Chapter Eight
The patrons of the Tavern surround Crimson and Miles. A human-like figure with the head of a cat lunges at them, its sharp claws aimed at Crimson. Miles pushes him out of the way, unsheathes his sword, and blocks the attack. As Crimson falls to the ground, he conjures a crossbow and fires a bolt into the cat-headed figure's head.
Anger surges among the Tavern patrons as they witness the loss of a friend. Crimson gets back to his feet and turns to Lilith, asking, "Why are you being this difficult?" She retorts, "I'm the one being difficult? We got caught during our last mission, and you promised to come and save us, but you never did." Crimson looks down, filled with regret. He mutters an apology, but before he can finish his words, Miles is thrown into him.
"Could you lend me a little help?" Miles asks.
They both regain their footing and assume a fighting stance. A fierce battle brews as a creature with the lower body of a serpent and the upper body of a man lunges at Crimson. With lightning reflexes, Crimson conjures a shimmering shield and slams it into the creature's face, the impact echoing through the tavern. Suddenly, a colossal goblin bursts onto the scene, brandishing a massive club, flanked by a shadowy figure.
"Leave the rest to me!" the goblin bellows, its voice a chilling growl that sends shivers down the spines of everyone nearby. The tavern's patrons scream in terror, scrambling for safety.
With a mighty swing of its stick, the goblin strikes at Miles and Crimson, who deftly leap apart just in time. The counter splinters under the force of the blow, debris flying dangerously close to Lilith, who stands her ground.
"Seriously, if you wreck the tavern, how do you plan to score your free drinks?" Lilith shouts, her voice a mix of bravado and disbelief.
"We're not here for your pathetic drinks, woman!" the man beside the goblin retorts, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Then what on earth are you doing here?" Lilith, Miles, and Crimson challenge in unison, their confusion palpable.
With a grim grin, the goblin unfurls a tattered wanted poster, revealing the faces of both Miles and Crimson. The paper boldly declares: "Wanted by the Imperial Castle. Capture and bring them in alive for a hefty reward!" The tension in the tavern escalates, and the thrill of the chase ignites the air.
"Wait, you're wanted by the Imperial Castle?" Lilith gasped, her voice barely a whisper, the weight of those words hanging heavy in the air
"Yes, but it's a long story," Crimson replied, urgency lining his features.
"Well, I guess you'll never get to tell me then," Lilith shot back, a fire igniting in her eyes as she snatched up a bow and a quiver brimming with arrows. She strode confidently toward the exit. But the goblin, sensing an opportunity, shuffled uncomfortably closer, his greedy eyes locked onto Lilith.
His companion barked a warning, his tone sharp. "Stay back! We have bigger prey in sight!"
"Wait!" Crimson shouted, desperation spilling from his lips. "This isn't just a fight; it's a nightmare waiting to repeat itself! We'll lose everything again—just like we did on that fateful day—the day of the Demon King!"
The goblin and his friend erupted in laughter, jeering at Crimson's plight. "The day of the Demon King is over! No man from another world has stepped upon Amethyst since that fateful day.
Lilith halted just before the tavern's threshold, a storm of emotions swirling in her gaze. Crumpled memories of loss and sacrifice flickered in her mind. Crimson met her sorrowful glance with a solemn nod, stealing a look at Miles, who stood ready, concern etched across his features.
"What's with all this melodrama?" the goblin sneered, rolling his eyes. "If you're going to flee, then get on with it!"
In a heartbeat, Lilith spun around with a fierce determination, igniting her spirit. With unimaginable speed, she drew her bow, the taut string thrumming with lethal intent. In one fluid motion, she released the arrow, sending it flying like a streak of vengeance. It struck true, plunging straight into the goblin's eye.
His triumphant laughter turned to a choked gasp as he stumbled back, clutching at his face in disbelief. A chilling silence fell over the room, as dark shadows began to shift, hinting that their dire fate was far from over.