Alan hearing such profound words from Relecta, felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He closed his eyes briefly, grappling with the turmoil caused by her earnest pleas. When he opened his eyes, he met Relecta's gaze with sincerity, his voice softening as he tried to convey his inner turmoil.
"Relecta, do you hear yourself? Wife? It sounds simpler in words than it is in reality," Alan began, his tone laced with sincerity. "To make someone your wife, you have to love them. Romantically. And right now, I don't see you in that light. I'm not even sure if I'm capable of that kind of love. Love? I've never been loved, never felt anything remotely close to it, Relecta... I—"
"But I do..." Relecta's voice trembled as she rushed into Alan's embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "I love you, Boss... I truly do. I don't know if it's romantic or whatever, but all I know is I can't live without you. Please... please don't abandon me. I'm begging you, please."
Feeling Relecta's desperation, Alan embraced her tightly, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. He couldn't return her feelings as she wished, but he couldn't bring himself to leave her either. Knowing she relied on him for survival, Alan made his decision with a heavy heart and a sense of duty.
He helped Relecta to her feet and gently cupped her face in his hands, his expression turning stern. "Female Companion."
"Huh?" Relecta gasped in surprise and confusion.
"That's the best I can offer for now," Alan explained, his tone serious. "And I think I have an idea to convince Holdhearth to let you come with us. But before we proceed..."
Alan pushed Relecta away slightly and grasped her shoulders, his demeanor grave as he looked into her eyes. "I have two conditions for you if you want to come with me."
Relecta nodded firmly, wiping away her tears with her sleeves as she awaited his conditions.
"First, as you know I will protect you all the times but when the real danger strikes, and both of lives hang in balance, you have to understand as it doesn't matter to me however you will take this, but I will always prioritize my life over you. Understood?"
Relecta, confused and shocked, responded to Alan's condition with a slight nod as he continued. "Second, as I have already told you and you know better than me, Relic Castle is full of dangers. These dangers prey on carefree natured people such as yourself, so I want you to promise me that you will always stay close to me, in my sight at all times. Don't wander off on your own, or touch or eat anything without asking me first, okay? And most importantly, you will train with me every day."
In response to his final condition, Relecta leaped into Alan's arms with joy, exclaiming, "Whatever you say, boss!!! Your wish is my command!!"
Relieved to see Relecta happy and the argument resolved, Alan smiled knowingly. He understood the weight of his decision and knew there might be regrets in the future, but for now, it was done. All he could do now is to just prepare for the worst.Gathering the food packets from the stairs, he urged Relecta to do the same.
"Come on now, wipe your tears," Alan said gently, "you'll give some weird ideas to others. Let's pick up your packets; we're already running late."
Relecta happily followed Alan's lead, her joy evident as she fluttered along beside him. Upon reaching the room, Alan opened the gate to find Aurelia holding a mug of wine, already drunk. She handed one to Alan and then took another for herself, exclaiming in drunken joy, "Here's to the new addition to the team Goliath!!!!"
"Team Goliath?" Alan questioned, but Aurelia was too intoxicated to respond. She took the food packets from Relecta's hands and offered her a mug of wine as well. Alan attempted to intervene, but Relecta quickly gulped down the wine, teasing Alan with a wink.
Sighing in disappointment, Alan found himself startled as Lyco, also drunk, climbed onto his back. Whispering in Alan's ear, Lyco asked, "Have you met our new leader?"
"Huh?" Alan's confusion deepened as Lyco jumped off his back and onto Alan's bed, where Armis lay unconscious from drinking. Lyco pulled at Armis's drunk, drooling face, his eyes rolled back, as he declared, "We... as... the majority, decided that Armis Goliath shall be our party leader... hence the name Goliath."
With that proclamation, Lyco downed his wine so quickly that he collapsed onto Armis, asleep in an instant.
Alan glanced at Relecta and Aurelia with a disappointing gaze, who were drinking with abandon and congratulating each other. He realized that the group must have overheard his and Relecta's argument and started drinking in celebration. The wine on empty stomachs had clearly gone to their heads.
Alan closed the door with a heavy sigh, the weight of the evening settling on his shoulders. He wrestled the mugs from Aurelia and Relecta, their drunken protests falling on deaf ears as he finished the remaining wine himself. With gentle force, he guided them to Armis's bed, where they collapsed onto the soft cushions and fell into a deep slumber.
Alone in the room, Alan filled his mug once more and approached the window. He gazed out at the almost invisible moon, its soft glow casting a serene light over the night sky. For a moment, he allowed himself to entertain the idea of stopping time, of reliving this day over and over again. Never had he felt so alive, so connected to the world around him.
But the looming uncertainty of the future crept into his thoughts, pulling him back to reality. With a heavy heart, Alan took a sip from his mug, the warmth of the drink soothing his troubled mind. He wanted to linger in this moment of solitude, to savor the peace he had been longing for.
The next day dawned, and Group Solis and Luna were summoned to the central gate of Relic Castle. The civilians and faculty of the Chronos Wielder's Academy had gathered, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new generation of Raiders.
"C'mon, Relecta, we're going to be late!" Alan's voice echoed from outside the academy gates.
Alan was dressed in his new attire, which he had custom-made in that specialty shop from Inges Emporium. It resembled the outfit he wore when he first arrived in Pompeii, but with added features for protection. The all-black ensemble included an armor vest fastened with belts on his chest, forearm covers extending to his elbows, and knee and shin guards made of high-class metal. The grey color of the guards contrasted perfectly with the black attire. The cowl attached to his collar could be removed when not in use.
Alan waited impatiently at the academy gates for Relecta, while all his friends had already gathered for the sendoff ceremony at the central gate of Relic Castle.
"C'mon, Relecta!" Alan's voice carried across the courtyard, calling out to her once more.
But there was no response. Suddenly, Armis came running back to him, panting heavily as he approached Alan.
"Hee..huff.. What is taking you so long? The ceremony is almost starting," Armis gasped for breath between his words.
"It's Relecta!!! She hasn't gotten ready yet. And did you come all the way from the ceremony to get us?" Alan complained about Relecta's tardiness while surprised by Armis's concern for them.
Armis took a moment to catch his breath before straightening up to respond.
"Yeah…Aurelia asked me to. It's been almost 30 minutes, so she started getting worried and sent me to get you and Relecta."
"Sorry for the trouble," Alan apologized to Armis in a humble tone, intending to explain further, "It's just that it was her first time with wine, and you know how it g—"
"I am done!!!" Before Alan could finish his explanation, Relecta jumped on him from behind, clinging to his back, adorned in her makeshift armor, now complete with a hood attached to her attire.
Relieved yet frustrated by her delay, Alan scolded her, "You brat!!! No more wine for you from now on!!!"
"Ehhhh no!!!! I am sorry!!! Please don't do that!!!" Relecta pleaded, pretending to cry in regret.
"Alan, come on, we're already late. Aurelia will eat us alive if the ceremony starts before we get there," Armis urged urgently.
With a nod, Alan scooped up Relecta like luggage and motioned to Armis that they were ready. They dashed towards Relic Castle with a sense of urgency, moving as if there were no tomorrow. Relecta squirmed in Alan's arms, feeling disoriented as the world around her seemed to blur. In a broken voice, she pleaded, "Please... sll... sll... slow down!"
"It's your fault for waking up late and wasting time in the lavatory, so deal with it," Alan replied, maintaining their pace.
As they neared the central gate, Armis chuckled at the banter between Alan and Relecta. Suddenly, his laughter faded as he spotted Longiseus walking ahead of them. Armis called out to Alan, gesturing toward Longiseus. Reacting swiftly, Alan and Armis stopped running, nearly causing Relecta to stumble backward. Armis turned to Alan, suggesting, "This might be the best time. Go ahead."
Alan considered Armis's suggestion for a moment, then nodded in agreement. Gently, he lowered Relecta to the ground as she swayed, almost losing her balance. Armis quickly steadied her, ensuring she remained upright.
Alan quickened his pace and caught up with Longiseus, matching his stride. Longiseus glanced at him with a stern expression, his tone laced with taunt. "Well, someone's tardy early in the morning. Didn't expect that from someone like you."
Maintaining his composure, Alan responded in kind, his expression mirroring Longiseus's seriousness. "Well, I could say the same about you, Sword Master."
Longiseus's tone took on a hint of pride mixed with taunt as he retorted, "Well then, I would say that you just don't know me enough."
As they approached the Sendoff ceremony on the horizon, Longiseus's voice grew urgent. "So, what caused the unexpected small talk?"
Longiseus turned his gaze forward once more, his voice carrying a renewed seriousness that caught Alan off guard. Alan had a sinking feeling about what this conversation might entail, but he also saw an opportunity that could work in his favor. Blinking in acknowledgment, Alan nodded, silently urging Longiseus to proceed.
Longiseus continued without hesitation, his words hanging in the air, "I hope you have not forgotten about our deal?"
Alan shifted his tone back to taunting as he replied, "Well, I assure you that forgetting a death threat isn't simple for me either."
Longiseus's voice took on a grim tone as he continued, his words casting a shadow over the conversation. "Very well, because I had just received dreadful news this morning," he began, his expression grave. "Some of the guards stationed at the east gate of Relic Castle went missing last night without a trace. There were signs of forced entry on the gate, described as 'cut into pieces'." Longiseus paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
Alan's mind raced as he processed the information. He remembered the manual's description of the castle's formidable gates, made of solid iron. The idea of them being cut into pieces seemed impossible. Unless...
"So he is inside?" Alan interjected, his tone reflecting a mixture of concern and realization.
"Yes, which I am sure is not appropriate to say, is fortunate for us because now it coincides with your interests."
"What do you think he could be planning?" Alan asked.
"Likely seeking to bolster his strength," Longiseus responded thoughtfully. "Relic Castle harbors some of Pompeii's most formidable wielders, and—"
Alan cut in, his voice urgent. "They're his next targets."
Longiseus paused, acknowledging Alan's insight with a nod. "Yes, and once he reaches them, he will pose a greater threat than any monster within Relic Castle."
"And you want us to reach him before he gets to them," Alan concluded, meeting Longiseus's gaze with determination.
As the gravity of their conversation settled in, Armis's expression grew visibly serious, lines of concern etching onto his face, while Relecta watched him with puzzled curiosity.
"Well, I guess your speed is not only limited to your body, is it?" Longiseus said in a taunting voice as he continued his instructions. "Crimson Party is going to head in as well after our preparations are complete for the Lord Battle of floor 50. I expect you two to be done with your task by the time we arrive."
Longiseus averted his gaze to Armis, making him feel the weight of his instruction. With shivers in his body, Armis nodded to Longiseus as he turned to Alan and asked, "So, what was this favor you spoke of earlier?"
As Alan was contemplating,, his mind swirling with thoughts on how to fulfill Longiseus's command, he was abruptly drawn back to the conversation by a sudden recollection from Longiseus.
"Oh yeah, I wanted to ask," Alan began, turning his gaze towards Relecta, who offered a hopeful smile in return, "will it be alright if I brought Relecta with me on the raid?"
He paused, considering the implications of his request, before continuing, "I understand she needs a license and formal education, but given the circumstances, I don't see that happening anytime soon. So, I was h—"
"What are you talking about?" Longiseus cut Alan off, a perplexed expression crossing his face. Continuing, he glanced at Alan, adding, "As I remember, she is your concubin—"
"Female Companion!" Alan interjected, attempting to salvage the situation, but his effort seemed to only add to the awkwardness. Longiseus extended a weirded-out gaze towards Alan and remarked, "Hmm… still peculiar taste, I'd say. But whatever she is, you can bring her with you as long as you sign her acceptance form."
Walking forward from Alan and before joining the faculty on the stage in front of the central gate of Relic Castle, Longiseus spoke to Alan in a low voice, "Now please join your group so the ceremony can start. Every moment we waste here gives him time to slay another wielder."
Armis and Relecta joined, a visibly cringed Alan. He turned to Armis and remarked, "He makes it weirder every time."
"So, how did it go?" Armis inquired, while Relecta watched eagerly.
"He said she can come with us, as long as I sign her acceptance form," Alan replied, his gaze shifting to Relecta, whom he patted on the head with a joyful expression.
"See, Relecta? Now you're part of Team Goliath!" Armis exclaimed, trying to boost her enthusiasm. Relecta, thrilled, jumped at Alan, exclaiming, "Thank you, Boss!"
"Yeah, yeah, let's go join the others," Alan said, his eyes meeting Armis's serious gaze. They nodded at each other with matching stern expressions before heading off.
Alan and the others joined Aurelia and Lyco, who were already seated. Aurelia, visibly angry and concerned, scolded Alan in a suppressed voice, "Where were you guys?!"
"Don't yell at us. It was you who gave her wine last night; you're partly responsible for our late arrival," Alan retorted. Aurelia, shocked at Alan's backtalk, became even more furious as she began to lunge back, "Oh really?!"
"Stop it, you two. The ceremony is starting," Armis interjected, stepping in between their quarrel. Aurelia shot a glare at Alan before turning to sit back in her chair.
Alan regained his composure and looked around, taking in the setup for their sendoff. In front of the central gate, a big signboard was erected with "Chronos Wielder's Academy" written on top, followed by "SendOff Ceremony of 220th batch" and then "Welcome New Raiders" at the very bottom. Before the sign, a stage had been prepared, elevated approximately 2 feet, where faculty members and members of the Crimson Party were seated.
In front of the stage, six chairs were set up, where both groups were seated, surrounded by the public who had come to watch their sendoff. Alan's gaze fell on Cesar and Felix, both clad in shiny armors. Felix wore a bronze armor with gaps at the joints for flexibility, while the armor ended at his forearms, left bare probably for easier access and summoning of his shield.
On the other hand, Cesar was covered in a pitch-black full armor set, with no openings visible in his defense. Even his head was covered by a helmet, with a giant knapsack on his shoulders, making him look like a walking artillery.
Alan returned his gaze to his group, noticing Aurelia and Armis draped in each other's chosen attires, a stark contrast to their usual outfits. He chuckled as he observed the bold chest opening of Armis's robe, which showcased his chest prominently. Alan then saw Lyco, who kept glancing anxiously to his left. Remembering that Lyco's friend who agreed to join them was nowhere in sight, Alan felt a pang of concern.
Suddenly, the announcer's voice boomed in the air, signaling the start of the ceremony.
"Welcome, students! Or should I say, Raiders?! Welcome to the sendoff ceremony of the 220th batch of Chronos Wielder's Academy!"
The announcer's voice reverberated through the air, prompting Alan and the others to sit up straight in their chairs, their attention fixed on the stage ahead.
"Organized with the blessing of our Holy Emperor and ruling elites, and overseen by the esteemed faculty of the academy and the council of the King Raiders, I would like to proceed with the ceremony!" declared the announcer. "Leaders of the groups, please step forward!"
At the announcement, Alan glanced at Armis, who initially hesitated but then, seeing the confidence in his friend's eyes, stood up and ascended the stage, with Felix following suit from the other side. They positioned themselves beside the announcer as he continued.
"Now, both of you, extend your hands forward and look straight," the announcer instructed, and Felix and Armis complied, following his guidance.
"Now, please repeat after me in a loud voice: 'Me!'" commanded the announcer. Felix and Armis echoed the word loudly, adding their names into the declaration. "Leader of the party," they continued, each appending the name of their respective groups. "GOLIATH!" Armis shouted, sharing a smile with Alan, who returned it warmly.
"Scorching SUN!" Felix proclaimed, but his words fell into the void, met only by Cesar's vacant stare.
The announcer pressed on. "Now, the pledge," he announced. "On the name of Roiran and our Holy Emperor, I pledge that myself and my teammates shall not violate any rules set by the esteemed council!" Felix and Armis repeated the pledge in unison as the announcer paused to catch his breath.
"And we agree to all the terms set by our esteemed academy for allowing us our raiding adventures!" proclaimed the announcer. "We will share all information and a portion of treasure as a gesture of gratitude, obtained by my party during our raids. We extend our thanks to the esteemed masters and our academy for teaching us and guiding us to where we stand today."
With that, the announcer stepped back, concluding Felix and Armis's pledges. They were then handed papers, which they brought to their respective groups. Alan received his paper from Armis, which turned out to be a form—a no-objection form stating that if they were to perish during their raiding, the Academy would not be held responsible for any compensations. Reading it with a furrowed brow, Alan had anticipated something like this, but seeing it in writing still surprised him.
Another form was passed to Alan, this time for Relecta, with similar content. Instead of "Raider," it read "Female Companion." Alan raised his head and glanced at Longiseus on the stage, who nodded slightly at him with a mocking glance.
Everyone signed and submitted their forms, passing them back to Armis, who then handed them to an administrative aid. The announcer returned to the stage and instructed everyone to move toward the central gate. They formed a line, their gazes fixed forward at the gate.
Longiseus appeared in front of them, his arms tied behind his back. He stopped in the middle, followed by a man in casual attire standing behind him. Longiseus glared at the group for a moment before addressing them in his authoritative voice.
"Attention, students!" he commanded, and everyone straightened their bodies in attention, their focus solely on him as he continued.
"As much as I would like to congratulate you, it is not the time for celebration," Longiseus began, his voice booming with the weight of experience and authority. His expression was stern, betraying the celebratory atmosphere of the ceremony.
"Instead of being happy and emotional, you should be terrified, scared, preparing yourselves for the horrors that await you inside!" His words cut through the air like a sharp blade, driving home the gravity of the situation. "You might think that once you step in, you will find riches, treasures, and all the things you desire. But get this in your head! Relic Castle is not some buffet of food waiting for you to come and have your share. It is a struggle, just like life. It does not grant you anything without sending a fight your way!"
Longiseus's eyes blazed with intensity as he continued, each word carrying the weight of his experience. "You will have to battle every moment in there just to keep your feet steady. And as you move forward, the struggles only get worse. But just like life, once you overcome those struggles, Relic Castle rewards you with amazement you would never have even dreamed of—views you would only have imagined in your wildest dreams, and much more."
He paused, letting his words sink in, before concluding, "So with all this, I shall bid you farewell and wish you luck on your journey. May Roiran watch over you." His words hung in the air, echoing in the hearts of those listening, as the weight of the task ahead settled upon them.
With a humble gaze, Longiseus passed over the new raiders and moved away, leaving the man standing behind him to take charge. The man stepped forward, his demeanor firm and determined, as he heated up a stamp in his hand until it glowed a fiery red.
One by one, he began imprinting the emblem of the academy on their forearms. Armis, showing remarkable courage, didn't even flinch as the hot iron touched his skin. Next was Felix, followed by Cesar, each accepting the mark without hesitation.
Then it was Lyco's turn. However, he seemed distracted, his gaze fixed on a distant point, still waiting for his friend who hadn't shown up. The man tried to get Lyco's attention, but Lyco kept moving away, holding onto the hope that she would appear.
Seeing her friend's hesitation, Aurelia approached Lyco, her voice gentle and comforting. "Lyco... I'm sorry, but I don't think she's coming," she said softly, her words carrying a weight of understanding and sympathy.
Lyco's eyes glistened with tears as he looked at Aurelia, his hope slowly fading away. He attempted to respond, but before he could, Aurelia enveloped him in a comforting hug, her words soothing his troubled heart.
"Don't worry, Lyco. You don't need someone like her. You have your friends, you have us," Aurelia whispered softly, her embrace offering solace amidst the disappointment.
Touched by Aurelia's comforting words, Lyco closed his eyes and pushed down his emotions, nodding silently in agreement. With a masked smile, he extended his hand for marking.
After Lyco, Alan stepped forward to receive his marking. The searing pain lasted only a moment, expertly managed by the skilled man administering the mark. Then it was Relecta's turn. She hesitated, her innocent eyes seeking reassurance from Alan, silently questioning whether it would hurt.
Sensing her apprehension, Alan sat beside her, offering words of comfort. "It will only hurt for a second, Relecta. Don't worry, I'm here for you," he assured her gently.
Relecta, finding solace in Alan's words, quickly took his hand and extended her other arm. With a swift motion, the man imprinted the mark on her hand.
As the announcer stepped forward and bellowed in his commanding voice,
"Please proceed through the gate!" Alan and his group began their approach toward the central gate. Alan's eyes fixed upon the imposing entrance of Relic Castle, its massive gates slowly creaking open with the sound of iron scraping against the ground, resonating through the air.
As the gates parted, revealing the dark expanse of the Relic Castle before them, an aura of uncertainty and anticipation enveloped them. The castle seemed to emanate an overwhelming sense of the unknown, its immense presence looming over them, leaving them feeling small and insignificant in its shadow.
Alan took each step forward with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, the cheers of the crowd behind them serving as a backdrop to their departure. Before stepping fully into Relic Castle, Alan cast one last glance back at the sprawling kingdom of Pompeii, its bustling streets and lively people almost reminiscent of his first arrival. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for the journey ahead, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in this new chapter of their lives.