Chapter 33: The New Party and a Silent Promise
"Well, if you're okay with it, then you could take Lirael in your party—of course, only if you promise to treat her properly," Aina said suddenly, her voice calm but firm.
"Hmm?..Well I am known to a certified gentleman" He said as if stating a fact.
Ethan glanced at Lirael. Somehow, her heart rate was rising—she didn't even understand why. For now, only she seemed to notice.
Lirael's response was nervous, barely above a whisper. "I… I can't. I won't be able to match your performance. I'm too weak."
Ethan's eyes flicked back to Aina, who wore an expectant look. Behind her, stood a party of three females—one a swordswoman, one an archer, and the other a scout-thief hybrid. It was clear to Ethan that Lirael would only be an extra, and with her current seal and inferior stats, it wouldn't be long before she was outclassed again.
His response was measured, mysterious. "An archer will be a big help to me. As for your problem, I can surely help you."
Aina and Maya exchanged confused glances—unsure what Ethan meant by "help." But for Lirael, it was like a cold splash of water. She stared at him, dumbfounded. Did he know about her curse? If yes, then how? Could he really help her? Deep down, she felt this man was different. That maybe, just maybe, he could.
Suddenly, Brad's commanding voice echoed loudly nearby. "The expedition will continue inside the cave in ten minutes! Everyone, prepare quickly!"
Ethan spotted Max and Alex standing on the side. Brad barked out, "As for the injured, they'll wait outside the warren and help kill any escapees."
Movement around them quickened. People hurried to ready themselves. Aina and Maya moved to speak with their new party members, leaving Ethan and Lirael alone for a moment.
Ethan and Lirael watched silently as Aina and Maya's figures melted into the crowd, their footsteps fading into the buzz of preparation. The space between Ethan and Lirael suddenly felt charged — heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Lirael finally broke the silence, her voice barely steady, trembling like a fragile leaf caught in a breeze.
"About what you said… did you really mean it?" Her eyes searched his, vulnerability shimmering beneath her cautious exterior, her heart beating more loudly.
Ethan met her gaze without hesitation, voice low but sincere.
"About the seal? Yes. I can help. But it won't happen overnight. I need time — time to prepare properly."
He swallowed, careful not to dismiss the weight of her suffering. He couldn't make it sound easy; she'd fought hard against this curse already. To pretend otherwise would be a betrayal.
Lirael's gaze locked with his, piercing and raw. She took a hesitant breath, words coming slower now.
"It's a curse… a real one. Are you… really okay with having me in your party?" Her voice cracked.
Ethan ran a hand through his hair, scratching the back of his neck, an awkward smile tugging at his lips.
"Yeah, I'm okay with it. But…" He hesitated, then added with a softer tone, "Will you stay, even after your seal's broken?"
Her shoulders sagged as she glanced down, voice a whisper now, burdened by an invisible weight.
"There's a task I must finish. It's dangerous… and I'm not sure you'd live through it if you came with me." A shadow crossed her face.
Ethan's expression softened but stayed steady, a hint of dry humor creeping in.
"Honestly? I don't have much else going on. If danger comes with being your teammate, then so be it." His words were casual, but his steady gaze said otherwise — he meant it.
For the first time in a long while, a genuine laugh bubbled from Lirael's lips, echoing around them like the release of a long-held breath.
"That's the first time I've laughed like this since… since that incident." She wiped a tear away, the smile lingering. "Alright, Sir Ethan. I'll join your party."
Ethan smirked, shaking his head. "That's Ethan for you. Don't call me 'Sir Ethan.' Just Ethan."
Lirael blinked, a faint flush warming her cheeks as she met his steady gaze. The words felt different coming from him — easier somehow, less distant. A subtle flutter stirred quietly in her chest.
"Well, then… you can call me Lirael," she replied, a small smile curving her lips.
"Let's do that, then," Ethan said, the corners of his mouth lifting.
They lingered in the moment, savoring the fragile peace. For Ethan, it was the quiet hope of a new comrade by his side and the unknown that lay ahead. For Lirael, it was a delicate glimmer of light breaking through years of shadow—an ember of hope she hadn't dared to kindle in a long time. Around them, the forest whispered softly—the faint rustle of leaves, the cool, fresh scent of pine mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil. Somewhere a distant bird sang, its melody a fleeting comfort against the tense air.
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They soon caught up with Aina and Maya to tell them about their new party formation. Relief flickered in both women's eyes—they understood how keeping Lirael with her old group would only hold her back, and this new setup felt right.
Then the two of them sat down briefly to discuss their fighting styles and get familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses. Ethan explained that he preferred to fight in the front lines, relying on his strength and mana-infused strikes to break through enemy defenses. Lirael, with her nimble grace, would use her bow to distract enemies, firing precise arrows while sending signals if danger approached.
Their party formation was clear: Ethan leading the charge, Lirael covering from behind with her bow, alert to threats and ready to act.
As the time for the raid drew near, a tense energy settled over the group. The six B-rank adventurers took their places at the forefront, weapons ready, faces hardened with determination. Behind them, the other adventurers clustered, the low murmur of nervous anticipation filling the air.
Brad's booming voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs. "Listen up! Inside the cave, you're free to move as you please. The layout prevents large group coordination, so spread out and scout independently. No fighting amongst yourselves — this isn't a free-for-all. The spoils you find belong to you and your party. Also, any survivors you come across must be rescued immediately."
Wolf stepped forward next to Brad, muscles flexing as he prepared to push away the massive boulder blocking the cave entrance. Dust rose in soft clouds, mixing with the cool, damp air that carried the faint scent of stone and moss.
Lirael's breath caught for a moment as she glanced at Ethan. There was something steady and calm about him—a quiet strength that made her heart flutter ever so slightly. The faint warmth spread slowly through her, comforting amid the rising tension.
Brad grunted, pushing with all his might. The boulder shifted, scraping against the earth with a deep, echoing groan that seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet.
"Get ready," Brad commanded sharply. "This is it."