Wanting Revenge

SilverStone Town is the closest to the sealed grounds. It is a hub area where the highest class adventurers and merchants with rare goods gather. It is viewed as a beautiful town that uses crystals to light up the night and ward off monsters with three charm bell towers. The town also serves as a wall to prevent future stampedes of monsters. The area between SilverStone Town and the sealed grounds is covered in malice where the monsters can become enraged. Demon Lords have been born there as well, however a group of high rank adventurers settled in the town to kill them before their powers settled. They are known as The Silver Guardians.

Himari and the others are excited to trade some materials they collected. It is the perfect opportunity to gain more coins before doing one last shopping trip before they arrive at the sealed grounds. Himari is desperate to meet The Silver Guardians as their reports and research on monsters and demons are one of her favorites in the Adventurers Archives.

“SilverStone Town also has one the best tailor shops in all the lands!” Himari begins to skip.

“Oh, their yearly festival is about to happen in a few weeks!” Alice skips along with her.

“Oh really~? Ahh I wonder what kind of foods are going to be there~!”

Estelle laughs softly but stops after turning to Ruby. Her facial expression shows concern rather than the upbeat energy the other two were emitting.

“Ruby…? What’s wrong?”

“My senses… I sense something dangerous…”

“Ah… Well we are closer to the sealed grounds. The area is at a Threat Level A.” Estelle shares a warm smile. Trying her best to calm Ruby.

“True… You might be right…”

In the Kingdom of Lapispire they have designated certain areas with different “Threat Levels” to guide both citizens and adventurers.

Threat Level: E - Main Capital area

Threat Level: D - Mountains and lakes closest to Main Capital

Threat Level: C - Dense Forests, High Mountains, and Caves

Threat Level: B - Lake of Lapispire, Great Sea of Lazuli, and Abandoned Dungeons

Threat Level: A - SilverStone Town and Sealed Grounds

Threat Level: UNSAFE - The Crater by Gods Hand and Rustic Volcano.

The map of the entire kingdom can show which areas are sectioned off. The furthest point past the sealed grounds lies The Crater by Gods Hand which is THE largest nesting grounds for dragons. No one can live near and the King restricts anyone from going there as he doesn’t want the dragons to start seeing humans as food.

Rustic Volcano is an island furthest in the opposite direction of Himari’s starting path. An ancient guardian is believed to be there and has the power to control the volcano so most stay away from it, letting it rest peacefully.

Everywhere else has some guaranteed safety for anyone deciding where to settle down, move to, or do business.

When the town finally came into view, Himari raised her hand excitedly.

“There it is! It’s-” Himari runs ahead with Alice, only to slow down right away.

Something was wrong.

The closer they got, the clearer it became. Several buildings near the outer wall had collapsed. Smoke drifted lazily above the rooftops, and people moved through the streets carrying lumber, supplies, and injured townsfolk. Adventurers on horseback going in and out with herbal materials from elsewhere.

“SilverStone Town…? What happened here…?”

“Let's hurry and get answers!” Ruby demanded.

They rushed as fast as they could to the entrance. Out of breath Himari asks the guards her questions.

“I’m sorry that you have seen our town in such a pitiful state… You see…a powerful Demon Lord attacked us.”

“Eh? Were you able to kill it?”

“I’m afraid not… The leader of The Silver Guardians, Ruth Judge, gave her life in order to push him away… This was about two days ago.” He sighed deeply.

“N-No… Ruth is dead…?” Himari’s heart sank.

If she hadn’t messed up where both Alice and Estelle needed recovery, she might’ve been there to assist them. Her legs began to shake.

“Himari.” Estelle grabs her hand.

“H-Huh…?”

“I have a feeling you were just thinking about blaming yourself. Please don’t…” Her gentle voice calms her a bit.

“R-Right… Sorry…”

“It’s best you travelers stay inside our walls. Night will fall soon. ‘The ravens are getting restless’.”

“Mm. Thank you.”

Estelle is curious what the guard meant. Himari explained that “the ravens are getting restless” is a code adventurer uses when something dangerous is roaming around. There are certain codes they share by word of mouth, smoke signals, and leaving signals on paths. They are required to memorize the codes or have a small guide on them at all times.

The town has lost a bit of color since the attack. Businesses are still open however the charm Himari hoped to see has faded.

They gained some funds but only to resupply and no new equipment. Alice uses her savings to pay to stay for the night. She offered more than the standard price as a small way to help.

“They’re going to hold a funeral for Ruth in a few days. Once they have confirmed their safety…” Estelle brushes Himari’s hair with her hand.

“Mm…”

“You really wanted to meet her…?”

“Mm… I love all her stories and mission reports posted in the Adventures Archives.”

“I see…” She smiles warmly.

“We need to go to city hall tomorrow.” Ruby exits the room's showers. Very bold of her to only have a towel around her shoulders.

“Eh? Why?” Alice sits up.

“I sensed something there that is familiar. Perhaps evidence on what Demon Lord caused it. In fact, my gut says it's him…”

“Okay… We’ll go there first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you Himari.”

Preparing for bed Himari watches the window outside. The view was much more drained of life than the previous town they were in. The “what if” thoughts surround her thoughts. She could have saved them if they weren’t injured by a fumble.

“Young Himari?” Poppy appears to rest on her head.

“What is it now Poppy?”

“Your mood is dropping.”

“So now you can understand my feelings?”

“Emotions are a part of mana.”

“Is that so…?” She brings Poppy into her arms.

“We’re almost at the sealed grounds right?”

“Indeed you are. The Demon King is near. Oh right, something piqued my interests. Before arriving here both Ruby and Alice argued about your new ability to enhance yourself.”

“Yes they did… Alice says what I did was charms like how elves do it. While Ruby argued that it was Beast Mode since my senses and strength increased…”

“Why can your powers not be both?”

“Both…?”

Beast Mode enhances all senses and boosts the physical capabilities of the Beastfolk. Charms are somewhat a blessing that can be added to people or objects. It’s temporary to both but objects keep the charm far longer than a living creature. Due to the fact mana is used in all of their lives while objects like accessories can house the charms without draining it.

“Think on why I suggest it is both.”

“Hmm… Is it possible to pass it on to others?”

“Why do you think so?”

“Well if you said it’s both… It’s like Beast Mode so I can enhance senses and strength. It’s also like charms because charms can be given to someone or an object. Let’s say in the next fight, I pass it on to Ruby or Alice and they’ll get an increase just like it would to me.”

“Good… You really are the best chosen hero for us.”

“Seriosuly how does a plain girl like me compare to someone who has been training for years like a knight?”

“There’s a difference between the hearts of a soldier with blind loyalty and a genuine good person such as yourself. Your heart, your bonds… Everything about you is more real and we are thankful you are who you are.”

“Thanks I guess…”

Poppy disappears leaving Himari alone to her thoughts. She has a way to assist her allies now. A little late but she feels a little better about herself.

***

As soon as the sun rises, Himari and the others rush to city hall. While it’s crowded, they were able to reach the receptionist with no issues.

“Are you citizens or adventurers?" The receptionist looks very beautiful with a somber look in her eyes.

“Um… Travelers?”

“Adventuers. What can we assist you with today?”
“I want information about the Demon Lord that just attacked here.” Ruby slams her hands on the table.
“I’m very sorry but I can’t share much information about-”

“Then why are you hiding something full of malice in the storage room there!? I CAN SENSE IT!” Ruby’s raised voice silenced the bustling room.

“That was something Ruth was able to claim before she passed… A ring sliced off of his finger…” The receptionist sighed.

“A ring…?” A memory flashed in her head.

“This…is a Demon Lord’s Cursed Ring.”…“I’ve seen that ring before… The Demon Lord that killed my chief wore 3 of these rings.”…“Due to the markings…Perhaps… This originated from the Kitsune tribe…”

“Excuse me! Does the ring have markings like this?” Himari flashed her ring.

“Let me see… Correct. This has similar markings… How-”

“Please let me see it.”

Himari’s eyes showed determination which made the receptionist accept her request. In the storage a box that contains the blood stained ring was visible.

“Heee… Nuuuu….”

“Malice corrupted it.” Himari begins to purify it.

“My gut feeling was right. It was that damn Demon Lord that killed my chief!” Ruby grits her teeth.

“Oh my goodness! Y-You purified it? H-How?” The receptionist runs up to Himari.

“Get a good look at her! Himari is the hero chosen by the Gods!” Alice’s raised voice brought murmuring outside of the storage room.

“You’re the hero…? Oh blessed be the Gods~!” She forcefully grabs Himari by the arm and dragged her to the front desk.

“Everyone! Let your worries settle! The Gods have sent us the chosen hero!! As proof she has purified the ring Ruth sacrificed herself to obtain!” She raises Himari’s arm and the ring.

Loud cheers erupt from the crowd. Himari shrinks in fear from all the noise. Alice and Estelle stand behind her as Ruby stands by the doorway. Too many questions and words of encouragement flooded Himari’s ears.

“SETTLE DOWN!” Ruby silenced the room again.

“Thank you. Now then hero, tell us your name and what you need.”

“Um right…”

Himari steps forward and all eyes are on her. She has never really spoken in front of a crowd before. Especially when the people in front of her are adventurers who just lost an important figure. She glanced toward her companions, silently hoping one of them would step forward instead. Only to receive thumbs up from Alice and Estelle.

Her palms were already sweating, and she kept rubbing them against the sides of her clothes.

“H-hello my name is Himari Suvi... I uhh…don't really know how to give sp-speeches,” she stuttered. “Honestly, I'm pretty nervous right now… I need every information on the Demon Lord. I may be very inexperienced…but my friends and I will handle him. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it in time to save Ruth…I really wanted to meet her. But I want to make sure no one else meets the same fate. Please…”

“I saw him running north.” Said an adventurer.

“He summons blades out of thin air!”

“Only two max!”

“Thanks to Ruth he lost his ring which caused him to run!”

Alice starts noting down every information spilled out. Himari wondered what to do with the ring she just purified and the receptionist told her to keep it. After sorting through the information the group planned to leave immediately. Merchants gave them some variety of dried meat and a few potions.

“Thank you all. I will make sure the Demon Lord is taken care of. I won’t be returning until after I visit the sealed grounds! Please take care of this town!”

The cheers of the adventurers wishing them luck fade as they head north. The sealed grounds are north meaning a Demon Lord is about to reach the Demon King.

***

“Himari.”

“Yes Ruby?”

“I know you have the power to wipe him out instantly… However I want-”

“I’ll let you get your revenge.” Himari pats her shoulder.

“Eh...?”

“I’ll boost yours and Alice’s powers and I’ll be sure to defend Estelle. I believe in you.”

“Thank you…”

Ruby smiles before her eyes return to its serious look. Marching north they hope they can reach him in time. Alice is inexperienced but inspects the ring that was purified. Trying to determine what the stats are.

The land is more dry and rough. The skies are covered by clouds that look like a thunderstorm is approaching.

“Himari…” Estelle tugs on her arm.

“Yes Estelle?”

“This Demon Lord might be the toughest battle yet… Even Ruth struggled…”

“I’ll protect you. I’ll probably get scared but please trust me…”

“Hee hee… You’re really becoming a hero huh?”

“I am?”

“Himari…”

Pulling on her arm, they both stopped. The wind becomes heavy, blowing through them. Estelle’s eyes are gentle, making Himari blushes a little.

“Just in case something bad happens, I just want you to know that I love you…” Estelle blushes while playing with her bangs.

“E-E-Ehh!? You L-L-L-Love Me!? Umm… I uh…”

“Hee hee. You can tell me your feelings when this is over…” She points at Himari’s mouth.

“Oi! Hurry up! It’s possible he’s at the sealed grounds!!”

Himari and Estelle nodded at each other rushing ahead. This might be the final battle if the Demon King’s seal is broken. Himari must find a way to stop this. However, a memory with Poppy echoed in her head.

“Yes or No. Do I have to kill the Demon King?”

“No you don’t have to. The choice is yours.”

What will Himari do that the 4 Gods of Origins want?