Elias moved through the dimly lit streets, the weight of the Trial Essence Crystals pressing against his palm. The city had grown familiar in the short time he had spent here, but it still felt... distant. Even surrounded by people, there was a hollow feeling in his chest, one that hadn't left him since he lost his family.
The deeper he ventured into the Trial, the more he understood one thing-strength alone wouldn't fill the emptiness inside him.
His feet carried him through winding alleys until he reached a quieter district near the city's outer walls. It was here that he had last seen Althea.
He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
Why was he looking for her?
Maybe because she was the only person who had shown him kindness since he arrived. Or maybe because, despite the way she carried herself-with duty, pride, and restraint-he had seen something else beneath it. Something that made him curious.
As he turned a corner, he finally spotted her.
Althea stood beneath a lantern's glow, speaking with a man in a dark coat. Her expression was stern, and the way she held herself screamed authority. The man nodded a few times before quickly disappearing into the night.
Elias stepped closer. "Busy?"
Althea turned, her golden eyes meeting his. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she quickly masked it with her usual composed expression.
"You again," she said, crossing her arms. "I assumed you'd be in the guild, gloating about your victories."
Elias scoffed. "Not my style." He paused, studying her. "That guy-looked serious. Something happening?"
Althea sighed, glancing toward the street where the man had disappeared. "Just city business. You wouldn't be interested."
"Try me."
She raised an eyebrow, then exhaled. "A group of adventurers disappeared near the outskirts. Some believe it's bandits. Others say... something else."
Elias frowned. "Something else?"
Althea nodded. "The Trial affects the world outside, too. Sometimes, remnants of its power slip into this realm-monsters, curses, things that shouldn't exist here. I'm investigating to make sure the city remains safe."
Elias leaned against the nearby wall. "And you do this alone?"
"I have my duties," she said simply. "And I don't need help."
That pride again. It reminded him of himself.
Elias smirked. "Well, I just returned from a place full of curses and dead things. If you ever need someone who doesn't break easily, you know where to find me."
Althea studied him for a moment, as if considering his words. Then, with a small shake of her head, she turned away. "I'll keep that in mind."
Elias watched as she walked off into the night.
He had no idea why he was drawn to her. Maybe it was because she reminded him of something he had lost-a purpose beyond vengeance.
With a sigh, he turned back toward the inn. He needed rest. The third layer awaited, and something told him it would be worse than anything he had faced before.