Chapter 22

Within the colored space, he floated again, face to face with the giant purple sphere. Yet, there was something different with the being right now, as the glow on his rings was no longer as vivid or vibrant.

“What’s the catch?”

He asks.

Thankfully, the entity was more talkative than before, as he found out the thing was the one who gave him those systems.

The being also revealed that each orb had called upon their own champions, vying for influence within that world. Though it did not explain why.

“There is none. Do what you want, as you wish, no questions asked.”

Its voice hummed. Yet it sounded weaker now.

“From my knowledge, dealing with beings like you, there is always some sort of complication.”

He says, remembering those old stories from books, comics, and fables about such.

He wanted to avoid getting caught up in some kind of trap again, or worst, do some stuff against his will.

“I think you are already experiencing it, my chosen one. Your actions, your consequences.”

The sphere let out a reverberating cackle; the sound rippling through the vastness of the imaginary space they were in.

“Isn’t that how it should be?”

Clifford frowned.

He got confused why he was being told like a little kid. As if he was someone who did not take accountability for their own actions.

Again, that caused a loud echoing laughter to thunder from the sphere. It took a moment for the noise to calm.

“I am unlike the other guardians who will remain watching their chosen. I may have given you power, but that ends there. From here on out, you are on your own.”

It says.

The sense of foreboding began creeping on Clifford, realizing that. He had no omnipotent guardian who’ll stay by his side who can provide blessing and guidance.

Then again, he didn’t really want or needed such, as he remained wary of those odd beings.

“So you’re saying this is the last time I’ll be seeing you?”

From what he was hearing, it seemed like he was being thrown out. Not that he had any problem with it. The only thing which worried him was the fact the voice sounded sad and fearful.

“I’ve given you the remainder of my powers, my chosen. Use it well.”

The entity began fading as Clifford’s ethereal body flew. The purple sphere sunk into the depths of that space, being engulfed by the colors all around them until it became one with them.

It was then that he returned to reality, once again experiencing the continues throbbing pain from his wounds.

Though he stayed cautious with everything that’s happened. There was also the fact that he needed to survive and recover from his predicament.

Darkness remained even in his wake, because of the lack of eyes. Yet within his mind, he could still see the bird's-eye view of his surroundings. All thanks to his system.

The two individuals he’d been watching over were now blinking red. He was keen to click on them. And luckily, the skill lifeline that he gave them worked as expected.

Yet noticing the timer ticking forced him to move with haste, seeing as he was losing time. As the effects of the ability won’t last much longer.

Green orbs began seeping out of the earth, floating slowly around the area where the carriage got buried.

The colored wisp then started gathering on the mounds nearby, releasing shimmering dust on it.

In minutes, hands burst out from the dirt, clawing its way before two bloodied individual pulled themselves out of their grave.

Both men released gasp and pained wheezing, before screaming with their deep groans of agony. They crawled out like worms, dragging their worn-out bodies from the pit.

A few more moments and the cuts and wounds from them slowly faded, leaving only a mark on their skins.

Galford and Hallor laid on their backs for a good time, chasing for air as they remained weary after they got out of the deep hole.

“It seems my fear and doubts were right all along.”

Clifford’s voice echoed, yet he was nowhere to be found.

Both men were quick to wander their eyes, sitting as they search for where the sound came from, only to realize he was talking in their heads.

“Those bastards!”

Hallor slammed his fist the minute his memories rush in. The stinging on his neck gave it out, as he can still feel the coldness of the blade on it.

“It’s expected. We are nothing but mere pawns to them.”

Galford took a deep gulp, unable to believe he was alive. He touched the cut and stab he received and sure enough; they were there, though closed and healed.

“Have you two decided, then?”

Clifford’s tone was more clear, as if rippling through the wind with each word that it made the surrounding trees dance.

“Damn well I have!”

Hallor, in his fit of rage, absent-mindedly answered.

Teeth gritting as his thoughts became filled with murder and death. As all he wanted to do right now was to get revenge on those men who stabbed them in the back.

But Galford was swift to raise his hand to dismiss his student’s rambling. As he was the one still in the sound of mind.

“May we have more time, sir? I believe the amount you’ve given us is not enough to consider your proposal.”

He murmurs.

Not really knowing where to bow, since they do not know where the entity was coming from or hiding.

Night had already grazed upon them, so the moonlights shine is the only thing that gave them vision of the surrounding trees. And most of the place got covered with shadows and silhouettes.

“But master.”

Hallor tried to plea.

But the elder was quick to give him a sharp gaze, warning of his uncouth actions. In the end, all he could do was lower his head in utter frustration, pursing his lips as he continued to curse.

There was a moment of silence between them, before a gust of wind brush through them. The icy touch, forcing the two men on their feet.

“That is understandable.”

Was Clifford’s reply, pausing upon seeing how the men’s face crumple from throwing meaningful glances at each other.

“Please don’t think of this the wrong way, sir Clifford. We only wish to be certain of our choice.”

Galford immediately speaks out his mind. When the deafening silence felt so awkward and frightening.

It did not help that they were in the middle of the deepest part of the accursed forest. So he became wary that they may end up losing the protection of the man if they were to show any signs of doubt.

“But of course. Take all the time you need.”

Clifford’s tone had a hint of a giggle, a sign that he was smiling at that moment.

The men were unsure of that, as the fellow remained hidden within the veil of darkness.

“Thank you, sir.”

They both lowered their heads to the area where they sense he was.

“Stay safe, you two. If you’ve made your decision, you know where to find me.”

Clifford bids them farewell, sensing the anxiety of staying in that dangerous part of the forest.

Both men gave a nod before scampering into the woods, taking advantage of the increase in light they had. Luckily, all their things remained on them, along with their armor and sword, as the path home was certain to be filled with danger during that hour.

Thanks to the moon’s shine, they could navigate the place, and after a few hours of walking, they finally arrive back at their town at dawn. Both of them almost jumping for joy at the sight of some familiar trees.

But their relief and happiness didn’t last long, as the nauseating scent of ash and smoke rode the wind.

The two, even in their weakened state, rush to get out of the bushes, only to be greeted by horror.

Hallor fell to his knees, trembling with a fiery gaze. Galford inhaled deeply to hold his rage, seeing all the blackened soil and charred remains of their small village.

Only burned huts and sheds remained of their once peaceful home.

The youngster let out a scream that echoed through the surroundings as tears began streaming down his eyes.

The older one only shook his head, wiping his face in utter disgruntlement, as he did not expect the knights would lay their sights at the place.