With the cracking sound of the prison, the hair on Rik’s back stood up. He turned around and saw the Paladin captain enveloped in light, emerging from the shattered pieces of the shadow prison.
On the other side of the carriage, Leo and Wina lay on the ground, with a mage looming over Leo, ready to deliver a fatal blow. Nearby, three assassins watched Cirnath with palpable fear. One of them broke into a run, desperate to escape.
Cirnath moved his finger, and all four bandits were instantly enveloped in shields made of light. In a heartbeat, the shields began to compress, and the bandits' screams were abruptly silenced.
Seizing the moment, Rik mustered all his power and used his shadow-step ability to charge at Cirnath. In less than a second, he was upon the Paladin captain. He pulled out another black cube from his pocket, ready to throw it. But against a seasoned Paladin captain, his speed was futile. Cirnath raised his hand, and a spear of light erupted from the ground, piercing Rik’s hand. Rik screamed in agony, trying to free himself, only to be impaled by another spear through his leg.
Cirnath calmly reached into his bag and pulled out a small object, holding it in front of the immobilized Rik.
“You are going to tell us everything,” Cirnath said, his voice steady and unyielding.
Fear flashed in Rik’s eyes. The object began to glow, sucking him inside it; in instant, he vanished unable to even scream.
…
Leo was thrown to the ground by the force of the mage’s spell, landing hard while Wina was hurled two meters behind him. The mage approached Leo with a triumphant smile, raising his staff for a final strike. Suddenly, a crackling sound filled the air. The mage turned just in time to see a light shield envelop him, reducing him to a lifeless pile of flesh in seconds.
Leo watched in shock as the formidable mage, who had overpowered both him and Wina, was effortlessly dispatched. His gaze shifted to Cirnath, now enveloped in light, and he felt a mix of admiration and a tinge of fear. After Cirnath trapped the assassin in the mysterious object, Leo got to his feet and helped Wina stand. Together, they moved to the other side of the carriage, where Carter was sitting near the unconscious Evelyn.
Cirnath approached and gently moved Carter aside to kneel beside Evelyn. He placed his hand on her head and whispered softly. A soothing light emanated from his hand and flowed into Evelyn. Moments later, she stirred and opened her eyes.
“Captain?” Evelyn murmured, seeing his face.
Cirnath nodded and stood up. “Carter, help her.”
Carter carefully helped Evelyn sit up, his hands steady as she winced slightly. Cirnath, standing nearby, surveyed the group with a stern but approving nod. “Good work, everyone. We’ll rest here for an hour.”
Leo, still on edge from the fight, approached Cirnath, concern etched across his face. “Captain, is it safe to stop here? Couldn’t it be dangerous?”
Cirnath’s eyes met his. “It is dangerous,” he admitted, his tone calm but firm. “But we need to recover our mana and stamina. If we’re ambushed again before we’ve regained our strength, we could be in real trouble.”
Leo nodded, realizing the importance of the rest, though the unease lingered. He sat down on the ground, still wary, as Wina joined him. She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small sandwich, holding it out to him.
“Here,” she said softly, offering it to him.
Leo glanced at the sandwich, then noticed she had one for herself as well. He hesitated briefly before accepting it with a grateful nod. “Thank you.”
Wina smiled warmly before they ate in silence, the tension of the recent battle still heavy in the air.
After about half an hour, Wina switched spots with Carter, who sat down next to Leo. The two sat quietly for a few minutes, the sounds of the camp settling in around them. Finally, Carter broke the silence, his voice curious but measured.
“I didn’t expect you to take down those enemies so easily... and without hesitation,” he said, glancing sideways at Leo.
Leo looked up at him, his expression clouded with something deeper. “If it was just me, I wouldn’t have,” he replied quietly.
Carter frowned, puzzled by the remark. Leo unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. “This sword has a negative effect... it makes me bloodthirsty.”
Carter’s eyes widened as he took a closer look. “Wait... is this the Sword of Light?”
Leo nodded grimly.
Carter’s face darkened with understanding. “That sword is dangerous.”
“I know,” Leo replied, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of his choice. “But I didn’t have any other option. If I’d hesitated for even a second, one of my friends could’ve died.”
Carter studied the sword for a moment longer before handing it back to Leo, a look of shared understanding in his eyes. “We do what we have to, to protect the people we care about.”
Wina sat beside Evelyn, their quiet conversation occasionally punctuated by soft laughter that lightened the heavy atmosphere.
After another half-hour of rest, the group prepared to move again. The journey resumed without further incident, the tension from earlier slowly ebbing away as the hours passed. For two uneventful hours, they traveled smoothly, with no signs of additional ambushes.
When Liamond and Adam finally emerged from the carriage, Carter provided them with a summary of the earlier skirmish. Their faces darkened with anger at the news, their frustration evident. Nonetheless, Leo and Carter took over the watch.
The journey continued for another six hours, the landscape gradually shifting as they approached the city of Niver. By the time Leo stepped out of the carriage again, they had already entered the city. The bustling streets of Niver were a welcome sight, a stark contrast to the wilderness they had just traversed.
Cirnath stood by the carriage, flanked by two priests clad in the traditional robes of their order. One of the priests stepped forward, his tone formal yet respectful. “We'll take it from here,” he said, before turning his gaze to Cirnath. “Captain Cirnath, Bishop Zelis requests your presence.”
He acknowledged the priest with a nod, then turned to Carter. “Carter, lead the team to the Paladin guest house we always use. I’ll join you there shortly.”
Carter straightened, placing his fist over his heart in a gesture of respect and loyalty. “Yes, Captain,” he replied, his voice steady. The team began to organize, ready to follow Carter's lead through the streets of Niver.
While walking behind Carter, Leo took in the sights of the city. Niver was nestled near the base of a mountain, giving it a unique and majestic backdrop. Most of the houses were constructed from white stone, giving the city a pristine, almost ethereal appearance. Compared to Flesa, Niver was twice its size, with structures that towered above them, casting long shadows that merged with those from the mountain, leaving much of the city in shade.
The buildings were significantly taller than those in Flesa, giving the impression of a city built for giants. The streets were broad, accommodating large carriages that rumbled through with ease. Unlike Flesa, which was rich in greenery, Niver had noticeably less vegetation. The stark white stone and towering buildings created an imposing yet captivating atmosphere. Leo couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and slight intimidation as he followed Carter through the wide streets, making their way to a guest house of the Paladins.
When they reached the guest house, Carter arranged three rooms: one for the girls, one for Leo and Liamond, and one for Adam and himself. Leo trudged behind Liamond to their room, every muscle aching from the day's events. As soon as he reached the bed, he collapsed onto it, falling asleep almost instantly. Liamond, who had been eager to discuss the battle, saw Leo's immediate slumber and decided to let him rest, saving their conversation for another time.
...
Leo awoke feeling groggy and disoriented. He checked his watch: 9 p.m. He had no idea how long he had slept. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he decided to seek out the others. Rising from the bed, he left the room. The guest house's interior featured warm wooden furnishings, contrasted by solid stone walls, lending it a cozy yet formidable ambiance. As he descended the creaky stairs, the sound of laughter and loud conversation grew louder, making him feel comforted.
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Opening the door to the main hall, Leo saw the men from his group drinking and talking. Carter, his face red from the alcohol, spotted Leo and shouted, “It’s him, guys; it’s him!”
Leo froze, suddenly the center of attention. Carter continued, “He cut off the head of the first bandit in less than a second!”
Everyone raised their glasses, shouting in unison, “Hey!”
Leo, feeling a bit out of place amidst the celebration, spotted an empty chair and quietly sat down. Moments later, Carter staggered over, setting a glass of beer in front of him with a sloppy grin. “Come on, Leo, drink with us!” he urged, his voice slurred from too much alcohol.
Leo raised a hand in polite refusal. “Sorry, I don’t drink,” he said calmly.
Carter frowned, clearly not taking no for an answer. “Aw, come on,” he pressed, the alcohol dulling his judgment.
Liamond, who was sitting next to Leo, leaned over and smirked. “He’s like that after his second glass.”
Leo glanced at the drink in Liamond’s hand. “How many have you had?”
Liamond grinned with a sense of pride. “This is my fourth.” His face then shifted into a more serious expression. “Is the story Carter told true?”
Leo nodded, his gaze dropping slightly. “Yes.”
Liamond studied him for a moment. “You used that sword, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” Leo replied, his tone steady but reflective.
Liamond’s brow furrowed with concern. “Are you okay? After using a cursed blade like that, the memories can stick with you... They say it can leave trauma, even corrupt your soul over time.”
Leo sighed softly. “I know. Funny thing is, I’m okay.”
Liamond’s eyes widened slightly, his concern deepening. “That’s both a relief and... honestly, terrifying.”
Leo gave a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood. “I’m doing my best not to turn into a monster.”
Liamond returned the smile, reassured. “Glad to hear it.”
After a brief pause, Leo glanced around. “By the way, where are Ms. Wina and Ms. Evelyn?”
“Oh, they went shopping,” Liamond replied casually.
Leo raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his tired expression. ‘So even in this world, shopping is a universal thing for girls, huh?’ he thought, a small chuckle escaping him.
The rest of the evening passed with the group sharing stories and enjoying their moment of peace, the weight of their recent battle fading, if only for a little while.
…
The next day, Leo woke up before everyone else. He had given his clothes to the guest house staff for washing last night, so today he was dressed in simple black pants and a white shirt. He stepped out of the room, intending to find a place to wash his face, when he saw Cirnath.
Leo put his fist on his chest in a respectful salute and said, "Captain."
“Leo, go and wake Liamond and the girls. I will wake Carter,” Cirnath instructed.
Unsure of what was happening, Leo nodded and headed back to his room. He shook Liamond awake and then went to Wina’s room, knocking on the door. Wina, in her pajamas, answered, looking sleepy and disoriented.
"Leo, what is it?” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
Seeing Wina in her sleepwear, Leo quickly turned away, feeling embarrassed. “The captain said to wake you.”
Not at all bothered by Leo’s discomfort, Wina replied, “Okay, we’ll be right out.” She closed the door and he let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Leo spotted Cirnath heading into Carter and Adam’s room, his posture tense. Moments later, Cirnath’s sharp voice cut through the quiet. “Carter, did you drink again? Get up, you idiot!”
Before Leo could process the situation, a deafening boom echoed from the room, followed by a blinding flash of light that spilled out from under the door.
Leo's heart raced, his eyes widening in disbelief. “What the hell just happened?” he muttered, instinctively stepping back, unsure whether to rush in or keep his distance.
Cirnath emerged from the room. Liamond, Wina, and Evelyn also appeared in the hallway, looking curious and a bit alarmed. After a few minutes, Adam led Carter out of the room. Carter’s face was slightly blackened and his hair was standing on end. It was clear that Cirnath had used some kind of spell on him.
“Everyone here? Good,” Cirnath said with a smile. “We are going to the hot springs.”
Everyone except Carter got excited.
"The hot springs?” Evelyn asked, her eyes lighting up.
Cirnath nodded. “Yes, a reward for yesterday’s efforts and a way to rejuvenate ourselves.”
Carter groaned, rubbing his sore head. “Couldn’t you have woken me up without the spell, Captain?”
Cirnath chuckled. “Consider it a lesson in moderation, Carter. Now, let's get going.”
Leo, still chuckling at Carter’s predicament, followed the group as they headed out. The anticipation of the hot springs was a welcome change, and he couldn’t wait to relax and unwind.
…
It had been three days since Leo left on his mission. Rosie had just finished her last class at school and was now heading home with her friends. As they walked, the group gradually thinned out until it was just Rosie and Eliza.
“Does he always go on missions like this?” Eliza asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Rosie shook her head. “It’s his first mission like this.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll be back soon,” Eliza reassured her.
“I’m not worried,” Rosie said, trying to sound nonchalant, though a small knot of worry twisted in her stomach.
After reaching Eliza's house, Rosie waved goodbye and continued her walk home. The streets were unusually quiet, the dim glow of the street lamps casting long, distorted shadows. She pulled her jacket tighter against the chill and let her thoughts wander, the silence amplifying the sound of her boots against the cobblestones.
Suddenly, from the shadows of a narrow alley a man stepped out and blocked her path. His sharp features were partially obscured under the brim of his hat and his polished police uniform gleamed faintly under the light. Rosie froze mid-step, her breath catching in her throat.
Before she could react, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. She spun around only to collide with another man standing close behind her, his imposing figure nearly eclipsing the light. He was also in uniform, his expression cold and unreadable.
Her heart began to race as she glanced between the two men, their polished badges doing little to quell the unease creeping over her. Their silence was unnerving and the alley seemed to grow darker with each passing second.
“Hello, little girl,” the first man said, crouching down to her level with a twisted grin. “Aren’t you the one who was with that Paladin kid? He gave us a hard time the other day, so we thought we’d teach him a lesson. How about you? Want to learn it too?”
Rosie stood frozen, her body locked in fear. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. The man’s hand reached toward her when another voice cut through the tension.
“You like lessons, huh?”
The man barely had time to turn before a hammer slammed into his side with a sickening thud. He crumpled to the ground, howling in pain, clutching his waist.
It was Rorin. Rosie, overcome with relief, ran to him, tears streaming down her cheeks. He wrapping her in a protective embrace, his hand gently patting her head. “It’s okay, little one. You’re safe now.”
The other man tried to flee, but a burst of energy from Rorin froze him in his tracks. Rorin approached with his hammer. His face was filled with anger.
“You useless insects, I’m going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.”
Rorin’s hammer was the last thing the man saw before losing consciousness.
Rorin contacted Peter via telepathy, then took Rosie’s hand and walked her home.
“Are you just going to leave them there? Won’t they run away?” Rosie asked, her voice trembling.
“Don’t worry, little one,” Rorin said gently. “I called my friends; they’ll be here soon.”
Rorin had been calling Rosie “Little One” since the day they met, a nickname that stuck despite her protests.
When they reached home, Rorin recounted the incident to Lisa, who reacted with a mix of anger and worry. She hugged Rosie tightly for several minutes.
“Let me tell Leo when he gets back,” Rorin offered.
Lisa knew Leo would be furious if he found out, so she agreed, trusting him to handle it. Belgilia stayed with them for the rest of the day, providing an extra layer of comfort and security.
…
Leo trailed behind Liamond and Carter, who were engaged in a lively conversation, while Adam walked silently by his side.
“So, where exactly is this hot spring?” Liamond asked, a casual curiosity in his voice.
“It’s near the main church,” Carter answered without much thought.
Liamond glanced sideways, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face. “Is it mixed?”
Leo blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question.
Carter gave him a puzzled look. “No, why would it be?”
Liamond shrugged as if it were obvious. “Well, Captain Cirnath picked the place, so...”
Carter opened his mouth to protest but hesitated, thinking it over. “Okay, fair point,” he admitted grudgingly.
From up ahead, Cirnath’s voice cut through the chatter. “I can hear you, you know,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. The girls burst into laughter at the exchange, clearly entertained by the banter.
After a few more minutes of walking, they reached the main church, where Bishop Zelis resided. Leo gazed at it in awe. The cathedral was an enormous structure, as tall as half the mountain, and seamlessly integrated into the rocky landscape. Built from white stones, its grand pillars supported an imposing facade, and the main gate was large enough to allow a plane to pass through. As they approached, the church bells began to ring, filling the air with a beautiful, resonant sound that left a pleasant feeling in its wake.
Noticing the odd look on Leo’s face, Adam explained, “It’s the stone bell; it’s really famous.”
“Why is it famous?” Leo asked.
“They say that when it rings, it releases the light of God into the air. That’s why it feels so good,” Adam replied.
Leo remained skeptical, not entirely trusting this so-called god of light, but decided to set aside his doubts and enjoy the moment.
…
After spending a relaxing few hours at the hot spring, the group emerged refreshed and in good spirits, their earlier fatigue washed away. The warmth of the water had soothed their muscles, and laughter had flowed as freely as the steam that Rosie around them. Even Cirnath had seemed more at ease, joining in the lighthearted conversation. Now, as they made their way back, their mood was calm and content.
On the walk back, the sight of the grand church continued to impress. Its towering spires and intricate stonework caught the fading light, casting long shadows across the path. As they neared the guest house, Leo, still appreciating the beauty of the surroundings, noticed a figure in one of the alleys.
The figure turned, revealing a woman with striking features. Her small, delicate nose and lips, a soft shade of Rosie, caught his eye, while her large blue eyes, framed by long lashes, glimmered in the evening light. Her pale, flawless skin gave her an almost ethereal appearance.
For a moment, Leo felt a pang of suspicion. ‘Is she a vampire?’ he wondered.
The woman was dressed in a long, flowing dress, and a wide-brimmed hat obscured much of her face. As soon as she noticed Leo’s gaze, she quickly turned and disappeared into the alley.
“What are you doing, Leo? Come on,” Liamond called out, pulling Leo out of his thoughts.
Leo turned back to Liamond, still mulling over the woman’s appearance. ‘Maybe she was an elf? Either way, I can’t just walk up and ask… well, technically I can—I’m a paladin. But even if she is a vampire, what would be the point of capturing her just because of the law?’
Deciding to leave the mystery for later, Leo rejoined the group as they reached the guest house.
Once there, they packed their belongings, preparing for their departure. Leo slipped into his freshly laundered clothes, ready for the journey ahead.
Without the carriage, the trip back was more tiring, but it passed smoothly. There were no ambushes or dangers, just the quiet march of a peaceful return.