One individual was standing, staring at the destroyed golem, at the depth of the Viking Ruin... That individual was none other than Vent himself, one of the Four Mages.
"What a mess..." I spoke as I stared at the golem's part spread all over the place...
I moved closer to the door, leading to the next room, and unlocked it to enter the room.
"They came here and..."
I took something in my hands as I chuckled while being satisfied with what I was looking for.
"This should be enough... There are so many troublesome people with their own selfish reasons after all... Then I should just probably use them for ourselves and eliminate them when they are not needed..." I muttered as I was amused by what I had just said.
I should not waste anymore time here...
---
Part 2- Chloe and others had been recovered from last night and they were prepared for the upcoming trial in Shadow Rift-
(Chloe's Pov)
"Alright then, thank you for letting us stay in your village... though I feel bad that we are bothering you, I apologise." As I spoke, I had genuinely felt a little guilty.
"No, you can stay here as long as you want to or you can come here whenever you like to. Besides, the trials may take your much time to reach White Tear so feel free to come here whenever you feel tired." replied Mayor.
"We really appreciate it, thank you."
"Chloe, we are ready to go now..." said Reina.
"Alright, let's go... Excuse us and please take care of Ryuji for us." I replied.
"Yes ofcourse don't worry about it, goodluck and don't hesitate for help whenever you need it." replied Mayor.
I nodded as I turned my back to depart from the village with others.
"..."
"Chloe? What happened?" asked Elena.
"No, nothing..."
"Is that so?"
"Really, nothing happened." I replied.
"Oh,ok if you say so Chloe..."
She noticed my unusual expression but I tried to hide it.
After traveling from Dream Grassland, we took the route 10 and headed towards the opposite direction of the road, that leads to Viking Ruin, to move to the direction of Shadow Rift.
After traveling for some time, we had arrived at the destination.
"So, this is the Shadow Rift? It really does look like that people often come here and there. However, the specific location marked on the map is not a spot where people usually pass by. Let's enter the cave as we find that spot mentioned in the map we saw yesterday." said Ray.
"Be careful everyone, I heard that the monsters around here have increased in population and they are also strong." warned Elena.
"Understood." Kurt replied.
We had entered the cave as we started searching for that specific spot.
"...." Voila was spacing out.
"Hey, why are you so down today, Voila?" asked Reina.
"Eh!? Oh! No! I mean I was just...you know I was just thinking something else. It's not a big deal, really, don't mind me..." replied Voila with an awkward smile.
"Are you sure? Or perhaps, are you upset about the fact that you won't be seeing your boyfriend for a while? That sure is depressing, I can understand it." She said as she nodded repeatedly as if she was some kind of detective or something.
"W-W-W-What are you saying Reina!? I don't understand what you mean! I definitely don't understand!" said Voila while she lost her serious composure, looking embarassed by what Reina said.
"Wow, that's your cute side, Voila! I love this side of yours!"
"B-Boyfriend!....you m-mean...." said Elena while she was blushing.
"Hey! Stop teasing her Reina! Jeez, you really like to tease everyone..." I tried to stop Reina from teasing Voila so that Voila won't feel offended or something.
I knew she was just kidding but it was just so sudden.
"Hehe, don't worry I am not trying to hurt anyone's feelings or something..."
"Sigh..." I sighed at what Reina was doing.
"It's fine, it's not Reina's fault. I think she was just cheering me up." said Voila, showing that she understood, what Reina was trying to do, while giving a smile.
"If you say so, then I won't say much... But Voila, you don't have to worry about Ryuji. I am sure he will be alright." I said.
"Yes.You are right, Chloe. I guess I am just worrying too much maybe..." she replied.
It looked as though she was trying to hide something from us. However, I believed that wasn't the case here. She would not lie or hide something from us according to my impression on her so far.
"By the way Chloe, is it okay leave Ryuji at the village? I am really worried about the villagers..." said Ray with some hint of disappointment.
"It's alright Ray. I don't think something will happen as Ryuji was given the sleeping pills. Doctor also told us that he was completely exhausted from the battle too. He needs rest, besides even if he wakes up and switch his personality, I believe that Elena's parents would protect everyone."
"Are you sure about that? He was so tough and defeated that golem as if it was some kind of toy for him." said Ray.
"Yes, however Elena's parents and others are cautious and..."
"And?"
"I think something triggered his hidden persona when Reina was in trouble, so maybe there is some kind of trigger where his personality changes. Maybe he was not able to handle the pain when he saw Reina in trouble and then he had suddenly transformed to protect her... Basically, even if he wish for awakening that persona then he would need some kind of trigger I think." I replied.
"...Hm, alright. but if what you have predicted, doesn't go as expected then I may have to some take some actions against you. Are you prepared for that, Chloe?" He asked.
"Yes I am." I said without hesitation.
"....Well, I don't think that would happen. Alright, I will trust you on that since we are allies."
"Thank you for trusting me Ray." I replied.
"Just don't run away when everything does not go as expected..." He warned me.
I was aware of what I would face but I did what was best for Ryuji. He needed rest and he didn't looked in good condition after the battle. I was honestly worried about the villagers as well but I had tried my best to teach villagers to defend themselves and requested doctor to give high quality sleeping pills just in case. I had simply made arrangements so that villagers would escape easily no matter how strong the Ryuji's unknown persona was. Elena's parents were also dedicated to protect villagers since they were born in the village.
"Don't worry, I believe in Chloe and Ryuji." said Reina.
"Me too, I think Chloe is genuinely concerned about both villagers and Ryuji." said Elena while she supported what Reina spoke.
"Okay okay, you guys don't have to say that over again and again. Man, talk about unity" said Ray.
"It seems like that is the location according to the map we saw yesterday." said Kurt while he pointed at the specific direction.
"Look! The magic item is glowing!" said Reina.
"Yes, it is glowing..." replied Elena.
The magic item immediately started floating and then a dazzling light suddenly occurred as we closed our eyes for protection.
When the strong light vanished, we had opened our eyes slowly as our eyes had started to see different structures around us.
"Where are we?" said Elena.
As we had noticed the intricate designs on the white-coloured floor, the surroundings didn't have any walls or something rather it looked as though it was filled with dark purple coloured sky. It was as if we were in a different dimension or something.
"I don't know myself but it seems like we can find those crystals here, though I am feeling a little scared somehow..." said Elena.
"Don't worry, as long as we are together, we can overcome anything." replied Reina as she tried to comfort Elena.
"Yes, with you around, I feel safe." said Elena when she was encouraged a little by Reina.
"Well, let us start exploring this area as we try to locate those five shadow crystals that are in spherical shape." said Ray.
"Yes, those five crystals must be around here." said Voila.
"Should we split up?" asked Kurt.
"There are five directions and we are in the middle. Chloe and Elena, please support each other while you try to locate crystal and destroy it. I believe you both are capable of supporting each other, I know your strength is above average Chloe however, Elena needs support. Besides you two seems to be close enough than most of us. So it will be easier to understand each other for you two. As for others, we will split up and search for crystals to eradicate them."
"Isn't it dangerous to go alone? We could destroy each and every crystals one by one."
"Yes that is right Reina but I trust all of you and besides we can't waste our time like this. Anti-Libra is dangerous evil organisation as they can do anything at anytime. So we should be prepared for it and don't waste time. I believe in your strength guys please do everything to destroy the crystals."
"I agree with him." said Voila while she nodded.
"Don't worry, if you think you can't handle them, you can just return to this spot and wait for others." said Ray while he was implying that it was okay to run away.
Everyone agreed as we started moving. They agreed that we would meet at the same spot where we landed after that bright light of the magic item.
"Um, Chloe..."
"Yes, do you need something?" I asked in a polite tone.
"I heard that you have a sister right?" she asked.
"..."
A sudden flashback that occurred when she asked that question."
"I am sorry! Please don't be upset!"
"No...It's fine so what about it?"
"Why is it that you....um please don't get me wrong but.....I was wondering that how you are able to stay cheerful even though your sister is not with you? Isn't it painful that your sister isn't with you?" said Elena.
"..."
"You know, I don't have any siblings but I have new friends like you. So if someone were to take you away from me then...I may not be able to stay happy or strong... I would probably cry... But somehow you are able to hold it... I had saw you crying in silence, when you started saying your sister's name yesterday... I don't want you to suffer like this. You told me that sharing something can remove half your burden. So please, don't hold back and let your emotions. You were holding and you didn't looked cheerful as you were before... I know you are just acting strong in front of others while struggling to keep your emotions."
I had suddenly remembered Orion's words as well...
"If you ever feel down, then express your feelings to someone who can carry your pain and help you let your emotions went down." (Chloe's memory while she remembered Orion's words)
My eyes had started to produce waters and it was hard to control.
"I..."
She hugged me and-
"It is fine, no one is watching you. Let your emotions calm down..." said Elena
I was unable to control my emotions and let it exposed in front of Elena.
"Sob....sob.... wailing..."
I was crying like a child... It was embarassing however....
"It's alright,"
She started to comfort me while gently holding me....
After few minutes, I calmed down myself...
"Do you feel better now?" She said with a gentle smile.
"Y-Yes, it was a little embarassing but I am fine... thank you...Elena...."
"No, I am just glad you expressed your emotions."
I also smiled to let her know that I was grateful for her help.
"You two.....are not allowed here....."
"...!?"
We both heard a strange voice and when we turned out attention to see who was it then we saw-
---
To be continued...