Retrothewise

  The session continued for hours as the healing potions slowly started to diminish. Some of the adventurers could not withstand the mental stress and simply died. The only way Monza could describe this was that he had died and woke up in hell, a waking nightmare that didn’t stop. Every time he was on the brink of death, they would heal him and start the process from scratch.

  “How many more people know of this location?” Adeline’s cold tone hit him as he rapidly regained consciousness and stared at her with pitiful eyes.

  “I don’t know, please just kill me.”

  “Wrong answer.”

  Melora jammed the rusted dagger through his gut as he weakly slumped, unable to even scream.

  “How many more people know of this location?”

  “I don’t even know how a noble of the Grand Duchy came to have this information. It could be just him, or everyone knows, I don’t know.”

  Adeline stared at Melora and lightly nodded; she poured the st bottle of the healing potion and moved to the next adventurer.

  “Are you feeling talkative now?”

  “I don’t know anything, please, let me go. I won’t repeat this, I swear.”

  Melora then slit his throat as he suffocated in his own blood. They repeated the same process with the remaining group until Monza was left alone, filled with despair, he accepted his death.

  “You are still needed.”

  The duo left him surrounded by the bodies of his once friends and comrades as the door closed, snuffing out the st source of light.

  They slowly made their way through the pace as they took a bath and wore new white robes. They then made their way to the hall where the high elves were waiting for them. They paid their respects and took a seat among them. Gena was first to speak, sensing the cold mood.

  “How bad is it?”

  “This pce is not compromised because of how well it’s hidden, but they have an idea of the general area.” Melora spoke in a low voice, avoiding her gaze.

  “What should we do? We cannot move from this city. All elves are bound to the world tree; if it’s harmed or corrupted, all elves will feel the effects.”

  “I have an idea, but I don’t know about its effects.”

  “At this point, any idea is welcomed.”

  “If we can bring the orcs to this area, they can serve as protection; at the same time, it might bring more attention.”

  The elves started to murmur among themselves as one of them spoke up.

  “We have never coexisted with other creatures apart from the Balowick. We also share the same concerns about them drawing more attention; what if it draws a subjugation?”

  “You cannot hide forever; it’s only a matter of time before they find you.”

  Adeline silently started to think of other solutions, but all of them led to the same conclusion; they had to make a stand.

  “How many more of the goddess’ children live around this forest?”

  “There are several orc camps to the east of us, there are trolls who wander the frozen pnes far north, there is also a dragon nest around that area.”

  Adeline suddenly shot up and stared at the confused Gena.

  “Did you say a dragon?”

  “Um, yes, there are dragons on this continent.”

  “Why haven’t you tried to contact the dragon for help? Aren’t they strong?”

  “Dragons are not fighters; their major function is to make the uninhabitable areas livable. Whether it’s the cold north, the deserts, or volcanic areas, they naturally change those areas, making it possible for creatures to live.”

  “I will make them fighters. If we can bring the trolls, orcs, and dragon together, it might change everything; you might be able to even fight back.”

  Melora nodded in agreement, but that was easier said than done.

  “I agree with Adeline, though it will be very hard, it’s the only choice you have.”

  “I see, I will make preparations for your travel. I will assign Joseph to help you locate them; as for Melora, I will give you the supplies you need to make your way back to the Grand Duchy.”

  Melora felt slightly disappointed as she gazed at Adeline, who avoided her gaze.

  “I will be taking Monza with me together with his cart; I will do my best to detour interests in this area and also deal with the traitors back home. Especially Count Julius Von Forgather, to think they would be this btant after my disappearance.”

  “I will also arrange for a crystal ball to enable communication between us.”

  Melora nodded as they spent the rest of the day discussing various tactics and arrangements. They all went to sleep, but Melora decided to train, unable to fall asleep. In the dimly lit room, she silently performed intricate sword movements; they were sharper thanks to her reformed body. She tried to clear her mind and worries of the future as she looked for conviction in each swing.

  “I guess we will have to put my swords training on pause until everything is sorted out.”

  Adeline revealed herself as she leaned on the nearby wall. Melora wiped her sweat as she turned towards her.

  “That doesn’t mean you should neglect your training.”

  “It is hard to train when you don’t exactly know what you’re training for.”

  “Are you still worried about me?”

  Adeline fell silent once more as Melora approached her.

  “Because I am worried about you.”

  “You have no need to worry about me.”

  “These people look up to you; whether you accept it or not, you are their leader.”

  “I am no leader, ruler, or savior.”

  “You are all that and more, Adeline. I believe in you as you believe in me.”

  Melora and Adeline locked eyes, Adeline avoided her gaze and turned away.

  “You seem to forget I am a demon; you should not get too close to me.”

  “Yet you’re the most real thing to me; you have cleared my vision and given me support when you didn’t have to.”

  Adeline became more flustered as Melora cornered her; she could no longer avoid her gaze as they locked once more. For the first time, Adeline’s heart raced as she could feel her warm breath; her red lips looked insatiable. It was then Joseph walked in on them, Melora quickly diverted as her cheeks fshed red, Joseph was caught in two minds as he tried to leave but was too interested in what was happening.

  “Joseph, what brings you here?”

  Adeline was quick to react, sensing her way out.

  “I um, I just wanted to do some quick work on my bow.”

  “At this time?”

  “Yes, I also need to prepare for our departure.”

  Melora finally backed away as she cleared her throat and took a seat nearby.

  “I see, well feel free to train.”

  Adeline attempted to leave but was pulled back by Melora. Reluctantly, she sat beside her as they watched the nervous Joseph pull his bow multiple times.

  “I want to see you again. Once I have stabilized the Grand Duchy, come and see me.”

  “I am a demon, I have a set of big bck and red horns. You will be scrutinized by the public.”

  “I am sure there is a way to conceal that; even if it’s not possible, I will think of something. What will you do once you gather everyone?”

  “I will create a Kingdom. If I make them strong enough, no empire will dare harm another creature without consequences.”

  Melora already had an idea that this would be the end goal. She would pce the building blocks between the two for trade routes and diplomacy. It would be hard convincing the nobles, but fortunately, they had no churches in their Duchy.

  “Promise me we will meet again in one piece.”

  “Okay, I promise. So you better not die, Melora.”

  Melora smiled as they spent the rest of the night watching Joseph and preparing for their long trip. In the morning, they said their farewells, but as they were about to leave, Scales appeared, but she seemed rger than before; she was now the size of a juvenile anaconda. She was joined by an even rger snake with green and red stripes, its eyes were pitch bck.

  “Master, I heard you were leaving. What is your wish?”

  “Go with Melora.”

  “I will make sure she is safe.”

  “So you are worried about me.”

  Gena turned to Melora with curious eyes.

  “Melora, you can understand other creatures too now.”

  “It seems so, should I be worried?”

  “It is the first time a human has received a gift from the tree of life; just be mindful.”

  “Will do!”

  Scales slithered inside the carriage where the unconscious Monza was ying down, wrapped with rope.

  “Don’t eat him, Scales, well not yet. He’s important.”

  “I won’t, second master.”

  With that, Melora waved goodbye as the carriage pulled away, leaving them behind. Gena stared at the other snake with a slight tilt.

  “Do you want to follow Adeline? It won’t be easy.”

  “I would like to, but I have to care for the eggs.”

  “I will take care of them in your stead. I believe she might have use for you.”

  The giant snake reluctantly accepted as Adeline simply watched. She was gd Scales got to be a mother, though she was confused about how fast she gave birth. Putting that aside, Adeline mounted the second carriage together with Joseph as the snake joined them, and they set off for a new adventure.