Chapter 51

Cruel Fate

“Just hang on, We’re almost there!” The merchant screamed. Perhaps if he didn’t repeat himself every five minutes I would believe him. I wanted to call him out for that, but the moment I threw a glance at him, I felt something approaching my blind spot. I swing my sword in the direction I felt the sinister presence, cutting whatever ghoul that jump at me in half.

Relentless bastards. I can’t look away for a moment without one of them attacking me.

“We’re almost there. Just hang on a little longer.”

I think I’m better off leaving him alone and letting him believe his own lies, I don’t want him want to break down more on me.

“Alright, just keep the horses moving! I’ll take care of any monster that comes our way!” I don’t have time to babysit this guy, but hopefully my words gave him some hope.

I turn my attention back to the flesh-eating ghouls chasing us. Last time I checked there were about 14, now their looks to be twenty of them. And from the sound of all that screeching I hear coming from within the forest, it seems there’s more on the way.

Now I know the situation I’m in doesn’t look all that good, well it isn’t, but now is not the time to panic. I have no idea why, but humans seem to lose the ability to think rationally when they’re life is in danger, even though in that moment is the time when you should be the calmest.

Yea, the situation does indeed look bad, but if you look at the situation calmly then you’ll see that I have the advantage. For one thing, none of them have any range attack, so they’ll have to get close if they want to do any sort of damage to us, and after killing a couple of them I can confirm that they’re really weak.

Unlike most monsters, ghouls don’t possess overwhelming strength. So, they use their agility and numbers to overwhelm their prey, both which are render useless when they jump on the wagon. To top it off their claws seem to be their main method attacking making it easy to predict them.

“Phew, ok.” I wrap my hands around my sword and prepare myself for their attack.

Now that I got them figured out, how should I counter them? I could use corruption and create a deadly fog to weaken them or kill them if they’re stupid enough to continue following me through the mist. But if I do that I would also be weakening myself at the same time, and since we’re going to be on the road for two days, I should refrain from doing anything that’ll leave me helpless. I guess that means I’ll have to rely on good ole Lawbreaker to cut down anyone that gets close to this wagon.

“So then, who’s my next victim?” I shot a quick glance at the two ghouls on the left and right side of the wagon. They’ve been sticking close to the wagon for a while now. They’re probably looking for an opening to attack me. If they are, then judging by the way they’re grinding their teeth, they’re probably getting impatient with me, and most likely will attack me soon, regardless if they find an opening or not.

As I waited for their attack, a strong strawberry scent enters my nose. At the same time this smell enters my nose, all the ghouls chasing us stop dead in their tracks.

What happen, did they give up? No, those two near wagon definitely look like they were ready to attack me. Even now all the ghouls looked like they’re ready to pounce at us, but for reason they’re just standing there. It’s almost like there’s an invisible wall in front of them.

“We made it!!!” The merchant pumps his fist in the air while shouting as loud as he could. His voice almost drowns out the ghoul’s cry of frustration.

“You two ok back there?”

“Yea…but why did they stop chasing us?” From what I gathered it seems we made it to the safe house, but I still don’t understand why they would give up the chase, I mean there’s nothing preventing them from following us.

“You smell it don’t you?” Merchant said while tapping his nose.

“You mean that strawberry scent?”

“Strawberry? Interesting, I smell apples. What about you kid?”

“All I can smell is cinnamon.” Aaron added.

“Okay so we all smell something different, what does this have to do with anything?”

“That strawberry scent is what’s keeping them from following us. While we all smell something pleasant, monsters on the other hand will think a powerful beast has marked this area.”

“So basically this area is cover with monster repellent.”

“I wouldn’t say repellent, more like incense that wards off beast. So as long as we’re here, we don’t have to worry about any monsters attacking us. Thank goodness.”

“Yea, thank goodness.” I took another look around just to make sure we aren’t being followed. Actually, I was hoping at least one of them was still following us. I spent a lot of effort coming up with a way to defeat them. And how do they reward me? By running away before I could put my plan into action. Oh well, looking at the condition Aaron’s in, I guess it was good that the fight ended prematurely.

I kneel next to Aaron so I could better examine him. His breathing was rough and his skin has become has more pale. A sign that he was close to burning himself out. Humans are notorious for having little mana. Especially kids, since most of their energy goes to developing their body, a phase Aaron is currently in. At least that’s what I read in a book.

“W-What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Aaron turns away from me, trying his best not to look me in the eyes.

“I was just wondering what was going through your head when you tried to pull off that one-man army stunt.”

“N-Nothing. My body just acted on its own when those monsters jump out.”

Watching Aaron come up with up a pathetic excuse while avoiding eye contact with me, made me feel like a father that caught his son doing something indecent.

“I figure nothing was going through your head. But still, its unlike you to be overly aggressive.” Hell, half the time he’s trying to stop me from fighting, and now suddenly he’s wants to take down every monster in the forest by himself. Something isn’t right.

“So are you going to tell me what’s bothering you, or are we just going to pretend everything is fine, even though we know it’s not?”

“I want to talk, but…” Aaron pauses and shoots a quick glance at the merchant. “This isn’t the right place to talk.”

“I see. Well I’ll be waiting for whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

Going by how relieved Aaron looked that I didn’t dig into his problem, means that one, he’s too shy to discuss it around the merchant, or Athena told him something that she shouldn’t have. I’m going to assume it’s the latter, since it explains why he’s be acting so weird ever since he woke up.

Damn it Athena, what the hell did you said say to him? Better question, why am I acting like I care? Besides the fact that he nearly burned himself out, he was impressive today. If he’s performing well on the battlefield, then I could care less what’s going through his head.

At least that’s how you suppose feel right? But you and I both know, that’s not how you feel.

“C’mon, keep it together.” I shake my head to clear whatever the hell I was hearing out of it.

“Relax. I’m definitely not hearing voices in my head right now. Nope, I am completely sane.”  I continue to remain in denial until the voice disappear. Ironically, chanting I’m not insane didn’t help me look it. I try to ignore Aaron’s “I’m not judging you, actually I kind of am” look he was giving me.

“So, how close are we to this safe house now?” I know it’s pathetic of me to change a conservation before it could begin, but I don’t want to talk about voice I’m hearing to Aaron.

“We’re almost there. Just hang on.”

I think that’s the fifth time he said that in an hour. Well, we’re not being chase, so I guess he actually means it this time. Although, I have no idea how he can tell we’re getting close to anything. The scenery hasn’t change ever since we left Athens. It’s just been trees after trees. I guess it’s a traveler thing.

After a few minutes had passed we all begin to settle down. Aaron was breathing normally again, and the merchant was no longer shivering in fear. It was around this time when we realize we were finally safe is when I notice a lamp hanging off a tree.

It was completely unnatural. In a place where humans weren’t welcome, was a lamp you’ll find hanging off someone porch.

“What’s up with the lamp?”  I unintentionally let my thought slip out from my mouth.

“It’s our guide. It’s telling us there’s a safe house nearby.”

I kind of figure. But it doesn’t look like its leading us anywhere safe. When he said safe house, I was expecting a small village or some sort of human settlement. But from the looks of it, we’re getting further and further away from civilization.

The pave road we were on turn into a dirt road, and the forest grew darker and denser. Thankfully, the lanterns are bright enough to light our path, although they’re not making this safe house look hospitable. These artificial lights in an area where there’s no sign of life made the place look eerie.

“Are you sure we’re in the right place?”

“Quite sure. Just hang on, we’re almost…. Actually, we’re here.” At that moment, we broke through the dense forest and enter a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a huge pond. The evening sun gave the small body of water a majestic orange glow.

I jump off the wagon while the merchant was pulling it towards a lodge that lay near the pond. A blue lantern laid right next to the entrance of the lodge. That strawberry fragrance I smell earlier seem to emanating from the lantern.

“So this is the safe house huh? I hope they have soft beds. My butt sore from sitting in that wagon all day.”

“I’m sure that’s something you shouldn’t be saying out loud.” Aaron said as he approaches me. From the way he’s breathing, it seems the simple act of jumping out of the wagon and taking a couple of steps has exhausted him. He’s most likely going to remain in this exhausted state until his mana recharged.

“Probably, but you’re thinking the exact same thing right now aren’t you.”

“I’ll admit, a soft bed definitely would be nice right now.”

“You two go ahead and make yourself at home. I’ll be in once I check on the horses.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” With the merchant permission, I head inside the lodge. Somehow it was even quieter than the lifeless forest we just escape from. The only thing I could hear was the creaking wooden floor every time I took a step.

I guess we’re the only ones here. I was expecting this place to at least have a housekeeper, but then again I doubt anyone can keep their sanity living out here in this isolated place. Anyway, the lodge isn’t that big. It was just one big room with six beds, three on each side of the room. It definitely wasn’t design for people to live out their days here. Its only purpose is to offer travelers a slight respite on their harsh journey.

The floor started to creak again as I walk deeper into the room. I could hear Aaron trying to slow his breathing down behind me. Ignoring him, I walk over towards a bed with a window that had a clear view of the pond. Right next to the pond was the merchant petting one of his horses. For some reason watching him care for his horse reminded me how they freak out when they saw me earlier.

It’s said that animals can predict disasters before they can occur. Maybe that’s why most creatures are afraid of me. Even though I’ve taken the form of a human, they can still sense the dark energy that I went to great length to hide deep inside of me. That, or they just don’t like me. Maybe, I should do a little experiment…

A sinister smile spread across my face, as I watch the merchant bond with his horse. I narrow my gaze at the horse and allow the corruption that I’ve been hiding within me to cover my entire body in the form of black smoke.

“!”

“What’s wrong?” I quickly dissipated the smoke that covers me and turn to Aaron who was shaking fiercely.

“Nothing, it just feels like the room got cold suddenly.”

“Mana deficiency. It should go away once you get some rest.”

I guess even humans will be able to sense something is wrong if I use too much of it.

“Louie what’s wrong?!” I look back out the window to the horse who was now on the opposite side of the pond shivering. It was keeping his head low to the ground, but I could tell the horse was looking directly at me.

“C’mon, move damn it!” The merchant tried to get the horse to move, but it refused to get anywhere close to the lodge.

“What’s going on out there?” I quickly close the blind on the window 

“He seems to be having some problem with Louie.”

“Louie?”

“It’s one of his horses. Anyway, it seems he won’t be joining us anytime soon. So…” I flop down on the bed Aaron was sitting so he couldn’t lay down and fall asleep.

“So?” He tried his best, but Aaron couldn’t hide his irritation in his voice. I’m sure right now, the only thing on his mind is how he’s going to get me off his bed so he could sleep.

“So, if there’s something you want to say to me, now is the time to say it.”

“Right…” Aaron paused. “I…” He paused again. I barely stop myself from shaking Aaron and shouting. “Fucking say what’s on your mind!”

“C’mon, just tell me what’ bothering you.”

“I… you’re not planning on dying, are you?”

“…. You’re fucking with me, right?” Is what I wanted to say, but it seems he’s serious. He actually thinks I’m plan on dying.

“No, why would I?”

“Athena told me…”

I fucking knew Athena was behind this

“She told me to follow you to the end. I don’t know why, but I feel like she doesn’t expect us to survive.”

It certainly does sound like a death flag I have seen in books. Admittedly, I had this feeling that something bad was going to happen ever since we left Athens. I guess that isn’t really surprising. After all, we’re heading to place called Monster Den to retrieve a weapon that was design to bring out the worst in humans.

Wow, when I think about it like that, I see why Athena said that to Aaron. It definitely looks like the world is doing everything in its power to stop me from reclaiming what’s rightfully mine. Of course, I have no intention of stopping despite knowing the dangers that lay ahead, and I especially have no intention of dying.

“So what Athena told you is what’s been bothering you all this time?”

“Yea, I tried to forget, but her words just keep popping back into my head.”

“I see, and here I thought it was something important.”

“This is important!” Aaron shouted. He slams both of his hands near my shoulders like he was trying to prevent me from escaping

“Why aren’t you scared? You do realize you’re no longer immortal, right?”

“I’m well aware.”

“Then why aren’t you scared?! How can you be so confident that you can conquer this Monster Den when you were beaten by a man that was wearing a clown mask!”

“He does have a point. I did get my ass handed to by a clown. While I can use the excuse that he wasn’t human, it still doesn’t change the fact that I got my ass handed to by a fucking clown.

“I’ll admit my performance has been poor lately. But you don’t have to worry, I fully intend on fixing that.” I lightly push Aaron off me. Thanks to him to nearly burning himself out earlier, he didn’t have the strength to hold me down.

“Wait.” Aaron grabs my arm before I get up. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you.”

“You’re a needy child, aren’t you? Fine, what else do you want to tell me?”

“Athena…”

After this, I’m going need to tell Athena to stop invading kids’ dreams.

“She told me about Lilith.”

For a brief moment, it felt like my heart stop beating. Why did he say that name? Why did Athena tell him about her, and how much did she tell him? All these questions ran through my head.

“Sis…” I

“How much did she tell you?” It was unintentional, but my voice came out low like I was trying to interrogate him.

“S-She only told me her name. She said if I wanted to know more I have to ask you.”

That manipulative bitch! Is she the reason why I had that dream of Lilith? What exactly is she trying to accomplish by telling Aaron about her?

“She’s no one special, so forget everything Athena told you about her.”

“That’s not fair sis. I told you everything that was bothering me, can’t you at least tell me something that’s bothering you?”

“I would, but there’s nothing bothering me. Now, get some rest.” I push Aaron down on the bed, hoping he’ll stay down and go to sleep.

“That’s a lie! If she really wasn’t special, then you would’ve never turn her into a demi god!”

“…. Stop.” I tightly clench my teeth to keep the anger that was building inside. How pathetic Even after all these years I can’t control my emotions when I hear that name.

The atmosphere in the room grew more intense as I desperately try to keep my anger at bay, lucky for me I didn’t have to hold it back that long. The tense atmosphere almost immediately dissipated the moment the merchant walk in.

“Damn horses.” The merchant softly curse to himself. He lifts his muddy shirt to wipe the sweat off his face, exposing his round belly in the process. Looking at the merchant pitiful appearance nearly made me laugh.

“Oh, did I disturb you two?” Finally noticing us, his eyes dance back and forth from Aaron and me, analyzing the situation he walked into.

“No, we’re done.” I walk past the merchant

“Sis…”

“We’re done talking.” I quickly interrupted Aaron. I didn’t want to hear anything else he had to said.

“I know. I just want you to know that you can come to me whenever something is bothering you.

“….” I headed outside, not to bothering to respond or look at Aaron.

“Tch, damn it.” I slightly curse myself while looking at the fading sun.

Why did you tell Aaron about her Athena? Do you think him knowing more about my history will be enough for him to stop me, or do you just enjoy watching me run around with my head cut off? Knowing you, it’s probably both. Either way, right now I need to get my head together. Some of Aaron’s worries were justified. Before we get to the Monster Den, I need to improve.

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Of course, that’s easier said than done. I honestly have no idea what I need to improve on. Maybe I should carry more weapons. Having more weapons will allow me to have more options in a fight. Sounds like a good idea, the problem is carrying more weapons will slow me down. Speed is one of the deciding factors in a fight, especially when you’re up against a beast that heavily relies on it to chase down prey. That’s pretty much the main reason why I decided to wear the skirt Deborah gave me instead of full plated armour. It also doesn’t help that the only weapon I know how to use efficiently is a sword, which I’m still a novice at.

So, if carrying multiple weapons out of question, then I need to get better at the one I’m carrying now. Learning new techniques sound good, but that’ll take a long a time, plus I’m confident with my own self-taught techniques. I guess this leaves me with only one choice, creating new magic tricks.

As of right now, I have two magic trick up my sleeve, Rend and repel. Both of which I created to make up for something this body naturally lacks. If I want to create new trick it must cover an area that I’m lacking in.

I close my eyes and review the fight I had with the ghouls. “What could I had done better?” I mumble to myself as the fight replayed in my head.

The reason Aaron is in the pitiful state he’s in, is because he tried to take down every monster before they could get into my range. Because I’m wielding a short sword, I need to get extremely close to enemies to fight them. Anybody outside the range of my sword, I need to rely on Aaron to take them down.

Now that I’ve figured I’m lacking in range, how will I improve it? Obviously, weapons are out of the question since I only know how to use swords. Which means I’ll have to use magic to increase my range.

There are four categories magic can be broken down into. Command, Summon, element and enhance. Both summon and element is out the question for me, since they require a lot of mana to use. Enhance is also out of the question since it only strengthens physical abilities one already have. And last time I check humans don’t possess any range ability, besides throwing, but with my arm strength, even with the help of magic, I doubt I’m hurting anyone with a rock. So, that leaves me only with one option command magic.

“Command” is the ability to tell your weapon to perform a specific action. It is the most used category among humans since most of them rely on weapons in a fight. Not only that but it is the easiest to use out of the bunch. Summon and Element takes a lot of mana to be used efficiently, and enhance can tear muscles if use improperly.

I say easy, but it also has its fair share of problems. For one, the more complicated the command, the more mana you’ll drain, and two you can’t tell a weapon to do something it wasn't designed to do. For example, telling a sword to shoot an arrow, no matter how loud you scream at your sword it’s not going to happen. Which leads me to my biggest question, how can I make my sword attack someone out of its range?

The only answer I can come up with for this question is to gather magic into my sword and release it with a powerful swing.

“Sounds simple enough to work.” I place my left hand on the sheathe and the right on the hilt on my sword.

First I’m going to use enhance magic to strengthen my arm, to increase the power of my swing, then after I unsheathe my sword, I’ll transfer the energy from my arm to my sword and then release it after I swung it.

This attack sound more complicated than I imagine, but being a master mana manipulator, I should have no trouble pulling this trick off.

As I prepare to unleash my attack, I focus my gaze on a tree.

“Unfortunately for you Mr. Tree, you’re going to be the test subject for my new attack.” I pull my sword out of its sheathe, and swung it at the tree with all my might. A soft wind blew past me, lightly shaking the tree I targeted. For some reason, it feels like that was the tree way of saying “didn’t even feel it.”

I figure I wouldn’t be able to cut the tree in half, but I was at least hoping I could scratch it. Did the attack get weaker because a sword wasn’t meant for range combat, or did the energy I sent flying towards the tree get blown away by the wind? Or maybe it actually did work, but the tree itself hasn’t realize it been cut yet.

I read about this in a book once. If you’re fast enough, the person you attack won’t realize they’ve been injured until you do something special. Like putting your sword away, or throwing out catchphrase signaling them that the fight is over. Since I hit the tree with an invisible force, perhaps I need to tell it has been injured for the attack to activate.

“You’re already dead.” Another gentle breeze blew by me as I waited or the tree to all apart.

The fact that I thought that would work just show I’m not in the right state of mind. Oh, well, I found my weakness, which is good. Tomorrow, I’ll try find a way to attack people out of my range. Right now, I should probably get some rest. Should, but I really don’t want to go back into that lodge yet. I feel like if I go in now, Aaron will bring up another topic Athena told him about me.

“Was I always this much of a coward?” I couldn’t help but to laugh at my pathetic actions. Why am I trying so to avoid him? No, the real question is, why am I finding this simple situation difficult? Somehow, I find it easier dealing with a man running at me with a knife, than a kid who simply wants to know more about me. I guess that really isn’t surprising, most of my conservation in my past life usually ended with the opposite party shouting “die” or “kill” at me.

“Social life? Pfft, who needs that when you have the power to crush people with your bare hands? Right, nothing else matters. I need to focus; I can’t lose sight of my goal.”

“Which is to conquer the Monster Den right?” I nearly jump out of my skin at the loud footsteps approaching me. Was I thinking out loud? How much did he hear?!

“Relax, calm down.” I told myself. Even if he did hear my whole conservation with myself, I didn’t say anything that would give my identity away.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on you.” The merchant step into my field of vision carrying a wine bottle and two small glass cups.

“Who the cup for? Louie?”

“Ah this?” The merchant awkwardly wave the cups around like he was trying to find a spot to hide them.

“One’s for you. I was hoping you join me, at least till the show start.”

“Show? What show?”

“That’s a surprise. So, do you want to join me?”

 A “show” in the middle of nowhere sounds extremely suspicions. It also doesn’t help that he doesn’t want to tell me what kind of “show” it is.

“Why don’t you ask Aaron? I’m sure he’ll be interested in this show of yours.”

“I was planning on it, but the poor kid looked like he was too tired to move. So, I left him alone.”

“He wasn’t tired enough to assault me with questions.” I said quietly.

“So you two did have a fight. That explain why it look like you’re in a bad mood.”

“I’m not in a bad mood. I was just thinking what the name of new move is going to be. I was thinking “wind cut”, but that sounds kind of lame, how about “wind scar?”

“I think that name been taking by someone. Anyway, why take a break from, whatever you’re doing and have a few drinks.”

“I can’t, I need to come up with a name for this technique.” Well I guess the first thing I should do is create the technique. But right now, I’m just using whatever excuse I can for him to leave me alone.

“Alright, you’re welcome to join me whenever you feel like it.” The merchant walked away with his shoulder dropped, not bothering to hide his disappointment. Despite his childish attitude, I’m happy he didn’t insit.

“You know…” The merchant abruptly stop and looked at me. “I feel like you’re trying to avoid me.”

I wonder what gave it away. My lame excuse, or the disinterested look I’m sure is on my face.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to bite you. Or anything.”

I’m not worried about him hurting me. What’s bothering me, is why does he look like a teenager trying to ask someone out for the dance. He even got rid of the muddy shirt he was wearing and put on a clean white one.

“How far away is this show?”

“It’s right here. Once the sun set, something interesting will happen.”

“Alright you manage to convince me, I guess I’ll join you.”

“Really? Thank you. Drinking on a night as special as this one alone, would be quite sad.’’

“I still have no idea what this show is.”

“Like I said before, it’s a surprise.”

He really doesn’t want to tell me anything. Well at least we’re not leaving the safe house, so I have no reason being suspicion of him yet. If he told me that the place he wanted to take me was even a step away from here. I would assume he was leading me to my death and just ignore him.

I follow the merchant to the wagon, the horses that carry it here are still on the opposite side of the pond. I guess they’re still afraid of me. At least they’re not shaking anymore, probably because they were watching me swing my sword around like a manic who read one too many fantasy novels.

  “We should have a perfect view here." I nearly let out a groan as I watched the merchant climb into the wagon. My butt still hasn’t recovered from the bumpy ride we’ve been on all day.

“Is something wrong?”

“No.” I guess I’ll just have to deal with it.

As I climb into the wagon I notice movement in the corner of my eye. I quickly turn to what caught my attention only to see a bunch of bags.

My eyes don’t lie; something was definitely moving. Actually, now that I think about it, I do remember hearing a shriek when I was fighting the ghouls. I think it occur when I accidentally fell onto the bags. Is he transporting humans?

“Hey, are you coming or what?”

“Yea… I’m coming.” I already figure he was doing something illegal since he didn’t bother trying to hire any experienced adventurer. Oh well, I really don’t care, as long as he doesn't get in my way then I won’t get in his.

“Here you go.” The moment I sat down the merchant handed me a cup filled with dark red liquid. I push his hand away, declining the drink.

“I’m just here for this event you been hyping up, not to get drunk.”

“So are you just going to let a poor old man drink by himself?”

“I’m sure you’re having a hard time realizing this because of my appearance, but I am your body guard.  I don’t think it’ll be wise for me to get drunk while I’m guarding you.”

“You do have a point.” The merchant lean back and nodded his head in agreement. “Man, you’re really mature for your age. Not only did you remain calm when we were attack, but you even resisted the temptation of alcohol. Most kid your age would be happy to get drunk and wildly swing their sword at anything that moves. Actually, now that I think about it, I know a lot of adults that do that. I guess age really is nothing but a number.”

I probably shouldn’t tell him that I was swinging my sword at tree a few moments ago, hoping a new technique would just pop into my head.

“Okay!” The merchant smack his hands together loudly. “I got an idea.”

“No.”

“What? But you didn’t even hear it.”

“It involves me getting drunk, doesn’t it?”

“…” his silence was enough for me to know my guest was right

“…Can I at least tell you my idea?” he said quietly.

“Sure, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to agree to it.”

“I was thinking we should play a drinking game. The rules are simple; we’ll take turns asking each other a question. The person asking the question must take a shot, and if the person doesn’t want to answer it they’ll have to take shot, whoever ends up drunk first loses. Sounds fun, right? So, do you have any questions?

“Yea, why would I agree to play this game with you? I already told you a bodyguard getting drunk on the job isn’t a wise decision.”

“Because Anna, this is nothing more than side job for you, right? What you’re truly after is what’s inside the Monster Den? And seeing that you’re a newbie adventurer, I’m sure you have a lot of questions about the place, questions I, an experience merchant can easily answer. So by playing this game not only will I get the benefit of having a drinking partner, but you will also have all your much needed questions answered.”

That’s quite a deal, I guess that’s to be expected from a merchant. I honestly didn’t think he had it in him. This whole time he’s been acting like goofball that I would never be taken seriously. Now his eyes look sharp, like a predator that has his prey in its sight. I almost feel threaten, almost.

“I guess I’ll go first.”

“Hey, I didn’t agree to play this game.” The merchant ignores me and down his drink in one gulp. This guy really is looking for any excuse to get drunk.

“Alright first question, how old are you Anna?” I let out a sigh of disgust. There’s only one reason why he asks that question. He wants to know if I’m legal or not, which unfortunately I am. If I tell him my age, I’m sure his next question would be “how big are your tits and can I touch them.” Well at least that’s what I would ask if I was him.

“If you don’t want to tell me then that’s’ fine but…”

“Yea, I know.” I’ll have to take a shot. Even though I didn’t agree to play this game I can see him rolling around pouting how I’m not following the rules. What an annoying guy, but I’ll go along with him for now, at least until it’s my turn, then I’ll use this game against him.

“I’m sixteen, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“Hey, you said age is nothing but a number.”

“Yea, but you should at least know how old your body is.”

Time is something I really don’t pay attention to, hell I don’t even know how old my original body is. The only reason why I confidently guess I’m sixteen is because I vaguely remember being woken up by Aaron and Deborah shouting happy birthday at me, sixteen times.

“Well then, since my question was answer, now is your turn to ask a question.”

I look at down at the drink in front of me. I’m not sure if it’s because of the incense, but the drink had a fruity scent to it.

“Don’t be shy, you can ask me any question.”

“Any question huh?” I could barely hold back the smile that was trying force itself on my face. I took one more look at my drink before downing it.

“So, what’s your question?”  The merchant said with a satisfying grin on his face.

“My question is what’s in those bags?” The smile on the merchant face quickly vanish.

Like I said before, I could care less what illegal things he’s doing. The only reason why I ask was so I could wipe that smug look off his face and take control of the conservation.

“I had to cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing at his grim expression. I’m sure right now he’s panicky.

“If you don’t want to answer it you don’t have…”

“I’ll show you.”

“Huh?” I watch the merchant in disbelief as he walks over to the bags.

Is he drunk already? He’s seriously isn’t going to show me what he’s carrying right?”

“Here have a look.” The moment he opens one of the bags, I quickly looked away. I really don’t want to get involve in his illegal operation.

“Relax its just salt.”

“Salt?” I shot a quick glance in his direction to see there was white crystals in is hands and the bag that was open was fill with it.

“Why do you disappointed? What did you think that I was transporting?”

“I don’t know, something more expensive than salt.”

“You seriously have no idea how valuable salt is.” For some reason his voice became serious. He looked at me intensely, like I assaulted him or someone he cares for.

“It’s because of salt that we get to enjoy our food, rather than nibble on it and save it for later likes it a chore that we don’t want to do.

I guess that make sense. After spending two days at one of richest inns ever and eating their delicacy, I can safely say that normal food will never satisfy me again. If I was rich noble, I would definitely go out of my way ship in the most expensive and colorful ingredients, rather than eating something plain and dry like biscuits

But still, it doesn’t explain that movement I saw earlier. I’m not trying to brag, but my eyes are quite powerful. Not only can I see clearly in pitch darkness, but my eyes can also pick up the slightest movements. A simple muscle twitch, is all it takes for me to find someone hiding from me.

I probably shouldn’t dig too much into this, like I said before, I don’t want to get involve in whatever he’s doing.

“Looks like it’s my turn again.” The merchant flop down on the wagon and pour more wine into his cup. “So, what’s your relationship with Aaron?”

“He’s…. my brother.” I barely stop myself from saying “I guess”.

“Brother?” The merchant eyes widen in surprise. Understandable, me and Aaron really don’t look alike at all. Aaron takes after his dad. From his messy short brown hair to those annoying determine green eyes. While I take after, well myself.

“Hmm, brother and sister taking on the world together, that’s actually kind of cute.”

“You call it cute, I call it annoying. Anyway, it’s my turn.” I hold out my cup so he could refill it.

“Oh, so you are going play?”

“Yea, but I’m not doing this to satisfy you. There’s just some questions I want answered.” I quickly down the drink.

“Do you know what’s inside the Monster Den?”

“Nope.”

I tightly grip my teeth to stop myself from lashing out at him.

“That’s strange, I thought you’re an experience merchant that knew everything about the Monster Den.”

“I do know everything, well except for what’s inside the Monster Den. Then again no one knows what’s inside, no one survive long enough to find out what attracts monsters to it, well except for one....”

“Which is…”

“Ah.” The merchants grabs the wine bottle and shakes it in front of me. “That’ll cost you another shot.”

“You’re lucky I’m your bodyguard.” If he wasn’t my only way to the Monster Den, I definitely would’ve beat the information out of him.

“You’re right I am lucky. Not many man can brag about drinking with a beauty like you.”

“Just hurry up and answer my question.” I quickly drunk what he poured into my cup.

“Her name is Rose.”

“Her?”

“Yea, about five years ago, someone found a girl unconscious inside the dungeon. When she came to she said that at the bottom of the dungeon, lies an artifact powerful enough to slay a god.”

That definitely sounds like Ragnarok. The only other weapon that can defeat an Entity is Excalibur, and I doubt Joseph drop his precious weapon in a cave.

“But that’s nothing more than a rumor. Although it did get a lot of people rile up. Ever since she came out of that hole. More people have dive into that place, hoping to reclaim that legendary artifact.

I created Ragnarok to lead greedy man to their doom with its intoxicating power. Even after all these years, it’s still doing what I design it to do. It even created a dungeon filled with monsters. I’m not sure if I should be proud its doing its job well, or be upset that its doing its job well.

“Is there anything else you want to know?”

“No. I got all of the information I can get from you.” That, and I don’t think I can handle anymore alcohol. My vision is starting to get blurry and my body feel heavy. If any other questions come to mind, I’ll ask the girl that manage to escape from the Monster Den, if she still alive that is.

“I guess this good is a good time to stop. The show is starting.”

“Show? Oh, right, that’s the made reason why you came out here to drink. I still have no idea what this show is.” Giving me a soft smile, he quietly points towards the pond, which for some reason was glowing green. Particles of light rose from the pond and flew in the night sky. Filling the sky that was already lit by thousands of stars with even more brilliant light.

“What’s happening?”

“The fairies are waking up.”

“I think you might’ve drank a little too much, fairies aren’t real.”

“If that’s the case, then what exactly are we looking at?”

“I don’t know, magic I guess.” Although I doubt any mortals can use magic like this. I look closer at the particles that was floating in the sky. The way they move was unnatural. They weren’t drifting around like a snowflake or a leaf. They twirl around and flew erratically like birds.

“No way, they really are real.” I gasp in disbelief.

In the old days, when I was aimlessly wandering the world, I use to hear stories about fairies, how they hide in a large body of water during the day waiting for the sun to set. When all light from the sky has vanished, they’ll burst from the water and light up the darken sky.

I used to spend hours waiting for every body of water waiting for the fairies to show up, but they never came. No matter where I went or how long I waited, they never appeared in front of me. After a while, I started to believe that they were nothing more than a myth, that is until now.

For some reason, finally getting to see the fairies dance in the night didn’t make me happy. Is it because I wasted a lot of my old lifetime trying to find them, or is the alcohol messing with my emotions?

Lost in thought, I was completely taken by surprise when I saw the fairies dive back down to earth towards us. I quickly reach for my sword and prepare myself for their attack.

“Relax Anna, they’re not going to hurt us.” The merchant raise his hand towards the sky. Immediately, two fairies circle around his arm. The merchant let out a loud laugh as more fairies join in and dance around his body. Suddenly the ground was cover with light. It almost looked like the stars that hang in the heavens has come down to greet everyone, everyone except me.

Only the area where I stood was left in darkness. Even the horses were bathed in their brilliant light. Watching everyone play with the fairies, I finally understood why I was sad to see them. It’s because I’m still not welcome in this world. In the past, they never shown themselves to me, because of who I was, they left me in darkness. Even now, I’m still left in the dark, the only thing I can do is simply watch everyone else dance and bathe in their light.

Jeez, why am I getting emotional? Is the alcohol doing that?

“It almost feel like a reward, doesn’t it?” The merchant let out a gleeful laugh while waving his arm through the light that circle around him. “For surviving today's challenges, the world has rewarded us with such an awe-inspiring sight. It kind of makes you think that this world isn’t all that bad. It makes you think that behind every tree or corner doesn’t lie monster ready to devour you, no what lies beyond it is something extraordinary, something that’ll make you say, wow, I’m happy I’m here.”

It looks like I’m not the only getting emotional here. I thought when people get drunk they’ll try do something stupid like climbing a tall tree or something, not turn them into an emotional wreck.

“Sorry I got a little too deep there.” The merchant lets out a laugh while rubbing the bald spot on his head. “I have one more question for you miss. We’re not playing the game anymore, so if you don’t have to drink anything, if you don’t want to answer it.”

“Okay, what’s the question?”

“Why are you trying conquer the Monster Den, when you know how dangerous it is? No one has beaten it and the woman that manage to escape is no longer sane. Whatever she saw down there broke her. So even if you do by some miracle manage to beat it, I doubt you’ll be the same person when you come back out. So, tell me, what exactly are you after that’ll make you do something so dangerous?”

“I want everything.” I reach out for the vibrant light that dance in the sky, hoping I can catch one of them, but just like I expected they all flew away from me, the only thing I could catch was air. “I want to conquer this world, at least that’s what I tell myself.” My mouth move on its own, spilling all my thoughts and emotions I held deep in my heart.

“Are you saying you don’t even know why you’re doing this?”

“Sometimes I like imagine myself as a boulder. I’m big and strong nothing in this world can stop me. That is until the wind shows up. There’s nothing I can do against it, the wind is fast and all my attacks just phase right through it. So, the only thing I can do is just watch as it beat me, watch as it chips away my body for days, weeks, years, eons.” I tightly grip my hand to keep myself calm.

“Eventually all that’s left is a pebble. As I wait for the final blow, the only thing going through my head is why am still here, why am I still doing this? Is it because I enjoy this, or is it because it’s the only thing I know how to do? I guess that question really doesn’t matter, after all I am rock. Even if I wanted to move, I can’t, my fate literally has been written in stone. My only choice is to succeed or perish.”

Wow, I really am drunk. I just compare myself to a rock. Hopefully, when he go to sleep he’ll forget everything I said.

“I’m going to bed.”

“W-Wait.” As I tried to climb out the wagon, I felt someone pull on my skirt. I look behind me to see the fat bastard was pulling on it. I was about to kick him in the face until I saw his gloomy face.

“You know, it greatly saddens me, when I hear someone as young as you talk about fate, like it has them in shackles. You are young, there are plenty of roads open for you. If you don’t like the direction you’re going, then just simply pick another path.” I slap his hand off my skirt and proceeded to climb out the wagon.

“Good night.”

I headed towards the lodge, not bothering to say anything back to him. Thanks to my low tolerance for alcohol, my body felt extremely heavy and tired. It took a tremendous amount of effort for me to make it back without falling to the ground and falling asleep. Once I made it inside, my eyes immediately focus on Aaron. A small green light beam from the window, and cover Aaron who was quietly snoring. Fairies circle around his window looking for a way to get to him. I was half tempted to wake him, so he could play with them, but I quickly decided against it. After all, he’s no use to me if he’s tired. I’ll just brag to him that I got to meet fairies, I’m sure that’ll make him happy, or not, I know it’ll make me happy to see him frustrated.

I pull the blinds down so the fairies wouldn’t be able to disturb him. Once darkness had fully settled in the room I collapse to the floor. I didn’t bother trying to pick myself up, I simply position myself so my back could rest on Aaron’s bed. As I sat on the floor, waiting for sleep to overcome, the merchant’s words echo in the back of my head.

“Pick any road I want huh? That’s easy for a human to say.” Every single one of you was born with limitless possibility. But my fate was decided the moment I open my eyes.

I raise my right arm and watch black smoke slither around it like it was a snake.

“The only thing this power is good for is killing, breaking, and destroying. Living a peaceful life just isn’t possible for me. What do you think, Aaron?” I turn around watch and Aaron snore peacefully.

“You know, I’m not in the state of mind right now. So, if you were wake up right now, I wouldn’t mind answering your questions. So please…” I lightly poke his cheek hoping it’ll wake him up.

“…Wake up before I return back to my normal cold self.”

(Merchant P.O.V)

“Why is it that I always get stuck with suicidal kids, who think their dreams are more important than their life?” I look up at the fairies hoping they’ll answer my question, but they continue to dance in the sky, completely oblivious to thin

“Well I guess in the girl’s case she’s just fighting for the sake of fighting. An endless cycle of violence with no goal or rest, what a horrible path to take. And to think my grandson is nearly the same age as her.

“Ah.” I quickly cover my mouth to stop a yawn from coming out.

Damn, I took precaution, but it seems some of the drug got into my system anyway. But if I’m starting to feel tired from drinking a little bit, then the girl must be asleep by now.

I climb out the wagon and wobble my way back to the lodge. Some of the fairies follow me, lighting my path back.

“Thanks.” The fairies following me gave off a brighter glow. I wonder if they understood I was thanking them.

Once I made it back, the fairies stop. They circle around the door like they wanted to enter, but simply couldn’t. Their actions reminded me of my horses, how they refuse to get close to the lodge. What’s in here that’s scaring them?

Despite how bright it is outside the lodge was strangely dark and cold. Once my eyes got use to the darkness, I witness a view that while wasn’t as beautiful as the fairies, was still touching in its own way.

The girl fell asleep kneeling next to her brother bed. It almost looked like she was praying.

“I guess you really do have a soft side don’t you Anna?” I sat down on a bed watch the two sleep peacefully from a distance.

This wasn’t an easy mission. For one thing, I didn’t expect monsters to attack me so aggressively today. Lucky these kids were far stronger than I thought, although because of their strength, I had to change the plan. Originally, I was supposed to signal the bandits to capture the two as soon as we made to the safe house, but after watching them fight, I realize their most likely be causality on both sides. So, I did the only thing I could do that would ensure everyone safety, put them to sleep.

Of course, that wasn’t easy either, I nearly put myself to sleep, trying to fool them that I was drinking the exact same thing they were. But everything work out well, they’re both incapacitated which my mean my job has been completed.

The floor creak as approach them. Watching the girl sleep so peacefully after everything she told me, I couldn’t help but feel pity for her.

“I’m sorry miss, but to ensure I live a peaceful life, I’m afraid I’m going have make your hellish life into even more of a nightmare.”