Morning light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow across the room. Agnes stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her gaze, clouded with confusion, slowly cleared as she took in her surroundings.
Renaud, who had been anxiously waiting, rushed to her side. His face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy. "Agnes! You're awake!" His voice trembled with emotion. Turning towards me, his eyes shimmered with gratitude. "Your Highness, thank you. She's awake because of you."
Agnes blinked, her eyes adjusting to the light. Her gaze shifted from her father to me and then to Galen. Curiosity replaced her initial confusion.
"Father, who are they?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.
Renaud took a deep breath, his expression growing serious. "Agnes, this is Your Highness, Draven Eisenhart, our benefactor. He's the one who saved you. You owe him your life."
Realization dawned in Agnes's eyes. Without hesitation, she attempted to rise, bowing deeply, her forehead nearly touching the floor. "Your Highness, thank you. I owe you my life. I am forever in your debt."
I quickly stepped forward, gently lifting her back to her feet. "Please, there's no need for such formalities. I'm just glad you're well. Seeing you recover is thanks enough."
Agnes met my gaze, her eyes brimming with gratitude and resolve. "Thank you, Your Highness. I promise to repay your kindness in any way I can."
I turned to Renaud, giving him a nod. It was time for him to share the truth with his children.
Renaud's expression grew somber as he addressed Agnes and her brother, Andre. "There's something important you both need to know..." His voice carried a weight of reverence as he recounted the revelations I had shared with him.
Andre listened, his eyes widening with excitement. "That's... incredible," he murmured, his voice filled with awe.
Agnes's expression mirrored her brother's, but with a steely determination. "If what you're telling us, Father, is the truth, then I want to come with you. I want to fight as well."
"Are you certain? The road ahead will be fraught with dangers and challenges," Renaud said, studying his children, pride evident in his eyes.
"I'm sure, Father. I'd rather face danger head-on than waste away here," Agnes replied, her resolve unshakeable.
Andre nodded firmly. "I agree with her, Father. I also want to leave this place. There is nothing left for us here but hardship and despair. I would rather fight for our future than continue to live in these slums."
Renaud looked at his children, pride swelling in his heart. Their determination and courage were undeniable. He turned to me, his expression resolute. "Your Highness, they have made their decision. We are ready to join you on this quest."
I smiled warmly. "Welcome aboard, Andre and Agnes. I'm glad to have you both with us."
---
With our team assembled, preparations for the journey began. Renaud started gathering their belongings, but I raised a hand to stop him.
"Let me handle that," I said, activating my Celestial Vault. A shimmering portal materialized, and with a simple gesture, their belongings were whisked away into the magical dimension.
Renaud, Agnes, and Andre watched in amazement. "That's... astounding," Renaud whispered, awe in his voice. "I've never seen magic before."
I chuckled softly. "There's much more where that came from. Once you learn to harness aether, I'll teach you all I know."
With our preparations complete, we set out towards Duskveil, a place known for its desolate wasteland filled with monsters. As we traveled, the air buzzed with anticipation. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but the promise of rediscovering our past and unlocking our potential spurred us on.
Each step brought us closer to our goal. The challenges we faced—treacherous terrains—were met with unwavering resolve. Our unity made us strong, and our shared purpose drove us forward.
Finally, we reached the outskirts of Duskveil. The barren landscape stretched before us, a stark reminder of the challenges yet to come. But within the desolation lay ancient ruins.
"We've finally arrived," I said, determination ringing in my voice. "Let us set up camp here. I have something to give you all before we proceed."
Galen, Renaud, Agnes, and Andre nodded, their eyes gleaming with resolve. "Understood."
---
As we settled into our camp on the outskirts of Duskveil, I took a moment to observe Renaud and his children. Before we ventured further, it was crucial to understand their fighting styles to equip them with the most suitable artifacts.
"Renaud, Andre, Agnes," I called, my voice steady. "Before we proceed, I need to know your preferred fighting styles. What weapons or techniques are you most comfortable with?"
Renaud met my gaze, his expression thoughtful. "Your Highness, I've only wielded a knife before, but if given the choice, I'd like to wield a sword."
A sword, I mused. The Stormrider sword would be perfect, the very weapon I claimed after defeating Fausto.
I nodded and turned to Andre. "What about you, Andre?"
"I prefer fighting with my fists, Your Highness. I'm confident in my hand-to-hand combat."
His confidence was evident, and I couldn't help but smile. 'The Thunderfist Gauntlet' would perfectly fit with his style.
Finally, I turned to Agnes. "Agnes, what is your preferred weapon?"
Agnes met my gaze with steady resolve. "I also did not have the chance to wield any type of weapon, Your Highness, but if I were to choose, I would like to try a bow. It would allow me to strike from a distance and provide a tactical advantage."
I nodded again, mentally noting her choice. The Aetherstrike Bow would suit her perfectly.
With their preferences clear, I activated the Celestial Vault, a shimmering portal materializing as I summoned the artifacts. One by one, I retrieved the weapons I had collected.
"Renaud," I said, handing him the Stormrider sword. "This blade is imbued with the power of lightning. Use it well."
Renaud's eyes widened as he accepted the sword, his grip firm. "This is incredible, Your Highness. Thank you."
Next, I turned to Andre and presented him with the Thunderfist Gauntlet. "Andre, this gauntlet will enhance your strength and allow you to channel electric energy into your punches. It should complement your fighting style perfectly."
Andre slipped on the gauntlet, flexing his fingers. "Amazing. I can't wait to use this in battle."
Finally, I handed Agnes the Aetherstrike Bow. "Agnes, this bow is crafted to harness aether. It will provide precision and power from a distance."
Agnes traced the runes etched into the bow, her eyes reflecting admiration. "It's beautiful, Your Highness. Thank you."
With the artifacts distributed, I gathered them around. "Listen carefully. These artifacts will only respond to you once you have awakened your aether. To do that, each of you must slay a beast and absorb its essence, as I have done before."
I paused, letting the gravity of my words sink in. "Galen and I will handle the initial attack. We'll weaken the beast, giving each of you the opportunity to deliver the final blow."
Galen nodded eagerly. "It's a solid plan, Your Highness. We'll make sure they get their chances."
"We won't let you down," Renaud said, determination evident in his voice. "We'll do our best to awaken our abilities and grow stronger."
"I have no doubt you will," I replied. "Remember, the key is to focus on the essence of the beast as you strike. Let the aether flow into you, and it will become part of your strength."
"Understood!" they responded in unison.
Tomorrow, we would finally venture into Duskveil.