章節 44: Lila becomes a Warrior
"But it's not all trade and friendship," Gustav added with a knowing look. "Each of those lines is a vein that can be cut, a connection that can be severed." His words hung in the air, a hint of the political undercurrents that rippled through the empires.
He took another sip of his beer before continuing. "Now, Garanom itself," Gustav's gaze grew distant, "It's a city of contrasts. The nobility live in palaces that could house armies, while the common folk huddle in the shadows of those very same walls."
„Like everywhere else..." Aldwyn replied in his thoughts.
"How many people live in Garanom?" he asked, trying to imagine a city so large.
"Over seventeen million souls," Gustav replied, his eyes still on the map. "And one third of them belong to the nobility. It's a place of opulence and despair, where the rich feast on the labors of the poor. The emperor's palace is said to be grander than any other, a gleaming bastion of gold and marble that can be seen for miles around."
„I can't even imagine how huge this city must be... As soon as I'm a bit further, I should definitely visit it." Aldwyn thought to himself as he took a sip of his beer.
Aldwyn rolled up the map again and stowed it in his bag. "Thanks for the information Gustav! You really helped me a lot."
Gustav nodded and patted his back. "Think nothing of it, my friend. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better you can navigate the treacherous waters of this world."
Just as Gustav was about to leave, Aldwyn stopped him. "I had another favor to ask you."
Gustav raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"
Aldwyn took a deep breath before speaking. "It's about Lila. She's been asking about the warrior's path, the one that leads to... to understanding." His silver eyes searched Gustav's, seeking permission.
Gustav's expression softened, and he nodded slowly. "Ah, the girl," he murmured, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "She's got the spirit of an old soul, doesn't she?"
Aldwyn felt a pang of something akin to protectiveness. "Yes, she does," he said firmly. "She is looking for someone, who will help her to awaken the path of the warrior."
Gustav's smile grew warmer. "I've noticed," he said, his eyes twinkling. "I think she's ready. I'll talk to her and then we'll see."
The two friends parted ways, Gustav disappearing into the bustling streets of Helgarde, leaving Aldwyn with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Aldwyn went to his room to think about his upcoming task, the Lycan cult.
....
In the evening, some guild members sat in the main hall to enjoy dinner.
Gustav sat at a corner table with a steaming plate of roasted game hen, surrounded by a halo of golden potatoes and steaming vegetables. He took a bite, savoring the rich flavor that filled his mouth. The chicken was tender, the skin perfectly crisped, and the potatoes melted like butter on his tongue. He closed his eyes, enjoying the symphony of flavors that danced across his palate. It was a stark contrast to the bland rations he'd grown accustomed to on the road.
Lila burst through the doors of the hall, her eyes wide with excitement. She looked around, her gaze finally landing on Gustav.
Gustav beckoned her to him with a warm smile, his hand waving in the air like a beacon in the dimly lit room. The air was thick with the aroma of roasting meats and the muffled clank of metal on metal from the kitchen. She went to Gustav and sat down across to him.
He took a sip of his wine to wash down the remains of his meal. "Any exciting experiences?" He asked.
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke. "I had to track down a rogue mage who'd been causing trouble in the countryside," she began, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the hunt. "Turns out, he was a young man, barely more than a boy, who hadn't realized the extent of his power."
"Ah, a classic tale," Gustav said with a knowing smile. "The allure of power, the struggle of the unprepared. Did you teach him a lesson?"
Lila nodded, her gaze firm. "I did what was necessary," she replied, her voice tinged with the gravity of her actions. "He's with the local authorities now, and hopefully he'll get the guidance he needs."
Gustav could see the weight of her experience etched into her youthful features, and he felt a strange sense of pride swell within him. "Good work," he said, his voice low and sincere.
He paused briefly before asking, "Is it true that you are looking for someone to guide you into the path of the warrior?"
Lila's eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, I am," she replied, her voice earnest. "I want to be strong, like you and Aldwyn. I want to be able to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Gustav's expression grew serious. "The warrior's path is not one to be taken lightly," he warned, his gaze meeting hers. "But if your heart is true and your spirit is strong, it will serve you well." He pushed his plate aside and stood up, gesturing for her to follow.
They moved to his room. Gustav leaned in, his eyes searching hers. "To walk the warrior's path, you must first understand its essence," he whispered. "It is not just about strength and skill, but about wisdom and compassion."
He took a deep breath, the candlelight casting flickering shadows across his face. "The path you seek is sacred to Dhirion, the God of Battle," Gustav began, his voice resonating with reverence. "His is a journey of self-discovery and inner conflict, of understanding the chaos and brutality of this world, and finding a way to channel it for good."
Gustav told Lila to sit on the floor. He went to his cabinet and took out the objects needed for the ritual.
He took three candles, a wooden stick symbolizing the tools of battle, a bowl filled with water representing the power of nature, and some flowers and herbs symbolizing leisure and determination.
He put the items down next to Lila. "I'll give you the instructions, but you have to fulfill them yourself, otherwise it won't work."
Lila nodded in agreement and focused on the items.
"Place the three candles in a triangle shape in front of you. Then light the candles and stand in the middle of the provisional altar consisting of these candles."
Lila did exactly what Gustav described. She placed and lit all three candles and stood in the middle of this 'altar'.
When she was done, he added, "Repeat aloud after me! „Dhirion, god of battle, hear my call! Let the strength of the warriors flow through me, give me courage, determination and victory!"
As she did so, Gustav pointed to the bowl of water. "Get back on your knees and place the bowl of water in front of you. Then dip your hands into the bowl of water to bring out the cleansing aspect."
As she did so, Gustav said in a sustained voice, "Repeat this sentence three times aloud! "I cleanse my body and mind with this water."
Lila focused and spoke the sentence out loud three times in a row.
"I cleanse my body and mind with this water."
"I cleanse my body and mind with this water."
"I cleanse my body and mind with this water."
Gustav studied her before he spoke again. "Place the symbolic offering in the center of the 'altar'."
Lila looked to her left and saw the wooden stick. She took it in her hand and placed it in the center of the 'altar'.
"Repeat after me again! "Dhirion, I thank you for your strength and your support. May your spirit be alive in me, so that I may gain the strength of a warrior."
When she was done, Gustav said in a calm voice. "Now we wait for an answer."
The room was filled with tension. For several seconds, nothing happened. Lila was very nervous, because she was afraid that something had gone wrong.
After another 30 seconds or so, lila was overcome by a very cold gust of wind and the three candles all went out at the same time.
Gustav looked at her with a slight smile. "Congratulations lila! From now on you are part of the warrior path."
He paused briefly, "Better described as a stage 1 warrior, the apprentice."
Lila's heart raced as she felt an inexplicable energy surge through her. It was as if the very air around her had changed, thickening with the promise of something new and powerful.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票