Don’t Be Afraid

The news of what transpired reached the Ministers, and despite the serious crime committed by the Collector of Fortune, Liam's actions of exploding Rainier's home and almost causing his death created a new problem for him. He faced scolding from the Ministers, and Ludwig even paid him a visit to ensure everything was still under control and aligned with their plans.

As Ludwig sat gracefully in a chair, he crossed his arms and spoke firmly, "It's unlike you to just blow up a house out of nowhere, Liam. What happened? Did that bastard insult you? Say something derogatory? Tell me, and we'll take action."

A slight laugh escaped Liam as he shook his head in response. They had hoped that marriage would mellow Ludwig's temperament at least a bit, but his fiery disposition remained unchanged. Ludwig's quick temper was a constant in their lives, always ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation.

"It's alright, Ludwig," Liam replied. "Just a minor misunderstanding."

Ludwig let out a sigh and settled back in his seat. They were currently in Liam's study chamber, and Ludwig seemed to be enjoying himself, poking fun at Liam. It was a reversal of roles from before, as Liam used to tease Ludwig about his study room being smaller. However, responsibilities had transformed their study rooms into symbols of duty rather than mere spaces for leisure.

"Well, if that's what you say," Ludwig remarked. "But remember, if you ever change your mind, my men are ready and waiting. Just a call away, Liam..."

Liam let out a loud sigh. "I just can't bring myself to do it."

Ludwig's gaze sharpened as he stared at Liam intensely.

"I can't shake off the feeling that while Rivalz is fighting for his life somewhere and Alexa is missing, possibly in danger, I'm here confined within these four walls," Liam continued, frustration evident in his voice. "Just wearing this crown, pretending to be a King, when there's so much more that needs to be done."

Ludwig's firm nod indicated his understanding of Liam's sentiments and shared desires. "I also share your wish to find Rivalz, Liam," he affirmed. "I want to rescue Alexa and ensure my wife's safety as well. But we must exercise caution for now. Our actions carry weight beyond ourselves. We're dealing with Aetherius, and the fate of Etherealis hangs in the balance. One misstep could lead to the destruction of our lands and jeopardize our world."

As Minister Isaac called for a meeting to discuss the laws formulated by the Ministers, Liam recognized that his presence might unsettle some citizens. Many were still grappling with the fact that their former King had committed crimes and treason. Now, with a King of different lineage from another kingdom, their acceptance was uncertain. Therefore, Liam decided to temporarily step back and allow the Ministers to handle the necessary tasks.

It was agreed that Liam's absence would be temporary, just for a fortnight, as Minister Isaac shared concerns about potential mishaps if Liam remained. Truth be told, Liam's presence at the Orient Palace was more symbolic than essential. While he held the Pearl Scepter, crucial decisions and actions were orchestrated by the Ministers. Liam couldn't shake the feeling of being a mere figurehead, a puppet with little real influence.

Liam's thoughts drifted to Forgotten Fjords, where he wished to search for his cousin Alexa and prevent his sister, Hiyasmin, from embarking on the same quest. Alexa's disappearance was troubling enough, but if Hiyasmin were to be lost as well, the situation would escalate dramatically.

With the urgency of the situation weighing heavily on Liam, he prioritized heading to Primotheus Capital to prevent the Ravager with distinct eyes from divulging the crucial information about the Queen of Fire Fae Kingdom being an Abyssal Wayfarer to Aetherius. Time was their adversary in this endeavor, pushing them to act swiftly and decisively.

After meticulous preparation, Liam swiftly departed for Primotheus Capital, joining forces with Commander Leonel in their search for the elusive Ravager. Despite Leonel's prowess as a warrior, they couldn't afford to underestimate the Ravager, especially considering the formidable backing of Aetherius. As of now, they had no solid leads, making the task all the more daunting.

Upon arriving at Primotheus Capital, Liam encountered the vigilant guards who blocked his path. While he could have tried to enter through the same means as Ludwig had done previously, doing so now would only raise suspicions and potentially escalate chaos if he were caught wandering around the town. Since they planned to stay in Primotheus for a while, Liam opted to follow the legal process to avoid any unnecessary scrutiny regarding his motives.

As the newly crowned King of the Water Fae Kingdom, navigating through the legal channels was relatively straightforward. By dusk that day, Liam had gained entry into Eldoria, the area where the Ravager was last spotted before vanishing without a trace.

Liam forced himself to stay focused on his mission, pushing aside distracting memories that threatened to cloud his thoughts in this unfamiliar yet bustling city. Primotheus was a hive of activity, with shouts filling the air and people rushing about. He noticed creatures with hybrid forms collectively known as Metamorphs, who could transform between human and animal shapes. Typically, they kept their animal forms concealed unless necessary, so seeing them openly displaying their abilities was a new experience for Liam.

As Liam navigated through the bustling streets of Primotheus Capital, he encountered a diverse array of beings, each with their unique features and abilities. Some had scales reminiscent of crocodiles, while others sported wings in vibrant hues like those of birds. The presence of Elvens in this city, typically confined to their own continent, caught him off guard. Additionally, he spotted a few Witches engrossed in purchasing mysterious items in the shadowy black market situated in the far east corner. Among the crowd, Liam could sense the presence of fellow Faes, many of whom were either merchants or travelers.

The weather that night was less than hospitable, prompting Liam to hasten his search for Commander Leonel's residence. Upon entering, he found the place empty, indicating that even in the late hours of the night, Leonel was diligently scouring the city for any trace of the elusive Ravager.

The accommodation, though modest, was tidy and well-maintained, with minimalistic wooden furnishings. The fireplace, though dwindling, provided a comforting warmth to the room. Liam couldn't help but chuckle at the realization that there were two bedrooms, a thoughtful gesture from Leonel who must have anticipated Liam's reluctance to stay at the Orient Palace and likely expected him to join him. Since Liam hadn't personally spoken to Leonel but only communicated through his messenger, he decided to take advantage of the opportunity to wait and rest after the long journey.

"You haven't even been gone a day, and already you've left," Leonel remarked, his tone tinged with concern.

Liam fixed him with a dark stare, treating him like a younger brother despite their close friendship. "You know very well I'm not suited for such responsibilities, Leonel," he replied, sitting up to face his friend. "What's the news?"

Leonel's expression turned serious, his eyebrows furrowing. "I tracked his essence from the border all the way to this village," he began, "but it's suspicious. He seemed to wander all around the town, back to the forest, and then to the border again, despite supposedly entering Primotheus Capital. Something doesn't add up."

Liam's forehead creased in consternation at his words. "So you're saying his trail went in circles?" he asked incredulously.

Leonel nodded solemnly, confirming Liam's suspicions. Liam muttered a curse under his breath. Though not a Werebeast, Leonel possessed exceptional tracking skills and knowledge of essence traces. If even he found it challenging to follow the Ravager's trail, it meant the Ravager was exceptionally elusive and difficult to pin down.

Leonel sank into a nearby chair, visibly exhausted, and removed his armor, placing it on the table with a heavy thud. "I traced him to Escrima, near a corner close to the textile store," he explained, his voice strained with weariness. "I suspected he was seeking shelter there, but his presence was fleeting, indicating he didn't stay long. I found faint traces of him in a few other places as well – a restaurant, a store frequented by witches, and a tool shop. From there, I followed his trail to a Hotspot before it led into the forest, eventually losing his scent near the North Border."

They wasted no time. After resting briefly and replenishing their strength, they set out past midnight to track the Ravager, following the trail of blood he had left behind. Their journey began at the border where he had crossed. It was evident that this was the path chosen by the Ravager. Not only was it the farthest border, but it was also situated near Luminara Falls, a majestic waterfall that seemed like tears from the heavens. The area was abundant with Hyperion trees and dense ferns, providing ample cover should there be any knights patrolling the vicinity.

The atmosphere around Luminara Falls was eerily quiet, as if the very nature itself held its breath. Liam's attention was drawn to a boulder at the waterfall's edge, where he noticed four dried drops of blood – a clear sign of the Ravager's presence. Following the trail, they found more droplets approximately thirty meters west of the boulder, leading them deeper into the heart of the forest. The next clue was near a tree, and then a solitary drop was left on a flower at the edge of the forest, pointing towards the town.

Throughout the night until dawn, Liam and Leonel silently pursued the trail, keenly aware of their surroundings. The wilderness gave way to the bustling streets of the town, where they encountered a stark contrast. Children ran about, some barely clothed, while others were covered in dirt and sweat. Elderly Metamorphs, worn down by age, begged for alms along the cobblestone roads.

The town's center was a cacophony of noise and activity, with thin and emaciated creatures scavenging near the canal, adding to the unpleasant smell permeating the area. Thick smoke billowed from the stores, blending with the chaotic atmosphere. The dense population made it challenging to navigate and track the Ravager's trail, especially considering there were other Ravagers residing in Eldoria, adding to the confusion.

They began their search at Escrima as Leonel had indicated. The area was in ruins, with a pervasive stench of decay and filth hanging in the air. Many creatures roamed the path, their faces marked by dirt and weariness. Liam noticed an Elf with a blood-stained shirt, but the surrounding people seemed indifferent to her plight.

Thankful for his decision to change into more modest attire, Liam wore a walnut long-sleeved shirt and gray trousers, both now marred by their journey. It blended better with the inhabitants of Primotheus Capital, avoiding undue attention that his usual clothing of expensive fabric and diamonds would have garnered.

Despite his inclination to fly, Liam refrained from doing so to avoid drawing attention. Only a few Fae resided in Primotheus, and he aimed to keep a low profile. However, walking was more tiring than he had anticipated.

The Ravager's presence at Escrima was fleeting, indicated by the thinness of his trace. They departed at noon, moving on to other locations where the Ravager had been sighted. They sharpened their senses, relying on keen vision and acute hearing to gather any useful information. As the late afternoon approached and the sun began to set, they detected the Ravager's trail reemerging in the forest.

Liam expression twisted as he gazed at the nearby waterfall, realizing that the Ravager's tracks were merely circling around. What's more, his presence seemed stronger in the places they visited, indicating prolonged stays. However, none of the creatures there seemed to know him, likely due to the secretive nature of their inquiries. Revealing their purpose to the Primotheus Ministers would lead to a lengthy process of explanations and potential complications.

Nightfall descended as Liam and Leonel decided to part ways. Leonel returned to the town for observation, while Liam remained in the silent forest. Its vastness provided ample hiding spots, making it likely that the Ravager was concealed nearby. Liam attuned himself to the forest's aura, sensing the presence of the Ravager when suddenly, he detected a distinct and unfamiliar presence. A group of twelve creatures, one of them being the Ravager Liam sought. Reacting swiftly, Liam tracked their presence to the other side of the forest, near the town.

Liam ceased his flight upon witnessing several children hurling stones at a young boy. The boy lay on the ground, hand on his bleeding head, while the others reveled in their cruelty.

"He deserves that."

"He doesn't belong here in our place."

"Go away."

"He is the reason why the animals in the forest died, and we could not eat anymore."

"Leave, Dirty Blood! You're nothing here!"

Their hurtful words stoked a fire of anger within Liam. "Dirty Blood." The stone they intended for the defenseless boy now struck Liam's left shoulder, its force surprising given their small stature. Liam noted their potential as formidable fighters in the future.

Liam gritted his teeth, sensing the boy's fear behind him as he turned to face the children. "Do you realize it's wrong to gang up on someone who isn't fighting back?" Liam spoke sternly, struggling to contain his escalating emotions.

Maintaining a calm demeanor despite the raspiness in his voice, Liam tried to approach the boy. However, terror flickered in the boy's eyes when he noticed the sword beneath Liam's green hood. The children who had been tormenting him quickly fled at the sight, sensing the danger.

Turning his attention back to the injured boy, Liam noticed the severity of his wound as blood continued to flow from his forehead. Simultaneously, the overwhelming presence of the Ravager permeated the air, making Liam's senses keenly alert.

Drawing closer to the boy, Liam attempted to offer reassurance in his voice. "Are you okay? Can you stand?" The boy's small frame was almost engulfed by his oversized shirt, now stained crimson with blood. Despite Liam's efforts to appear friendly, the boy's eyes widened in fear as he crawled away, clutching his chest and struggling to breathe.

"Does it hurt?" Liam inquired gently, pausing to assess his condition. "I can heal you." Liam moved closer to attend to the boy's head wound, but the boy's eyes, gleaming in gold, widened further in fright, causing him to retreat even more.

The boy's eyes flickered with uncertainty as Liam offered him the handkerchief. The boy seemed genuinely scared but tried to conceal his emotions, a trait Liam could empathize with. When the boy hesitated to accept the handkerchief, Liam withdrew it and returned it to his pocket with a sigh.

"Why are you alone here?" Liam questioned softly, scanning the dark and quiet surroundings. "Where are your parents?" The presence of the Ravager lingered in Liam's senses through the boy's blood, hinting at a possible connection between them. Could he be the Ravager's son?

"Don't worry about what others say," Liam spoke in a near-whisper, trying to convey reassurance. "Even if we're called Dirty Blood, it doesn't give them the right to harm us. Our worth isn't determined by our blood but by our actions. Don't let them hurt you. Respect yourself. Stand up next time. I may be Dirty Blood too, but I won't allow anyone to tarnish me."

Despite Liam's efforts to comfort him, the boy remained apprehensive, his eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. It was clear that he had faced hardships and mistreatment due to his lineage, a reality Liam knew all too well.

The realization hit Liam like a ton of bricks. If the Ravager had relatives or allies in Primotheus who could cure him from the poison, it would complicate their efforts immensely. Dealing with him while he was weakened by the poison had been challenging enough. If he regained his full strength, it would be nearly impossible to stop him.

The scene unfolded before Liam in a split second. The boy, frightened and fleeing for his life, encountered a Ghoul instead of the help he had hoped for. Liam's instincts kicked in immediately as he rushed to the boy's aid.

The Ghoul, its grotesque form looming over the boy, was about to harm him further when Liam intervened. With a swift and precise motion, Liam drew his weapon and beheaded the Ghoul before it could carry out its malicious intent.

As the Ghoul's head rolled to the ground, Liam turned to the boy, who was still trembling with fear. He knelt down beside him, his expression softening despite the urgency of the situation. "You're safe now," Liam assured him, his voice calm and reassuring. "Don't be afraid. You're going to be okay."