Well, this one is on me. If I hadn't acted like a spoiled brat and actually listened to what Lirius had to say and then question him properly, I'd probably be out of this mess. I didn't have to prolong anything with the stupid tackle on Lirius, and we'd be somewhere else right now; discussing other important stuff.

But you can't really expect me to know the answer to everything. What If Lirius had been an enemy for real? What if he still is? I can't risk it in any way. And if I have to be honest, I kinda like the way things turned out. I was wondering from the moment I got the dagger when I'd be able to test it out, and it seems that the occasion has shown itself.

There were 3 guards in the room now, and probably 1 or 2 more were outside making sure I can't escape. It's better this way, cause I can deal with them 2 at a time. Lirius was just standing there, with what looked like its passive expression. I didn't have time for his tricks.

Eve incredulously tries to charge the closest guard he has her eyes on just to miserably fail and get pushed down.

"AHH" screams Eve. "Get off me you stupid pigs. You have no idea with whom you're messing."

"Oh trust me, lady, " responded one of them. "we damn well know. Now, we can do this in the good way or the bad way. I wouldn't want any of your pretty face to get damaged, so I'd suggest you be obedient and follow us."

Evelyn resists and attacks one of the guards, scratching him and bruising its arm. Even though Eve had a victorious expression on her face, the guard just slapped her back; throwing her away. That blow almost made her unconscious, but she barely stood woke. Her action seemed futile at this point and she started cursing her dagger for being useless.

Shortly after, she was being carried by the guards. She seemed to have given up completely and while she was being carried away she didn't look up at all, her face down.

When they surpassed the door, a click was heard and Lirius yelled something inaudible. 2 of the guards that were patrolling outside exploded out of nowhere and the last 3 stood there shocked. One of them quickly tried to grab a weapon to go on the offense while the other two were already on the strike. Lirius apparently was low on breath and Eve deducted that the spell he had used might've used much of his power so she intercepted their attack by distracting them.

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Nevertheless, Lirius still had stamina since he assaulted one of them and fatally killed him, yet again by saying some inaudible words. He afterward fell on the floor, exhausted. Eve went to help him but was ambushed by the other guard who swinged his weapon her way.

Is it really gonna end this way? Was Lirius actually planning something to get me out and if I hadn't been this reckless, he probably would've gathered more time and consequently killed more opponents? I don't want to believe that, there must be something, anything I can do. It's too early for my journey to end.

The blade was getting closer to her chest.. and then out of nowhere a light. A light so bright that was actually blinding. Everything fell in silent then after a second Eve spotted something-- someone on the top of the shelf; which rapidly disappeared. Then screaming from the soldier followed. After a few seconds, he laid there dead.

Eve quickly ran towards Lirius, checking if he was harmed or not.

"We've been pretty lucky m'lady," said Lirius. "I still had some strength on me that I had been collecting in a while. I knew this would've happened. Don't think in any way this is your fault. It was mine for taking too much to explain and being careless. But now there's no time, we got-- WATCH OU"

The last remaining guard that went to fetch a weapon was back and he was looking for revenge. No one saw that coming, but fortunately for Eve, Lirius noticed at the last moment and covered her with its own body; consequently getting severely wounded.

"You're next pretty."

Evelyn didn't have any force left on her. She was just laying there with her eyes widely opened looking at her presumably dead friend. Were they ever friends tho? Did she even come remotely close to achieving a friendship in this damned world? Even through the circumstances, she still planned to one way or another convince the old man to depart with her. But now she was left all alone, at least it will all be over soon.

The guard was about to stab Eve when all of a sudden he stopped; falling on the floor. Evelyn was left in awe. Bewildered, she looked around to see if someone was responsible for this act of heroism; just to see Lirius pointing at her dagger.

"It is it who saved you young girl." slowly said Lirius. "I had heard of something like this, but I didn't know whether on not it was true. I can see that you're both compatible with each other, which puts a smile on my face."

cough cough

"I've been repeating this forever" continued Lirius. " but you must go to my fellow Tibius. You gotta pass the city of Dork, which is our current location, and arrive at Lak. You'll have to find Tibius on your own, since no one really knows him. It won't be an easy task, but that's your next challenge. Be strong and believe in yourself. I know you can save us all--

"Lirius! Lirius!" yelled Eve

But it was all for nothing, the old man was gone.

"Granpa!" screamed a voice.

Evelyn turned that way, just to find a boy standing at the door.