A Dangerous Invitation

Sixteen days had passed since our departure from Myrelis, and we had finally arrived in Sylvari, a considerably large city. The lands here were much less arid and had more vegetation.

We said our goodbyes to Marcus, who had brought us. Despite practically robbing us, he was actually a decent guy. He found great spots to camp, always near water, and even managed to catch some insects and lizards to eat, though Clarice refused to eat any of them.

Unlike the journey to Myrelis, Clarice remained unusually silent, which was actually a relief. However, as soon as we passed through the city gates, her eyes widened, absorbing every detail around her with fascination.

The architecture was robust and functional, with low, wide buildings designed to withstand time. The city was surrounded by massive stone walls, precisely carved.

The streets were paved with large stone slabs, perfectly fitted together. At the center stood a grand hall, an imposing stone building. The city did not seek luxury or extravagance but rather solidity and permanence, a fortress meant to endure for centuries. The streets were bustling with merchants displaying their goods and people chatting animatedly.

"This is amazing! I've never seen anything like this before."

"And where have you even been?"

"I've never left Hasol."

I stared at her, wondering how she could say that without ever having visited other places, but I let it go. Now, I needed to find a way to make some money, pay this girl, and head towards the forest. I walked through the city, trying to spot an opportunity, while Clarice followed me everywhere like a lost puppy looking for company.

As I approached the grand hall, I noticed a board filled with job postings. Most offered low pay, until my eyes landed on something truly interesting.

The notice read: "We are looking for skilled warriors willing to cross the Forest of Eternal Night to the city of Graldrak. As a reward, you will receive 100 cruzeiros. If interested, seek out Edrian in the grand hall for more information."

It was a considerable reward, especially for crossing the forest, something I had already planned to do. However, something bothered me, why did they need warriors? The master had never mentioned any dangers in that forest. The best thing to do was find this Edrian and uncover the truth.

I entered the Grand Hall, an imposing space with walls and ceilings of robust stone, meticulously placed. Several lanterns cast a yellowish light throughout the room, highlighting the wide tables scattered around, where groups of people were engaged in conversation. The place exuded an atmosphere of gathering and strategy. I observed for a moment before approaching a man who seemed at ease, sitting at a table in the corner of the hall.

"Hello, could you tell me where I can find Edrian?"

"He's over there." He pointed to the other side of the hall, where a lone man sat at a large table.

I walked toward the man, and as I approached, I noticed that he had his head down, seemingly deep in thought. His brown hair fell to his shoulders, and his gray eyes carried an air of mystery.

"Hello, are you Edrian?"

He lifted his head with a slightly surprised expression.

"Yes, what do you need?"

"I saw your job posting outside for crossing the forest."

"What? You want to go?"

"Yes. When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning. Before that, I'll hold a meeting at my house to explain everything. It's easy to find—right next to the grand hall, with a red roof."

"Alright, I'll be there."

"Is she coming too?"

"No."

"What? I'm going! Put my name on the list."

"Alright, I'll be expecting you both tomorrow."

I sighed and started walking away, feeling lucky to have arrived before the departure. It was probably just an escort job or something similar — easy money. Just before I left, I overheard some men whispering.

"Hey, did you hear? That lunatic is leaving, and two more idiots signed up too."

"Haha! That bunch of fools will die like all the others."

As I stepped outside, their words still echoed in my mind. The forest shouldn't be dangerous, but something was clearly wrong. The sky was already painted with the hues of sunset, and a new problem presented itself, where would I spend the night? Without money, the idea of asking Clarice for help again deeply bothered me.

"Listen, give up on going too."

"Huh? Why?"

"Don't you get it? From here on, things get dangerous."

"You're just trying to scare me, but I'm going too!"

"Why do you never listen to me, you stubborn saint?"

"I'm not a saint! Those people are the ones who keep calling me that!"

Already irritated with this girl, I quickened my pace through the crowd, skillfully weaving between people. In an instant, I moved swiftly and disappeared into the crowd, losing Clarice before slipping into an alley.

It was better this way. I couldn't take that girl with me, especially after hearing those men mention something about the forest. Without money, my only option was to camp nearby.

Just before leaving, I spotted a man sitting, surrounded by a few people. Curious, I approached to see what was happening.

"Come one, come all! Guess the right card and take home 2 cruzeiros!" announced a man beside the seated one.

"I'll try!" said another man nearby, sitting down.

There were three cards: two of diamonds and one of clubs. The goal was simple—figure out where the clubs card was. It seemed incredibly easy.

After shuffling them on the small table, there was no doubt, it was in the middle. However, when revealed, the card was a diamond. That seemed strange to me because I hadn't taken my eyes off the right card even for a second. Intrigued, I moved closer and kept watching. Few people won, while most lost.

After about ten minutes of observation, I figured out the trick. First, there was someone in charge of luring in players. Someone would accept the challenge and win, encouraging more people to try their luck and fail. The game was entirely rigged, the winners were part of the scam, and instead of just three cards, there were five. The man shuffling was incredibly skilled, switching cards almost imperceptibly with those hidden in his sleeves to fool the unsuspecting.

"Now it's my turn." I sat at the table, ready to play.

It was easy to track his movements and see where he placed the clubs card, but my real goal was to get back at these cheaters. He showed the clubs card before quickly turning it over, a sly smile forming on his lips as if he were certain of his victory.

"Wait, I want to check the cards first."

"Sure, go ahead."

I picked up the card and examined it closely, subtly sliding my fingers along the edges, pretending to be distracted to fool the trickster. Then, I did the same with the others, analyzing every detail. After all, I already had a foolproof plan.

"Well, did you notice anything strange?"

"No, everything looks fine."

He began shuffling skillfully, swiftly switching the clubs card for a diamond with an almost imperceptible finger movement. Then, he slid another clubs card from his sleeve and swapped it for another diamond. What should have been on the right was now in the middle. Casually, I stretched, lowering my left arm.

"So, where is it?"

"It's here on the left." I pointed at the card.

A grin formed on the trickster's lips. The crowd around us quickly started murmuring and laughing, saying I was an idiot and that the card was on the right. Just as he was about to flip the card, I interrupted him.

"Wait!"

"You can't change now, boy."

I removed my necklace and placed it on the table.

"I want to raise the stakes: 10 cruzeiros in exchange for this pure gold necklace."

"You sure? No backing out later."

"Yes, but I'll flip it myself."

"Alright, go ahead."

I extended my left arm toward the card while the cheaters kept their confident smiles. With a firm movement, I placed my hand over the card and then raised my arm high. The shock was instant—faces around me shifted as they saw the clubs card in my hand.

"Impossible!" the cheater exclaimed, flipping over the middle card and revealing a diamond.

"Well then, I want my money now."

"This can't be! You must have cheated somehow."

I grabbed his arm firmly and pulled him closer.

"I cheated? You think I didn't notice the hidden card? See those guards over there? Want me to call them?"

"N-no, fine! Here, take it." He handed me the 10 cruzeiros with a frustrated expression.

I got up and began walking away, heading toward one of the guards to report the cheaters. If I hadn't been so desperate for money, I would have turned them in immediately. But now, at least, I had enough for an inn and a decent meal.

It was relatively easy. While pretending to analyze the cards, I discreetly attached a thin thread to both the clubs and a diamond card. When he hid the card in his left sleeve, I lowered my arm and pulled it toward me under the table, slipping it into my sleeve.

When I placed my left hand over the diamond card, which was also attached to a thread, I pulled it through my cloak with my right hand. With a slight motion, I leaned forward and let the clubs card slide into my hand. As soon as I lifted it, all eyes were on it, and at that moment, I switched the middle card for a diamond.

✧༺⚔༻✧

At dawn, I left the tavern. The climate in this city was nothing like the scorching heat of Myrelis; here, the air was cooler and more pleasant. After a refreshing night's sleep and a hearty meal, I felt renewed and ready for the journey. Determined, I made my way to Edrian's house to find out what was really happening in the forest.

Upon entering the house, I noticed it was quite small but already gathering a few people. To my right, four men were conversing among themselves. Ahead of me, Edrian stood beside a woman, while two young men and a girl seemed to be arguing heatedly. To my right…

Yes, it was her. There stood Clarice, arms crossed, glaring at me with anger. I took a deep breath and walked toward her.

"Why did you do that? Why did you leave me alone?"

"Didn't I tell you it was dangerous? Do you want to die?"

"Alright, now that everyone is here, we can begin. As you all know, we'll be crossing the Forest of Eternal Night, and the payment will be 100 cruzeiros for each of you," Edrian announced.

"I have a question," Clarice said, raising her hand.

I thought she would ask why the payment was so high for just a crossing. I was curious about that too.

"Go ahead."

"Why is it called the Forest of Eternal Night?"

I was an idiot for expecting anything else from this girl, but to be fair, even Sylvain's book didn't have much information about this forest.

"That's because the trees are enormous and so tightly packed that they block out the sunlight, keeping the forest in constant dimness. It's not exactly night, but that's how it got its name."

"I have a question," I said, raising my hand.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I want to know what's in the forest that requires warriors to cross it. Are we protecting someone, or is there a threat?"

"Judging by your question, you're not from around here, so I'll explain. A little over a year ago, everyone who traveled into the forest simply never returned. This cut off our trade with the city of Graldrak. According to our treaty with the king, we're supposed to send resources to the nearby villages, but because of this situation, we haven't been able to fulfill our duty."

So that's why the villages were struggling with food shortages…

"Does anyone know what's in the forest?"

"Unfortunately, no. We've conducted several patrols near the outskirts, but we found nothing. Many experienced warriors tried entering, even in large groups, but none ever came back."

That was really strange. It sounded extremely dangerous, but suddenly, an idea formed in my mind about what might be happening.

"I think I might know what it is."

"What?"

"A monster…"

"Hahaha." Clarice slapped my back as she laughed.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Saito, don't tell me you actually believe those bedtime stories our mothers used to scare us into sleeping."

People around us tried to hold back their laughter, exchanging glances. A bunch of fools who had no idea what awaited them.

"Saito, right? Tell me more about this monster."

"They stand over two meters tall, with grayish skin, sharp claws, enormous teeth, and a muscular tail. They're stealthy creatures that strike from the shadows."

"Hahaha." Clarice kept laughing behind me.

"If this is true, it sounds very dangerous. Darian, have you seen anything like this, since you're from Graldrak?"

"There are some different animals there compared to here, but nothing that resembles that."

"I see… If anyone else has questions, feel free to ask. And don't worry about the money; it was provided by the king and the city's lord as a reward. Now, I'll introduce the group."

"I'm Clarice!" She jumped in front of me, raising her hand excitedly.

"Alright. Those two are Darian and Richard. They came from Graldrak about three years ago and will be our guides."

Both had brown hair and black eyes. Among the group, they seemed to be in the best physical condition.

"The other two are Elias and Lucas."

Just one look at those two, and it was clear they were only here for the money, completely out of place.

"Next to me is my wife, Diana, who is a doctor and will also be in charge of food. And this here is Otto, who will handle the supply cart."

"That's right. If you need anything, just let me know!" He extended his hand toward me, expecting a handshake, but I simply ignored him.

With black hair and green eyes, he was a skinny young man, lacking any real physical ability and slightly shorter than me.

"These other two are Marco and Talia."

Marco was slightly taller than me, with black hair and brown eyes, looking about my age. Talia, on the other hand, had long black hair and blue eyes, wearing light armor.

"Edrian, Talia's not going," Marco declared.

"I am going!"

"Why don't you understand how dangerous this is?"

"Have you forgotten that I'm better with a sword than you?"

"Even so, I don't want you to get hurt."

Why did this seem so familiar?

"I agree with Marco, the women shouldn't go," Edrian added.

"Love, we've already discussed this. I'm going."

"That's right, we have to go too, right, Talia?" Clarice said, approaching Talia with a bright smile.

"Yeah, we're going!"

I couldn't believe this was the group we'd be crossing the forest with. Just the thought of it was already giving me a headache. But I needed to prepare. If it was just one monster, I thought we could handle it, but something told me there was more to it.

"I think that's everything. Gather your belongings and load them onto the cart outside. We'll also be taking two more horses. The crossing should take about five days unless we encounter any obstacles."

Clarice started packing her things and headed outside. I took the chance to approach her.

"You're still going? Even knowing that people have disappeared?"

"Yes!"

"Aren't you afraid of dying?"

"I have to help, didn't you see how those villagers need food? Besides, if someone gets hurt, I can use my… ow!" I stepped on her foot.

"You stubborn fool, don't talk about your power like that! Did you forget what I told you back in your village?" I murmured.

"I'm not a fool! And it was obvious all of that was a lie."

"A lie? Believe me, it's all true. I'm warning you, don't use your power in front of people or even mention it."

"Alright… If I do that, will you stop disappearing?"

"What else can I do? You're worse than a tick."

"Looks like everyone's ready. Shall we?"

And so, we left the city, setting off toward the forest. In the distance, the massive trees stretched into a vast green expanse. Anxiety grew inside me, I had no idea what awaited us in there. But one thing was certain, this would not be a peaceful journey.