Chapter 19: Racing Dreams
Riya, Muramasa, Sieg, and Astolfo made their way back to Riya's small apartment, their bodies exhausted but their spirits still burning — well, most of them at least.
Sieg and Astolfo looked like they could barely stand, while Muramasa remained ever-vigilant, walking slightly ahead like a silent guardian.
Once inside, Riya stretched his arms wide.
"Welcome to my humble castle! Don't touch anything sharp. Or just… don't touch anything," he said with a grin.
Astolfo, naturally curious, immediately started touching everything. Sieg trailed behind him, quietly apologizing for every single thing Astolfo picked up, dropped, or waved around like a lunatic.
At one point, Astolfo grabbed Riya's favorite coat and tried to wear it like a cape, striking an exaggerated heroic pose.
"Look, Sieg! I'm the new King of Spirits!"
Riya fake-gasped and clutched his chest.
"My legacy... destroyed."
Laughter filled the apartment, and even quiet Sieg smiled a little. It was a rare, peaceful moment in the chaos of the war — a moment Riya realized he really needed.
Still does he really have to rescue Caules and his sister? he thought, staring out the window.
But then he remembered... the old man who helped him was connected to Zelretch.
If those two were important enough for him to mention, then they must be worth saving. Tch, he clicked his tongue. "Guess I don't have much of a choice."
Later that night, while Sieg and Astolfo collapsed into one room together, Muramasa perched himself on the apartment's rooftop, keeping watch.
Riya smiled, rubbing his hands together.
Finally... time for the real good stuff.
It was time to sleep... and to connect.
As he drifted into the dream world, he found himself in a wide, beautiful forest clearing.
Waiting for him was none other than Atalanta herself, arms crossed, her emerald eyes gleaming with challenge.
"I have sworn my purity to Artemis," she declared proudly. "If you wish for my heart, you must first defeat me in a race."
Riya felt his soul leave his body for a second.
"A race...?"
She nodded solemnly.
"A race."
Problem:
Atalanta had A-Rank Agility.
On top of that, she had Crossing Arcadia, a skill that gave her an even bigger speed boost.
In other words... he was completely screwed.
But did that stop Riya?
Of course not.
He tried his best. He ran with all the power, strength, and desperation of a man chasing his dreams...
And he still lost by a mile.
Atalanta smirked, patting him on the head like a cute little pet.
"Try again next time, little one," she teased before disappearing into the forest with a laugh.
Riya groaned and woke up, face buried in his pillow.
"Damn it..."
But he couldn't stay mad.
It was still early morning. Riya yawned, getting up to check on things. Muramasa was still standing on the roof, scanning the city for enemies.
But then...
There were those strange noises
From Sieg and Astolfo's room.
Riya paused, ears twitching.
There was... pumping sounds.
And occasional moans.
Oh no.
With slow, dreadful steps, he approached the door.
He put his ear against it... and yep, there it was.
"They are having sex..."
Riya's brain immediately clicked into "experienced" mode.
He didn't even need to guess — he already knew what was happening.
But then... he blinked.
Wait... Sieg and Astolfo?
Both are guys... right?
He stared at the door for a few seconds, mind completely blank.
Then shrugged.
"Eh. Who am I to judge?" he muttered, turning around and going back to bed.
He buried himself under his covers, stuffing the pillow against his ears to block out the noise.
Please, just let me sleep in peace, he prayed.
Tomorrow was going to be another crazy day.