms over his chest.


    "For many centuries, the elven clans were tormented by the power of Seshadri... until the time of the Wars of Order and the arrival of the so-called ''Rightful Gods.''"


    "Who were they? And this Seshadri... who was she exactly?" asked Sylleth, seemingly the only one listening to the story. Niall continued to play with his carvings, Lirian¡ªwho had initially suggested that Corym should tell the story the story¡ªwas laying down on the seats with his eyes closed and Zara, watching the views from the window, all ignored what Corym had to say.


    "I¡¯ll explain everything in a moment, but first..." The blond elf smiled, resuming his tale with a grin, his tone shifting to something more resonant and heroic.


    "After all that came the Age of Heroes! Incarnations of three of the four ''Rightful Gods'' rose against the tyranny of Seshadri, facing her in a mighty battle somewhere in Rodograd."


    As he spoke, Corym gestured wildly with his hands, getting a little too caught up in the story.


    "The battle raged on for months, until finally, Seshadri''s tyranny came to an end with the triumph of the incarnations! Afterward, all the clans united under their rule!" The elf''s hands waved animatedly, and between them, mana orbs began to form, weaving together into images depicting the heroes of the underground.


    "The four gods created four major cities, ruled by their incarnations, until finally, in the year 310..."


    The mana orbs shifted to depict the centuries-old capital of Ilythyrra.


    "...the birth of Queen Morgaine shook the entire continent, for just minutes after her birth, a mana sink appeared in the iris of her right eye..." Corym''s tone turned more melodic, with a hint of reverence for the figure he was describing. The images transformed into depictions of the red-haired elven queen.


    "...She became both the queen and the general of Ilythyrra at the age of just 9! And despite her youth, the emissaries who ruled the capital at the time regarded her as their equal..."


    His gestures and storytelling quickened to such a pace that Sylleth began to lose track of the narrative.


    "She was a brilliant commander and the savior of our race during the racial wars with the vampires! Her swordsmanship was unmatched, and her magic equally so--"


    Corym suddenly paused, catching the confused look Sylleth was giving him, and let out a small, sheepish smile.


    "...I may have gotten a little carried away, huh?"


    The boy chuckled softly. "Ah... a little, but it¡¯s alright. It¡¯s good to know more about our history," he replied, shifting closer to settle into a more comfortable position.


    "I''ll return to the main story... When the queen was only 26 years old, a revolution began in the underground. One of the four heroes had tapped into the dark magic of Seshadri, which still lingered in her lifeless heart... And with that, parts of Asteryana got infected, giving birth to countless species of draconids." The images shifted again, this time depicting magnificent underground cities slowly consumed by flames.


    "The people had grown tired of their rulers thinking themselves superior and tormenting their lands, and for years they fought against them in a revolution. Twenty-six years later, in the year 362, Morgaine''s four children joined the uprising. They seized control of the underground, executed the incarnations, and drove the Rightful Gods from the realm."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    The magical orbs vanished, and Corym¡¯s tone returned to its calmer, more measured cadence.


    "That chapter of history ended quickly... Morgaine''s children were all slaughtered during the war with the draconids about 30 years later, and the thrones passed to her grandchildren, the current princes of the underground."


    "And the queen... if I remember correctly, she was poisoned, wasn¡¯t she?" Sylleth interjected, curiosity lighting up his eyes and voice.


    "Yes, sadly. In the year 432, the queen was assassinated... The ruling guild took power in Ilythyrrya, wresting it from her second, and only living daughter, who then became the general of our army," Corym replied, his voice tinged with respect and sorrow for the fallen queen.


    For a moment, the group fell silent, the weight of the story settling over them like a shadow, as if the echoes of the past still lingered in the air around them.


    "And that''s about it. Morgaine''s grandchildren now rule the underground... unfortunately, not in a very effective way, which means all the problems have to be solved by outsiders," Corym explained, sliding back into his seat at the front.


    Sylleth nodded, walking up to the elf and sitting right behind him.


    "How much longer?" groaned Niall, slumping dramatically in his seat, as if to emphasize his exhaustion from the journey.


    "We''re just about to enter the valley..." replied Corym, glancing down the length of the valley they were now descending into from the cliffside road.


    "Ugh..." the boy continued to groan, sliding even further onto the floor with a blank expression, prompting Sylleth to chuckle softly.


    "You¡¯ll get used to it... he¡¯s always like this," mumbled Lirian, sitting back upright with a faint sigh of resignation.


    After another few minutes, the wagons started approaching the canyon, and from a distance, the group could already make out the wooden lifts that would carry them down to the underground capital.


    It was a massive contraption, occupying a significant portion of the canyon''s width. Soldiers swarmed around it, ensuring its operation and guarding the area. Two sturdy watchtowers flanked it, their purpose clear: to ensure no one unauthorized entered¡ªor left¡ªthe underground realm.


    "Alright, just a little longer, and we¡¯ll be heading down," Corym informed the group, nodding at one of the guards responsible for the lift''s operation before steering his wagon onto the wooden platform.


    The shouts of soldiers echoed around the lift, coordinating its activation. Corym¡¯s wagon rolled to a stop on one side of the platform. The second wagon, driven once again by Syviis, pulled in alongside his.


    With a slight jolt, the platform began its descent, carrying the group into the depths of the canyon. As it started to move, Sif leapt from her wagon and approached Corym, taking a seat beside him.


    "So, are you finally going to tell us what we¡¯re here to do? What¡¯s this mission about?" she asked, settling in with a determined expression.


    Zara, unable to contain her excitement, dashed over to Sylleth, grabbing his arm and dragging him out of the wagon. "Come on, come on!" she exclaimed joyfully, practically bouncing with anticipation at the thought of seeing the underground capital.


    "Careful!" Lirian called after them, rising from his seat and stepping out of the wagon himself. His gaze remained fixed on the pair as he added, "The platform might be sturdy, but you could still fall off if you¡¯re not paying attention!"


    Meanwhile, Niall remained in his wagon, sprawled across the bench, staring at the ceiling and mumbling something under his breath, seemingly uninterested in the commotion.


    "Everything will be explained once we¡¯re all together." Corym replied to Sif, his sharp elven eyes scanning the platform. His gaze briefly lingered on Zara and Sylleth, who were running around the edge like excitable children. "But that means we need to be in Sibashi first."


    As the platform descended deeper into the canyon, the walls surrounding them began to widen. Shadows grew heavier, but the darkness was occasionally broken by clusters of luminescent mushrooms. Their soft, blue glow illuminated the depths, giving the otherwise foreboding surroundings an otherworldly charm.


    The group descended rapidly, the wooden lift creaking as it carried them ever closer to the canyon floor.


    As the platform neared the bottom, a faint sound began to echo from above¡ªthe unmistakable chime of an alarm bell.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡± Sif was the first to shout, glancing up at the small, bright speck of light far above them¡ªthe opening of the canyon, which had seemed massive just moments ago.


    ¡°Three chimes¡­¡± Corym muttered, leaping down from the wagon. ¡°...It signals danger. Something must¡¯ve happened.¡±


    Suddenly, Lirian, Zara, and Sylleth ran over to the pair, their expressions tense.


    ¡°Is it something up top?¡± Lirian asked, catching his breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ but if the bells are still ringing, it¡¯s probably not good. We need to be ready,¡± Corym replied, reaching into his bag and pulling out a glowing blue grimoire¡ªthe same one Sylleth had seen earlier on his desk.


    ¡°Syviis! Wake the others!¡± Sif shouted, sprinting toward her wagon.


    ¡°Damn it... and here I thought this was going to be simple,¡± Lirian muttered, stretching his arms before heading back to the wagon to grab his gear.


    ¡°What¡­ what¡¯s happening?!¡± Sylleth asked, his voice trembling with both fear and confusion as the chime of the bells gradually faded, likely muffled by the growing distance between them and the surface.


    ¡°Probably just a mistake¡­ I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to attack the lift¡­ I hope,¡± Corym replied, stepping closer to the pair. ¡°If things do get dangerous, stick close to Lirian, alright?¡±


    Both Zara and Sylleth nodded quickly, then rushed after the half-elf toward the wagon.


    Sif, along with Syviis, Vidar, Lukius, and Mallory, dashed out of their carriage, all armed with their weapons.


    ¡°How long until we reach the bottom?¡± Lukius asked, clutching his wand tightly.


    ¡°A few minutes¡­ let¡¯s hope it¡¯s over by then,¡± Corym replied, closing his grimoire.


    ¡°First mission with you lot in weeks, and we¡¯re already in trouble... I can¡¯t stand it!¡± Mallory shouted, gripping her hammer tightly, more annoyed about being woken up than frightened by the attack.


    ¡°Calm down¡­¡± Vidar cut in, his voice weary as he unsheathed his sword.


    ¡°I¡¯ll calm down when I feel like it! You calm down!¡± she snapped back at him, baring her teeth in frustration.


    Lirian also leapt from the wagon, accompanied by Niall and the kids.


    ¡°All right, we¡¯re ready,¡± he informed the group, tightening the black bandages on his hands.


    As the platform neared the bottom, more and more mushrooms appeared on the walls, their faint glow illuminating the descent. From below came guttural sounds, resembling frogs but far too loud to be ordinary.


    ¡°...Drakes?¡± Niall murmured, listening to the noises.


    ¡°If they were drakes, they¡¯d have charged us by now,¡± Syviis replied, readying her daggers.


    ¡°She¡¯s right¡­ they¡¯re basilisks,¡± Corym informed the group. ¡°Lukius, as soon as we land, light up the cave,¡± he instructed while still poring over his book. ¡°Lirian, keep the kids safe. Niall, neutralize any magical attacks they throw at us,¡± he barked orders, his commanding voice trying to bring order to the chaos.


    ¡°Are basilisks really that bad? Can¡¯t you handle them?¡± Zara chimed in, completely oblivious to the danger, in stark contrast to the terrified Sylleth, whose hair had been standing on end since the alarm bells first sounded.


    ¡°It depends on how many there are. If it¡¯s just a small group, we can manage. But if they¡¯ve got a Wyrm with them¡­ we¡¯re in deep trouble,¡± Sif said, leaning against her blade as she glanced toward the part of the platform where they were set to disembark.


    All of a sudden, from the depths of the cave, swarms of fire surged upward, touching the underside of the platform and crawling up the walls, shifting to a yellow hue after a moment. Lirian immediately grabbed Sylleth and Zara under his arms, leaping into the wagon. The horses, which had been calmly resting at the front, started to panic as the rest of the group now understood what was happening.


    "Well, you called it... we''re screwed," Vidar muttered, sighing heavily.


    "Shit!" Mallory yelled, leaping onto the bearded man''s legs to escape the flames.


    "...Change of plans! Lirian!" Corym shouted, extending his hand toward the half-elf, who immediately placed the children safely in the wagon before jumping down.


    Without a word, Lirian leaped high into the air, much higher than even three stacked wagons. "Watch out!" he shouted, swinging his arms in the air, while at the same moment, a magical circle shot out from Corym''s hand, forming around Lirian¡¯s neck.


    With the swing, the half-elf let out a loud yell, as if it would help him with what he was doing. The rest of the group slid down in a practiced manner, leaving him the perfect space right where the flames were at their center.


    "<b>Thryn!</b>" he yelled, and a massive glow emitted from his hands. In an instant, Sylleth felt an intense cold wash over him, and a split second later, a wave of ice crashed down directly onto the flames, completely extinguishing them.


    The flames were entirely surrounded by multilayered ice, their dancing tongues frozen in place.


    "Just a bit more!" Corym shouted at him, extending his other hand, as though he were holding him up in the air... or perhaps, that¡¯s exactly what he was doing.


    Lirian twisted mid-air, striking directly at the spots from which the rest of the flames were crawling, which were immediately surrounded by blue ice as they reappeared.


    "<b>THRYN! THRYN!</b>" he continued shouting, and even from such a height, it was clear that his hands were completely frozen, with pieces of bandages wrapped around them trembling and falling as pure ice fragments.


    The ice strikes shook the platform, tearing massive holes in it, through which the bottom of the canyon became much more visible. Even worse, the canyon''s walls were now full of green lizards, and a huge serpent with its gaping mouth pointed upward.


    "I''VE GOT YOU!" Lirian continued shouting, flipping through the air and screaming one last time. "<b>THRYN!</b>" This time his voice was louder as he threw a wave of ice through one of the holes directly into the monster¡¯s maw.


    The flames stopped in place, and the creature¡¯s mouth shook as it froze, triggering a chilling roar that sounded like a mixture of a serpent''s hiss and the laughter of salamanders.


    With his last breath, Lirian yelled, "<b>THRY</b>-!" But before he could strike another blow he blacked out, and gravity pulled him downward, crashing through the platform with force and slamming into a swarm of basilisks.


    "LIRIAN!" Corym shouted, running toward the hole.


    "I''ll take care of him!" Niall outran him, nocking three arrows on his battle bow before jumping after the half-elf with a grin.


    "You better do... I won''t handle the next one..." Corym murmured, rushing back to the wagon to check on the kids.


    "Alright, there won¡¯t be a better chance! Let''s go!" Sif yelled, jumping down straight into the frozen maw of the Serpent.


    The rest of the group followed her, and everyone except Lukius jumped, trying to finish off the monster before it was too late.


    Lukius ran up to Corym, who was just about to board the wagon. "I''ll take care of them, go help the others, they''ll need you more," he said, before heading toward Sylleth and Zara.


    After a moment of hesitation, Corym simply nodded. However, before rushing into battle, he reached into his pocket. "If I don¡¯t survive..." With a swift motion, he tossed a black box toward the boy, who was lying on the ground, terrified. "...You know what to do." After those words, he rushed toward the rest of the group, leaping over one of the holes, accompanied by the hissing of basilisks and the roar of the Serpent.


    "Corym!" Sylleth tried to follow him immediately, but Lukius stopped him, dropping him next to Zara, who was curled up on the ground, clutching her tail and covering her ears.


    "They¡¯ll manage... but you need to stay here." Lukius reprimanded him, standing next to the horses at the front of the wagon. Before that, he briefly glanced at the boy, as if wanting to convey something, then turned his gaze toward the terrified Zara.


    Sylleth simply nodded, knowing what he had to do. Until now, it was Zara who had always helped him in difficult moments. During the separation from Shalyn, the escape from the slave hunters, joining the Stormbreakers, in his toughest times when he was about to give up, and now, on their first mission¡ªshe had always been by his side, holding his hand and pushing forward. This time, he had to support her. This time, he wouldn¡¯t stand on the sidelines.


    His left arm tingled, a faint but familiar sensation that had been growing steadily since their arrival. He barely noticed it anymore, the way his skin seemed to hum when his resolve hardened. This time... he would take everything into his own hands.

 Chapter 26

    Blinding light illuminated high above the ground, casting the monsters'' shadow across the walls, as


    the group was battling through what seemed like an endless number of enemies. The basilisks began leaping down from the walls and the small hollows in them, charging at anyone in sight.


    ¡°There are too many of them!¡± Vidar shouted, fighting off several lizards at once, knocking their large, green-scaled bodies to the ground using brute strenght.


    ¡°UGH! They better hurry up! This wave won¡¯t stop until we either kill them all or they get to the Wyrm!¡± Mallory yelled back, swinging her huge hammer wildly, not even paying attention to whether she hit any of the enemies.


    On the other side of the cavern, Sif, Corym, and Syviis were struggling to fight the giant monster that was tossing its yellow flames in all directions. Its green scales were still partially covered in ice, remnants of Lirian¡¯s devastating attack.


    "Nothing''s getting through! Why is this thing that strong?!" Syviis shouted, leaping onto its twisting tail, trying to find its weak spot... if it even had one.


    Sif continuously lunged at its head with her greatsword, trying to pin it to the ground, which, given the size difference, was no easy task.


    ¡°It¡¯s teeth are alone the size of Mallory! This makes no sense!¡± the woman shouted, throwing upward blows at the monster, which still had problems with moving around thanks to the ice and Corym''s spells.


    ¡°If we could just keep it pinned to the ground!¡± Corym said, raising his hands, trying to maintain a bunch of magical circles around the Serpent, which definitely made it harder for the creature to maneuver properly.


    The Serpent writhed it''s tail around the cavern, occasionally hitting the basilisks and the walls as it tried to attack the group, making the cavern even bigger with every blow.


    "Damn it!" Syviis shouted, jumping off the beast''s tail and rushing to Corym. "Wouldn''t it be better to just run away?! In this space, they have the advantage over us!" Her gaze shifted to the exit tunnel adorned with mana lanterns.


    "We can''t be sure..." Corym muttered, clasping his hands, causing the magical circle around the Wyrm''s neck to tighten, eliciting another roar. "...That there aren''t more of them in the tunnel."


    The elf''s eyes wandered across the battlefield, where he managed to spot everyone including Lirian and Niall, who had earlier disappeared amidst the chaos.


    They stood against the wall, surrounded by a group of hissing basilisks.


    Niall deflected their minor fire attacks with his arrows, protecting Lirian, who sat behind him, clutching his likely broken and slightly frostbitten shoulder.


    "Ugh... Syviis, go help Niall. He won''t protect Lirian alone." He commanded, lowering his hands, which caused the magical circle to shatter, releasing the Serpent.


    "...Are you sure? Can you guys handle this on your own?" The woman asked cautiously, glancing at Sif, who was fighting with all her might.


    The elf gave a slight nod, taking his grimoire in hand and flipping through its pages.


    As Syviis set off to search for the others, the Serpent, taking advantage of its brief freedom, began lunging at Sif, effortlessly countering her attacks.


    Chunks of rock bounced off its scales, ricocheting straight toward the woman.


    "AGH... Damn it! Corym, what are you doing?!" Sif screamed, forcing herself to endure the relentless attacks.


    "Just a moment!" he yelled back, his voice focused as he continued flipping through the pages.


    Sif continued battling the monster, dodging the heavier attacks and blocking the lighter ones, but her endurance had its limits, and as she felt the movements of her body slowing down and a wave of nausea hitting her, she knew that she was quickly reaching them.


    The Serpent thrashed its massive body around the cavern, leaping between walls, bouncing her between rocks and slamming directly into her.


    "UGH!" she gasped, coming to a stop against one of the boulders thrown by the Wyrm, which now charged at her with full force.


    "DAMN IT!" she shouted, barely managing to get back on her feet, her trembling hands raising her massive sword toward the beast.


    Suddenly, just as the Serpent was about to collide head-on with her, a wave of ice struck its maw, knocking it sideways and pinning it to the ground together with many of the basillisks.


    Sif didn¡¯t even need to turn around to know that Lirian had saved her yet again, despite his critical condition. Before she could fully regain her composure, Corym¡¯s voice echoed through the cavern.


    "Sif! You have the green light! I''ll replenish the mana, so give it everything you''ve got!" His shout reverberated through the cave, accompanied by the casting of a spell.


    "...Are you... sure?" she muttered, turning toward him.


    Corym stood with one his hands outstretched, while the other was wrapped around Lirian''s shoulder, keeping him in place.


    He nodded in response to her question and then closed his eyes, causing a wave of pure energy to starts shooting rhythmically out of his hand, right before he murmured. "Do it."


    In an instant, Sif''s mind cleared of all unnecessary thoughts, leaving behind only one sentence¡ªa sentence she had feared to speak for many, many years.


    "Oh, great <b>Ignis-Vythera, flame of chaos and wrathful inferno...</b>" As she began the chanting, the colour of her veins turned from blue to orange, giving out a glow that spread across her whole body. "<b>...Hear my plea as I stand before the unyielding storm...</b>" She continued, taking her time as the Wyrm started to wriggle around and spitting out another wave of flames, trying to escape the ice. "<b>...Lend me the fury of your eternal blaze, so I may burn away the shadow that defies us...</b>"


    At last, the monster destroyed the ice, and with another roar it immidately rushed towards Lirian and Corym, completely ignoring the power that emanated from Sif.


    For a single moment, the cavern grew silent, just for a crackle of flames to escape with her final words.


    "<b>...Jaal-Vythera.</b>"


    <hr>


    The platform shook under the pressure of the basilisks pressing in from all sides, and the chains supporting it were stretched to their absolute limit.


    Water-type spells flew in every direction, cast by Lukius as he tried his best to defend the kids.


    ¡°¡­The upper level should have called for reinforcements by now.¡± he muttered under his breath, holding his staff aloft as he prepared for the next wave of monsters.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The boy nodded back. "¡­ but do you know how things are going below?¡± he asked, leaning out from the back of the carriage and scanning the walls for any threats.


    ¡°Not exactly¡­ but it doesn¡¯t sound good.¡± Lukius replied, and as those words left his mouth, the platform began to quake again, and another group of basilisks leaped out of the holes they had created.


    Lukius immediately swung his staff, releasing a wave of mana that transformed into a shimmering water shield around the carriage.


    ¡°They¡¯re here too!¡± the boy shouted, retreating back inside in an attempt to escape the next group, which had started to slowly surround the carriage.


    After firing another series of spells from his staff, Lukius was slowly losing hope.


    With each attack, his mana was running dry, and the number of enemies showed no signs of decreasing.


    ¡°W-What¡¯s h-happening?!¡± Zara stammered, terrified, curled up in a corner of the carriage with her tail wrapped tightly around her waist.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lukius replied, his obvious and far-from-comforting lie being all he could offer the girl.


    ¡°How many?!¡± he shouted, casting a few more spells directly onto the surface of the barrier, which deflected them backward, taking out a handful of monsters.


    Sylleth moved from the center of the wagon to its rear exit, observing the swarm of massive lizards dangerously closing in on them. ¡°About eighteen!¡± he shouted back, retreating inside and kneeling next to Zara.


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Lukius muttered as it slowly dawned on him that they were surrounded by at least thirty bloodthirsty creatures that, if not for the protective barrier, would have torn them apart in an instant.


    ¡°How¡­ h-how much longer?¡± Zara stammered, glancing at the boy kneeling beside her with tear-filled eyes.


    ¡°...Not much¡­¡± he murmured, his words less an attempt to reassure Zara and more an effort to calm himself¡ªhis racing heart, his dark thoughts, and his trembling left hand, which he had been supporting with the other for some time now.


    "Agh!" Lukius shouted, firing more and more water projectiles at the monsters while wiping sweat from his forehead.


    "Sylleth... p-please..." Zara mumbled, covering her ears to block out the guttural sounds made by the basilisks.


    "Zara..." The boy tried to wrap his arm around her, but she recoiled, shivering and muttering again.


    "P-Please... do something... don¡¯t let them in." Her voice was strangely soaked in terror, but the boy had no time to dwell on it.


    With a forced nod, he quickly returned to the front of the carriage, standing beside Lukius, who was fighting desperately for their survival.


    "...This isn''t working," he muttered in a broken voice, tearing his gaze away from the horde of monsters completely ignoring Lukius¡¯ attacks, simply waiting for the barrier to fall.


    "I _noticed_! But I don¡¯t have a better idea!" Lukius'' voice, filled with more desperation than fear, echoed through the cavern, blending with the sounds of battle from below.


    "¡­Damn it, of all times for that Wyrm to show up," the man continued muttering under his breath, his eyes closing as he slowly lowered his staff. With a sharp movement, he ripped the dagger from his belt and threw it to the ground.


    "Shit! We¡¯re going to die! We¡¯re _fucking_ going to die!" he shouted in sheer panic, unwilling to accept the fate awaiting them¡ªhis outburst only dragging Sylleth and Zara further into the depths of despair.


    And yet, despite everything, Sylleth did not feel fear¡ªnot like the others.


    The terror that should have brought him to his knees, begging the gods for mercy, had been replaced by something else¡­ though he couldn¡¯t quite tell what.


    It wasn¡¯t fear, not even close. It was more like a numbness spreading through his mind, beginning as a simple tingling in his limbs.


    His gaze drifted, almost instinctively, to the dagger lying at the foot of the carriage.


    And in his mind, only one thought echoed¡ª<b>"The chains."</b>


    Involuntarily, he muttered the word, drawing Lukius'' attention.


    ¡°What?¡± Lukius asked in a despairing voice. He had already resigned himself to his fate, barely managing to keep his grip on his staff, which was half-pressed against the ground.


    ¡°¡­Chains.¡± Sylleth murmured, his gaze shifting to the thick chains that held the platform in the air. ¡°If we got rid of them¡­¡±


    Lukius shook his head, his fingers slipping from his staff, nearly letting it fall. ¡°I thought about that, but we¡¯ll never get through this many enemies, and even if we do¡ª¡±


    Sif''s distorted scream echoed from below, cutting him off. The sound was immediately followed by a series of deafening impacts and the enraged roar of the Wyrm.


    ¡°Sif¡­¡± Lukius whispered, his last bit of strength barely keeping his fingers wrapped around his falling staff, fighting to maintain the barrier for just a little longer.


    ¡°L-Lukius.¡± Sylleth¡¯s unsteady voice broke through the tension, forcing the exhausted mage to focus on him. ¡°¡­You have someone to protect too¡­ We can¡¯t stay here, and if there¡¯s even the slightest chance that this will work¡­¡±


    His hands clenched into fists, a sharp stinging sensation spreading through his skin.


    ¡°¡­Then we have to try. Even if defeat is certain.¡± Lukius cut him off, tightening the grip on his staff and shaking his head. "I heard it once before... you truly do resemble him."


    Sylleth, despite not understanding the context of his words, nodded, not wanting to waste any more time.


    "...We need to weaken the chains so we can cut through them," the man continued, grabbing the dagger from the ground and handing it to the boy. "I''ll take care of that¡ªyou cut them."


    The boy quickly took the dagger, positioning himself at the front of the wagon, standing face-to-face with one of the larger monsters, which hissed directly at him.


    His previously steady breath began to waver slightly, and his grip on the hilt tightened.


    "Don''t be afraid... I''ll clear a path for you, so don''t stop," Lukius whispered, slowly preparing to lower the barrier.


    The boy glanced back at Zara, who was still terrified, before turning his gaze forward again.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m ready,¡± he muttered uncertainly, slightly bending his knees and leaning forward.


    Lukius nodded, sweeping his hand in a fluid motion to dispel the barrier, exposing them to the basilisks'' attack. Without hesitation, he began bombarding the creatures with his magic, partially directing his water-based attacks toward the chains.


    Sylleth sprinted forward, weaving between the disoriented monsters thanks to his small frame.


    Lukius¡¯ magic had begun to swirl around the two thick chains holding up one side of the platform. The water encircling them started to churn violently, releasing a mass of oxygen bubbles.


    ¡°AAAAAAhh!¡± the boy shouted under his breath, squeezing his eyes shut and letting his instincts guide him toward his target.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± the man yelled from behind.


    Sylleth skidded to a stop and opened his eyes¡ªstanding before him was one of the larger basilisks, roughly his size, its mouth glowing yellow as it opened wide.


    With a swift movement of his staff, Lukius unleashed a barrage of water projectiles at the beast, creating a burst of steam that spread across the platform. ¡°Keep running!¡± he shouted, leaping from the carriage and fighting off the creatures not just with magic but with his staff itself.


    The boy dashed forward again, dodging the fallen monster and racing toward the slowly rusting chains.


    ¡°I can do this¡­¡± he muttered, pushing his legs to their limit. His mind spun as the hisses of basilisks and splashes of water surrounded him, while in the distance, the echoes of battle¡ªclashes and the furious roars of the Wyrm¡ªresounded from below.


    Already close enough, the boy pushed off the ground lightly, swinging his left hand forward as he lunged toward the now partially orange-tinted chains.


    "I can do this!" he shouted, finishing his swing and slicing through the stream of water with the dagger''s blade. With a sharp cut and a loud snap, the chains shattered¡ªjust before the tail of one of the basilisks struck him, sending Sylleth crashing to the floor beside them.


    ¡°AAAGHH!¡± he gasped, clutching his stomach, the dagger slipping from his grasp.


    The platform trembled, but instead of plummeting as expected, it remained suspended in the air, emitting only faint creaks and groans.


    ¡°Wha¡­?¡± the boy choked out, his gaze darting to the chains.


    Then he saw it¡ªhe had only managed to break **one** of them. The second remained completely intact.


    The basilisk slithered closer, hissing, its mouth slowly opening as it prepared to strike.


    ¡°N-No¡­¡± The realization struck Sylleth even harder.


    If he had aimed better, the platform would already be falling, and maybe they would have had a chance to survive. But because of his lack of skill¡ªbecause he had never trained in swordsmanship¡ªtheir fate was now sealed.


    His breathing grew shallow and rapid, and a sharp pain began to spread through his body.


    His tear-filled gaze flickered between the chains and the approaching basilisk, his vision growing blurry.


    Sylleth''s breath became erratic as the basilisk¡¯s hissing grew louder. The sharp pain in his side intensified, but his gaze remained locked on the remaining chain, the heavy weight of his failure pressing down on him.


    Seconds passed, the monster was getting closer and closer, and Lukius'' shouts grew louder.


    The boy''s mind was in a panic, his hand trembling right next to the dagger.


    Suddenly, from deep within his head, a soft and calm voice echoed, quickly clearing his mind and calming his breath, leaving only a tingling sensation in his left arm. "Throw it."


    He blinked, his heart racing. The voice was like a pull from deep within him, instinctive yet unexplainable.


    Without a second thought, the boy grabbed the dagger once more with trembling fingers, and as he swung to throw it, time seemed to slow down.


    The blade shot toward the chains with desperate, almost instinctual precision, and when it finally embedded into the last one, a loud crack echoed through the cave. The chains fell to the ground, and the earth began to tremble.


    This time, he succeeded, and the platform started to fall.

 Chapter 26.5 (Feast of Blossoms)

    Every year, as early spring slowly fades, giving way to full spring and the rebirth of nature, the streets of all the cities in Elandor become filled with the petals of blooming flowers, predominantly in shades of violet and white.


    It is then that the continent¡¯s inhabitants celebrate a festival, known by different names and traditions depending on the region¡ªyet they all share one common purpose: honoring the guardian of the great and life-giving forest of Austeria, the goddess Rosmerta.


    Naso is no different from the rest. The Feast of Blossoms, as it is called, is held on the second day of spring, lasting from midnight to midnight, just as in every other part of the continent.


    It is one of the few days in the year that everyone, regardless of their place in the social hierarchy, eagerly awaits¡ªa time to celebrate, dance, and sing together in honor of the goddess.


    The students and professors of Aurelia University were no different in this regard. As soon as the clock struck 3 PM, marking the end of all mandatory classes, they all made their way toward the city''s main plaza, where the festival had been in full swing since morning.


    At that very moment, as she stepped out of her classroom and headed toward one of the two main exits, Saelwen noticed Shalyn sitting patiently in front of the teachers'' lounge, waiting for Ceana.


    "Shalyn!" Saelwen called out, waving enthusiastically in her direction. The girl flinched slightly at first but then stood up, offering a small bow of her head.


    "Ms. Saelwen..." she muttered with a faint smile before sitting back down on her chair.


    "Ah, stop with the ''Miss'' already... it makes me feel a decade older," she remarked with a slight wave of her hand before stepping up to the door and pushing it wide open. "You coming?" she asked as she walked inside, where Ceana and **Astram** were already deep in conversation about their festival plans, sipping on their coffee.


    Shalyn nodded and followed her in, just in time to catch the middle of Astram and Ceana¡¯s discussion.


    "¡ªyes, with Saelwen," Ceana mentioned, leaning against the table. Astram nodded in response, settling onto the couch.


    "Hmm? What with Saelwen?" the elf woman chimed in, approaching the table, with **Shalyn** following closely behind, shooting Astram a sharp, disapproving look.


    "Ah..." Ceana jolted slightly, quickly setting her cup aside, a faint blush creeping onto her face. "...Well, um..."


    "She said she was going to the festival with you," Astram turned toward them, causing Shalyn to quickly hide behind Saelwen with a swift motion.


    "Oh?" The elf raised an eyebrow, shifting her gaze to Ceana.


    "Well... I was just about to ask..." Ceana replied, lowering her head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed for the hesitation she had


    Saelwen chuckled softly at her explanation, stepping closer to her, and picking up one of the empty cups that was lying on the counter.


    "Now''s your chance." She said with a smirk.


    "Then... do you want to go?" Ceana asked, raising her head, her eyes meeting Saelwen''s.


    "Of course... and while we''re at it, we¡¯ll show Shalyn how things work." The woman nodded toward the girl clinging to her leg, who was exchanging sharp looks with Astram, just as he began to rise from the couch.


    "You won''t make me disappear just by looking at me like that..." Astram scolded the girl, returning her sharp glare with one of his own.


    Without saying a word, Shalyn furrowed her brows even more, locking eyes with him, clearly unwilling to back down.


    "Ugh, whatever," the man muttered, averting his gaze and heading toward the door.


    "Leaving already?" Saelwen turned around, tossing a handful of coffee beans into a steel grinder.


    "Yeah, I¡¯m meeting my wife at the plaza," he replied in a calm, slightly melancholic voice. Without another word, he shut the door behind him.


    "Hm, how Bonita puts up with him, I have no idea," the elf muttered under her breath, swiftly grinding the beans. As she poured the freshly ground coffee into a cup, the rich, bold aroma of black coffee filled the entire room.


    "So, shall we go once you finish your coffee?" Ceana asked, her tone optimistic, clearly not expecting a refusal.


    "Yeah, we can go." Saelwen took a deep sip of her coffee, glancing at Shalyn.


    The girl met her gaze but took a few steps back from her leg.


    "Are you coming? A little break would do you some good," the elf asked, her expression slightly twisted.


    "I can, if you don¡¯t mi¡ª" Shalyn began, her voice slightly excited, but she was abruptly interrupted by Saelwen''s coughing.


    "Damn it..." The woman set down her half-finished coffee and reached for a napkin.


    "What? What happened?" Ceana stepped closer, peering into the cup, with Shalyn following right behind her.


    "Ugh... damn Sabah and his burnt coffee," the irritated elf muttered under her breath, spitting out the remains into the napkin.


    It took Ceana a moment to piece everything together, but after connecting the professor¡¯s name with the fact that Saelwen despised Kriorian coffee, a quiet chuckle escaped her lips.


    "...Did you drink his?" Ceana giggled, offering her another napkin.


    "Don¡¯t laugh..." Saelwen scolded her, taking the napkin while trying to hide her own smile, brought on by Ceana¡¯s laughter.


    "Well, I guess you''ve finished your coffee then..." Shalyn mumbled, completely bewildered by the situation but attempting to take part in the conversation with a small joke.


    "Then let¡¯s go, right?" Ceana chuckled, trying to hide her silly grin behind her hand.


    Saelwen let out a dramatic sigh, tossing the napkin aside. "You girls are impossible..."


    Shalyn hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, no longer clinging to Saelwen¡¯s leg but still keeping her distance from where Astram had been sitting moments ago.


    Ceana, still stifling a chuckle, pushed open the door, letting the fresh spring air sweep into the room. The scent of blooming flowers instantly replaced the lingering aroma of coffee.


    "Alright, time to see what this festival has in store for us," Saelwen said, stepping outside, her long coat swaying with the breeze as they made their way toward the lively streets.


    <hr>


    White and violet blossoms of apple trees and magnolias adorned the streets and buildings, giving them an almost heavenly charm.


    Streams of water flowed through small, grate-covered channels along the sides of the roads, carrying the delicate petals along with them¡ªsome drifting onto the streets, others ending up in the fountains.


    Shalyn walked a few steps behind the two women, her gaze wandering over the countless decorations¡ªflower crowns resting atop many heads, garlands strung between buildings, and floral ropes hanging gracefully from posts, swaying gently in the breeze.


    Here and there, dancers dressed in traditional attire could be seen preparing for the evening performance of the Blooming Waltz.


    "Things are different here than in the north..." the girl mumbled under her breath, quickening her pace.


    "Hm? Oh, by the way, where are you from?" Ceana, walking on the right side, turned her head toward her.


    "A small village just by Austeria... it usually snows there, so we don''t have many flowers." she answered, glancing away toward the opposite side of the street, where the main plaza of the city was visible, surrounded by a small stone wall.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    The plaza itself is where the main part of the festival will take place, and in the center, attached to a pole, stands a giant doll made of straw and flowers.


    "Ah, so you¡¯re from Caerno?" Saelwen chimed in, turning left and crossing through one of the eight entrances to the square, placed along the stone wall surrounding it.


    "Yes..." the girl muttered, slightly afraid of the women''s reaction.


    The Kingdom of Naeron and Caerno had never had good relations, often clashing in bloody battles, such as the one from a few months ago.


    Seeing the worried expression on Shalyn''s face, Ceana smiled faintly and placed her hand on the girl''s shoulder.


    "I know what you''re thinking... don''t worry about it."


    Shalyn nodded, her smile slowly returning. "Thank you," she mumbled.


    "Don''t worry about anything. If it weren''t for you, we wouldn''t have known where Sylleth was... now at least we can save him." The woman smiled, walking toward one of the benches, decorated in the same manner as the rest of the structures in the city.


    When the three of them had finally sat down on the bench, waiting for the sunset and the start of the final part of the festival, after several minutes, a loud male voice reached them from a distance, with a very strong exotic accent.


    "Sael?!" the man shouted, running a hand through his short black hair.


    Saelwen turned around, her face contorting at the sight of the man. "Sabah..."


    "Why the long face?" the man asked, looking her in the eyes before glancing around.


    "I told you to keep that damn exotic coffee of yours away from the regular stuff..." she muttered through clenched teeth, glaring at him.


    At her words, the man began to laugh loudly, causing several people around them to turn and stare.


    "Is that why there was less of it?" he managed to say through his laughter, resting his hands on his knees.


    "Ugh, get lost," she muttered in an annoyed tone, turning her back to him.


    "AHHH, don''t be like that!" The man leaned against the bench right between Shalyn and Saelwen.


    At the sight of the man, the girl quickly moved away, pushing herself toward Ceana.


    "Oh? And who¡¯s this?" The man turned his head toward Shalyn, who was glaring at him.


    "Shalyn, she¡¯ll be a new student at the academy," Ceana answered, glancing at the annoyed Saelwen.


    "Ah, I see!" The man shouted, pushing himself back. "Well, maybe you want to meet my student?" He addressed the girl only with his voice, his gaze scanning the entire plaza.


    "No, thank you¡ª" Shalyn was about to refuse right away, but Sabah interrupted her.


    "No, no, no, I don¡¯t accept ''no''!" He said quickly, almost intentionally blending it with his accent, making it hard for Shalyn to understand what he had said.


    "I¡¯m going to find him now! Wait for me!" He shouted again, rushing quickly toward one of the exits. "Once the festival starts, call for me quickly!" His voice echoed just before he disappeared.


    As soon as he was gone, Saelwen muttered, "Does he know it starts in about two minutes?"


    Ceana chuckled, and Shalyn quickly pulled away from her side.


    As the last moments of daylight faded and the air grew colder, the loud sounds of the festival slowly quieted, and the attention of the crowd focused on a group of dancers dressed in green, who stood around the giant doll.


    One of them moved toward it, lighting a bouquet of roses and raising it high into the air.


    Shalyn went silent, slightly anxious, as the celebration in her homeland was very different.


    From all sides around the square, the rhythmic sound of drums mixed with the singing of women whose faces were covered by white cloths.


    "It¡¯s starting..." Saelwen murmured, as the dancers began to move in a circle around the doll, holding hands and hopping joyfully, causing the crystals attached to their costumes to make melodic clicks, bouncing off each other.


    The music grew louder as the drummers and singers moved closer to the plaza, making their sound much clearer.


    Small bonfires placed on the stone walls were lit by other dancers standing at the sides, improving the visibility of the performance.


    Suddenly, the music stopped. The sound of drums faded, and the singers fell silent, sitting down on the ground, their crystals the only sound that echoed.


    The dancers in the center also stopped, leaving only one of them, still dancing around the doll with his bouquet.


    The air was filled with the crackling of flames and the clicking of crystals, as the last dancer threw the bouquet directly onto the doll¡¯s head, setting it on fire.


    As the doll was engulfed in flames, Shalyn jumped back slightly, but Ceana caught her hand and, with a smile on her face, pointed at her own ears. At that moment, the sounds of the drums returned, the singers stood up, and their melodic voices rang out, reaching the furthest corners of the city.


    The group of dancers in the center separated, now moving individually, pulling out bird feathers from small pockets on the sides of their costumes, arranging them like fans in their hands, and waving them in time with the music.


    The doll, now fully enveloped in flames, illuminated the entire plaza, casting light on the backs of the dancers, who threw their dancing shadows around.


    As the music began to pick up speed, shifting from a calm melody to a more energetic one, the rest of the city¡¯s residents began to join the dancers, singers, or drummers, filling the city with even more voices and sounds, ultimately creating a folk song more known as the "Prayers to Rosmerta."


    Ceana also stood up, the music resonating in her ears so strongly that no thoughts of hesitation could enter her mind.


    With a smile on her face and without hesitation, she extended her hand toward Saelwen.


    "Ah? And what about Shalyn?" the woman asked, glancing at the girl who was gently but rhythmically nodding her head, evidently slowly getting used to the festival.


    "You''re not going far, right? Besides, I''m not a child." The girl smiled slightly, giving Ceana an unreadable look.


    "Alright then..." Saelwen took Ceana''s hand, following her toward the center, joining the rest of the dancers.


    Saelwen, slightly stressed, wasn''t sure what to do, as it was only her second dancing during the Blooming Waltz


    Ceana chuckled lightly, seeing her expression, but then said, "Just feel the rhythm, the rest will come naturally."


    The music grew louder, to the point where neither of them could hear each other, but Ceana wasn¡¯t bothered by it. She slowly got into the rhythm, lightly hopping on her feet and moving her hands in sync.


    Saelwen tried to mimic her, but¡ªseeing Ceana''s amused reaction¡ªshe was doing it rather awkwardly.


    Ceana quickly turned her, directing her gaze toward Sabah, who was dancing a few feet away.


    The man was spinning his arms and legs as if there were no tomorrow, loudly humming the rhythm of the song, throwing an inviting glance at his student, Shani, who was sitting on one of the benches nearby with a not-so-pleased expression on his face.


    "You¡¯re not going to let him have more fun than you, are you?" Ceana whispered in her ear, making sure she was heard.


    A smirk appeared on Saelwen''s face, and she turned to Ceana. "Of course not!" she shouted.


    Even though Ceana couldn¡¯t hear her words due to the increasingly loud song, her response was clear.


    The woman closed her eyes, trying to lose herself in the rhythm of the music.


    Ceana was having fun, just as before, her gaze wandering around as she noticed many familiar faces.


    Astram, with his wife, were dancing more on the sidelines, spinning in a circle.


    Not far from them stood even a board member, Alaric Frye, who, despite his high position, was also enjoying himself, dancing with the rest of the townspeople.


    Other musicians slowly joined the drummers, most of them playing tambourines, and in rare cases, violins.


    Saelwen began to slowly get into the rhythm, her legs naturally starting to move with the dance.


    The woman opened her eyes, glancing at the amused Ceana, dancing right in front of her with her hand outstretched toward her.


    But before she could grab it, she glanced one last time at Shalyn, who had also joined the fun, dancing with a group of girls dressed in the academy''s uniform.


    A smile appeared on the woman''s face, and then she took Ceana''s hand, allowing herself to be swept away by the dance.


    A few minutes passed, and the dance slowly slowed down, along with the flames on the doll, which had begun to burn out.


    The group of dancers circled the doll again, and the people who had been dancing moved a bit further away, though still dancing and singing.


    "It''s almost over..." Saelwen muttered, with a disappointed tone.


    "Not yet, after they throw the doll, we¡¯ll have a little more time to dance," Ceana chuckled, pleased by Saelwen''s reaction.


    Then the group began showering the doll with flower petals, keeping the flames burning for a little longer, until four of the largest and most well-built dancers grabbed the pole on which the doll was perched from below. At that moment, the music quieted again, leaving only the crackling of the flames and, once more, the tapping of crystals.


    "Shall we go get Shalyn?" Ceana asked, looking around in search of the girl.


    "No, I saw her dancing with some girls, probably from the university, so let''s let her be." Saelwen replied, letting go of Ceana''s hand and glancing at the doll.


    The group began carrying the pole with the doll across the plaza, heading toward the largest exit, directed toward the stone bridge on the outskirts of the city.


    The musicians and singers followed right behind them, starting the song again, but this time slower, more in the rhythm of a march.


    Some of the townspeople stayed in the square, some continuing to dance, others preparing to return home.


    However, most of them followed the doll, walking along the wide road toward the bridge, with Saelwen and Ceana among them.


    As they reached the center of the bridge, the music returned to its original rhythm, and the dancers once again circled around the pole, now positioned at the very middle of the bridge, leaning slightly over the river.


    In a single moment, the rhythm of the drums and other instruments faded away, leaving only the singing.


    "And so, spring begins..." Ceana said, leaning against the edge of the bridge and watching the burning doll slowly descend.


    Saelwen nodded, and at that very moment, with a loud final beat of the drums and the last note sung by the vocalists, the doll was cast into the river, its flames extinguished by the rushing currents.


    Minutes passed, and the dancers, along with the rest of the people, began making their way back to the plaza, leaving the doll to drift down the river toward the ocean¡ªa symbol of winter¡¯s departure.


    Just as the elf was about to follow them, Ceana grabbed her hand, keeping her gaze fixed on the doll.


    "You know... people used to make wishes for each other on this day," she chuckled softly, pushing herself away from the stone railing.


    "Oh yeah?" Saelwen smirked. "Do you have a wish for me?"


    Ceana blushed slightly but then turned toward the elf. "Yes¡­ I want to wish you¡­ that you always have a reason to smile, just like tonight." As she spoke, she was so nervous that it was almost strange how steady her voice remained.


    Saelwen chuckled at first, but then, in a calm voice, she replied, "I wasn¡¯t expecting that¡­ but thank you."


    A brief, awkward silence settled between them, thickening the atmosphere.


    "And, uh¡­ that you don¡¯t trip over your own feet while dancing¡­ you know, for next year," Ceana added, trying to lighten the mood with a joke.


    Saelwen laughed, leaning against the railing and glancing at the moon, nearly full.


    "¡­It¡¯s beautiful, isn¡¯t it?" she asked, focusing her gaze on the largest of the three moons, around which the two smaller ones orbited.


    Ceana¡¯s eyes widened slightly as she looked up as well, though she focused only on the smaller moons¡ªshe had always liked them more.


    Then, quietly, as she stepped beside Saelwen, she murmured, "¡­Yes, it is."

 Chapter 27

    Flames engulfed Sif¡¯s body, consuming not only the outer layer of her skin, hair, and eyes but also every muscle, tendon, and vein, turning her into a living torch.


    Her gaze was fixed on the blurred image of the furious, ice-covered Wyrm, whipping its tail as it prepared for another attack. At the same time, a swarm of basilisks surrounded the group, shielding the Serpent from another unexpected strike.


    ¡°Damn you¡­ Corym¡­¡± Lirian choked out, barely conscious, still clinging to Corym¡¯s side.


    Streams of blood trickled from his mouth, as well as his nose and eyes¡ªclear signs of severe internal injuries.


    ¡°Calm down, we have no other choice,¡± the elf replied, lowering the wounded man to the ground so he could catch his breath.


    ¡°There must¡­ be another¡­ way,¡± Lirian insisted, gripping his throat with his frostbitten fingers.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ Have you ever heard the saying ¡®fight fire with fire¡¯?¡± Corym extended his right hand toward the half-elf before turning his gaze back to Sif¡¯s burning silhouette. ¡°Well, now we have to make it a reality.¡±


    Even Sif¡¯s mind was not spared from the flames¡ªthey seized control of all her senses, completely suppressing the pain that would otherwise have been unbearable.


    ¡°Disgusting¡­¡±


    That word was the first to resonate in her mind¡ªa word that stirred a deep sense of revulsion at the mere sight of the monster. Yet, she couldn¡¯t tell whether it was her own instinct or that of the goddess of Arson, Agnijwala, whispering within her.


    Whatever it was, the woman''s gaze had clearly enraged the beast, causing it to writhe in place, ready to strike.


    Despite the flames obscuring her eyes, Sif felt like she could see more than ever before¡ªno attack could catch her off guard.


    In an instant, the monster lunged at her, its jaws opening wide as it struck from above.


    A single sidestep¡ªthat was all it took to evade the attack. She landed on a jagged rock fragment right next to the Wyrm as it struggled to rise from the ground.


    The second attack came just as predictably as the first¡ªa tail strike aimed directly at her side. But this time, she caught it with just her right hand.


    And at that moment, from the point of impact, an even greater heat surged through her¡ªa fire that filled her with energy, as if the very force of the blow was fueling her own power.


    Harnessing that energy, she struck back with her other hand, driving it into the Wyrm¡¯s tail with all her might. The flames burned deep, leaving a massive wound and sending the beast reeling.


    "Hot..." She mumbled¡ªor maybe just thought it. Her senses, once sharpened to their very limits, were beginning to blur together.


    And in that haze, only one thing remained clear¡ªthe next victim of her crimson-drenched flames.


    The Wyrm¡¯s roars filled the cavern once more, its hollow eyes now oozing with pus as it thrashed wildly, circling not just the woman but the rest of the group as well.


    Its erratic movements caused the cave walls to crumble, sending chunks of rock crashing down like deadly projectiles, while the remaining Basilisks began to retreat slowly from the battlefield.


    Then, with a swift motion, Corym raised a shimmering protective barrier over them.


    "How¡¯s she holding up...?" Lirian muttered, head lowered as he continued resting against the rock.


    "For now, she seems fine..." Vidar replied, sitting beside him while wrapping a bandage around the bite wound on his left arm from the basilisks.


    "I wouldn¡¯t say that." Syviis cut in, watching the woman¡¯s battle with the beast intently.


    Dodging the flying debris was hardly a challenge¡ªa few quick steps were enough to avoid them¡ªbut the sudden disappearance of the basilisks, which had swarmed the area just moments ago, posed a far greater concern for the now flame-haired woman.


    She had no time to dwell on it, though. The heat wasn¡¯t just rising around her¡ªit was intensifying within her, surging higher with every strike. And without a clear target, she had no way to release the excess energy.


    "Clever one, aren¡¯t you...?" This time, she was sure the words left her lips.


    With a fluidity that resembled more a dance than mere evasive movements, she weaved between the falling stone fragments, her gaze locked onto the monster.


    "But you forgot one thing..." the woman continued, leaning forward slightly before striking with precision, launching one of the largest chunks of rock toward the Wyrm with a loud scream, using up most of her gathered energy.


    "...Rocks can be a target too."


    Flames consumed the airborne stone, turning it into a blazing fireball.


    Propelled with greater force than even the best trebuchet, the burning rock slammed into its target, embedding the creature deep into the cave wall. A deafening roar erupted from the Wyrm as thick smoke filled the cavern, followed by a cascade of smaller debris¡ªthough these no longer needed to be dodged.


    Amidst the swirling smoke, a yellow flame began to spread¡ªthe fire of an enraged beast.


    Sif stood unmoving, unaffected by the heat, waiting for the next attack¡ªone she could counter.


    Yet, she couldn¡¯t ignore the creature¡¯s unusual behavior. Normal Wyrms would retreat if their prey proved too strong, this one however showed no intention of fleeing. Even the basilisks, meant to be its symbiotic colony, had long since disappeared.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Corym had noticed it as well. But at that moment, there was nothing he could do about it.


    The next attack¡ªjust as predictable as the rest¡ªwas a simple blast of flames, spreading in all directions.


    Climbing up the cave walls and crawling across the rocky ground, the fire was meant to be the last resort of the barely-alive Wyrm.


    For Sif, already consumed by flames far hotter, the attack changed nothing¡ªat least, that¡¯s how it seemed at first. But with each clash between the two fires, the weaker flames were pulled into the stronger ones, further intensifying the heat surging within her.


    Her breathing quickened. Her vision disappeared entirely, consumed by the inferno raging within her pupils. The only thing her sense of smell could register was the overwhelming scent of burning.


    The Wyrm''s attack succeded, disorienting the woman and cutting off most of her senses, leaving her completely unprotected.


    Her hearing, however, remained intact, allowing her to pick up the shouts of her companions just as the looming form of the Wyrm reared up before her.


    The creature pushed off from the hole in the wall and lunged toward the woman, spreading even more flames along the way.


    She wanted to counter, to strike the creature in the face before it could land its next blow¡ªbut with her senses now so heavily impaired, and by the lack of monster''s reaction it seemed like she missed, making a hole in the wall next to the Wyrm''s moving head instead.


    That left her with only one option: to take the attack head-on. Given her already deteriorating condition, it wasn¡¯t an ideal choice¡ªbut it was better than the risk of crippling injury.


    In an instant, she clasped her hands together in front of her, forming a shield and bracing for impact.


    But the blow never came.


    Instead, the massive body of the creature was slammed into the ground with a loud, earth-shaking crash, sending a wave of air straight at the woman. The gust partially blew the flames from her face, making it easier for her to see.


    What saved her was the platform that had partially collapsed onto the ground, pinning the creature beneath it.


    "SIF, NOW!" Lirian''s exhausted shout rang in her ears, sweeping the flames from her mind and restoring all her senses with a cold surge of energy.


    Her body lunged forward almost instinctively, and as her hand moved, forging another blade from the flames, her gaze however flicked back to the man.


    Lirian was barely standing, using Mallory¡¯s hammer for support, yet his body radiated an overwhelming chill. The bandages around his hands and head began to freeze, and the tips of his hair paled.


    Sif snapped her focus back just as she closed the final few steps toward the beast¡¯s head. She had to strike now¡ªwhile it was still pinned down, unable to defend itself.


    The first slash tore through the scales along the back of the beast¡¯s head and neck, ripping it back into consciousness with a wave of searing pain.


    The second strike came even faster¡ªSif gripped the weapon from behind and drove it into the now-exposed weak spot on its neck, burning the creature from within. A second later, she tore a chunk of flesh free, spilling it''s blood everywhere.


    A deafening roar was all the beast could muster. As Sif carved into it with relentless strikes, it desperately tried to spew flames at her again¡ªfire that nearly reached her.


    "THRYN!"


    Then its maw was frozen mid-attack by a swift blow from Lirian, now standing just a short distance from Sif.


    "DIE!" she screamed, driving her blade into the same spot¡ªthe upper part of the beast¡¯s neck¡ªagain and again.


    Blood spilled across the rocky ground, and the creature¡¯s agonized screams shook the cavern, growing weaker with every strike.


    But it wasn¡¯t just the Wyrm that was in such a wretched state¡ªSif herself was barely standing, her legs beginning to falter beneath her.


    Yet her hands refused to stop. Even when the monster¡¯s roars finally fell silent, even when its head barely clung to the rest of its body by mere strands of flesh and bone, her weapon kept cutting¡ªdeeper and deeper¡ªuntil, with one final scream of hers, the creature¡¯s head snapped free and crashed to the ground at her feet.


    The blade slipped from her exhausted hands, clattering at her feet. And as she stared into the now-lifeless eyes of the beast, the only thing she could muster was a trembling smile.


    Because she had won.


    <hr>


    The cave fell into silence.


    The only sound was the slow dripping of blood, pooling around the severed head of the Wyrm.


    The flames that had once engulfed the cavern had died down, leaving only thin trails of smoke curling toward the ceiling. The fire surrounding the woman also faded, returning her senses to normal¡ªbringing back the pain. Strangely, it wasn¡¯t as intense as she expected¡­ or perhaps her body was just too numb to be able to feel it.


    Her body trembled as the last remnants of adrenaline drained away, allowing her to finally think clearly.


    "I¡­ I won¡­" she choked out, laughing in the face of the dead Wyrm.


    Her breath came in shallow gasps, her legs unsteady, barely able to keep her upright¡ªbut still, she stood.


    At least, until someone grabbed her shoulder.


    Sif turned quickly, nearly stumbling over the beast¡¯s severed head.


    "Relax... it''s just me." Lirian chuckled, his voice hoarse, triggering a slight cough.


    His skin was terribly pale¡ªalmost alabaster¡ªand the tips of his hair looked as if he were already an aging old man.


    "Lirian..." The sight of him gripped Sif¡¯s heart, but the moment she tried to take a step toward him, her body became unbearably heavy, pulling her toward the ground.


    "I got you..." Lirian caught her before she could collapse, grabbing her hand and steadying her.


    "...Thanks," she mumbled, her gaze still lingering on the monster. Even though she was certain of its death, the unease refused to leave her so easily.


    Lirian just sighed, leading her toward the rest of the group.


    Honestly, he wasn¡¯t surprised by her caution¡ªhe had barely survived this encounter himself.


    When they finally reached the rest of the group, Lirian set Sif down, letting her lean against a piece of wood from the collapsed platform.


    "Are you alright?" Corym asked, his tired gaze scanning her body for any serious injuries.


    "Yeah¡­ I¡¯m just exhausted¡­ but I didn¡¯t get hit too hard," she replied, her eyes half-closed¡ªuntil they suddenly widened at the sight of Lukius lying on the ground next to Mallory.


    "What happened?!" she rasped, trying to push herself up.


    "Calm down¡­" Lirian stopped her, gently sitting her back down. "...He¡¯ll be fine. He just used a little too much mana during the fall."


    "Fall¡­?" she repeated.


    Only then¡ªwhen she turned her head slightly and saw the half-collapsed platform¡ªdid it finally click. That was what had crashed down onto the monster, making her victory possible.


    "These idiots thought dropping that thing right on top of us was a great idea!" Mallory shouted, her teeth grinding as she pointed at the unconscious Lukius and the two sitting beside him.


    "T-that was my idea!" Sylleth blurted out, his head hanging low, cutting off Zara¡ªwho had already turned less pale and definitely less anxious now that everything''s over¡ªfrom speaking up.


    Sif glanced between the boy and the woman glaring at him with a murderous look, which made her let out a small smile and a chuckle. The laughter caused a slight burning sensation in her lungs, triggering a cough.


    "Alright... Syviis and Vidar went ahead to the next section of the cave, so the medics should be here soon," Corym informed the woman, waving his hand toward Sylleth, signaling him to come closer.


    That¡¯s when Sif noticed the wound on his right arm¡ªit wasn¡¯t deep and looked more like a scraped bruise than a serious injury.


    Corym pulled a bandage from his bag and began wrapping it around the boy¡¯s wound.


    "Thank you..." Sylleth muttered, flinching slightly as the fabric tightened around the injury.


    "Sylleth," she addressed the boy. "You did well... if it weren¡¯t for you, I probably wouldn¡¯t¡ª"


    Suddenly, darkness swallowed her vision, dragging it into an endless abyss as her body¡ªtoo exhausted to keep her conscious any longer¡ªcollapsed toward the ground, only to be caught by Lirian¡¯s lap.


    "And there she goes..." the half-elf chuckled, shifting into a more comfortable position.


    "Alright, so now we can... rest?" Zara chimed in, also moving closer to Lirian.


    "Yes, let''s rest for a bit," Corym nodded, finally tying the bandage and putting the rest back into his bag.


    In the end, the cavern was silent once more, save for the occasional crackling of dying embers and the slow, steady breathing of the exhausted group. The once-roaring flames had faded, leaving behind only faint wisps of smoke curling toward the ceiling.

 Chapter 28

    The world blurred at the edges when Sif¡¯s eyes fluttered open. The sting of battle still lingered ¡ª the distant scent of scorched stone and the metallic tang of blood ¡ª but the cavern¡¯s crushing darkness had eased. A soft, golden hue now spilled from the canyon above them, indicating it was around noon on the surface.


    "You''re awake." Lirian muttered, his voice low but steady as he gazed down at her.


    "Yeah..." the woman muttered, furrowing her brows as she glanced at the man ¡ª whose face was hanging just above hers ¡ª with a rather questioning look. "... why am I laying on your lap?"


    "What, is it uncomfortable?" He chuckled, covering his mouth with a bandaged hand, though the laugh soon turned into a slight coughing fit.


    "Careful there..." she replied, throwing him a tired yet slightly concerned glance before pushing herself off his lap.


    With a quick sweep of her hand, she brushed the strands of hair that had fallen over her face back behind her shoulders.


    "Feeling better now? Don¡¯t want to rest a bit longer?" Lirian shifted slowly into a cross-legged position.


    "No, I''m feeling a bit better." The woman looked around, but seeing no sign of the rest of the group ¡ª everyone except Lirian sitting behind her and Niall leaning against the wall near the entrance to the lower levels of the cave ¡ª she realized they had disappeared.


    "Where is everyone?" She asked, turning her gaze back to the half-elf.


    "They went down to sort out some transport." the man informed her, gesturing to his right leg, which was partially wrapped in bandages. "I can''t really walk."


    "Ah... was it from the fall?" The woman shifted a bit closer to him, stopping herself at the last moment from reaching out to touch the wound.


    "Yeah... I guess I need to lose some weight if even Corym couldn''t keep me in the air." he joked, only to be met with a quiet snort from the woman.


    "Oh, please, we all know you''re just skin-and-bones." She grinned playfully, and at the sight of his ¡ª albeit slightly exaggerated ¡ª offended reaction, she burst into laughter.


    "Ah, you must really be in bad shape if you''re spouting such nonsense!" he replied with a grin, placing his left hand on his chest.


    "Hey, lovebirds! Wrap it up, they''re coming back!" Niall shouted from a distance, waving at them and bouncing slightly on his feet, his left arm was completely bandaged, and a square band-aid marked his cheek.


    "Oh shut up!" Lirian shouted back, a smile on his face and a barely noticeable blush creeping onto his cheeks at the comment.


    As the woman slowly began to rise to her feet, the sound of a carriage echoed from the cave, accompanied by faint ¡ª though definitely present ¡ª Mallory''s shouts.


    "... Looks like someone pissed her off yet again." the half-elf commented as the carriage emerged from the cave, swaying slightly over the uneven ground.


    Niall jumped into the carriage while it was still moving, and after a few seconds, it came to a stop right in front of Sif.


    "Awake already?" Lukius glanced at them from the front of the carriage, while Corym and Syviis started stepping out.


    "She''s fine ¡ª her sharp tongue''s just as dangerous as before!" Lirian chimed in, letting out a quiet groan of pain as the pair helped him up from the ground.


    As Lirian steadied himself with their help and Sif brushed the dust from her cloak¡ªher legs still a little unsteady but firm enough to hold her weight¡ªthey both entered the carriage, which was at least two times wider than the one they had before.


    Lirian lay down on one of the medical beds on the left side of the wagon, finally allowing himself to rest.


    "So, are we finally leaving?" asked Vidar, sitting down at the front next to Lukius.


    "Yeah, it would be good..." replied Sif, sitting in the back beside Corym.


    "Then let¡¯s go!" shouted Zara, jumping in her seat right next to Sylleth, who looked at her with a slight smile.


    The wagon lurched forward, the clatter of wheels echoing off the cavern walls as the group settled into a tense silence. The air hung heavy ¡ª a blend of stone, distant smoke, and something faintly metallic.


    Sif leaned back against the worn wooden frame, absently running a hand through her dark hair. The sting of the battle still lingered in her muscles, but it was the weight in her chest ¡ª that gnawing sense of unfinished business ¡ª that refused to fade.


    She looked out the window, glancing back at the massive, lifeless body of the Wyrm that was bathed in sunlight.


    At her gesture, Corym placed a hand on her shoulder. "Relax... this one took care of it." he laughed, nodding his head towards the boy sitting beside him, who flinched slightly.


    "Hey! It was the platform that killed it, not me!" Sylleth shouted, turning his gaze away when Sif looked at him with a smile.


    "But you''re the one who knocked it down... and guess who''s getting the bill!" Mallory added, shooting him that all-too-familiar, irritated glare.


    After a brief silence, Sif suddenly burst into laughter, momentarily easing the tension that had, just minutes ago, felt thick enough to cut with a knife.


    "So, kid, do you know what it''s like to be an adventurer now?" she chuckled, leaning her shoulder against the wagon wall.


    Corym quickly joined in, placing a hand on the boy''s shoulder. "Better get used to it ¡ª you''ll be dealing with monsters like that a lot more often than you think," he said, his tone a bit more serious this time, though still laced with amusement.


    A few words hovered on the boy¡¯s lips, and after a few quick seconds of hesitation, he pointed his thumb toward the already grumpy dwarf. "You mean her?" he asked with a sly grin.


    At those words, Vidar erupted into laughter so loud it could''ve been mistaken for the roar of a wild beast, and the rest of the group quickly followed suit ¡ª even Lirian laughed, half-choking on a cough.


    "Look at that, we¡¯ve got ourselves a little comedian," Mallory hissed through her teeth, her face red with anger, now glaring not only at the boy but also at her brother. "And you, Vidar ¡ª what are you laughing at?!"


    The man just kept laughing, twirling a curl in his beard, choosing not to answer her.


    Niall sprawled out on the bed on the right side of the wagon, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes while still chuckling under his breath. "That was a good one..."


    "I''ll show you a ''good one''!" the dwarf snapped, lunging at the boy. In a swift motion, she grabbed his arm and locked it in a joint hold, smirking to herself as she did so.


    Niall stiffened, letting out a strangled whimper. "Ow... let go..." He wriggled helplessly, trying to free himself from her grip.


    Meanwhile, Syviis yanked Vidar by the ear just as he was about to let out another booming laugh, scolding him from the front of the wagon.


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    At that moment, it was Zara who burst into the loudest laughter, bouncing slightly in her seat and knocking her shoulder against Sylleth, who was still grinning proudly at his joke.


    "Cut it out! Go fix Lirian up instead of playing around!" Shouted Syviis, still holding laughing Vidar by his flushed ears.


    "Yeah, what she said." Lukius added, peeking inside the wagon.


    Lirian and Corym both bursted into laughter right after Mallory was forced to let go of Niall by Sif, who¡ªdespite being completely exhausted after the battle¡ªseparated them without breaking a sweat.


    After that both Sif and Corym took care of half-elf''s wounds, bandaging them and commanding him a rest.


    Minutes of laughter and conversation passed, until thee carriage had finally reached the end of the tunnel, with which came the vast, open space, which¡ªif it wasn''t for a mass of stalagmites and stalactites hanging from the rocky ceiling¡ªwould be indistinguishable from an ordinary clearing on the surface housed two large, overlapping plateaus.


    While the lower one was filled with a mass of smaller villages that were being usually used as a station for adveturers, on the upper one stretched a sprawling city that was rising higher towards  the center and along the cliffside.


    A vast, illuminating mushroom forest was growing around it. While the fungi''s stems were the same grey colour as giant stalagnates surrounding the city, their caps were purple and lively.


    That combination was making up for a perfect natural protection, leaving things like walls completely unnecessary.


    At the very bottom lay an enormous chasm, filled to the brim with dense fog that seemed almost partially liquid.


    Raising his gaze upward, through an open roof, Sylleth saw massive, dark brown branches¡ªsurrounded by clusters of shimmering, sprawling leaves¡ªsupporting the cavern''s ceiling.


    The leaves were shedding a bunch of yellow and purple dust, creating colourful waves in the air that resembled an aurora.


    "Asteryana...?" He murmured with an expression of awe.


    "Yes... a branch of the World Tree... Beautiful, isn''t it?" Responded Corym, also looking up with a similiar expression.


    "No matter how many times we see it, it''s still breathtaking." Mentioned Niall, shifting to his back and watching the branches carefully.


    "Alright, just a bit longer and we''ll be in Sibashi." Syviis announced from the front of the carriage with a shout.


    "Finally... I really need some rest after all this..." Niall muttered, taking his gaze from the ceiling and sitting up so that his back rested against the wall.


    "...you''re telling me?" Lirian''s rough murmur was almost inaudible. The man lay on the mattress on the opposite side.


    His entire upper part of the head ¡ª save for a few strands of black hair peeking from the bandages ¡ª was wrapped, covering even his eyes. The same went for his chest and the part of his right leg that were taken care of before.


    "Lirian, stop talking, or you¡¯ll just make it worse..." Sif reprimanded him, and leaning against the wall of the wagon, her gaze fixed on the spot where the elf''s eyes should be.


    "Hah... funny coming from you... I can''t believe I''m the one who ended up in the worst shape..." He let out a soft scoff, slowly turning his head to the side.


    "Honestly, I¡¯m not surprised... you used too much mana with that attack on the platform." Corym cut in, sitting down between Sif and Sylleth, his elbow resting on his knee and his head propped up by his hand.


    "You''re exaggerating..." Lirian muttered again, this time more reluctantly, leaving no room for further conversation.


    "Whether he''s exaggerating or not, he''s partly right," added Lukius, peeking into the carriage once again.


    The half-elf''s only response was another scoff, and the conversation died down once again.


    Listening from the side was Mallory, silently cleaning her hammer, trying to calm herself, while her less-than-approving expression was a prove that it wasn''t so easy.


    More minutes passed as the wagon moved closer to the massive city, slowly passing the scattered buildings and giant stone structures on its outskirts.


    "...Haven¡¯t seen Lavoye in a while... I wonder what our prince has been up to," Corym spoke again, gazing through the wagon¡¯s roof at the towers of the royal castle rising in the city¡¯s center.


    "...Oh great, so now we know who gave us this job. Would¡¯ve been nice to hear that earlier," Sif muttered, grabbing her head with a sigh.


    "...I didn¡¯t tell you...?" Corym¡¯s gaze shifted to the¡ªbaffled by his question¡ªwoman. "It''s actually pretty interesting how I got to¡ª"


    "Get to the point, Corym... just get to the point," Mallory cut in, setting one cloth aside and immediately reaching for another.


    "...Alright, to put it simply, the job is from the prince of Sibashi." Corym''s words carried a hint of excitement, though it didn¡¯t seem to spread to the rest of the group... except for Zara, who started bouncing with interest beside Sylleth.


    "How much is he paying?" Niall responded with the only question that seemed to matter to him at the moment.


    "To be determined... it''s a rather long-term job." The elf chose not to directly address the boy''s blunt question, leaning back against the rear wall.


    "... Is it weird if I don''t know who we''re talking about...?" Cut in Sylleth, scratching the back of his neck.


    Corym looked at him, but before he managed to say anything Zara has beat him.


    She started pushing Sylleth by his back. "Don''t tell me you don''t know Prince Lavoye!"


    "I really don''t know, don''t push me like that." He laughed, turning toward her.


    "You''ll have a pretty good opportunity." Corym added, pulling his bag out from under the seat.


    The carriage came to a sudden stop beside one of the city''s watchtowers, from which a familiar silver-haired elf stepped out¡ªsomeone Sylleth recognized immediately.


    "Aslesa, have you been waiting long?" Corym stood up, tossing his bag out the window before leaning toward the elf.


    She shook her head, picking up the bag from the ground. "Only a few hours... and please, don''t throw your things like that," she replied in a calm tone, dusting off the bag.


    "Alright, people, time to get off! From here on, we''re walking!" Syviis called from the front, jumping down onto the damp ground.


    Vidar and Lukius followed, stepping up beside Aslesa.


    "Walking?! What about Lirian?!" Zara interjected, pointing at the bedridden man.


    "I can walk just fine..." The half-elf slid off the bed, pulling back a section of the bandage from his eyes as he limped toward the window where Corym was leaning out.


    "Are you sure...?" Sif interjected, stepping up beside him and offering her shoulder for support.


    "Don''t worry, I have something that might help," Aslesa said, turning back toward the tower and pulling out a pair of crutches from behind the door. "They keep these here along with a first-aid kit."


    A brief silence followed before Lirian resumed his slow, limping approach toward the exit.


    "I think I''ll manage on my own after all," he sighed, carefully stepping down from the carriage.


    "Oh no, take the crutches and stop complaining!" Sif shouted after him, swiftly jumping down and pulling him along with her.


    "...Like an old married couple," Niall commented, standing up and turning his focus back to his carving before casually hopping out the window beside the group.


    "Alright then¡­ Mallory, what about you?" The blond-haired elf turned to the dwarf sitting beside him.


    "What do you mean, me? You don''t actually think I''m staying behind, do you?!" she shouted, raising her hammer as if she was about to strike him. However, at the last moment, she turned toward the exit, missing his forehead by mere millimeters.


    In contrast to Sylleth, who shuddered faintly, the elf did not react at all, letting out a slight sigh.


    "...Told you she¡¯s terrifying," Sylleth muttered from behind the elf, speaking just quietly enough to make sure the dwarf wouldn¡¯t hear him.


    "You''d be dead meat if she heard you now." Zara nudged his arm with another smirk, before casually leaping out by the window, the same way as Niall.


    "Alright, come on." Corym took a step away from the window, heading toward the door when the boy quickly grabbed his arm.


    "Listen..." he began, lowering his head in embarrassment.


    "Hmm?" Corym muttered, looking back at the boy with a curious expression.


    "The bracelet..." The boy flinched slightly, speaking rather slowly. "... I lost the box..."


    "Ah, so that''s what it''s about." The elf laughed, removing the boy¡¯s hand and quickly stepping out of the carriage. "Yeah, it took me a while to dig it out from under the rubble."


    Sending him a calm glance, he pulled a slightly tattered box from the pocket of his coat.


    The boy smiled, letting out a sigh of relief as he stepped beside the elf. "I was starting to get worried I lost it."


    As the boy stepped out of the wagon, he was met with an uncomfortably cold and damp air¡ªsomething that hadn¡¯t been as noticeable from inside.


    All around, the sound of croaking toads and the buzzing of crickets filled the air.


    "Ugh... smells more like a swamp than an underground cavern," Niall commented, standing beside him while covering his nose with a cloth.


    "Unfortunately, the last earthquake destroyed the safe routes for carriages, so traveling on foot will be much safer for us," Aslesa added, stepping up beside Corym and eyeing his destroyed coat from top to bottom, but decided not to comment on it.


    "Alright, group, let''s move..." Sif called out, fastening her blade to her belt and taking Lirian by the arm.


    Lukius followed, supporting the man from the other side.


    "Let¡¯s get going as fast as possible," Niall muttered under his breath, picking up his pace to follow them.


    "Let¡¯s go!" Zara bounced with excitement, leaping over scattered boulders along the path.


    "We''ll see you in the city." Corym nodded toward Aslesa, who had approached the two horses still hitched to the wagon.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll return the wagon to the camp and be back around midnight," she replied with a nod before settling into the driver¡¯s seat and guiding the carriage away, disappearing into the distance.


    As the wagon disappeared beyond the rocky path, the group pressed forward, their boots crunching against the damp ground. The air was thick with the scent of earth and lingering magic, and the faint glow of the luminescent mushrooms cast eerie shadows against the cavern walls.


    Sylleth''s gaze remained fixed on the branches of Asteryana, which were gradually being obscured by the tall buildings of the city with each step forward.


    The architecture here wasn¡¯t all that different from that on the surface, except that the buildings were in darker shades of gray and significantly thicker.


    With each step, the glow of the World Tree faded behind them, swallowed by the towering cityscape ahead.