Alex: (After the banquet, where things got a little heated but ended well, life became pretty relaxed. I never got the chance to see Olden again, but I didn't think much of it. My days were mostly spent training a little, chatting with Ella, wandering around the castle looking for a way out… and, most importantly, sleeping. Like right now. But I had no idea that was about to change.)
Knock. Knock. Knock!
A maid tapped at the door. Alex opened it, and the moment she saw him, she began trembling. He stared at her for a second before saying:
"So? You're not going to speak? Why are you here?"
He didn't realize he was standing shirtless, his hair loose, which only made the maid even more uneasy. Blushing and stuttering, she finally managed to say:
"Sir Arthur requests your presence at the training grounds. He said it's urgent—you should hurry. Sorry, I need to go."
She rushed away. Alex closed the door and muttered:
(What's her problem? Do I really look that scary? …Whatever. I can already bet something annoying is coming.)
He washed his face, dressed, tied his hair, and left the room.
(Alright, let's see how fate decided to mess with me today. If I ever meet the goddess in charge of fate, I'll have plenty to say to her.)
After a short walk, he reached the training grounds where Arthur and Silone were waiting.
Alex: "Master Silone? What are you doing here?"
Arthur: "Relax, Alex. I called both of you."
Alex stepped closer. "Okay… So what's this about?"
Arthur: "I already explained everything to Silone. He'll tell you."
Silone turned toward Alex.
"Well, Alex, in a few minutes, you and I are heading to Stone Village. Our goal is the dwarven forge."
Alex blinked.
"The dwarven forge? But I thought there weren't any dwarves left on this continent?"
Silone: "You're right, dwarves are rare. But some are still there."
Arthur cut him off. "Details later. It's already nine—you'd better leave now if you want to get there today."
Silone: "You heard him. Let's go."
Alex: "Just like that? No preparation?"
Arthur: "The horses are ready. You don't have time."
Alex: (Damn it… Guess I don't have much of a choice. Fine, I'll just go along with it.)
They both headed for the stables.
Not long after, Ella arrived at the training grounds and found Arthur alone.
Ella: "Arthur, have you seen Alex?"
Arthur: "Sorry, he's gone on a mission. It'll take at most two days. Be patient."
Ella: "I get it… but someday, you'll have to explain what really goes on in your head. It's not like I'd die without him, you know."
Arthur put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't take it the wrong way. I was only trying to reassure you. Take care, Ella. Stay strong."
He left. Ella stayed behind, when suddenly—
Boom!
She jumped. "That must be you, Tanya."
"Bingo!" Tanya stepped forward, dressed in black trousers, a white shirt, and a leather jacket.
Ella frowned. "What are you even wearing?"
Tanya grinned. "I heard trousers are in fashion. And besides, I once saw Alex wear something like this. I thought maybe you'd notice me if I dressed this way."
Ella sighed. "Stop acting like a child."
Tanya: "Hold it right there. First, drop the formal tone. Second—today, you're with me. Forget Alex."
Ella: "You don't need to worry, he's not even here."
Tanya: "Oh? And where is he?"
Ella: "On a mission."
Tanya grew serious, resting a hand on Ella's shoulder.
"Don't worry. He won't die or do anything reckless. If he does, he'll have to deal with me."
Ella gave her a puzzled look. "What goes on in that head of yours…?"
Tanya just smiled, letting go.
"Why don't we go do something fun?"
Ella thought: (Might as well. It'll help pass the time until he's back.)
Meanwhile, Alex and Silone were riding toward Stone.
After a long day's travel, they reached the village by evening. They stopped near an inn, and inside the tavern, Silone approached the hostess.
Silone: "Good evening, Cecilia. Care to talk about old times?"
The hostess—Cecilia, a pretty young woman in her twenties with brown hair—smiled.
"Silone… it's been a while. Let's speak somewhere private."
Silone: "Alright, but I've brought someone new."
She looked at Alex. "That's fine. Follow me."
She led them down a hallway into a storage cellar. At the far wall, she turned and spoke quietly:
"So, you've come for the old man. That must mean the new hero sent you. But… are you sure they're ready?"
Silone: "I don't know. I'm just doing my mission."
Cecilia smirked. "You, in a hero's party… now that's something I never thought I'd see."
Silone: "You're probably right."
She glanced at Alex. "You're lucky, kid. Not many get to see this place."
Alex: (What is she talking about?)
With a soft voice, she whispered:
"Let the truth be revealed."
Right before Alex's eyes, the wall opened, revealing something that left him stunned.
END OF CHAPTER
NEXT CHAPTER: First Mission (2)