Chapter 35 - Chapter 35: FEAST AND DESPAIR

Aether basked in the warmth radiating from the sleeping dragon, a makeshift fire crackling merrily in the center of the circular platform. The savory scent of roasted rabbit filled the air, proof to his successful hunt. The night was silent, a peaceful reprieve from the constant turmoil that had become his life.He had skinned the horned rabbit with surprising efficiency, the hunger a potent motivator. Now, he was attempting to fashion a crude waterskin from its pelt. It was a less-than-ideal solution, but ingenuity was his only currency in this strange world.Aether's brow furrowed as he recalled Lumi's pronouncement upon the rabbit's demise. "[You have slain moonlight Hornbristle]," the voice had echoed in his mind, as enigmatic as ever. Lumi remained a puzzle, a force he couldn't decipher. Was it a guardian of this world, a harbinger of fate, or something else entirely? Aether suspected there was more to Lumi than met the detached, emotionless voice.He brought a piece of the cooked meat to his lips, savoring the unexpected bounty. It was a simple pleasure, a moment of respite that chased away the gnawing fear and confusion. As he licked his fingers clean, a wave of loneliness washed over him. He was lost, adrift in a world that felt both alien and vaguely familiar.In Emberhod, his second chance at life, he had held onto a cherished dream - to heal and travel with his mother. But fate, a cruel mistress, had snatched that away too. Yet, a flicker of defiance remained. 'I'll find them,' he vowed silently, his gaze hardening. A mental image of a flag emblazoned with a wolf and claws danced in his mind – a symbol of revenge.But vengeance was a dish best served with strength, and right now, Aether was woefully weak. The village plunderers, especially the hulking brute in his gleaming armor, were beyond his current capabilities. He needed power, a way to tap into the potential he felt slumbering within him.Frustration gnawed at him. His mana vessels, the conduits for his power, were like stagnant pools. Training had yielded little progress, a harsh reminder of his limitations. Glancing beside him, his eyes fell on the circular platform, the Sol Gate etched into its surface. Lumi had mentioned it was the key to unlocking the Chronolith Shards, fragments of power that could give him insights into the questions that Lumi could not or did not want to answer.Could that be the answer? Could the Sol Gate hold the key to his strength? The unknown consequences sent a shiver down his spine, but what other choice did he have? He had to take a chance. To unlock the Sol Gate, Lumi had said, he needed sufficient mana to open activate it. He didn't know what awaited him on the other side, but inaction felt like a slow death sentence.With a determined glint in his eyes, Aether wrapped some leftover roasted rabbit in leaves, a meagre breakfast for the next day. He envisioned fishing in the cascading water, hoping to expand his food resource. As the fire crackled and the dragon slumbered on, Aether closed his eyes, the weight of his future pressing down on him.****The grand hall of Folkvangre, bathed in the dim glow of sconces, held a lone figure amidst its echoing vastness. Renny, a woman with hair like spun amber, sat behind the reception desk, her youthful face a mask of conflicting emotions. Wisdom and whimsy battled beneath the emerald cloak trimmed with gold, the very fabric of her gown seeming to shimmer with her inner turmoil.A unique fountain pen, a compliment to her guild's ingenuity, lay neglected in her hand. A sigh escaped her lips, heavy with fatigue and worry. "Who could it be at this unholy hour?" she fretted, her brow furrowing.The groaning of the great oak doors shattered the silence, announcing a visitor. But Renny, drained by a day of troubles, couldn't summon the usual welcoming smile. The visitor, however, didn't require an invitation."Investigation of a raid?!" A booming voice cut through the quiet, growing louder with each echoing step. A figure emerged from the shadows – Eziel, the ranger. His once-optimistic eyes blazed with fury, his simple leather armor a stark contrast to the turmoil within. An empty quiver hung limply at his back, a grim symbol of his desperation."Answer me, dammit!" he roared, his voice thick with a barely contained sob."Eziel, calm yourself," Renny pleaded, rising from her chair. Normally, she would have summoned the Guild Master for such an outburst, but Eziel wasn't just any visitor. He was a renowned adventurer, recently risen to the rank of Expert Ranger. But beneath his titles lay a deeper connection – they all knew of his companions, lost in the tragic Sylvanbrook mission. And now, the very village that had taken him in, nursed him back to health, was under attack.Eziel, a mountain of a man, stood frozen, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists. The tears he fought so hard to hold back welled up, threatening to spill over."Don't... Don't... what happened, Miss Renny?" His voice cracked, a desperate plea for answers.Renny met his gaze, her own heart heavy with sympathy. "I'm truly sorry, Eziel," she started, her voice trembling slightly. "We haven't yet determined the full extent of the damage." She paused, taking a deep breath. "But one thing is certain – the Fangs of the Northwind are behind it."Eziel stood there, a silent statue of despair. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away, his broad shoulders slumped under the weight of a new burden. The great oak doors groaned shut once more, leaving Renny alone in the echoing hall, the weight of Eziel's grief hanging heavy in the stale air.