Chapter 23: Welcome to Fagora

The night in Vask's Resting was filled with warmth and celebration. The Grimknights had successfully defended the town, and for the first time in weeks, the people could relax.

Bjorn had drowned himself in ale, his hearty laughter echoing through the tavern as he exchanged drunken stories with the locals. Elric and Espada engaged in a game of darts, their competitive natures on full display as they tried to one-up each other. Henry sat with a group of older men, discussing the town's future and how peace should be upheld in Vask's Resting moving forward.

Meanwhile, outside the tavern, Kaiser and Mariposa played with Nyx, the small liemur that Kaiser had tamed. The creature darted between them, its silver fur glistening under the moonlight. Mariposa chuckled as she held out a small piece of fruit, watching Nyx snatch it away eagerly.

For a brief moment, it felt like the war outside didn't exist.

As dawn broke, the Grimknights gathered for a meeting. Henry sat at the center, with Espada leaning against a table, arms crossed.

"So, what's next?" Bjorn asked groggily, rubbing his temples. "We staying here?"

Espada shook her head. "We need to move. Supplies won't last forever, and Vask's Resting isn't exactly the safest place if more conflicts rise."

"Where to, then?" Henry asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Espada tapped the map laid out on the table. "Fagora City. It's the northernmost city in Woodsaw. The People's Shop has a station there—we can restock."

Henry nodded in agreement. "Then we make for Fagora."

The group prepared for their journey, ensuring their horses were ready. Mariposa Vask, much to everyone's surprise, decided to join them.

As the Grimknights mounted their horses, the townspeople gathered around, cheering for them. Some clapped, others waved, and a few even offered words of gratitude.

"Good luck, Grimknights!"

"Come back safe!"

Henry took one last glance at the town before leading his group out. The road ahead was long, but they rode with purpose.

A few hours into their journey, they passed the outskirts of Yore City. What was once a thriving settlement now stood in shambles, the remnants of revolution and war evident in the scorched buildings and empty streets.

Espada smirked. "Looks like whatever happened here was more interesting than that fort we stormed."

Elric sighed. "More like tragic."

They pressed on, leaving Yore City and its ghosts behind.

As they traveled, they passed a group of civilians along the road. The people whispered as the Grimknights rode by, their eyes filled with curiosity—and fear.

"Those are the Grims…" one murmured.

"They say they crushed the revolutionaries…" another whispered.

The Grimknights said nothing, simply continuing their journey.

After two days of travel, the group reached Fagora City. The city's high stone walls and aged architecture stood as a testament to its history—the oldest city in Woodsaw.

As they approached the gates, armed guards stopped them. "State your business in Fagora."

Espada stepped forward, flashing a confident smirk. "We're just passing through, resupplying at the People's Shop."

The guards eyed them warily but ultimately let them through. "Don't cause trouble."

The Grimknights entered Fagora City.

Fagora was the first settlement in Woodsaw, built centuries ago by the early pioneers. Its location near the mountains made it a prime defensive stronghold. Over time, it became known for its historic architecture and old traditions, preserving the past while the world around it changed. Despite its age, it remained a vital part of Woodsaw's network.

The Grimknights made their way to the People's Shop, a well-known supply hub for travelers and warriors alike. They stocked up on food, weapons, and essential gear.

As they browsed, Nyx spotted a stall selling meat. The little liemur fixated on a fresh slab, its tail twitching.

Mariposa chuckled and bought a piece for him. "You've got expensive taste, little one."

With their supplies secured, Henry called the group together. "Let's find an inn."

That evening, they gathered in the inn's common area. Henry stood, looking at the group. "Before we rest, we need to assess our capabilities again. We'll take AWL (Assessing Warrior Level) tomorrow."

The group nodded in agreement.

"Also," Henry continued, glancing at Mariposa, "I'd like to officially welcome Mariposa Vask as a member of the Grimknights."

Mariposa smiled and stood up. "I'm Mariposa Vask, 19 years old. I know various medicinal herbs and treatments… but unlike Espada," she pointed with a playful smirk, "I have no combat skills."

The group chuckled.

Then, her expression turned slightly serious. "There is something I should mention. When I was kidnapped by Dante Viel, I overheard him talking to a woman. They mentioned that I possess the Blood of Joseph." She laughed. "Which is clearly a mistake."

Henry and Elric, however, exchanged shocked glances.

Henry took a deep breath. "There are two known types of Quas Blood."

Blood of Mary – The more common type, possessed by those who can form contracts with supernatural entities. These individuals are called Vessels, and their power enhances in five levels.

Blood of Joseph – Extremely rare. This type does not allow entity contracts but instead grants the ability to manipulate non-living materials:

Level 1 – Free manipulation of materials (without forming anything specific).

Level 2 – Can create solid objects from manipulated materials, though limited to a few types.

Special Ability: Demonic True Form, which only activates during full moons. However, only individuals with strong will can manifest it.

"Individuals with the Blood of Joseph are not called Vessels," Henry continued. "They are called Magi—Magus for men, Maga for women."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Mariposa blinked. "Well… that sounds important."

Espada smirked. "You think?"

Henry exhaled. "This changes things."

Before the night ended, Henry, as the leader of the Grimknights, made an important decision. "We will go to the AWL (Analytic Warriors Level) for reassessing our capabilities," he announced, his tone leaving no room for debate. The group nodded in agreement. It was essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses, especially now that their journey was taking them deeper into uncharted territories.

As the night settled, each member of the Grimknights found ways to make themselves comfortable. Some sat in quiet contemplation, while others simply lay on their beds, letting the weight of their adventures sink in. Mariposa lay down, still processing the shocking revelation about her bloodline. The thought of possibly possessing the Blood of Joseph unsettled her. Could it be true? She had never shown any unusual abilities before, aside from an occasional odd sensation during full moons—something she had always brushed off as fatigue.

She closed her eyes, whispering a silent plea in her mind. Papa, please guide me.

Darkness surrounded her, then suddenly, there was blinding light. Mariposa found herself walking among a crowd of people, but their faces were blurred, indistinct. They called her name in a strange, echoing tone, their voices layered and surreal. Then, everything turned dark. She looked up to see the moon, radiant and unnaturally bright. A deep unease settled over her as her vision began to change—the world around her turning red, as if bathed in blood.

Shouts of terror reached her ears. She looked around, only to see the people running away from her, their faces twisted in fear. Confused, she took a step back and caught sight of a puddle of water nearby. A horrible chill ran down her spine as she leaned in to look at her reflection.

A monstrous face stared back at her. Demonic, grotesque, and unlike anything she had ever seen before.

She screamed. Then everything shattered into nothingness.

"Mariposa! Mariposa! Wake up!" A familiar voice broke through the haze.

Her eyes shot open, her breath ragged and uneven. Kaiser was beside her, his face filled with concern. "What happened? You were thrashing in your sleep," he said.

Mariposa wiped the sweat from her forehead, her heart still pounding. "Just a bad dream," she muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.

Nyx, the little liemur, scampered up onto her shoulder, pressing its small body against her in comfort. She took a deep breath and forced a weak smile.

Kaiser gave her a long look before nodding. "Get yourself ready. We're heading to the AWL now."

The AWL Reassessment

The Grimknights gathered at the People's Shop, where the AWL evaluation was set to take place. Each member stepped forward one by one, undergoing the assessment to measure their progress. Numbers flashed on the assessment devices as their updated capabilities were displayed. Some had improved significantly, while others found themselves needing to focus on certain skills. The reassessment was a necessary step, ensuring that they were well-prepared for whatever awaited them next.

A Desperate Plea

In the middle of their assessment, a civilian rushed into the shop, his face flushed and drenched in sweat. He was panting, clearly exhausted from running.

"Please... you have to help me!" he gasped, trying to catch his breath. "A group of bandits is harassing my farm. They've threatened to burn it down if I don't give them a quota—an absurd amount of genny and sacks of rice! I don't have that kind of money!"

Henry listened intently, then exchanged glances with the others. He didn't hesitate. "We'll help," he stated firmly.

Before the man could express his gratitude, Espada crossed her arms and asked, "What can you offer us in return?"

Elric shot her a glare, clearly displeased with the question. But after a moment, he seemed to realize that while they were willing to help, they still had a journey ahead—one that required supplies and resources.

The man hesitated before replying, "I... I will see to it that you're paid with something. It won't be much, but I'll give you what I can."

Henry nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. "That settles it. We ride at once."