The journey back to Eldoria took several days.
The group traveled through forests and rocky plains, avoiding main roads in case Caldryn scouts were searching for them. Tarin walked near the center of the group, occasionally opening his small glowing inventory portal to pull out food, water, or camping tools.
At first, he was nervous around the warriors.
But slowly, he relaxed.
"You really keep everything in there?" Ace asked one evening while they rested near a small fire.
Tarin proudly pulled out a frying pan, three blankets, a shovel, and a bag of apples within seconds.
"Preparation is survival," he said with a grin.
Gorath gave a low approving rumble. "Useful ability."
Even Seris looked mildly impressed.
After several more days, the tall white walls of Eldoria finally appeared on the horizon.
Tarin stopped walking.
"That's… really big."
The capital of Eldoria stood proudly against the sky, its towers shining in the sunlight. Soldiers guarded the gates, but when they saw Amagi and the others approaching, the gates opened quickly.
"The Six have returned!"
The group walked through the city streets as citizens watched with curiosity and relief. News of their capture had already reached Eldoria, so their safe return spread quickly.
Tarin walked quietly behind them, trying not to draw attention.
Inside the royal hall, the King of Eldoria listened carefully as Amagi explained everything—the prison, the old man's story, and the truth about the wizard Vaelros.
When the report finished, the hall fell silent.
"A cult controlling an entire kingdom…" the king said slowly. "This war is far darker than we expected."
Ace stepped forward. "Vaelros isn't just planning war. He's building power through corrupted magic."
The king nodded grimly.
Then his eyes moved toward Tarin.
"And who is this young man?"
Tarin froze slightly.
Amagi answered calmly. "His name is Tarin. An inventory spell user. He helped us escape Caldryn."
The king studied him for a moment.
Tarin nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "I… uh… mostly just carry things."
A few knights chuckled quietly.
Then the king smiled slightly.
"Anyone who helps protect Eldoria is welcome here."
Tarin blinked in surprise.
"R‑Really?"
"You will be given a place to stay," the king continued. "And if you wish, you may work with our supply divisions. Your ability could help our people greatly."
For a moment Tarin didn't speak.
Then he smiled wider than anyone had ever seen before.
"Thank you."
But while the hall celebrated the return of the Six, Seris quietly looked out the tall window toward the distant mountains.
Far beyond them…
Caldryn waited.
And somewhere in the shadows of that dark kingdom—
The wizard Vaelros was watching.