Time is Running

Amber held the conch shell tight against her ear. Through the magical transmission,

Luck's voice confirmed a sudden change in plans at the Capital. Lily was suddenly retreating toward the elven woods, carrying a critically ill woman on her mount.

Suzuki tilted his head in confusion.

"Why? Why would she leave her brother and return to the forest for a random person?"

Zale let out a chuckle, crossing his arms.

"You spent your entire life playing a Hero, yet you don't understand something this simple? Some people will do anything in their power to save a life right in front of them. No reason or reward needed."

Goddess Seya smiled in agreement.

Suzuki fell silent, staring at his palms as the heavy guilt of his past choices washed over him.

"So, what's our next move?" Zale asked, getting ready to depart.

"You are going to stay here with Goddess Seya," Amber ordered, leaving no room for argument.

"You can't fight anyway," Amber explained.

"Well, he can't either." The bard pointed toward Suzuki, who was still completely lost in his thoughts.

"Um..." Amber pinched the bridge of her nose, stress taking over as she looked at the map.

"We need to reach the Monster Kingdom and the Merchant Palace as soon as possible. But they are in the opposite directions. What am I supposed to do with these useless party?"

Stacy, Zale, and Suzuki all lowered their heads, a group wave of guilt crossing their faces.

"Wait," Suzuki said, breaking the silence.

"I can manage Rumi alone. He is the most normal person among us. Can your apprentice do the skill-sealing spell?"

"No, she can't," Amber answered flatly. "Only I can do it."

*WHACK*

A heavy wooden stick suddenly descended, striking Amber cleanly over the head.

"Ow!" Amber yelped, spinning around. Who dare to strike the grand mage!

Standing behind her was the Goddess Seya, holding her old staff.

"You runt," the old goddess croaked, her voice echoing with authority.

"Have you forgotten who taught you how to wipe your own butt? Of course I can do any spells you can do."

"But... but Master!" Amber stammered, her sharp eyes wide with genuine worry.

"Didn't you retire from the magic? What about the divine oath you are under?"

Seya's old hand tightened on her staff.

"The angels can go to hell for all I care! I can't keep staying still while these kids are ready to die."

"Wow, Grandma," Zale grinned, thoroughly enjoying the sudden fire, "I didn't know you could get this angry."

"Hey! Watch your mouth, you are talking to a goddess!" Amber scolded.

"Hahaha!" A hearty, booming laugh left Seya’s lips, "No, no, the boy is right. I was secluded in this wasteland because I was still pretending to be a goddess. When I'm not..."

The old woman surged forward and gestured toward Zale. "Come here, my grandchild."

"Yes? Grandma!" Zale smiled, playing along perfectly.

"Let us take care of that greedy goblin girl," Seya commanded, her eyes flashing with old magic.

"What do they call her now? Merchant Queen Casandra? Yeah, yeah, nowadays anyone who hoards coins calls themselves kings and queens."

"Hahahaha! I'm loving this new grandma!" Zale was having time of his life.

Suzuki nodded firmly, "Thank you! Then I will go with Madam Amber and talk with Rumi."

The plan was set. The Fallen Goddess-no, Grandma Seya was officially out of retirement.

"Um... Master?" Stacy squeaked from the back, her hands trembling. "What should I do?"

"You stay here and protect the stone wall," Amber instructed, handing her a duplicate conch shell. "Inform me instantly if the gems change color."

Stacy's face turned completely pale, panic taking over.

"Huhhh?! Me? Alone?!"

"Best of luck, future grand mage." Zale said, tapping her shoulder as he walked past.

"Hopefully, no monsters come out of the portal," Suzuki teased with a goodbye wave as he left.

"And make sure to use your offensive spells too!" Amber shouted over her shoulder.

The last to leave was Seya. She paused, looking back at the terrified apprentice.

"Feel free to use anything here, child. May Mother bless you."

Stacy stood frozen in the center of the massive, echoing cave, completely speechless under the massive responsibility.

*FWOOSH*

Outside, the violent roar of wind magic signaled their departure.

"Huh?!" Stacy whimpered.

Left entirely alone in the dead zone, she quickly ran inside and locked the door shut.