Take your ground. Be prepared," Roger said, urgency in his voice as he raised his axe.
Nell and Syfa moved in sync, slipping into attack stances with practiced ease.
"Again? I'm already tired of fighting," Felix muttered with a dry chuckle, but even he adjusted his grip instinctively.
Before he could finish the thought, Roger's axe swung in a clean arc, and Syfa unleashed a searing fire spell. Nell raised a glowing earth-forged barrier in front of them. Within moments, the herd of Beantns—large, beast-like creatures—lay defeated, smoke curling from the ground where they'd stood.
"Take the fur," Roger said, pointing at the fallen beasts. "It's expensive."
The two girls wasted no time, kneeling beside the bodies to start separating the thick, velvety fur.
"What's the use of it?" Felix asked, curiosity piqued.
"Oh, we don't use it ourselves," Roger answered, cutting clean strips with a blade shaped like a talon. "Buyers turn them into winterwear. Mostly sold up in the Cold Kingdoms."
"Understood," Felix said, watching as the leader rolled the bundled fur in a cloak, tied it with rope, and slung it across his back like a pack.
Nearby, Nell stood, cradling a small bunch of glowing herbs in her palms. "This should be enough."
"Good. Roll them in cloth," Roger replied, wiping sweat from his brow.
Nell pulled out a scarf-like cloth from her satchel, laid the herbs gently, and wrapped them with care, holding the bundle close like something precious.
"Get ready—we're heading to the Royal Garden next," Roger said.
"Royal Garden?" Felix asked, confusion creasing his brow.
Roger nodded. "Yes. It was created by the royal family to increase herb production. Access is restricted—only a lucky few get to collect from there. The garden was modeled after one in Mary, the flower capital of the kingdom."
He continued as they walked, his voice steady with knowledge.
"The original Royal Garden was in Mary, but its earl was corrupt. Didn't maintain it. Thieves looted the whole place. When the king found out, he erased the earl's name from the court and had this garden built a decade ago. That's where Sylra goes when he's… off."
"Tell me more about Mary," Felix said, curiosity rising.
"I don't visit much," Roger admitted. "But it's beautiful. Surrounded by rainbow flower fields, very developed—though not like Balmwich. Problem is, crime's high."
"High crime rate?" Felix asked, surprised.
Roger shrugged. "Yeah. The king replaced the corrupt earl… but the one he picked was worse."
Felix's brows furrowed. "Then why not remove him?"
Roger's tone dropped. "No one knows. And those who ask? They disappear."
Felix's fists clenched, jaw tight. Then slowly, he exhaled, loosening his grip.
"The whole system… rotten," he muttered to himself.
"Some say the new earl's a secret royal child. But who really knows?" Roger said as they approached a hidden cave entrance.
The cave walls gave off a low hum, like a heartbeat in stone.
"Finally here," Roger said, stepping forward. He pressed his guild card against a shimmering rune. The gate responded with a chime.
"Come. Welcome," a voice echoed, and the entrance opened.
Inside was a completely different biome. Trees of every imaginable color stretched overhead, bathing them in soft light. Birds darted among the branches. Strange, beautiful creatures peeked from behind glowing bushes.
"How is this possible… in a cave?" Felix whispered, stunned.
Roger grinned. "It's not. Our kingdoms best mage linked this cave to a real location—Thunderfen's mountaintops. We're miles above sea level now. The air's thin. No beasts can survive here."
"This kind of magic really exists?"
"Yes—and even greater kinds," Roger said, his eyes scanning the trees. "Our empire's massive. Each kingdom has someone extraordinary."
As they walked deeper, past blooming fields and fluttering herbs, Felix saw a sight that stole his breath: a garden carved between cliffs, glowing like starlight caught in petals. Flowers swayed in the breeze, dancing to an invisible song.
Then he saw him—Sylra, lying under a wide tree, motionless, eyes closed.
Roger nudged Felix. "There. I have a plan. You and Nell go talk to him."
Felix narrowed his eyes playfully. "Leader's scheming again," he thought, but nodded.
He and Nell approached quietly. Sylra didn't stir—lost in sleep, wrapped in silence.
"Wake him," Felix whispered.
Nell leaned in gently. "Sylra…" she said softly.
Sylra jolted awake, eyes wide in panic. "Mom?" he gasped, grabbing her in a hug before he even realized where he was.
"You'll never leave me, right? Please say no," he whispered, trembling, tears forming.
Nell smiled and cupped his cheek. "I won't, Sylra. Look at me. Do you think I'd ever leave you?"
Felix stood still, watching. A grin tugged at his lips. "Ah… so that's what Roger was plotting," he thought. He raised his hand and signaled the leader.
Roger, grinning
Felix called out "Hey girl! We don't have all day for your drama. Do your job!"
Sylra's face turned stormy. "Who are you to give orders around here?"
Felix stepped forward with mock authority. "She's my assistant for today. You can have her back tomorrow. Today, she's mine—Master Darian's orders."
Sylra blinked in disbelief. "He's lying, right?"
Nell placed a hand on his arm. "No… he's not."
Sylra looked between them, a thousand thoughts flooding his expression.
Note : next week will also be boring , so be prepared. Its been hmmm 8 chapters and we still in Balmwich hmm maybe it's time ...