Thurars (III)

Ruby's POV:

Again, I find myself in this darkness, surrounded by the stench of decay and the oppressive humidity that feels more like blood than water vapor.

But I take solace in the fact that I'm safe here, that time flows slower than it does on the outside.

I've been here so many times, trying to save him, trying to change the outcome. But every time I fail, every time I'm forced to watch him die.

The weight of my failures crushes me, and I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of despair.

But here, in this place where time stands still, I can take a moment to breathe, to gather my thoughts.

Maybe this time, I'll be able to change things, to save him from his fate.

I close my eyes and let myself sink into the darkness, letting it surround me like a cocoon. The memories flood back, each one more painful than the last. But I don't let them break me. I steel myself, knowing that I have to keep going, keep trying.

I never thought that time travel would be so painful. The first time I tried it, I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to see my loved ones again. I missed them so much.

But as soon as I went back in time, I realized that I had made a mistake. I was not prepared for the emotional toll that it would take on me.

Every time I go back in time, I have to relive all the pain and suffering I have ever experienced. I have to watch 'him' die over and over again, knowing that I can't do anything to save him. It's like a never-ending nightmare that I can't escape.

But I keep doing it. I keep going back in time because the thought of never seeing my loved ones again is unbearable. I'm willing to endure the pain just to stop it once and for all.

But now, as I sit here, contemplating my existence, I can't help but wonder if this version of me is the last. Have I finally found the timeline where everything is perfect, or am I just one of many trials and errors from the future's past?

The thought of being a mere experiment, a mistake in the grand scheme of things, is terrifying. It makes me question the very nature of my being. Am I going to see the tomorrow? Or am I just past reflection of my next trial?

I'm consumed by jealousy towards the version of myself from a week ago.

Back then, I was innocent and unaware of the dark future that was about to unfold before me. I had no idea of the pain and suffering that awaited me.

Ah… come to think of it ten seconds already passed outside, since I've been here for about one hour.

[Shadow Gateway]

As I emerged from the shadow pocket, I felt the weight of time bearing down on me like a heavy burden.

I stood two buildings afar from the hideout, and Gustang was already rushing towards them at an incredible speed - even faster than a blessed Heroic class at their peak. It was a scene I had witnessed countless times before; the first time, I had no idea what was going to happen, but after 37 iterations, I knew Gustang would be killed by a sudden wave of Thurars. In the next iteration, I managed to save him.

However, my challenges did not end there. Every time a new obstacle presented itself, I had to be careful and adjust my perfect timeline accordingly.

Despite the similarities between the iterations, even the slightest change could make a significant difference - except for this time.

As I turned my gaze to the sky, I saw that it was no longer as heavily infested by the Thurars as before. Yet, my attention was soon drawn to a new figure - someone with four wings, a key player in this timeline. It was Zagreus Lijk.

In all of the previous iterations, Gustang was an orphan who was deemed the cursed one, as no one wanted to adopt him after the incident that left him as the sole survivor. However, in this particular timeline, things were different.

I was surprised to learn that Gustang had been adopted by none other than Zagreus Lijk.

With this new development, Gustang's last name had changed from Seth to Lijk, as he now went by Gustang Lijk.

It was a stark contrast to the countless iterations where Gustang was left alone and ostracized. I wondered how this change would impact the course of events that were yet to unfold.

Gustang's POV:

I arrived close to the location of the hideout and noticed that the area was not as crowded as other parts of the city. However, as I approached the gate of the hideout, I saw that there were at least tens of men guarding the entrance, all armed with weapons. I couldn't help but wonder how they could trust such dull and primitive weapons in the face of the Thurars.

"Hey, hurry up and come inside as soon as possible!" shouted the group of well-built men, who had likely achieved their physiques through labor training and a nutritious diet.

But they were also…

I enhanced my vision to get a better look at their arms and saw that all of them were blessed with rare-class abilities.

The leader of the group spoke up, saying, "If you're willing to join us in guarding the hideout, please come inside and choose a weapon to defend yourself. But if you're unable to fight, feel free to ask for the assistance of a mystical healer."

"Sure, I'll join you in a moment," I replied, making a way between them, and as I passed the men's crowd, I descended to the underground floor.

Looking around, I saw children clinging to their mothers and elderly individuals sharpening their weapons.

Most of the group appeared to have common-class abilities, but there were two exceptions: Sebastien, who was distributing healing potions, and Clara, who was using her fire ability to assist the blacksmiths.

"Ah… you came a bit earlier than expected" said Clara as she was still focusing on her work.

"I have some important news to share with you about the monsters. Their weakness is their brain - they can regenerate any part of their body except for the brain. However, this weakness may only be temporary, so we must act quickly to defeat them"

"Thank you for your assistance. Can you please pass me the dull sword next to your feet? I will inform the headquarters about this discovery."

As I observed Clara, I noticed that she was sweating and appeared to be tired after using her abilities for an extended period of time. Wanting to help her, I offered to lend a hand with the task.

"How many weapons do you need?"

"Around twenty, five spears, ten swords, and five bows, why do you ask?"

[By the power of the ancient ones,

I call upon the elements to heed my summons.

From earth and fire, I craft ten swords,

With the wind and water, five spears shall form,

And from the wood and spirit, five bows shall take form.]

After completing the incantation, the weapons I had requested materialized out of thin air. The blacksmiths, who had been observing my actions from the corner of the room, were left in shock and amazement. One of them even dropped the sword he had been working on,

"'heap' that's enough forging for today… I'm done"

Wait… what the-

"Uhm Clara? what were we talking about?"

"Gustang…"

"Yeah?"

"Follow me outside…"

.

.

.

"Let me see if I understood correctly, you woke up with an element affinity that allows you to access multiple other elements? That sounds really cool!" oh boy! Would you look at how excited she is…

"However, I have to be careful not to overuse it as doing so will cost me my memories. For now, I have been able to enhance my stats and create a couple of weapons"

"It's definitely a serious issue to deal with. In many ways, it feels more like a curse than a blessing,"

"I'm not sure how long I'll be able to continue minimizing its usage. But I'll make a way out of it"

[Ask her if she has entered into a contract with a beyonder.]

"Have you made a contract with a Beyonder by any chance?"

"No, I haven't been contacted by any Beyonder through my dreams yet, but I know of others who have."

[makes sense…]

What do you mean?

[It appears that there are Beyonders with an affinity for fire watching her at the moment. They seem to be interested, but as of yet, they haven't made a move.]

"And what about you? Who granted you this ability?" Clara questioned; her tone curious.

"My contractor... is someone who probably conceals his identity, even I myself do not know who he is," I replied with a hint of uncertainty in my voice.