The next day, everyone was already on the move. They didn't have a lot of stuff to pack up, so leaving their shelter behind didn't take too much time.
Epsilon was throwing strange looks at Bob, but he didn't mind it. Eventually though, he did ask,
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
He responded immediately with a question,
"Where did you run off too last night?"
"Not your problem."
Truth be told, he left to go check how far he could travel without Epsilon being nearby in hopes that he could go to the castle by himself, and find the Jin Of Covet on his own. Despite how big the radius he could travel had gotten though, it was not far enough to even reach past the Chimera forest.
'Annoying.'
Thanks to Galahads stunt yesterday, the Cohort wasn't as bad as it could've been, but there was still a strange tension between everyone. Simply because of what would happen with Gracia.
Sylas already made it clear that he would go down to get her, and Galahad was very keen on going with him too, just to fight the Awakened Terror of course. Anvil was too injured, with him relying on a crutch to even get around properly. And Ki Song knew very well that it was a suicidal mission.
Epsilon himself, was undecided.
Three times he had almost died risking himself for others, and he had yet to find Emma. But right now, he was considering doing it a fourth.
'Maybe it's time to start thinking realistically.'
He shook his head.
'I said I'd stop thinking like that.. why do I keep thinking like that? I'm going to help her.'
Just then, in the middle of his doubts, Sylas bumped shoulders with him, making him startled.
"You look distracted, what are you thinking about?"
He was showing concern? He could never remember saying anything like that back when they were training. Especially when he was overworked.
'I can still feel the pain in my back...'
Trying to hide his awkwardness, he said in a calm tone,
"Nothing much. Just a tad bit worried since we don't even have a plan."
Sylas reassured him,
"Don't worry about that, Gracia told me about that places layout, so I already have an idea on what to do. If anything, I need you to be at the top of your game."
"Of course I am."
Then strangely, Sylas's tone shifted into something serious, but more familiar. Epsilon could already tell he was about to go on another rant, and so he braced himself for an earful.
"I'm serious. I wasn't in complete control of my body back then, but I could still see that fight. And honestly, I'm disappointed. Your movements were even slower then back at the Academy, despite you getting stronger. You say you're not distracted, but that's not what I've been seeing at all. If you act like this when we get down there, all of us could get killed by your hesitation."
'There it is.. familiar old Sylas.'
"Can you tell me what I did wrong at least?"
He took a heavy breath,
"Whenever something dangerous is about to happen, or you need to make a critical choice, your movements slow. It's like your opening up a gap for someone else to act on purpose, and then you would build your actions up on that. It's not a bad thing when you're fighting with someone competent. But if you're fighting with someone that doesn't understand you, it can be a critical weakness. Especially if you do it without knowing."
It took him a minute to process what he just said, but it all made sense to him in the end. He knew exactly what he was talking about.
Even though he said he wouldn't rely on him any longer, his presence was still hard wired into his brain. The two had never been separated so far, for so long at that, so being without him was starting to become even more of a problem.
'Nero...'
"Relying on others isn't a bad thing, the weak gather together to confront the strong after all. But one day, inevitably, you'll be fighting alone. And when that happens, that bad habit will be the death of you."
**
Soon enough, they were able to arrive back at a location familiar to Gracia. The Caverns ahead were split in two, one leading far into the distance, eventually reaching the vast forest where two tyrants once fought for territory, while the other led into the jaws of a much more terrifying force.
"This is where we part ways. We'll be seeing you all later then."
Without wasting too much time, Sylas was already advancing down towards where the Ocean Dweller was waiting. Galahad just waved, before quickly chasing after him.
Epsilon was just about to follow them too, but before that he took one last look at Ki Song. Her eyes, wide and dark, looked dulled. They still glimmered with life, but it wasn't quite as intense as they used to be.
"Don't look at me like that. If you feel bad then you should come too."
She pouted.
"Are you mad? You could go die alone for all I care."
"Do you have such little faith in me? I've come back every time haven't I?"
It looked like she would actually stick to her rule this time. But even then, she did not want to see him go. He'd been by her side since the beginning.
"If it makes you feel better, this will be the last time I do something like this. I promise."
Who knows when his luck will run dry?
He looked at Anvil, still supporting himself on a crutch. He just silently nodded, and so Epsilon nodded back. Not just any sleeper could go willingly face an Awakened Terror, so he respected him for having such courage.
"In truth, our two clans are allies so I'm obligated to help her. But as you can see, my circumstances won't allow that. Still, you have my best regards. I will be waiting for you all to succeed."
Epsilon nodded. Turning back around, he stared at the darkness ahead. His [Judgement] attribute was quiet, so he must've been doing something right at least.
'That doesn't mean it'll be easy though.'
And with that, he advanced forwards.