Part 1
The dragon, with a terrifying roar, flapped its massive stone wings, causing a devastating wave of destruction. Broke, Garen, and the thieves were hurled through the air, struck by the dragon's raw power. The chamber around them began to crumble, pieces of steel, iron, and debris falling everywhere.
Broke tried to get up, only to be hit by more rubble. Garen struggled to maintain his balance, while the thieves were crushed by the widespread destruction. The dragon, with immense fury, shot a stream of yellow lightning from its mouth, hitting the chamber's ceiling. The Abyss's structure began to give way, massive steel fragments collapsing as the ceiling disintegrated.
The dragon scaled the walls, its stone claws digging deeply into the black steel as it ascended, destroying everything in its path. Floors disintegrated into a cloud of dust and ruins. With one final effort, the dragon broke through the Abyss's first floor, creating a massive hole before flying out, leaving a trail of destruction.
Ethan, who had been thrown to the ground by the dragon's force, slowly got up. He made his way to a large spike fallen on the floor of what was left of the chamber, his eyes shining with satisfaction as he picked it up. Before he could leave, however, he was surprised by Broke.
With fierce determination, Broke grabbed her large sword from the ground and advanced toward Ethan. With a swift and deadly strike, she cut through him, killing him instantly. Ethan's body fell, his eyes wide with shock as life drained from him.
Broke took the spike and stowed it away, her hands steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. Ellen finished off one of the thieves, her hands still glowing with the purple magical energy she had used. Garen, breathing heavily, took down the last remaining thief with a powerful sword strike.
They approached Broke, their expressions showing a mix of relief and exhaustion. Ellen placed a hand on Broke's shoulder, a faint smile on her face. "It's time to go."
Before they could respond, a gust of wind scattered debris through the air. They turned, surprised, to hear a weak voice coming from beneath the rubble. "Don't forget about me…"
With effort, Thalon emerged from the wreckage, covered in dust and pale but alive. Ellen ran to him, helping him up. "Thalon! Are you okay?"
Thalon smiled, despite the evident pain on his face. "More or less… but let's get out of here before everything collapses."
Broke and Garen helped Thalon up, supporting him as they started to make their way to the exit. The walls around them were still trembling, threatening to collapse at any moment.
"Let's go, we don't have much time," Garen said, his voice filled with urgency.
Part 2
Broke awoke in a small, austere room. The only furniture was a bed with rough sheets and a thin pillow. Sunlight filtered through the small windows, casting soft shadows on the bare stone walls. She felt the weight of exhaustion and the emotions from recent events, but she knew she couldn't stay there forever.
She got up, feeling light-headed, and headed for the door. Upon opening it, she saw a guard stationed outside.
"Where are the others?" she asked, her voice hoarse and urgent.
Before the guard could answer, Ellen appeared in the corridor. "Broke! I was about to call for you."
Broke followed Ellen through the watchtower, her boots echoing softly against the stone floor. The smooth, cold black steel walls with weapons hanging from them reminded her of the purpose of that place.
As they walked, Ellen broke the silence. "What will you do now, Broke?"
Broke sighed, her thoughts a chaotic whirl. "I don't know. There are many things I need to sort out."
Ellen looked at her with a mix of compassion and hope. "We'd like to have someone like you in the group. You're strong and fight well."
Broke shook her head, gently refusing. "Ellen, I'm not an Adventurer. And besides, I only took this commission for the money."
They arrived at a heavy door, and Ellen pushed it open, revealing a silent room. Inside, there was what remained of Lirian's body. The atmosphere was heavy with sadness and respect. Garen was there, along with Thalon, still recovering but determined to pay their respects.
They all approached Lirian's body, their expressions grave. The silence was broken only by the sound of contained breaths and whispers of farewell.
Garen was the first to speak, his voice deep and heavy. "Lirian, you were more than a friend. You were a brother. Your bravery saved us, and we will never forget it."
Ellen, with tears in her eyes, placed her hand over Lirian's chest. "Rest in peace, Lirian. We promise to keep fighting, for you."
Thalon, still feeling guilt, knelt beside the body. "Forgive me, Lirian. I couldn't save you. But I promise your death will not be in vain."
Broke, with a lump in her throat, approached slowly. She looked at Lirian's serene face and whispered, "I never knew you well, but your courage inspired me. I promise to keep fighting, so that your death means something."
Silence took over the room once more, everyone respecting that moment of farewell. The shadows of candle flames danced on the walls, creating a trance-like feeling.
Finally, Ellen turned to the others, wiping away her tears. "Let's go, we need to keep moving."
With one last look at Lirian's body, they left the room.
Part 3
Garen, Thalon, Ellen, and Broke were seated at a table in the back of the Squealing Boar Tavern. The tavern, usually a lively and noisy place, was somewhat empty as it was still daytime. The dark wooden walls were adorned with boar heads and hunting trophies, while the floor was covered in sawdust, giving the place a rustic and welcoming atmosphere.
The fireplace, located in the center of the tavern, was cold, but there was still a comforting warmth emanating from it. A few tables were occupied by occasional patrons, speaking in hushed tones, creating a soft murmur in the air.
Suddenly, the kitchen door burst open, and Bruni, the robust and energetic cook, entered with a huge roasted boar in her arms. Her firm steps echoed across the wooden floor as she placed the heavy platter on the table with a thud that made the glasses shake.
"Eat up!" Bruni said, her voice filled with a warm aggression.
"This is the best boar we have!"
Behind her, the tavern helpers arrived, carrying mugs of beer and placing them on the table with near-robotic precision. Bruni crossed her arms, looking at the group expectantly.
"About Tirian..." she began, but Garen interrupted her.
"Well, you know how it is," Garen replied, his voice low and melancholic.
Bruni nodded, her expression hardening for a moment. "Yes." she said, making a sign of respect with her hand over her chest before returning to the kitchen.
Trying to lighten the mood, Garen looked at Broke and changed the subject. "Since you're not going to continue with us, what will you do?"
Broke took a piece of the boar, reflecting for a moment before replying. "I'm going to the capital. There are things I need to sort out there."
Thalon, sitting beside her, looked up, intrigued. "If we need you, will you help us?"
Broke met Thalon's gaze and nodded firmly. "Yes. I'll be there if you need me."
Thalon then pulled out a small stone with an unfamiliar symbol engraved on it from his pocket. He placed the stone on the table between them. "This is a communication stone. When we need you, we'll use it to call you. No matter where you are, you'll know."
Broke took the stone, examining it closely. "Understood. I'll come."
Ellen, noticing the conversation was getting too serious, intervened. "Let's keep eating. This boar isn't going to eat itself."
The adventurers laughed, the mood finally easing a bit. They began serving themselves from the large boar, the juicy, well-seasoned meat filling the tavern with a delicious aroma. The beer flowed freely, and for a moment, the three were able to forget their worries and the battles they had faced.
Part 4
Broke walked down the cobblestone street, her steps echoing softly in the morning silence. The sun was still low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the sleeping city. The few people she encountered seemed hurried, absorbed in their own worlds, paying no attention to the young woman with black hair walking alone.
As she made her way to the main street, Broke spotted something that caught her attention. In a narrow alley, a puppy was huddled next to some wooden crates, trembling slightly. The animal was dirty and looked hungry, with large, sad eyes fixed on the girl approaching.
Broke knelt slowly beside the puppy, extending her hand carefully. "Are you alone too?" she murmured, her voice soft and full of compassion. The puppy hesitated for a moment but soon approached, sniffing her hand before allowing a timid scratch.
She petted the puppy's head, feeling its rough fur under her fingers. "Don't worry. I'll take care of you." she promised. Gently, she picked up the small animal, feeling its trembling body calm down with the contact.
Continuing her journey, Broke saw a cart stopped by the roadside, the driver preparing the horses for the trip. She approached, the puppy nestled against her chest. "Hey, are you heading to the capital?" she asked, her voice a bit firmer.
The driver, a middle-aged man with a thick beard and kind eyes, nodded. "Yes, I'm heading there now. Do you need a ride?"
"Yes, please," Broke replied, carefully climbing onto the cart so as not to disturb the puppy.
Sitting in the cart, she settled onto the wooden bench, feeling the gentle sway of the vehicle as it began to move. The landscape around them slowly changed, buildings giving way to open fields and distant forests.
Broke looked at the puppy in her arms, which was now more relaxed, its eyes starting to close. She gently petted its head again. "We'll go together, little one..." she said, her voice soft and melancholic.
"For now."