The first light of dawn stretched across the sky, creating a soft transition into the morning.
Leon had awoken long ago, still bothered by how long it would take Kael to have a change of mind. It wouldn't be that quick to change a resolve hardened over the years. Leon thought he should get on his way—he had so much left to do.
The moment he came out of his room, the sight of the man he had met yesterday caught him by surprise. The gentle breeze of the morning blanketed his face.
"I don't usually knock by now, not wanting to disturb those inside. Good morning," the man said.
Leon managed to return the greetings.
The man replied, "Mister Cross demands your presence in his chambers without delay."
Leon could have guessed what was next immediately. But not with the tight or stoic expression this man carried. Anyway, the man led Leon towards the building beside the tower. After all, his room was very close to the entrance gate.
In no time, the door of the ancient-style chamber spread wide. Leon entered while the man stepped back.
If things don't work out as planned, then there will always be another way, Leon thought as he walked toward Timothy and Kael, seated around the mirror.
He reached the front, sitting on a stone slab after Timothy gestured that he did. Then Leon asked, "Did you ask for me, Mr. Cross?"
Timothy crossed his arms. He raised his brows. "It took a while for us to consider everything. So, we concluded to go with Kael's opinion."
Leon said with a nod, "Oh. You will contribute to finding the fiend?"
"Yes, we will," Timothy replied.
Leon continued nodding, then gestured toward the door. "Okay then. Thanks for having me today..."
"... But he's joining my voyaging team. Would you like to join as well?" Timothy said as he poured wine into his silvery cup with a soft touch. Leon stared at him. He added, "We head north a few weeks after rearranging the available resources we got years ago. I don't know if you have an interest in joining us too. You're a good man, and it's worth it to have you along. Even if you aren't a tough one. What do you say?"
Leon's chest tightened from excitement. But he masked it with a blank expression. "How does he still uphold his opinion if out of the city? You aren't thinking of going and coming back, are you?"
Timothy rose, pacing here and there. "We have some noble men willing to help with that here in Mecha. Most recognize what it looks like. I can't forget the appearance either. But if I suspect it's outside Mecha, then it could be unlucky enough for me to find it." He sipped the wine.
It was clear to Leon. Both brothers sought similar things, but all they had to do was understand each other. He had no idea what transpired yesterday after he tried to convince Kael. But knowing he would soon be leaving Mecha Ruin made his heart race with both excitement and panic.
Leon smiled, rising to his feet. "Alright then. Thanks for having me on the team, Mr. Cross."
Kael then moved closer to Leon. He smiled as he said, "Thanks for the advice, Mister Vale. I couldn't have figured things out on time without you. And... I'm sorry about your parents."
"Me too," Leon replied. "But could you just call me Leon? It would be better."
"All right. Call me Kael, too."
Leon whispered, "Another request. How about keeping what went on with the hobgoblins a secret from me? Hmm?"
Kael asked with a hint of frankness, "Can I punch you once, please? I'm dying to do so because you take me for a parrot."
"Thanks."
***
Leon left the clan, returning to the hotel for a while of privacy. The damp air of his room greeted him as he locked the door behind him. He sat on the edge of the bed.
He couldn't help but panic.
Was it a thoughtful idea to go on the journey with his current level? He was still around an E-ranker. And S-rank monsters were out there, waiting for their next feast. Though they would be scarce.
"Joining them deems me a dependent. They're also kind enough to accept weaker individuals, giving strong teams an advantage. One day, they could abandon me if things get sour. That means I should prepare my paradox as well! And also rise in ranks by killing more monsters! I won't regress without seeing what Remnora looks like!"
He clenched his fist.
(Two weeks later.)
Indistinct footsteps echoed through the air. A set of people, all in brown cloaks, walked towards the distant city gate. The pathway they traveled, nestled between buildings, buzzed with their anxiety and resolve. They weren't journeying through anywhere but hell of a kind. Kael held a bland expression, while Leon continued swallowing down.
Today was the day. The beginning of a new journey. Timothy clasped a sword to his side while the others armed themselves, too. The Tankers had shields with them. Each of them held the Arcane Pocket.
Twelve in number, they had a formation they must stick to. Assassins and Tankers stay at the front. Strikers and Casters are in the middle, while the powerless and Summoners occupy the rear.
Meanwhile, around a dozen people gathered far behind. They pressed their fists to their chests, bowing. Sadness and respect crept into their features.
As the voyagers got near the gate, they halted. Timothy swallowed, turning to address them.
"Today, we start this perilous journey. Shed all your tears at this moment and even become the greatest coward there is. But know you're transformed the moment we head through the gate.
Some might die, and none of us might even make it to our destination. But... all I will say is, fight for as long as you still breathe. Don't give up when you still have the strength in you. Okay?!"
"Yes!" everyone chorused.
....
In a swing, Timothy opened the door. Decay? Conspiracy? Danger? The breeze that rushed in had it all.
Their chests hammered.
"Let's head out. We'll find a camp today and move on tomorrow."
"Yes!"
They rushed through.
Leon thought, 'This is a promise to myself. I won't die... and I will become stronger!'
Heavy cries echoed behind them back in the city. They were cowards, unable to accompany the Cross family any longer. They could now go their separate ways.
Of course, it was a bitter departure.
As they reached the neon-striped stairs, Timothy sighed and said, "The Dead Man's Descent. May we never see it again."
Time passes at a rapid pace. One month ago, Leon climbed down these same stairs into the city.