"Each day now feels like three stacked on top of each other..."
Tyrus lied flat on a stiff bed, watching a spider scuttle around the ceiling. Chaotic thoughts were the only thing keeping him awake at this point.
After everything that transpired, his mind was in a fog. It felt like someone had taken a hammer and bashed his skull repeatedly, leaving him feeling battered and broken. Every day, some big event has been occurring, leaving him drained day after day.
It was revealed that a dark sorcerer orchestrated events in the Wasteful Wetlands alongside Scourge. He learned that the very same dark sorcerer was also a black tiger, controlling Beastfolk to cause nothing but trouble to others. All he remembered was that the enemy wanted to spread corrupted mana, yet the reason for that was unknown.
What good would spreading corruption do? The only thing corrupted mana did was contaminate and destroy lives. There were no positives, merely downsides meant to make everyone miserable or face a cruel death. If the exam hadn't occurred in the Wasteful Wetlands, what would've happened without Sir Geroth's intervention? Maybe the Wasteful Wetlands would be referred to as a wasteland instead.
With a single thought, Tyrus retrieved the artifact catching dust within his ring. He held the orb close to his face, turning it over in his hands as he inspected its sleek surface. He wondered how such a simple looking object could absorb so much corruption with ease.
Whenever corrupted mana entered his body, it wasn't easy getting rid of because of how dangerous the consequences were. Yet here he was, holding a risky artifact that took in the very same substance. Tyrus couldn't help but think back to Igneal's words about Draknir's Folly.
Tyrus shivered at the thought of such a thing happening because of his insistence on keeping it. While giving the artifact to Sir Geroth would be the smart and safe thing to do, something deep inside his consciousness told him to keep it.
His instincts screamed at him to keep the artifact at all costs. It was almost as if someone else was telling him this was the right decision. A voice in the wind whispering at him to keep it close at all times. If he told someone this, they'd probably think he was crazy.
"Wait a minute..."
It was mild, but the orb looked different from usual. In its usual state, it bore a resemblance to pearls, save for the presence of markings on its surface and a slightly greater size. Currently, the color has undergone a subtle darkening, and the markings have become more pronounced and easily discernible. Last time, only a small section beneath it was blackened, but now the entire artifact displayed a change.
"Did swallowing the corrupted mana change its color? That's the only reason I can think of at the moment."
He stared at the orb for what felt like minutes before releasing a sigh and storing it away. If it looked as if the orb was truly about to cause another Draknir's Folly, he'd give it to Sir Geroth or Selena at a moment's notice, whether or not that voice liked it. Either it was his instincts warning him not to do so or some sickness he acquired, there was no way would he be responsible for causing a disaster.
Tyrus shifted his body to the side, gazing out of the window.
A full moon was out, bathing the city in its pale light. From his view, the streets were quiet, absent of the usual commotion of people going about their day. Most of Valis' citizens were probably at home, if not walking there, because the night was growing old. The only signs of life he could see were the guards patrolling the area, and even their presence was scarce. The silence and lack of activity was a pleasant change, especially after what happened with Fiona and Royal Knight Nessa.
After they burst out from that hole made by that earth spirit, matters were immediately taken care of. Once the royal knight and Fiona finished regained some of their energy back, Fiona revealed the events leading up to their appearance.
What she told everyone at that moment shocked them. It was especially shocking to find out Royal Knight Nessa was a Conjuration Sorcerer and the one responsible for summoning the ember wraith.
Once they felt a disturbance and realized a rune was the culprit, Royal Knight Nessa sprung to action. She grabbed the earth spirit and shielded Fiona with her body just as the rune activated, releasing a torrent of flames everywhere in the warehouse.
Apparently, because there were products in the building that fueled the flames and caused an explosion, it only strengthened the runes' effectiveness. Luckily for them, the fairy saved them in the nick of time by moving them underground and digging a tunnel until they reached the surface. For something of that size to accomplish that much, it was truly impressive. Tyrus didn't know fairies were capable of much more than he initially thought. It led Tyrus to think about Meadow's own abilities and if she could do the same as well.
After Fiona finished recounting their experience, the royal knight stepped in and instructed everyone that Fiona needed to report back to the imperial palace without delay to inform the emperor of what had transpired. Additionally, she commanded Blue Dawn to return, while the guards and Sir Geroth, who was busy assisting those in need, were tasked with cleaning up the aftermath and conducting an investigation. She didn't specify why when Igneal asked why.
Fiona herself suggested they forget about the meeting for today and just rest. The others, including Tyrus, agreed, and they left the area together. And instead of climbing over the wall again, they just strolled through the gates, all because of a certain noble. Soon as they saw Igneal, the guards asked them no questions and parted ways as if on reflex. Having Igneal around truly did have its advantages...
Apart from that, Tyrus spent his time in a tavern near the plaza, simply lounging around and attempting to drift off to sleep. Despite the darkness outside, the voices of intoxicated men could still be heard seeping through the floorboards. The scent of alcohol and cooked meat wafted through a locked door, a tempting combination that would usually make him hungry. However, he had already eaten before going to bed, so he lacked an appetite at that moment.
His pockets were feeling lighter with each day that passed, and Tyrus knew he'd eventually run out of money. Even worse, he was running out of places to stay. It wouldn't take long before he'd have to rely on his tent, or maybe even sleep outside. Because of his constant purchase of garments, food, and weapons alongside staying at inns, his purse might be empty in a few more days if he kept this up.
"I really have to stop losing my weapons and getting my tunic torn up. Maybe I should go back to sleeping outside and hunting for my own food as well. Living in the capital really changed my way of life."
Tyrus always wanted to buy his own meals and begin sleeping in taverns, but he hadn't expect his pockets would be drained this fast. He used to have around a hundred and twenty to his name, but now he had little under forty sil to his name. At this point, contracts alone won't be enough to get him going. He had to think of other avenues to explore and gain money to get a permanent place of his own.
One method he considered was selling materials acquired from beasts, which accounted for most of his earnings. The number of beasts he could slay was limitless as long as he possessed the strength. While fulfilling contracts took time, battling beasts did not. He could always trade fur, scales, fangs, and any other valuable possessions a beast may possess to earn extra sil. However, determining which ones were worth selling would be the challenging part, and he had to be careful to sell them in their best possible condition.
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Then an idea hit him: What about that one cavern where he and Meadow fought those rock spiders? Last thing he remembered was there being a tunnel lit up with glowing crystals. There being treasure at the end of the path struck him as unlikely, but if he found anything remotely valuable, then he would sell it and keep the money earned. He'd rather not waste the effort if it was just a dead end, but the possibility of him finding something worthwhile was worth the risk.
Tyrus pouted. "I should set aside some time to explore it with Meadow. I did promise her we'd continue the hunts once I return. Doing it tomorrow would be nice, but there's still that matter with Igneal."
Tyrus still hadn't forgotten that Igneal had something to show him. The Lockhart reminded him right as they went their separate ways just hours ago. He could just forget all about it and leave for Wildwood tomorrow and make up some excuse for Igneal whenever they meet, but wouldn't that be kind of rude on his part? There was also the promise that it'd be something useful. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious about what it was.
Despite the extended wait, a wave of drowsiness eventually washed over Tyrus, coaxing him to close his weary eyes. The bed, though far from fancy, offered a shred of comfort, lacking the comfortability of the imperial palace's warm blankets. Nonetheless, it was a vast improvement over the harsh reality of sleeping with no support beneath, or shelter above his fatigued body. The feel of the modest bedding, the hum of conversation, the faint scent of staleness lingering in the air, and the feeling of gratitude for this humble respite all mingled together as he drifted off to sleep.
An ugly dream wormed its way in. In his mind, fleeting images of the deliberation flickered. The nobles' scornful glances pierced him like icy daggers. The emperor and his regal knights exuded an imposing aura that filled the air. The harsh bite of the shackles pressed into his flesh, a constant reminder of his powerlessness. Every sight, sound, and touch reinforced the unpleasantness of his experience thus far.
The dream then shifted to something new. There he was, standing on top of a rock spire tall enough to pierce the clouds.
The air was still, and there was no sign of wind threatening enough to push him aside. In the distance, mountains as far as the eye could see jutted upward from the landscape like the fangs of some gigantic beast, the peaks wreathed in mist.
The sun hung high in the sky, illuminating everything within its radiance. Below him, Tyrus could make out a city with those same mountains wrapping around it like a protective barrier. It was a city that rivaled the size of Valis itself, maybe even bigger.
Half of the city was built on flat land, while the rest of the city was built along the mountain slopes. Tyrus could make out one huge waterfall from a mountain descending beside the city, feeding into a vast lake to its right. Around that very lake was a forest with crowns thick enough to block most sunlight, a lush greenery that was a stark contrast to the marble-like buildings in Valis. It was a city that combined both the beauty of nature and man.
Tyrus couldn't help but gawk at the marvel. Whoever made the city must've put a lot of work and effort into creating such a wonder without sacrificing the environment. It was the first time he had ever seen such a breathtaking sight, a sight that took his breath away.
But why did it feel like this wasn't his first time to witness this beautiful sight?
Then, the beautiful scenery was interrupted when dark clouds rolled in unnaturally fast. Lightning flashed as the clouds grew darker and angrier, casting ominous shadows across the land. Soon, a rainstorm raged; The wind howled as the freezing rain came crashing down.
Through the powerful gusts and slick rock, Tyrus struggled to maintain his footing. As the storm worsened, the rock under his feet crumbled, and before long, the entire rock formation gave way. He desperately grasped at the slippery stone as his body slid off the side, sending him plummeting down the mountain. As he fell, the ground raced up to meet him, and the last thing Tyrus felt was the sensation of his body smashing into the earth before everything faded to black.
Tyrus woke in a cold sweat, his head pounding as he gasped for air. The dream had left him feeling utterly drained. A sense of dread gnawed at the back of his mind, leaving him with a sickly feeling in his gut.
"Another dream that felt real," Tyrus mumbled.
He flexed his fingers and toes as the dream slowly faded from his mind. Just to be certain, he even pinched himself, feeling the pain as a reassuring sign. It confirmed that he had returned to the real world and was no longer lost in a dream.
As the last wisps of the memory drifted away, he released a breath and laid back down. He rolled over and stared out the window. Another cloudy day greeted him, and judging by the light, it was probably around early morning. A few birds flew past, chirping cheerfully as they went about their daily routines.
After lying motionless for a few minutes, Tyrus finally rose and stretched. Bliss rippled through his body as his muscles and joints protested the movement, but the discomfort soon faded.
"I might as well meet up with Igneal now."
Once he finished getting ready, Tyrus set off toward the location Igneal wanted to meet up at.
***
"We're taking a carriage?"
Igneal scoffed. "Of course we are. Did you honestly expect us to walk the whole way?"
Tyrus met up with Igneal right in front of the clock tower. Sitting up front were Sir Wayne and another man who Tyrus didn't recognize. The newcomer dressed in fine garbs, similar to what Wes wore, but a shade of dark red. His eyes were of a dark brown, the same as his hair which was neatly styled. Instead of Sir Wayne at the helm, it was the other who held the reigns.
Sir Wayne greeted Igneal with a bow and promptly hopped off and opened the carriage door. Igneal stepped into the carriage first, and Tyrus followed, sitting across from the noble.
"To Aunt Selena's manor, Yeven."
"As you wish, Young Master Igneal," said Yeven.
With the command given, the carriage was pulled forward into a street and riding away from the plaza. Judging by the path, it looked like they were heading toward the gate to enter the inner district.
"Why are we going to Selena's place?" Tyrus asked.
"You'll see once we get there," Igneal said.
He didn't clarify any further, so Tyrus just shrugged and looked out the window. They were already moving down the road leading to the gate, and it was still early in the morning, yet the streets were already busy. It was always surprising how busy the royal capital was from morning to nighttime.
Mothers, fathers, and children alike were walking around the street, some carrying baskets with their daily necessities, while others simply talked among themselves in alleyways. Occasionally, a horse-drawn carriage or two would pass by, carrying sacks and crates with supplies. Guards were stationed at every street corner, watching and greeting passersby with vigilance.
The carriage moved in silence, only broken by the sound of hooves clacking against the paved roads. It didn't take long for them to pass by the first gate and into the other district. There, what used to be swarms of regular folk wearing modest clothes turned into well-dressed men and women in fancy garbs and jewels, and their presence alone seemed to exude a sense of elegance. Tyrus couldn't help but frown as they passed by them. It must've been nice having all the wealth and status the noble families had.
An hour passed, and they left the area full of shops and stalls and were now in an area where large homes sat close-by. They weren't manors per say, but were definitely not small enough to be called a house. Maybe about twice the size of the ones in the outer district, and even more extravagent. Most of them were two stories, sometimes three each with their own stables.
What Tyrus noticed was that the inner district was smaller in size compared to its outer counterpart. Not too much of a surprise considering it was the nobles who lived here. There were probably not that many of them compared to regular folk. He noticed there were about three times more homes in the outer district than the latter, probably because there was a size difference between buildings and the amount of nobility.
But why would they live so close to each other? Why the capital? Shouldn't manors be built outside the city or something?
Tyrus felt like he was missing something but couldn't think of an answer, so he just shoved his questions away and continued to watch the homes pass by.
After a while, the carriage turned a street, approaching near the edge of the inner district. At the end of a long street was a manor that was further away from the shops and nobles. It even had its own garden and an iron gate, though half the size of the one in the imperial palace.
This must be her home, Tyrus thought.
Its exterior a striking blend of red and black that set it apart from the capitals common colors. Dark ivy crept up the walls of the iron gate, its blackened leaves blending seamlessly with the onyx-colored accents that framed the structure. A cobblestone path, darkened with age and use, wound its way through the courtyard.
The gate flung open with a groan, and the carriage proceeded inside. Waiting at the front entrance was Fiona, her smile visible even at a distance. This time, she wasn't wearing her usual garments whenever she was out. She had on a light blue gown that stopped above her knees and sleeves that seemed to go all the way down to her wrists. Her hair was down, just reaching her shoulders. Fiona seemed way different compared to whenever she was at the guild.
Once the carriage stopped, Igneal rose and turned to Tyrus.
"Follow me. I'm sure you'll love what I'm about to show you."