Simmering problems

Chapter 27 (Extended Version)

"What was that?" Aria asked, letting out a relieved sigh as she pointed to the remains of the gargoyle, now reduced to a pile of scattered rocks on the ground.

"A damn inconsiderate brute, that's what it was," I replied, a mix of exhaustion and frustration escaping with my words. I rummaged through the rubble for my sacred knife, but all that remained was twisted, smoldering metal. "Damn it, I liked that knife. It was perfect for slicing and toasting bread with my divine fire."

Aria looked at me incredulously. "Are you seriously mourning that right now? Ignis, the gargoyle attacked us specifically because it demanded Lira's grimoire. That should concern us more than your divine culinary skills."

"Ouch, looks like the gargoyle wasn't the only inconsiderate creature here," I shot back, picking up the broken pieces of my knife like fragments of a shattered heart.