“Don't worry boss! You are going to be okay with us!”

“Hell yeah! Don’t let your dad downgrade your mood! You are the toughest guy I know!”

The two goons who walked beside Sayar tried to motivate what remains of his feeble spirit.

After suffering humiliation by Freia and being threatened with death by his father in Infront of the whole village. Sayar has no more resolve to fight, to smile, to act tough. Not even to will live.

His whole life has been built on the emphasis of being strong no matter what. Until his guards are down, the enemies will strike his weakness and use it against him.

His father pierced his words like a toxin into his mind. And simply numbed the pain as it was part of who it was. Never question his actions, morals, or principles. He always believed himself to be just.

Until today, when Freia confronted and shared the ultimate truth.

Not only she easily revealed the truth from the lies. But she also confronted his father without a single hesitation or breaking her spirit.

If anything, she was the true meaning behind what strength truly meant. And to top it all off, she used the same strength to save him from his father's beating. Something he grew accustomed to but never like it.

In his mind, it was a lesson for him to grow stronger. But it was never enough. The number of occasions his father would abuse him out of so-called punishment was lost by now. Never learning from his mistakes and always receiving the same sanction.

Worse, he never saw his father smile. He lost it ever since his mother was gone. And with her, the last shard of love and kindness he would receive again. Until today.

Freia was the first person who ever showed kindness after years of forfeiture and delinquency. Everyone in the village treated him with prejudice. Some feared him, some loathed him. Not even once trying to make a studious conversation.

But Makas was a different story. He never looked down upon him. In fact, he felt bad for him.

But Sayar never understood him. Because every time he saw that boy. He felt genuine fear gasping down his lungs for air. Makas rarely smiled and almost never. Yet he had the sweetest and most loving mother.

In some way, Sayar felt jealous. Perhaps that’s one of the many reasons why he specifically chose to bully him.

But regardless, Sayar started to see things more clearly. Makas back then, showed strength. Just like his mother did a while back.

Perhaps Sayar never understood what true strength meant. Therefore, he started to question everything his father did to him until now.

“Child...” A call was heard from the goons back. They turned around, all frightened.

“AH!”

“The Lady in a white coat!”

The women, who wore a tattered white coat. Covered with a hoodie. Barely showing any of her faces. She spoke plainly and lifelessly.

“Where Makas was lost?”

Sayar grew hesitant. Not out of answering the question but the lady herself. She reeked of a mysterious aura that made everyone jilt their spines in cold.

“In- in the forest. To the east...”

“The fountain....” The lady in the white coat mumbled to herself. “The lancer burial.”

For a moment, she chuckled. Sayar and the goons were confused.

She quickly turned around and spoke friendly:

“Thank you.”

But a moment before she left, she said one last piece of advice to Sayar

“Trust your instincts kid... learning from others is one thing. But it's always better to learn on your own...”

That was the last thing Sayar would ever hear from the lady in the white coat before she ventured outside the village.

----------------------------------------

As soon as I left the crevices, I was mystified by a large, gaping hole leading down to the bottom of the earth, situated at a remote distance while I stood on a jagged cliff.

Just beside me on the cliff, a wooden table could be seen with two decayed corpses placed haphazardly around, as if they were objects tossed about. Remnants of a campfire on a tripod, with nothing but specks of dust of a former volatile material remaining.

The cramped river progressively amassed as it flowed by, merging with other slender rivers and converging into one large current, as it had done earlier.

A faint vision of the atmosphere, with both blue and black colors, illuminated the cave from the narrow floor opening which only served as a minuscule light source.

As I walked near the tip of the cliff, I took a moment to observe the environment.

The surrounding cliff was made of basalt material, which made sense given the shape of the tunnel, clearly induced by lava. The cliffs were naturally accessible for promenading purposes, although still slippery due to the river's flow.

From my position, the once-converged river flowed down one of the cliffs like a fountain, then dissipated into multidirectional rivers that headed towards deeper parts of the earth, presumably to the pond I assumed earlier.

Finally, the gaping hole. To my surprise, it wasn't exactly a true gaping hole as one might call it.

First, the roof was completely sealed off, preventing a volcano from forming. Second, the distance between where I am and the wall on the other side was fairly short, and if I'm seeing correctly, the hole's distance was short as well. I could faintly see something gleaming from below. It certainly wasn't light but something that would attract the eye. If I wanted to see it, I would need to go down there myself. Thirdly, wooden planks can be seen bridging between the cliffs, creating these ersatz platforms connected together, mainly oriented in a circular wall alongside the wall, resembling curved (arched) stairs that reached the deepest part of the hole.

It seems the miners here must have found something of particular interest to undertake such an endeavor.

Finally, a few man-made crevices can be seen on the walls, randomly burrowed at different ends alongside the wooden planks.

Yet, something profound and equivocal resided within the pit. For some reason, my sense of attraction changed from trying to find a way out to uncovering the unearthed secrets.

To my left, a cliff pathway connected via a plank of wood can be accessed, with its size fit for two people to walk between. Below, there are craggy climbable ledges that connect the wooden platforms, leading further to the ominous and spacious tunnels and the depth of the gaping hole.

The only sounds produced are the mixed movements of light and heavy water currents hovering against the crags, with none ever spilling down the gaping hole.

One additional observation I noticed; the air here was packed, making it harder to breathe. Compared to the last room. Undoubtedly, the lack of oxygen must have killed the miners here, besides the lack of food.

As I strolled across the cliff, I noticed to my right yet another open space filled with a mountain of rocks, creating this hill-like structure. Just like the last hunk earlier, it looks very similar, in fact.

Perhaps once a bypath existed behind this mound of macadam before it was completely sealed off?

But if that's the case, what was it used for?

Unless something obscure and wicked inhabited this cave, the miners must have used explosives to seal off the cave from any contact or to prevent the horror from leaving its nest and entering the outside world.

But I find it hard to believe, as the corpses here did not show any signs of harm like broken bones or the like. They seemed to have died of starvation and malnutrition.

Then again, why?

Or is it more fitting to ask: what exactly happened here?

The answer lies down there, at the bottom of the cave. I can't deny I wasn’t scared. Rather, my anxiety was building up higher as I went deeper. Yet, my curiosity peaked with each step.

I stopped just before the edge of the cliff, looking down at one of the fillable precipices with water streams wafting by. just below, a plank of wood floors was attached to the wall and linked to the next cliff.

With nowhere else to go, I took a deep breath and began to descend down the gaping walls into the ominous pit, to uncover the forbidden secrets, disregarding my original plan.

This was my second-time rock climbing, even though it's more of plunging down the cliffs.

The ridges were fairly narrow, and I had to hang against the wall to ensure I wouldn't fall down. In addition, the river currents made it even more difficult to walk between, so I had to proceed very slowly across the ledge.

Also, this is purely a subjective opinion, but I was still not accustomed to this body. Comparing the old adult body I had and this new body, I felt like two minds were contradicting each other. The anatomy of the average adult male and child varies vastly; it's hard to explain, but at times, it felt like my movements were acting on their own besides the restrictions I originally had. I only assumed this was a purely psychological change rather than something sparking worry, as thankfully, I started to get the hang of my body as I grew up.

As I stepped on one of the wooden platforms, a crackling sound could be heard, a sign of impending breakage of the floor.

I wasn’t surprised, really; this is much expected from a long-abandoned cave that no soul has visited for centuries. The wear and tear tend to eventually break over years of being left unattended.

Thankfully, due to my child's body, my weight had yet to affect the fragile bridges. Nevertheless, I continued walking slowly and carefully.

Eventually, I reached one of the platforms that branched off into two paths. One path had U-shaped stairs sloping upward, curving to higher levels, and the other continued downward into the abyss. And then, there were the open crevices I mentioned earlier.

I decided to take the cascading path below to uncover the cryptic secrets of the cavern.

As I tumbled down slowly on the wooden slab, I could see a mysterious white fragrance emanating from the depth. I said "fragrance," but it wasn't a pleasant look rather, something bone-like.

I wasn't sure, but somehow it made sense. What kind of burial place could this have been? What creature was buried within these ancient tunnels?

As I descended further below, I could clearly see what creature resided down there. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but no matter how many times I blinked and fluttered, it wouldn't change.

This was indeed a burial place, entombed by the unshattered mountains of rocks for an ancient dragon.

I looked in wonderment at the skeletal remains of the ancient dead dragon, feeling intense timidity and at a loss for words. I kept staring at the dragon silently as if witnessing an impossible miracle coming true.

This was indeed a miracle. For people of this world, seeing a dragon might evoke a slight, minimal reaction, as they are accustomed to believing in such beings' existence. However, for me, coming from a world lacking any magical influence or superstition, purely based on fiction, seeing something like this would easily knock me out of timidity.

Reading books about monsters and mythical creatures certainly differed from actually experiencing them. I guess it's true when they say, "Reading is one thing, but to actually see it is a whole other thing."

And this most certainly wasn't anything I had read in cryptozoology. This was indeed a true dragon.

The books in this world only documented data about wyverns, who are descended from dragons but not actual dragons themselves. One of the major differences is that dragons have four legs, while wyverns have only two. Their front legs are fused to their wings, so they cannot move their wings as easily as dragons. Dragons are also much larger than wyverns, and they are believed to be the most powerful creatures in the world, given their primordial essence and role in this universe.

And from what I could barely see, this was indeed a dragon corpse. But something about the dragon's wings resonated as a disturbance or rather, some kind of contradiction.

I am no expert in cryptozoology, especially an anatomical perspective. But the dragons' wings were anything normal.

The dragons' wings are divided much like how human hands are. From The radius, the carpels, metacarpals, and phalanges, and then the four digits.

This one in contrast, indeed posed a radial bone. But the phalanges looked nothing close to dragon phalanges. The phalanges were very close together and the anatomy wouldn’t support the dragons three Mainsail and the minor joints between each phalanges.

This dragon possessed none of those attributes and the wings looked more like a gorgon or a Pegasus wings. In short, angelic theme.

Dragons possess angelic wings. That is something new and could be groundbreaking. If this is indeed the case, it could challenge the conventional understanding of dragons and their anatomy. This discovery opens up new possibilities and questions about the diversity and evolution of mythical creatures.

The way the dragon's carcass was buried under a mountain of fixed basalt rock, with only its wings and half-rib articulated, suggests that it was intentionally sealed to prevent any chance of escape. The visible part of the wing emerged from the humerus, radius, and metacarpal bones, which are considered the most sensitive part of a dragon's body, covered by pure elastic connective tissue, enabling them to stretch and fly. but again I note, this dragon specifically didn't support the typical features of a normal dragon. if anything, the part where the elastic must be is replaced with what I assume feathers.

As I jumped down from the wooden plank to the mountain-like floor, it felt like climbing a hill, using the pouched rocks to scale. The distance between the floor and the wooden shaft was short, so there were no worries about climbing back up again.

Upon observing the skeletal anatomy of the dragon wing, I recalled knowledge from my past world about its biology. The visible bones were hard, like newly forged iron from the smithing grounds. The tissue barely showed any sign of decay, unlike human skin. The weight was abnormal for just a skeletal corpse, giving me an idea of how much an entire fleshed-out dragon must weigh.

It became apparent why the miners came here; they must have been after the dragon bones. Dragon bones are an excellent source of forging material for weapons and armor smithing. The Titians fire mountain provides further evidence of their hardness and strong resistance against multi-elemental magic. Dragon armor equipment is highly valued and not easily bargained with. They mark the difference between the skin of wyverns and a dragon, providing greater firmness and protection.

If the villagers were to find this corpse, they would become immensely wealthy by selling and using the dragon bones to rebuild their hometown into a more elegant and prosperous place.

I started to understand more about the origin of this place and the miners' presence there. It seemed to be a mining excavation drill aiming to extract the dragon bones and sell them for a good price. This also explains the man-made cracks in the basalt rock, as they must have been trying to extract the dragon from its grave but seemingly failed to complete the task. This leads to the next question: What happened, and why did they stop?

They didn't extract a thing from the dragon and left it the way it was before, with every section of its bone unharmed and untouched.

And how could I forget the pile of rocks I saw earlier? This was even harder to crack. Anyone here would assume that they managed to take as many dragon bone ores, stole it, and then trapped the remaining miners inside. A perfect plan indeed, but otherwise completely false, since the dragon bone, as I mentioned, remained unscathed.

So, what really happened? What I can assume is that they weren't looking for dragon bones as the main goal, perhaps it was a side goal. They might have had an alternative objective, something far more significant than bones.

Lastly, one unusual sight sent my mind into further disarray. The dragon's severed skull, disjointed from the cervical spine, was hurled down on the floor.

This was very puzzling; separating a dragon's head from its body isn't something that can be done with a pickaxe, at least not by one person. The skull was also fractured just above its braincase, presumably with a hammer, enough to create a small fissure in the head.

As I got closer and analyzed the split, the size was fairly small, fit enough for one hand to pass through. As I looked inside, it was empty as it was supposed to be.

But still.... this crack was certainly not created for amusing purposes. Even if this was a mining extraction, they wouldn't be destroying the mineral.

Certainly, they weren't looking for some bone extraction. They were looking for something inside the dragon's corpse.

This transformed from a supposed mining operation to a more questionable act, reeks of a puzzle and inquiry with no answer until now.

Therefore, I decided not to make further judgments and continued my investigation of the cave; there are other dens I haven't discovered yet. I left the gaping hole with anxiety building out of the unknown.

After retracing my steps back to the earlier multidirectional wooden platform, I entered one of the spacious tunnels that led me eventually to what looked like a rest chamber.

This was supported by the fabricated bedrolls, wooden boxes filled with different materials ranging from tools to dried-up food and wine. Four skeletal corpses were displaced around the bed haphazardly.

Nothing unusual in this room. However, one distinctive feature stood out in the chamber: a chair occupied by a skeletal corpse leaning on a table.

I strolled ahead and approached the skeletal figure. From looks alone, this skeleton was unique. The attire he was wearing looked more prestigious and of higher rank compared to the rest of the uniforms, which looked more meager and notoriety.

This purply subjective view, as there was no evidence hinting that this skeletal figure held a higher rank.

As I analyzed the table, a notebook could be seen with the skeletal figure's right hand seemingly holding a quill, and the other hand covering a small box with a keyhole.

In situations like these, one would assume that this must have been his diary or last written entry. Then finally, I might be able to crack the case of this mysterious dungeon.

However, with darkness enveloping me, reading anything from the notebook was near impossible. I was lucky enough to see my surroundings thanks to the faint blue light coming from the cavern mouth.

There was a medieval small wooden box locked with a keyhole. I tried to look for any tools around the decayed bones, only to end up with failure. I could search the other rooms which lingered beyond the branching paths around the chasm. But time was running out, and I didn’t know how long I had been gone. I needed to find my way back as soon as possible, which alone proved to be a difficulty.

Thus, I had to resort to the oldest trick in the books, ironically, something I knew from Sayar’s classical despotic acts and pranks: lockpicking.

I happened to have three hair clips that my mother used before and the tips of a hook circle which I managed to borrow from a villager when our front door was locked due to a mechanical issue one year ago.

To open locks, I must first feel for the correct tumbler position with a lockpick while turning a tension wrench in the lock. I must proceed with caution as the lockpick will break if too much pressure is applied while it is in the wrong position.

"That's a little harder than I imagined..." I mumbled quietly. After a couple of tries, I managed to unlock the box on the last clip, luckily.

As I opened the box, I was dazzled by a small diamond-shaped crystal, mainly white in color. But I could notice a few flashes of other colors, blue, red, and yellow, reflecting against the diamond. The light was very faint, enough to illuminate my fingertips as I held it, as if it were weakly charged.

In short, this was a Multielement diamond crystal. And if what I assume is correct, this must be the treasure the miners sought after, other than the dragon bones.

I recalled that some nations were seeking the dragon crystals, which were remnants of their former selves or power imprisoned within, for forging purposes, and technical and scientific advancements, similar to the way the white imperials did. And bringing animatronics to life, just like how the Golden elves of Goldhama perfected.

These gems held infinite potential in nearly every science, magic, weaponry, history, and philosophy field.

And what I have in my hand is something more achromatic, more abysmal, more profound than anyone would imagine.

The dragon corpse I saw earlier belonged to one of the first dragons to preexist thousands of moons ago, or it might even antedate the birth of mankind.

This was indeed a life treasure. Thanks to these miners, they were able to extract this forbidden power and knowledge.

But we return to the same question: what happened here? With the dragon bones and the Multielement gem, how could they easily overlook this matter?

The answer must be in the notebook I saw earlier; the captain's notebook.

I leaned the gem closer to the notebook to perhaps dispel the darkness, but it only managed to lighten it slightly. I could read a few words, but I presumed it would be better to read it outside this somber chamber.

Therefore, I left the small cavern and returned to the swirling dragon coffin hole.

I settled down at one of the crevice's entrances when I first saw the gaping hole, then started reading the diary with the help of the faint lights from both the crystal and the cavern.

All I can say is, this diary was filled with horror and obscurity, greed, and betrayal, madness.

This notebook was dictated nearly two centuries ago, containing the records of the miner captain, Graeme Reevese, from the beginning of his mining journey until his last breath.

----------------------------------------

(Date......)

"A colleague of mine once told me about a suspected dragon burial around the western lands. He got one of those tracker compasses that the White Legion developed from his recent visit to the Inexmine Academy. He wasted all his allowance on this device. I must admit, I was a little jealous. Anyways, my crew and I have been longing for a dragon mining operation, especially with the rise in taxes and expenses due to the war. We need to collect as many coins as possible in the shortest time possible. However, I can't just take the boys to a mining operation without first ensuring the rumors are true. I'd like to do this without taking a major risk. Not to mention the looming threat from the west; the Nords and the Night Elves are still attacking each other from the south, which alone is a sign to call off the operation.

Therefore, I went alone on a journey to the Inexmine Academy and consulted one of the archaeologists to confirm any possible burial place in the west. Thankfully, the man helped me greatly. He showed me a possible location where the cavern could be. He advised me to take the safest route, which would be through the underground Goldhaman tunnels. The nearest cavern entrance is outside the Dreadful Forest, near Geshwar Lake. That way, I can still benefit from extracting any Goldhama treasures in case I fail to find any dragon burial, which might not sound bad for a plan B. After that, I returned to the imperial city and prepared my fifty crew for an extraction operation and the search for the dragon carcass."

(Date....)

It has been two months since we started the journey. It took us two weeks to reach the western lands and another month to reach Geshwar Lake. Afterward, we camped in an open space filled with fixed rocks and a few trees. From there, we began searching for any nearby cavern. Amidst our search, we noticed a river flowing from the mountains, spilling into holes in the ground, and we assumed it flowed into a nearby lake through a fountain. One of the boys noted that the rocks in the area were of basalt nature, confirming the possibility of a cavern nearby. With that in mind, we started looking for any possible entrance around the location

(Date......)

"We finally found the entrance after a week's worth of searching. It was hidden within a forest not too far from our camp. As we entered, we noted the presence of basalt walls in the cavern, melted by lava. The walls were tight at first, but as we walked deeper, we reached a large cavern chamber with rivers flowing down from above. Just as one of the crew members had hinted, the flow of the river coming from the top would lead us to the deeper parts of the cave.

On the same day, we found a large gaping hole within the cave, which seemed to be closed off by piles of basalt rock. Surprisingly, we were able to walk on top of the surface, which still remained intact. This suggested that it could have been a volcano mountain that failed to erupt. One of the crew members assumed that the dragon must be buried within this gaping burrow. This assumption was supported by the unusually shaped hill-like floor and the odd design of the hole.

(Date....)

“We began the mining operation as soon as we found the gaping hole. We believed that taking action was better than standing around and dwelling on unanswered questions. For around two months, we drilled the earth, hoping to find something valuable. However, all we discovered were rubbles of basalt, one by one. After a series of arguments with the team, they were on the verge of giving up the entire mining operation and returning home. I myself was half-convinced of the same. The only reason I hesitated to make such a decision was the condition I was stuck in back in the capital.

The authorities demanded donations for the Church, an obligatory act, or risk execution by the so-called God’s will. These donations often went into rebuilding the church to appear more righteous and spiritual than before, as well as modernizing the soldiers with the latest equipment of power and might. I was at my wit's end, and our allowance wouldn't be enough to satisfy these degenerative cultists. Staying in the cavern, hunting down animals for food resources, seemed like the better alternative. However, my men were desperate and longed to return home, even if it meant facing looming taxes. They were willing to sacrifice their humanity and become slaves just to hold on to some semblance of meaning in life.

Thankfully, luck was on our side when one of the crew members noted the presence of claw marks on the walls, or at least what looked like claw marks. They certainly didn't appear to be of natural origin but resembled the marks of a beast or some unholy creature. My men were thrilled, seeing it as a sign of hope, and finally, we agreed to continue with the extraction process. I, too, felt relieved, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this journey was only going downhill from here.

(Date....)

” As I suspected, problems began to arise as weeks passed by, turning into months. We spotted nearby Nordic forces marching around, most likely patrolling from the cold mountains. For that reason, we decided it was best to stay underground in the caves until it was clear for us to head out, not that there seemed to be an opportunity to do so. Strangely, I found myself fixated on the treasure more than the threat outside. I considered myself sane and aware of my own actions, never being a greedy or stubborn man. This sudden change must be the effect of the war, the taxes, and the chaotic state of the world. It certainly affected my men's mentality, and I couldn't help but be affected by the disorder as well. But it doesn't matter anyway; as long as we do our job well, there is nothing to worry about for now. This is how it has always been and will always be. I just hope my men understand the same.

(Date....)

“Two months passed by, and at this rate, we have been gone for more than half a year, all for this false hope mining operation. I call it a false hope because half of the crew has become discouraged. Our progress is slow, and with the looming threat of the Nords still around, it's no wonder the crew is regretting their decision to participate in this whole operation. Moreover, I've noticed that half of the crew has been looking at me suspiciously lately, as if I am planning something horrible, like poisoning them or the like. I don't know where this suspicion grew from, whether it's from within themselves or because someone is spreading rumors among the crew. But none of that matters anyway; there is nothing that can be done either way. We are all stuck here, and it will take some time until we can return home. If we can return home at all...”

(Date)

"Today is a remarkable day; we finally found the bones of an ancient dragon. The moment we saw the dragon's wings and head, the miners were filled with excitement as anxiety subsided. This did put a smile upon me for a while, but not entirely. One of the crew members mentioned that we should aim to collect as many bones as we can and then leave as soon as possible. At first, I was convinced that this was the aim of the whole operation, but a second thought came across my mind. Many miners I knew from my old days said that the gems the dragons held within their remains are said to be even more extravagant than the bones themselves. Then I thought to myself, this was the corpse of an ancient dragon, a being that preexisted if not hundreds of thousands of years ago. If, by chance, the gem is still buried somewhere in that hole, I must find it. If I sell this precious piece, we would rise from our humble status into one of nobility and power. We wouldn't be poor anymore; we would be rich. Yes... this is indeed our true goal. Just as much as these gems were worth life to the dragons, they are as well to us.”

(Date...)

"I called out the crew for one meeting and told them of our new objective. That we would search for the gem above all else and keep the bone extraction for later once we have completed the first objective. As expected, half of the crew were in opposition; they wanted to abandon this whole operation and leave with what we have already found. I didn’t want that. I was afraid that by chance, destroying the skeletal remains, I would lose my chance of getting the crystal in its full form. Thus, I forbade them from taking any action against my orders, or else I would kill them, just like I did with one of the crew members who, for some reason, had been against me since the beginning of this operation months ago. This was possible thanks to the loyal men I had, whom I managed to hire from a bandit with our last bit of cash as guards, but I guess now they are more like wardens. I promised them a considerable amount of coin in return for their service after we finish the mining operation. But of course, that was just another one of the many lies I told. As long as they are here, my dominance is impenetrable."

(Date...)

"Our food ration is diminishing with each passing day, week, and month. We are still dependent on hunting methods, although with the emergence of the elves, it has become increasingly impossible. Furthermore, the miners are losing energy every day, clearly suffering from malnutrition. We have even lost about four miners due to famine. They weren't even strong enough to be miners to begin with. However, the rest are stronger, so to motivate these struggling individuals, I promised that I would increase their food ration slightly more than usual. Just enough to keep them alive until they understand the true purpose of this mining operation and how much we stand to gain from it. They will continue to be under my command. I will do whatever it takes to get the crystal; I know it's there. I can feel it, I can sense it. I am no sorcerer, but I know when there is a treasure nearby. I have been hunting and mining for many years since my youth. All have been disappointing; I have always been met with failure and end up with the least amount of cash to support myself and my crew. But not this time, this will be our redemption... No... MY redemption. "

(Date....)

"We are finally making good progress. Thus far, we have managed to reveal the two wings, the head, and half of the ribs along with the tips of the right hand. But we are still far away from finding the gem. Where could it be? Have I dug all the way till the end to find it? My mind is in constant war against itself as it tries to wrap around the whole enigma. Therefore, I called the crew to take a week's rest until I can better understand what must be done. Surprisingly, my crew seems to have finally grasped the importance of this gem. Like obedient dogs, they follow every one of my orders without hesitation or signs of rebellion. I am thrilled with this sudden change; one problem is gone. Now, what's left is to figure out what must be done with this dragon carcass. I need to do more research on this piece of the gold mine."

(Date......)

"We have been betrayed... My new crew betrayed me and left me here for dead. These ignorant miners, who left me for dead, will surely and soon die by the Nords and robbed. And if by chance they survive, they would sell themselves to the Perfect Order, becoming rotting slave dogs of their underlings, a fate worse than death.

They used the explosive dynamite's black firebomb we had for trap purposes in case we were going to be ambushed by the elves. But instead, they used it against us by blowing off the roofs, and a pile of rocks piled down, entrapping us in this dungeon, sealing off the first entrance and the second, which was more of a narrowed exit, preventing the remaining from escaping. They also killed those who tried to stop them by creating toxin potions, which I assumed they managed to find the ingredients on their hunt for boars and rabbits.

In short, we were trapped with no possible exits. Nearly half of my crew abandoned us for dead without taking any treasure behind. And the remaining are just me and eight more bandits. The bandits decided to call off the operation and agreed to find a new exit by piercing through the walls, in hope of finding anything that would give them a second chance. Ignorant brats! It doesn't matter if we are trapped here or not! The treasure... the crystal is with us here! The crystal will give us life, so we don't need food, water, or anything that would satiate our worries!

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

I told the bandits exactly what I said, but none believed. Instead, they proceeded to torture me and became their dummy for kicks and hits, filled by the vengeance they regretted taking, then eventually trapping me inside this rotten room for torture and slavery work. Idiots! Everyone of them, the miners, the bandits, everyone is a... (missing text)

Without my mining knowledge, they will never survive. Without my insight, they will never find the gem. Without me, they will all die here. That's why we must find the crystal, in order to preserve our youth and immortality.

I will show them all. I will show them what true knowledge, power, is truly about. I will show them who is really the captain of the operation.

(Date...???????)

The idiots, for a moment, thought they found an exit, but their hopeless dreams of escape crashed down just like the piles of rocks did months ago. They spent over a whole month and a half trying to crack an opening inside a wall, eventually leading them to a fissure in the ground with an opening. Unfortunately, they couldn't find a way to climb back up again as the fissure walls were slippery and lacked any surface to escape. With their only chance to escape shattered, they simply went mad and lost themselves over the days that passed by. One by one, they died out of malnutrition or killed themselves out of desperation for an escape, an escape from existence itself.

Unintelligible laughter and gibberish removed.

BUT NOT ME!!! I HAVEN'T LOST HOPE YET, BECAUSE I KNOW WHERE THE TREASURE IS!!! I HAVE FOUND IT!!

It all started when I visited the cave; I could hear the whispers of the crystal burrowing in my mind and ears. Desperate to be free from its decrepit carcass into the outside world, waiting to once again demonstrate its true potential to the unenlightened masses.

I am the one who shall shine the world with this power, who shall be bathed in a sea of honey rays of gold, while governing every poor citizen, soldier, noble, whoever dares disrespect me.

I can hear it, my vengeance, my redemption.

Just you wait, my sweet little repentance.

ONCE EVERYONE IS DEAD, YOU WILL BE... INEVITABLY I WILL OWN YOU, CONTROL YOU, DOMINATE EVERY BIT OF YOUR BEING, WILLING OR UNWILLING.

(Date....?????)

I killed them, the last remaining bandits' survivors.... I killed them all. I picked the pickaxe and killed them while they were sleeping debilitated.

AAAAHHAAAHHHAHAA AAHHH AAAAAHAHHAHHAAHHAAHAAAHAAHAAAAHHAAHAHHHHH AHHHAAAH AHHAHHAHHH AHAAHAHHHAAAA AHHHAAAAHHHAHAAH

I must thank my traitorous crew, for leaving me here with the precious Gem, for now.... I have finally found It.

I

Found

The

Gem

Finally!!!

It was inside its head all along. I failed to get it as soon as possible due to the ignorant crew I had who so thankfully ae gone now.

But it doesn't matter now.... I HAVE IT FINALLY.

HAH...HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH.”

(Date.....)

I don’t understand it, it stopped talking to me. I found it just few days ago and now it stopped.

WHY!!!??? WHY!!!?? I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU ALL WHILE AGO.

I Killed the bandits, sacrificed my humanity, my whole existence, my money, my once allies, my pride, my soul. Just for you......

Now.... YOU HAVE ABANDONED ME AFTER EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE???!!

WHY??!

WHY??!

WHY??!!

Was it real? Or all just illusion? What is going on?

Why.... why this had to happen to me of all people?!

Why......

WHY...???????!!!!”

(Date...??????)

I had no choice, help me, oh great Dragon!

Help me grant my desire! Oh great Samel!

Take me to your home! To your Realm-----???

It's coming soon!

The Eternal nightmare is upon us! The end of all things!

I can't! Control! This! Body! Beware of the Executioner! He must no-----

The Foot of Kabbalah! Its ---------machine!

You all must---------------------- continuum.

But she lives!

Please, help her!

The ship is gone, they're moving it to------!

That's where it all must end!

Little girl, it's ok.

Your pain is ignored by a little pill.

----------------------------------------

"My god..." I spoke disturbingly after reading the content of the diary until the last pages.

My hands began to tremble for some reason. Although I have read fictional horror novels in the old world, I never grew to the point of becoming paralyzed with fear. But this one was different.

"They are coming..." I muttered to myself.

What the hell happened to him? I noted that his writing was changing slowly as he spent more time inside the cave, slowly losing his sanity as he became obsessed with the dragon crystal until he eventually found it, at the cost of his sanity.

All I can assume is that it was the gem's doing, playing tricks in his mind for no obvious goal behind it as if this whole ordeal was just a game to it.

But if that were the case, why didn't it affect the remaining miners? Or had the effects already taken place, and the captain simply didn't note it?

I had so many questions in mind, but with one common theme connecting them all. This gem is either cursed, which is most likely, or there is nothing wrong with it to begin with, and everything I've read recently was all fiction constructed by a disoriented madman. Still, it's hard to believe it's the latter.

For a moment, I wanted to throw the gem away. I was scared of what it could do to me on top of the suffering I am already enduring. I was certainly afraid of what unholy, devilish events this gem could unleash against me.

However, for some reason, I was grasped by the gem in a way that sparked a sense of curiosity but not greed, pulled by its hypnotic, irresistible sense of connection but not lust, and weirdly, a sense of upholding a destiny but of no simple luck.

I don't know why. I know I can drop it here and go on my way, but yet I can't. Has it bewitched me with its magic already? Is the effect already taking its toll on me?

I don't feel like I'm intoxicated by its magic, but rather, it's like the gleaming, faint light is casting a radiant glow upon this dark chasm. Ironically, it's as if I'm being pulled by its brandished luster unconsciously to cast away the obscure darkness that surrounds this void.

I really couldn't tell, at least for the time being.

I was pulled back to my senses as I recalled my original purpose here.

"Shit, I must have been here for hours without notice!" I cursed in anger at my own selfishness. My mother would be worried sick by now.

I hid the gem inside my pocket for the time being and started walking towards the upper shelf that led to another tunnel and a room I had yet to explore, hoping to find anything that would spark an escape.

But just like the miners in the diary, I was met with failure. It was just a room filled with bedsheets and old wooden tables, and unusually, black firebombs. Then a thought struck my head - if I could go back to that fissure tunnel and create explosive firebombs, I could attract the attention of a possible rescue party and they could get me out of here.

This was certainly a game of luck, as I wondered if they would even care to save a cursed child like myself. But not to mention, this could also lead them to discover the cave, and troubles could unfold - the villagers going mad just like the captain, the united republic soldiers starting a mining operation, and the village desolated from its existence and its people.

In short, it could trigger a domino effect of one problem after another. Besides, there are good people in this village who don't deserve such a terrible fate, especially my mother. I wondered if she was okay. I must have worried her a lot by now, having been gone for more than an hour without notice if Sayar's crew returned safely without telling anything that happened.

"Shit... what do I do now..." I sighed and rubbed my hand against my eyes in sorrow and desperation, not knowing what to do next or being limited by the options I had.

Suddenly, I noticed a luminous presence, flickering one second at a time coming from my right pocket, none other than the gem itself. As soon as I pulled it out, I witnessed how the gem suddenly brightened up, as if it had been charged after a long period of inactivity. But I wondered why now? What factor had exacerbated the gem's power?

I began to make random movements with the gem, hoping to provoke something, whether it was from the gem or the surrounding area. I even walked around the plains with the same purpose.

One thing I managed to grasp was that the light grew thicker at some point with strengthened vibrations as I waved the gem around with my right hand. The gem seemed to be telling me something, but I couldn't comprehend it exactly.

As I left the chamber and started walking down the arched wooden planks, the light grew even thicker than before. I turned my face towards the walls, a level opposiste where I first entered the chasm. looking at them skeptically and trying to figure out the connection between the two.

I made an assumption - I leaned closer to the wall and placed my ear as close as I could get.

"Huh!?" I startled. I could hear the heavy current of a river flowing behind the wall, although not too loudly due to the sheer thickness of the wall. I assumed that there must be enough space inside the walls to hold the water current pathway, leading to what could possibly be a hint of the fountain outside - my escape.

I looked around the cavern and once again noted the flow of the river hanging against the walls of the gaping hole, which eventually pierced its way to the surface ahead of me, further supporting the theory I had in mind.

I finally connected the dots - the gem could be trying to help me leave this place. But for what reason, I couldn't know, nor did I have the time to waste.

Now, there was another problem - how could I simply destroy the walls? Explosions?

That was indeed possible, given that the black firebombs contained toluene, a very sensitive volatile material used specifically for explosive purposes. However, the odds of breaking such a solid wall with just firebombs were far-stretched.

I was still uncertain about the success rate of the plan; luck would play an important factor. Alas, it's not like I had any other option besides calling out for help. Therefore, I decided to go with the plan.

Thankfully, there were some leftover firebombs in the other chamber. I collected them all and returned to the open cavern.

However, I noticed that the crystal again started to shine even brighter and faster.

I suspected it was still hinting for an exit. But the way the crystal lit on and off and at a nimble speed gave me a sense of suspicion.

I walked back towards the wall only to be met with even more catechism than answer.

Suddenly, I felt the earth shaking tremendously and progressively. It grew faster and faster with each passing second. The same went for the crystal.

A great sense of fear washed over me, as I knew that something was off.

"Hold on... something is coming!"

Out of nowhere. The wall broke down into pieces of heavy boulders and gravel as it rained down the giant chasm where the dragon was buried with a giant wolf spider spawned from the broken surface, screaming and roaring in anger.

----------------------------------------

The monstrous spider slid between the giant gaping hole and climbed itself on the wall, moving grimly with its enormous limbs.

I managed to evade the rain of rubble just in time before the monster showed up, backing up into the narrow spacious tunnel.

The tunnel did provide some protection, especially given how tight it was, preventing the giant spider from reaching me. But I needed to find a way out before it discovered me here, as there was a high chance it could force itself down the tunnel and demolish it in an attempt.

The hole the spider made provided a means of escape, but the problem was the spider itself, hanging so reservedly on the walls, seeking its victim.

I noticed how the spider stopped screaming and went silent for a brief second. This allowed me to determine that it was safe to look around. I peeked outside the tunnel for a moment to inspect the surroundings and find any means of escape.

Unfortunately, I made a major blunder. The spider was waiting for me.

It shrieked so loudly as it focused its many sights on me and started to advance towards me with immense speed.

Instinctively, I pulled out a firebomb and threw it at the charging spider.

A giant, terrorizing blast was unleashed, pushing me back due to the shockwave.

Looking back, I noticed the spider still attached to the walls, protected from the blast by its legs, which were now ablaze.

The spider grunted in anger as it prepared to advance once more. However, just mere seconds before it attacked again, luck would save me once again as it was knocked out of the wall by another unidentified explosion. It fell down the chasm where the dragon was buried on its back.

The shockwave was immense and strong enough to create another hole in the wall. This time, a small-scale fountain was formed as it spilled down on top of the spider, which was now wriggling and twitching on its back in pain.

I looked back at the gaping hole, only to see a massive flow of water pouring down the burial hole from an opening in the shattered basalt wall.

From my position, I noticed the river current converging into two paths: one leading back to the hole, which had been anonymously created, and another further down the cave.

The wooden planks were unfortunately destroyed, which was no surprise. But thankfully, there were more prominent ledges that could be climbed around the hole in the wall.

I noticed that the way the wall's hole was opening was more of a slope than a fully-fledged vertical line. This gave me the perfect opportunity to escape out of the cavern and into the other branch path of the river.

I had so many questions in mind yet little to no answers. But I didn’t bother, nor gave a second thought to even think about it. I simply found my only exit from this hell and went instinctively.

Finally, I managed to climb my way to the breach in the wall. Just as I assumed, the river current was drilling deeper down the tunnels. Luckily, the burrow was large enough for me to move in-between to wherever the river spilled, presumably burrowed by the spider.

All that was left was to keep moving ahead, hoping I'd reach the end of this godforsaken grave. I looked behind me at the new current created from the blast as it spilled down onto the dragon's burial skeletal body and the spider, which was struglluing to get back on its feat. the sheer weight of the rocks fell down on made the spider mobile.

Just like how it was once covered by the basalt rock, it was now covered by the newfound fountain as if it were a bucket of water. The sounds that could be heard now were the heavy movements of the water wafting down the hole.

It was truly a shame to lose such a precious treasure after so many lives were sacrificed to unravel it. But those lives were driven by a lunatic who lost himself to greed and power, simply putting their faith in the wrong man. They hoped money and greed would bring salvation, only to bring their eventual doom. And now, with this newfound spider, my doom was also inevitable.

"It would be better if no one knew of this treasure," I mumbled.

I sighed in weariness, wanting desperately to leave this accursed place. I was still holding the gem, which for some reason remained attached to me as if it were a part of me.

"Let's go..." I said boldly as I ran through the shaped tunnel.

----------------------------------------

As I progressed further ahead, the channel became narrower to the point that it barely suited one person to walk through. I had to bend my body sideways in order to move in between. There were many sharp ledges, vault spaces, cusps, and partitions that disoriented the path into a wavier walk. I could still see some randomly displaced stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, soda straws, and columns, giving the unexplored tunnel a more natural element, unlike the burrowed one earlier.

It seems I can no longer hear the spider's wrath howling down the cavern. Only the dripping falls of droplets echo through the hallway, along with the absolute silence that governed these tunnels.

I had so many questions in mind which I ignored until now.

What happened here? Where did the spider come from? Such land is supposed to be free of monsters and the like.

That spider was no ordinary type. The sheer size and ferocious hunger were unlike anything I had witnessed before.

This was indeed the first time I saw a monstrous creature face to face, but certainly, not the worst I have ever laid my eyes on.

Normally, I should feel frightened, traumatized, and frozen to death.

But here I am, feeling nothing of such bloodcurdling emotions. Rather, I feel completely hollowed and empty.

Perhaps because I developed some kind of resistance after experiencing what I consider far worse nightmare fuel. Or perhaps, I lost every sense of emotion I was familiar with. After all, until now, I was never scared, not even frightened by the idea of dying alone in such plains.

Perhaps I have changed a lot...

Such creatures aren't even real to begin with...

Another question piqued my mind: where did that explosion set off and how? Or rather, by who...

A notion of a sixth sense told me I wasn't alone in that dungeon. Either someone saved me from that stupefied trap, or it was all just pure luck. I can't tell which is which...

I shook my curiosity away as I followed the river pathway, which, according to a cardinal direction, should lead to the fountain. The current I was on top of was heavily concentrated, suggested by the minor rivers converging at the first point solution cupolas near the wall I blasted. I couldn't avoid the river as the walls prevented me from finding a clear spot. Therefore, I had to walk down the river as my feet and body started to shiver from the cold. But this pain was nothing compared to the rush of adrenaline pumped inside of me.

The cavern was extremely dark, lacking any source of sunlight penetrating through the chasm. I had to use the gem as a source of minimal light to see the environment while walking as slowly as a turtle to make sure I tread carefully.

I witnessed a perforation opening with a small rock blocking the path, as the river diverged into two currents at its side. I figured I had to climb a bit to overcome the obstacle, so I just did that.

"Ah!!" As I climbed, the ledge I held onto was destroyed, leaving me unbalanced, and I fell down ahead into an opening, a cavern water slide.

"Shit! Shit! Shiittttttttttttttttttttt!!!" I cursed and groaned as I started sliding down the railway.

The river current grew much stronger, and I was moved by it, disregarding my body's resistance to stand against it. Moving down the slope at high speed, it was like some sort of water slide you would see in pools, only this one was filled with rocks and tiny obstacles that struck against my body at different ends, head, and back, further exacerbating the pain.

I curled up like an egg to minimize the hits taken by the stones as I continued to slide down the tunnel slope.

After sliding down the incline for a while, I opened my eyes for a moment to see the descent. I had been sliding down for quite a while, at least ten seconds.

My eyes landed on a small rectangular opening in the wall, with the heavy resonance of a flowing fountain and the night sky looming in the distance between the clouds.

The exit was near. Although...

"SHITTTTTTT-"

Amidst my shout, I fell into the fountain, diving deeper against my will.

Quickly, I swam to the surface to take a breath, then headed to the nearest ground.

Shivering, clutching my teeth, my skin and hair tingled as if it were a cold winter. I hugged myself and started to walk around with effort, trying to produce as much heat as possible. In addition, blowing and wiggling my hands.

My clothes made it even worse as they were now fully dampened with the cold drench of the pool I submerged earlier.

Even with the cold stinging against my body like needles, I was relieved by the smell of fresh air and the sounds of beetles clicking, owl's hisses, coos, and wavering cries against the night. The wind whispered and fluttered against the trees and bushes.

It was like freedom after a lifetime spent in prison, really.

I leaned against a tree with nearby bushes to provide a little cover from the cold wind as I continued to shiver.

Indeed, I was finally free from that accursed cave, but the journey was far from over. I had yet to find my way back to the village, which was quite an hour's walk up the hill, at least I assumed in this cold state I was stricken by.

Also, I had little knowledge of my way back up again, which further doubled the predicament I was in.

On another note, I still had the gem in my hand all along. I made sure to hold it tight as I was falling down the slope. Additionally, the captain's notebook was now unfortunately completely soaked, just like my clothes.

Yet. The gem, once again, reacted as it started to gleam obscurely. By now, I speculated that the gem was guiding me rather than going against me, at least for now.

Just like earlier with the cavern, I followed the strength of the light, knowing it would surely guide me back to the village.

With nothing else in mind, I marched against the cold night, heading back to my home, to my mother, under the guidance of the uncharted gem, all while clutching my body, teeth chattering intensely.

"I am coming, Mom..."

----------------------------------------

“The stars took place, hasn’t it” I panted as I looked up the dark sky.

It was already late when I emerged from the cavern. The sun faded away and the moon glazed between the clouds. The forest and the trees were still covered by sleet of ice. Together, they made quite the scenery. A sense of peace. A time of stillness. A time of no worries

As I wandered through the dense forest, the gem continued to grow thicker and brighter as I walked in a certain direction. Just earlier, there was a short, difficult-to-climb rocky cliff ahead of me. Usually, one would avoid it and find another way around, but the gem instead brightened even more, stirring my doubts to climb the hill, while the alternative pathway renounced it as the light became more fragile.

After the climb, I could see the chimneys of the village houses in the distance.

The gem thus saved me time and ensured a safe route back home, for until now, I have not encountered any creature or monster with a similar motive.

I am yet to understand the gem, its purpose, meaning, causes, contradictions, and beliefs - a hundred questions with little to almost nothing to answer besides assumptions.

Regardless, it saved me twice, saved me from the chilling cold of the weather that could have caused me more suffering if it weren't for it. As if it heard my wish and granted it like a Genie...

Desires? Can it be?

Suddenly, I can hear shouts and mumbling sounds of frustration nearby.

I recognize that sound; it's one of the villagers' stable keepers. I noticed him a couple of times in the village.

I leaned closer to ensure that what I heard is indeed the same man.

"Fucking stupid rat going to miss all night during my only day break. I swear he is a cursed brat, as is that whole village, DAMMIT!!" he shouted as he bumped his little toe into a rock.

He must be one of the search parties sent to look after me, but he certainly doesn't look worried or committed, rather filled with bitterness and uptightness. I don't blame him, really; I am the one who decided to enter the forest and get lost. I am the one who challenged Sayar like the name I uphold.

"Honestly, if he is dead, that would be better for all of us!" the villager said with resentment.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I am still alive," I emerged from the shadows of the trees like a wolf.

"AH! YOU LITTLE SHIT! THERE YOU ARE!" As he shouted, he tried to grab my arm, but I quickly avoided him at the last second.

"The fuck you are disobeying me, kid!!! Get back here!!"

"I don't recall giving you permission to grab my arm," I spoke, detested. "I AM YOUR ELDER, SHIT HEAD!" he shouted out loud, echoing across the forest. "I WASTED ALMOST TWO HOURS TRYING TO FIND YOU!"

"And I have been trying to find my way back for the past three hours. You aren't the only one suffering."

"I am pretty sure you must have gone to that lady in white coat cottage of her's."

"What the..." I sighed in bewilderment at his last sentence. "Look, let's just get back to the village so you can get back to what's left of your break."

"What if I leave you to die here, kid?" he said with sincerity, as if he had the thought for a while now. This man was mad; so much for children always coming first.

"Be my guest, I made it all the way alone. I can make it back alone."

I certainly can, but thanks to the gem, the journey back home was much smoother than it could have been without. I made sure to hide the gem among the many pockets of my wear.

"WHAT IF I K-"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, ELLIS!"

Emerging from the shadows, none other than Winfred Weste - a good neighbor to me and my mom. I recalled how he had helped my mother many times since the moment she stepped inside the village, along with his wife, Margaret, who supported her, especially during the nursery.

"Boss!" The villager shuddered in fear...

"Not a word, Ellis. I've heard enough," Winfred was enraged; he must have heard enough while running towards here. "Call back the men and tell them we found him. Go!"

The sullen villager left while grunting in anger before he gave back one last look.

Winfred was a former adventure and a graduate from High Lord school of Magic and sword. Thus, his respect in the village was well received.

"Makas! My boy, what happened to you?" Winfred approached me.

"I am fine, I just-" I tried to reply.

"You are far from okay, son! Look at your head!" Winfred was overconcerned with my state and spoke in a solicitous tone. He treated me like his own son, something my mother appreciated a lot, while I felt it to be unnecessary. However, as long as my mother was happy, I didn't mind it at all.

He leaned down and noticed I was shivering from the cold, so he took his garb and covered me with it. At this point, I felt it to be pointless since unconsciously I grew accustomed to the cold like it's part of who I am.

"Where did you get that injury, boy? Was it Sayar?" Winfred asked.

"No, don't worry about it. I just fell off unintentionally."

"Well, you are all okay now. You seemed to cover it with a strap of your cloth. That's a relief," he sighed as he became more composed. "Come on, let's head back to the village. Your mother is worried sick."

"Yeah... I am aware," I said with the sheer weight of regrets weighing down against me.

----------------------------------------

“Thats.... quite a story.”

“Heh! Yeah, your mom was going full valorous. That’s a side I haven't seen for a while.” Winfred told me the story of how I came to light I was missing. and how my mother, heroically confronted Marcus, the drunk, and his son, Sayar, and extracted the truth

h.

In times, I knew my mother had this lioness side that rarely releveled. I almost never got scolded by her, but the villagers would often get in trouble with her whether it involved me or not. She would be like Valkyrie, not looking down on anyone who would stand by her beliefs.

I felt even more wistful when I heard that she was willing to go out and find me without second thoughts, disregarding the dangers of the forest. Asides from the sheer hell I went through and recalled, but adding further burdens and danger to the most innocent person I know of, to the person who comforted from the repeated nightmares I had dreamt in the last seven years. To the person who was presented with unholy accursed child. My own mother. I felt even more hateful against myself.

I knew she would get the truth out of Sayar one way or another. She always knew he was bullying me a lot over the last few years. And she continued to scold him like any parent would do. I guess because she felt bad for him, having such a drunk Lousy abusive father who raised that kid to be like the form he is now. I certainly agree with her view. But I knew I shouldn’t have challenged Sayar earlier today. Perhaps accepting it was the better option than simply running away and being gone for several hours.

I can't imagine how sacred she must have felt, and still is.

“Make sure you apologize to your mother alight kid? "Winfred said in a genuine tone.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I will.” I made sure to keep up my words to him, he smiled in return. “Also, give my regards to Jill. I will make sure to thank her as soon I am feeling better.”

“Hahah! I will for certain, even if you didn’t tell me Makas!” He laughed off while talking. “She would be most pleased to Hear you are alive.”

“Yeah.... she would.” I rubbed my head with a sense of demur. “Ah, right Winfred.”

“Yeah?” He looked back in question.

“Make sure you don’t send anyone to the forest. Especially the kids.” I spoke callously.

“.....” Winfred remained quiet for a moment as he tried to interpret my words. “Is there something dangerous out there in the forest Makas?”

“Not sure.... just heed my words.”

“Alright... I will.” Winfred looked in distress as he directed his attention towards the forest direction. “Night, Makas.”

“Night.”

“Could be that white coat, Lady....?”

After a while, I finally made it back to the village safely. Winfred departed at the main entrance back to his home.

I wonder what kind of worried faces she will make, or how furious is she going to be. Most certainly it won't be pleasing. Who can blame her? I am the one at fault for most the troubles. Stirring yet another predicament about our family in the village which will just further worsen the rumors over time.

I took a deep breath and went inside.

“Mom! I am-”

Like a flash of light, my mom emerged from the bedroom and immediately went and hugged me tightly.

“Makas! You are back!” Her voice was devastating, dejected as she sobbed out of happiness and somber.

“Mom....i-”

“Shushhh... it's okay Makas! it's okay... you are home.”

She didn’t even bother to let me speak for one moment. Her voice crumbled in bliss all while crying. She wasn’t furious, nor detested or disappointed. She was scared of losing her son.

I hugged her in return, covering up the pain I have caused for the last hours.

I am the reason for her living, yet I am the source of her recent pain. No..... I have always been, for I have been for the last ten years of her life nothing but curse.

Cursed by the villagers, to be shunned away like a witch. Cursed by gods for not giving her a blessed child. Cursed to take care of this anarchic child who begged for death above all else.

“I am so sorry Makas! I am really am...”

“No!” I said out loud as I held my hands against her shoulders. She stepped back for a moment, her eyelids darkened due to the sheer number of tears she released until now. Her face shocked out of my deny, wondering what I meant all of that.

“Mom, it's my fault, okay? I am the one who challenged Sayar and then ran back to the woods. It might have been the right choice but certainly not right enough to make my mother scared to death about losing her only family member, her son. And most assuredly for me seeing my mother cry like this, it’s the last thing I want to do and yet I did it like some kind of prideful adventure.”

I was stunned, by my own confession. Mainly because I spoke like my old self rather than a normal son. But nonetheless, it was the truth.

My mother remained shocked, even more than before out of my own driveling.

“So... please don’t blame yourself Mom.... you have done so much for me and still continue to do so. If anyone in the village is the bravest person I know of, it's my mother. Not only she stood against that scoundrel Marcus, but for being a wonderful mother.”

I looked down for a moment, grieving over myself.

“I am one who is causing most troubles whether directly or indirectly. I am the reason making the villagers think you some kind of cursed woman who gave such troubling child.......”

I can hear sobbing, only lightly. My words must have pierced her heart like a spear. For they were indeed the truth.

“So... I am sorry....”

Mother then held her hands against my cheeks, raising my head against hers. Her face was filled with a weeping smile and said;

“Makas, my son.” She smiled with contentment, and her sobbing finally came to an end. “Your words indeed pierced my heart, but not of resentment or hatred. But of love and bravery.”

She looked down for a brief moment. Perhaps still conflicted with my upsetting words.

“And you certainly what you did make my heart almost an unrepairable wound that would have lasted god’s how long. But you are far from a cursed child.”

I remained in silence, listening to every word and letter formed by my mother.

“You are brave, smart, special, and most importantly, a caring heartwarming human who can never exist in such dammed world. And I could never be proud more of you than ever.”

She dropped her hand and placed it on her knees.

“I honestly couldn’t give a dame about the villager's opinion. Because if I did, I would have treated you much worse. And that’s the last thing I would ever want to do. I am proud of my own son, and if they didn’t appreciate that then they can go fuck themselves.”

I was staggered for a moment, by her barbarous statement

.

“Yeah, I know....” She showed the face of dissatisfaction but still generated that smile. “let's let this one slide just this time, okay?”

I nodded in argument, it's kind of cheerful seeing that ironic side of her after hours of despair.

“But I am also the one at fault Makas......” Her expression reversed back. “I reacted rationally, I lost my temper and caused a scene around the village, further troubling our family status. Therefore, troubling you Makas. And I should have done something about Sayar...”

It’s a perpetuated cycle of gossip and scandal, evoked by the village's jealousy and fear of the unknown.

“You know I don’t care about that mom; troubles will always stir whatever I go.”

“I know honey, I know....” she leaned closer and hugged me gently again. “Whatever the villager how they interpret my earlier act, it doesn’t matter to me. Because if my son according to those rascals is freak, therefore I am a freak as well.”

No....... No....... NO!”

“MOM!!” I reacted on impulse. She was startled as I hugged her tightly. “You...... you aren't a freak mom.... please don’t ever say that again.”

She chuckled and said quietly.

“Then if I am not a freak, that means you aren't as well Makas.”

You have no idea how these words affected me, how piercing they were, how heavy they were, how inaccurate they were. because I am no freak, for I am the curse itself.

I remained in silence, coveting the endless pain I was suffocating all the while.

“Whatever you did Makas back there, holding against Sayar and his goons was no sign of weakness or cowardice. But of determination and strength of a thousand men. And if they are more compelling words than proud, I would say that hundred times, until the whole world knows of you, might.”

Yet not enough to look away from the martyrdom of I was really, and everything.......

She retracted back as I did the same. her tears and eyelids still darken but less than before. I smiled just for that, for that sweet motherly smile.

“I think I learned my lesson today” She lowered her slightly while furrowing that smile. “I learned that my son would one day, would go outside and discover the wonders of the world, fight whatever comes next. And place my trust that he will live whatever comes next.”

She is basically giving me permission to live on my own like any mother would speak to her once a child who became an adult, ready to become a member of the society. She wasn’t far off from that.

I nodded simply while giving the sweet child lie smile.

“I learned a lesson today as well”

“Oh?”

“That I won't again make my mother cry again...”

“You know that’s impossible Makas right?”

“Yeah....”

We both chuckled, but I was determined not ever break that promise again.

“And also try not to piss off Mom because I am pretty sure she would have kicked Marcu's ass.”

She let out a laugh that changed her mood completely into the happy mother she had always been. “Well.... you are right about that part.”

A moment of silence fenced us, then she finally spoke;

“You go on searching yourself my son, and fight as many hordes as you come across. And I will always support and stand beside you.”

“Yeah....... thanks mom....”

She leaned closer and kissed my forehead then smiled ever so kindly.

“Now. Let's have you change your clothes and wash yourself, then eat something before we head to bed. Sounds good?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, accepting her warmth and comfort like I always did. Something I became dependent a lot over the years, something that also made me hate myself.

“By the way, that wound on your head... Did Sayar give you that?” Her face suddenly became serious, I anticipated that question since moment I crawled out of the cave.

“Ah! No not really, quite the opposite actually.

“You did that to yourself?!”

“Ahm... well, see....”

----------------------------------------

“Wow...... that’s... some adventure you had....” Mom said plainly and serenely.

“You aren't mad?”

“Not really no, seeing you managed everything on your own. If you got hurt or saw something worse. That would be a different story!” Mom chuckled at the end.

While we were eating dinner, I proceeded to tell Mom everything that happened, from the moment Sayar appeared till the moment I crawled out of the cave. Only half of it.

I told her as well about the miners' skeletal remains and the dragon burial breach in the cave. In addition, how I managed to get out of the centuries-old cave.

A few exceptions to the story I avoided, such as the giant spider encounter which to be honest I felt regretful not telling. Since the odds chances of finding that spider again are high. Especially since it is technically underground, buried under the mountain of rocks that rained down above. But on second thoughts, I felt it was unnecessary. Something tells me, we won't be seeing that spider for a while.

Second; the diary. It contained a very unnerving and hideous tale that would send the reader chills down the spine. If she reckoned, that I read it and understood everything about the diary's history, who knows what suspicious may rise. For that, I'd rather avoid it the outcome.

"Werent you scared by the skeletal remains?"

"Not really no..."

Once again, her reactions weren’t those of a frantic parent. Rather, she remained calm, listening to every bit of my tale details. With a bit of stupefied reactions from here and there.

However, mostly she was impressed how I survived, planned and executed everything on my own. Like a legit adventure.

After sudden silence, she held out her arm and hugged tightly. Startled by it, I assumed she was scared. But no, she wasn’t.

Rather...

“Big brains! Hahahaha! Big brains you got down here Makas! Hahahahah”

“Mom! Please Stop- Stop with the sudden hugs!”

“Cantttt! Heheh!”

My mother, like a child clanged to me as she started laughing and joking around, all while cheerfully cherishing the so-called intellectual mind I had. Thought saying intellectual would be indulgent, since I am not a child to begin with.

“I Know I said it too many times but I knew these books come in handy!” She said contentedly as she separated her hands from me. She started poking at my arm. “Not to mention you got some muscles here boy

“Well...... I won't say it's all thanks to hard work...”

“Hm?”

“Thanks to this,” I said as I pulled the gem out of my pocket. The room was dark, lighten only by few candles around. But as soon as I took out the crystal, the room faintly lighten the surroundings with different colors. I noted how the light flickers have become much meager compared to what it used to be one hour ago since I made it to the village.

“Oh, My! That’s some treasure alright!” She looked astonished at the crystal like witnessing a miracle come true.

I gave her the gem to let her inspect it while covering it with the other hand. Making sure the light doesn’t refract against the house outside. We also made sure to close the windows, and locked the doors. Making sure this sensitive information doesn’t come to light by the surroundings villagers.

“For some reason. It helped me return back home. First, the secret pathway is hidden behind the thin walls. And helping me return back to the village.”

“Wow!”

“Everywhere I went down the correct path; the light continues to brighten but when I got other unrelated. The lighten weakened.”

“Like a compass but a magical one.”

“Yeah exactly.”

I can't blame my mother for growing suspicious of this curious item. I am for sure still am. I had the slightest idea about this Crystal's origin and only theories about its meaning.

“I read books about old dragons and wyverns leaving traces of what they assume their former selves, what's left of their powers metalized into this, of which I yet to grasp its meaning.”

My mother looked at me skeptical after I spoke unconsciously like some kind of researcher.

“I mean, I am just-”

“Don't worry Makas. I won't bite you just because you are curious about this. Anyone in the right mind would be as well.”

Unless you are some kinds of delusional manic who would sacrifice everything just to achieve that certain goal in mind....

“Yeah.... you aren't wrong there.” I looked down in dismal. “But mom. sounds like you know little about it. I can tell from your face alone.”

“Do you know?” Mom chuckled with a plaintive look. “Guess you are good at reading people’s faces.”

“Learned from the best.”

Mom let a small laugh out of indulgence. Then returned the gem back to me. Thinking of the best place where I would hide it.

“Guess it won't hurt if I tell you little more about the world.”

She took a heavy sigh and explained;

“I know a thing or two about the gem. But not in a bad way as you may think. I know it's very rare and very expensive. I know the White Legion as well has an immeasurable amount of those crystals and are using it for war purposes.”

“War crimes...” I spoke.

r

“You got that right,” she said sarcastically. “Some use it as a benefit of power. Power, big international, nonconventional or diplomatic to discuss power... Some seek forbidden knowledge. The knowledge that could easily distract one's mind and stray his or her path away from the truth. But I know one person who possesses this crystal and uses it for a good cause.”

I remained silent as I grew invested in her comments.

“The Grand sage and headmaster of High lord School of Magic and Sword. Neck named him Tudor the Wise. Or I like to call old man Tudor for comical purposes.” She exulted.

“You went to the academy?!”

“No.....” She looked regretful. “But you father did, and I wish did...”

“I see....” I said with remorse.

“Anyways...” Mom shook away her grief. “Old man Tudor has a similar crystal and with it. Learned how to control and bend it under his strength. Thus, Becoming the most respected mage of the age. Mastering the four primes under his well. All for the cause to stop the demons and protect the people of Land’s Beyond from any harm.”

She looked a bit optimistic as she spoke highly of him.

“I heard he achieved tremendous victories against dangerous figures and monsters. One such; One of the leaders of the vile lustful first Traitors. Archon of pain; Balladeer. And finished him with a blazing fury that burned him down to embers and ashes. Another; when a march of Children of the Red Emperor emerged from the unheralded mountains through an oblivion demonic gate. Wiping them out on his own and then destroying the gate for good. And finally, slayed the ancient dragon. Kal Thuzar. Neck-named the vampiric dragon.”

“Quite the achievements.” I looked with astonishment.

“Indeed. And that’s just one of his many deeds. But one thing about him that made him spark and speak of hope. Was his kind behavior.”

I remained silent. Reasoning behind her sudden compliment on this old mage.

“He is a good man. Hard to find people like him these days. Though bit he is too stubborn to accept the nature of reality...” She looked sad.

“Mom?”

“Oh! "Don’t mind me...” She quickly restored her pseudo smile as she looked back.

I look back at Mom, only to see her holding her golden neckless talisman. The design looked like something inspired by the era of the golden elves. It was circular in shape, medium in size that would strike the eye of the beholders. At the center, an apertured egg-shaped golden platelet. If it were my time, this could be filled with something like a picture. But until now, it always has been empty.

From time to time, I noticed mom would look at the talisman, giving troubling or sadness signs. She would seek comfort from just holding it. My deceased father gave her a gift as a last momentum.

“Mom?”

“Oh! Sorry, was distracted for a moment.”

“Are you okay? You looked troubled.”

“I am fine, just recalling memories from your dad.”

I remained silent, giving her a moment to listen to her worries.

“Just your words earlier, how much you were proud of me... you really sounded like your father for a moment. Kinda skipped heart for moment remembering him.”

Her face was Sorrowful, filled with despair yet she contained to smile vividly.

“I am... sorry,” I spoke abstractedly, denouncing my existence of her pain.

“Don't be silly!” She chuckled as she rubbed my hair. “Thank you for reminding me of him Makas.”

She kissed my forehead as I knelt down my head. Nearly unfazed by her kindness.

“Just like this talisman of mine is a treasure to me. This gem of yours as well. Remarks of your own legacy, or at least how you started. And who you will be as time passes.”

Who I am? But I know who I am..... and I am not the child you assumed so.

I.... I am.....

She held out my head with her hand against my chin and said;

“One day, when the time is right Makas. I will tell you more about our time, me and your father when we were adventurers.”

“Adventurer?”

“Yup, Mommy has her own secrets as well.”

She said that audaciously as she took the plates from the table.

“Now come on Makas, let us clean the bowls then head to bed.”

“Oh! Yeah okay.”

Who am I? I asked myself that question so many times. Who am I now and before?

No, it's more fitting to ask who I have always been all this time.

Am I even alive to be considered? Do I legit have a soul? Or just a puppet of some fourth dimension being of the unknown realms?

Are those gods that we so purposelessly pray to every day even exist? Even if they do.... what end goal they serve? Are they as well puppets of those fourth dimension begins?

The elder gods, who to them we are nothing but ants to be toyed with.

I don’t... I don’t know anything. Or all this time I have only known lies and the answer yet remains buried under the dark.

Will...... will the crystal grant this desire?