chapter 05 our history

up suddenly.
I slowly opened my eyes.
"Where... am?
I looked around, but nothing made sense. It was a cave... or at least it seemed so. The air was thick, laden with a metallic smell that churned my stomach. I tried to move, but my body was heavy as if I had been asleep for years.

Looking down, I saw blood. A lot of blood. He was soaked, and every breath became more difficult.
"What... shit...? I muttered with difficulty. It was difficult for me to even speak. My voice trembled, broken with fear.

I touched the shaky ground and my fingers stumbled over something. Hair... and teeth. I froze. Disgust got the better of me and, unable to contain myself, I vomited right there.
As I tried to catch my breath, the blood level around me slowly began to rise. I struggled to move, to stay afloat. My whole body was shaking.
If this is a nightmare... Please wake up.
I screamed, both mentally and with what little voice I had left. And suddenly...

I sat up abruptly on the bed, panting. Then, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.
"Damn nightmare..." I whispered with a lump in my throat. I sat on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath.
"What a way to start the day...

I put my hands to my face, trying to calm down. Just then, the door opened quickly. It was my mother, her face full of concern.
"Son! Did something happen? I heard a knock...
"No, it's nothing serious," I replied, forcing a smile. Just a nightmare, that's all.

I approached her and hugged her without saying more. Maybe I needed that hug more than I thought. I couldn't afford to be so cold or aloof. Not with her.

My mother was silent for a few seconds, until she felt her body tremble slightly. I was crying.
"Forgive me, son," he said through tears. It's just that... it has grown so much. I don't even remember when was the last time I carried you in my arms. And now... You'll leave. Therefore, time...

I wondered at first, but I didn't say anything. I just let her cry. She needed to let go... And I, for the first time in a long time, also needed to feel like a son.

After the hug, the house became quieter. We all tried not to think about what was coming. Pretend to normal, even if it was for a while.

My mother left with a trembling smile. After that comforting scene, I changed my clothes. I put on a gray robe, simple but comfortable. As I walked down the stairs, I went over all the moments with my family. This life was comforting... and without regrets. Even more so now that my mother was pregnant, I will take care of this family with my life, I am happy being here.

My father was sitting at the table, arms crossed, looking out the window. When he saw me, he slowly got up.
"So... it's about time, isn't it?" He asked, though we both knew the answer.
I nodded.
"It's time for me to start growing. And it will be without regrets, father.

He came over and put a hand on my shoulder. He didn't say anything for a few seconds. He just looked at me. Then he became suspicious.
"Darius, I know I joke around too much sometimes... but you are my pride. Don't forget it out there, yes?

"I know, father," I replied with a sincere smile. And don't worry... I'm not going to die. Even so.

My mother came over with a small cloth-wrapped package. I handed it to myself carefully.
"This is for you. Healing herbs and dry bread. I know it's not much, but... is from home.

"Thank you, mother," I took the package gently and hugged her once more. 'Ll. I don't know if it will be stronger, but I will be back.

She stroked my hair, like when I was a child.
"You'll come back a man. Of that I am sure.

My father laughed quietly.
"Don't worry, son. I will take care of your mother... and that little one who is on the way.

Smiled. I took a step back, took a deep breath, and with the backpack on my shoulder, I looked at both of them one last time before heading out the door.
"I love you both.

And then, I left. The morning air was cold, but my chest was burning with a mixture of nerves, excitement... and something else that I did not know how to explain.
The journey began.
And this time... There was no turning back.

(Cris's perspective)

The classroom was quieter than usual. Ever since the announcement of the expedition was made, the magi walked through the corridors with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I, on the other hand, sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, staring at the gray sky.

"A B-rank dungeon... Only for magicians, huh?" he murmured, crossing his arms.

It wasn't envy. Of course not. It was just... frustration.

Ever since I obtained the power of the moon god fruit, everyone looks at me with respect or fear. Some even whisper that I far outperformed several of the professors. But still... I was not selected.

"Because I'm not a magician," I thought, gritting my teeth. "I'm just a fruit user. A lucky monster."

I saw Darius laughing in the distance with his companions. It seemed so different, more confident. He was no longer the quiet boy he had been weeks ago. Something about him had changed, and I didn't know if I liked that.

"Why did Darius have to go through that...?" I whispered, almost without realizing it.

My thoughts began to crumble, as I always do when I thought about what I was really about to do. Doubt gnawed at me inside, like a silent anguish that I couldn't call.

"Am I really doing the right thing? Is this really what I have to do? After everything that happened years ago...?" I asked, clenching my fists.

I remember that time... I remember what happened. The mistake I made. When I made decisions for the wrong reasons, thinking that I could change the fate of others without understanding the true price of my actions. He looked at Darius, his friends... And I wondered if I was repeating that mistake. What if this time, when I do what I think I should, everything goes wrong?

"Be careful, Darius," I thought, my voice breaking in my mind. "Dungeons are unforgiving... and you do not yet know the true weight of glory. You don't know what it's like to carry the lives of others in your hands, not like I do..."

I rose slowly, feeling the weight of my thoughts, the pressure crushing my chest. The shadows of the evening began to envelop me, and with each step I took, the voice in my head grew louder.

"The time to act has not yet come," I recorded myself, but I didn't know if I was talking to myself to calm down or to lie to myself. "But it will come. And when it comes... there will be no turning back."

"Darius, forgive me," I whispered, my words barely audible to the wind. "I owe you. After everything that happened years ago, this is the price I have to pay. But please don't understand what I do as what I am not able to avoid..."

Continuation:

Darius walked beside Selene and Adam, while Helena took a few steps forward. Liam, Kael, and Tarek were silent, as if the tense air enveloped them. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anxiety, and although everyone tried to hide it, the nervous looks were evident.

The closeness between Selene and Helena and Darius did not go unnoticed. The boy looked uncomfortable, clearly not used to the attention of both of them at the same time. The two seemed to be looking for any excuse to approach him, their laughter soft and their words full of complicity.

"You're lucky, Darius," Adam commented, unable to hide his annoyed tone. "You see it, Selene and Helena glued to you. Someone has to be the lucky one, right?

Darius laughed nervously, not knowing how to react to Adam's joke. While his words were light, something in his tone indicated that he was not entirely comfortable with the situation. Selene nudged her, while Helena raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the comment.

"I'm just protecting him," Helena said, her voice as calm as ever, but with a little spark of amusement in her eyes. What's wrong with Darius being in good company? It's a dangerous journey.

The smile on Darius' face wavered, as if Helena's words would make him reflect a little on the situation. Although it wasn't bad, the attention from both groups was starting to get too much for him. At times, he felt that his role in this team was beyond magic. He was more than just a companion; it was a point of interest for everyone.

The other boys, Liam, Kael, and Tarek, exchanged awkward glances, as if the jokes about Darius were the only relief amid the tension of the journey that was about to begin.

"Darius... don't play innocent," Liam said, mockingly. We know you enjoy all this attention, don't pretend you don't.

Darius tried to stand his ground, but a faint blush appeared on his face. He knew he couldn't escape the gaze of his friends, especially Liam, who never stopped making comments like that. Through it all, he felt a little embarrassed.

— It's not what it seems... he murmured, trying to divert the subject.

Adam stepped forward with a playful smile.

"Come on! Don't be so modest, Daríus!" We're laughing for you, not against you," he said, raising his hands in surrender.

The group laughed in unison, although some of Adam's laughter sounded forced. No one could ignore the tension that was in the air. Everyone knew that, although the jokes continued, what was coming was more serious. The expedition would test them like never before.

But through it all, Darius knew he had to focus. The fun would pass, but the challenges they had in store for them wouldn't.
As they walked along the stone path, the excitement of the group mixed with a growing tension that became more apparent with each step.

Finally, they arrived at the exit of the campus. In front of them, standing with his arms folded, was Professor Gesse. Beside him, other instructors watched with serious expressions. Just behind, a cart with a reinforced structure was waiting for the students. Its thick wheels and the academy emblem engraved on the side made it clear that it was an official transport.

The group stopped in its tracks.
"Welcome, wizards," Gesse said in a firm voice. From now on, they will be in uncharted territory. This expedition will not be a walk in the park. Many desire glory, but few are willing to pay the price for it.

The seven mages lined up in front of the wagon, their backpacks dangling from their shoulders, and although most tried to maintain their composure, the tension was evident on their faces.

Professor Gesse, standing with his arms crossed, watched them in silence for a few seconds. Then he stepped forward.

"All right, boys," he began, his tone firm but warm. I know many think this is just one more piece of evidence... but it is not. It's the first of many real decisions they'll face out there. There will be no teachers to save them, there will be no repetitions.

Adam swallowed hard. Helena and Selene avoided looking at anyone directly.

"That is why," Gesse continued, "I will speak to them as equals, not as their instructor. Take care of each other. Don't be lone heroes. If one falls, the others will feel that weight. And I don't want to have to lug around any more names on my absentee list.

Darius, serious, advancing silently.

Gesse looked at them one by one. Then he smiled slightly.
"And by the way, don't forget to have a little fun." A dungeon is also part of the journey.

Some laughed softly. Selene heaved a sigh of relief.

"That's all. Good luck!

"Thank you, professor!" Almost all of them answered in unison.

They got into the cart between laughter and loose words. No one said it out loud, but everyone felt the same way: something big was going to begin.

The wagon moved slowly as the sun began to rise. The dust of the road was left behind, and with it, his quiet days at university.

Just the seven of them. Just the magic. And everything that the world had prepared for them.

As the wagon crawled and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and forests slid through the windows, a strange calm came over everyone. Helena and Selene sat down next to me, without asking my permission... as if they had already decided in advance.

"Are they already fighting for him or what?" Adam murmured from the other side, his arms folded and his eyebrow raised.

"Don't even dream of it, dwarf," Helena replied with a sharp smile.

"You dwarf, bitter," Selene replied, clicking her tongue.

I just sighed, looking straight ahead. I had no excuses. It's not like I told them to sit here... right?

Liam, Kael, and Tarek looked at us out of the corner of their eyes, expressions somewhere between mockery and resignation. Adam leaned back, staring at the roof of the wagon.

"At least please share a little, Darius. You look like a king surrounded by cute bodyguards.

"It's not my fault," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

"Yes, of course," said several at once.

And so, between jokes, uncomfortable looks and small arguments, the journey began. Still, there was something comforting about that atmosphere. We were a strange, incomplete and somewhat clumsy group... But we were a group. And for the first time in a long time, I felt part of something.

Although in the back of my mind, something told me that this tranquility would not last long.

"Guys, what about you?" He asked out of curiosity, looking at Liam.

He gave me a sideways glance, serious, as if he was already prepared for that question.

"I'll just tell you that Selene is my sister," he said in a firm voice. And I'm letting you go just because I have respect for you since the magic test fight on day one.

The atmosphere was tense for a second. Selene, who until that moment seemed amused looking out the window, turned her head suddenly.

"Liam!" What are you saying?

"What it is. I don't like to beat around the bush," he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

I was silent for a few seconds, trying not to look uncomfortable. I looked at him with a slight smile.

"Don't worry, I don't plan to do anything strange. Besides, Selene can take care of herself, can't she?

Selene approached firmly, although her face was a little red.

"You'd better," Liam murmured, not taking his eyes off me.

"And you, Tarek?" Do you have any warnings too? I asked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

Tarek let out a small laugh.

"no, I just want to survive the dungeon. The rest is free entertainment," he said, pointing to the others with a mischievous smile.

Tarek nodding with a half-smile, his arms crossed as always, calm but alert.

It was then that Kael, who until now had been reading a small book that he carried with him, looked up.

Are we really going to argue about that? He asked in a relaxed tone. We have a dangerous expedition ahead of us and you care more about who sits with whom.

"Kael is right," Helena added, crossing her legs as she settled in. We should focus. What is coming is not a game.

Kael closed his book gently.

"Darius, just worry about keeping us alive, yes?" That is enough for me.

I smiled back.

"I'll do my best.

The wagon continued its slow advance, tossing over the uneven ground. Although the tension had subsided a bit, that conversation had left a mark. There was more than one story crossing between us... and we were just getting started.

The wagon was still running between bumps and curves, but the atmosphere inside had become a little more tense. Liam's words kept swirling in my head.

Was Selene his sister?
Why had he never told me?

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. He was silent, staring at the landscape. He seemed to avoid my eyes on purpose.

"Selene," I murmured, low enough for only her to hear me. Why didn't you tell me before?

She blinked, surprised, and then sighed.

"I didn't think it was important.

"Isn't that important?" I repeated, raising my voice a little unintentionally. Kael and Helena turned for a moment, but said nothing.

"I didn't want you to see me as 'Liam's sister,'" she explained quietly, crossing her arms. It always happens. They always end up treating me differently because of that. I wanted you to know me for myself, not for what Liam represents.

That left me silent for a few seconds. I looked straight ahead, trying to collect my thoughts.

"I wasn't going to judge you for that," I said at last.

Selene sighed again.

"Not that it bothers me that you know now. Alone... I didn't want you to know like that.

"Anyway, I know," I replied, a little more relaxed. Only next time, tell me the things. I like to know who I am counting on.

She looked at me at last, a little embarrassed, and settled.

"I will. I promise.

From the other side, Liam was watching us out of the corner of his eye, without intervening... but clearly attentive. Kael opened his book again, finding that he couldn't hear anything, and Kael let out a faint "finally" in a low voice.

Helena moved a little closer to me, resting her arm on the back of the seat.
"What an interesting group we are, huh?"

I smiled without a response. Actually, yes. Very interesting... and very dangerous too. Helena leaned back on me, and Selene just stared, a little angry and jealous. The others were half asleep as the hours slowly passed. I looked at Tarek, who stood at the edge of the window, thoughtful.

"Tarek, tell me about yourself," I said in a low voice, not wanting to break the silence, but feeling the need to know more about him.

Tarek looked at me briefly, his eyes dull and somewhat tired.
"I didn't tell you, forgive me, but I... I've had a somewhat dark past.

I watched him, waiting for him to continue. He knew there was something more to him, something that was not visible to the naked eye.
"Don't worry, I have time to listen to you," I said, staring into his eyes.

Tarek sighed deeply before starting.
"Since I was a child I have been abandoned by my parents. I have been an orphan for as long as I can remember. They adopted me, yes, but my adoptive parents were magicians... not the most prestigious class, in fact. It was curious. Seeing them being beaten and discriminated against by others, just because of their origin marked me a lot.

He paused, and his eyes clouded over as if a shadow flashed through his mind.
"The world is very beautiful and cruel at the same time," he murmured, almost as if he were saying it to himself more than to me.

His voice cracked a little, and for a moment the atmosphere around us became heavier, as if everyone felt the tension in the air. I, of course, couldn't help but feel the connection between us, a sense of understanding, even though our stories were different.

Helena, who had been half asleep up to that moment, looked up and said in a low but understanding tone:
"It's a hard life, Tarek. What you have experienced cannot be easily understood.

Selene, still a little distant, will watch him for a moment before letting out a small sad smile.
"Maybe we all have something dark, don't we?" It's what makes us stronger... or more broken.

The conversation died down a little later, but the weight of what Tarek had shared remained in the air. Something inside me knew that this moment would change our dynamic, that each of us, including Helena and Selene, would now carry a piece of that darkness that Tarek had let out.