บท 15: The Abandoned City
The sky began to fade into a golden-orange hue as Alaric and Zanuba finally arrived at a city that appeared abandoned, hidden deep within a dense forest. The once grand buildings were now mere ruins, overgrown with wild plants creeping up the cracked walls. The atmosphere of the city was eerily quiet—no sound of birds, only the soft whispers of the wind carrying a mysterious chill.
Zanuba glanced around cautiously, feeling uneasy. "Alaric... Are you sure this is the right city?"
Alaric shrugged casually, as usual. "Well, if we're lost, at least we've got... an interesting view." He glanced toward the ruins ahead, a small smile appearing on his lips.
But Zanuba couldn't share his cheerfulness. There was something strange about this city. The air felt heavy, and every step they took seemed to be watched. Shadows from the ruins seemed to move, as if invisible figures were lurking behind the buildings.
"Wait..." Zanuba stopped mid-step, squinting her eyes. "What's that?"
In the distance, among the dark shadows covering the path, a faint figure appeared. Its shape was unclear, just a floating shadow. Then suddenly, one figure became many. They moved in a strange manner, almost like floating, quickly approaching Alaric and Zanuba.
Zanuba stepped back swiftly, her face turning pale. "What... what are they?"
"Ah, now this is interesting!" Alaric exclaimed excitedly, as if he had just found a new toy. "Looks like this city is inhabited by—"
"GHOSTS?!" Zanuba cut in, panicked, her eyes wide. "You didn't tell me we'd be fighting ghosts!"
Alaric laughed loudly, his voice echoing in the stillness of the city. "Ghosts? They're just shadows, Zanuba. Ghosts are a bit of a stretch." But before he could finish his sentence, one of the shadows zipped past him, grazing him and catching him off guard.
Zanuba squealed, then glared at Alaric. "See? Even they startled you!"
Alaric rubbed his chest, trying to maintain his composure, though it was clear he was surprised too.
"Alright, maybe they're a bit scarier than I thought." He drew his magic staff, attempting to look serious. However, his lips still curled into a mischievous grin, as though he was enjoying the spooky situation.
The shadows began moving closer, circling them with slow, spiraling motions. Zanuba stepped back behind Alaric, her hands trembling. She was clearly terrified. "They can't be hurt, can they? We're... we're going to die here!"
"Don't be dramatic," Alaric said nonchalantly. "This is just a minor problem that can be solved with... a little magic."
He tried casting a fire spell, but the shadows showed no reaction. His magic seemed ineffective, as if the shadows were merely illusions.
"Uh... well, it seems fire isn't the solution," Alaric said, scratching his head. Zanuba glared at him with utter disappointment.
"So, we really are going to die here?" Zanuba asked, her tone almost resigned, though her eyes remained alert, watching the shadows' movements.
"Don't be so quick to give up!" Alaric patted Zanuba's shoulder with a wide grin. "This is a great opportunity to learn how to face your fears."
"Fears? This is more than just fear! This is like... a nightmare!" Zanuba shivered as one of the shadows drifted closer, its sound like a whispering breeze in her ear.
"Relax, I've got a plan!" Alaric replied with confidence, though it was obvious he had just thought of something on the spot.
Zanuba could only look at him with a doubtful stare, as if to say, "Are you sure?" But before she could say anything, the shadows began moving more aggressively, as if realizing that Alaric and Zanuba were now in a vulnerable position.
"Alright," Alaric said, twirling his magic staff with exaggerated flair, "It's time for a little show."
Quickly, Alaric recited a simple spell he had been taught years ago, a spell even an amateur mage could cast. A small ring of light appeared at the tip of his staff, glowing softly like the morning sun. The shadows immediately reacted, retreating slowly as if they couldn't stand the light.
"Light?" Zanuba stared at the glowing circle in confusion. "They're afraid of light?"
Alaric smiled proudly. "Of course. Shadows can only exist in darkness. These aren't real ghosts, just manifestations of dark energy trapped here. The light will drive them away."
Zanuba looked at Alaric with a mix of admiration and annoyance. "Why didn't you do that earlier?"
Alaric shrugged indifferently. "Where's the fun if it's over too soon? Adventure is about overcoming obstacles, right? Plus, I wanted to see your face when you got scared. It was hilarious!"
Zanuba glared at Alaric, her face turning red with embarrassment. "That wasn't funny at all!"
Alaric laughed heartily as he continued to walk forward with the light leading the way. The shadows slowly faded, disappearing into the dark ruins of the city. "Well, I thought it was hilarious. You looked like a frightened kitten!"
Zanuba sighed heavily, deciding not to continue the argument. "You're really... annoying."
With the shadows gone, the abandoned city returned to its eerie silence. They walked down the empty streets, passing crumbling buildings that had once been bustling with life. No trace of life remained, only remnants of a forgotten past.
But amidst the stillness, Zanuba felt something different. Her fear was slowly fading. Although she still felt anxious, Alaric's presence beside her, with his endless jokes, gave her a strange sense of comfort.
"You know," Zanuba finally said, her voice softer, "sometimes... I feel like I can't handle all of this on my own. But... with you, I feel like I can."
Alaric paused for a moment, looking at Zanuba with a more genuine smile than usual. "Of course you can. And even if you can't, I'm here to make everything easier... or sillier, depending on the mood."
Zanuba gave a faint smile. "I'll take the easier one this time."
They continued their journey through the ruins of the city, with the dark shadows behind them now dispelled by Alaric's simple light. Although the obstacle had seemed terrifying at first, it became a moment where Zanuba realized that with Alaric by her side, she could face anything—even her own fears.
"I can't believe I was scared of shadows..." Zanuba whispered softly as they continued walking.
Alaric smiled and patted her shoulder. "Hey, that's part of the adventure. We all have fears, Zanuba. But what matters is how we face them."
"And how you can laugh in the midst of fear," Zanuba added playfully.
Alaric laughed again. "Exactly! Remember that—laughter is the most powerful weapon we have. No matter how scary something is, if you can laugh at it, you're already halfway to victory."
Zanuba looked at Alaric and nodded slowly. Though she was still young and inexperienced in many things, she was starting to understand that this journey wasn't just about surviving or seeking strength. This journey was about discovering who she truly was—and perhaps, about learning to face the world with a little more laughter.
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