Chapter 174: 'Help with what?”

Chapter 174: “Help with what?”

I frantically bolted through the series of corridors as more of the building was pulled into the sky above by Dalius. I was looking for cell 45, but was currently only passing cell 23. Traversing the prison, which had already been confusing enough on its own, became even more difficult when I became forced to jump from one piece of floating debris to another. By the time I finally reached cell 45, the complex was falling apart at the seams.

Even worse, Emeris cell was empty. Half of its stone walls had been ripped out of the foundation and disappeared somewhere, leaving a half-open shell of what I imagined her cell had looked like. Emeri had disappeared with them, it seemed.

Suddenly, I noticed a series of flashing lights in the distance. Purple bolts of mana were flying from the left to the right, then were followed by an equal number of pained screams. Another prisoner that had broken out?

Out of options, I headed over in hopes of questioning those present for Emeri. Once I arrived, I realised that this wasnt yet another fight between prisoners and guards. The guards were certainly fighting, that was for sure, but their enemies werent prisoners! They were being fought by a rag-tag group of well-equipped classers, whose teamwork rivalled the guards. Their outfits didnt match at all, their stark coloration clashing with those of their teammates. Apart from the fact that they were working together, they had another, more subtle trait, in common. All of them were smiling wide, laughing like maniacs as they enjoyed the battle.

Most of the guards they were facing had either perished or given up by now, so I decided to intervene, attacking the most resilient of them with a volley of overloaded orbs. The craters left behind a few sprawled limbs and a bloodied paladin, who had finally reached his end. He fell to his knees, before collapsing entirely.

Immediately, the opposing groups eyes settled on me and my equipment. A lady wearing a long purple dress and a black witch hat stepped forward.

Havent met you before, have I? Are you new? No, I would remember you. Then, are you a prisoner? Where did you get all that gear from?

This stuff belonged to me in the first place. I just requisitioned it. I replied gruffly, not liking that I was being questioned. If I wanted this ladys help finding Emeri, however, I had to get on her good side.

The clergy was foolish enough to keep your gear on the second floor? she asked, surprised.

They kept it in an underground safe, actually. Now, its my turn to ask some questions. Have you seen a blond, bordering on silver-haired woman around here? Shes 19, with a holy affinity, though she was taken prisoner as I was.

Hmmm. The lady hummed, I might have, though I wonder why I should tell you about it she teased.

I grit my teeth, trying to hide my frustration. I didnt have much time and this lady was wasting too much of it.

I answered your questions, didnt I? Now answer mine. I tried, holding back my anger.

And if I dont?

Then Ill give you a reason to.

A reason? Is that some kind of veiled threat, or an offer? Make the distinction for me, boy

The former. I growled, readying my stance and bringing my two-hander to bear.

Just how I like it, boy. You certainly know how to tell women what they want to hear

Lieutenant, maybe we should just- One of her subordinates tried.

Listen, Emeri-

Arthur, Im so-

We both began talking at the same time, but fell silent when we realized it. Eventually, she gestured for me to start.

About that day, I didnt mean what I said. Your faith doesnt define you, and even if it did, my words would have been untrue. I regret what I said.

Im sorry as well. Some of the things I said were unacceptable, and not at all what I believed in. I dont know what came over me Can you forgive me?

Sure. Water under the bridge right? Ah, well, if you can forgive me as well, of course I hurriedly added on, trying to ignore how awkward that had felt. I got a shy nod in return.

In hopes of changing the subject, I reached for my spatial pouch and pulled her things out, before presenting them to her.

I found your stuff, by the way. Here, equip what you can. We should probably start moving soon, since Dalius folk are nearly healed.

Emeri seemed surprised to see her equipment again, having thought it lost forever, I assumed.

Thank you! Where did you find this?

An underground vault labeled evidence. Robbery would have been more accurate, I feel. I joked, casually ignoring the fact that I had stolen everything in there and was, therefore, no better. Regardless, how come were suddenly working together with Dalius? Are you involved in this prisonbreak, somehow?

Instead of the hurried denial I expected, I saw Emeri nod while looking down at the floor, leaving me with my mouth hanging open in shock.

Emeri, how in the hells did you get involved with a dangerous type like him? You know how insane he acted when we first met!

I needed help, okay! she shot back, before quickly covering her mouth, as if she hadnt said a thing.

Help with what? I prodded.

Help with what, Emeri?!

I may or may not have checked out the next statue with his help

Youre kidding!