Chapter 28: Departure

Chapter 28: Departure

Chapter 28

Departure

A fairly large group of thirteen stood by the massive hole in the wall, surrounded on all ends by a much larger crowd, most of whom had mixed expressions. Some were of relief, some of pity, and some of glee. At the far front, Valen stared intently at Sylas, as though asking with his eyes one last time whether the Prophet was certainand Sylas reply was as confident as the first day he suggested the expedition.

Unfortunately, Sylas mused, he'd likely have to go through this moment numerous times since he hardly expected the expedition to go without a hitch on the first try. As such, he didn't want to dally around for too long, pushing the goodbyes and the ceremony to go as quickly as possible. Because of his push, the whole thing lasted less than an hour, and, right after, the group departed, with him at the front leading the charge fearlessly.

As soon as they crossed the small patch of land between the walls and the forest, the light dimmed and though it was a clear day just a moment ago, it grew much darker. The canopy of the trees was fairly thick, and since the trees themselves were beyond numerous, few rays of the sun managed to cleanly pierce through and illuminate the world.

Save for the two Captains, Sylas, and the young boy(girl), there was another porterboyJayl, a nineteen-year-old kid who, strangely enough, also volunteered for the expedition. However, that was where the list of volunteers ended.

The seven guards that came along were effectively forced to come along. The youngest was in his early forties while the oldest was on the grasp of hitting the sixth decade. Despite their disgruntled expressions, they were left with no choice. As such, they hardly carried the uplifted spirit that Sylas showcased. In fact, they somehow managed to learn that it was his idea to lead the expedition and, since they couldnt blame the Prince, they offloaded all their hate onto him.

Sylas didnt mind it, electing to ignore their gazes and focus on the front. This was the first time hes left the castle since coming here, and his curiosity toward the world was far greater than toward the scorned men.

Tenner walked next to him, keeping up the front, while Tebek shielded the rear. The other guards formed a winged formation, three on each end and one near the porterboys. Sylas didnt know much about the foot soldiers formations but this one seemed fine to him.

What do you expect to find? Tenner asked Sylas in a hushed tone. Sylas knew that the man wanted to talk to him all this while, but Sylas purposefully kept his distance.

The truth behind the invasion, Sylas replied honestly, glancing at the Captain. Of all the people on the expedition, Sylas knew he could really only trust Tenner.

how? the Captain asked.

I dont know, Sylas shrugged, maintaining the honesty. But dont you find it strange? That the wasteland that shouldnt have the capacity to uphold even the life of critters is somehow managed to procure regular invasions? The Prince found it odd, too. Thats why he suggested the expedition in the first place.

what are you saying? That we somehow circled back? Sylas quizzed, unconcerned. If it truly was just the matter of it being fairly easy to get lost in the forest, that was an easy problem to solve.

NoI, I dont know, Tenner said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

No, an unsuspecting voice spoke out suddenlythe young boys(girls). He(she) said his name was Ryu, though how accurate that was, Sylas couldnt know. We havent circled back. Weve been running around this patch for the last two hours. The trees are patterned after a talisman. I havent realized it myself until you pointed it out.

The hell does a porterboy know?! Tebek growled angrily, raising his arm and swinging it toward the boy(girl).

Pipe down, Sylas chilly voice froze Tebeks arm mid-swing, causing the Captain to look at the man he considered worthless not too long ago. Yet, that voice that voice was cold. Frigid. What talisman? Sylas turned toward Ryu and asked.

Im not sure about the specific talisman, he(she) replied, frowning. Its definitely of the mind-altering type, though. Thats likely why we just continued going around in circles.

Is us being aware of it kind of like a cure?

Should be, Ryu nodded.

If theres one, theres another, Sylas said, stroking his chin. Alright, porterboy, youre with me. Keep your eyes peeled for the trees shaped like fucking talismans. Jesus, this place. Others, stop shitting your pants and focus. Be like Tenner. Even while the rest of us were happy to skedaddle around like morons, he noticed something was wrong. So, notice things. Its just a bunch of trees. And if ghosts do show up, dont worryIm extremely good at exorcising them.

Youyoure an Exorcist!! Tenner suddenly exclaimed and, to Sylas shock, the atmosphere completely shifted from just a moment ago. Wait, what? Sylas just tossed the word in, he didnt know that Exorcists were a thing here as well. Yes, now it all makes so much sensewhy the Prince trusts you, why he accepted your proposal so readily, why youre so confident youre an Exorcist!

Hes an Exorcist

Oh, thank God! Thank God!

No wonder no wonder hes so calm

Rynes eyes widened, but not because she was shocked that the man was an Exorcistno, wait, hes not Exorcist! She wanted to scream out but held back. How did she know? Well, it was simple, really: she was an Exorcist, not him.