After one of the inquisitors noticed I was eating alone near the fire, he invited me to join them. Initially, I refused, but as more and more of them joined in to persuade me, I couldn't resist their kindness. Their insistence was heartfelt, and I found myself unable to decline their offer.
Once in their company, I realized that being with them was quite pleasant. As I observed their souls, I noticed a radiance similar to Alex's, yet without the taint of a singular emotion. The only word that came to mind was "virtuous."
There was no deceit in their words or actions; they were genuine in their expressions. On the rare occasions they were not entirely truthful, it was not out of malice but to avoid causing harm, like Sarah's previous situation that I noticed later on. It saddened me to think that such noble individuals were inquisitors, bound to a fated death
This profession was briefly mentioned in a book I once read, but it never delved into the details, as the last remnant of this legacy was slain by the main character. The mad inquisitor, who had betrayed the church and gone on a rampage, had his reasons shrouded in mystery. Now, I understand why.
He likely didn't join this mission and was left behind, only to hear news of their doom. It doesn't matter how virtuous a person you are—if you learn that the sacrifices of those dear to you will never be acknowledged and forgotten by those they died for, it would surely drive anyone to the brink of insanity.
As I pondered, trying to remember more, the group's attention shifted to Mirai, who clapped his hands to gain our focus. With a smug smile, he began, "Seems like you had fun with Gracefell, as I expected. No need to thank me, but I wouldn't mind it. Hehe, cough cough." Mirai started coughing embarrassingly as he felt Edward's cold gaze on him, and quickly returned to the topic at hand. "But don't forget about our mission. We need to explore the forest and find whatever remains and relics were left from the Age of Gods. Gracefell, would you mind helping us? Don't worry, your help would be repaid by me personally."
[I was planning on helping them without expecting anything in return, but I really wanted to know what Mirai would offer.]
"What be the reward?"I asked, not hiding my curiosity.
"Well, it's something priceless, an honor that warriors across the world would kill for," Mirai said cheerfully, pointing to himself and Edward. "You and Alex will be trained by me personally, with Ed's assistance."
[Is he serious? Only a fool would pass up such an offer. Every word Mirai spoke was true. Many high-ranking people around the world were willing to risk their fortunes and lives just to gain his favor.]
"I agree,"I responded calmly, hiding my excitement. However, Edward's expression hardened as he looked at Mirai even more coldly.
"When did I ever agree to such an offer?" Edward asked nonchalantly but it couldn't hide the coldness in his eyes
"Ed, come on, don't tell me you forgot that you lost the bet we made in the temple. You owe me one," Mirai replied teasingly, taking Edward's silence as agreement.
"So, how might I aid thee?"I asked.
"Is there any informations you can provide?" Mirai inquired.
"I know not the specifics, yet there exists something that may aid us."I answered, focusing all my energy on the crown, which began to radiate.
"If ancient knowledge thou dost seek, then the ancients shall fulfill thy demands."I intoned. As I finished speaking, the sunlight vanished, replaced by the presence of a giant being.
Mirai was visibly surprised, unable to hide his anticipation, while Edward raised his guard, his spirits materializing and hiding their presence. Alex and the other knights were mesmerized by the sight.
It was a mythical being, one of the only creatures in this forest that had ever noticed Mirai's existence before. Though terrifying, it was also an incarnation of Mother Nature's beauty. The giant butterfly had many colors forming a complex vortex of intricate symbols.
As I raised my finger to the sky, the creature began to descend, shrinking in size and allowing the sunlight to reappear. It landed gently on my finger.
"She shall be thy guide and guardian. She is the eldest being in this forest and the gentlest of them all. Follow her, and thou shalt attain what thou seekest."I said calmly as the butterfly began to flutter towards the remains of the ancient buildings.
"Hmm, this makes things less complicated," Mirai remarked. "Sarah, you will be in command. Take the other inquisitors and follow the butterfly. As long as you're under its protection, you will be safe. Ed's spirits will tag along for reassurance," Mirai continued seriously. "And if any danger arises, I'll be there in a second, so don't worry."
As the inquisitors left the camp following the butterfly, it was just me, Alex—who had been unusually silent—Mirai with his sly smile, and the ever-indifferent Edward.
"So, what are we going to do now?" Alex asked, surprised by the current situation.
"What else? You and Gracefell are going to train to death," Mirai replied, matter-of-factly.
This time, it was my turn to be surprised. Alex and I exchanged glances of doubt, but before I could even ask what he meant, Mirai carried me up like a sack of potatoes. To not my astonishment once again. Alex was similarly carried. Both of us knew resistance was futile, so we nodded to one another, accepting what was to come.
"Brace yourselves for the impact," laughed Mirai as he began to run rapidly, with Edward following close behind.