Erick's POV:
A limestone-grey roof is all that meets my vision, even though there's a lot of noise outside, I don't really feel encouraged. I just can't feel encouraged.
"Are you still thinking about that Erick?"
- I just can't get it out of my head Great Spirit.
I took a book from the pile next to me and opened the pages, looking through its contents. It told the story of how a boy, after mustering up his courage and facing his fears, killed the evil witch who terrorized the village. I put it aside and picked up another book, in it, an evil and heartless witch terrorized an entire kingdom manipulating all of its inhabitants with a powerful brainwash until the brave prince of the neighboring kingdom arrives to save everyone, after killing the witch, he marries the princess and they live happily ever after. I close the book again and take each of the books that are next to me. Each and every one of them portrays witches as despicable beings who came out of hell itself and cause pain and destruction in their wake. And not just in books. Anyone you ask about them will say pretty much the same thing. No matter where you look, the information is more or less the same. I, too, fervently believed that truth until I came across Dolla.
- Even witches have things to protect…
Ever since that fight, I lost all my motivation to participate in witch hunts. I had always thought that being a hero meant saving people by facing evil head on and without question. However, now that I was one, I can't really be sure that I'm on the side of justice. Despite Apella's call for a strategy meeting that was preceded today, I couldn't find the will to attend. Even the grand festival being held outside the inn I'm in is to commemorate my victory over the shadow witch. Even though everyone congratulates me and is happy with this outcome, my heart can't feel at ease.
- Great Spirit Vulk… could you help me by clearing up a doubt that just won't leave my head?
"As long as you can answer it"
- … What exactly are witches?
"…"
A strange silence enveloped the room. The deathly silence only left me even more uneasy.
- Is it something you can't talk about, oh Great Spirit?
Another silence reigned over the place. It seemed that the Great Spirit Vulk knew, but couldn't say anything. That confirmation only made this whole witch thing feel even more suspicious. In the middle of that depressing atmosphere a person knocked on my room door.
- Sir, hero of fire, you should go out to the great festival that was being held in your honor.
An older man, one of the town's executives, was knocking on my door. It seemed that the star of the festival not showing up was making people impatient. But, even if I show myself to them, I don't have the confidence that I can show myself in an acceptable condition.
- The managers of the adventurers' guild and the church request your presence sir, I can't buy you any more time…
- … Okay, tell them I'll go.
- Thank you very much, sir, I'll wait for you downstairs to take you to the place.
After that, footsteps were heard moving away from the door until they disappeared.
- The guild and the church…
"This is an excellent opportunity to take a break from your worries Erick. Why don't you take advantage of it and simply enjoy the party?"
- A break you say?
For some reason, the executive's proposal clicked inside me with the word "Adventurers' Guild". My mind wandered for a moment until a spark lit up in my head.
- That's it!
"Erick?"
A sudden epiphany came to me. If I didn't know if I was on the side of justice or not, I just had to find out for myself. I could pretend to be an adventurer to wander around the kingdom and see for myself. I could even try to get close to some witches and see if they were really evil or not. With my motivation renewed, I got out of bed and headed for the door. With the help of Vulk and the adventurer's guild master, I could create a fake identity and hide my face to go on a journey of self-discovery. I walked out of the door in high spirits after a long time.