After thinking over Erica's proposal all night, I still couldn't find a clear solution. The deal seemed risky and somewhat unrealistic, but 1000 gold coins were a tempting reward. Maybe I should do a bit of background research just to see if it's real. I can always back out if I want to, right? This is so difficult to decide.
Morning light filtered through the window as I stared at my untouched bread. Lily noticed my distraction and shook my shoulders, bringing me back to reality.
-Isa, what's on your mind? You haven't touched your bread. - Lily said, concern etched in her voice.
-I'm just thinking about Erica's deal. It seems dangerous. But we need the money. - I said with a long sigh, staring at the crumbs on my plate. - My head's spinning from all this.
-We can't find a quick job without joining one of those adventure guilds, and we don't have time for that. - Ed said, picking at his bread. - It's either this deal or we're stuck.
-All we need to do is go to the past and warn Erica's friend Arianne, right? How dangerous could it be? - Lily said, taking a small bite of her bread. Her optimism was a small comfort.
-It's probably a scam. People can't be trusted! - Ed said with a frown. - But we do need the money.
-You're right, Ed. - I replied, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. - Maybe we should find out more about the events surrounding the demon. If Erica's story checks out, this could be our chance to make a real difference and earn the money we need.
-How do we do that? - Lily asked, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.
-We can ask around town and see if anyone knows about the demon and what happened years ago. - I suggested. - If Erica's story matches up with what people know, we'll have more information to go on.
-That's a good idea. - Ed agreed. - Let's split up and see what we can find out.
We spent the day gathering information about the events surrounding the demon. As we walked through the town's bustling streets, we spoke with merchants, adventurers, and townspeople, trying to piece together what had happened.
-Excuse me, do you know anything about a powerful demon that was unleashed years ago? - I asked a merchant who was arranging his goods on a busy street corner.
-A powerful demon? Oh, yes, I've heard about that. - the merchant replied, his eyes darkening. - Years ago, a demon was unleashed and caused great havoc. The city that was destroyed by it is now known as the Darklands.
-Do you know if anyone has tried to fix the damage caused by the demon? - I asked cautiously, my heart racing a little.
-Many have tried and failed. It's a dangerous business. - the merchant said, his voice grave. - If someone's asking for help, it's probably genuine, but be careful.
-I thanked the merchant and continued our search. The more people I spoke with, the more it seemed that the story of the demon was well-known and the danger was real. The urgency of our situation began to sink in.
-Isa, I found someone who knows about the demon! - Lily said excitedly when we regrouped later in the day. - She spoke to a healer who confirmed the story. The healer said there have been continuous efforts to gather resources for a ritual to go back in time.
-I heard the same from a blacksmith. - Ed added, his face serious. - He mentioned that many have sacrificed everything they have to find someone who can help.
-It sounds like the story checks out. - I said, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. - But it's still dangerous. We need to be cautious about this.
-So, what do we do next? - Lily asked, her eyes filled with determination.
-We'll go back to Erica and tell her we're willing to help, but we need more details. - I said, trying to sound resolute. - We need to know exactly what we're getting into and how we can stay safe.
That evening, we returned to Erica's house. She greeted us with a hopeful smile, her eyes filled with a mixture of desperation and gratitude. Her demeanor seemed more anxious than before.
-Have you made a decision? - she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to mask her anxiety.
-We've decided to help you, but we need more information. - I said firmly, meeting her gaze. - We need to know exactly what the ritual involves and how to ensure our safety.
-Of course. - Erica said, her eyes shining with relief. - I'll tell you everything you need to know. The ritual is complex, but with your help, I believe we can succeed.
We gathered around Erica as she spread out several old newspapers on the table. Each one was dated six years ago, the yellowed pages a testament to their age and the passage of time.
-These are the newspapers from the time when the demon was unleashed. - Erica explained. - They contain detailed accounts of what happened, and they might give you a better understanding of the danger we're dealing with.
I picked up the first newspaper and began reading. The headline read: "City in Ruins as Demon Unleashed." The article detailed the devastation caused by the demon, describing how it had torn through the city, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It mentioned the loss of lives and the futile attempts of the city's strongest warriors to contain the beast.
The city now is known as the Darklands, and the other kingdoms were able to keep it at bay by using magic to separate the Darklands from this world. - Erica said, pointing to a map in one of the articles. - The barrier is what keeps the demon from spilling over into the rest of the world.
-What exactly does the ritual involve? - Ed asked, his brow furrowing as he studied the papers.
-The main goal is to go back to the past and warn my friend Arianne. - Erica explained. - If we can warn her, we might be able to prevent the demon from being unleashed in the first place.
-That sounds simple enough, but what's the catch? - Lily asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
-The ritual requires a lot of preparation, but the most crucial part is the blood of a saint. - Erica said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. - Without it, the ritual won't work.
A tense silence fell over the room as everyone absorbed this information. My heart raced as I considered the implications.
-Is there any way to know if one of us is a saint? - Lily asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.
-I'm not entirely sure. - I said, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. - There are ancient texts that mention signs, but nothing concrete. I've been trying to piece things together, but it's been challenging.
-So, you're saying you might be the saint? - Erica asked, her eyes wide with a mix of hope and concern.
-I hesitated, my mind racing.
-I… I don't know for sure. - I admitted, my voice shaky. - I've had some unusual experiences, but nothing that definitively proves I am a saint. I've been trying to understand more, but it's been elusive.
-That's okay. - Erica said, her expression softening. - Regardless of whether you are a saint or not, your help is invaluable. We need to move forward with caution and hope.
As we prepared to leave, I felt a heavy sense of uncertainty. The road ahead was filled with potential danger and unknowns, but if there was a chance to set things right, we had to take it.
-We'll do our best to ensure everything is as safe as possible. - I said, trying to sound confident. - But we need to be prepared for anything.
Erica nodded, her gratitude evident.
-Thank you for your willingness to help. I know this is a lot to ask, and the risk is great. But with your assistance, I believe we can succeed.
As we walked away from Erica's house, the weight of our decision settled over me like a shroud. Despite my uncertainty about being the saint, I knew we had to take this chance. If there was even the slightest possibility that we could make a difference, it was worth the risk.
-Isa, do you think we can do this? - Lily asked, her voice a mix of excitement and fear.
-I don't know, Lily. - I replied honestly. - But we have to try. If we can warn Arianne and prevent the demon from being unleashed, we could save countless lives. And if I am the saint, then maybe it's my duty to help.
-We'll be right beside you, Isa. - Ed said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. - No matter what happens, we're in this together.
- Plus it's not like you have to live in a temple for the rest of your life.
-Well that too. I said, maybe this isn't so bad.