Wedding Preparations

In a remarkably short span of time, we successfully reclaimed the formidable Hiroshi guns, Babu's mystical stick, and Lezlie's cherished spellbook. With our precious possessions back in our hands, we convened at the heart of the foreboding dungeon, ready to deliberate our next course of action.

Babu's curious gaze fixed upon the elderly man standing among us, prompting him to inquire, "It's truly fortunate that we've managed to escape this perilous place. But who might this distinguished gentleman be?"

I turned my gaze towards Babu, a knowing smile playing at the corners of my lips, and responded, "All shall be revealed in due time. For now, rest assured, he stands firmly on our side. Furthermore, he possesses invaluable knowledge that can expedite our journey to the kingdom."

Hiroshi, ever the pragmatic voice in our group, contemplated the challenges ahead and voiced his concerns, "Escaping through the main entrance seems arduous, as hordes of soldiers have encircled it. Engaging them in combat would not only be time-consuming but also invite unwanted attention. We require a discreet path, one that eludes detection."

A mischievous glimmer danced in the old man's eyes as he offered a sly grin, "In truth, there exists an alternative route."

Babu's eyes widened in disbelief as he interjected, "Wait, there's another way?"

"Yes," the old man replied, his voice steeped in ancient wisdom. "Many years ago, a network of sewage pipes was installed beneath the grand palace. This subterranean labyrinth provided a swift means of travel for those seeking to traverse great distances or circumvent the absence of available ships."

With an air of conviction, he continued, "By employing these clandestine tunnels, we can effortlessly evade capture and navigate our way to freedom."

Lezlie, her apprehension palpable, voiced her doubts, "Can we truly rely on such a method? Is it feasible?"

Acknowledging her concerns, the old man's countenance turned somber. "The fact is that if we use the sewers we can get out of the castle of the sea kingdom, but it is not possible to pass quietly past the noise in the sewers and the soldiers at the entrance and exit. At least someone has to provide a distraction. And given my age, it wouldn't make sense for me to do it."

Hiroshi, ever resourceful, interposed with a plan, his voice brimming with determination, "Then let us divide into two groups. While I divert the soldiers' attention alongside our trusty companion, Panda, the rest of you can discreetly make your way through the sewers. This stratagem shall facilitate our swift movement and increase our chances of success."

Lezlie's voice quivered with lingering doubt as she voiced her concern once more, "But Hiroshi, what if our escape is thwarted, and we find ourselves captured?"

With an air of reassurance, Hiroshi divulged a vital detail, "Many of the soldiers have been summoned to guard the grand castle of the second Kingdom due to the extravagant wedding festivities. Consequently, the number of guards stationed here seems diminished. It appears that surmounting this obstacle won't be as arduous as initially presumed. Once we've eluded their grasp, we shall rendezvous at midnight in the tranquil village beyond the bustling port."

Babu, ever the pragmatic soul, interjected, "Hiroshi, considering the abundance of soldiers awaiting Lezlie and Ryuu at their destination, their efforts might prove futile."

Drawing upon her inner strength, Lezlie donned a confident expression and declared, "Babu speaks wisely. While we play our crucial role in diverting their attention, I implore you all to hasten to Mila's aid without further delay."

Hiroshi, taken aback by their resolute determination, scrutinized them, his brow furrowed with uncertainty. "Are the two of you absolutely certain about this course of action?"

A surge of unwavering faith coursed through Lezlie's veins as she responded, her voice steady, "Babu and I have fought side by side on numerous occasions. I assure you, there will be no complications."

Babu chimed in, his countenance radiant with confidence, "Indeed! We have evaded countless adversaries before. If we triumphed then, we can surely succeed now!"

The old man, who had been observing our exchange quietly, interjected with a gentle tone, "I do not wish to interrupt your conversation, but time is of the essence if we are to make haste."

My gaze shifted to Babu and Lezlie, a mixture of concern and hope in my eyes. "Exercise caution, my friends. If all transpires according to plan, we shall be reunited under the midnight sky."

With these parting words, we divided into two resolute groups, each venturing forth in a different direction with determined strides. Bound by a shared purpose, we embraced the uncertainty that lay ahead, propelled by the belief that our paths would converge once again in the realm of triumph.

After a swift dash, Hiroshi swiftly signaled for us to halt, his hand raised in a commanding gesture. We obediently sought cover, finding refuge in the shadows as we observed the soldiers drawing nearer, their pace deliberate, as if engaged in a methodical patrol. Time crawled by as we anxiously awaited our chance, until, in a stroke of fortune, another soldier hurriedly approached the group from behind, urgently relaying crucial information.

"The panda and the young sorceress have eluded the clutches of the dungeon! Mobilize all troops to the left wing of the palace!"

Upon receiving this imperative directive, the soldiers promptly diverted their attention, hastening towards the designated left side of the grand structure. Seizing this opportune moment, we emerged from our concealment, resuming our swift stride. Thanks to the astute vigilance of Lezlie and Babu, our path lay devoid of any lurking soldiers, paving the way for our progress.

Meanwhile, the entirety of the palace's defenders converged upon the left flank, ensnared by the chase. Little did they suspect that we had strategically veered towards the opposite side of the regal edifice.

Eventually, after a fifteen-minute sprint fraught with adrenaline, the General successfully guided us to our desired destination. Before us loomed an ancient door, its weathered visage testament to years of neglect and disuse.

With a measured touch, the General creaked open the aged portal, its hinges protesting their newfound activity. His voice resonated with quiet resolve as he disclosed our imminent course, "From here on, we shall proceed in this manner."

Without hesitation, I leaped through the portal, the General and Hiroshi following suit in seamless succession. Gripped firmly in Hiroshi's grasp, a torch cast its luminous glow upon our path, warding off the encroaching darkness. With the General as our unwavering guide, we advanced through the labyrinthine sewer system, the faint sound of trickling water echoing through the tunnels. Yet, amidst our journey, the General turned his gaze towards me, his voice carrying a note of assurance.

"If we continue along this path, we shall soon find ourselves free from these subterranean depths."

Cautiously navigating the dilapidated surroundings, my gaze wandered, taking in the rusted pipes that snaked through the dank atmosphere. An overwhelming stench filled the air, the unmistakable odor of neglect and abandonment.

Addressing my observations to the General, I commented, "These pipes bear the mark of disuse for countless years."

He nodded in agreement, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Indeed, this passage has long been sealed off from regular use."

Curiosity piqued, I probed further, "Do you happen to know the reason behind its closure?"

His reply held a trace of uncertainty, "To be honest, I am aware of its closure, but the precise details elude me."

I nodded understandingly, acknowledging the gaps in our knowledge.

The General turned his gaze towards me once more, his voice tender yet resolute, carrying the weight of a father's wisdom. "Before we reach our destination, I must impress upon you that while your current actions may seem justifiable in your eyes, remember that a father always seeks what is best for his daughter. Perhaps you are driven by a desire to aid those who display desperation and need in their eyes, but comprehending their pain is not as simple as it may seem. In essence, I believe the King's actions are not born of malevolence. He is merely plagued by the fear of losing his daughter, much like he lost his wife. If circumstances have altered over the passage of many years, it is likely due to reasons we may not yet comprehend."

Apprehension welled within me as I responded, "I understand your perspective, but it is not the King whom I fear. It is the Epic."

Perplexed, the General queried, his tone betraying surprise, "The Epic?"

I nodded solemnly, continuing to divulge the grim truth. "Yes, she seeks to extract tears from Mila, granting herself another century of life."

The General's surprise morphed into deep concern. "Can Mila truly shed such extraordinary tears? Just like her mother."

I confirmed his inquiry, my voice tinged with urgency, "Yes, you were unaware?"

His countenance grew grave, and he declared with renewed determination, "We must hasten to the palace without delay. Immediately."

Startled by the sudden urgency in his tone, I attempted to grasp the full scope of the situation. "Wait! Is there something we are unaware of?"

Just then, Hiroshi's voice pierced the tension, as he pointed towards a radiant glow ahead. "There, before us lies the exit. I can see the light beckoning us."

Emerging from the subterranean labyrinth, we were greeted by the serene expanse of a beach. Yet, despite the picturesque setting, the lingering weight of the General's disquietude remained etched upon my mind. The mention of "tears" had sent shivers down his spine, a reaction akin to encountering a ghostly apparition. With a resolute determination to uncover the truth, I called out to the General as we reached the shore, my voice tinged with urgency.

"If there is knowledge that eludes us, please divulge it now. Even if it means I must stand aside, I am compelled to save Mila, alongside my dear friends. I cannot bear to leave her in such peril."

Halting in his tracks, the General acquiesced to my plea, preparing to disclose the enigmatic secrets that weighed upon him.

"The Waters of Eternity grant the chosen lineages, especially the second epic, not only longevity. If it somehow manages to take Mila's years, it will also give it dominion over the seas."

Bewilderment clouded my expression as I sought clarity. "What do you mean by 'dominion over the seas'?"

"The Water of Eternity doesn't just give years, it took me a long time to realize this, but I realized that the person who drinks the water gets not only the health but also some kind of powers of the person who took his years, and if the second saga reaches this, the seas will give him great superiority."

My confusion deepened, prompting another query. "How did you come to possess this knowledge?"

"The person you will encounter in due time was the one with whom I shared a love. Prior to her transformation into an epic, I embarked on extensive research into the waters, seeking a means to save her."

He further revealed, "Only a select few are privy to this information, and she is among them."

The gravity of our predicament began to take shape, casting doubt upon our ability to impede the impending catastrophe. Expressing my concerns, I remarked, "The more you elucidate, the more it seems insurmountable."

In response, the General nodded, his expression tinged with resignation. "I am aware. That is precisely why we must expedite our journey."

Just then, a voice beckoned to us from behind, resonating with familiarity. "Hop on."

It was Hiroshi, who had surreptitiously procured a horse-drawn carriage and reached us while we conversed. Without wasting a moment, we boarded the carriage, seizing the opportunity to expedite our travel.

As we settled inside, the General, driven by an unyielding determination, assumed the reins of the carriage, asserting his authority with a brusque yet commanding tone. "Move over, kid. I'll drive."

Hiroshi appeared mildly vexed by the General's demeanor, yet chose to maintain silence, acquiescing to the altered arrangement.

With a swift motion, our carriage set forth, propelled by the urgency of our mission.