Chapter 15 - Bewildered

“Renji!” Alina’s eyes widened in shock as she rushed toward him.

Celia caught Alina’s arm. “I’ll handle this.” Her usual playfulness was gone, replaced by a serious expression.

She knelt behind him and placed a hand on his upper back. Closing her eyes, she started an incantation under her breath.

Alina knelt with both hands covering her mouth, watching wide-eyed as the glow spread from Renji to envelop Celia as well.

She shielded her eyes with her hands as the glow intensified, almost blinding.

Renji’s breathing started to settle into a normal rhythm and the grimace left his face.

Moments later, the glow gradually faded away. Alina relaxed a little.

Celia exhaled and stood, wiping sweat from her temple.

“There, that should do you for now,” Celia said, smiling, her playful demeanour returning.

Renji stayed kneeling, breathing heavily.

“Celia, is he all right? What happened?” Alina asked, her voice tight with concern as she moved to kneel beside him.

“He’s fine… for now,” Celia replied.

“For now? What does that mean?” she pressed, her worry mounting.

“His magic reserves were going out of control, overflowing from his body.”

“Magic reserves?” Renji asked, exchanging a surprised glance with Alina.

“Yes. Judging from your reactions, neither of you knew.”

“You’re kidding…” Renji said, brow furrowed. “You mean I can use magic?”

Feeling steadier, he tried to stand, leaning on Alina for support. She helped him to a chair.

“Yes, you definitely can. You just need to be taught how. You have quite substantial magic reserves,” Celia answered.

“Magic doesn’t exist in my world. How is that possible?” Renji asked.

Celia rubbed her chin. “Hmm… Did you have any visions lately? Or strange dreams?” she asked.

“Actually, come to think of it…”

Renji described the dream—meeting the spirit of the Labyrinth, the crystal that entered his chest, and the warmth he felt.

“You never told me!” Alina shot him a stern look.

Renji stayed silent, unsure of what to say.

Should I have told her? I didn’t even understand what was going on.

“Anyway, you’ll be fine for now. It shouldn’t happen again for at least a week. But you’ll need help with magic—soon.”

“Can I teach him?” Alina asked.

“I would advise against it, Alina dear. Renji’s a special case, a lot can go wrong.” Celia was smiling but the warning was clear enough.

“What do you mean?” Alina asked.

“The magic I sensed in Renji, isn’t typical,” Celia answered.

“What happens if I just leave it be, and do nothing?” Renji asked.

“How should I put it…” Celia giggled. “You’re like a child who needs to be toilet trained. Magic power, however, is a lot more destructive than human excrement.”

Alina stifled a laugh. “I’m sorry… I’ve never heard it explained like that,” she said, swallowing her chuckle as she composed herself.

“Right…” Renji said flatly.

***

The next morning, Renji and Alina stood in the backyard of the apothecary, about to set off on their descent to Floor Forty.

Their packs were filled with supplies, and they wore their new hellhound cloaks, which offered some magical resistance to heat and cold. Renji had swapped out his military top for the tunic he’d bought earlier, but kept his tactical vest over it—for easy access to the last two remaining magazines for his carbine.

“Take these,” Celia said, holding out a satchel and a sword.

“Thanks, Celia. What’s in the bag?” Renji asked as he accepted both items.

“Elven rations that will last a while. Also, maps for Floors Thirty-Six through Thirty-Nine. The sword’s dwarven-made. It should serve you well.”

He unsheathed the sword to test its heft. It felt much lighter than it looked.

“Nice sword. Are you sure I can have this? It feels like too much.”

“Please, take it. An old friend left it behind—he has too many anyway. I have no use for swords.”

“Also, this,” Celia handed them a sealed scroll, which Alina took. “It’s a letter for the sage, explaining Renji’s condition. She will be able to help or send you to someone who can.”

“This will be a big help. Thank you, Miss Celia,” Alina said, giving her a quick hug.

“Thanks again—for everything. And for saving my life,” Renji said, offering a quick bow.

Celia covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled. “It’s all good, Renji. Come back and visit sometime. I’d like to know how it goes with dear Elith.”

They waved goodbye and made their way to the portal leading to Floor Thirty.

***
The duo walked a full day across Floor Thirty to reach the portal that took them to Floor Thirty-Five.
Floor Thirty-Five was open and mainly agricultural, like Floor Fifteen, with livestock roaming the fields. At the centre of the floor stood the main town of Harth. The duo entered through its gates, searching for an inn to spend the night.

Renji noticed Alina was much quieter than usual.

Is she still thinking about Rovan and the assassin? Or is she unwell?

Renji broke the silence. “Are you okay?”

Alina glanced at him, shot him a stern look, then turned away.

“Alina?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Is she pissed? But about what? Renji thought.

She turned to him. “You never told me,” she said curtly. “About the dream with the labyrinth spirit.”

She turned away sharply, cheeks puffed out and she picked up her pace.

“Hey,” Renji said, reaching out and gently grabbing her wrist. She stopped and turned to face him.

“I didn’t know what to make of it at the time…” Renji said.

She punched him in the shoulder.

“You should have just told me anyway, so that I could help you make sense of things. It’s like you didn’t trust me enough.”

“I was confused—still am—and trying to figure out what’s going on with me,” he countered.

“You still should have told me! What if your life was in danger?” She punched him in the shoulder again.

“Look, you’ve got the situation with Rovan to deal with. I didn’t want to burden you more than I already have. You’ve already helped me so much.”

“Screw Rovan! I told you I’d help you find a way back, didn’t I?” She kicked him in the shin, just hard enough to make a point.

The repeated punches didn’t hurt, but the kick definitely did. He didn’t let it show, though.

Geez… she’s a violent woman…

“Alina, I trust you. I’m sorry if I made you feel otherwise. I wouldn’t be travelling with you if I didn’t.”

Her expression softened, and her shoulders relaxed.

She looked away, slightly embarrassed. “Sorry… for hitting you. I was just disappointed I only found out because Celia asked about it.”

He realised he was still holding her wrist and let go. “It’s fine. Let’s go find an inn,” he said in a soft voice.

Alina nodded.

He walked a few steps before realising Alina wasn’t following. He turned around.

“Everything all right?”

Is she still pissed? I thought we sorted that out…

Alina looked down, slightly embarrassed. “I-I think I hurt my foot…”

Renji chuckled. This woman…

She stared at him as he approached. “What is it?” he asked, tilting his head.

“That’s the first time I’ve seen you laugh,” she said, smiling.

“Really? Um… sure,” he said, unsure how to respond.

He dropped his pack, turned his back to her, knelt on one knee, and offered her a ride on his back.

It feels safe here. Alina thought as she settled herself on his back, resting her chin on his shoulder.

Women are confusing… Renji thought.

***

Audience Chamber, Duke Thorval’s Mansion, Floor Twenty

“Rovan, it looks like you went off on your own, hired an assassin, and failed yet again.” Duke Thorval’s tone was stern and clipped, each word cutting. He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. “If she awakens, we’ll deal with it then. But cross me one more time, and you might find yourself up against an assassin instead.”

Rovan gritted his teeth, fists clenched. Holding back his anger, he muttered, “Yes, my Lord.”

As he left, Thorval turned to Vaerina. “How many sets of enchanted armour have we stockpiled?”

“A little over a hundred,” she replied, voice silken. “And we’ve begun stabilising the golems—but their lifespan still needs refining.”

“How soon until we have enough forces to seize control?”

Vaerina’s lips curved slightly. “Three months, assuming the dwarves keep supplying mithril.” Her gaze darkened. “The Elves on Forty won’t see it coming. Their pain will echo across the Labyrinth.”

Thorval let out a low grunt of approval. “We’ll strike hard. A show of overwhelming strength. That’s how we’ll break Elaron.”

Vaerina stepped closer, her tone velvet over glass. “The elves have ruled from their treetop thrones long enough. The World Tree’s power should belong to all floors. Not just their precious city.”

“Exactly. Hoarding it like they own the Labyrinth.”

“But you,” she said softly, tracing a single finger along his shoulder, “will unite the Labyrinth under one banner.”

Thorval smirked. “Under my rule.”

“Of course,” Vaerina whispered, a glint of triumph in her eyes.