Chapter 22 - Daze

[Messengers of Damuzen Guild | Jewel.] 

A man dressed in bandages that curled around his upper body as he dug his fingers into his beige pants pockets . A white bandage covered his left eye, another bandage covered the bridge of his nose, and there were cuts along his cheekbone. Blood dripped from a gash on his lip. There was no sign of weakness, but that was expected with a broken wrist.

[Argo | Level ??? | 7th Rank: The Frenzied Swords of Damuzen.] 

"Jewel, you look so down? Isn't Eoin doing as he promised?" Argo asked. 

She looked lonely as he stretched  his hand out and held onto hers. She was cold in his hand and looked tired. There were bags under her eyes and her hair was matted against her neck.

"He's trying...but I am scared…" Jewel muttered.

"Scared? Of what?" Argo pressed.

"That won't be able to bleed like a human like Della does," He muttered. 

"She is absolutely convinced she is a special chosen child to the Messengers of Damuzen so we are winning while Sim isn't even leveled," Argo noted. 

She stood there silently as Argo kissed her neck, wrapping his arms around her waist as he whispered sweet nothings into her ear. She closed her eyes and leaned back, allowing him to touch her as he pleased, but he knew he needed to be careful with her.

"You know that NightLanders Guild is having a ball soon right?" Argo laughed. 

"Wait, what?" She responded. 

Argo handed her the invite , watching with amusement as a blush started spreading across her face.

"It wasn't my idea, but your brother told me about it," Argo smiled. "We are going."

"Oh god no," Jewel shook her head.

"Relax. You won't have anything to worry about," Argo winked.

"What about Della? Do you think Sim told her yet?" She asked. 

A gun shot rang out from outside the window shattering it, sending shards scattering everywhere

They froze as the shots kept coming. Jewel looked terrified, tears starting to form in her eyes. Argo grabbed the gun from the table and looked out the window, a strange smile playing across his features as a figure emerged out of the darkness.

[Kerrell | Level??? | 5th Rank: The Frenzied Swords of Damuzen.]

It was a tall young man dressed in black , with dark green eyes and long black hair hanging down to his shoulders, framing his face. His skin was pale, with faint green scales covering parts of his body.

"Della went out to look for that Sim guy or whatever…so you gonna go after her?" Kerell spouted. 

Jewel got up in a panic when Argo stopped her with his hand.

"Stay here. This will be easy. No harm should come to her. Stay quiet and don't make noise. If we lose control of the situation we could hurt her," He explained.

Jewel nodded slowly, afraid to speak. She looked at Kerell, who just gave a small smirk, showing his sharp teeth. 

"Remember, the whole point is waiting for the proper time to absorb Della…allow her to live in her fantasy world a little more," Argo pointed out. 

"Kerell, do you know where she went to?" Jewel shouted. 

He just shrugged, staring blankly  at Argo. Argo pulled Jewel close and wrapped his arms around her. They shared a kiss, which quickly turned into more as they fell into bed together on their bed.

"Argo…stop teasing me!" Jewel cried out.

She jumped up to dash out of the room, only for her foot to catch in the blanket that was thrown over the edge of the mattress, causing her to fall down. Kerell chuckled as he watched her land in an ungraceful heap on the floor. He then walked out of the room and into the hallway.

"Stop worrying about her…that whole guild will be destroyed and Sim will die once Della's bodily matter is taken," He smirked. 

"Has he trained at all?" Jewel asked. 

"According to the intel…he has been playing around," Argo waved. 

"Come with me please Argo luv!" She shouted. 

She grabbed his hand and her broom as they made her way outside . As soon as they stepped outside, she let out a yell of surprise. Della and Sim were on the nearby bridge as she tried to spy  on them, but couldn't see much due to the distance.

"Are you jealous of Della?" Argo questioned. 

"N-No! I am a powerful witch, not some wimpy ass healer!" Jewel growled. 

"Am I not good enough Jewel?" Argo asked. 

"Shut up…" She responded. 

She waved her hand out to catch Sim and Della chatting to each other . She quickly ran to catch up to them and put her arm around Sim's shoulder. She stared at Della coldly.

"What?" Sim asked.

"I just wanted to check on my home girl Della!" She laughed. 

"We are just talking about the dance for his guild coming up," Della mumbled. 

Jewel acted nervously as Argo watched annoyed. Sim looked uncomfortable too, but didn't say anything and instead took another sip of the water he carried in a bottle. 

"Hey stupid kid!" Argo spouted. 

He noticed the palm of his hand wrapped in bandages as he silently observed  Sim. The kid looked at her nervously, not wanting to answer as he kept stealing glances at Della.

"Oh, Sim! This is my boyfriend!" Jewel shouted. 

"I am not even allowed to be here truthfully…I just came to check on Della," He explained. 

You could see the anger on her face. The hatred toward the Guild.

"Then leave!" She spat.

"The way you act…you know who you are don't you?" Sim asked. 

The witch stopped dead in her tracks as her expression changed and she backed away. Her face turned completely white as she trembled. Della didn't understand the look in Sim's eyes , the look was a mixture between pity and rage.

"Do you know who you are?" He continued.

Della couldn't find words to answer as she was frozen in her spot. She stared at the ground feeling fear and hatred fill her stomach.

"What are you playing at you fucking brat?!" Argo argued. 

The color of his eyes were slowly turning a verdant color. His eyes seemed to glow as he glared at Jewel.

"My story has been changed and you have become sentient beyond my most wild dreams and staring me in the face," Sim explained. 

With every step he took toward Jewel vines from the earth followed  him as though he stalked his prey. His voice echoed throughout the woods, echoing through the forest as the trees shivered and branches swayed with each word he spoke.

"Della, you need to get Kavan," Jewel stuttered. 

"And if I am not mistaken you want this…to be free, correct?" Sim stated. 

"Enough!" Argo shouted. 

Argo snapped as he pulled his long blade against Sim 's throat. His gaze grew darker as he stared at the man who dared lay his hands on his woman. Sim raised his hands up, not moving from his spot.

The tentacle-like vines shot up from under the earth aiming at Argo. Argo didn't hesitate as he charged forward swinging his sword wildly, slicing through everything in front of him as Sim dodged each strike. 

"I thought you said he hadn't trained?!" Jewel shouted. 

"What?" Della whispered. 

"Words!" Argo yelled. 

Jewel gasped as she forgot Della was there in her rage.The vines had moved closer to her as Sim reached up and wrapped them around her neck.

"Argo, help!" She screamed, unable to move.

Della stood frozen as she saw the vine's grip tightening.Della's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the vine's grip tighten around Jewel's neck. Fear and panic flooded her mind, but she knew she had to do something. With trembling hands, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial of glowing liquid. It was a potion she had crafted, a mixture of rare herbs and mystical energy. 

Summoning all her courage, Della dashed forward, her eyes locked on Jewel's struggling figure. She knew she had only one chance to save her friend. With a swift motion, she uncorked the vial and flung the potion towards the entwined vines. The liquid exploded into a burst of vibrant colors, creating a dazzling display of light and energy.

The vines recoiled in response to the magical force, loosening their grip on Jewel's neck. Gasping for air, Jewel collapsed to the ground, coughing and wheezing. Della rushed to her side, helping her sit up and catch her breath. 

"Are you alright?" Della asked, her voice filled with concern. Jewel nodded weakly, still catching her breath. 

"Thanks, Della. You saved me." Jewel muttered. 

As the explosion of vibrant colors erupted, Sim, who had been controlling the enchanted vines, was caught off guard. The sheer force of the magical blast sent him hurtling backward, his body spiraling through the air. His hold on the vines shattered, causing them to vanish into thin air, leaving no trace of their previous existence.

Sim crashed into a thicket of bushes, his body tangled amidst the foliage. He groaned in pain, his mind unraveling before his eyes. The blast had not only physically wounded him but also weakened his magical powers. He struggled to gather his strength, his mind racing with thoughts.

Meanwhile, Della and Jewel stood together, still in awe of the power she had unleashed. They watched as Sim staggered to his feet, determination etched across his face. Despite his injuries. 

"You are out of line Sim! You have abilities and you think you can harm my found family!" Della shouted. 

Argo and Jewel gawked at each other in disbelief. She would never raise her voice to anyone unless she was truly angered. But today, she was furious. Sim stood up, his face contorted with fury. He clenched his fists tightly. 

"I thought we were friends! Don't bother even coming to the guild to visit me!" Sim shouted. 

"You think you are a hot shot now!" Della argued. 

He felt like he was coming out of a daze  as he stared at her in shock. His entire life had consisted of being treated as if he were nothing more than garbage. Never did he think he'd come across someone who wouldn't treat him like a worthless piece of meat. He shook off his shock and charged at her; she barely avoided him. 

"I don't care what level you are! Give me the conviction to destroy this world!" Sim howled.