"No, I can't help you with that."
"Why not?! An adventurer is in danger and yet you're not going to do anything?" Hearing the words from Michelle Krantz, the retired A-Class adventurer turned Assistant Guild Master of the Mukala branch, Mikaela couldn't hold her emotions back anymore as she yelled at the woman known as the Immovable.
Upon being declined help by the town's guard and that irritating lackey of the mayor, the adventurer's guild was her last hope to get help in rescuing Artreus and the others.
"It's not just a single adventurer. Marvin and Clyde are also on the scene, not to mention the guards that Mayor Longley has assigned to supervise you two." Michelle Krantz calmly explained.
"Then why are we still just standing there doing nothing? We should dispatch a rescue team immediately!" Mikaela exclaimed as she slam her fist against the table.
"I'm afraid we can't do that." Michelle Krantz sighed.
"WHY?!" Mikaela exclaimed in exasperation.
"I know that you're agitated knowing that your teammate is in grave danger. But right now, our hands are tied. Here." The 'Immovable' took out a scroll and handed it to Mikaela. "Written upon that scroll is the decree of both the Central Branch of the Adventurer's Guild and the High Council. Due to the alleged meddling of Guild Master Anderson upon the local government's business, which they say is an act of undermining the influence of the local government, thus violating the agreement of separation of the Guild and the Crown. This means that all guild activities of this branch are to be ceased immediately unless given authorization by the local governing body. Any violation will be subject to the dissolution of the branch in question." Then with an apologetic look on her face which doesn't match her strong features, Michelle continued. "In short, we can't make a move without the permission of the Mayor, or at this moment where he is not present, the person he left in charge." Placing her hand on Mikaela's shoulder, Michelle whispered. "I'm sorry".
After Michelle left, Mikaela let out a voiceless scream. She wanted to vent her frustration, but all she could do was slam her fist against the wall, which only earned her a fractured fist.
The pain from her broken hand was nothing to the feeling of helplessness she felt in her heart.
She wants to save Artreus, but she knows that she can't do it alone.
What's the point of getting stronger when I can't even save one person? She thought in her heart.
That fool.
Why did he stay behind?
If they just ran with all their might and report the incoming monster horde, they could've fought them off with the help of the town's guard, and while the guards might get overwhelmed at first from the surprise attack with the main battle reaching as far as the residential areas, but that still beats sacrificing himself to buy time for the town's guard to prepare.
That idiot. Why play the hero to people who shunned and berated you? Will they even be grateful for your sacrifice? Or will they be thankful that a person who they think of as a murderer ends up dead?
Mikaela couldn't forget how the murmurs of the crowd about how a murderer is being absolved of a crime, not to mention the stories that have spread of how he tried to kill the noble warrior who attempted to uphold justice as if that stupid noble didn't try to kill Artreus, taking advantage when his opponent was already about to drop from exhaustion from his duel against Joe.
These people are not worthy of saving. They plead and adore you when they are in need, but as soon as they don't have any use for you, they throw you like trash.
Mikaela remembers how the people who were saved by their party have looked at her, how they gossip that she was only in the group because of her looks and body. But then, he appeared. A man who didn't treat her like a fragile flower, like the other adventurers, or as a little kid like the old man and even Porsha do, even Claus who grew up alongside her in the White Wolves treat her like his little sister, one to be cherished and protected.
But Artreus was different.
He treated her like an equal.
He never coddled her as the old man did, nor did he let her win purposely after she lost twice in a row like Claus, and not even once did he tease her when she fails like Porsha.
No. Every step of the way, the only thing he did was help her. To push her to her limits so that she could overcome them. Not once did he coddle her. Every punch, kick, and wound serves as a lesson. Because of his help, she was able to grow as quickly as she did these past few weeks. She even managed to Awaken which was something that she has almost given up on achieving a month before.
He even avenged her when those goons from the Twin Axe defeated her.
But now that he is in danger, Mikaela is powerless to help.
She already tried recruiting adventurers and mercenaries to help rescue Artreus and the others but it was all in vain. All of them said that they would already be dead before they arrive to rescue them.
But Mikaela doesn't believe that.
While she can't vouch for the four old men assigned to guard them, she knows Artreus. Even if he does not look like it, she knows that Artreus was strong, but more than that, he has experienced far more than what his age should have. After sparring with him for a month, he gave an impression like that of the old man, a warrior who has fought countless battles.
He would not fall that easily even in the face of a hundred monsters.
If only even one more member of the White Wolves is here. Then she would be confident that they could rescue him.
But even if she sends a messenger hawk right now, it would still take a day or two before it arrives to them and another week for the old man and Claus to arrive back here.
There was Porsha, but Mikaela doesn't know where that whimsical woman is or how to contact her.
Whenever they come back to a town or village after a mission, it is nearly impossible to track her down unless she comes to find Mikaela and the others first. Multiple times Mikaela had tried to tail her, and each of those times she failed. Every time she took a turn at a corner, she vanishes in thin air without even a trace of where she went or how she managed to elude her, only for the elusive Black Flame Witch to appear to attend dinner the way how she left, just like she has popped out of thin air.
The sound of the Guild's double door opening brought Mikaela back to reality. Hearing the adventurers who has just arrived announce that the horde has already reached the walls, the anxiousness in her heart began to arise once more. Not even the news that the town's guards were able to stop the raging horde that is swarming the Northside town bridge and are doing a great job at pushing them back put her at ease.
"Mind if I sit here?" A voice called out to her. As she turned her head towards the sound of that voice, she saw the bald head, Hans, standing on the other side of the table. Mikaela didn't respond. Instead, she flashed a murderous glare toward the man.
Not minding her glare, Hans still took a seat across from Mikaela. “I am not here to fight. So, there is no need for hostilities. On the contrary, I would like to apologize for my rude behavior earlier.”
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“I don’t want your apology.”
“Whether you accept or not, is of no importance. My master taught me that if one has erred, one must apologize and make amends.”
“Your master truly is a great person.” Han’s back straightened with pride at hearing her praise Mayor Longley. “Unfortunately for him, he has to teach such a rude disciple.”
Hans’ eyes flared with anger, seeing this, Mikaela prepared to place her hands on the daggers on her hips in case the man before him attacked. She knew that it was stupid to provoke the Mayor’s disciple and right-hand man, for not only does he hold great influence in this small border town, but he also possesses an expert level of mastery with the sword.
But, I can’t help it. His rude behavior earlier was too much for me to take. Mikaela thought. If the kids weren’t there with her, she would’ve stabbed the man already for not only making light of their predicament but also for declaring that her companion is a lost cause and is most likely already dead.
But, even before such a formidable opponent, Mikaela was not afraid. For while she might be weaker than him in terms of skill, ever since she has Awakened, she feels that she can win against most opponents in this town in a one-on-one battle.
Unexpectedly, Hans was able to rein in his anger. Taking a deep breath, the man before her stood up. “I have already given my apologies. Our business here is done. You can go back to whatever it is you are doing. Farewell.”
As he was about to walk away, Mikaela called him back. “Wait!” Hans stopped and turned towards Mikaela. “You said you want to make amends, right?”
“That is correct.”
“Then, allow the adventurers guild to send a rescue party for Artreus and the others!”
“While I wish to make amends for my mistake earlier, my mistake was on a personal level, and thus, I wish to make up for my mistake on a personal level. But what you ask of me is of matters that affect the town, thus, I have to apologize that I can’t grant your request.”
“Damn it. Even when apologizing, you’re still a massive dick.”
“While I admit that I was in the wrong in our earlier interaction, I will not allow you to berate me any longer. If you don’t wish to behave like a civilized person, then, this conversation is over.” Hans stood. “If you wish to leave and rescue your friend, then leave. But know that your action will be reported and forwarded to the authorities. I will not let outsiders like you trample over our town and its rules no longer.”
Mikaela clicked her tongue as she watched Hans walk away, but before he left the building, he called the attention of a guild attendant. After exchanging pleasantries, the attendant shakes the man’s hand before leaving.
“That’s odd,” Mikaela whispered to herself as she watched the infuriating baldy walk away. For a man who is like a rabid dog to anyone that is not his master, he seems to have an amicable relationship with that Guild attendant. “That girl’s name is Misha, if I remember it correctly.” Mikaela thought as she watched the half-elf attendant speak with another attendant, her bright smile ever present as she asked the other woman something before exiting the building herself.
Where are those two going? Are they dating?
But before her imagination becomes wild, she shook her head to rid her unnecessary thoughts and brought herself back to reality. She thought back to what Hans has said.
She could rescue Artreus, but that would get the Adventurer’s Guild in a tight spot with the local nobles. After all, the nobles are always fighting for more power and territory, and with their military power still not able to recover completely from the Thirty Years War, they must always be careful of other influential groups that may take away what little power and influence they have left. Currently, one of the most powerful groups within the kingdom besides the Crown, is the Adventurer’s Guild, thus, the nobles have banded together to keep the Adventurer’s Guild's power and influence in check, and since the Crown was also keen on keeping the various forces within its territory in control, have backed the nobles to limit the power of the Adventurer’s Guild.
If she try to rescue Artreus, Hans would most likely make good on his threat, which the nobles would be glad to use this incident to their advantage to kick the Adventurer’s Guild down a peg or two, which in turn most likely get Mikaela kicked out of the Guild at best or get assassinated by the Guild for costing them influence and power.
But right now, she doesn’t care.
Whatever happens, the old man would take care of it. Mikaela thought.
Old man Drogo, The White Wolf.
The man who saved her when she was trapped in the dark. Although her memories before she was rescued by the old man still haven’t returned, what she’s sure of is that the old man wouldn’t mind even if the Guild get angry at them, after all, he always gets in trouble with those ornery bastards in the Guild Council whenever they are in the Capital, and except for the verbal reprimand that falls on the deaf ears of the old man, he was left completely unscathed.
What he wouldn’t forgive is if she left a comrade to die when she could do something about it.
The old man is all about loyalty to friends and family after all, and to the old man, the White Wolves are his family.
Even if that idiot hasn’t been with their group for long, and hasn’t joined them officially, in Mikaela’s mind, he is a precious companion, thus, using the old man’s principle, a person that she must save even if she would get herself in danger.
Renewing her resolve of saving the idiot, she stood up and proceeded to exit the guild house.
Her destination. The Sleeping Giant Inn.
If she can’t recruit anyone to help her in her rescue mission, then she must at least get the idiot a better weapon. The idiot Artreus doesn’t like to use the rune mythril sword that Estella gave him. People will kill to get their hands on a weapon like that but Artreus, like the idiot that he is, doesn’t use it. Heck, she hasn’t even seen him carry that sword aside from the day it was gifted to him, and even then he only received it to not embarrass Estella for rejecting her gift.
On her way to the Sleeping Giant Inn, she saw the city’s inhabitants scurry around in panic. Most men, young and old, arm themselves as if preparing for the inevitable event of the horde breaking through the town’s gate. Some barricade their doors and windows, a futile attempt of keeping themselves and their family safe, for once the thousand-strong monster horde would turn this town upside down once they breach the gates even with the Adventurer’s Guilds’ help. It is the same for the mass of refugees who have gathered in the central plaza. They might think that there is safety in numbers, but in the end, they would just be lambs to the slaughter.
A pang of sadness struck her heart knowing that the citizen’s fate are bleak. She might be angry at them for their scorn, but she is not that heartless to celebrate the misfortune that might befall them. But what can she do? It’s out of her hands.
Opting to travel through the rooftops to avoid the crowd, It took no time for Mikaela to reach the Sleeping Giant Inn which is just near the central plaza. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by the usual calm and grandfatherly visage of the innkeeper leaning against his chair, napping peacefully amid the chaos outside.
“Welcome back, lass.” The old innkeeper spoke as he opened his eyes.
“How did you know it was me?”
“Just a hunch, lass. Nothing more. Anyways, what can this old man help you with?” Asked the old man.
“I need to access the idio-, I mean my companion’s room. There is something I need to get for him.”
“I see.” The old man stood, the top of his head does not even reach the counter. Carrying a chair, he climbed it to reach the keys in the key cabinet. “Normally, I wouldn’t let any other person enter a customer’s room without their consent.” Handing her the key, the old innkeeper smiled and winked. “But I know you’re a good lass. Therefore, I’ll make an exception.”
“Thank you, kind sir. I am in your debt.” Mikaela thanked him.
“Nonsense. You are a customer in my inn, and it is the job of an innkeeper to help when my customers are in trouble.” “I reckon your friend is in trouble due to the cretins that are gathered outside the gates?”
“Yes… But how did-”
“This old man has his ways, you know. In any case, if the Adventurer Guild won’t be able to help, might I suggest you seek that bald young man, Joe, I think his name is.” The old man brushed his beard with his hand. “He’s a mercenary, thus, not bound by the Adventurer’s Guild.” Seeing Mikaela frown at hearing the bald man’s name, the Innkeeper continued. “I am aware that you have bad blood with his late companions, but there is no one else that you could ask for help in this town.”
Mikaela’s face frowned even deeper at hearing that she has no other choice but to seek a member of the Twin Axe for help. Joe might be skilled, skilled enough to match Artreus in battle. But there is something about the man that makes her dislike him. No. I must rein in my anger else my temper might cost me my last chance for help. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she replied. “Thank you, good sir. I will heed your advice. In any case, have you seen Joe lately?”
“Lately? No, I haven’t. He was loitering around here for a few days, waiting for your friend. Alas, I haven’t seen his hide around here today.”
“Do you know where I might find him?”
“Hmmm…” The old man closed his eyes in contemplation. A few seconds later, he opened his eyes and replied. “It seems he is nowhere to be found within the town’s walls. Where he might be, I know not.” He sighed. “I apologize, lass. It seems I gave you false hope.” The old man spoke reassuringly. “But, fret not, lass. If my eyes are not mistaken, your friend might still be alive. While this old man failed to get you to help, I can still guide you to a safe path in leaving the town. Go, to the western wall. There, you will find a dried-up well. At the bottom, you will find a passage that will lead you outside the town, safe from the cretins that are squirming outside the gates.”
“Thank you, sir.” Mikaela bowed in gratitude. She might have had bad experiences with the inhabitants of this town, but excluding the kids, the innkeeper is among those few people who treated them well.
“No need to thank me. You’re my customer after all.” The innkeeper grinned. “Now, go. Do what you have to do. May the gods watch over you.”
Mikaela smiled at the innkeeper before rushing towards Artreus’ room. Opening the door, she was shocked at how organized his room is. She was expecting it to be messy like the old man’s or even a bit unkempt like Claus’. It still smells a bit sweaty, but she reckons that is just what a men’s room should smell like. Before her mind wander, she scanned the room and quickly found Artreus’ sword, she doesn’t need to make sure that it was the rune sword since the intricate pattern on both its hilt and scabbard match what she saw when she had lain eyes on it before.
Grabbing the sword, Mikaela opened a window and took to the roofs once more. As she leaps from roof to roof, she is scanning the area for Joe. Alas, even as she is nearing her destination, she hasn’t seen even the shadow of the man she is looking for. Landing on another roof, something caught her eye.
“Is that…” After focusing on a group of people traveling through the alleys, she recognized one of them. How could she not? It was the face of the man who tried to frame Artreus.
Negan.
So… This is where you have hidden yourself, you rat. Mikaela’s anger surfaces. After the corrupt guard tried to frame Artreus, Mikaela had dreamed of throttling the neck of the hateful bastard. Unfortunately, before she could do so, the guard vanished. Even with her skill, she could not find a trace of the man, something that should have been impossible. That’s why he was able to hide. He has accomplices. Suddenly, one of Negan’s accomplices stopped and turned his head. Mikaela could’ve sworn that the man looked into her eyes and smiled before he vanished along with his associates. Did he see me? “No… I don’t have time for this.” Murmured to herself before she continued to her destination.
Landing beside a well, she strained her eyes and saw that it was indeed dried up. Clutching the sword in her hands, she prayed. Wait for me, Artreus. I will save you.
“Did she follow us?” A hooded Epholanor asked his hooded companion.
“No, she didn’t,” Eithelin answered.
“Good.” The elder elf said. Epholanor was afraid that she might cause trouble upon being discovered by a random woman traveling by the rooftop while they were supposed to be traveling stealthily. Thankfully, Eithelin managed to rein in herself. “Not only did we find one of our brethren, but it seems he or she is also a Spiritualist, add to it the current chaos that allowed us to move unhindered by the locals. The Earth Goddess has truly blessed us.” Taking a final turn, they soon found themselves in front of a plain-looking home.
In that instant, Epholanor knew that they have arrived at their destination. It was faint, but he could feel the distinct flow of mana that he sensed earlier. He glanced at Eithelin who nods back.
“We’re here.” The human who is leading them spoke. “Don’t forget our deal.”
“Of course. We Elves don’t turn back on our words.” Epholanor answered. A faint smile on his face. To be honest, he is disgusted with the attitude of the human before him. Still, if not for this disgusting human, they wouldn’t have been able to leave their earlier accommodation without breaking the treaty. Thus, Epholanor was still thankful for this disgusting human.
Then, as Epholanor gazed at the building before him, he thought. This is it. After getting stuck in this town for a month without getting anywhere in finding and rescuing their brethren, their effort is finally about to bear fruit.