Lost In The Callallis Maze

chapter 8

We were sitting on a bench, rays of light from the glassed roof hitting my armoured leggings, warming me a little.

"Damn, your group cleared that basilisk request?!"

"Yuh uh, but two of us died. We're disbanding."

"...sorr-"

"No problem. I'm joining the Red Demons anyway."

"..."

"That'll be your reward for completing the request of slaying basilisks near the settlements of Panveil..."

"...We'd like to take on the request of subjugating dire wolves..."

"...Hey, did you hear? That black dude from Serene encountered a mystic flower and went rogue, claiming its power."

"Yeah, their guild had to shut down, taking the blame for his rampage. Ironic because they were starting to rise in the upper leagues. But it hurts not being able to see Ariella..."

"Ah, shut up, I don't want to hear any of that..."

The house was bustling with chatter, shouts, and warm attitudes towards each other. It seemed as though they as a whole were one big family looking after one another.

As my attention went towards Aiden, with his eyes fixated on a bulky greatsword of a hunter with a monstrous body, I couldn't help but wonder,

"Hey, uh, I didn't confront you till now, but should I call you Aiden? It is an identity you chose," I said.

"You can if you want. It would be tossed off as a nickname anyway," he said, his eyes still fixated on the greatsword.

"Should we go shopping later this evening? I mean, the sun is starting to set, so I don't know if any shops would be open," I said, also wanting a new set of armour.

"Alright," Aiden said.

"You are carrying that shortsword, right?" I asked him.

"Yes," he replied, moving his head as the hunter moved.

The sight was baffling, to which I couldn't help but frown a little. Disregarding that, I walked to our room.

The second floor was rather simple, with doors along the hallway leading to rented rooms that overlooked the main floor. The creaking of the floor was concerning, but it seemed not to be a worry.

I opened the door and with each creak of the floor, I neared closer to a drawer between two beds. The rays scattered across the room, hitting my face and momentarily blinding me.

The warmth was pleasant. I couldn't help but sit on the bed, letting the light soak into my armour. I thought I was used to and fond of cold and dark skies, but warm skies were even more blissful.

As time went on, I was left in a trance, the warmth sending a chill down my spine.

"The ground floor isn't as crowded anymore. Let's register," Aiden said as he opened the door.

"Ah, alright. I've got the papers ready so let's," I said.

"...You okay? Why were you crying?" he asked.

Placing my hands against my cheeks, an unexpected trail of tears went down my fingers.

I admit, that I still haven't processed my family's death quite well.

Does my life even mean anything anymore? What else is there for me to achieve? What IS my purpose..?

Many questions overwhelmed me, whether should I pursue vengeance or
escape and leave myself behind.