38

The Outskirts of the Ruined City I

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A serene lake, with a surface like glass, reflected the multitude of cracks in the night sky. A giant pattern of dim light was painted across this surface, and in the middle, the place where all these lines converged, stood a small tree.

From the tree, that was eager to grow branches, a golden dewdrop fell. The perfect surface was broken as continuous ripples of light spread from the center of this lake, the moment the dewdrop fell, everything was set in motion.

But hidden in the silence of this mystical place sat a young man.

A completely mesmerized Alduin was sitting in front of a small crystalline tree, yet like the time of his coma, his body was nowhere to be seen, only his spiritual consciousness quietly observed the changes that were happening.

With each breath he took, the crystallized bolt of thunder shone with strength and another ripple spread outwards. And with each breath that he released, the shining nerves, visible inside the tree, cooled down once again.

The darkness and the celestial light, a realm only he could see, had an immense effect on his body. Waves of exhilaration spread through his spine each time the light pulsed through the tree, and with each breath, the collection of warmth around his navel seemed to grow warmer.

Every night, from the first time he experienced this to now, was spent observing this unknown occurrence until he fell asleep. Completely isolated from the rest of the world, Alduin tried to circulate his energy through as many rotations as he could, until he finally caved in.

His spiritual arms couldn’t help reaching forward as if he was completely entranced. His fingers gently tried touching the small tree that hadn’t yet spouted any branches or any roots. His thoughts completely focused on wanting more, ‘Just a little.’ His fingers almost reached its bark. ‘Allow me to touch you just once.’ but the moment he came in contact with it, a flash of light erupted from the tree, and Alduin woke up.

His eyes opened and a small room entered his eyes. The sunlight shining through the window wasn’t enough to warm this room, and the coldness made him snuggle further into his blanket. ‘What’s that?’ Yet his blanket was stuck somewhere.

‘Veleda?’ His eyes squinted as the light irritated his eyes, but he could see golden hairs spread over his arm as Veleda snuggled closer to him.

The warm current he felt the past night continued a little longer as his worries were pushed aside for a short time.

“Good morning,” Ise said while watching Alduin push Veleda’s hair behind her ears.

With a startle, Alduin turned and almost yelled, “what?!” His heart skipped a beat as if he was caught red-handed. “I didn’t notice you.”

His heartbeat increased as he gently removed his hand from Veleda’s hair. His voice trembled slightly but continued as if nothing happened, “Have you become used to it?”

Ise smiled as she answered, “More like I have learned something I have forgotten, it’s a strange feeling.”

Her cold voice completely melted as she talked with Alduin. After facing that Goblin Captain, the trust they felt had grown even deeper, and while they knew each other quite well before everything that happened, now they felt more like family.

“I understand,” Alduin said, his eyes staring at his hands, a small current of warmth still coursed through him as if to prove what he experienced wasn’t an illusion. “I don’t know how it is for them, but I can’t imagine a life where I didn’t have this.”

As he looked at his hands, his eyes landed on the announcement paper he was holding last night. A sigh escaped him as he spoke up, “It’s time to get moving.”

With a push, he slowly woke Veleda and the snoring Leon. The sounds of people moving about already rang out from outside, something large was going to happen today.

The four of them sat in a circle with a small pup watching on as Alduin finally shared the plans that kept him up last night, “Let’s join as Volunteers.”

But nobody was surprised by his announcement. The first person that replied was Ise, “It fits in the plan we started with, besides... we need some adjustments anyways.”

“If we want to head to your home we’ll need permission,” Leon said, they had collected several flyers from the large notice boards. His finger pointed to the one lying in the middle of the few that seemed important, “That one might be a problem.”

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Alduin stared at the large printed picture with a heavy expression.

“There have been rumors going around,” Alduin added on, “If we want to go, we’ll have to leave today. We should assume the military already knows as well.” He stared at the three others and said with a heavy voice, “They would have long left this place otherwise.”

There were a couple of things supporting their conjecture, the first being the utter disgust the military showed the survivors. Especially for newcomers, their presence was far from appreciated. And even for martial law, the way the army was hiding what was going on from the general public was contradictory to their purpose.

The second clue was the fact that they advised people to join their reclamation efforts, even to the point of discriminating against those who don’t. Right now, the only people who had any chance of leaving this place, under the protection of the military, had to prove their contribution.

And the last and most telling clue was the following;

“That’s great,” a clerk said with enthusiasm, “Do know that any remains, technology, and sustenance, found in enemy territory, belongs to the military and any transgressions are punishable by immediate imprisonment without legal respite.”

Right, if there was one thing that supported their conjecture most, it was this. Volunteer soldiers were needed, those that helped the army received a way out, and the military received all claims under the guise of research.

“We understand,” Alduin said, “We do have our own equipment, we... borrowed it from a museum, does this fall under your claims as well?”

The clerk looked with surprise and then laughed. “A metal shield, a sword, and a couple of pikes?” The clerk continued with a condescending voice, “We’re talking about remains, mainly bodies of those creatures, no matter how small, to the food they consume. Any item that looks valuable will increase your contribution to the camp as well.”

“What about my dog? Can I register it as well?” Alduin asked nonchalantly, with an expression as if he knew nothing of how the world has changed.

“Well…” the clerk pondered and said, “It’s a puppy?” Yet her pen noted down everything they asked her to. “Now lastly, what’s the purpose of you joining as a volunteer?”

Alduin smiled, their plan had a rocky start, but they would make use of anything available to them. “We’re looking for my family, their home is furthest south of the city.”

“Oh...” The clerk paused but her expression hardly showed any compassion. “Do note that a military expedition is underway, they left two days ago, and at noon, another one will start as well.” Her hands pulled a map from her drawer, one that was exclusive to the military, and handed it over as she continued, “There are three areas you’re not allowed to trespass. Right now, volunteer squads are needed in the following areas-“

The explanation continued, but all four of them felt their expressions harden the longer they listened to her explanation.

This was the final nail in the coffin.

They were right.

If they had any doubt humanity could put up a fight against whatever was happening, then this proved their fears with certainty. Humanity was losing. Regular civilians were going to be a distraction, and the army would be the spearhead to the dungeon gates.

Large crowds of desperate individuals had gathered. From people looking to receive enough contributions to head for the main base, to people looking to loot houses and increase their rations. It didn’t matter why they had chosen to volunteer, what was important was that they would all head into the city, an hour before the military started their expedition.

“Tighten your armor.” Alduin inspected Veleda closely. “Keep yourself covered at all costs, alright?” His worries now landed completely on Veleda as he made sure she was as safe as possible.

“I’m fine, I understand,” her voice softly replied, “People are watching...” her flushed face looked at her surroundings.

“I don’t care, stay behind me at all times, and never remove your helmet. Even if you think it’s safe.” Alduin pushed her cloak up to her neck before making sure her helmet was strapped on tightly.

“I will, stop worrying,” Veleda said with a serious expression. She had also awakened, her physique was incomparable to before, but unlike Alduin, her physical strength hadn’t increased much, it seemed her perception had received the greatest boost.

A small growl rang out from the pup standing between them.

“Hati, stay with Veleda,” Alduin commanded, he couldn’t give it too many complex commands as that might betray them, but Alduin was certain this much was alright.

But Hati growled again. Noticing this, Alduin turned to the direction Hati was facing. There was another thing all four of them had to be cautious of, it was something he was guarded most against. ‘Chances are,’ His thoughts once again arrived here. ‘That we’re not alone.’

Out of all volunteers, there were several small groups with preparations comparable to theirs. From armor to weapons, they were far from the only ones rapidly adapting to this world.

“Ise,” Alduin spoke up, “Pay attention.”

A clerk gave the large group of volunteers their last assignments but none of their group cared. They only needed permission to head south, it was even better if they could make use of the opportunity provided by others.

‘It’s wrong…’ Alduin knew what he was doing wasn’t admirable, but he was far from strong enough to worry about those unrelated to him. Alduin had clearly seen what happened in the Goblin Rulers’ dungeon, there was no way he would risk their safety for other people.

Looking at those people, Alduin made sure the small spark burning inside him, was hidden as much as he could. They were only a single step away from entering the ruined city.

‘One thing we need to pay attention to-’ Alduin, who was completely prepared, thought back to their plan in the small room. ‘Whatever we do, we should remain as far away from those gates as possible.’

There was one flyer that stood out more than the others. It was the only announcement printed in colour. The only thing it showed was a picture of a massive spiraling gate, one incomparable to the red one they were familiar with.

It was the third type of dungeon, its entry being a giant purple gate.