"You finally awakened again... Esther," Gyosu said, his voice low and calm, carrying the weight of countless years.
"Hmm... I have," I replied, stepping forward. My boots echoed faintly in the stone shrine. "And what about you? Still following your oath, I presume." My tone was casual, but the undercurrent of our shared history lingered in the air.
Behind me, Hina followed hesitantly, her boots crunching on loose stones scattered across the ground.
"Ahmm.." Gyosu shifted, slowly rising to his knees. A groan escaped his lips as he stood. His movements were heavy, his long white hair swaying like a curtain behind him. His eyes, now dull with age and time, met mine.
"Defeating the Demon Lord was my last goal in life," he said, his voice steady but weathered. "I don't seek anything more from this existence."
"And yet here you are, secluded in this shrine," I remarked, hands in my pockets as I looked him over. "You seem to have changed quite a lot in this time frame."
Gyosu chuckled, though it was more of a rasp. "And you, Esther? Time seems to have left no mark on you. Not everyone is blessed as you are."
"Blessed?" I smirked faintly, my voice tinged with bitterness. "More like cursed."
"You will never change, still hating on your gifted life." Gyosu said, shaking his head with a faint smile.
"It's tiring at times." I sighhhh and gazed at his old features of face, grey eyes and the long blue color gown that flows like water behind along his white hairs. "And you've grown old," I teased, brushing my hair casually with one hand. "Time has done its thing on you."
"Not everyone has the luxury of immortality," he quipped, the humor in his voice somehow gave the vibe of hopelessness.
From behind me, Hina coughed softly, trying to avoid interrupting the moment. Gyosu's gaze shifted to her, his expression curious.
"And who is this young beauty?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
Hina straightened up, bowing politely. "I am Hina! Nice to meet you, sir."
"My tiring companion," I added with a shrug.
Hina immediately pouted. "Oi! What did you just say?" she demanded, glaring at me.
Gyosu chuckled at the exchange, his gaze lingering on me. "It's rare to see you with a companion, Esther. How come you accepted her company?"
I glanced at Hina, who smiled awkwardly, waiting for my response. With a sigh, I muttered, "Just because... I randomly stumbled upon her."
"Perhaps the gods have a different plan for you," Gyosu said thoughtfully.
"Let's hope not," I replied dryly. "This eternal life is enough of a burden."
Hina's eyes darted between us, clearly confused by the weight of our words. "What are you two even talking about...?" she mumbled under her breath, scratching her head.
Gyosu turned away, moving toward a small wooden table where a glass of water rested. "So, what brings you here, Esther?" he asked, pouring water into another glass and handing one to me and the other to Hina.
"Don't play the fool with me, Gyosu," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed the aura drain happening to your people."
Hina took the glass from him, bowing politely. "Thank you," she said, sipping carefully.
Gyosu chuckled again, shaking his head. "I took an oath never to interfere with such matters again. If it leads to our demise, then so be it. It is the responsibility of the Eladrins of today to look after these things. And, besides," he added with a dry smile, "they didn't even ask for my guidance."
"Those travelers are killing your people, Gyosu," I said firmly, my voice echoing in the chamber.
"Then it is our fate to perish," he replied, closing his eyes. "The cycle must run its course. That is how it has always been."
I sighed heavily, walking around the shrine as my gaze wandered to the angelic statue at its center. "Too much to sacrifice for pride," I muttered, shaking my head. "A hero who fought along side me to defeat the demon lord is now waiting to die....You stubborn old fool."
Gyosu remained silent for a moment, his eyes focused on the floor. Then, after a pause, he spoke. "The north edge of the island," he said at last, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's where the artifact is being manifested—most likely in the underground caves. My hair has felt its presence constantly for the last two months."
"An underground cave..." I murmured, narrowing my eyes. "That's why I couldn't sense it. I forgot to check for something like that. My bad."
"Idiot!" Hina exclaimed, glaring at me. "We could've ended this ages ago if you'd just paid attention!"
"Sorry, sorry," I said, raising my hands in mock surrender.
Gyosu watched our exchange with a faint smile before turning back toward the statue. "If it's an artifact, then that must be what the boy saw glowing in the room in the hands of that traveller," I said, more to myself than anyone else.
"Oh, so that was it!" Hina chimed in, her expression lighting up.
"Yeah," I replied. "Let's go and finish this once and for all." My voice carried a note of weariness as I ran a hand through my hair. "Thank you, Gyosu. Maybe you'd like to come with me? One last hunt for old times' sake."
Gyosu shook his head slowly, his white hair swaying like a curtain. "Thank you for the offer," he said softly, "but I'd rather fade away in peace."
"I see," I said, turning away. "Well, take care, old man. May you finally find the peace you seek." My tone was casual, but there was a faint edge of sincerity in my words.
Hina bowed deeply to Gyosu before following me. "Thank you for your help," she said politely, her boots crunching softly on the stone floor as we exited the shrine.
As we disappeared from view, Gyosu remained still, staring at the statue before him. His voice broke the silence, low and heavy.
"There's no peace in this accursed world," he whispered to himself, his eyes fixed on the angel's unyielding gaze.