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, I take it neither of you knew?”

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

Feeling better, he tried to stand with Alina supporting him. 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 as 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, hard.

The repeated punches didn’t hurt, but he certainly felt that kick. 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.

“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.

***

Floor Twenty, Duke Thorval’s Mansion

“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.”

The Duke turned his attention to Vaerina. “How many sets of armour do we have now?”

“A little over a hundred. We’ve also found a way to create golems. We should be able to handle a dozen of those simultaneously. We’ll need work to improve their lifespan though.”

“How much longer until we have the numbers we need?”

“We will have the numbers within three months, as long as the dwarves keep up with their mithril supply.” Vaerina replied, her tone smooth and confident. “Definitely in time for the Council of Dukes’ conference.”

Duke Thorval nodded in approval as he leaned back into his chair. “We’ll need a massive show of strength to cow the Floor Dukes into submission.”