by : BlackbeardtheBear
Erik, Astra, and Largas fell silent after hearing the devastating news. What was supposed to be a journey to safety had turned into a desperate escape from even graver accusations.
"So, what should we do now?" Astra asked, her voice trembling.
Erik gazed out at the vast ocean surrounding them. "We need to change our plans. They'll be after us soon enough."
"But where can we go?" Largas asked, his expression stoic. "Even if we reach Silveria, Cassian will have people looking for us."
Erik paused to think before replying, "I know someone in Silveria who can help us."
Astra's anxiety was evident. "We have no other choice, do we?"
As they sailed across the sea, a menacing storm began to form overhead. The thick, dark clouds added to the tense atmosphere on the ship.
"We must get through this storm," Erik said firmly. "Princess Astra, Largas, take your positions."
The three of them worked together with urgency. Erik used mana to reinforce the ship and prevent it from capsizing in the storm. Largas secured the ropes and strengthened the ship's structure, while Astra monitored the wind direction, guiding their movements.
The storm raged, causing the ship to sway violently, but their combined efforts allowed them to weather it.
As the storm subsided, they spotted land on the distant horizon—Silveria, the largest continent and the most technologically advanced.
"We're almost there," Erik said, his voice weary but filled with hope.
As their ship approached the shores of Silveria, Astra, Largas, and Erik felt both exhausted and relieved. The perilous journey had finally reached its destination, but the hope they had was shrouded in uncertainty, as they didn't know what lay ahead.
"We should prepare to dock," Erik said, watching the mainland come into clearer view.
"Are you sure your contact here can really help us?" Largas asked, his skepticism showing.
"They will help us," Erik replied, his voice firm but tinged with unease. "If they can't, no one can."
Erik had always known that the person they were about to meet in Silveria could help them, but deep down, he dreaded the encounter, feeling a small but persistent fear.
Astra looked at the approaching shore. "So, we go to your contact first?"
Erik nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yes, we'll meet them and figure out our next steps."
When their ship docked at a small port in Silveria, the three of them disembarked quickly. The surroundings were vastly different from Arakeal, with a warmer climate and lush vegetation.
"This place feels like another world," Astra remarked, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Well, well, look who we have here," a mysterious female voice called out from in front of them.
Erik turned toward the familiar voice and saw a woman with jet-black hair and sharp red eyes, dressed in a black gown adorned with red lace.
"Master Assel, you didn't have to come all the way to meet us," Erik said, his tone a mix of respect and slight fear.
"How could I not? My beloved student is here," Assel replied with a smile, though her eyes didn't quite match her expression.
"You always have an uncanny sense," Erik continued, a nervous sweat forming on his brow. "I didn't even have a chance to send a letter."
"Of course, you know what kind of person your master is," Assel said, reaching out to touch Erik's face.
Erik felt his heart stop as Assel's hand touched his face. Despite their teacher-student relationship, he knew that Assel was the most terrifying and enigmatic woman he had ever met. Her abilities surpassed anyone's, and she was full of secrets that were impossible to guess.
Astra and Largas stood a short distance away, watching the interaction with concern. They sensed the tension between Erik and Assel but didn't dare to intervene.
"Master Assel, I... apologize for not contacting you earlier," Erik tried to speak calmly, but the fear in his heart made his voice quiver slightly.
Assel chuckled softly and withdrew her hand from Erik's face. "No worries, Erik. I understand that you must have been dealing with a lot. But next time, don't forget to reach out first. You have no idea how worried I was."
Although Assel's words sounded warm, Erik knew they carried a warning he couldn't ignore, as a cut similar to a knife wound had appeared on the side of his face where Assel had touched.
"And this must be Princess Astra and... Largas, correct?" Assel turned her sharp red eyes toward the two standing behind Erik, her gaze seeming to probe for secrets.
"Yes, this is Astra, and this is Largas. They're my companions on this journey," Erik quickly introduced them.
Astra nodded slightly, her fear evident. "Thank you for welcoming us."
"Pleasure to meet you all," Assel said with a smile. "Since you're with Erik, you must be important. Now, come inside; we have a lot to discuss."
The three of them followed Assel into the large mansion that stood not far from the port. The interior was lavishly decorated, yet there was a mysterious air to it that made them feel uneasy.
Assel sat down on a sofa and gestured to the opposite one for them to sit. "Now, tell me everything that happened and why you've come to me."
Erik took a deep breath before beginning to recount the events—their escape from Arakeal, the false accusations, and the desperate need for Assel's help.
Assel listened to the entire story with a calm expression, though her eyes betrayed thoughts that were impossible to read.
"I read about it in the newspapers," Assel said softly after Erik finished. "I didn't think they'd go this far. They must have some plan if they're not afraid of me and Roman."
Erik nodded slightly. "Yes, Cassian is involved in a cult."
"I suppose Roman and I can help," Assel said in an even tone. "After all, my son is in Arakeal."
Erik felt a wave of relief wash over him as Assel agreed to help. "Thank you, Master."
"Good," Assel smiled. "We'll start tomorrow morning. For now, get some rest."
Erik, Astra, and Largas thanked her and rose to go to the rooms Assel had prepared for them, but there was still unease in their hearts.
When they reached their rooms, they noticed how different the atmosphere was from a typical guest room. Everything was orderly, but there were strange objects everywhere—oddly patterned oil paintings, a desk cluttered with books filled with unfamiliar characters, and ornaments that seemed out of place in this world.
Astra sat on the bed and sighed softly. "We've made it here, but I still don't feel at ease."
"I feel the same," Largas replied, his tone tense, though his face remained emotionless. "Erik trusts his master, but I can't help but wonder what lies ahead."
Erik, standing nearby, turned to them. "I understand your concerns. Master Assel is trustworthy in terms of her abilities, but she's also unpredictable and enigmatic. Still, she's our only option right now."
Astra nodded. "I hope she really can help us as she says. I dread to think what we'll do if she can't."
Erik looked at Astra with sympathy. "I promise I'll do everything I can to keep us safe."
After the conversation ended, they each retired to their rooms. But even as they lay down, a sense of dread and fear lingered in their hearts.
Meanwhile, in a dark room, Assel stood by a window overlooking the distant sea. Her face was thoughtful, but her eyes gleamed with an inscrutable plan.
"Largas... what an interesting child," Assel whispered to herself. "I'm curious to see what the one who made a pact with Veridian is capable of."
The sound of waves crashing against the shore, accompanied by the wind, filled the room, adding to the mansion's mysterious and uncertain atmosphere...