[Book II Chapter 117] ROSE: Asserting Herself

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Rose skipped across Messanic’s rooftops, her exhausted muscles screaming. Reaching an intersection, she stopped to observe the chaos below. Refugees from the east clogged the streets. Her eyes traveled the throngs of people, taking in their worried expressions. Some children were trying not to cry while their parents put on a brave faces. Driven from their homes, unsure where they’ll end up… I understand their feelings of powerlessness. Finally finding a free spot, she jumped down and entered the inn where she was staying.

Every day they’d plunged back into the Dark Heritage Dungeon, fruitlessly exploring its undead passageways. Carol lead the way, fearlessly venturing into the darkest corners in a way which even gave Dawn pause. Near disasters were becoming frequent. On this course, It will not end well.

Rose grimaced. Roxanne, Zentrias, and now Carol… Those close to her were slipping from her grasp.

Making her way to the upper floors, she stopped before a door and knocked. There was no answer.

After the incident, Roxanne had locked had herself away from the world, rebuffing all attempts at communication. She hasn’t eaten in days. At this rate, the lack of food will worsen her condition.

Rose leaned against the hallway wall and brought out a walnut which reflected a strange glint. Cradling it carefully, she made a solemn plead. “Revitalize Roxanne’s withered spirit.”

Her hard-earned prize crumbled into nothingness in her palm, and a strange sensation warped the air before fading. She took a deep breath and waited calmly, hopeful.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Roxanne burst into the hallway, glaring at her. “What did you do?” She demanded.

“I used a miracle seed.” Rose answered. “Because you wouldn’t come out.”

Absorbing these words, Rosanne’s anger slowly deflated. “It had an effect.” She sighed. “Please, come in.”

It was higher end room, with an abundance of space and amenities befitting of an immortal. The inside was surprising orderly, absent messiness of a typical shut-in. Even the bed was unruffled, as if it’d been barely used. Rose winced, imagining her mentor lying motionless on it.

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Roxanne invited her to sit opposite her. “Seeing those claws brought back unpleasant memories. Reliving them worsened my condition.” She explained. “Your miracle seed undid that damage.”

“Is that all?” Rose asked. She knew a single one wouldn’t be a cure-all, but it was still demoralizing.

“Considering what I experienced, we should be grateful I’m active at all.” Roxanne said softly. Rose remembered the wretches they’d encountered in the jail of Dark Heritage, how many body parts they’d been missing. There was no need to press for more details.

Roxanne smiled. “While the fatigue is unchanged, I do feel less fragile then before. No matter what happens, I’m confident I won’t break down again, at least until…”

“I will make sure you survive this Dark Age.” Rose cut in.

The immortal said nothing, but the wisdom in her eyes reflected a knowing certainty. She rejected it entirely. I’m starting to hate this dark age.

“What happened to your friend Zentrias?” Roxanne asked.

“A lot…” Rose brought the immortal up to date on the latest developments.

Once she’d finished, Roxanne shook her head gently. “So he’s trapped and alone, with the gauntlets eating away at his mind… All because of me…” The weariness which swept her face caused Rose’s heart to sink.

“It’s my fault.” She exclaimed urgently. “I should’ve anticipated your reaction… Don’t you dare feel responsible!”

Roxanne chuckled weakly. “Don’t worry. A little guilt won’t affect me. However, I must warn you…” She turned grim. “If you die blindly exploring Dark Heritage, I’ll likely return to Xarst and join the sleepers for good.”

“That won’t happen——” Rose began, but was interrupted when a fairy flew in, a trail of frost following her.

“Carol wants to discuss tomorrow.” It reported.

Apologizing, Rose excused herself and made her way across the inn. One problem down, now for the other… Carol’s room was smaller and in complete disarray, equipment and clothing flung everywhere. Its owner sat at a small table, a pile of makeshift maps laid out before her. Dawn was nearby, sporting a resigned expression. Her pride won’t let her suggest caution.

Carol noted her presence. “Good, we were about to decide where to focus on next.”

“Stop, we’re changing our approach.” Rose declared, causing Dawn to perk up.

For her part, Carol visibly bristled. “You can do whatever you want.” She said with venom. “But I——”

“We’re fetching my brother Wise.” Rose interjected. This announcement caught Carol off-guard, giving her an opening to continue. “He can search an entire floor by merely stepping into it.”

“That’s an amazing idea!” Dawn shouted. “With his help, our next expedition will be our last! This will be so much faster…”

Carol frowned. “Where exactly is your brother?” I got her.

“He’s wandering the Twisted Lands west of us,” Rose revealed, “but he checks in with adventurer’s guild regularly. Once he discovers we’re looking for him, he’ll leave us a message letting us know how to reach him.”

Rose spent the rest of the evening winning Carol over to her plan, then finally enjoyed the first good night’s sleep in long while.