Allow me to ask you a question: what is the most valuable thing in your life? Is it fame? Money? Is it a prized possession? Maybe it's a family member or a lover.
Now, let me ask you a second question: what lengths would you go to protect the most valuable thing in your life? Would you risk your own safety? Would you even consider breaking the law? Does your love run so deep that you would trade the world if it meant preserving the most valuable thing in your life?
For me, I didn't know what was more valuable than the friends in my party—Sakimi, Marigold, and Iago.
Well, I don't know if I would consider Iago a friend yet.
And Sakimi was still a demon that I had to keep restrained.
But still, these people were immeasurable treasures. I don't know what I would have done without them. In a calm situation, I would freely admit that I would do anything to protect them, but when faced with a disaster, would I be able to hold on to what I valued the most?
Thus were the thoughts that crossed my mind as Iago, Sakimi, Marigold, and I rode down the hill on Vortigern's back. When we arrived at Vindport, we were met with a bustling city filled with crowds of people who were getting home from work. The buildings were mostly only one story tall, which seemed minuscule compared to the towering ships that were docked on the port.
For the first time in my life, I smelled a true ocean breeze scent.
Surprisingly, some demons were milling about with the humans. Just like how humans weren't all good, demons weren't all bad. The city's soldiers must have cleared away most of the violent demons, but the docile ones were allowed to continue living in peace.
While we continued toward the coast, I pointed at one of the ferrymen on the pier and said, "Marigold, let's ask that guy about crossing the ocean."
"Alright," Marigold replied, adjusting our course.
"I don't think they'll let a spinebear on board the ship," Iago said to me.
"I'm just checking."
Once we neared the ferryman, I asked, "Do you know where we can take a boat to Polsius?"
"Right here," he said, nudging his head toward the galleon next to him. "Unfortunately, we can't let you bring a spinebear. The last time that happened, they ate all the small animals on the mainland. It took ages to keep the spinebear population in control."
"Don't worry. We're just traveling. It's not like we're gonna leave our spinebear to breed."
"Sorry, but no can do."
I took out a pouch of coins from my inventory. I didn't know how much Szerath it contained, but it should still be a persuasive amount.
"Come one, man," I whispered. "Could you do us this one favor?"
The ferryman scowled. "I don't accept bribes. Now, go away unless you want me to report you all to the authorities."
Welp, it was worth a shot.
Marigold cracked the reins, and we traveled down the pier. Every sailor who saw our spinebear eyed it with displeasure. Even the pedestrians kept their distance. It seemed that animal-riding wasn't popular in northern Rivenvalius. In the southern cities, like Eden and Mechanicsville, animals were the main method of traveling. In Vindport, people normally walked, rode bikes, or used magic-fueled wagons akin to cars in the normal world.
"I told you they wouldn't let the spinebear on," Iago said.
I sighed. If it were possible, I would have fast-traveled, but I could only go to Guild Hubs that I've already visited before. If I tried teleporting to a Guild Hub that I haven't registered with, it would reject my Origin Sequence (this game's form of an ID, tied with magical essence).
"Is there any other method of travel?" Marigold asked.
"Actually, there is one," Iago remarked. "I have some connections to smugglers."
"Smugglers?" I asked. "But they deal with transporting really sketchy things."
Marigold nodded. "Indeed. I don't want to associate myself with individuals who condone crimes such as human trafficking."
"Relax guys," Iago said. "It's nothing that serious. Polsius places high taxes on certain imported goods, and some things are banned altogether, so these smugglers help people who aren't able to cross the ocean. In a sense, they are performing a noble task."
Marigold still appeared suspicious.
"Don't look at me that way. It's not like we're doing something legal by transporting a spinebear," Iago said.
"Fair enough."
"Where do we have to go?" I asked Iago.
"The smugglers' base in by the Queenberry Channel. I'll show you guys the way."
Iago guided Marigold through the city streets, and eventually, we exited Vindport, arriving at a narrow inlet west of the Vindport delta.
It was nighttime now, and a relatively small building illuminated the darkness.
"That's the base," Iago said.
It seemed a bit conspicuous, but as we neared the structure, there was a sign that read, "Levi's Cleaning Supplies and More."
Upon entering, the store seemed legit. The owner definitely put a lot of effort into making this front.
While Marigold, Sakimi, and Vortigern waited outside, Iago and I walked up to the cashier: a gargantuan man with a beer belly and a beard so thick that it seemed one could hide an entire axe inside of it.
"Yo! Iago!" the cashier said.
"It's been a while, Jaz. How've you been!"
"Business is great!"
"And Levi? Is he doing fine?"
"Yup. He's out on vacation, hunting down some giants."
"Sounds like fun!"
The two of them patted each other's backs like old friends.
"I've got a buddy who needs something transported," Iago said, gesturing toward me.
Jaz held out his hand, and I shook it, saying, "I'm Ares. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," Jaz said. "What's the cargo?"
"A spinebear."
"Ah, okay. Is it outside?"
"Yeah."
Jaz walked through the store and peered out the front entrance. He turned to me and asked, "Is that elf chick with you?"
"She is."
"What about that demon that you have tied up?"
"She's with us too."
Jaz rubbed his chin. "Alright, then. Bring them all inside. I assume that none of you guys are registered with a Guild Hub in Polsius?"
"No," I said.
"That's fine. You guys can take a boat. As for Iago, we can let him teleport with your spinebear."
"How can fast-travel points fit an animal of that size?"
Jaz smiled slyly. "We have our own secret teleportation system. You don't have to worry. While Iago handles the spine bear, you and the others can come with me."
I nodded, glancing at Marigold, who gave Iago a threatening glare.
"If you lay even a single finger on Vortigern—"
Iago held up both of his hands, saying, "Alright, alright! I know. I'll keep your spinebear safe and sound."
"Hmph," Marigold said, carrying Sakimi on her back and heading into the shop.
"Now that everyone's inside," Jaz said, "Follow me."
"What's this gonna cost?" I asked.
"I'll do the calculations once we get to the transport site."
Jaz pulled a lever under the counter, opening a hidden passageway on the back wall. He then led us down the set of dark stairs that eventually merged into an underground passageway. The ceiling seemed as if it could cave in at any moment, and it was only held up by wooden posts.
While we walked, Marigold scrunched up her nose and asked, "Do you smell that?"
I looked around and sniffed the air. Sure enough, a peculiar scent reached my nose, smelling similar to a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg.
A feeling of anxiousness struck my bones like lightning.
Even Sakimi seemed distressed, seeing that she was squirming with her eyes wide.
Just then, Marigold grabbed my shoulder and yelled, "Ares! It's a—"
But the woman fell forward before she could finish her sentence.
My vision was blurry, and I struggled to keep myself balanced. Still, I drew my weapon to face whatever unknown enemy might be attacking. Unfortunately, my limbs were too heavy, and I probably wouldn't even be able to land a single attack. Eventually, my knees gave out, and I fell to the ground.
The last thing I saw was Jaz standing over my body with his arms crossed.
***
I woke up in a dim cell. The air was damp, and the walls were cold as ice. I got out of bed and checked my body, seeing that everything was fine, except for my wrists having been cuffed.
But these weren't normal handcuffs. The purple runic symbols indicated that they inhibited magic. This meant that I wouldn't be able to cast any spells to escape, nor access my inventory. It looked like I might be trapped here for a while.
More importantly, where were Marigold and Sakimi?
Did Iago get caught up in this too? Or may, he was the one who...
No. He's a member of the party, and I shouldn't be doubting him. Marigold, Sakimi, and I were the only ones caught underground, so I hope Iago might have been able to fend off the captors considering his immense strength.
How long have I been asleep, though? It only felt like a day, but I fear that a great deal of time may have passed.
I needed to find out what exactly happened, so I slammed my arms on the cell bars, making a deafening rattle.
"Where am I!" I yelled.
A guard walked up to my cell and placed a finger on her lips. She wore a tight-fitting blue uniform, black leggings that were held up by a garter belt, and an officer's hat over her loose turquoise hair. The hat was pulled down, preventing me from getting a good glimpse of her face.
"Who are you, and where am I?" I asked.
"I am your cell guard, and you must do as I say. If you don't, then your companions' lives may be put in danger."
"You're talking about Sakimi and Marigold, aren't you? Where are they!"
"They are with our Lord, the archdemon."
"Take me to them right now!"
"As you wish. I was going to let you out anyway since you were scheduled for a fight."
"A fight?"
"That's correct, Ares. Welcome to Thello's Colosseum."