Chapter 141: Departure from the between lands.

Chapter 141: Departure from the between lands.

The next morning, I rose early. With my body rested and my equipment gathered, I felt that the time had come for me to draw this quest to a close. What had been a dangerous but straightforward mission had quickly evolved into a war over an entire territory, one that I had even participated in. For better or worse, I had experienced many new things, some horrific, some... good, I guess.

Careful not to wake the houses other occupants, I stealthily descended the stairs and reached the ground floor.

Surprisingly, the dry man was already there, flipping through the pages of a small book.

Thought you could sneak out without any of us to see you off? he said, not unkindly. Closing his book with one hand, he opened and stepped through the front door while gesturing for me to follow.

The cold morning-air woke me up more thoroughly and I could see my breath. I pulled a torn black robe from my pouch and hung it around my neck to keep me warm, before joining the dry man at the edge of his vegetable garden. We spent a moment in silence, inspecting his produce, before he spoke up.

You know, child... You have done something for me and Maria that cant be rewarded. I already explained this before, but I must admit I never took you seriously. Furthermore, I find your desire to stay and help once the war broke out extremely foolish and selfish. Dont you have people back home? What would they have thought? he spoke softly.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Unable to come up with a worthy reply, I stayed silent and averted my eyes.

That being said... your recklessness disguised as bravery meant more to me, as a father, than a thousand treasures ever could. Thats why I want to remind you that you can call upon me and mine, should you ever have need of us.

My eyes went wide. A promise like that was not something you could take back. Promises like those were what shaped the geopolitical situation of the continent. Not that I intended to use it that way, though.

This isnt a promise that I make as the dry man, either. This is the promise I make as a father. He said seriously.

I nodded.

Ill remember. I said. A small smile appeared on his face.

Dont you go ordering me around the continent, now... he warned jokingly. Regardless, isnt it about time for you to leave now? This conversation had run its course.

I pulled out my talisman and started channelling some dark mana into it, until the coalesced ball of mana expanded and formed Revan. He reared back to announce his arrival with a roar, but the dry man swatted the air, making Revan look like hed just been slapped by an invisible giant.

Dont wake my daughter with your grandstanding. He said, before turning to me. May Helios smile upon you, boy. Dont die out there before I can fulfill the promise I made to you.

I wont! I replied, smiling, before jumping onto Revans back. He still looked properly chastised, like a child that had just been told off. If he had had lips, Revan would be pouting.

With a final wave, I commanded Revan to set off for the border. Roa was beckoning.

-Scene transition-

About a week of casual travel later, I arrived at the border crossing. The guards must have seen me coming from a distance, because the gate had already been opened by the time I got there. Did they remember Revan or something?

Once inside of the castle that protected the walls, I couldnt take two steps before a small man in heavy steel armor ran up to me.

I SEE YOU HAVE RETURNED! FOLLOW ME TO MY OFFICE! the little man shouted, almost making me fall off of Revan in surprise. I had forgotten about the mustached captains eccentricity. Last time, he had let me through the gates without issue, though he had made a show of our political rivalry.

Still, his heart was in the right place. Furthermore, I had him estimated as a tier 5, which were much more plentiful in Roa than in the between lands. There were several dozen in the entire country, at least.

Once we reached his office, he pointed at a cosy-looking couch.

Using this method, it only took a few minutes to reach the guilds stables. Some people had stared at me, sure, but ultimately they had left me alone. So far, this had been my most enjoyable commute yet.

Once at the stables, I decided to keep Revan there, rather than unsummon him. Hed been stuck in whatever limbo he called home far too much lately, so I hoped to let him enjoy the real world a little more, which he seemed to appreciate. The stable hands appreciated Revans presence much less, however, so I gave them a handsome tip for their services, which turned their countenances from grim acceptance to grim determination. Baby steps, and all.

It didnt take long to secure a meeting with Andross, my guild leader. The jovial, bearded man was as welcoming as always, and greeted me with a warm smile.

Ah! Arthur! Just the man I wanted to see! How did your quest go?

Well enough. I replied gruffly, none too pleased by this shady quest that I had been sent on.

So you have the artifact? he continued.

I do. Before I give it to you, however, I want to make one thing clear. I said angrily.

Suddenly serious, Andross gestured for me to go on.

I am never taking another quest assigned to me personally. The church knew that the dry man would seek me out. They knew that I would get involved in the escalating shitstorm over there and they knew I didnt have a high chance of survival. For all I know, you knew as well. I accused.

His eyes had widened in shock halfway through my explanation, and he had lifted his hands in surrender.

Listen, Arthur. Whatever happened over there, I had NO idea that I would. I had just as much information as you did, unfortunately. As for your request, I will deny any quest that asks for you specifically from now on. Im sorry, Arthur. As your guild leader, I wasnt cautious enough. That being said, what did happen? Give me the entire story.

Over the next half-hour, I did exactly that. I told him about Apart village, about the chalice, about the two territories, and even about Maria. Despite everything that had happened, I still trusted him, so I told him about the war and the dry mans promise too.

By the end of my story, Andross was pensive.

After a moment of silence, he finally shared his thoughts.

I never would have imagined that the situation over there was so... structured. Personally, I always believed that the between lands would be chaotic, with no united forces to keep order. I expected you to stay under the radar while traveling. Never once did I think there would be a tier 6 ruler, let alone three. As for that promise... I hope youll use it carefully. Such a favor could upset the balance that the continents forces have carefully maintained, bringing death to millions... he warned, making the weight of that promise very clear to me.

Andross hummed in thought.

Unfortunately, I dont have good news for you, considering the situation. He suddenly shared.

What? I asked, surprised.

The church asked you to hand over the chalice to their local bishop. Hes been staying in Reito since news of your arrival in Roa reached us. Furthermore, he intends to reward you personally... Andross explained.

The man that sent me into a death trap, the man whose adopted daughter I put into hospital... wants to meet me personally?

Yes. he nodded gravely.

Alone?

Yes...

Shit.