Fleeting Memories

Chapter 18: Why was I sent here?

I walked and walked, continuing forward with a consistent yet fast pace that although allowed me to make ground, was quickly beginning to tire me out. I felt the sweat of perspiration run down my forehead as I continued on but soon enough, I had to stop to rest.

"Don't tire yourself too much, it's already been thirty minutes since we've begun traveling... I think there's a time discrepancy between this dimension and the other... You're only supposed to last up to thirty minutes within the fog, no?..."

"Perhaps time is running slower here compared to the reality that we know..." The light spirit thought as it tried to assist me in my tired state.

"But that doesn't mean I can't stop and rest... We don't even know how much of a difference the time discrepancy is... I'd rather tire myself in here than die out there..." I said in response as I continued my way trudging through the water.

"I suppose so... But be sure to tread well... I'll return back into spirit form to conserve my energy. After all... Something could happen at any moment in this desolate place..." He said ominously as if he was foreboding a future.

I watched him return back into a blinking yellow light and flying into my sword, I noticed it glowed slightly brighter than it did before. The darkness was slowly creeping and with no time to waste, I decided to make a run forth as walking would take me nowhere at this rate...

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"For the betterment of our country! All hail our savior, Emperor Kartis! Everyone! Pick up your weapons and serve the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Helvita!" The man donned spectacular garments of dark green and brilliant gold shouted behind a podium at a stage.

Cheers and applause sounded as he shouted at the top of his lungs; the loud chanter and voices from every man, woman, and child filling up the entirety of the kingdom's center where thousands had gathered to listen.

It was chaotic but the very sight of the countless individuals chanting together and cheering for the prosperity of the kingdom as war approached soon, was a scene where knights and nobles serving the kingdom would cry in response to it.

And I was no exception. I stood on the side of the stage, lined up in front of the rows of knights behind me who were holding stern expressions whilst trying not to smile at that heartwarming moment. I was also drawn to tears as today too was a momentous day for someone else...

I glanced towards the crowd and as I did so, there I spotted her. Dressed in all white, she smiled towards me, filling my heart with a warmth that never ceases to ease me.

"Erica! Erica! Over here!" She shouted despite her voice being covered by the thousands of other voices of the enormous crowd.

I returned the gesture, waving back while my head slowly turned back to see the grand scene unfolding before me at every second; the bridge of my nose flaring up from simply taking in the magnificent harmony of our kingdom...

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"General Ralphie, he's just that amazing, isn't he!? You've got to introduce me one day, he's truly the leading strength of the kingdom, able to give such a wondrous speech on behalf of our unrivaled king~" She spoke as she brought her hands together to exemplify her words.

"Haha, I doubt he'll even listen to a lowly captain like me. He's too busy these days working with the other captains in the war effort. Besides that, aren't we here to commemorate you finally achieving your lifelong goal? You've finally landed at becoming a priest!..."