I hadn't known for how long I was asleep. It seemed that the fatigue I took on made me forget the time I kept track of regardless of whether I see what the outside looks like or not.

I felt something drape my forehead. A comfortable cloth dipped in warm water. I opened my eyes to see a girl with long hair like a certain gold fleece from a book I read a while back. She had a curious, calming face that fit what she was doing. Despite that calming nature I felt, it seemed like she was trying to focus on being gentle as she tried to wipe away at certain parts of my forehead without waking me. She hadn't noticed it until I met her eyes, and she sat there for a few good seconds until she realized.

Her eyes widened. At a loss for words, she backed away, dropping the cloth flat on my face, covering my eyes. I could hear her fussing, trying to speak. Picking up the cloth from my face, I got up and rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense of how this girl appeared from out of nowhere.

"I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to drop it. I was just surprised that you had already woken up. Was I being too rough?" she asked considerately, trying to reach for the cloth with a quivering hand.

I handed it back to her and relaxed. "No, you weren't. But why were you doing it? I don't mind. In fact, I appreciate it. I'm just wondering."

"Well, you were injured, so I asked Sir Dietrich if I could be the one to help you since he and Mors are busy with something else. I have to do my part as well. I don't want to burden the two any further by doing nothing."

I looked down and saw that the top of my body had been bandaged and cleaned. "So you did this... Thanks. I don't feel as bad as when I was awake last time. I can say that you're definitely not a burden to me at least. So don't put yourself down too much."

"T-thank you," she said with a hopeful expression. "I will try to keep your expectations of me high..." she paused. Her eyes were drawn to my body. This was the usual case with those that get to see it, but I can't really explain all of the details that came with it. It'll take more than a day to get through half, but I might just be overestimating that.

"Don't worry about them. They're not as bad as they look, well, not anymore. Scars and wounds heal, but the marks they leave are permanent. You could say that I've gone through a lot of things that's changed me in a lot of ways. But they're a sign that I'm growing, regardless."

"Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't realize that I was staring," she said, shaking her head from side to side. "But, why must you have scars to grow? They all seem to carry with them a story that goes very deep. And they look very painful even though you say they don't."

"Well, that's just how things are right now. You give up things for another, then it's just self-satisfaction from there. Those who're lucky and are naturally talented get through while the unlucky and those without anything to give up are put through the wringer."

Before I had noticed it, I was naturally talking to her without reserve. It would usually be harder than this, but this girl is someone that's easy to get to know. It felt like everything I would usually hold back was being drawn out mysteriously. I got a better look at her as we kept talking. She wore a long, white silk dress with sleeves until her wrists. It was simple, but fit her like a glove. But what stood out the most were her pointed ears. A Kayrus.

"You're a human, right? Just like Sir Dietrich?" she asked.

"Sir Dietrich? I don't know who he is exactly. I don't think I've met him yet."

"So he hasn't introduced himself yet. Well, he was the one who helped you here. He's quite shy, but he's a kind man. He didn't hesitate to help you when he heard the loud sounds outside. He's also been a great help to Mors and I that I don't think I can personally repay him enough for what he's already done. He didn't even hesitate to help someone like me..." she said, looking down at her hands as she started fidgeting with her fingers bashfully. There was a slight tinge of color on her cheeks. With all these dead giveaways I swore I knew that this feeling was.

"Sorry to interrupt you two. I heard another voice, so I went to check if you were finally awake."

Dietrich. I didn't get the chance to take a good look at him when he rescued me, save for the blood stains I saw on his body and face. He had dark hair and wore a vest under his sleeveless armor. he was built well enough despite looking lean and tall.

"Sir Dietrich!" said the girl, turning in surprise.

"Thank you for helping, Lianne. I'll take over from here. Have something to eat for now. Mors is waiting for you as well. We will catch up after we've talked about a few things."

She nodded obediently and left the two of us alone. He closed the curtains and sat on the chair Lianne was sitting on earlier and looked at me with an undivided focus.

"I see you're doing pretty well all things considered. You took quite a beating, so I thought you'd be out for longer. Seems like I underestimated you for someone frail... I'll get right to the point. I don't know where to start exactly, so why don't you start telling me who you are and what you're doing here?"

I told him what I knew, at least what was alright to be said. Everything besides the objective was fine, but even though I was indebted to him for saving me, I still needed to keep confidentiality, at least for a while.

"So Johannes, is it? Well, I'm Dietrich. I've seen that kind of look. I'm not suspicious, I can tell you that much. And with the way you were trying to twist your words, I can tell that you're hiding something. You're not very good at hiding your secrets when you've been pushed to your limits, aren't you?" He leaned forward and stared intimidatingly, prying the words out of my mouth like an experienced interrogator.

I gave a sigh. "No. I'm saying the complete truth. You're bluffing anyway, aren't you?"

"I've been found out already? It seems that it doesn't work like it usually does. Well, you're right. You usually have to fake it once before just to make things sure."

"I almost gave up myself. You're pretty terrifying to look at when you want to be."

"You should already know the state that this place is in, Johannes. I don't believe that someone would just wander in knowing what it looks like outside. Besides, any normal person would have died even before entering this place. You might as well confess everything. I know you doubt me, and there's no reason not to. But in this place, what's there to doubt? Soon enough there's going to be no reason to since we probably won't be here. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do. I guess this is one way to repay a favor. Again, my name is Johannes Isles. I'm here to prevent some people from stealing something important from the Grove. Apparently, it's already too late to do that since it's gotten loose, but it's not likely to stop them. Now, our mission is probably to minimize casualties and avoid wide-scale unrest within the public. I'm not too sure about that last part, but I'm sure that it's something our boss would tell us to do in the case that there's something unprecedented comes up."

"Is the one we encountered from before part of those?"

"Yeah. He's the one leading the group, most likely. He's a retainer for the Kaiser. I don't suppose you've heard of that name, haven't you?"

Dietrich pondered for a while. "There's no way that I wouldn't be able to hear about them and what they've done. I've traveled the continent for a long while, and I've seen what they can do. they're not a group I'm fond of, that's for sure. I don't think we're on the same page yet, but tell me, what are they after?"

"A Demon's power. I don't know what they'll be able to use that for or how, but I can only guess. But whatever they're doing, I'll stop them by any means."

"I see. Well, I'm not going to prolong this. Seeing how things have gotten worse, why don't we help each other out? You say that if a public menace comes along during your mission, you're required to take it down, aren't you? Then that aligns with our objectives. I will help you defeat the Kaiser's men, but in turn, you will help us defeat the Demon while there's a sliver of a chance left. Will you take that deal?"

I don't have much of a choice. Going alone would be suicide in this state. Without Parkus, Carima, or Carce, I'll be left to fend for myself. Worse comes to worse, I'll encounter Tyr or any of the two others still roaming this place. I'd be a fool not to take them up on their offer anyway. There's still a way to get through this without killing myself in the process of success, so I'll take it.

I reached out and shook his hand, agreeing to his proposal. He then invited me to a small meal on a which Lianne and a child were already in the middle of.

"That settles it," said Dietrich, sitting down on a crate due to the shortage of chairs. "This is Johannes. He'll be helping us out. There shouldn't be any sort of complaints seeing as we're already shorthanded, right, Mors, Lianne?"

"I don't mind at all. In fact, thank you for agreeing to help us save our home. I'm indebted to both of you," she said, smiling warmly.

The child eating with a brooding expression glanced at me with his eyes, keeping to himself like a child would in his own home. "You don't look like you'll be of any help," he said without any hesitation, taking a spoonful of soup from his bowl.

"Mors, I don't think we should tell that to someone we just meet for the first time. Why don't we all get along?" suggested Lianne shyly.

"You're not in any state to fight let alone hold a weapon. You'll only hinder us. I've already got another hindrance over here," he said, directing his gaze to Dietrich, who ate silently. "Besides, we're moving after this. I don't need anyone who's going to be a burden. I'm going to save this place no matter what, even if I have to do it alone."

"That's a lot of confidence. I don't think you can back it up, kid. Thinking that you're a hero is something I've seen countless of times from other people. They're always arrogant and full of themselves, but when push comes to shove, they're the useless ones." Dietrich stretched his arms out after finishing his bowl. "I just hope that your words don't come to bite you back."

"Do you want to test it out, then? I've got more than enough left for you considering how little I need to use my strength to take you down," said Mors, standing from his chair only to have his face's height reach the table.

"I can't take you seriously every time I see how small you are. I wonder if someone put a curse on you for being annoying and arrogant. But sure, I'll take you on. I'll even do it with one hand behind my back," replied Dietrich, leaning in forward menacingly.

"That's enough!" shouted Lianne, pounding the table, shaking the bowls and silencing the room. "You two have been arguing ever since you met each other. I thought it'd be resolved after you two got to know each other, but it only got worse! Why are you two like this at such a crucial time when we should be working together and getting along? Alright, from here on out, I don't ever want to hear you two arguing, understand? If I hear or see you two doing just that, so help me I won't forgive any of you!"

She took breaths to calm herself, sitting down after she's gone back to normal. After opening her eyes, she'd just now realize what she had said and was now flustered over the entire thing. She stood up again and headed for the beds beyond the curtain, excusing herself with her head hung low.

"Forgive me. I displayed something that was not appropriate for an Oracle. I think I am simply tired, so I will take a small rest. I will be with you when you are all ready to depart. I would just like to be alone for now."

It was awkward since it was silent for the longest time. The two of the arguing parties were speechless, staring down as if it was the end of the world for each of them. No one did anything until I tried to get up to leave the scene. My attempt at a silent getaway only resulted in the table being bumped, making a noise for the things still on top of it.

Dietrich sighed and turned, taking his spear, which was leaning on the wall and left the room to go up. Mors, on the other hand, left as well, entering another room near where a sign said Do not enter was hung on the knob. Being the only one left and not knowing what to do, I decided to clean the table and head towards the curtains, seeing if Lianne was alright. Seeing as how the two stopped arguing when she spoke up, I'm sure that they respect her and were surprised to see her act like that. I'm not assuming anything, but it's better than nothing, I suppose.

"Hey, Lianne. I know you said to leave you alone, but I think that's not what you'd like right now, isn't it?" I said, facing the curtains, trying to focus my hearing to get a feel of what she was doing on the other side. There was also a part of me that wanted to know more about the Oracle she spoke of.

"Forgive me for my outburst, I was simply misguided. I’m not really angry at anyone, just bothered about how they’ve been acting. If they can't work together, then they both might lose their lives, and I don’t want that. If they can live through this, then I would be happy for them."

"So you’re the selfless kind, aren’t you? I cant say that’s not admirable despite me being told time and time again that being selfless can kill you. But it worked, I guess. Though they’re not talking anymore. That’s better than them arguing."

"I just hope they haven’t drifted apart because of me."

Though I don't think they've ever drifted close enough to each other, as far as I can see.

"I’m sure you’re overthinking it. But I was wondering about what you said. You’re the oracle of the Grove?"

"Yes. Well, half an Oracle. As the ritual was finished, I suddenly fell weak. The blessing that I was supposed to reach never came, and before I knew it, a powerful source of energy erupted and an avalanche of miasma came through, wreaking havoc on the Grove. Having received the blessing still, even after that, I can do my part in helping the Grove defeat this threat."

"Could you tell me more about what happened on your side? Being inside here already, I thought that everything was wiped out or corrupted by the miasma afterward."

"Indeed that’s what happened. But before things could pass to that, lord Calicel protected me from harm. He sent me away from the epicenter of it all and before I knew it, Mors had found me unconscious somewhere and protected me."

"How about Dietrich? How does he fit into all of this?"

"Mors and I wandered, trying to find a path to escape to, but instead we encountered the dangerous fauna of the area, but by that time they were already corrupted and sought to kill us. It came to a point where it was too much for Mors to handle alone, so that’s where Dietrich came in. After that, Mors led us to his place, here. We tried our own way of fixing things here, but it did not work. I do not know how many days have passed, but here we are now in the present."

"I don’t think I can talk to the two as it stands, but what’s the plan now? But before that, is it alright to open the curtains? It’s a bit difficult to talk like this.”

She opened them rather slowly and cautiously, peeking like a child playing a game that she's unhappy about. The calm feeling I saw in her was fading, turning into unease, and that was a clear sight to behold.

I sat down on the bed next to hers after closing the curtains. "You don’t need to be hard on yourself because of that. You did the right thing. Besides, if they did what you asked them to do, then that means they understand your intentions. I don't think those two can be angry at you for some reason."

"I hope you’re right, Johannes. Thank you. We’ve only just met, but I’m already being a burden to you," she said, smiling weakly. “Mors said that the plan was to guide me to the inner sanctum where the Demon is resting and still consuming the energy of the Grove. They said that the two of them will hold the Demon back while I complete a ritual to return lord Calice."

"Wait, is Mors is a Kayrus?" I asked, clarifying. "I thought all Kayrus had gold-colored hair, but from what I've gathered, that's not the case, isn't it?"

"Mors is someone that I've known for a long time. You could even say that we have been friends since we were children. Though he's grown apart after choosing to live away from the sanctum, he's come to see me often to see how I've been. I know he doesn't think I realize but I know that he's always looking out for me. During that time when the miasma struck, he came to my rescue when I thought it was the end for me. A part of me believed that if anyone could save me, it was him, as convenient as it might sound. I also knew of his secret past. Mors, you see, was born from a human and Kayrus, and because of that, he inherited half of each one's traits."

"So that explains it. But something's been bothering me. Is there any other way to bring back Calicel through conventional means?"

"Conventional? I'm afraid not anymore. It will take great strength to bring him back. There was a method that Mors suggested which made use of a special potion he created. It didn't work, and we ended up fighting the Demon to escape. We were completely defeated, but it was wounded by the two. When I saw that, I knew we had a chance. What made you think of that all of a sudden, Johannes?"

"It's because I know some people who're heading there... to the inner sanctum..."

upon realizing the grave error I was overlooking after having heard it so many times already, I stood and grabbed my sword, charging out of the room. I felt my wounds sting as I forced my body to move, but I had been used to it that these minor ones made little difference.

"Wait, where are you going, Johannes?" said Lianne, chasing after me.

"I have to go and stop them before it's too late. The people I came with are heading to the sanctum, but they don't know that their method won't work."

"But you can't go alone, it's too dangerous. You don't even know the direction towards the sanctum. You will only make things worse by doing everything yourself," she said, blocking the exit.

"Please stand aside. I almost forgot about them when they were expecting me to show up. They're my responsibility as well."

"Then I will go with you. I won't allow you to go alone."

"I appreciate you being persistent, but this isn't the time for it."

She didn't say anything and kept her eyes stoically at me, her arms sprawled out.

"What's with all the noise? I couldn't concentrate because of you two," said Mors, carrying a bag on one shoulder and a book on one arm. "Let's go, Lianne. I've already prepared everything. Let's finish this already so I can do something else."

Mors impatiently walked past the door with Lianne following with a focused expression. It seemed that she was trying her best to fit the required emotion for the atmosphere. I followed along and emerged at the entrance of the hideout, seeing Dietrich leaning by a tree with his spear doing the same thing.

"Took you all long enough. I almost went by myself. I'm itching for a rematch with that thing. You won't have to worry about a thing after this, Lianne."

"Sir Dietrich..." said Lianne in admiration. "Thank you, all of you. I know that we can accomplish this daunting task, whatever may come. I believe in all of you," she said, smiling brightly and enthusiastically. I glanced at my sides and saw for a split second the two of them smirking, trying not to show to each other that side of them as they turned their heads away.

"So this is the Inner Sanctum? I never thought it'd be this big from the outside." Parkus looked down at the seemingly bottomless chasm below him. The spiraling staircase of the massive labyrinth made of marble outlined the path they were to take. However, some of the stairs were broken, and the walls had been ravaged by claw marks that seethed a strange smoke similar to that of the miasma. The only thing that provided them with enough of a light was the glowing orbs of light Carce had created.

"Yes, this is the place where it all began. lord Calicel should be in here waiting for us. Let's move while the Demon is away. The thing should still be at the ritual grounds, so we'll be safe in the meantime. The only thing we have to worry about is the off chance of there being Kayrus still beneath." Carce surveyed the stairs and hugged the edge, inching his way further down, using what's left of the stairs. Parkus and Carima followed whatever he did, whether it be jumping from a ledge or using the holes on the walls to climb down, only inches away from a gruesome death due to a fall.

The three of them managed to hold back the attack of a banded Kayrus. After that, they had quickly made their way to the Inner Sanctum, leaving the wounded by the door to wait for them as they finished their task.

"Is it just me, or does the miasma here feel heavier than usual? I'm getting a bit dizzy from just breathing," complained Parkus, almost missing a step as he jumped from one stair to another.

"I can feel it as well. It is odd. But I'm not surprised. This is where the artifact was awakened. There was bound to be some residue of corruption left in its wake. We can't be deterred. We're close, I can feel it. It's faint, but the energy of Lord Calicel is close by," said Carima, looking down with the gifted eyes of a Kayrus.

"Can you actually see what's at the bottom?" asked Parkus.

"Not exactly. There's something preventing me from seeing very clearly, but I can see a source of loose energy that is only specific to the protectors. We will have to trust the information that we have. I am just worried about something," she said, looking at the walls and the damage of the inner sanctum.

"Some of the damages here were caused by magic, not on the same level as a Demon's. These damages were brought about by a weapon," said Carce, outlining a long part of the wall that had been cut deeply with his fingers. "There's no sign of miasma. And here as well. It doesn't feel fresh, but the essence of magic is clear," he continued, looking at a series of burn marks on another wall.

"So you’re saying someone’s been here before us?" asked Parkus.

"The ones you’re after might be the culprits. We can’t rule anything out. Just be prepared for anything."

They descended until they came face to face with a large gap between the next set of descending stairs.

"We’re going to have to leap. There’s no way else. My magic can help us cross through with a slight breeze, but that’s all I can do down here. There’s not much energy coming from the forest to fuel me... but it is strange,” said Carima, holding her chin and producing a small whirling wind on the palm of her hand.

"How come?" asked Parkus.

"It feels like my energy is being drained."

"The same goes with me," added Carce. "But we can't stop now. Once Lord Calicel is brought back, we won’t have to worry as much. Now, if you will, Carima."

She positioned herself behind Carce, who started stretching his body. After feeling prepared and confident, he gave himself room to gain some momentum and started running for the stair. In the meantime, Carima readied a spell, weaving an intricate sign in the air. Imbuing Carce with a faint, green glow around his body.

Carce’s feet left the stair and landed, stopping himself from tumbling down by grabbing onto the ledges.

"He made that look easy, didn’t he?" said Parkus, scratching his head as a bead of sweat fell from his forehead. He felt his stomach drop at the scale of the height, so he avoided looking down, gulping with a wry laugh.

"What’s wrong?" asked Carima. But after noticing how Parkus looked, she weaved him the same sign that allowed Carce to make the jump. Patting him on the shoulder, she started going back up.

"Have some faith, Parkus. I will go ahead and show you that there’s nothing to fear."

Carima started running for the ledge, but Parkus noticed something and tried to stop her, however, it was too late since she already ran past him. At the same time her feet left the stair, Parkus yelled out.

"Didn’t you forget to forget to put the spell on you, too?!"

But, his worries were immediately shot down. Carima left the stair and started running on the walls nimbly, reaching the other side within seconds, taking Carce’s extended hand to stop her momentum. Dusting herself off, she looked back at Parkus and gave an O-K sign with a nonchalant expression.

"As if that was ok! You made me worry for nothing," he said, placing a hand on his chest, his shoulders dropping low.

"I believe you can make it, Parkus. You will not fall... as long as you don’t think you will," she added, opening her arms wide, confident in her abilities to catch him.

"That doesn’t really make me feel a lot better. Sigh, fine. Besides, I already made peace with myself. I know what I am and what I’m capable of." He made a focused face and gave himself space to run. Feeling confident of the length, he started bolting for the staircase, trying not to look down at every step.

As he got to the edge, he yelled out with a hoarse tone, pouring all he had into it.

"I’M IMMORTAL!"

As he was in the middle of his jump, he opened his eyes, feeling that he was falling even before he could get halfway towards the stairs where Carima and Carce were waiting.

He started flailing his arms around, falling but barely reaching the stairs. He closed his eyes knowing that he missed the jump and wouldn’t make it. But he then felt someone grab his hand.

He looked up and saw Carima looking down at him. "Come now, immortal. We can’t have you falling to your death," she said in a teasing tone, pulling Parkus up with the help of Carce.

"I can’t believe you. Making that kind of noise when we should be quiet the whole way through."

"Sorry about that,” said Parkus, calming himself. “Had to give it a try."

"Well now that that’s over, let’s go. I have a feeling that we’re almost there. I can already see where the prophetic walls start."

"Prophetic walls?” said Parkus, seeing the walls further down with an artistic portrayal that he could not make any sense of.

"Yes. The walls are designed by the orders of the Oracles. If they have a dream of something’s having happened, then there’s a chance that’s it’s a prophetic dream. Many of the recent oracles have had their dreams etched onto these walls foretelling many great events. They’re treated as messages from the Gods."

"What’s the most recent one about?" asked Parkus.

"Many years ago when we were still children, Oracle Eqiona predicted the rise of an unfortunate child to power. The world he lived him would breed the child into a monster that would consume its nest. He will lead men into an age where carnage is the law, where only that ones who have the will to fight can survive. His name will become feared across the land as he takes everything away from all, standing triumphantly above all that he has conquered."

"Why does that sound so familiar?" said Parkus, scratching his head.

"It’s because it is. Look. I think you will recognize the scene."

Carce pointed at the depiction carved and painted on the wall as they descended further down. The art had three phases showing the growth of a child from hard and cruel beginnings, then leading all the way there the painting of a man, who wore dark armor and a cape, standing triumphantly above all others could be seen. Behind him were ranks of men clad in dark armor, reaching the far recess of the earth. In the background were burning cities and people in despair.

Parkus held his breath. He finally realized who the art was about. It truly was familiar to him that he started feeling a strange, ominous and foreboding feeling from the man, who stood above all others, looking directly at him.

"You have got to be kidding me. This Oracle of yours predicted the rise of the Kaiser?!"