New Paths, Old Wounds

I lacked the words to describe what lay before me. It was a breathtaking spectacle: trees of all shapes and sizes, lush green fields stretching as far as the eye could see, majestic mountains in the distance, and exotic flowers I had never seen before. Fascinating birds soared through the skies above us. It felt as if we had stepped into a completely new world. Even as I took it all in, I couldn't believe it.

We began descending the hill, and everyone was still dazed, observing everything around them. I wondered how this was possible, how it could be so different. I had always considered the kingdom of Bartton incredible, but nothing compared to this.

"If I'm not mistaken, if we follow this path, we'll reach Graldrak. Let's go!" said Edrian.

We continued along the small path. The weather was very pleasant. I closed my eyes as a gentle breeze passed over us. I was a little surprised; I thought Clarice would stop at any moment, but she only gazed around with wide eyes. Perhaps she no longer wanted to slow the group down after what had happened earlier.

A few minutes later, we spotted a city on the horizon, probably Graldrak. It didn't seem very large—just slightly bigger than a village. As we got closer, I noticed something surprising: the dwarves had either built or helped build Sylvaris, as both shared architectural similarities.

Upon entering the city, I saw short, sturdy stone houses. The original dwarven structures were still inhabited, but many had been expanded by humans with thatched or wooden roofs. This was proof of the dwarves' exceptional craftsmanship. Even after a millennium, much of their work remained intact.

In some areas, there were old underground passages, but they seemed abandoned. The humans probably considered them dangerous, aside from being too small for their use. Around us, vast green fields and pastures stretched out, where they now raised cattle and cultivated grains. In the city center, a well carved with ancient runes still provided water.

As we walked through the streets, I noticed human blacksmiths trying to learn from the past. Without the dwarves' talent, human forges in the city were inferior. Many used old tools left behind by the dwarven masters.

Some humans had incorporated dwarven songs and legends into their own traditions, creating a unique cultural blend. Some families sang these songs while working in the fields, often without fully understanding their original meaning. I had learned many things from my master about the dwarves.

Farmers and artisans wore linen or fine wool tunics, secured with simple leather belts, while lightweight pants and soft-soled boots made fieldwork more bearable. Blacksmiths and warriors, inspired by the old forge masters, wore reinforced clothing with thick leather aprons and sturdy bracers.

The wealthier individuals, such as merchants and local nobles, tried to imitate the forgotten grandeur of the dwarves, flaunting golden embroidery and metal buckles adorned with gemstones mined from ancient tunnels.

While Edrian sought information about the city's lord, I overheard people talking and discovered that humans had no interest in the old mines, as they were difficult to excavate without the proper knowledge. Some believed dark creatures lurked in the depths.

"Let's speak with the lord. It looks like he stays in that larger house," Edrian said, pointing to a big house in the city center.

As we approached, Edrian went to a guard at the entrance and started talking to him. Moments later, he returned to us.

"Wait here for a bit. I'll go talk to him."

Edrian entered the house accompanied by a guard. We waited for a few minutes until another guard came to call us.

Upon entering, we noticed that the place was well built. The large stones, meticulously placed, gave it an additional charm. We walked through a spacious hall into a room where we found a large office. Edrian was seated in a chair, while another man, likely the lord, occupied an armchair behind a desk.

"Welcome, my name is Dorian Valmont. I am the lord of this city, and I heard that you crossed the Forest of Eternal Night and eliminated the threat. I have no words to thank you. I sent many men, but none returned."

The gray-haired, brown-eyed man wore refined fabric clothing, complemented by delicately crafted gold rings on his fingers.

"We're only here because of this person." Edrian pointed at me.

"Hm… You must be an impressive warrior. Would you like to work in my guard? I pay well."

"No, I'm just passing through."

"What a shame."

Dorian stood up, walked to a cabinet, opened a door, and retrieved something from inside.

"According to the scroll signed by the King of Oastein, here is your payment." He turned, placing several coin pouches on the table.

Each of us took our pouch with 100 cruzeiros and thanked Dorian.

"Could you wait outside for a moment? I need to speak with Dorian," Edrian requested.

We left the office and waited in the hall. Since I had already received my payment, I wanted to head toward the port. A few minutes later, Edrian appeared with Dorian.

"Saito, Edrian told me everything. I want to thank you again. As for those two, they will be imprisoned. Tell me, are there still more of those monsters in the forest?"

"I'm not sure, but probably not."

That corrupted one was in the forest because it was a unique route connecting the kingdoms. He was looking for a bearer of the stones, but apparently, he had left.

Had they found the whereabouts of one of the stones, forcing an urgent return? I needed to act quickly and locate that cave.

"That's good to hear. If you need anything, just let me know."

"No need. I'm heading to the port."

"I see. Follow the road near the river, and you'll reach your destination without any trouble."

"Actually, I'd like to ask for something."

"What is it?"

"Do you have any spare metal?"

"Metal? You mean a weapon?"

"It doesn't have to be a weapon, just pieces, even broken ones."

"We were already low on minerals and metals and were planning to start expeditions into our mines. But now that trade with Sylvaris can be restored, this shortage may be resolved. I'll get the metals for you." He called a guard and instructed him to bring the materials.

After that, we left the house together, not knowing how long it would take to reach the port of Drakvar. It was best to depart as soon as possible, as the map from this point on contained little information.

Clarice bid farewell to everyone with tears in her eyes. Talia hugged her emotionally, and Clarice, unable to hold back her feelings, returned the embrace. In just a few days, the two had formed a strong bond. The others also expressed their gratitude with sincere words and gestures.

"Saito, here, take this." Edrian extended a small pouch to me.

"What for?"

"We decided that each of us would give 20 cruzeiros from our rewards."

"There's no need."

"Of course, there is. If it weren't for you, we might not even be alive. Besides, you can keep the cart and the donkey. Since you'll be traveling, you'll need them more than we do."

"Come on, just take it. You deserve it more than anyone here. If we meet again, I'll buy you a drink," Otto said with a grin.

"Alright. Thanks."

I gave a slight nod of gratitude and walked toward the cart with Clarice. The guard brought a reasonable amount of metal, and together, we organized our belongings before setting out, while the others waved goodbye.

"Clarice, I hope to see you again!" Talia shouted.

Clarice waved back, wiping her tears with her arm. Before leaving the city, I stopped at a stall to buy some supplies. The meat was very expensive, so I decided not to get any, as I had no idea how much boat transport would cost.

As we left the city, guiding the donkey-drawn cart, I looked back and saw Clarice sitting, her face illuminated by a serene smile, as if she were at peace with everything around her.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Now, Isabella and Gisele will have food again, just like all the villagers—they won't starve anymore. I'm so happy we managed to help. See? We can change this world."

"You're still thinking about that? This hardly changes anything."

"Even so, this was our first step. Maybe, at some point, everything will change." She looked up at the sky.

"Listen, from now on, only use your power when I say so. You saw what can happen."

"Alright. Like I said, I was careless, but it won't happen again. You can trust me."

I turned my gaze forward. Every time I looked at her, I felt a tightness in my chest, a difficult-to-define sensation—something deeper, a mix of sadness and unease. Perhaps I was still haunted by what happened with Yuri and feared everything would repeat itself. I needed to grow stronger before facing them again.

But the big question remained: how could I become stronger?