As the trio emerged from the suffocating darkness of the laboratory, the reality of what they had left behind became evident. The laboratory, like the previous one, was now a tomb of flames and decadence, a sentence of death sealed by the very corruption it housed. Aiya, observing the destruction behind them, felt a mixture of relief and a gloomy melancholy for what it represented. Each destroyed laboratory meant one more step in the fight against abominations, but it also reminded of the horrors that could still be hidden, awaiting discovery.

Sun, with Yohanna on his shoulders, moved with a desperate urgency. Yohanna's condition was deteriorating visibly, the infection spread by the homunculus taking over her body and draining her vitality with each moment. The weight of responsibility pressed down on Sun; though he was capable of returning from the brink of death, he found himself powerless before the suffering of a friend - his miraculous ability was of little use against the poison now threatening Yohanna's life.

Aiya, perceiving the gravity of the situation, quickened her pace, guiding them back across the desert toward the horses and then to the forward camp where Tadeus and Marin awaited them. The return journey was marked by tension and silence, each lost in their own thoughts, pondering the battles fought and those still to come.

Arrival at the forward camp was a moment of relief and anxiety. Seeing the group return, Tadeus ran to meet them, but his joy swiftly turned to concern upon seeing Yohanna's state. The camp's doctor was their best hope. Without wasting time, he began preparing potions and incantations, every second precious in the fight against the poison threatening the archer's life.

The group gathered around Yohanna, offering their strength and hope, as the doctor worked against time. Sun, feeling the weight of his decisions and the fragility of his invulnerability before forces he could not control, contemplated the importance of those around him.

"It's my fault, I volunteered to go when Aiya wanted to hire another group," thought Sun with a worried look.

In that moment, as they awaited the doctor's efforts, the truth of what it meant to be a hero became clearer than ever to Sun: it was not just about battles won or abilities possessed, but about the will to carry on, to fight for others, and to face one's own vulnerabilities.

Night had fallen over the forward camp, bringing with it a mantle of silence that seemed to echo the group's pain and mourning. Yohanna's death, a valiant archer whose tireless spirit had been a light to her friends, left a deep wound in their hearts. Despite desperate efforts and the hope they clung to until the very end, she did not resist, succumbing to the poisonous infection that stole her life.

Yohanna's farewell ceremony was simple but emotional. Upon those dry sands under a starry sky, they buried their companion's body, marking the site with a simple but meaningful stone. Each one, in their own way, paid tribute to Yohanna's memory, sharing stories, tears, and the silence that speaks louder than words about the pain of loss.

Sun, consumed by guilt and anger, addressed Tadeus and Marin:

"Forgive me." In his heart, Yohanna's promise to take care of him now transformed into a burden of responsibility and remorse.

"She was there because of me," confessed Sun, his voice choked with emotion.

Tadeus and Marin, despite the pain they shared, offered their forgiveness to Sun, recognizing that the blame did not lie in their efforts to protect one another, but in the hands of those who perpetuated the evil they faced.

It was a time of deep shared mourning, a pain that bonded the group even more, solidifying their determination and friendship. Aiya, in her respectful silence, offered her presence as a pillar of strength and solidarity, even as the shadows of night seemed to echo the emptiness left by Yohanna.

It was Sun, however, who transformed mourning into an oath. Standing beside Yohanna's grave, he made a promise that intertwined with the darkness around them:

"By my name as a hero, I swear I will find the alchemist and make him pay." His voice, firm and heavy with new resolve, cut through the night, not just as a vow of vengeance but as an unshakable commitment to justice, in memory of his fallen friend.

This oath, made under the night sky of Bahamut, redefined the group's path. Yohanna's loss would not be in vain; she would become the catalyst for renewing their commitment to fighting the darknesses threatening their world. United by pain but guided by hope and the promise of justice, they prepared for the journey ahead, knowing every step would be taken in honor of Yohanna's bravery and indomitable spirit.

However, before they could return to the outpost, the screen reappeared before Sun. He looked and saw that his level, which was previously 20, was now 22.

"Looks like I gained two more levels," he thought.

But before he could close the screen, a message appeared: "You can acquire a new skill, choose a skill!". Sun analyzed various skills the screen showed him until he came upon a skill called 'Avenger'. Letting the sentiment of vengeance guide him, he chose that skill without much thought. The screen showed his status with the newly chosen Avenger skill.

Sun's SKILLS

1 - Miracle

Allows Sun to resurrect from almost all types of death 3 times a day

1 - Level Detection

Allows Sun to see the level of people or creatures equal to or lower than his own level

8 - Fear Immunity (passive)

Makes Sun immune to fear abilities cast by monsters with a lower level than Sun

15 - Quick Slash

Sun draws his sword quickly and slashes the enemy, reducing chances of evasion or blocking

22 - Avenger

Allows Sun to mark an enemy with the mark of vengeance, increasing damage caused by Sun 2x against that enemy. This skill can only be used on one enemy until it dies. This skill leaves the user enraged until they consume their vengeance.

As the group resumed their journey toward the outpost, the weight of mourning and unfulfilled oath hung over them like an imminent storm. Sun, whose heart was inflamed by the pain of loss and thirst for vengeance because of his new skill, found himself on the edge of an emotional precipice, his mind consumed by the image of the alchemist responsible for Yohanna's death.

In a moment of intense vulnerability, he turned to Aiya, seeking a path, a direction that could lead him to the justice he so desperately desired. Aiya's response, however, was an appeal to reason and mourning. She suggested Sun withdraw to the capital of Nitrea to reflect and perhaps find some peace after the storm they had faced. But her words, though coming from a place of concern and wisdom, struck Sun as a rejection of his pain and oath.

The shock of this perception, combined with the maelstrom of emotions Sun was facing, led him to an act of desperation and anger. He grabbed Aiya by the collar, lifting her off the ground, his eyes blazing not just with the pain of loss but with fury at the injustice Yohanna had suffered.

"I'm not going back until I eliminate that damn alchemist!" he exclaimed, his voice a roar of defiance against the fate imposed upon them.

Marin and Tadeus, despite their own wounds and broken hearts, instinctively moved to intervene, fearing pain and anger could lead to an irreparable conflict between Sun and Aiya. However, Aiya, with a calm belying the tension of the moment, signaled for them to stop. In her eyes was a deep understanding of the pain Sun carried, a pain she herself felt, though expressed differently.

With strength beyond the physical, Aiya gently removed Sun's hands from her collar, facing him not as an adversary but as an equal in sadness.

"Sun, our pain is the same," she said, her voice firm yet laden with empathy.

"But blind vengeance will not honor Yohanna's memory. We must be more than the pain we feel, more than the rage that consumes us."

In the quiet after the storm of emotions, the group found a moment of collective reflection, a brief interlude in their tumultuous journey. Marin, in a gesture of love and support, embraced Sun, offering comfort not just with her arms but with the shared silence that spoke of understanding and solidarity. Tadeus, the warrior usually unshakeable, was lost in his own sadness, showing the pain surrounding the group. It was a heavy silence, weighed down by the loss of Yohanna and uncertainty of the path ahead.

When Sun finally broke the silence, his voice carried the hesitation of someone who, even in desperation, still sought direction, some hope for action. Aiya's response, while pragmatic, recognized the harsh reality of their situation: the alchemist, cause of so much pain, had likely already escaped beyond their reach, perhaps even outside Bahamut's borders. Her words - "This is really the end of the mission" - seemed to seal the fate of their pursuit with an inescapable finality.

However, Sun, whose heart still struggled against accepting this conclusion, proposed a new course of action: to go to the capital of Bahamut, Tvetlum, to warn the Sultan about the imminent danger the alchemist's contamination posed to the country. This suggestion was motivated not just by the need for justice or the continued search for vengeance, but by the desire to prevent others from suffering as they had suffered, to transform their pain into a purpose that could somehow give meaning to the loss they had experienced.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Aiya, perceiving the importance of this act for Sun and recognizing the wisdom in alerting the authorities about the threat still at large, agreed to the plan. Her consent was not just a concession to Sun's will, but a recognition that even in the darkest circumstances, there was still room for action and making a difference.

Thus the group decided their journey was not over, but taking a new path. They prepared to travel to Tvetlum, carrying not just the marks of battle and loss, but also the determination to warn Bahamut about the danger lurking in its shadows. This new objective offered Sun, and the rest of the group, a way to honor Yohanna's memory by transforming their mourning into a mission of prevention and protection.

The following morning they departed for the capital Tvetlum. After an almost day-long journey, the group found a moment of rest and reflection, a temporary oasis in their journey to the capital. They made camp under the starry sky, contemplating the vastness of the world and understanding the insignificance of their problems in the face of the universe's immensity. Tadeus and Marin, exhausted by emotions and travel efforts, soon surrendered to sleep, leaving Sun and Aiya awake, enveloped in the shared silence of the night.

It was Sun who broke the silence, his voice laden with a curiosity tinged with pain. The question he asked Aiya reflected not only his own search for understanding and connection, but also an attempt to understand how each dealt with loss in such distinct ways.

"Have you lost someone?" The simplicity of the question masked the complexity of emotions behind it, revealing a vulnerability rarely shown.

Aiya, confronted with the memory of Aemon and so many others lost throughout her life, found herself at a crossroads of emotions. The brief hesitation before nodding her head was not a pause to remember, but to gather the strength needed to confront those memories. Her answer:

"I've lost far more than you can imagine."

Aiya's response carried within it an immense weight, an ocean of mourning and experiences that shaped who she was.

This exchange between Sun and Aiya by the campfire as night wove its dark tapestry around them - Sun understood that Aiya recognized his pain and remained silent. For him, Aiya's words offered a window into the soul of someone who had faced loss and somehow continued moving forward.

For Aiya, revealing this facet of her history was not just an act of vulnerability but also of trust. Sharing her pain with Sun represented a step toward acknowledging that while their battles and losses were personal, they were also part of a larger human experience - one that united them in their journey.

In that moment, under the mantle of night, both found a mutual understanding in recognizing their wounds and accepting that despite the scars they bore, they did not need to walk alone. The journey to Tvetlum, though begun with the purpose of warning the Sultan about the dangers they had faced, also became one of healing - where sharing their stories and losses was as vital as the destination they sought to reach.

The journey to Tvetlum transformed into a path of heroic deeds and discoveries, a series of events that while diverting the group from their original mission, revealed the essence of what it means to be a true hero. Each stop, each detour in their route, was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those they encountered along the way.

In Naqan, their courage in facing the desert's giant snakes not only saved the village from a terrible fate but also restored peace to a place where fear had become a constant visitor. The gratitude and relief in the villagers' eyes served as a silent reminder of the impact small acts of bravery can have.

On the scorched plains of Ardiat, compassion led them to help an isolated family whose daily struggle for water reflected the relentless battle for survival faced by many in Bahamut's harshest regions. By ensuring this family had access to water, they not only provided immediate relief but also hope for the future.

Exploring the abandoned mine in Basira revealed not just hidden treasures but also the group's inherent generosity. By choosing to distribute their findings to the nearest village, they proved true wealth lies not in amassing treasures but in the ability to share them with those in need.

However, as Tvetlum finally emerged on the horizon, Sun felt a mingling of anticipation and unease. Despite all the acts of kindness and heroism along the way, the anger in his heart remained, an unquenchable fire fed by Yohanna's memory and desire for vengeance against the alchemist.

"I helped so many people on the way here, yet I still can't shake this rage from my chest."

This thought, reflecting his inner struggle, highlighted the complexity of his emotions and the challenge of reconciling his desire for justice with the peace he sought to find.

As they approached Tvetlum, with the splendor of Bahamut's capital before them, Sun and his companions prepared for the next phase of their mission, carrying the lessons learned and contradictory feelings each experience along the way had awakened. They knew confronting the Sultan and revealing the threats plaguing Bahamut would be challenges both political and personal, but were determined to press on, guided by hope they could somehow bring meaningful change to the kingdom and perhaps find some measure of peace for the ghosts that pursued them.

Upon entering Tvetlum, the group was immediately captured by the beauty and grandeur of the city. The contrast between the relentless aridity of the desert and the vibrant oasis the city represented was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its people. Known as "The Delight of the Desert", Tvetlum not only offered refuge to weary travelers but enchanted with its magnificent architecture and lush gardens, a true miracle amidst the vast arid expanse surrounding it.

Moved by a mingling of determination and anxiety, Sun, Marin, Tadeus and Aiya headed without hesitation to the Sultan's great palace, expecting to face resistance or at least questioning from the guards. However, to their surprise, they were received without objection, permitted entry as if their arrival was expected. This unexpected reception raised questions but also made them realize the gravity and urgency of their mission.

Upon being announced in the palace, mention of Aiya as "The Wandering Heroine" and this being her second visit to Tvetlum, sowed seeds of curiosity and speculation in Sun's mind. The familiarity of this title with his own journey made him wonder about Aiya's true origins and past. "Could she also be a hero brought from another world like me?" The possibility opened a new realm of mysteries about Aiya, who until then had been a traveling companion with exceptional abilities but whose personal history remained largely an enigma.

These thoughts, however, had to be quickly set aside, for the herald called out in a loud voice: "All bow before Haranom the Fair, Sultan of Bahamut and Lord of the Delight of the Desert." The title "Lord of the Delight of the Desert" not only emphasized his power in Bahamut but also reflected the esteem and love of his people, evidenced by the splendor of his court and the reverence with which he was treated.

Before the Sultan, Sun and his companions prepared to deliver the critical message about the threat the alchemist posed to Bahamut and potentially the whole world. This was the moment they had traveled so far and faced so many challenges for. The importance of their mission and the opportunity to finally warn someone with the power to make a real difference were palpable. They were on the verge of a step that could not only honor Yohanna's memory but also save countless lives from the corruption and destruction sown by the alchemist.

It was a throne room, but there was no normal throne - it was a large and beautiful Ottoman-style throne with a sofa with gold trim and designs depicting the former Sultan's victories embroidered on the curtains around it. The Sultan was sitting leaning back at ease. Everyone kneels in reverence.

"What news do the heroes bring to my palace?" asks the Sultan.

All lift their heads.

"My lord, I bring terrible news from the border with Leoria!" said Sun.

"Tell me, what is happening on my borders?" replied the Sultan.

As Sun spoke, Aiya noticed there were far more guards and archers in the palace this time than her first visit, so she let Sun speak but remained attentive to her surroundings - something wasn't right to her.

"We were pursuing an alchemist spreading a disease called rot throughout your lands - he kidnaps people and uses them as test subjects for his terrible experiments. If he keeps going, soon the north of Bahamut will be completely infected!" said Sun with a determined yet angry look.

"Rot? I've never heard of this, Halit?" Asked the Sultan, looking to his right side.

Behind a curtain emerged a brown-skinned man with glasses and a beard wearing spectacles - immediately Sun recognized him, he was the man they had encountered in the alchemist's laboratory, the man who had released the homunculus against them, the man who had killed Yohanna. Sun immediately became enraged and when he started to stand up quickly to attack, he was held back by Aiya who just whispered "Look around, we are surrounded - make any sudden moves and they will kill you, not even your 'Miracle' will save you this time."

Feeling powerless, Sun returned to his position and continued.

"My lord, this man by your side - he is responsible for this disease, he is the alchemist!" said Sun in an enraged voice.

"You are accusing a man who has been my prime minister for over 10 years? You are very bold!" said the Sultan.

At that moment the guards placed their hands on their weapons. Aiya remained attentive, simply trying to think of an escape.

"Are you responsible for this disease, Halit?" Asked the Sultan of his prime minister.

"Of course not, my lord - I don't even know what these people are talking about!" replied Halit.

The Sultan then looked at Sun with an angry expression and said:

"I should order your head to be cut off for this unfounded accusation, to come into my palace and accuse a man of Bahamut is a serious matter!"

Then Sun realized the Sultan was never going to believe what he was saying. He looked at Halit once more - this time the man standing behind the Sultan looked directly at Sun with a cynical smile and laughed through the corner of his mouth, enraging Sun even further. The hero stood up quickly, drew his sword and pointed it at Halit - but before he could attack the prime minister, Aiya used her "Miracle" and cut Sun at a vital point, dropping him to the floor dead without even shedding blood.

"Forgive me my lord, I quickly killed the hero as he seemed uncontrolled before you - I hope you will forgive us this insolence!"

Even after Sun's actions, the Sultan seemed calm and tranquil, and with a wave of his hand said:

"Get out of here, take that corpse away and never return to my palace!"

Later that day, Sun woke with a start, looking around to find himself outside Tvetlum in a pitched tent. Outside were Marin, Tadeus.

"What happened? Why did she kill me?" asked Sun.

"She actually saved your stupid ass!" said Marin angrily, upset at Sun's actions that could have endangered them all.

"What's happening with you, Sun? We're all sad about losing Yohanna but we can't lose control," said Tadeus.

"I don't know - I just feel this deep rage towards that alchemist, Halit. I need to kill him," said Sun, shocking Marin and Tadeus.

Marin stood up, walked to Sun and slapped him hard across the face.

"Kill him? What do you mean kill him? You've always been a good man - what's happening to you, Sun? You're not the man I fell in love with..." said Marin, crying as she went to her tent.

Sun hung his head in thought, lamenting feeling this way but unable to remove the sentiment from his chest. Tadeus then stood and walked to his tent, but before entering handed Sun a letter, saying Aiya had left it for him. Written in Korean were the words:

"You can't change the world... alone!"

Sun realized Aiya truly came from the same world as him, and that she was indeed a heroine.