Chapter 62, "Shadows Beneath the Mine":
As the group fled deeper into the forest, Seraphine turned to Alarcus, her eyes narrowed. "If you want my trust, give me your mana. Prove you're not just some reckless fool chasing revenge."
Alarcus sighed, his body tense. "Fine, but don't think this means I trust you." He stepped closer and extended his hand. "Take what you need."
Seraphine placed her hand over his, and a golden glow surrounded them. As the mana transferred, she sighed in relief, gripping Excalibur tightly. The sword shimmered, and her wounds began to heal rapidly.
"Now," she said, her tone softening slightly, "I remember you. You're the adventurer from the tournament in the capital. The one who threw every spell he had, only to have them sliced apart like butter by Edger."
Alarcus's face darkened. "You don't have to remind me. I've had plenty of time to relive that humiliation." "alright then why are you here?" she asked.
"I'm here for the black monster. The one you fought," Alarcus replied, his tone cold.
Seraphine smirked faintly. "Still, you're persistent. I'll give you that. But you're chasing something far more dangerous now."
Alarcus raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"That thing you're after isn't a monster. It's a sloth demon," she said gravely.
"A demon?"
"Yes. They're far worse than monsters. According to the old church records, they're from the sloth demon race. The longer they sleep, the stronger they become. And when they wake, they feast on the living."
Alarcus clenched his fists. "I don't care what it is. It destroyed my home. It killed my family. It's going to die."
Seraphine's tone sharpened. "Then don't underestimate it. Sloth demons are deceptive. While asleep, no one can sense or see them. They're also deadly fighters, using shadow and lightning magic to overwhelm their enemies. I made that mistake once and barely survived. Don't make it yourself."
Alarcus's jaw tightened. "I won't. This is personal."
After a moment, he glanced at the sword in her hand. "That sword you used back there… it's incredible. Where did you get it?"
Seraphine smiled faintly, running her fingers along the blade. "It was a gift from a mysterious blacksmith. It arrived during a church lesson, delivered by a crow golem. The priests thought it was a gift from the gods. Its power is immense, but it requires an absurd amount of mana to wield."
Alarcus raised an eyebrow. "A crow golem? That sounds like something the Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales would create."
Seraphine tilted her head, intrigued. "You know of him?"
"Let's just say I work for him," Alarcus replied.
Seraphine chuckled softly. "Small world."
They sat in silence for a while, the tension easing slightly. The noble girl, still held by Zetsuei
Camilla, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "And you may need allies to go agint the demon. The rebellion could use people like you."
Alarcus frowned. "Why were you with those knights, anyway? You're clearly not on their side."
Camilla crossed her arms and met his gaze. "I volunteered to join them. It was the only way to meet Seraphine and recruit her for the rebellion. Plus, it gives me a chance to fake my death and finally be free of my father's control."
Seraphine raised an eyebrow. "Your father?"
Camilla nodded. "One of the many nobles in this region who thrives on the suffering of others. He doesn't care about me—just another one of his pawns. But I've been helping the rebellion for years, doing what I can to undermine him and the others like him. The rebellion is small, and we're not strong, but we're growing. Slowly. Secretly."
should we trust you now?"
"Because I can help you," Camilla replied evenly. "I know this land better than any map. I know the knights' patrol routes, hidden paths through the forest, and the safest places to hide. If you want to survive, you'll need me."
Alarcus studied her for a moment, then glanced at Zetsuei, who stood silently nearby, its glowing eyes fixed on Camilla. The golem made no move to indicate hostility, which seemed to ease Seraphine's skepticism.
Seraphine crossed her arms. "And why should we trust you now?"
"Because I can help you," Camilla replied evenly. "I know this land better than any map. I know the knights' patrol routes, hidden paths through the forest, and the safest places to hide. If you want to survive, you'll need me."
Alarcus studied her for a moment, then glanced at Zetsuei, who stood silently nearby, its glowing eyes fixed on Camilla. The golem made no move to indicate hostility, which seemed to ease Seraphine's skepticism.
"Fine," Alarcus said. "well believe you—for now. But one wrong move, and you'll regret it."
As they moved deeper into the forest, Alarcus broke the silence. "You mentioned the rebellion is growing, but why would you risk exposing yourselves for us?"
Camilla glanced at him. "Because people like Seraphine and you are exactly what we need—fighters with the strength to stand up to the nobles and their tyranny. The rebellion's survival depends on allies who can make a difference."
Alarcus smirked faintly. "And I suppose Zetsuei caught your attention too?"
Camilla's eyes flicked toward the silent golem walking beside them. "I've heard stories about the Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales' creations. To see one up close... it's more than I expected."
Zetsuei turned its head slightly, its glowing eyes scanning the trees but remaining silent.
Unbeknownst to them, the sloth demon lurked in the shadows, its rage simmering. Its whisper echoed through the dark forest, filled with malice.
"They think they can escape... but they cannot hide... I will feast on their fear and their flesh..."