Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 22: Lunar Essence

Aria had a whole day to explore Shadowvale. Just coming out from the blacksmith, she eagerly made her way to the Echo Tower, her most cherished spot. Despite the ravages of war that had befallen Shadowvale, the Echo Tower still stood proudly in the center of the town.

As she approached the tower, her heart sank at the sight of the nailed-shut door. It seemed like a gateway to her deepest memories, yet it remained closed to her now. She pulled and tugged at it, but the heavy wooden boards remained unmoved, guarding a secret she couldn't access.

After circling the Echo Tower several times, she reluctantly gave up. The howling wind filled the desolate town with an endless silence. What was once a bustling hub now lay in ruins, with only a few residents from the Moon Tower remaining. The Echo Tower stood amidst it all, like a lonely sentinel silently witnessing the passage of time.

With no other option, Aria wandered the town until sunset, when she returned to the blacksmith's shop to retrieve her lightweight sword.

Upon receiving her customized weapon, she couldn't help but be amazed. The slender blade was agile and sharp, as if it were a keen edge capable of cutting through the dust of ages and the shackles of the soul. Swinging it effortlessly, the blade gleamed, seemingly ready to sever all the smoke and dust around her, granting her freedom anew. After bidding farewell to the blacksmith, she hurried towards Sovereign Bastion, needing to reach safety before nightfall.

The last rays of sunlight stretched the shadows in the alleyways, casting a pallid hue. In the distance, eerie cries and howls filled the air, stirring a sense of foreboding within Aria as she quickened her pace along the path.

However, as she passed a bustling tavern next to the stables, a figure huddled in a corner against the wall caught her eye. Aria approached cautiously, and to her surprise, she discovered it was Neven.

"Why are you sleeping out here again? Wake up..." Aria crouched down and shook him gently.

Shadowvale appeared even colder and emptier, with scarce pedestrians. If she hadn't happened to pass by, Neven might have slept here until deep into the night, becoming a target for Night Ghouls.

Glancing around, Aria realized she needed assistance. "Wait here, I'll find someone to help." Her gaze shifted towards the nearby tavern. As she rose to leave, Neven grabbed her hand, muttering softly, "I'm fine, don't go..."

Seeing Neven, Aria felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and sorrow. The once brilliant Executive Commander had now dwindled to a mere semblance of his former self, consumed by addiction, akin to an empty shell.

"But you can't sleep out here, you'll freeze." Aria expressed her concern. "I saw your friends today, and even Grand Master Seraphina. Everyone misses you, we're all worried about you."

Neven kept his head down, offering no response. Aria patted his cheek, but he responded with an impatient grunt. With a sigh, she realized that no amount of persuasion could change Neven's choices.

Rolling up her sleeves, Aria struggled to pull Neven up; his body felt heavy and cold. "You need to... get up by yourself... you're too heavy... I can't lift you..."

Neven seemed to hear her words and struggled to stand from the snowy ground.

It was undoubtedly the most challenging journey Aria had ever experienced. Step by step, they made their way towards the Moon Tower on the mountainside, as if walking an endless path. Yet, despite the hardships, Aria remained determined to bring Neven back.

As night fell, they finally arrived at their destination. Aria inquired about where Neven lived, but he simply smiled at her, as if all his worries had vanished.