Chapter 193 – Boat of Fate

Ramiel never like boats, especially when the first time he tried boarding one sunk, sending him to a world that tortured him. But now, with a death’s scythe hovering above his neck. Ramiel realizes that he wasn’t that afraid anymore. It was fear that put made him stand to where he is right now. It was due to fear that he locked himself, it was due to fear that he somehow found himself.

But without fear holding him back, Ramiel felt free. So standing on the front deck of the boat, feeling the air permeate his skin pleased Ramiel. The boat wasn’t going to sink. It will never be with how the ship is practically well equipped. So Ramiel wasn’t scared. In fact, some of the crew knew him. So Ramiel felt he wasn’t lonely while in the boat.

It took days for the boat to reach the boundaries of the Fernery territory. Ramiel expected the red light yet oddly the red shade that covered the world was rather faint. It was so faint that the world might as well regain its colors. Ramiel asked the sailors and they told Ramiel that there was news around that the warp gates around the world were slowly being destroyed with a quick haste, lessening the curse around the world.

Hearing this, Ramiel smiled. It seems that the Carnifex is doing his best to save the world. He applauds him, and even cheers for him to finish it fast. Like the others, Ramiel was that of a ‘side character’. He doesn’t really any great roles to play. So all he can do is cheer for the hero up silently in his heart.

There was nothing wrong with not being the Hero. In fact, Ramiel felt like that if Julian was allowed to choose, he probably would choose to be normal. After all, he witnessed Julian liking farm work. He thinks that he is fond of it. So Ramiel was sure that after saving the world he will do what he promised. And go back to the island.

He hopes that he will. Because if he doesn’t then Ramiel vows that he would haunt him. But even with that thought, Ramiel was absolutely sure that he won’t make Elena cry.

Ramiel stared at the endless blue. At the deck of the ship, he stayed for days. Watching the fishes, and the creatures that the sea can offer, burning them into his mind forever. With a life ticking away, Ramiel enjoyed each moment simply because it is his last. The boat has a few delicacies too. Eating seafood and grilled fishes while drinking it out with wine, made for a jolly trip. With the crew knowing each other or at least being acquaintances, the whole boat was emitting an aura of happiness.

The boat that Ramiel boarded slowly approaches the docks of the City of Sardis. And as it approaches the people on board readied themselves, and rested. The boat silent rides the waves and in the morning near the end of the season. The boat arrived.

...

Ramiel stepped out of the board. He bid farewell to the crew he gave him manly hug. The sailors and those who love to explore the seas seem to like giving such hugs. He told them his story and knowing the Old Grom, they bid Ramiel a manly salute instead of a sobbing face. Ramiel like the crew of that boat, and he thinks that he will remember them.

The City of Sardis was much livelier than usual. Weeks ago the city was drowning with drunks that were afraid of the end of the world. Yet now with news of every warp gates slowly being destroyed by a flashing figure, the city got a bit cheerier. Ramiel could feel the liveliness of the streets. Looking around he could the wide smiles that reaches their ears. Ramiel like the scene, and even though the memories of the once old village of Sardis remained in his head. He felt like there was a huge chunk that was missing. Ramiel wondered what it was about but decided to forget about it.

Ramiel walks on the streets of Sardis. The brick and stone buildings, the hipped roofs were quite a sight. It made him remember the streets of his hometown which he still thankfully remembers. The wind of the sea bounces when in contact with the buildings. So despite the crowd around the city, it wasn’t that congested or hot.

As he was walking along the market, browsing at the stalls, he bumped into someone. It was a long eared teenage girl. He apologizes to this teenage girl and was planning to leave but the teenage girl ranted. She complained that she manages to drop her fizzy juice. She wanted Ramiel to buy her a new one. Not having any choice Ramiel obliged.

“Ah, great stuff...hey now, buy me a new one.”

“I shouldn’t really do it but whatever, I think I want one now too.”

Ramiel didn’t complain and bought two more fizzy juices. He has the money but it won’t matter since well he would perish sooner. So he was quite generous, leaving a good impression the teenage girl with long ears.

“You’re a good guy, hey what about you date my Grandma? She is quite beautiful you know? She might like you and i f you two get on, maybe she would stop being so lonely. and stop being so strict”.

“Sounds tempting, but sadly I will have to refuse.”

“Whoa, that’s new. Are you incompetent or something?”

“Nah, I am just dying.”

“Eh...that sounds serious...shouldn’t you got to a healer?”

“I don’t think a healer can help me now. Anyways, I need to go. What’ your name?”

“Name’s Nell, nice to meet you I guess?”

“I see, the name is Ramiel, and you should be really careful where you are walking. Try to look in front of you, not just on the drink you are holding.”

“Gah, you sound like my grandma, I think you two might really get along.”

“Is she a hundred years old too?”

“How do you know that?”

“Just guessing, I think I am pretty old too. But who cares? In any case, it was nice to meet you and farewell Miss Nell, be good and live well.”

“Goodbye Mister, you are okay in my book.”

“Sure, sure, whatever you say little missy.”

Saying that Ramiel left the store where he bought the fizzy juices. For now, he wanted to find an Inn and rest.