The warmth of the southern tavern fills up with the lively crowd. Sunlight streams through the expansive windows, illuminating the ornately carved wooden beams that support the upper floor. Murals, likely the work of a talented local artist, adorn the walls, adding a touch of character to the bustling atmosphere. Families occupy several long tables, their laughter and conversation weaving a tapestry of joy. Smaller tables are no less lively, filled with patrons enjoying hearty meals and mugs of ale. Two figures raise their tankards, the amber liquid sending a warm tingle down their throat.
"Ah, there's nothing quite like a Southern Ale!" A boisterous voice booms. A young man clad in a sunshine-yellow suit leans back with a contented sigh, wiping his brow after downing his drink.
Across from him sits another figure, his crimson cloak contrasting sharply with the vibrant surroundings. He takes a measured sip from his own drink, then shakes his head with a hint of disapproval.
"So, Rosetta," the man in yellow's voice changes, a newfound seriousness replacing his jovial tone. "Once we have all the pieces, what say we head back to your homeland and retrieve the final weapon?"
The figure in red, Alpha by name, stiffens. "We will return eventually," he concedes, "but the third weapon holds no interest for me."
His gaze meets the yellow-clad man's, a steely glint replacing his usual warmth. "And for your information, Dark, I am still Alpha. His consciousness is a mere whisper in the back of my mind."
Dark snorts, a dismissive puff of air escaping his lips. "Perhaps. But your soul signature sings a different tune. A melody of merging. Rosetta it is, then."
A mischievous glint flickers in Dark's eyes. "Speaking of which, what about him? The sunshine warrior you so unceremoniously discarded?"
Alpha sighs, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Rai? I can't imagine him becoming a Pillar like us. Even if his strength grows, his heart remains tethered to the bonds of friendship. A nuisance more than anything."
"So, you came with that plan against him?" Dark presses, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Alpha offers a curt nod. "There's no turning back now. I'm curious to see how far his loyalty will take him. How strong he can become to face me."
A chilling chuckle escapes Alpha's lips, at odds with the sadness that lingers in his narrowed eyes.
...
My eyelids flutter open, greeted by the gentle caress of a hand on my forehead. Gasping for air, I focus on the blurry figure hovering above me.
"Dear... You're finally awake," Ruby whispers, a faint smile gracing her tear-filled eyes.
A wave of relief washes over me. Reaching out, I brush my hand against her cheek, the warmth sending a jolt through my body. But before I can pull her into a hug, a searing pain explodes across my face.
SLAP!!!
A slap. Hard.
"AVELINE!" Ruby shrieks, scrambling to cradle my head.
A fiery anger twists Aveline's features. Tears well in her eyes, but her voice is laced with steel. "HE DESERVED THAT!"
"Is that what you mean by stopping me to kill myself while you are the one who likes to sacrifice yourself like that, huh, general!?"
I recoil slightly, a pained whimper escaping my lips. "...Sorry."
"SORRY!?" Aveline roars, her hand whipping back to strike again.
Ruby throws herself between us, her arms wrapping protectively around me. "Out of the way, MAGE! You shouldn't be THAT soft on him!"
"No! We've talked about this!" Ruby argues, her voice tight with frustration as she shakes her head fiercely.
"DAMMIT, BOTH OF YOU!!"
Ignoring our pleas, Aveline storms towards the hobgoblin's corpse, her face a mask of fury. Her sword flashes in the dim light as she plunges it into the lifeless body again and again, each thrust fueled by raw emotion. Only when the creature dissolves into a pile of shimmering crystals does her rage seem to subside.
Lowering her weapon, Aveline lets out a shaky breath. "You know..." she mutters, averting her gaze from me, "You are the worst suicidal General that I've ever met."
Shame washes over me. "I wasn't expecting that for myself, I am really sorry..."
"Don't be," she mumbles, her voice barely above a whisper. "If you want to apologize, do it to the mage. You didn't see how she's been whinging while looking at you like that."
Turning away, Aveline scans the dark cave entrance. "Your father is currently escorting the goblins outside. They said there should be a goblin camp nearby. I will accompany him and make sure he's alright. You, and you," she points a finger between me and Ruby, "rest here. And get back to the Inn right away."
With that, Aveline throws one last tearful glance in my direction before disappearing into the cave, the weight of her unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air. "...Stubborn," she mutters under her breath, lost to the shadows.
Silence descends, broken only by Ruby's shuddering breaths. She leans her forehead against mine, her touch both comforting and laced with a hint of anger. "I am sorry, sweetheart..."
Ruby clench her jaw, a low growl forming in her throat. "Quiet."
"Are you angry at me?" I whisper, my voice trembling.
A small nod escapes before she silences me with another kiss. However, this kiss is different. It's devoid of passion, a cold and deliberate punishment for my reckless actions. Pulling away, she stares into my eyes, her voice firm.
"Promise me. You will never "
The weight of her unspoken fear hangs heavy in the air. There's no mistaking it - she's truly mad.
...
Frustration bubbles in my throat, but Ruby silences me with another quick peck. Sighing, I wrap my arms around her, squeezing tightly.
I grumble, a hint of amusement coming out into my voice. "I promise. Happy now?"
Her face lights up like a sunrise. A shaky smile tugs at her lips, and tears well up in her eyes once more. "So... are we going to catch up with them?"
She shakes her head resolutely. "I won't leave your side. Since the regeneration spell took a toll on you, I think it's best if you rest for a while."
My eyelids feel heavy, and a dull ache throbs in my muscles. She's right, I'm totally drained. "I see..." I mumble, slumping against her.
"Shall we... head back to the inn and wait for them?" Ruby asks, her voice muffled against my chest.
"Alright, let's do that," I agree, the warmth of her embrace a welcome comfort.
"But first..." I trail off, stepping towards the pile of ashes. A purplish-black crystal glints amidst the cinders. I pick it up, the cool surface sending a shiver down my spine.
"I'm keeping this thing. It could be dangerous if left here, who knows what other creatures it might possess."
"What is that crystal? I can feel a wicked aura emanating from it," Ruby whispers, her voice laced with concern.
"Honestly, I have no idea," I admit. "But it's definitely what's messing with these goblins. I'll take it and find a safe way to dispose of it."
"I see..."
Gripping the crystal tightly, a surge of determination courses through me. "I will get stronger. I'll put an end to this."
Ruby's eyes narrow for a brief moment, a flicker of worry crossing her features. "...Without recklessly endangering yourself, of course?"
A relieved laugh escapes her lips. "Of course," I assure her, squeezing her closer. "That's the promise, right?"
Her beautiful smile returns, as sweet as sunshine. "That's my boyfriend."
Both of us then backtrack into the inn, hand-in-hand.
...
A few minutes later, our weary legs carry us up the familiar stairs of the inn. Hill stands behind the counter, a flicker of relief lighting up her features as she spots us. Xander, no longer slumped in his chair, bounces with barely contained excitement.
"I assume you've finished fending them off?" Xander inquires, his voice laced with hope.
I offer a firm nod. "They won't be bothering you any longer."
A collective sigh of relief washes over the couple. Xander whoops with joy, launching himself at Hill and engulfing her in a tight hug. He spins her around, his laughter echoing through the common room.
"Husband!"
"Hahaha! Now we don't have to worry anymore!"
Ruby and I exchange shy smiles, a warm feeling blossoming in my chest.
Stepping forward, Hill addresses us with newfound gratitude. "Adventurer, I thank you for getting rid of those creatures. As promised, I want to express our sincere appreciation. Can I get both of your names again?"
"It's Raiken J," I reply, gesturing towards Ruby. "And this is Ruby. The others are Rodger and Aveline," I add, pointing at the empty doorway. "Actually, you don't have to reward us with anything..."
"Nonsense! You saved our livelihood," Xander interjects. "Consider this a token of our gratitude. You and your companions can stay here free of charge. We won't take any coin from you. And if you ever need assistance, my wife, Hill, is here to help."
A frown creases my forehead as I glance at Xander. "Wouldn't that mean you'd suffer some losses?"
Xander chuckles, waving my concern away. "No, no, quite the opposite! This place used to be bustling before the strange noises started coming from below. With the goblin threat neutralized, we're bound to attract more customers again. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!"
His enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but agree with his logic.
"Speaking of which," Xander continues, his brow furrowing slightly. "Where are your companions? I thought there were four of you?"
"Well, you see..." Ruby begins, launching into a detailed explanation. She recounts how Rodger has promised safe passage to the goblins back to their camp, with Aveline by his side. Hopefully, with the goblins' erratic behavior subdued, they won't be attacked on sight... assuming Aveline doesn't do anything rash.
Xander strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. Killing two birds with one stone, clever!"
"It's getting late," Hill chimes in, her voice gentle. "Why don't you both head to your room and get some rest? We'll be here when your companions return."
I squeeze Ruby's hand in gratitude. "Thank you," I murmur.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
"No, Sir Raiken," Hill counters, her eyes twinkling. "It's us who are truly grateful."
With a faint smile playing on my lips, I lead Ruby away, our footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floorboards as we retreat to the comfort of our room.
...
At the Goblin Camp...
Surrounded by sharp wooden sticks and a green flag, several dark red, round-shaped houses made of leather dot the landscape. Aveline and Rodger weave through a gap in the wooden stockade, met with the hostile glares of the goblins within. The goblins clutch their daggers tightly, swaying from side to side in a threatening manner. Their expressions soften slightly as they spot the four surviving goblins trailing dejectedly behind the humans.
"We come in peace!" Rodger proclaims, raising both his hands in a gesture of surrender.
The goblins cautiously lower their weapons as the four survivors surge forward, throwing their arms around the humans in a tearful embrace.
A wizened goblin, his steps slow and measured with the aid of a staff, approaches Rodger.
"Welcome, humans, to our humble abode," the old goblin rasps, raising his staff and inclining his head in greeting. "Triork the Elder, at your service. Are these not my sons who toiled in the mines alongside Riobs?"
"Riobs?" Rodger echoes, a flicker of confusion crossing his features.
"Forgive my poor choice of words," Triork amends. "I speak of the largest goblin amongst the miners. Did you encounter him on your journey here?"
Aveline's jaw clenches, her right eye twitching involuntarily. Sensing her rising anger, Rodger placates her with a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Allow me to handle this," he murmurs.
"You inquire about their leader? Their fate would be best learned from their own lips," Rodger replies diplomatically. "We are but mere humans, and I fear our explanation would fall short of your expectations."
A flurry of guttural pronouncements erupts between Triork and the tearful goblins. Following a brief exchange, Triork barks an order in their own language, and two dagger-wielding goblins usher the reunited group deeper into the encampment.
Triork sighs deeply as he turns back to face Aveline and Rodger. "I believe an apology is in order for the events that transpired within the mines." His expression turns grim. "Riobs was a formidable warrior. That is precisely why I tasked him with retrieving the coal ore. But four days ago, they vanished without a trace. Our scouts haven't returned either. It appears..." His voice trails off, a tremor of despair running through him. "It appears they may have fallen victim to his own rage..."
He shakes his head in disbelief. "To think, a warrior of such caliber could succumb to such darkness..."
"I don't believe it was his intention," Rodger counters, his gaze fixed on Triork. "There was a purplish-black crystal lodged in one of his eyes. My companion recognized it and saw the connection to his behavior."
Triork's face darkens, his voice dropping to a guttural rumble. "A purple and black crystal, you say? Are you absolutely certain, human?"
Rodger nods curtly, his expression resolute.
"I see..." Triork mutters, a grim realization settling on his features. "She's making her move."
"Do you have any knowledge of this crystal?" Aveline demands, stepping forward.
"Indeed," Triork replies, his voice firm. "Consider this information a token of gratitude for rescuing my people. Ten years ago, our kind suffered greatly. We were forced to flee the clutches of a tyrannical dragon, Zoldok, who ruled the underground world with an iron fist. He cared little for us goblins, viewing us as mere pawns. Fueled by a yearning for freedom, I rallied a band of goblins who shared my aspirations."
He falls silent for a moment, his gaze drifting towards the vast expanse of the sky. "We were on the verge of annihilation by his minions when a human sorceress appeared, offering us aid. She bestowed upon us a peculiar crystal, a shard of obsidian streaked with an ominous purple. A hobgoblin-- Not our brave Riobs, seduced by its power, foolishly ingested it. Transformed by the dark magic coursing through his veins, he slaughtered our enemies with indiscriminate fury, his rage turning even on his own comrades."
A flicker of relief crosses Triork's face. "Thankfully, most of us had managed to withdraw from the battlefield, sparing us from his wrath. We barely escaped with our lives."
Aveline raises a hand, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Hold on. A female sorceress? History tells us their magic has been sealed away for over two hundred years."
Triork offers a sly grin. "Keenly knowledgeable of history, are we? Sadly, there are those who crave the power of magic, willing to break any law or defy any prophecy to possess it." His gaze shifts to Rodger. "Do you have this cursed crystal in your possession?"
"No," Rodger replies. "We left it behind in the mineshaft. However, considering Rai— I mean, my companion— he might have it on him now."
Triork lets out a sigh of relief. "That's fortunate. I wouldn't wish to see another of my kin succumb to its influence. But be warned," he continues, his voice grave. "That crystal harbors a terrifying amount of dark energy. I suggest him not to hold onto it for long."
Rodger and Aveline exchange a worried glance, the weight of this newfound information settling heavily upon them.
A few goblin soldiers approach Triork, laden with pouches.
"This is all the information I can offer for now," Triork says, his voice heavy. "I trust it will be of some use to you on your journey."
He gestures to the soldiers, who step forward and extend the pouches towards Rodger and Aveline.
"Consider these a token of our gratitude for rescuing our kin," Triork continues. "Please, humans, accept them. I believe they will serve you well."
Rodger cautiously unties the drawstring of one pouch, peering inside. A surprised gasp escapes his lips.
"Cevel? In a place like this?"
Triork chuckles, a hint of pride in his voice. "Merely a few treasures salvaged from forgotten ruins. We goblins have no interest in stealing from humans, unlike the wretched minions of Zoldok."
"I understand," Rodger murmurs, tucking the pouch away securely.
"The hour grows late," Triork observes. "Would you humans care to stay the night as our guests?"
Aveline shakes her head politely. "We appreciate the offer, but we must decline. We have pressing matters to attend to back at the inn."
Triork throws his head back and lets out a hearty laugh. "As you wish! But remember, you are always welcome here. Should you require further information, we'd be happy to help... for a price, of course."
"We'll keep that in mind," Rodger replies with a smile. "I'll be sure to let my companion know."
With a final handshake exchanged between Rodger and Triork, the two humans take their leave, their steps echoing as they head back towards the cave entrance leading to the mineshaft. The weight of their newfound knowledge hangs heavy in the air, propelling them forward with a renewed sense of urgency.
...
As they walk, Aveline breaks the silence, her voice laced with concern. "Sir Rodger?"
"Hmm?" Rodger responds, his gaze fixed on the path ahead.
"Do you think General Rai should be aware of this?" she asks, gesturing towards the pouch containing the scavenged treasures.
Rodger nods decisively. "There's a good chance he knows more about the crystal than either of us. This information might be the key we've been looking for."
Aveline lets out a heavy sigh. "I just hope General Rai is alright. That goblin elder mentioned something about not holding onto the crystal for too long, didn't he?"
"It's definitely cause for concern," Rodger admits, a furrow etching itself between his brows. "You know how stubborn he can be."
Aveline can't help but let out a small chuckle. "So I'm not the only one who's noticed?"
"Heh," Rodger replies with a knowing grin. "You wouldn't believe how stubborn he was back in the village when we were younger, young lass."
Their conversation continues in this vein, a lighthearted exchange punctuated by their shared worry about Rai. As they walk, they delve into stories of Rai's past, each anecdote painting a clearer picture of the determined and headstrong man they both know and care for.
...
A thud echoes through the room as the door swings shut behind me. With a sigh of relief, I shrug off my armor and sink onto the bed. Exhaustion washes over me, pulling a deep exhale from my lungs.
"Dear, are you hungry?" Ruby's voice floats in from the other side of the room. I glance up to see her leaning against the doorway, her staff propped casually against the wall.
"Just a few bites," I manage, my voice hoarse.
"Gotcha. Back in a jiffy."
She darts across the room, planting a quick kiss on my lips before disappearing through the doorway. I reach into my pouch, retrieving the shard of obsidian I snatched from the mineshaft. Its surface is smooth and cool to the touch, an unsettling contrast to the dark energy it radiates.
"One weird-looking crystal," I mutter, turning it over in my hands. The knowledge of its destructive power weighs heavily on me. A shiver crawls down my spine as I imagine the goblins it had twisted into mindless beasts.
With another sigh, I place the crystal on the nightstand, its presence a constant reminder of the danger I faced. My fingers brush against another object nestled within my pouch – the spherical crystal, a beacon of the promise I made to Alpha.
"You told me to stay alive," I whisper, tracing the inscription etched into its surface. "And I did. But now..." My voice trails off, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach. "Now I'm not even allowed to die."
Silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the rhythmic creak of the floorboards. Days have bled into nights, and Alpha remains a ghost, his motives shrouded in mystery. No whispers, no sightings – it's as if he vanished into thin air.
I tuck the crystal back into my pouch, a sense of foreboding gnawing at me. Heaving myself onto my back, I stare listlessly at the ceiling. A gentle rap on the door pulls me from my thoughts.
"Come in, it's open," I call out.
The door creaks open and Ruby enters, a tray laden with various cuts of meat and a pitcher of water balanced in her hands. A smile graces her lips, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Planning on hitting the hay?" she asks, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
"Not quite," I reply, pushing myself up to a sitting position.
She sets the tray down with a soft thud and joins me on the bed, a giggle escaping her lips. Picking up a piece of meat, she playfully raises it to my mouth.
"Open wide~" she singsongs.
I comply with a chuckle, feeling a wave of warmth wash over me at her childish antics.
"So cute," she murmurs, popping a piece of meat into her own mouth.
The playful mood takes a subtle shift as she falls silent, her brow furrowed in thought.
"Is something on your mind, sweety?" I ask gently, sensing her unspoken worry.
She hesitates for a moment, then shakes her head, her gaze locking with mine.
"Do you think I'm... being selfish?" she blurts out, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
"What do you mean?" I ask, my brow furrowing in confusion.
She takes a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whenever I see you and Aveline fighting side-by-side, you two seem so in sync, looking out for each other..." Her voice trails off, her fist clenching against her chest. "It makes me wonder if maybe you and Aveline..."
I reach over, setting the tray aside and pulling her into a tight embrace before she can finish her sentence. The frustration in her voice is a stark contrast to her usual unwavering confidence.
"Ruby," I begin, my voice firm yet gentle. "How many times do I have to tell you?"
A blush creeps up Ruby's cheeks. "W-what are you talking about?" she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.
"There's nothing to be jealous of." I persist, holding her gaze.
"the way Aveline looks at you... doesn't it seem like she might..." The words catch in my throat.
She sighs, a hint of amusement dancing in her bright blue eyes. "Honestly, Sweetheart," I play with her hair playfully, "I haven't noticed anything like that. It just seems to me like she wants me to be some kind of perfect general or something."
Ruby reaches out, her fingers brushing against my cheek. A warmth spreads through me as she senses my sincerity through my aura.
"Stupid," she mutters under her breath, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
I furrow my brow, feigning offense. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"N-nothing!" she exclaims, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. She shakes her head vigorously, her flustered expression only making me want to tease her more.
"Are you angry?" I prod gently, a playful grin spreading across my face.
"Uuh..." she stammers, her voice trailing off.
Before she can answer, I reach out, poking her cheek with one finger. "Just a little jealous, are we?" I tease, adding another playful poke for good measure.
A giggle escapes her lips, the sound like tinkling bells. She throws her arms around me, burying her face in my chest.
We hold each other for a moment, a comfortable silence settling between us. Then, she pulls back, her eyes searching mine.
"Rai," she begins, her voice soft and serious. "I worry about you. You always charge headfirst into danger, and you always end up getting hurt. I hate seeing you like that."
A pang of guilt stabs at my heart. She's right, of course. I can be reckless at times, driven by my need for vengeance.
"Things happen in battle," I say defensively, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yes, but..." she trails off, her voice laced with concern.
I cup her face in my hands, gently pulling her closer. Our lips meet in a soft, tender kiss.
"I promise I'll be careful," I murmur against her lips, pulling away slightly. "Besides," I add with a wink, "you know how stubborn I can be. I won't let anything stop me from fulfilling my promise."
She sighs, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Of course you won't," she mutters, shaking her head.
Ruby smiles nervously, her hand finding its way back to my side as she pulls me closer, leading us both to lie on the bed.
"Dear, what do you say we call it an early night and rest? Your stamina seems depleted, and you need to recharge," she suggests, her voice laced with concern.
"I think that's a wise idea for now. Sorry for my drained state," I admit, leaning against her comforting shoulder.
"I'm just grateful to have you here, alive and by my side," Ruby replies, embracing me tightly from behind.
"Me to... Thank you, sweetheart, for giving me a reason to keep going," I say, our eyes locked in a shared understanding.
We exchange smiles and share more kisses until exhaustion overtakes us, our bodies finding solace in the much-needed rest.
#
End of Chapter 13...