Chapter 85: The Journey to Mula
Scene: The path to the North Nation. The heroes—Eren, Rylan, Aria, and Asher—traverse the rugged terrain with determination. The air is crisp and the mountains loom in the distance, their destination: the Village of Mula.
Narrator: As the heroes journey towards the North Nation, they remain vigilant. Zarek and his allies have taken over, and the risk of being detected is high.
Asher turns to his companions, a serious expression on his face.
Asher: (quietly) We need to use the 'Suppress' ability Commander Elara taught us. It will erase our mana flow and presence, making us harder to detect.
The heroes nod in agreement and focus, their auras dimming as they suppress their mana. Their presence becomes almost ghost-like, blending seamlessly with their surroundings.
Eren: (whispering) This should help us pass the North Nation Castle undetected.
They move cautiously through the forest and around the castle, their steps light and deliberate. The imposing structure of the North Nation Castle looms in the distance, but they remain undetected, their presence hidden by the 'Suppress' ability.
Narrator: With their mana suppressed, the heroes manage to pass the North Nation Castle without incident. Their journey continues towards the mountains, their hearts set on reaching the Village of Mula.
Hours pass as they trek through the rugged landscape. The sun begins to set, casting long shadows over the path ahead. Finally, the entrance to the Village of Mula comes into view, nestled in the mountainside.
Asher: (smiling) We made it. Welcome to Mula, my home.
At the village entrance, they are greeted by a monk with a calm and commanding presence. He has short, spiky black hair and piercing eyes that seem to see through everything.
Chrollo: (bowing slightly) Welcome, travelers. I am Chrollo, one of the monk masters of Mula. Asher, it is good to see you again.
Asher steps forward and bows respectfully.
Asher: (warmly) It's good to be back, Chrollo. These are my friends, Eren, Rylan, and Aria. We've come seeking training.
Chrollo nods and gestures for them to follow him into the village. The villagers, upon seeing Asher and his companions, greet them warmly, their faces filled with curiosity and kindness.
Chrollo: (leading them) The Village Chief, Boros, will want to meet you. He is the master of mana here.
They walk through the village, taking in the serene surroundings. The air is filled with the sounds of nature, and the villagers go about their daily tasks with a sense of peace and purpose.
At the heart of the village, they reach a large hall where an imposing figure waits. Chief Boros is a tall, muscular man with a long white beard and kind eyes that hold a depth of wisdom.
Boros: (smiling) Welcome to Mula, travelers. I am Boros, the village chief. Asher, it is good to see you and your friends here.
Asher bows respectfully, and the others follow suit.
Asher: (respectfully) Thank you, Chief Boros. We've come seeking training to master our powers.
Boros looks at the heroes, his gaze assessing. He can see the exhaustion in their eyes and the determination in their hearts.
Boros: (nodding) I can see you are tired from your journey. Rest first, and we shall discuss training in the morning. For now, we shall have a feast in your honor.
The heroes exchange relieved glances, grateful for the offer. The villagers quickly prepare a feast, gathering in the large hall to celebrate the arrival of their guests.
Narrator: The warmth and hospitality of the village bring a sense of comfort to the weary travelers. They gather for a feast, exchanging stories and laughter with the villagers.
The hall is filled with the aroma of delicious food, and the villagers sit around long tables, sharing stories and laughter. Asher and his companions are treated like honored guests, their journey and battles becoming the center of many conversations.
Eren: (smiling) This place is amazing, Asher. It's hard to believe we were just in a fierce battle days ago.
Rylan: (nodding) The peace here is a stark contrast to what we've faced. It's… refreshing.
Aria: (gratefully) The food is incredible. It's been a long time since we've had a proper meal.
Asher turns to Chief Boros, his expression serious yet hopeful.
Asher: (seriously) Chief Boros, we are here to train and become stronger. Zarek and his allies pose a great threat to the Great Nations. Will you help us?
Boros strokes his beard thoughtfully, his eyes reflecting the weight of Asher's request.
Boros: (firmly) I understand the gravity of your situation. Training will indeed make you stronger, but first, I must test your current strength. We will begin the training tomorrow morning.
The heroes nod in agreement, understanding the necessity of proving their abilities. The evening continues with stories and camaraderie, the villagers eager to learn about the heroes' adventures.
Narrator: As the evening draws to a close, the heroes feel a renewed sense of hope and determination. The village's hospitality has given them the respite they needed.
The heroes are shown to a large, comfortable room where they can rest for the night. They lie down on their beds, the exhaustion of their journey catching up to them.
Asher: (softly) Rest well, everyone. Tomorrow begins our path to becoming stronger.
Eren: (determined) We'll do whatever it takes to stop Zarek.
Rylan: (nodding) Together, we can overcome any challenge.
Aria: (smiling) And we have each other. That's our greatest strength.
The heroes close their eyes, the peaceful ambiance of the village lulling them to sleep. The promise of training under the monks of Mula fills their dreams with hope and determination.
Narrator: With the promise of training ahead, the heroes find solace in the village of Mula. Their journey to mastering their powers begins in earnest tomorrow, and their resolve to protect their home is stronger than ever.
The chapter ends with the heroes sleeping soundly in their room, the peaceful village of Mula a stark contrast to the battles they have faced. The dawn of a new day and the start of their training awaits.