What now? Did Simonn send Felix to help us fight the Demons or is he here to observe me?

While using a simple wind magic spell [Lift], to help the local clear large debris, she noticed the masked man, Felix, being questioned by town guards.

There were shouting and a lot of head shaking. Felix remained still in their presence and did not look like he was answering to their questions. His blank mirror mask made it impossible for his questioners to read his expression. Many interrogators turned away in frustration as some guards remained to supervise him.

Curious, Neila went to look. She was stopped by a guard from meeting Felix.

“Excuse me, is there a problem, miss?”

“Why are there so many guards around him? Didn’t he save the town?”

“He did, but we have orders to contain him until we can clarify his identity. You don’t get to encounter someone who could control one of the three legendary dungeons. Truth be told, when it showed up, it almost gave me a heart attack. It’s as if the Demons themselves aren’t enough.”

“He’s an acquaintance of my friend. Do you think I can talk to him?”

“Hm, I’m not sure, but the captain never said of letting others try to speak with him. Unfortunately-.”

“Whoa! Hey!”

“Sir, sit back down! S-sir?”

Felix caused a tremor by thrusting the bottom of his guillotine blade into the ground. Steam exhausted from the sides his mask as he stood up forcibly and marched towards Neila.

The guards could only watch as they were powerless to keep him from moving away.

Her reflection on the mirror mask gradually grew clearer as he approached.

He stopped in front of her, asking with his usual mechanical like voice.

“Yes?”

She blinked a few times before she mustered a response.

“What were they trying to ask you?”

“Of how I came into control of the island. I answered, ‘I am not’.”

“You’re not?”

“I am not. Anything else?”

“Umm… now that the Demon threat is gone. Can I meet Simonn?”

Felix did not immediately reject her request. He dipped his chin to his neck, giving a serious thought. He was like a toddler whose parents gave him contradicting requests and left him in a state of uncertainty.

“Give me time to think.”

“You should get back to Fell Glades as soon as you can before the time limit of your promotion expires. Be prepare to meet me at the guild after I am released from their custody.”

That was what Felix said before Neila departed from the mining town.

Just what did I drag Simonn back into? I can’t make sense of all the things happening.

Neila felt her body wrapped by something warm and soft. It was a nostalgic feeling. The feeling of this warmth made her didn’t want to get up as she was simply tired from her trip. She rolled around, reaching for something she thought was supposed to be there.

“Huh…? Simonn? Oh right, he’s not here...”

Sunlight pierced through the gaps of the curtains and entered her eyes, forcing her to crawl out of her bed. She stretched her supple body and went to do her morning routine. She found herself in her pajamas, exchanging them for her adventuring tire well folded and stowed in a familiar cabinet.

She opened the curtains to confirm where she was. A small cabin Simonn and she rented supposedly for one person. It had the basics needs for an inhabitable cabin; one bed, a tiny kitchen right outside of the bedroom, small fireplace and a washroom located next to the foyer.

Across the street was a coffee shop, and beside was a small convenience store selling affordable everyday necessities to adventurers living in the same district. Seeing how many people walked the familiar streets confirmed she was back in Fell Glades.

What time is it? Uwah! It’s noon?!

“I’m going to be late!”

Fortunately, she successfully passed her class promotion. They awarded her the Artificer emblem.

After her class promotion, she immediately headed to the guild trying to find Felix.

The building was packed full of adventurers crowding around the lounge area. Neila recognize most participated in the mining town’s defense. She studied the area to find many identical piles behind the receptionist’s cubicle. More were neatly sorted and filed inside cabinets while other workers added to them.

Elizabeth’s party were there as well but they were sent into the cubicles one by one probably reporting the situation.

“Okay, we’ve gone through most of the questions. You must be parched. I’ll get something for you to drink.” The guild receptionist finished scribbling the last words from the interview and set them aside into a neat pile. “Oh! And here is the reward from the quest your group completed.”

“Um, what should I do?”

“Please take your time to finish the tea while I process the reward from your assistance. I heard things were rough.”

“There were a lot of Demons. Why did they come back now?”

“I wish I knew the answer. We frequently have reports those ‘Rift’ becoming more common. Ah, I almost forgot. I heard from many groups that two more Behemoths showed up and were slain by one person. Is he an adventurer?”

“You mean Felix?”

“Felix…? He’s the one everyone described with carrying a guillotine, right?” The receptionist took a moment to realize the missing puzzle. She fumbled on her chair and wrote up a letter per Neila’s description of the masked man, attaching it to a messenger pigeon. “In that case, I’ll need to have you stay a bit longer. I will need to call up someone else.”

“Someone else?”

“I’m terribly sorry. Because of the issue with Demons suddenly remerging, the city and the guilds are gathering as much information as they could. Visions or dreams, the world learned its lesson to not simply dismiss them from the last war. We’re desperate to gain leverage against the Hero. You’re the few to mention new information out the participants we’ve interviewed.”

“Oh… okay? Will it take long?”

“I’m not sure. This order comes from the top of command. We will provide compensation for taking up your time.” The Receptionist bowed apologetically then saw a red bulb lit up above her. “Now, if you would, the meeting room would be on the third floor, two doors down to our right. Please follow me.”

In the next moment, she was asked to follow Receptionist to ride the elevator to the guild’s meeting room. The Receptionist pushed on the door to reveal a large figure in silver armor sitting on one end. Davin sat across from it on the fine leather couch.

“Excuse me, I have brought her.”

“Ah, my thanks.” The silver knight nodded.

“Davin, you too?” Neila asked.

“I think they were already suspecting us. So how did it go?”

“I barely missed the deadline, but I passed.”

“You don’t sound happy about it.”

“I sprinted there. I’m tired.”

“Well, you passed. We have to tell Simonn this after.” Davin put his troubled face back on as he faced the knight. “Now we have to deal with this guy.”

Davin moved over to make space for her while exchanging awkward glances with the knight. The knight was in polished silver armor. On closer inspection, there was an emblem on his broad shoulder guard. It took her a moment to realize the symbol was of the royal guards.

“A Royal Knight?”

“Hm?” The Knight tilted its helmet as if it spotted something strange. “Something amiss?”

“N-no, it’s just… why is a royal knight, here?”

“I bring a message-, no. A request from her highness.”

“Wa-, the Princess wants us to do something for her!?” Davin screamed. “Wh- uh- I-I don’t know if I should be honored or scared.”

“Young man, her highness’ request is mainly directed to this young lady here.”

“Me?” Neila’s eyes shot wide open as she pointed to herself. “A-am I in trouble?”

“No, no. We merely you be cooperative and answer us to the best of your knowledge.”

“O-okay.”

“Good. May I have you confirm the location of your birthplace?”

“Crea.”

“Crea. That’s where everything started.” The knight muttered. “Moving on. I was told your party consisted of three members. Where is the third one?”

“We don’t know.” Davin answered with a shake of his head. “Last we saw him was when he jumped out of the carriage to buy time for us to escape while we were chased by Demons.”

“And where was that location?” The knight shifted a map over the table.

“It should be around… here. Between the outpost and Syi.”

“As expected, the information’s connecting. Were you able to determine the outcome of his exchange with the Demons?”

“No. He told us to help with the defenses. What happened?”

“When we arrived at the scene, the Demons in that area were eradicated. We found these weapons, believing to be your party member’s on top of the Wicked Basilisk’s core and scales.”

The Knight unrolled a package, showing Davin and Neila the chipped shortsword and broken hatchet Simonn used.

“Those… are his.” Neila confirmed. “I’m sorry, I’m a bit overwhelmed right now. You know something about him I don’t. What is he?”

“We are uncertain, but we have suspicions of your friend’s identity. He may be-.”

“Neila, it’s time.”

“Who goes there?!”

The knight immediately raised his sword towards the figure as soon as he spotted Felix with his giant blade leaning on a wall. How he appeared there was a mystery, considering he did not walk through the door nor was he there before everyone entered.

“State yourself. Who are you?!”

Felix ignored the knight and approached Neila.

“Have you completed your tasks?”

“Umm, Felix. I’m kind of busy now?”

“I know. I will answer him in your stead.” His mask turned to the knight. “Hm. Royal Knights Captain.”

Royal Knights Captain?!

“Oh? I’ve tried my best to conceal myself, but to be uncovered that easily…”

“I recognized the tone of your voice.”

“I see now. We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

“Formally.”

“Yes, I cannot forget those masks.” The Knight nodded. “Your appearance could spell trouble for her highness and it is my duty to report your sighting to her. My question to you; are you friend or foe?”

“I have no alignment to good or evil except for my master’s will.”

“Then what is your master?”

“Whatever his wishes are. Are you finished?”

“I am not. As her highness’ subject, I am entrusted to see through this exchange until I have acquired sufficient materials to present to her. For that, I will not release the two and I doubt you would want to start a fight as we know the identity of your master-.”

“Try me.”

From his posture, Feix was clearly angry. The tone behind his words were as dull as ever, but there was an intent on challenging a Royal Knights Captain.

“I have abandoned my morals long ago only to serve my master. I am immune to your threats.”

Felix waved his guillotine blade and stared down the knight.

“This is my last warning. I will be taking them. You will not stop me.”

“Neila, isn’t this bad? If they start a fight, a lot of people will get caught in it.” Davin whispered. “Doesn’t it seem the mask man’s in a hurry to bring us to Simonn?”

Neila moved beside Felix, lowering his sword away from the Knight.

“How about this?” She said to the Knight. “When we return, we’ll forward a report to you. We’re in a hurry.”

The knight thought stilly for a moment and eventually yielded. He sheathed his sword away and marched towards the door, grabbing the knob.

“That’s acceptable. The deadline of the report shall be within a week. You will submit it to the guild’s receptionist and will be given further instructions there, understood?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

After leaving the guild, Felix instructed them to meet up by the train station in an hour. Using time wisely, Neila decided to resupply for the trip.

As her bow was destroyed, she decided to grab a replacement. While browsing through numerous shops, being stingy with her budget, she noticed a grand museum like building. She found herself strolling by the place more frequent, looking at equipment on display. One of the items she became fond of was a staff. Artificers use bows and guns to launch spells commonly, but there are those who prefer short to middle range magic like this staff due to its unique design.

All her stress had faded away, only looking at the staff she admired. When she looked at the price tag, about fifty million silver she backed away from the glass case. The weapon was named [Hextech Magna Murliboon], a staff crafted by a mysterious magic engineer known to be servicing Sivaria.

It’s not the aesthetics of over the top elegance but it’s the ability to store pre-casted spells prior the battle for a fast paced- rapid fire assault. The weapon looked easier to carry than its comedic brethren beside it; a war hammer with a large blunt face triple the size of Neila’s head.

“What’s wrong? That’s a big sigh you’re making.” Davin asked.

“Shopping for a new weapon is hard. I hope I come across a good sale.”

“Yeah. Everything is expensive when we’re only Rookie Ranked. The reward isn’t that much from Novice to Rookie Ranked quests.”

“At least we got good pay by defending Syi from the Demons.”

They walked over a gigantic metallic bridge as grand as the main road of Fell Glades. They had trouble keeping their attention forward as their eyes wandered aimlessly at the never changing grand entrance leading towards the train station.

“It’s been a while since we took one.” Neila examined the station.

“Most of our quest are near after all. Besides, that masked man paid for all our expenses! We get to ride in a first-class cabin! Anyways, where is he? He’s supposed to have our tickets, right?”

“Let’s wait. We are early.”

As she stood there and waited, people, people and more people cluttered in her view.

There, Neila inspected a large plaque that was proudly decorated above the station with a proud emblem of the {Divine Phoenix of protection and fairness}. Furthermore, each side of the city displayed a different plaque: {Dragon God of valor and might} to the east, {Elemental Spirits of magic and charity} to the north, {Primordial Beasts of mischief and mystery} to the west.

It said, this city was built from ruins of a nameless ancient city and thus it was populated with mostly adventurers. Unfortunately, no manuscripts nor evidence uncovered much about these sacred beings.

They found this mysterious race from murals hidden from dungeons and such. It’s only assumed the four creatures were probably gods, or used to be, presumed by the four churches lead by today’s archbishops.

“Have you two prepared yourselves?” A masked face carrying nothing, but his guillotine asked.

“Whoa! Stop appearing out of nowhere dammit! You’re going to give people heart attacks one day.” Davin exclaimed. “So? Where are we heading?”

“To where everything began. Crea.”

“Crea?”

“We will talk more once we get into our cabin.”

I had a familiar dream.

In my dream I was brought back to my childhood back before the Demons invaded into this world. There was this elderly neighbor I often found myself going to because she had a beautiful garden.

I was there to help sow the seeds and harvest fruits which soldiers would come to collect occasionally. Sometimes there were adventurers that visit to give my elderly neighbor strange seeds they’ve collected from the forest nearby.

There was one day I was given an opportunity to plant a seed of my choosing on my own and it brought me to another world where I met Simonn.

The railway bridged over bodies of small streams. Passengers heard clicks and clacks as the train rolled into new sets of tracks. From a distance, they could see watermills transporting water into water tanks from a nearby village, waiting to be converted into steam power.

The train then passed a large bump.

“Mgh?” Neila snapped her head back as she was rudely woken up by the train. “Wha- we’re there?”

“Almost.” Felix answered.

Unlike Davin who was still fast asleep, he sat cross armed like a statue with his mask facing the window.

Now that she had a chance to properly examine him, his waist was a bit smaller than most men, almost too feminine. His longer golden hair was tied into a ponytail. He looked much thinner too and much of his skin was covered by his armor and mask.

“What are you looking at?”

“Sovereign.”

“It’s still there?” Neila peeked out the window as the train slowed down. She was looking at the object drifting in the skies. “Are we going to Crea because Sovereign was going there?”

“No. It was there to ward the Demons.” He shook his head. “We’re going to Crea because there is a rift.”

“A rift? Simonn’s in the Demon Realm?! And if there’s one in Crea, doesn’t mean Demons could come from there?”

“No. The gate there is unstable and would be unable to transport many foes at once. Gates as small as that require a special catalyst to activate it. You must’ve experienced it in order to have met master.”

“I used one before? It’s been so long. I don’t remember.”

“You will once we get there. It will take a while to open. The others will join you for sightseeing while I do the preparations.”

“Others?”

“I have chosen Elizabeth and her team.”

“Her? Why did you invite her?!”

“You two look fairly close. Master also had her to summon me.”

“We are not close!”

Felix let a moment of silence flow as he was baffled at the instant objection.

“Sorry for yelling. It’s just that, I don’t like her.”

“Noted.”

Neila leaned against the glass, her eyes wandering across the view.

“Hey, I want to know something. What is Simonn?”

“My master.”

“No, not that!”

“Your lover?”

“N- that’s not what I mean! What is he doing that I can’t know?”

“What do you mean?”

“I, I mean…” She slipped out of her boots, bringing her knees up as she wrapped them with her arms. “I’m just confused. Simonn has a lot more secrets I didn’t think he’d have and at times I think I don’t know him as much as I should. I think I know what he is, but part of me is denying it. I just want answers.”

Felix said nothing.

“The Royal knight knows what you and Simonn are. I want you to be direct. What are you two?”

A small puff of steam seeped out of Felix’s mask followed by a deep sigh.

Davin was still asleep and probably wouldn’t wake up anytime soon. If Felix were to answer, the time would be now.

“Acolytes.”

I knew it.

“I am the Acolyte of Retribution. As for Master, he will tell you.”

Neila let out a sigh. She held her bow tightly while turning her attention back outside.

“Are you mad?”

“No. I’m a bit scared though. I’m scared of meeting Simonn, knowing he’s an Acolyte. It’s like meeting him as a stranger again. I don’t know if I’ll be able to talk to him normally.”

“Master did this in order to protect you.”

“I know.”

“He wanted me to take your mind off the ‘deal’.”

“Is that why you’re letting me meet him?”

“Yes. He did not specify the method to avoid achieving the result.”

“Pft. Hahaha! All this for that deal? If it’s one thing I’m certain, it’s that he’d never break his promise with me. Does that mean he doesn’t know you’re leading me to him?”

“I believe so. Would you like me to notify him?”

“It’s fine. I want to see the look on his face when he sees me.” Neila said with a mischievous smile. “We’re here. Can you wake up Davin?”

It was night by the time they arrived.

A male fighter led the group while paving the tall grass using a machete he borrowed from his teamate. He rested his greatsword on his shoulder, ready to jump into action. He carried a large backpack with his lantern hanging off a rod over his head. Even though its light came from a small bulb, it was enough to ward off darkness. The polished cap sheltering the glass tube amplified the illumination effect towards the front.

“We’re finally here. Crea.” Tyler declared as he set his equipment down and began unpacking to camp for the night. “Not as lively as I had hoped though. Are we the first ones here in decades?”

“I heard we got permission. Usually people aren’t permitted to visit on normal occasions.” Adbelle answered.

Neila shined her torchlight around as she passed the ruins and found some old homes torn. Their wooden walls torn and smashed with vines and moss inhabiting the whatever was left.

I’m feeling nostalgic. This was where the couple ran their bakery shop. That was where the elderly neighbor used to live.

“It’s very quiet. Don’t let your guard down. Monsters could be lurking around.” Elizabeth warned.

“Yes. Stay on guard.” Felix strode to the front of the group in his usual bold pace. “Set a campfire to warm yourselves. I will go look around.”

“Are you going to be fine by yourself?”

“Yes.”

Felix then marched into the nearby forest and disappeared into the dark with no light.

“He sure is confident.” Tyler commented, hammering the stakes holding down the tents. “Hey Lucy, pass me more rope.”

“Okay!”

“Davin and I will start the fire.”

“I’ll unpack the cooking wares.”

Soon, a long, thin trail of smoke drifted into the air from their campfire. The warmth kept autumn’s chilling wind at bay and served as a cooking station.

“So, what made you join us?” Davin asked.

“Your masked buddy asked us. The pay seems good and the job’s easy enough.”

“Wait. You guys are being paid?”

“Wouldn’t work for free, bud.” Tyler smirked. “Besides, I’m curious bout his sword. Not everyday you see a person moving a weapon that big. Must have some gimmick to make it usable.”

“What was the job?”

“Escort you guys here and guard the area until you return.”

“And how much?”

“About a thousand silver for each member.”

“WHAT?! A thousand for each?! That’s like, triple the amount I make for finishing one quest!”

“Ha! That’s what you get for being weak.”

“Why you-! I’ll show you!”

As Davin angrily took a bite, a squirt of oily fat with a mixture of spices provided a compatible fragrance, crunchy result. He was delighted by the taste. His grabby hands reached for another four skewers.

“You’re taking my portion!” Tyler bellowed.

“What? There’s plenty of it to go around!”

“Those were mine! I was the one who put them on the slate!”

“Well too bad!” Davin swiftly chomped down the meat skewers until his cheeks bloated like a chipmunk’s.

“Damn you!”

While the boys argued over which piece of meat was theirs, Neila stared at the next batch being grilled. She was the one who offered to help Lucy ready the food.

She flipped the skewers to imitate Lucy doing the same on the other side. The layer of fat liquidized, crawling down the marbled meat, past the metal rack and falling into the campfire. One whiff and the rich aroma tickled her nose and was enough to make mouth salivate.

“Here, take dis one.” Lucy offered a smile and forked a well-cooked piece towards Neila.

“T-thanks.” She firmly held onto a helping. Oh…! It has a strong taste! Neila held her mouth in surprise after taking the first bite. “It’s unlike anything I’ve eaten at all. It’s good.”

“Elizabeth?”

“Thanks.” Elizabeth said without changing her serious expression. Neila couldn’t read the mood around her.

As Neila flipped three more skewers after finishing hers, Felix returned.

His footsteps were as silent as ever. His presence was noted well after he was found sitting on one of the logs, his mask reflecting the fire.

“Uwah! Y-you scared me!” Lucy exclaimed.

Adbelle immediately hid behind Lucy’s back.

“I’m going to be honest. You scared me too.” Elizabeth clutched her hand over her chest as she calmed her startled breath. “I thought you were an enemy for a second. Food?”

“I’ll pass. I have scouted the area. Mainly small packs of wolves wander through the forest.”

While the campfire was going strong, Elizabeth examined the starry night. She brought out her timepiece to compare the time to the moon.

“For those who are believers of Dragon God, it should be time for us to pray to replenish our divine protection. Tyler.”

“Thanks for reminding me. Is it just Elizabeth and me who’re believers of the Dragon God?”

“My call is with the Phoenix.” Said Davin.

“Elementals.” Neila and Adbelle answered.

“Primordials.” Lucy replied.

“I pray to nothing.” Felix’s response was curt.

“With all that strength, you don’t pray to the Dragon God?”

“My strength is attained from the result of my hardship and training. I do not need a deity to give me blessings.”

One would’ve guessed Felix was a believer of the popular Dragon God. His abnormal physical strength would be the ideal faction to gain its blessing. Above all, Dragon God believers fancy themselves duties and battle above all else. Divine Phoenix would have people devoted to protecting and healing. Elementals Spirits are popular for those who sought for magic and knowledge.

To know when to pray, believers will simply look to the two moons and pray when their day ends. Pink for Phoenix, Blue for Elementals, Yellow for Primordial, Green for Dragon. Today, a green full moon shined brightly beside a white moon for believers of the Dragon God.

“Am I, weird, for not choosing a deity?”

Everyone gave blank looks as Felix asked a question.

“It’s your choice. I’d say you’re eccentric.”

“Is that so?"