There were all kinds of noise.

Kihet cracked open his eyes, finding himself facing the ceiling. He looked upwards and saw Aten a few steps away laying prone. As Kihet steadily raised himself off the floor, he noticed another insectoid crouching next to him.

“Oracle, are you alright?”

Kihet immediately put his hand on his knife as he scanned his surroundings for the Headsman.

Was it a dream? The pain he received during their encounter with the Headsman felt real, but he noticed the vase nearby was standing upright. The battle scars of his encounter with the Headsman were absent from the walls.

He put his hand on the ground to push himself up when something pricked his palm. It was revealed that the Headsman left him a present before it left. It looked like a jewel that was supposed to fit somewhere. For now, he put it in his pocket.

“Where am I?”

“At the palace, did you forget? I was down the hall when I saw you and Sir Aten suddenly collapsed. I called to you a few times then you woke up. Oracle, if you’re feeling unwell, I recommend returning to your room. Shall I go fetch the first hero?”

“Don’t.” Kihet answered, flinging a bag of silver towards the servant. “Go back to what you’re doing and not one word of this.”

Aten wings fluttered for a split second before he got onto his feet. His antenna snapped towards the ceiling then raised his spear.

“It’s gone.” Kihet said. “Whatever happened here I’ll talk to the Queen about it.”

[What about friend?]

“If what it was true, then her curse should be lifted-.”

“Oracle! There you are!”

Priqet sprinted down the hallway in such a hurry Kihet thought he was running from something at first. The grasshopper reached out and snatched his wrist, dragging him along.

“Hey, what are you doing?!”

“Her majesty demands to see you. It’s urgent!”

“Are we attacked?”

“It’s your friend! She’s shown signs of waking up!”

“Wha-. Let go of me, I can run on my own!”

“Then you better not slow down!”

The three of them raced through the halls, dodging workers. His heart pounded heavily with each step moving towards the ward his friend was resting. His entire body was trembling, his eyes began to tear up even though he hasn’t seen his friend yet.

The guards at the end of corridor noticed the three of them rushing towards them.

“Hey, you three, slow down-!”

The poor guard couldn’t finish his sentence before he was knocked aside by Priqet and Aten, clearing a path for Kihet.

Once they reached their destination, they saw the Queen, Yixy and Lily waiting next to the entrance his friend was in.

“Is it true?” Kihet asked.

“It appears the curse on Holy Megith has disappeared.” Elarinya answered. “The healers monitoring her reported color returning to her skin and one of them noticed her finger twitched.”

Thinking back, the Headsman fulfilled its side of the bargain. If what it disclosed was true, there was a high chance his Draigh, his friend in Stusis, was still alive. First thing first, he must see Megith.

“I’m going in. Alone.”

“Are you sure? In that?” Lily pointed at his bloodied attire. “What did you do to get yourself looking like this?”

“I’ll answer later. Does someone have a cloak I can borrow?”

“I do.” Yixy answered, taking her’s off. “But I want it back, washed.”

“You’ll get it back.”

Kihet removed parts of his bloodied armor and wrapped the cloak around him as he reached for the doorknob. His heart was thumping louder than his thoughts. He was so nervous his legs were losing strength. When he sees her, what would he say? Would she even remember him?

He took a deep breath, calming himself and opened the door.

The first thing that caught his attention was a pillar sculpted in form of a white tree holding up the ceiling. Dazzling bulbs hanged from its branches, giving off lighting. The wall was filled with potted plants perfuming the room. On closer inspection, the pink flowers were Stredhime flowers, a stabilizer. The deeper he moved into the chamber, he began to notice dark blue flowers placed closer to the far end. This place was larger than the prestigious healing ward he was put in with expensive furniture everywhere he looked. The Queen wasted no expenses offering the best for his friend.

On the other side, he heard mumbling and chattering of medical workers giving his friend an examination.

Kihet quietly walked around the large pillar until he saw the corner of the bed and stopped. At this distance, he heard her voice faintly responding to one of the healers as they assessed her condition. She sounded lethargic and quiet, but it was her voice.

It had been a dream to find one of his friends for so long, he thought he was hallucinating. He almost teared up right there. He clenched his fists, thinking how relieved he was to be able to protect someone dear.

“Can you sit up?”

“I’ll… try.”

The blanket drooped down the side then Kihet saw her long green hair flowed down on the floor. One of the workers gently folded his friend’s hair and spotted him waiting around the corner. The healer gave him a nod to which he slowly revealed himself and for the first time in a seemingly eternal decade, stood in front of one of his friends.

Her outgrown green hair framed her sickly pale face. She looked awfully emaciated. Her cheeks had sunken. She looked pitifully weakened and dazed. She stared at Kihet drunkenly as he pulled up a stool and sat next to the bed. From her expression, he was aware she wasn’t fully conscious, but her gaze fell onto him.

He was sure she saw bloodstains under his cloak after seeing her shuffle herself a bit farther from him.

“He-hello.” She nodded timidly. “Who, are you?”

Unsure how to return her greeting, Kihet remained silent. Maybe because he lost the Enui’s signature ears and tail, that she couldn’t recognize him.

She looked side to side. “Umm… have you seen my brother?”

“No.”

“Oh… well I’m sure, he’s helping others, as usual.”

His heart sank. What else could he say? He couldn’t bring himself to tell her about Malth’s situation after she had just woken up from a curse.

“If you’re feeling tired, you should rest your eyes some more.”

“Thank you. But. I feel like I slept for a long time. I want to keep, my eyes opened a bit, longer.”

“I’ll stay here with you until you fall sleep.”

“Hmm.”

She slumped into the pillows supporting her back and stared at the tree sculpture in the middle of the room. Her eyelids gradually grew heavier and eventually closed then, but she wasn’t asleep yet.

“Umm.”

“I’m here.”

“How long was, I asleep?”

“Four days.”

“I guess, that’s why my body, feels so heavy.” Her lips slightly curled up. Whether she had actually believed him was unknown. “I wonder, how my friends are.”

“They’ll be fine.”

“I can’t wait, to see them again.”

“Yeah.”

Moments later, there was complete silence and the sound of his friend only breathing. Kihet leaned in a bit closer, moving the blankets over his friend’s shoulders then exited the room.

Lily, Queen Elarinya, Aten, Priqet and Yixy all waited anxiously for his return. Once he stepped away from the door and closed it gently, a dizzy spell hit him as he reached towards Lily. Before he could ask her to support him, his legs suddenly lost strength and fell into her arms.

“Gotcha!” Lily gently lowered him. “Are you okay?”

“I just felt a whole lot of pressure got off my shoulders. Sorry. Can I stay like this for a while? I’m feeling a bit lightheaded.”

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

“En. You earned it.” Lily answered, gently brushing his hair.

“Indeed, the Oracle does.” Queen Elarinya chimed in. “While you were in there, I’ve discussed with Tomoe about possible reinforcements sent to Xu. It will take roughly a few months for our numbers to replenish, and I accepted the trade agreement.”

“That’s good news. Meanwhile all I have are bad ones.” Kihet grumbled. “Earlier, the corrupted hero from Vivrus’ tower paid Aten and I a visit.”

“Is that why you were covered in blood?!” Priqet exclaimed. “Did you two fight it?”

Aten tapped his slate. [It made demands.] The Dragonfly did not mention the situation about interrogating the prisoners.

“What kind of demands?” Yixy dared to ask.

“It wants my next destination to be Stusis. It spoke about something even the towers are afraid of. It wasn’t specific on what it was.”

“Stusis, the land of mountains owned by the scalemen.” Queen Elarinya commented. “It will be a journey of many months to cross the outskirts of Sanctuary and sail through Pamalyra’s desert. How soon will you be leaving?”

“As soon as I can. I want to stay until Megith can get out of bed and move around.”

“Then we should stay for a while.” Lily insisted.

“But we have to-.”

“No! You’re going to work yourself to the bone again if you don’t take a break. We just won a battle, and you should take the time to celebrate. You even left during the banquet to go gather information, didn’t you?”

“Erk. That…”

“That’s why you’ll listen to me.”

“There’s no talking myself out of this is there?” Kihet turned towards the insectoids for help.

“I do not see any good reasons leaving so soon.” Priqet answered. “You’ll need time to stock up supplies and plan for months of journeying. Why not take it easy and work on those at your leisure while watching over Holy Megith in the mean time?”

“If you put it like that, I’m somewhat convinced. Once I feel safe for Megith to move on her own, Lily and I will take our leave then.”

“Excellent! On behalf Vivrus and all Vivirians, I, Queen Elarinya wish you to enjoy the rest of your stay.”

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

One week later.

Kihet watched Megith’s rehabilitation from afar as she attempted her first steps a decade later. She grabbed the two rails and wobbled on her feet. Thanks to the healers regularly moving her joints when she was asleep, she was able to move without too many issues after recovering.

“So that’s your friend? I never knew people with such colorful hair existed.” Lily said. “Have you told her who you are yet?”

“No. Not yet. I want her to focus on recovering her body and not overburden her with the past.”

“Are you sure that’s for the best?”

“It is. Besides, if she knew who I am, she’d probably keep me by her side as long as possible. I won’t get any work done.”

“Or go on dates with me.”

“Whatever you say.”

Kihet watched Megith pressed a foot firmly on the ground then took a step. Once she stabilized herself, she repeated the process for a few more times before their eyes met. She flashed Kihet a small smile which prompted him to let himself through the doors while Lily stayed behind and watched.

“Mister, you’re here!”

“You’re getting better. Are you tired now?”

“I can keep going!” Megith boasted as she took another step forward. “Just you wait. I’ll be able to get on my two feet as soon as possible!”

“Don’t hurt yourself. You only started two days ago.”

“You’re really worried about me. Did we have a history together?”

“You… helped me to get back my feet before. I just wanted to return the favor.” Kihet averted his eyes for a second. “Anyways, keep up the good work. I’ll drop by again at noon when I’m not that busy.”

“Before you go!” Megith hollered. “Why can’t you tell me your name?”

“I did, didn’t I?”

“Liar! You always give me different names!”

“Are we going to have this conversation every time?”

“I’ll keep asking until you tell me.”

“Then it gives me a reason to keep visiting.”

“Hey-! Mister, you’re a sly person!”

Kihet felt relieved knowing how much energy Megith had as he exited the room. He waved down Lily who observed from the window to follow him down the hall.

“You know, Lily. You and Megith are quite similar.”

“In what way?”

“Personality.”

“Hmm?” Lily cocked her head to the side. “Are we? I can’t tell, but she does act more energetic than I am.”

“Maybe it’s just me.” Kihet crossed his arms. “Anyways, before lunch I need to check in with the Queen. I hope she made some progress looking into something I asked her to do.”

“If it works, then it won’t take months to travel to Stusis!”

“Any word on Miyabe’s end?”

“Actually, yes! My substitute discovered a hidden path at the edge of the shrine concealed by the Sacred Tree’s roots. Big sis ordered workers to carefully remove them and asked adventurers to search for a similar jewel you have in dungeons.”

“We’ll forward our findings to her while we wait on her end. What about the Shadows at the borders?”

“She said they’ve disappeared. The army we passed was no longer there.”

“Straight up vanished? Something’s definitely happening in Stusis.”

They descended into the deepest part of the capital directly below Vivrus’ world tree. Just like Xu’s sacred tree, there were light pulsing through the root woven pathway towards Vivrus’ core. Like Xu’s altar, a stone bowl was in the middle of the underground chamber, but an invisible barrier prevented Kihet from interacting with it.

For the past week, he tried to dispel the barrier with the Oracle’s anti magic flames. However, the flames had no effect and was instead sucked a pocket dimension that interfered each attempt. It meant if he were going to liberate the Shadows from Vivrus, he would have to defeat the Headsman which wouldn’t be anytime soon.

“Is it there?” Kihet asked.

“We managed to uncover it.” Queen Elarinya twisted her elongated body towards them. “I’m surprised the World Tree has such a device wrapped within its roots.”

“Is it operational?”

“It doesn’t look like it and I do not dare to have my scholars approach it before you do. I figured it was wise to leave the joy and discovery for you. It is related to the Oracle’s duties, after all.”

“Funny.” Kihet approached the dig site, straining his ears to listen for the humming of magic resonating in the air. “Lily, the usual.”

“En! I’ll Keep a lookout for any changes. By the way, where is it?”

“We’re standing above it.” Queen Elarinya answered, passing her lantern to Kihet.

Looking down, Kihet shined the light on the area around him. The edge of the stone stage was surrounded by a type of material similar to the darkish purple bricks the dungeon was built with. Its diameter was about thirty meters wide. Shifting the light towards the center, he saw it was divided into seven sections with a tree symbol engraved into each one.

“Hey, Kihet! Look at those!”

Lily turned everyone’s attention to three of the seven trees. Black miasma clogged Pamalyra, Stusis and Easul’s socket.

Kihet’s immediate reactions were to incinerate them. As raging silver flames burned across the platform, the same phenomenon preventing Vivrus’ liberation denied him from clearing the miasma.

“It appears to have the same case as the altar.” Elarinya said.

“That means we can’t directly teleport to Stusis.” Lily added. “But why Easul and Pamalyra too?”

“What are our other options?” Kihet asked.

“Well, if we are to believe the prisoner’s words are accurate, you should open a portal to Sanctuary. Since you would teleport not directly into the country but at its border, the magical barrier there should not affect your journey.”

“But that’s still a long way.” Lily complained. “Kihet, are you alright? You seem kind of dazed.”

“Hm? It’s nothing. I was surprised when I heard we’re going to warp to Sanctuary.” He shook his head. “Elarinya, do you happen to have fairy stones we can take?”

“At most, I can spare two. They are extremely rare to obtain nowadays with Sanctuary forbidding access to their capital.”

“Thanks.”

Kihet then proceed to kneel by the socket in Sanctuary’s quadrant and insert the catalyst. The instant he put the jewel near the slot, a magnetic force pulled it in place. The ground began to tremble. The sound of stone scraped against each other as the outer ring separated itself from the stage and hovered over it. The Oracle’s mark formed in the air within the ring.

It was weird the portal activated without a Hero awakened in Vivrus. He was beginning to doubt the prisoner’s words.

A glass shattering noise echoed across the chamber as the space in the center of the platform slowly cracked open. The gap connected to another worldly place filled with darkened skies. Unknown multi colored of pink, dark blue, dark green grass surrounding small bodies of bioluminescent water. Mushrooms and reeds glowed, vines from trees swayed, flowers blinked.

Kihet confirmed the portal led them to Sanctuary after looking at the humungous mushroom tower beyond the forest. It was Sanctuary’s world tree and its capital located beneath the cap. There was also a faint dome of light surrounding arcs of land.

“It looks so pretty. That’s the home of fairies?” Lily asked.

“And that screen of light over there is the barrier?” Kihet pointed.

“Yes. My envoys were unable to make contact to Sanctuary’s leader because of that wall. Oracle, your powers could dispel the barrier, but I do not recommend it. The Fairies would take that as a threat.”

“I don’t plan to. After we cross this portal, we’ll head straight to Pamalyra and try to find someone to sail us towards Stusis.”

As soon as Kihet stepped down, the ring was pulled back onto the platform and the portal vanished.

“Lily, did you record everything that happened?”

“En! I’ll make another copy and forward it to Big Sis.”

“Then we’re done here. Elarinya, we’re going to start getting supplies for our journey.”

“If there are items that you could not obtain, do not hesitate to inform me.”

“I’ll take you up on that offer. C’mon, Lily. Where do you want to go for lunch?”

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

Kihet always knew of Lily’s gluttonous appetite, but today she ate way more than usual. This was their third restaurant where he was about to stop her from ordering more dishes to not eat up the owner’s entire stock.

“I’m full!”

“Seriously. Where does that all go?”

Kihet counted the coins from his purse. Lily eaten five hundred silver’s worth of food which could feed a large group of people attending a large banquet. Thankfully, money was not an issue. They received a generous sum from Queen Elarinya for their efforts to thwart Rozzosea’s siege and drove the Headsman away.

“I hope you didn’t eat so much that you can’t walk.”

“Even I know when to hold back!”

“Did you?”

“E-erm… I guess not.” Lily blushed, adverting her face away from Kihet’s glare. “A-anyways. Don’t you have something you need to pick up?”

“I’m just wondering if you can still walk.”

“I can!”

“Then let’s get moving.”

Kihet placed the total of their bill on the table. The pair moved into the crowded marketplace and began making their way towards the smithy. Business was as booming as usual. Ever since Ilum Mines resumed its mining operations, the prices of weaponry and armors steadily dropped back to affordable prices over the month.

The blacksmith they entered was introduced by Priqet and Yixy. It was a rather lively shop as the sound of furnace roared vigorously while the master struck the anvil with a powerful but a controlled manner. A week ago, the store was nearly depleted of products. Given time, it was restocked with brand new weapons.

“Just a minute!” The apprentice finished a transaction with an adventurer then made his way towards Kihet. “Yes, how may I help?”

“I placed an order. Here’s my receipt.”

“A repair to your cloak, weird spear? And armor, correct?”

“I would also like to trade in these weapons.”

“Understood. The master will inspect your wares and add that to your credit.” The apprentice scooped up the equipment Kihet placed on the counter. “If you have anything else to add to your previous order, please put them on the table.”

“I will.”

Kihet showed himself to the archery section where he found Lily testing the shop bow’s flexibility. She adopted a fierce expression as she assumed her posture, pulling the strings back several times before she released it like she launched an arrow.

He noticed the one Lily had needed repairs or be exchanged. Its cord was worn with stray strands of fiber visible from one end to another. Wooden flakes were peeling themselves off the arc and the grip wrapped around the handle was loose. All around, it was in bad shape.

“Found something?”

“So far the ones I’ve tested are okay. They’re good bows, but a bit too bulky for my liking.” Lily carefully returned the bow to its stand then pointed up. “Can you grab that one for me?”

“Here.”

“Thanks.”

Lily postured herself again as she held the bow that was one and a half meters long. It was made of yew reinforced with slim black shells of an arthropod monster. The way she handled it was professional, almost as if she located and launched the arrow at her imaginary prey in a split second.

“Is that one good?”

“En. I like it. It’s as light as mine and a lot sturdier too.”

“What about arrows?”

“I want two quivers of blunt, barbed and bodkin each. No, make that three.”

“I’m guessing you’re stocked on regular arrows?”

“En! I’ll have more stuff to add in a second.”

“Got it.”

The Apprentice’s jaws dropped as he saw the number of merchandises Kihet piled on the table. They weren’t cheap either as Kihet added throwing knives, belt to hold the knives, a buckler, a steel shortsword, a hatchet, wooden mallet, and a few iron tipped javelins. Including the cost of items that were brought from the back totaled around eleven thousand silvers.

“Umm… customer.”

“We have the money.” Kihet dug into his bag and dropped eleven golden chits and a bag that spilled silver coins. “She will be adding more to the batch later.”

“Thank you, sir! And, um, would you like us to deliver it?”

“To this address if you could.”

“Y-yes sir! Right away!”