Chapter 12 The Hero’s Departure

The soldiers and Rachel returned to the fortress. As the gates opened wide, they were greeted by a crowd of villagers—bruised and battered, some worse than others—yet smiling as the soldiers entered triumphantly to the sound of cheers for their heroes’ return.

Eldon stepped forward to greet them. “It seems your mission was successful.”

The captain replied firmly, “Mission complete.”

“Good. Then everyone get some rest. We will have a celebration tonight,” Eldon announced.

He walked up to Rachel, noticing the dried blood and torn gashes in her armor. “Looks like you fought hard. If you cannot replace that armor, shall we at least seal up the holes?”

Rachel nodded. “Yeah, that will work. I don’t think this will protect me much longer, and it’ll become a nuisance if it gets any worse.”

“Good then, follow me. We have a welding shop that can mend the holes. I will also bring a medic to tend to your wounds,” Eldon said.

He guided her to the welding shop, where she removed her armor and sat nearby while waiting for the medic.

She watched as the welder bent down the jagged metal, smoothing the edges before welding iron plates over the holes and slashes to reinforce the armor.

Rachel stared at the welder until a voice called from behind.

“Don’t look at the sparks from the welder—it will damage your eyes.” Rachel quickly looked away.

The woman continued, “I didn’t get to introduce myself yesterday, since you were still asleep after I finished your treatment. My name is Maria. I am Abby’s mother.”

Rachel responded, “Ah, Abby is home. She is doing well. She was a brave girl to come out and find me.”

Maria spoke, “Yes, everyone in the fortress has to pull their own weight so we can continue to fight and survive in this hellish world.” Maria added gently, “Now lie down so I can treat your wounds.”

She pressed on Rachel’s shoulder, guiding her to rest back in the chair as she examined both the fresh injuries and the older scars.

Then a familiar elderly man returned carrying a plastic bag full of clothes and boots.

“Here are clothes and boots for you, so you’ll have something besides that stuffy armor to wear around.

I also had this made for you.” Eldon pulled a massive bag from his back.

Rachel asked, “What’s that for?”

Eldon explained, “It’s for your armor. I noticed you cannot move too far from it, so I had a craftsman make this bag for you.

You should be able to fit all the armor inside and strap your sword to the back of it. Now you can walk around freely without always having to wear it. There are also side pockets for food and water for your journey ahead.”

Rachel smiled. “Thank you, Eldon.”

“Now we have prepared a feast for you to enjoy, along with some entertainment.

Come to the town center when you’re done here,” Eldon said.

Rachel nodded and thanked Eldon again as he started to walk away.

Then Maria spoke, “I think the eldon has taken a liking to you. He is usually a grumpy old man, but he seems to be treating you like a daughter.”

Rachel replied, “Yes, he has been very kind and has taken care of me while I stay at his residence."

Then she thought to herself, “So this is what it feels like. I’ve never had anyone around me except for my mom and aunties—well, except for Durog, but he doesn’t really count.”

Then the welder approached and set the armor down, now patched with plates welded on top—jagged layers that looked like uneven patches of metal scattered across it. “Here you go, little lady, all fixed up. But these patches won’t last long at the rate you’re damaging the armor, so try to be more careful.”

Then the whispers returned to her head: I can fix our armor easily. Just cut them down and their blood will mend it good as new. You will not survive without me, so let us have a feast of flesh.

Rachel’s hand started to shake as she gripped her wrist with her other hand, digging her nails into her arm and using the pain to drive out the urges brought on by the cursed whispers.

Then Maria spoke to Rachel, snapping her out of it. “Are you okay? You made yourself bleed.”

Rachel looked down, seeing the bloody, bruised spots where her fingers had dug into her skin.

Maria gently took her arm, cleaned the wounds, and bandaged her wrist. “There, all better now. I’d better go—the event will be starting soon.”

Maria grabbed her medical bag, stood up, and walked away.

Rachel thanked her softly as she left.

Rachel then looked through the bag of clothes Eldon had prepared for her: frayed jean shorts, a black crop tank top, some black socks, and boots.

She dressed herself, then turned to the giant bag. She placed her armor inside and was barely able to latch the top before securing her sword to the back with the many straps.

Hoisting the bag onto her shoulders, she winced as the heavy weight began to bruise them, and then she set off toward the town event.

Upon arriving at the town event, Rachel saw rows of tables filled with people facing a large screen with a stage in front of it.

Abby hurried over to her. “Rachel, come, come! I have a seat all ready for you.” She took Rachel’s hand and led her to a table.

Rachel set down her bag and sat beside Abby, who plopped down eagerly next to her.

Rachel asked, “What is that stage for?”

Abby explained, “It’s for watching movies. The elder told us that back in his time, places like this were called movie theaters, where people could watch films and plays that told stories.

The town holds events like this every week, pulling old movies out of storage so we can watch them together.”

Rachel thought to herself that it sounded really nice, though she didn’t fully understand what a movie was.

Then the food was brought out, and the townsfolk set plates before everyone who attended. Once all were seated, Eldon approached the stage, pulled up a microphone, and began to speak.

“Today we celebrate with the hero and Captain Clark and his brave men. Together, we removed the threat of the Mecha Goblin King and Queen. Make sure you all thank them properly if you see them—they risked their lives not knowing if they would return."

"Now let us move on to a more serious matter. Tomorrow, the hero will depart toward the Tree of Yggdrasil. It will be a long, dangerous journey, and I have decided that I will guide her on this path toward the Demon King.”

The villagers stirred in worry until one man stood up and shouted, “No, Elder, you cannot go! You are the last elder here. Without your knowledge and guidance, how will we survive?”

Eldon’s voice was firm. “This is non-negotiable. I will not change my mind. I am old and do not have many years left."

"It is time for you all to stand on your own and survive. I am the only one with the knowledge and experience to guide the hero to her destination while avoiding as many dangers as possible."

"There is no way I can sacrifice the future of the fortress on a journey that may fail without proper guidance for the hero.”

“Now, everyone sit and enjoy the food and tonight’s movie.”

Eldon set down the mic, and the lights dimmed slightly as a film began to play on the screen.

Rachel was mesmerized by the movie; it was like nothing she had ever seen before. She cherished her last night in the fortress before her journey continued.

The next day she stood outside the gate with Eldon beside what he called a truck. Her bag had been loaded in the back with all their supplies.

The villagers came to say their goodbyes.

Abby approached Rachel and said, “I’ve got something for you.” Rachel leaned down as Abby held up the black metal case that hung from Rachels necklace. She pressed something to it and smiled. Rachel asked, “What is this?”

“It’s called a sticker,” Abby explained. “Kids used to stick them on things they liked—at least, that’s what Elder told me. I wanted you to have it for good luck. Please stay safe and defeat the Demon Lord so we can throw you another party when you return.”

Rachel smiled warmly. “I won’t fail you, and I will return. So make sure you stay safe and don’t worry your mom too much by exploring the dangerous ruins.”

Abby nodded. “I promise.” She gave Rachel a tight hug before stepping back.

The elder approached. “Alright, are you ready?”

Rachel smiled. “Whenever you are.”

Then they climbed into the truck and disappeared down the road toward the looming Tree of Yggdrasil, a far-off silhouette whose colossal size made it seem deceptively close despite the vast distance.

An hour down the road, Eldon stopped the truck and turned to Rachel. “Now I think it’s time you start your first lesson.”

Rachel looked at him curiously. “What do you want to teach me?”

“You will learn how to drive,” Eldon said. “If something ever happens to me, this is useful knowledge for this world. It’s time to learn.”

The two switched seats.

“Alright,” Eldon instructed, “gently turn those keys.” Rachel turned them, and the truck came to life with a deep roar.

Eldon pointed at the shifter. “Now push that button and gently pull it down until the ‘D’ lights up.” Rachel shifted it into gear, and the truck moved forward.

“Whoa, whoa—press the brake! We don’t want to move yet, I still have more to explain—” Eldon shouted, but before he could finish, Rachel pressed the wrong pedal.

The engine roared louder as the truck sped forward.

Eldon’s frantic cries of “Stop! Stop!” echoed down the road as the vehicle barreled ahead uncontrollably into the distance.