The silence that followed Monos's death was almost unnatural. The air in the ravine still vibrated with the remnants of the energy unleashed during the brutal battle. Monos's massive body lay motionless, and the faint glow of a crystal forming above it illuminated the area.
Kieran stood over the beast's corpse, ignoring the sharp pain radiating from his pierced side. Blood continued to seep from the wound, but his focus was on the blue crystal emerging from the monster's body.
He crouched down and picked up the crystal, its cold, hard edges gleaming in the pale moonlight. A flicker of satisfaction crossed his face—not joy, but the quiet acknowledgment of a hard-earned goal achieved.
Slipping the blue crystal into his pouch, he turned his gaze to Selene's lifeless body. Above her, another glow appeared, this time a green crystal. Without hesitation, Kieran approached, reaching down to claim it.
Arlen, kneeling next to the unconscious Ren, looked up and watched Kieran's actions. He didn't speak; he had expected this. Shadow's reputation was well-known—a man who cared only for results, not the lives of those around him.
"Ren is unconscious," Arlen said, breaking the heavy silence.
Kieran glanced briefly at Ren before shrugging.
"That's your problem," he replied coldly, slipping the green crystal into his pouch alongside the blue one.
Arlen let out a quiet sigh but didn't argue. He had known from the start what kind of man Shadow was. Instead, he focused on Ren, gently lifting the younger man and slinging him over his shoulder.
Ren was heavy, his breathing shallow but steady. Arlen glanced once more at Selene's still form, then back at Kieran, who was adjusting the strap of his pouch.
"Heading back to the city?" Arlen asked curtly.
"I need to bandage this wound," Kieran replied flatly, turning toward the ravine's edge.
"We'll manage," Arlen said, his tone resigned, knowing that Kieran wouldn't offer help.
Tending the Wound
When Kieran reached the edge of the ravine, the climb up was slow and grueling. Every movement sent sharp waves of pain through his body, reminding him of the injury he'd sustained. When he finally pulled himself onto flat ground, he leaned against a nearby rock, breathing heavily.
Reaching into his pouch, he retrieved a small bottle of healing salve and a roll of bandages. The salve stung as he applied it to the wound, the pain sharp enough to make his jaw tighten. But Kieran didn't let it show. He worked quickly, wrapping the bandages tightly around his torso to stop the bleeding.
Once he was satisfied that the wound was secured, he sat back against the rock for a moment, catching his breath. The pain was still there, but it was manageable now. Kieran packed up his supplies and stood, ready to make his way back to Albrath.
The journey back to Albrath was quiet but not easy. Kieran's movements were measured, every step a reminder of the fight he'd just survived. Yet his mind stayed focused on the crystals he had secured.
When he arrived at the city gates, the streets of Albrath were alive with the sounds of the night. Lanterns lit the cobblestone roads, and the distant hum of laughter and conversation from the taverns filled the air. The smell of roasted meat and spices drifted from nearby food stalls.
Kieran passed through the bustling streets without stopping, his thoughts already on the rest he desperately needed.
Back at the Apartment
Kieran's apartment was tucked away in a quiet side street, a small, unassuming space on the second floor of an old stone building. It wasn't luxurious, but it was private and served his needs perfectly.
He climbed the narrow stairs and unlocked the door, stepping into the dimly lit room. The air inside was cool, and the space was sparsely furnished—a single table, a chair, a small bed, and a shelf with basic supplies.
Kieran dropped his pouch onto the table and began unfastening the straps of his armor. The heavy metal plates clanged softly as he set them aside. His movements were slow and deliberate, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to him.
Sitting down at the table, he opened his pouch and pulled out the blue crystal. Its glow filled the room with a cold, faint light. For a moment, he stared at it in silence, letting his thoughts settle.
The crystal was proof of his success, a reminder of his ability to overcome even the toughest challenges. A small flicker of satisfaction crossed his face, though he didn't dwell on it.
After a moment, he placed the crystal back into the pouch and leaned back in his chair. The pain in his side throbbed dully, but for now, he could ignore it. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he allowed himself a rare moment of rest.