Cortisol surged into his veins, and he reached for his dagger before realizing that there was no hostility in the gesture.
When he turned to see what the person wanted, he found himself staring into Devin’s smiling face. “Nick, just the man I was hoping to see.” Nick flashed a grin of his own, as they turned to embrace one another, Devin’s bearhug so tight that it felt like his ribs would creak.
“Devin. It’s good to see you too. Now, if you don’t mind, let me go so I can breathe.” He laughed, only half joking, as the athletic man released him from his hold. If anything, Devin looked even bigger than before, every inch of his frame packed with dense muscle.
It seemed that the last few weeks had treated him well. The man had new armor of leather and chain that looked significantly tougher than his old set. Devin still carried his massive battle axe, a unique weapon that had the ability to change into a hand axe and shield with the press of a button.
“I was hoping to find you out here. I’m here with Sophia. Have you run into any of the others we fought beside in the arena? It would be great if we could form a party and enter the tower together. Or two parties, if we can find everyone.”
“I met up with Veronica while I was crossing the bog. V’s out shopping but she should be back before long. I heard rumors that Kenji is around here somewhere, but I haven’t been able to find him yet. No word on Sarah, Bret, or Paul. Hopefully, if they’re out here and we don’t run into them first, they can party together. Those three would form the core of a solid team if they can find a defensive specialist.
"How about we catch up while we wait for everyone to get back? I can’t wait to tell you about my new class and ability. I got some great gear from completing the tutorial too. Something tells me that you have some fun things to share as well. Wait. Before that.” Devin turned to look Nick straight in the face. “What the fuck happened to your eyes? Did you pick up a mana affinity too?”
“Sure did, and that sounds great,” Nick laughed. “Wait, you must have one too. I just realized that your eyes look like there’s a fire blazing behind them. They are wicked awesome. Why don’t we pool our provisions and start cooking, then discuss the changes that happened while we were apart? We can have a celebratory meal waiting when everyone shows up.”
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Since Devin hadn’t set up camp yet, he followed Nick over to the spot Sophia had chosen. They spoke of small things while they built the fire and started preparing their dinner. They would save the major updates until everyone was together, so they didn’t have to run through them twice. Twenty minutes later, a thick pot of stew was bubbling over the firepit, set beside a row of skewers threaded by sizzling meat.
Not long after, Sophia came walking up to the fire. She broke into a broad grin on spotting Devin sitting beside Nick. They exchanged a warm greeting and a friendly embrace, taking delight in each other’s company and continued survival. A few minutes later, another familiar voice reached Nick’s ears.
“Who said that you could start the party without me?” Veronica let loose a delighted chuckle as she walked over to the group. “I knew the pair of you were too tough to die on the bog. Our chances of making it to the top of the tower are looking brighter by the minute.” Everyone took a seat in front of the fire and began to eat, basking in the warmth of the blaze and each other’s company.
Despite the suffering they had endured, and the hardships they’d overcome, they were full of mirth and light. There was something magical about having made good friends in the middle of their desperate struggles. It made the path they walked feel a little brighter. Their uncertain future just a shade less black.
After they devoured the main course, they began sharing their adventures and pulled out their tastiest snacks. After all, tonight was a perfect excuse for a celebration. And you can’t have a party without good food to complement the good cheer.
While they munched on the final flower petals Nick had picked, Sophia took out the last of the liquor that she had saved from her tutorial. Not to be outdone, Veronica pulled out a bottle of wine she had acquired god knows where.
It wasn’t enough to get them drunk, which would have been a bad idea anyway, but it was enough alcohol to warm Nick’s belly. To soften the hard edges of his constant stress. It was a night full of stories and laughter. The joy of reunion and the hope that arose with not having to face a deadly challenge alone.
Together, they would climb Darkstone Tower and face the guardian at the top. Fighting side-by-side, they would win back the Earth, freeing it from the Mad God. Nick knew that it wouldn’t be easy. That the days ahead would be fraught with peril and loss.
But right now, here in this moment, he felt a fierce and rising optimism. And it was a good, good feeling.