Chapter 30: Adventurers

 

 

 

Chapter 30: Adventurers

 

THEY hiked the mountainside for about an hour, chatting away the time until they passed from the thick overgrowth of the forest onto the dull white stone of the mountain. Aki shielded her eyes from the piercing sunlight once blocked by the thick forest canopy—now an open sky. An occasional breeze whisked by their clothes.

The mountain was a complete shift from the narrow, forested, uphill trail they had traversed to get there. Rocks of all sizes were scattered about the ground instead of towering trees.

The trail had stopped at the rocky area, signifying this was the peak of the mountain, but no entrance to any ruins could be found at a glance. Tall grass grew over the gaps between thick outcroppings. The same dreary landscape expanded in all directions until meeting sharp drops off the side of the mountain.

Elias pushed his bangs up and protected his face from the onslaught of dirt and leaves carried by the wind blowing across the summit. “…Hmm, I don’t see any building that could be the ruins. We should check the ledges and ground for anything hidden in the dirt.”

“Good idea. I imagined ancient ruins would be conspicuous, but…maybe they aren’t nearby?” Aki suggested, looking across the expanse of rocks and jagged outcroppings.

Elias stood beside her and twisted his neck for a better look around. “Could be the case. But ancient ruins in rocky areas like this are generally the site of an old shrine… Or a buried fortress.”

Mina and Louis finally reached the summit behind them looking as refreshed as when they started; they weren’t even panting.

Mina held down her hair from the strong breeze and squinted at the sudden clearing on the other side of the forested mountainside.

“Oh, looks like we finally arrived at our destination! Amazing how there’s absolutely nothing here. It’s almost a relief there was nothing lying in wait for us!” Mina exclaimed, deliberately making a joke out of it when she was visibly depressed at the lack of a grand ruin entrance.

She feebly bowed her head to Aki. “…I’m sorry. The Quest Form may have been leading us on a wild goose chase. Who knows if there was ever actually an ancient ruin here.”

Louis put his hand on her shoulder and gestured toward the barren expanse in front of them when she looked up. “It’s too soon to give up. We haven’t even looked around yet. Do you see the series of oddly massive outcroppings over there? The ones shaped like a triangular dome? It screams suspicious to me. Why don’t we try checking it out first?”

As Louis pointed out, a massive outcropping towered over the edge at the far side of the summit.

“Nothing will begin unless we take action. Shall we go, everyone?” Elias asked, agreeing with Louis’ suggestion.

The four of them enjoyed the breeze and view together as they made their way across the summit under the blazing rays of the sun in the chilly air.

***

THEY scoured the area for anything out of the ordinary, even the oddly shaped dome was nothing but solid rock. The sun continued to beat down on them, and Aki was never so grateful to Elias than when he handed her a bulging water skin.

“Thank you,” Aki sighed in relief smacking her lips between great gulps of water, the cool liquid pushing back against the sun and the day's heavy exercise.

“Over here!” Louis’ voice echoed from by the dome-shaped outcropping. Aki moved to follow Elias only to stumble forward. She threw her hands out with a scream.

“Careful!” Elias said looking down at Aki who found her head nuzzled comfortably against his toned chest.

Cheeks red, she pushed away stuttering out, “Th-Thank you!”

“Are you all right?”

“I-I’m fine!” she mumbled, rushing away to where Louis beckoned them. “Did you find something?”

Louis pulled back from where he leaned over the edge of the mountainside. A sheer drop lay in front of him. “It looks like there might be something below us. I can’t really see much, but there could be a cave.”

Excited, Aki moved over the top of the dome-shaped outcropping. “Let me see!”

“AKI!”

Elias' warning came a second too late as the ground gave way beneath Aki, and she plummeted down the hole with a scream. Darkness clouded her vision and Elias’ panicked shouts of concern were the last thing she heard.

***

“DON’T worry, I’ve got you.”

“Huh?” Aki moaned, blinking away the spots in her eyes. She went to move, only to be held tighter. “Elias?”

“Easy, you took a bit of a fall. I wish Johann was here, he would do better at checking you over.”

Elias’ concern had Aki push away her lightheadedness as she took in the cave. Light shined in from two entrances, one directly above where she had likely fallen through the ceiling and another where Louis climbed in from the cliff side.

“I’m okay,” Aki rushed to reassure, her thoughts racing over not wanting to be a burden to the Party. She made to move only to realize she was being held bridal style.

Heat rushed to her cheeks “P-Put me down.”

“Careful, you’ll fall, ” Elias groaned as he dodged Aki’s flailing hands. He gently placed her on the ground and she quickly put space between them.

“S-Sorry…” she panted, trying to look anywhere but at Elias. Her attention was instantly captured by the gaping hole leading further into the shadows, easily acting as the entrance to a far deeper cave. While there wasn’t a remarkable ruin anywhere in sight, as Louis predicted, there was a cave hidden beneath the oddly shaped outcropping.

Mina nimbly slipped down the hole Aki had tumbled through and hopped down next to Elias without a sound before she started jumping up and down as if she had discovered a secret treasure. “Woohoo! Yippee! This has got to be the entrance to the Ancient Ruins!”

“It looks more like a normal entrance to a cave to me.”

“Hey, Louis! I don’t need a logical analysis right now! The ruins could be farther inside the cave!” Mina unreasonably snapped at Louis’ logic and whacked him on the back.

Aki ignored them and excitedly walked closer to the cave as Elias hovered behind her with a look of concern. Ivy and tangled tree roots hung throughout the cave walls.

Looks like no one has been here in a long time.

“Are you really all right, Aki?” A concerned Elias asked, even Louis eyed her carefully.

Aki turned to the group, carefully hiding her embarrassment, and flexed her arms, “Perfectly fine!” she jumped in place, “See?”

Mina snickered, “You should have seen Elias; I think he was in the hole before he even looked to see how far the bottom was. You are one lucky girl!”

A red tinge creeped up to the tips of Elias’ ears; he quickly turned away. Aki tried to hide her own blush. “I-It’s not like that…”

Mina tapped on her shoulder, interrupting her words. “A-K-I! It’s dangerous for you to take the lead. Anyway, the inside of the cave is pitch-black. I wonder if there’s no way for light to get deeper in.”

The girls peered inside, but a gloomy darkness veiled the area just past the hole and it only grew thicker. They couldn’t tell how deep the tunnel went from where they stood.

“Looks to me like we don’t have much choice but to go in and see what’s there…”

“Yeah. Well, we won’t lose to any old random monster at our levels. I think it should be safe for us to just enter,” Mina said.

Elias leaned over them to get a look inside the cave as well. “Hmm. To think there was a cave hidden on top of the mountain. There are still so many places left for us to explore in the Field. And I thought I had adventured to most of them too.” He shrugged.

Louis came beside the girls and strained his eyes. “Well, the Field we’ve explored is only a fraction of what’s out there… At any rate,” he reached out and yanked on the ivy covering the entrance, “this cave looks like it has weathered many years.”

“Plus, doesn’t the air coming from it feel humid? I wonder if there’s a water source keeping it damp inside,” Mina observed, rubbing condensation off the inner wall.

A cool, wet breeze blew through the cave and chilled their skin. The humidity didn’t feel gross because it had a similar coolness to the fresh air they breathed on the way up the mountain.

Aki glanced at Mina. “The cave feels like people haven’t been to it in a while too. Is your Quest Form one that had been around for a long time before you took it?”

Mina pulled the Quest Form out of her back pocket to check. She intently stared at it. “To tell you the truth, I actually don’t know where this Quest came from. After all, I received it from a suspicious robed man I passed by in the city.”

“…You received it from a suspicious robed man?” Elias and Louis asked at the same time.

She didn’t look the least bothered by it and lightly answered, “Yup. I happened to stop by a night market well-known for those in the business, when some strange guy covered from head to toe in a robe called out to me on my way home. Actually, his attire looked just like Elias’ does.”

Elias strained an awkward smile when she looked at him. His current attire was definitely on the suspicious side with him being wrapped completely in a cloth to hide his features.

Mina continued her story, “So, that robed guy suddenly walked right up to me and shoved this Quest Form into my hands. Startled, I tried to push it back on him when he said in a deep voice, ‘This is a valuable Quest I’m giving especially to you,’ and pretty much forced it back into my hands. I accidentally accepted it because of how sudden it all was.”

Elias and Louis both put their hands to their heads at Mina’s carefree explanation. Basically, the Quest came to her through unusual and fishy means.

She ignored the fact she rendered the men speechless and went on, “Well, even I thought it was suspicious. I tried to ask him all sorts of questions about it, but for some reason I don’t get myself, I couldn’t move like Paralysis had been cast on me…”

“Paralysis?” Elias asked, astounded. “Are you saying the spell Paralysis was cast on you?”

“I don’t know,” she answered, shaking her head. “I think it was probably magic, but I never saw or heard him cast any spell… And then while I was paralyzed with the Quest Form lodged in my hand, the man said, ‘Go to the Adventurers’ Guild in the Port City and get the blond-haired Swordsman and the brunette with him to join your Party and go on this Quest together.

“It felt like his words echoed inside of my head instead of hearing them. Now that I think about it, he may have put me under some sort of hypnotism spell. My Paralysis lifted immediately after and when I came to my senses, the man was long gone. I shudder thinking about it even now,” she said, wrapping her arms around her shoulders and quivering.

“I was immediately assaulted by a strange panic that I had to go to the Adventurers’ Guild right away. And from there I headed straight to the Guild where I spotted Elias and Aki in front of the Quest Board. Instantly, I knew you two were the people the robed man spoke of. It’s as if something possessed me,” she continued as she remembered the course of events.

“…I see. After hearing the whole story, it sounds like you approached us under the influence of the robed man, and we took on this Quest without ever doubting the source,” Elias summarized.

Everyone exchanged worried looks before turning toward the cave entrance. If the ancient ruins were at the end of the cave, some sort of trap set by the robed man who put everything into motion may be lying in wait for them there too. Each person present swallowed hard.

“Before we get off track doubting the purpose of this question, I want to know just who the robed man is. Doesn’t seem like he’s anyone any of us know….” Louis said thoughtfully.

Mina peered up through the hole in the ceiling at the sky and searched through her memories. “The man’s face and entire body was concealed by his robe, so that’s the only impression he left on me. It’s also possible he screwed with my memories to obscure himself as well… The only strong impression left in me is that he had a strange air about him.”

“A strange air?” Aki repeated. Elias and Louis waited with interest to hear what she had to say.

Mina nodded gravely. “Yeah. I could sense a unique magic presence from him…is the easiest way I can explain it at least. There was a different quality to it than human magic.” She searched for the right words to explain what she felt and said, with uncertainty, “…I’ve never met one in person before, but the Shadow Tribe’s magic might be similar to what I felt.”

“Oh? The robed man is of the Shadow Tribe? Then this Quest was set up for us by the Shadow Tribe,” Louis concluded with a smirk.

“Hang on. Don’t jump to conclusions. I’m just going off my gut instinct here.”

“A Thief’s gut instinct is almost always correct,” he quipped.

“You have an answer for everything, don’t you?” she said, exasperated.

Aki tugged on Elias’ sleeve. “Does the Shadow Tribe have something to do with the Dark Lord, Elias?”

She had never heard of the Shadow Tribe before. Heck, she didn’t even know nonhuman species existed in this world. Elias went on to explain to her that the Shadow Tribe took root on the Sun Continent around the Dark Lord and were at odds with humanity.

Some lumped them in with the monsters running rampant across the world, but they were an altogether different entity. While monsters generally took on the form of beasts and lacked sentience, the Shadow Tribe was humanoid and possessed intelligence on par with, if not greater than, humanity. Furthermore, their knowledge and natural talent with magic was leaps and bounds beyond humanity. The Shadow Tribe was a source of fear and awe.

“But I’ve heard the Shadow Tribe’s population is small enough to count with your fingers. You have an exceedingly low chance of ever coming across one,” Elias finished explaining.

“Well, for most people, sure, but you’re the current Hero, Elias. Isn’t it common for the Shadow Tribe to make contact with the Hero because he opposes the Dark Lord?” Louis asked without thinking anything of it.

Elias and Aki instantly froze at the same time Mina’s jaw dropped.

“…Huh? Who’s the current Hero…?”

“Didn’t you hear me say it’s Elias—” Louis trailed off, rapidly paling at Mina’s unexpected reaction. “…Don’t tell me you guys haven’t told her about Elias yet…?”

“W-We haven’t. The opportunity kept slipping by…I guess…” Elias fumbled over his excuse.

Unnerved, Mina looked at everyone present. “H-H-Hang on. Wait just a second. Are you telling me Elias is the current generation’s Hero, the Lord Elias Leland?” She put her hands to her mouth and jumped up and down with unbridled excitement. “Oh my gosh! No way! This is amazing! I can’t believe I got to meet the Hero and spend this much time with him!” she exclaimed, her voice quivering and tears in her eyes.

At times like this, Aki was reminded of how important and special Elias was to the people of this world. She often forgot how people viewed him because he never boasted about his role.

Mina sidled up to Elias who recoiled from her. “It all makes sense now! No wonder Lord Elias is bundled up in this weird cloth! Um, if you don’t mind, I would love to get a glimpse of your face!”

Elias slowly retreated back, ready to run away from Mina’s grabby hands as she pressed in on him. He bumped up against the cave wall and looked to Aki like a deer caught in the headlights. Aki couldn’t hold back the giggle at the sudden panic in Elias’ features; he glanced toward the cave exit leading to a sheer drop outside. But before he could make the mad dash for the cliff or the ceiling exit, Mina used her lightning-fast speed as a Thief to snatch the cloth off him.

Without the cloth, his golden hair fell onto his cheeks framing his breathtaking green eyes. Witnessing his exposed beauty made all time stop around Mina as she stood dead-still flapping her lips. Even Louis gaped upon seeing Elias’ bewitchingly handsome features for the first time.

“…The rumors don’t do your peerless beauty justice. And this only adds to why they say the Hero is an impeccable male specimen. Don’t you think so too, Mina?”

Mina trembled at his question, tears misting her eyes once more. “H-Handsome doesn’t even begin to describe him! The illustrious Hero I’ve admired since childhood is breathtaking! He’s too perfect! Oh gosh, I’m even in the same Party as the Hero! Am I dreaming?! Someone, pinch me!”

Distressed, Elias put his hand to the back of his head and looked to Aki for help. She thought the way he was embarrassed by flattery was cute.

She stepped in front of him and picked up both of Mina’s hands. “Mina, Elias seems embarrassed from all your flattery. He’s a very shy person. Aren’t you?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at Elias.

He bashfully turned his head aside. “…I’m not that shy.”

“See! You are shy!”

“I am not!” he simpered like a sullen child.

“Why are you always so quick to be stubborn?”

Mina and Louis burst out laughing at their squabble. “Okay, okay! You’ve convinced me! Elias is the Hero, but he’s also the same Elias I’ve come to know without him being the Hero!”

“Then isn’t it best if we treat him like we have until now? You’ll only put pressure on Elias by acting formal with him.”

“Wait, wait. You knew Elias is the great Hero, didn’t you, Louis?! You guys are so mean to leave only me out!”

“Sorry about that,” Louis facetiously apologized, patting Mina on the head.

“You so don’t mean it!” she complained.

It was Aki and Elias’ turn to laugh at them.

Louis and Mina really do seem like a perfect match! I almost want to take the next chance I get to ask them each what they think about the other!

“What are you two laughing about?” she asked with pursed lips. She smacked away Louis’ annoying hand on her head and clapped her hands together. “Hey, does that mean the current Hero’s Right-hand is Aki? Are you the rumored Hero’s Secretary?”

“Y-Yes, I am, but I still haven’t done anything to help Elias yet…” Aki responded sounding apologetic.

Thinking about it seriously, all she had done for him as the Hero’s Secretary was keep record of the journey in the journal, and a small part of her mind pointed out that she had potentially found the entrance to the ruin by falling through the ceiling... She hoped becoming an Archer would let her help out even a little bit on the battlefield and hopefully be less embarrassing.

Elias placed his hands on her shoulders and sternly shook his head. “That’s not true. You’ve been working hard for me. I feel like I can push myself to the limit as long as you are by my side.”

Th-That’s why I always ask him to stop throwing those embarrassing lines at me with a straight face! Why does he still do it?! I’m delighted, but equally as embarrassed.

“Is that so?” she croaked.

Mina and Louis grinned away at them.

“I get it now! Our special couple just so happened to be the current Hero and his Right-hand! The strongest couple of the century!”

“We have the grave responsibility of watching over them. One wrong step in their relationship and the world will be destroyed.”

“Ah, wouldn’t that be the case if Elias gets rejected?”

Aki couldn’t look at Elias after hearing Mina and Louis’ outrageous conversation, and hung her head even more to hide the deep crimson of her cheeks.

Oh gosh! I can’t stand to stay here any longer! I’m definitely going to tease the two of them the next chance I get! Aki swore internally.

Louis tried to stifle his laughter, “Whatever the case may be, fate must have brought the Hero Elias and his Right-hand Aki, as well as the Thief Mina and myself together. Taking on this Quest might have more importance than we initially thought. Will you still go on with it, Elias?”

He knew the answer but asked anyways.

“Of course. I’ll explain the details to you two later, but the Dark Lord has actually approached me with a possible truce. I think the Dark Lord might have something to do with this Quest prepared perfectly for us by someone from the Shadow Tribe.”

Mina and Louis were surprised to hear about the Dark Lord broaching a possible truce. They wanted to ask Elias a lot of questions, but didn’t bring it up, respecting his decision to tell them later.

“If this is a challenge from the Dark Lord and I withdraw from it here, I’ll damage the Hero’s reputation.” Elias paused, took a breath, and looked at the faces of each of his Party members. “This Quest may very well turn into a highly dangerous adventure. But I still want you all to join me.”

Aki was surprised Elias asked something of them. Until now, he kept up a façade, locking his true feelings behind a veil to keep from troubling others with his destiny as Hero. He didn’t even ask for the slightest thing. Yet now he tried to rely on his friends.

Flooded by a mix of emotions, Aki grabbed Elias’ hand. “Of course we will! I will follow you wherever you go, Elias!”

“I’ll follow you to the ends of the world even if you try to get rid of me, Elias! I’ll be sure to have Aki’s back as well!” Mina declared with her hands on her hips and a wicked grin.

Louis put his hand to his chest in a formal oath and reverently bowed his head to Elias. “As shall I. As a Minstrel I’m honored to travel with the Hero. May you make every use of my power, Elias.”

Grateful for them putting their names forward despite the danger, Elias deeply bowed to his Party members. “Thank you… I’m blessed to have you all as my Party members,” he said, his voice quivering toward the end.

“Whoa, hey, Elias! Don’t cry! Your tears are infectious!” Mina wiped the tears from her eyes.

Aki stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck with a teary smile. He barely caught her and wrapped his arms around her back in a tight hug.

My precious Hero. You are stronger, kinder, more stubborn, and more of a crybaby Hero than anyone else. I truly believe it was fate that brought me to this world as his Right-hand and let me meet him. I want to support this man who has to stoutheartedly fight while bearing the weight of a terrible destiny on his shoulders.

“All right, everyone, let’s go!”

Without the robe covering him, he pushed back his white cloak and set foot into the lingering darkness of the cave. Aki, followed by the others, firmly stepped forward, following the Hero into his next great adventure.

--To be continued in volume 2!