Hours passed as they tried to stay awake in the pitch black forest. The flickering light from the fire was the only light source. The wind blew, setting the mood as you heard the trees shake and the shadows got bigger.

You could see black areas appear under Amory's and Everett's eyes. "Everett, you good? " A tired Amory asked. Everett, looking up quickly, shook his head.

When he laid his head back down, all he saw was a short, skinny green creature with big ears covered in a brown cloak.

Everett, out of shock, leaped off the floor, flying over to Amory. Which instantly made their tiredness escape.

The green creature started cackling while walking toward Everett. He touched his face before Everett flinched. "Who the hell are you? And why are you so close".

The creature laughed once more. "Yes, my name is Likkrus," As he bowed toward Everett. His eyes eventually narrowed towards Amory. You could see a shiver went down his spine. "You young one have a dark but mysterious aura about you. It feels like death itself," he said with a shaken voice.

Amory looked around while pointing towards himself in confusion. "But, Mr. Likkrus, I'm not a mage nor a paladin. So I can't have an aura". Likkrus shook his head. He ran away and shouted, "Follow me young ones". Both boys tried chasing after him, but even with his skinny and small body stature, they couldn't keep up.

After a while, they reached a small cave that was very maintained, as if someone lived there. A cackling Likkrus came out of the cave. "For young ones, you are very slow. You can't even keep up with this old one. This is my home. Come inside".

Everett's and Amory's eyes connected, as they had a suspicious look on their face. Amory nodded his head and walked inside. The dimly lit lanterns flickered as water drops echoed throughout the gloomy cave. They followed Likkrus to an open field area within the cave. With an opening on the roof of the cave, Starlight shined down. Likkrus stood there whilst calling over Amory.

He cackled, "Let out your hand, child". Amory slowly let out his hand while Likkrus grabbed it with immense strength. "Tell me, boy, can you make a flame yet, hmm?" He said while staring into Amory's eyes.

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"No, ah Mr. Likkrus. How do you know I can make a flame tho? And why did you bring us to this place?"

Should I trust this man, or should I take Everett and run?

"Kekeke, all will be seen, also known soon enough, young one. Now let I'm about to let you speak with Ewen for a short time"

A shocked face filled Amory's expression, but it felt like his life was leaving his body until he fell to the floor.

How does he know about Ewen?

⚫

Amory woke up in a dark cave. There was a light blue light radiating from a corner. He pulled himself off the floor and strolled towards the light. He turned the corner to see Ewen sitting on his throne, with a bored expression on his face.

His eyes widened as he saw Amory standing there. "What are you doing here, child? ". Amory had nothing to say, as one thought stayed in his head.

I thought the throne would've been made ‌of bone. It's just an ordinary throne. What a buzzkill that is. Why am I so calm about this, anyway? I should be freaking out right now.

Amory finally answered, "A man named Likkrus did this. He's kind of a weird old geezer".

"I see, so you have little time here. I want you to give both these things to Likkrus once you go back to the real world." Ewen snapped his fingers, making a long wooden box appear in his hand with a note on top. "Now go set off, boy".

Amory becomes drowsy. Before he could speak, his body gave in once more.

⚫

Amory opened his eyes to him, standing with what Ewen gave him next to Likkrus. "How was it boy did you meet him once more, kekeke". Amory came back to senses and handed Likkrus the wooden box and note.

Likkrus opened the note and nodded his head as he read it. A slight smirk was seen on his face. He raised his head whilst making a hand gesture to follow him.

They went deeper into the cave until they stopped at a room. Three beds stayed there while torches lit the entire room and a barrel on the floor for storage.

"Sleep here for the night, young ones. I'm sure this is better than the cold forest."

Amory and Everett nodded, as they had nowhere else to go.

Likkrus left while both settled in bed. Everett gave off a yawn, breaking the silence of the room as he turned to his side.

"Amory, who do you think is that old guy, and why does he have such an interest in us". Everett said with a worried, yet confused, expression. "I wonder what's gonna happen tomorrow, gonna be an interesting day".

A loud snore came from Amory, making Everett laugh. "You dumb idiot".

*

Likkrus was under the moonlight once more, staring at the stars as he was in deep thought. "So you want me to train the young ones, huh Ewen? Still haven't changed, kekeke".

As he looked down at the opened box. It contained a sword with a black blade reflecting even light, while its handle was a more gentle black with 2 blue ribbons tied to it.