Kapitel 49: Side Story - What they were doing
In the bustling city of Valenridge, Elara and Cedric found themselves struggling to make ends meet. The cobblestone streets, lined with merchants peddling their wares and adventurers looking for work, were a far cry from the opulent halls of the Valoria estate. The transition had been hard, and they faced new challenges daily.
Cedric took on whatever jobs he could find—bodyguard work, manual labor, and even the occasional mercenary contract. Despite his training, he was still young and unproven, and the city was harsh on those who were untested.
Elara, on the other hand, found herself in an even more precarious situation. With her core abolished, her mana abilities were supposed to be gone. Yet, inexplicably, she could still summon small bursts of magic, enough to perform basic spells. It wasn't the powerful magic she had once wielded, but it was something. She kept this a secret from most, revealing it only to Cedric.
That was something that was special, but that could also have been caused by the one who abolished her core. Elara could not make sure.
But her still being able to use basic spells meant something.
'I am still not out yet.'
She refused to bow down. She refused to acknowledge her weakness. After all the things that had happened to her, after the betrayal she faced, she would not stop.
Thus, she trained herself. While Cedric was away looking for things to provide, Elara was working on her magic. So that, even if she were to slightly get stronger, they could possibly look for ways to fix her core.
"I am not going to stop."
Was it painful? It was. The fact that with her core abolished and her mana meridians damaged meant using even a tiny bit of mana would require 1000 times more effort. And for her to force herself to do such a thing, she needed to bear the pain.
"This pain is nothing." She swore to herself constantly and did her best.
Months have passed, and she was seeing small improvements.
One evening, after a long day of work, Cedric returned to their modest lodging—a small room above a tavern. Elara was there.
Her fists were clenched, and fire was in her hands. She looked tired, with sweat sliding down her face, her mouth clasped. She was clenching her teeth.
Cedric entered quietly, but the sight before him stopped him in his tracks. Elara was generating ice on her other hand. He watched, his heart pounding with a mix of awe and concern.
With a guttural scream, Elara forced the ice forward, creating a block that shot across the room and shattered against the wall. The effort left her gasping for breath, her body trembling with the strain.
"Why are you pushing yourself this hard?" Cedric asked, rushing to her side, his voice filled with worry.
Elara looked up at him, her eyes blazing with determination. "Because I am going to make them pay."
Cedric knelt beside her, his hands gently cupping her shoulders. "Elara, you don't need to do this. The life we're living is enough. We can find a way to move on."
Elara shook her head, her expression resolute. "I will never forget what happened on that day, Cedric. Until I die, I will carry the memory of that betrayal, and I will not rest until justice is served."
Cedric bowed his head, understanding the depth of her pain. He had seen the nightmares that plagued her, the nights she spent tossing and turning, unable to find peace. Her determination was fueled by a relentless drive for vengeance, something he couldn't ignore or diminish.
"I see," Cedric said as if he had finally made up his mind.
There was something that he had been informed of just recently. Something that he was in a dilemma about whether he should talk about this to her or not.
"Hey, have you heard? Recently, new ruins were discovered around Grimshade Hollow," Cedric recalled hearing a conversation in the market.
"What? New ruins?" one of the merchants had asked, his eyes wide with excitement.
"Yeah, that's right. It was said that those ruins belonged to an old and very powerful Archmage," another adventurer had replied, his voice full of wonder.
"Really?" the merchant pressed.
"Yeah," the adventurer confirmed. "There are countless artifacts there. Many adventurers have already gone to explore and look for treasures."
Cedric remembered the excitement and anticipation in the voices of those talking about the ruins. They had mentioned various treasures, and one in particular had caught his attention: a cure for damaged cores.
Hearing that, Cedric's heart had raced with hope. He knew how much Elara wanted to restore her core, to reclaim her power. But at the same time, he was filled with worry. They were not strong enough yet, and the dangers of such an expedition could cost them their lives.
Cedric had decided not to tell Elara immediately, fearing the risks were too great. But now, seeing her determination and knowing how deeply she wanted her revenge, he couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Elara," he began, his voice hesitant. "There's something I need to tell you."
She looked up at him, her expression curious but cautious. "What is it, Cedric?"
He took a deep breath. "I heard some people talking about new ruins discovered around Grimshade Hollow. They say the ruins belonged to a powerful Archmage and that there are countless artifacts there."
Elara's eyes widened with interest. "Artifacts?"
Cedric nodded. "Yes, and one of those artifacts is said to be a cure for damaged cores."
Elara's breath caught in her throat. "A cure for damaged cores? Are you serious?"
"That is what I heard." The moment Cedric said this, Elara suddenly jumped up.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go there."
Cedric quickly reached out, grabbing her arm gently. "Elara, wait. We need to think this through. It could be dangerous. We're not ready for something like this."
Elara shook her head, her eyes blazing with determination. "Cedric, this is too important. If you don't want to come, you don't have to. But I'm not going to spend my time here rotting while I know such an opportunity exists and could be taken at any time."
Cedric tightened his grip slightly, his voice urgent. "Elara, they are just rumors. We don't even know if the cure really exists or if the ruins are safe."
"So what?" Elara shot back, her voice rising. "As long as there is hope, I'm going to do everything in my power to chase it. I can't sit idly by and do nothing when there's a chance to restore my core."
Cedric looked into her eyes, seeing the fierce resolve that had always defined her. He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Alright, Elara. We'll go. But we need to prepare. We can't rush into this blindly."
Elara's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his cheek. "Thank you, Cedric. I know you're worried, but I need to do this. We need to do this."
Cedric nodded, his resolve hardening. "We'll face this together, Elara. But we'll do it smartly. Let's gather supplies, make a plan, and ensure we're as ready as we can be."
Elara smiled, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Agreed. We'll do this right."
For the next few days, they prepared meticulously. They gathered provisions, researched the rumors of the ruins, and trained rigorously. Cedric ensured they had maps of the area around Grimshade Hollow while Elara worked tirelessly to strengthen her limited magic.
The night before their departure, Cedric and Elara sat in their small room, going over their plans one final time. The weight of what they were about to undertake hung heavily in the air, but so did the sense of hope and determination.
Yet, neither of the two knew this trip would change everything.
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Kapitel 50: Side Story - The Encounter
Elara and Cedric had set out at dawn, their carriage bumping along the rugged roads leading to Grimshade Hollow. The sun rose high in the sky, casting long shadows as they traveled deeper into the wilderness. The journey was uneventful for the first few days, filled with quiet conversations and the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels.
Cedric would often look at Elara, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry and admiration. She had shown immense determination, and despite the challenges, she remained focused on their goal. Elara, in turn, felt a sense of purpose she hadn't felt in a long time, fueled by the hope of restoring her core.
On the final day of their journey, the landscape grew more desolate and foreboding. The trees became sparse, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal hands. The air grew colder, and a sense of unease settled over them.
Cedric sat beside the driver, scanning the surroundings with a wary eye. "We're almost there," he said, glancing back at Elara inside the carriage. "Just a few more hours."
Elara nodded, clutching her small satchel of supplies. "I can feel it, Cedric. We're so close."
Suddenly, the driver pulled the reins, bringing the carriage to a halt. "What's wrong?" Cedric asked, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword.
Before the driver could answer, a group of rough-looking bandits emerged from the trees surrounding the carriage. Their leader, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward with a sneer.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the bandit leader said, his voice dripping with malice. "Another group of fools heading to Grimshade Hollow. You should have turned back while you had the chance."
Cedric drew his sword, his eyes narrowing. "Leave us be. We have no quarrel with you."
The bandit leader laughed, a harsh sound that echoed through the trees. "Oh, I think you do. Hand over your valuables, and we might just let you live."
"What is happening?" Just at that moment, Elara asked from the carriage.
"Elara, don't come out," Cedric spoke with a low tone. He did not want to endanger Elara's life, as he knew that these bandits were not an easy opponent.
"What?"
"Don't make a sound, and don't come out," Cedric repeated, his voice tense.
Elara felt a surge of worry and frustration. She could sense the danger outside, and the thought of staying back and doing nothing gnawed at her. She clenched her fists, determination flaring within her.
"No, Cedric," Elara said, her voice steady. "I refuse to stay back like a leech parasite. I'm going to help you fight."
"Elara, no—" Cedric began, but it was too late.
Elara pushed the carriage door open and stepped out, her eyes blazing with resolve. The bandit leader's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed with satisfaction as he licked his lips.
"Well, well, it seems they didn't have only disposables," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Looks like we have something valuable after all."
Cedric's heart sank as he saw the lecherous look on the bandit leader's face. He tightened his grip on his sword. "Elara, get back inside. Now."
"No, Cedric," Elara replied firmly. "I'm fighting with you. We're in this together."
"No…." Cedric wanted to refuse. It was because while he knew that Elara could use magic to attack them, she was defenseless, and her casting time was just too long. She would not be helpful at the battle, or rather, she could possibly even make things harder for him.
After all, now, he was also forced to protect her while fighting. But, seeing the look on her face, he couldn't say anything against her.
The bandit leader laughed again. "How touching. Let's see how long your resolve lasts."
He signaled his men, and the bandits charged. Cedric moved to intercept them, his sword flashing in the dim light.
「Knighthood of Gold. Golden Sword.」
He was ready, with mana radiating from his core. Though his mana could only strengthen his body and coat his sword as he was only a second stage awakened. That was why he was an aspiring Knight, as one could only become a knight once they reached the third stage of their cultivation.
CLANK!
Cedric's sword met with a bandit's blade, the impact ringing out through the forest. His body moved with speed and precision, each strike and parry powered by his mana. He dispatched one bandit after another, and his superior training and strength were evident.
But just as he was about to strike another opponent, his sword met with an axe. In front of him stood the leader of the bandits, smirking.
"Just as I expected," the bandit leader sneered. "This girl is not someone of normal standing. Such a beauty of noble blood will fetch quite a price."
Seeing that, Cedric's eyes turned bloodshot with anger. "You will not touch her!" he roared, launching a furious attack on the leader of the bandits.
At first, Cedric overwhelmed the leader with his superior sword abilities, honed by years of training in the dukedom. He pressed his advantage, driving the bandit leader back with a flurry of strikes. But just as he pushed forward, he sensed something amiss.
"Hehehe…..You have finally noticed." The leader spoke as he smirked, revealing his golden teeth. It was disgusting, and he could not help but feel the disgust rise, but he did not stay on that sight for a long time.
He glanced over his shoulder, and his heart sank. One of the bandits he had knocked down earlier had already captured Elara. The bandit held a knife to her throat, a cruel grin on his face.
"Elara!" Cedric shouted, his voice filled with desperation.
The bandit leader took advantage of Cedric's momentary distraction, swinging his axe with brutal force.
CLANK!
Cedric barely managed to block the strike, the impact sending a jarring shock through his arms.
"Looks like you're in a bit of a bind, knight," the bandit leader taunted, his smirk widening. "Drop your sword, or the girl gets it."
Cedric's mind raced, his eyes darting between the leader and Elara. He couldn't let her be harmed, but surrendering meant both of their lives would be forfeit.
Elara, her eyes wide with fear but filled with determination, locked gazes with Cedric. "Don't give up," she mouthed silently, her resolve unwavering.
Cedric tightened his grip on his sword, his mind made up. "Let her go, and I'll consider it," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him.
The bandit leader laughed, a harsh sound. "Nice try, but I'm not that stupid. Drop the sword, now!"
At that moment, Elara's hand twitched, and Cedric saw the faintest glow of magic. She was preparing a spell despite the danger. He needed to buy her time.
Cedric raised his sword, his eyes locked on the bandit leader. "Fine," he said, his voice calm and controlled. "You win."
He lowered his sword slowly, making it seem like he was surrendering. The bandit leader's smirk widened, his grip on his axe loosening slightly.
Just as Cedric's sword touched the ground, Elara's spell activated. A burst of light and heat erupted from her hand, catching the bandit holding her off guard. He screamed, his grip on her loosening.
Cedric moved with lightning speed, his sword flashing up from the ground to strike the bandit leader. The leader, caught off guard by the sudden change, tried to block but was too slow. Cedric's blade sliced through his defenses, striking him down.
At least that was how it was supposed to be, as the Bandit leader's body would shine bright green.
"Heh….I knew it."
CLANK!
The sword hit the guy, but it did not pierce. To that, Cedric's eyes widened. Why did his attack not hit the bandit? What was happening?
Those questions passed through his mind, but he did not have the answer to any of them.
The bandit leader raised his axe, a triumphant smirk on his face. He brought it down with terrifying force. Cedric saw it coming, but still recovering from his strike, he didn't have the time to defend himself. The axe was just inches from his face as he closed his eyes, accepting his fate.
But the expected pain never came. Instead, he heard a creaking sound as if something was crystallizing. Cedric opened his eyes and saw the bandit leader frozen mid-strike, his axe suspended in the air.
Not only the bandit leader but the entire area around them was frozen. The trees, the ground, and all the bandits were encased in a shimmering layer of ice, save for Cedric and Elara.
Elara stood a few feet away, her hand outstretched. Her face was a mixture of intense concentration and determination.
"Elara…" Cedric whispered, awe and confusion mixing in his voice.
Elara's eyes slowly returned to normal, and she swayed slightly, the immense effort clearly taking a toll on her. Cedric rushed to her side, catching her before she could fall.
"What… how did you…?" Cedric stammered, looking around at the frozen landscape.
"It was not her."
At that moment, another voice echoed.
It was a woman with a robe covering her face. Even up to this time, he had never sensed her presence, as if she was not there. And that made Cedric even more scared.
Since that meant the person before him was a lot stronger than her.
"Huh? Who are you?" Cedric asked, trying to protect Elara.
'At least I am going to die protecting her.'
That was what he was thinking.
The woman slowly receded her hood, revealing an incredibly beautiful face with cold green eyes. She smiled as she descended gracefully from the sky, her gaze fixed on Elara.
"Interesting," the woman mused, her voice as smooth as silk. "To think such a child can exist. Even with her core completely broken down, she can still use mana, as if she has another core in her body. How talented."
She moved closer, her eyes never leaving Elara. Cedric tensed, ready to defend her despite knowing he was outmatched.
The woman looked deeply into Elara's eyes, a strange fascination gleaming in her own. "Become my disciple, little girl," she said, her tone both commanding and enticing. "Become my disciple, and I will give you everything you need."
"Will you heal my core?" Elara asked, looking at the woman. The fact that this woman possessed enough strength to cover the entire area with a frost while outlining them alone showed how proficient she was with such magic.
'It is at least 5-star magic.'
This was the reason why she was inclined to believe the woman was strong.
"Hahaha…..Is that what you wish?"
"No. I wish revenge." Elara replied, and at that, the woman's face turned cold.
"Revenge, it is a heavy word." She said as she looked into her eyes. "Are you ready to do anything for it?"
"I am."
"I see. Then, if that is what you wish, I am going to respect it." The woman smiled as she raised her hand.
"If that is the case, I accept."
And Elara accepted her proposal instantly.
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You can check my discord if you want. The link is in the description.
I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story.
And if you liked my story, please give me a power stone. It helps me a lot.
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