Chapter 78.

It took a day and a half for the trio to be able to move together. The Agamai had been honest in his prediction : Nick did feel constant pain in his tibia, and even if the injury was not there anymore, only a scar, he still could not walk properly. That was a problem. How would they be able to fight in the dark tunnels of this underground world when one of them could barely walk ?

(Enora) It's not like we NEED to go, right ? Have you seen how much the Captain paid us for finding the monster army ? We're fine for a few weeks with that.

(Rose) True. Although, since we don't know when the portal will actually open, we should probably be mindful of our expenses.

(Nick) So it's decided ? We go back to 'Earth' when it opens ?

(Rose) Let's just say I would prefer it if it stayed a possibility. Who knows what might happen ? Something may force us to go there.

(Nick) Alright, alright. Still ! Not helping in the defence of Sephayis is annoying.

(Enora) You want to help people ? YOU ? Did you get hit on the head as well ?

Enora quickly checked the man's skull, ruffling his hair while holding him up. The action was so exaggerated it made Rose giggle like she had not for some time. Red in the face, Nick continued.

(Nick) I mean, you know …

(Enora) Yeah, I know : the treasure. It was so huge nobody would realise if we took a bite out of this pie.

The three humans kept on discussing while walking around town, helping Nick to adjust himself to the state of his leg. Apparently, the more he used it now, the quicker it would realise the injury had healed, making a large part of the pain go away. On the way, they crossed paths with many people, and they saw the looks : it had changed from fear to gratefulness. The three were the ones to warn the guards of the impending danger, helping the defenders prepare just in time. Of course, the town would be glad about that !

After a dozen minutes of exercise, Enora decided it was enough, and they walked back towards the inn. To do so, they chose the quickest route, going through a part of the city they had not seen before : the slums. It was neither dramatic nor large-sized. It was, in fact, the smallest neighbourhood around. But it still existed, and those narrow streets were littered with Sephayis's rejects, namely the crippled, the insane and the poor. Useless people that the general public had no idea what to do with.

At some point, on their left, a small square opened up, with a few trees in the middle under which a large group of vagrants laid. Maybe two dozens, probably saving their energy for begging in the other districts later on. Some turned their heads and saw this trio that did not belong there, among which were known faces. Theo, Arsenio's second in command. His eyes squinted and then opened wide before he tried to get on his feet. He looked filthy, tired and hungry. Stumbling forward, he leaned against a wall nearby and spoke :

- Got some food ?

This voice was broken. One could almost hear the parched throat on which the words trudged.

- No, nothing., answered Enora with a piercing stare.

She was still very much angry and disgusted at Arsenio's people, especially the fighters. They had abused and violated their 'comrades' because of some perverted power hunger. Going physically hungry now was a suitable punishment in her eyes.

- Is Arsenio here ?, curiously asked Rose while looking around.

- No., said the weak man with trembling legs. He sold us out.

- How so ?, she continued.

Too tired and weak to stay up, the once impressive and robust warrior plopped down. Then he gazed into nothing while talking :

- He called for the healer-sorcerer-person, saying we needed the help. But we did not have the money. So he thought it was the least you guys could do to pay for it. After all you've done …

- One more word like that and I swear you will suffer., coldly said Enora.

- What more could you do besides killing me ?, he asked seriously. Doesn't matter, Arsenio knew you were not gonna pay. That's why he took all our armours and weapons while we were being treated and sold it. The money he got was just enough to pay for himself, and we never saw him again. After that, Narsasius …

- Sanarsus., corrected Nick.

- … came back, pretty unhappy. He said the only way for this situation to be fair was for him to inflict us as many wounds as he had cured. So he did, avoiding anything life-threatening.

(Nick) He probably thought it was not a great idea to kill someone when you can simply injure them and wait for them to get some money. Then you would come, heal the patients and take your due.

(Rose) Good.

Nothing more from the small blond. No gloating, no mocking, just the satisfaction of seeing in pain people she hated. Without another word, they left. Theo would have been shocked or angry if he still had the energy for this kind of reaction, but he just sat there, softly calling for them. But he received no answer.

(Enora) It's incredible how different our situations are. They had dozens of people, and we only had three, yet they are the losing ones.

(Nick) Poor management from HR obviously …

(Enora) What ?

Don't know. Sounded funny.

(Rose) Their state is not surprising. The Trials are, among other things, a way to test a race's magical potential, meaning the tests can only be passed with magic. They don't know shit about magic, so of course, they ended up in this sorry situation. I would empathise, really, if it were not for all they did.

Clearly, Rose had finally managed to end her hatred towards these people knowing they had paid a lot. Was it enough considering the number of people that died because of them ? No, but she was not imaginative enough to do something herself. And she did not feel like she had to do anything all things considered. Maybe if they were to cross path with Arsenio, then she would see.