Chapter 19 - Elaron

The earthdrake closed in on Renji, limping from the tendon he had severed in its hind leg.

Alina conjured a massive ice lance and hurled it at the beast’s flank.

Why is she still here? She should’ve run…

Breathing hurts. Ribs must be busted.

The drake’s tail swept sideways, faster than its bulk should allow. Alina raised another ice wall—too thin, too rushed. The wall shattered as the clubbed tail smashed through.

“Alina!” Renji screamed.

Debris exploded across the chamber. When the dust cleared, the spot where she’d stood was empty.

Rage surged inside him. He tore his hand from his shoulder wound and thrust it toward the drake on instinct. Heat seared through every vein, blinding and white-hot.

She’s gone. Because of me.
No—no more running.
Need a weapon. Something huge. Smash it. Kill it.

Thin wisps of light swirled before his outstretched hand. An unfamiliar warmth coursed through his veins. The glow gathered into streams, tightening, shaping into a glowing cone aimed straight at the drake.

The drake roared and charged.

Renji stared wide-eyed as the light grew denser, taking solid form. He was unknowingly drawing raw magical essence, fuelled only by his will to strike the beast down.

The lance of light shot forward, trailing gold radiance. It slammed into the drake’s skull in a spectacular flare, piercing through scale, flesh, and bone.

The beast collapsed, motionless, blood pouring from the gaping wound.

So tired…

Renji’s strength drained away. Sensation left his limbs. He collapsed onto his back, staring up at the cavern ceiling.

“Alina…” He tried to lift his head, failed, and darkness claimed him.

***

Renji drifted in and out of darkness. At first there was only pain—the echo of the drake’s roar, the crushing weight of failure, the image of Alina swallowed by dust.

She’s gone… because of me.

His chest tightened. He tried to move, but his body wouldn’t respond. Only warmth reached him—a gentle pressure beneath his head, something soft against his cheek.

Am I… dreaming?

A voice broke through the haze, trembling yet steady.
“Renji… you’re awake?”

His eyes opened slowly. Above him was Alina’s face. Her eyes glistened with relief, her lips quivering with the effort not to cry. Her hands brushed sweat-soaked hair from his forehead.

“Alina…?” His voice cracked, half-disbelieving. “How…?”

She puffed her cheeks, though her eyes were still wet. “How rude. It’s like you’re not happy to see me.”

He blinked up at her, stunned. “I thought you were—” His throat tightened. “I thought I lost you.”

“You almost did,” a smooth voice cut in. Renji turned his head with effort. An elven woman leaned casually against the wall, short brown hair framing sharp eyes, leather armour fitting her lean frame. A faint smirk tugged her lips.

“I pulled her clear before the tail struck. Name’s Neria. You can thank me later—for now, rest.”

Renji let out a shaky breath and sank back into Alina’s lap, eyes closing. Relief washed through him so strong it hurt.
“…I’m glad you’re here,” he murmured, voice barely audible.

He instinctively reached out and clasped her hand. Her breath caught, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she smiled softly and returned the grip, fingers tightening around his. His fingers lingered a moment, as if testing that she was really there, before letting go.

Alina’s ears turned red, but she didn’t look away, her hand trembling faintly against his.

For the first time since the fight began, Renji’s chest loosened. Even the pain in his ribs felt distant beside the warmth of her hand.

“Thank you. How long was I out?”

“A couple of hours,” Alina answered.

Neria smirked. “You’ve been using her lap as a pillow that whole time. I’m surprised her legs aren’t numb.”

Alina’s ears flushed pink. “I-I’m fine. It’s not a problem.”

“I’m sorry,” Renji muttered as he tried to sit up. He grimaced as burning pain bloomed in his left flank. Alina pressed him down gently. “You’re not getting up yet.”

“You’re not hurt?” he asked, looking up at Alina.

She shook her head. “No. Neria got me out of the way just before the tail struck. You killed the drake right after.”

“That was quite the fight. No one’s challenged that beast in decades.”

“You were watching the fight?” Alina asked.

“I’m one of the Wardens of Elaron,” Neria said. “It’s my job to watch the dungeon for intruders.”

Renji muttered, “Could’ve stepped in before I nearly got killed.” His words came more fluidly now that he was growing comfortable with the local tongue.

“I didn’t know you. I still don’t. Once I decided that you weren’t enemies, I stepped in. Elaron attracts plenty of… unwelcome visitors. Looks like I was right, seeing as Celia vouched for you.”

Renji glanced at Alina.

“I handed over Celia’s letter,” she explained.

Neria studied him for a moment, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. “One thing puzzles me. Why did you wait so long to use that power?”

“What power?” he asked.

“The blast of raw magic essence you used to kill the drake.”

“I didn’t know I could. It just… happened, when I—” His eyes flicked to Alina.

“I see.” Neria’s smirk deepened.

Renji frowned. “What did I even do?”

“Best if someone else explains. Not my area of expertise.” Neria straightened. “Rest for now. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see Sage Elith.”

“Thank you, Neria,” Alina said warmly.

Renji inclined his head. “Yes. Thank you.”

***

The next morning, Neria led them through the cobbled streets of Elaron. The buildings were unlike any they had seen on other floors. Wood was the primary material; some homes grew around the trunks of giant trees, others stood apart. Forest and city melded seamlessly.

“So pretty,” Alina whispered.

Renji stayed silent, taking in the view. I guess you could say it has a unique charm.

They arrived at a mansion framed with vines deliberately grown into its structure.

Two guards opened broad double doors, revealing a hall of polished wooden floors, flanked by enormous tree trunks. At the far end, a slender elven woman with long braided blonde hair stood in humble green robes trimmed with white and gold. She smiled kindly, her presence dignified.

Led by Neria, they approached.

“Welcome. I’m Elith,” she said warmly, gesturing with a graceful wave. “Please, sit.”

Vines sprouted from the floor, forming chairs that startled Alina. Renji remained impassive as the trio sat. A table rose in the same manner, and Elith joined them.

An attendant served tea before departing.

“Sage Elith, thank you for meeting us.” Alina bowed.

“Thank you, Sage Elith.” Renji echoed.

Elith raised a hand. “Please, just Elith. ‘Sage’ makes me sound older than I feel.”

She turned to Neria. “He slew the Earthdrake?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Mother?” Alina blurted.

Renji blinked, glancing between them.

Elith smiled faintly. “Yes, she’s my daughter.” Her tone turned thoughtful. “Renji, did anyone teach you that spell?”

Renji shook his head. “Never learned magic in my life.”

“Did you recognise it, Neria?”

“No, Mother. It looked like raw essence. Non-elemental.”

“I see.” Elith regarded them. “Celia’s letter asked that we train you both—to draw out your potential, and to help Renji control his power.”

“Train me too?” Alina asked.

Elith nodded. “Yes. It seems you have potential you’re unaware of.”

Renji leaned forward. “The power aside, I came for another reason.”

Elith cut him off. “Celia explained. You seek a way back to your world.”

“Do you know of one?” Alina asked eagerly.

Elith sighed, eyes closed a moment. “I’m afraid not. There are stories of people arriving from your world, but none of anyone returning. Not impossible—just unknown.”

“I see,” Renji muttered, fists clenched on the table.

Alina touched his arm gently. I can feel his anger…

“Where did this power come from?” Renji asked.

“Based on what you told Celia…” Elith paused. “The Spirit of the Labyrinth gave you this power.”

“Why me? Can it help me get back?”

Elith smiled faintly. “Why not ask him yourself?”

The air beside the table shimmered, forming a humanoid shape.

Renji’s breath caught. It was the same figure from his dream, but clearer now: a Caucasian man in a collared T-shirt and jeans, not armour or robes.