The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 15 (Part 1)

     Denis and his friends return to Asbranne once and for all. It's such an exciting experience to visit another nation and return to one's place. Now, it's time to retreat and rest. Denis, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix arrive at Asbranne's International Airport and leave right away to head back to their home. From the smallest to the most humongous, planes depart while others arrive, their engines wailing.

     Denis and his friend drive homeward, the rhythmic hum of the car's engine blending with the steady thrum of tyres on asphalt as they traverse the familiar path. Along the expanse of the highway, a contemplative silence envelops the interior of the vehicle, with Denis lost in his thoughts, the weight of indecision bearing down on him like an unseen burden. As the landscape unfurls outside the windows, a tapestry of passing scenery, Denis' mind is a whirlwind of questions and uncertainties. The prospect of joining the coven looms large in his thoughts, as it is like a tantalizing yet enigmatic possibility that promises both rewards and risks, not just for himself but also for his steadfast companions.

     In the quietude of the car, amidst the gentle sway of the journey back home, Denis' thoughts meander down the winding paths of what-ifs and maybes. What benefits could aligning himself with the coven bring, not just for him but for the collective well-being of his friends? And in the shadows of such contemplation, the nagging question persists. What pitfalls might await them on this uncharted course they consider embarking upon together?

     Denis knows the coven is one of the dark sides of this realm and terrorizes Asbranne. But what's the point of it? He feels like nothing. He doesn't want to return to his universe anymore. All he just wants is to get into the coven and get the gains he needs to repay himself and his friends, no matter the cost.

     Later, everyone returns home. Finally, home, sweet home. The front door creaks open, and Denis and his friends enter, their backs burdened by the exhausting trip.

"Alright, guys! Take plenty of rest! We have lots of days ahead!" Philip asserted as they entered the house.

Denis lingered in the doorway, contemplating his life.

Harris closed the front door and placed a warm hand on Denis' shoulder. He then whispered to Denis, "Hey, how about we play some video games?" Harris smirked.

     Afterwards, amidst the boss battle of the video game, Denis and Harris play, sitting on the floor. With game consoles, they click and manipulate their characters, sweat dampening their backs. Then, at last, the boss is defeated. Denis and Harris yell in victory as they exchange triumphant high-fives.

"Brother? Denis?" Chloe called out, peeking from the open doorway. "We're being called to the dining room for a brief meeting," she informed them.

"We'll be there," Denis replied.

     Denis and Harris, alongside Chloe, proceed to the dining room. There, Philip has placed all the totems on the dining table. Together, they count all the totems they have gathered. In total, they have 7, while the other two are stolen.

"How will we reclaim what was stolen?" Chloe inquired.

"We'll get it ourselves," Philip answered boldly.

Gasps of shock resonated within the room as all eyes widened.

"What do you mean?? We won't even be able to step into the coven! The military of both Asbranne and Auxgaurrde already attempted to raid the coven many times. But it always backfired!" Meredith countered, giving her reason.

"Because what they've done are conspicuous raids. All expected. What we'll be doing, on the other hand, is sneaking in," Philip smirked.

"Oh," the others uttered.

"This will be somewhat a difficult task. So I shall go there... alone... so all of you can be safe," Philip sighed.

"Excuse me? What? Haha, no. I'm not gonna take the risk. I ain't letting my boyfriend go there alone," Meredith interjected. "I'm coming with you."

"I feel what you feel. So I'm not going to let you come. Sorry, Meredith," Philip denied, afraid to risk his girlfriend's well-being.

"I'm coming. I'm coming nevertheless. I've gathered all my skills from the past years, right?" Meredith asserted.

Philip reconsidered momentarily. "...Fine, you may come," he said.

Harris stepped forward. "I'm coming, too," he volunteered.

"What? No!" Philip and Meredith shook their heads.

"No, I have grown already. I'm no longer a child. Plus, didn't I just kill a level five hundred wyrm?" Harris reasoned. "...I believe I can do this... everything... for a friend," he murmured, glancing at Denis.

Denis stepped closer to Harris. "Harris, no. Don't... you'll hurt yourself," he whispered, worried for Harris.

"You saw me fight before, right?" Harris reassured him with a warm smile. "I can do this."