Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 7 : VENTURE

The day had finally arrived. Atlas and his team received a few final words from his father, the guild master, before the government officials arrived. "I'm here to remind all of you to stick together and never cause a scene, as this is the first time the government has sought our help. Leonard, you need to guard everyone, including yourself. I don't want to lose a comrade on this mission. This might be one of the most dangerous quests we've faced in a long time, so please be careful. It has been reported that many demons have emerged from the portal, and I need you all to work together. Before you go, I've prepared breakfast for the four of you. Now, you are dismissed," said Gildart.

"Yes, Master!" they all replied in unison.

"Atlas, you stay back. I have something to discuss with you," said Gildart, his face serious. Atlas felt a wave of anxiety wash over him; he gulped, his nerves getting the best of him.

The others left, leaving Atlas alone with his father. "Yes, Dad, is something wrong?" Atlas asked.

Gildart hugged him tightly and said, "I'm worried about you. It's hard for me to let you go on this quest, but the government has ordered it." His voice was tinged with melancholy. Atlas smiled, but his face couldn't hide the overwhelming emotions he felt. Gildart handed him a bracelet and said, "I've enchanted this bracelet to protect you from harm. If anything bad happens, it will break and send a message to the guild, and four of you will be teleport to the guild hall immediately."

"Thanks, Father. This time, all four of us will return together," Atlas said, hugging his father.

"Master, the government officials have arrived," came a voice from the entrance.

"I wish you all the best of luck. Come back safely," Gildart said.

"Yes, Master!" they replied. The team quickly boarded the carriage provided by the government and set off for Cleveland.

"Are you okay?" Keevin asked, noticing the worry etched on Atlas's face.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Atlas replied, though his voice betrayed his anxiety.

Keevin held Atlas close in a side hug. "You're easy to read, you know," Keevin said softly.

"I'm worried we might not survive this quest," Atlas admitted nervously.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm here to protect you. I'm a guardian. Relax," Leonard assured him.

Atlas managed a smile, and they all laughed, easing the tension. To calm his nerves, Atlas rested his head on Keevin's shoulder and fell asleep. After a few hours, the carriage came to a halt.

"Afternoon break, everyone! You may rest for an hour before we reach Magdeline Town for the night," a government soldier called out.

Everyone sighed in relief and began to look for a place to rest.

"Wow, the scenery is amazing!" Atlas exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. "The mountains, green grass, and the cool breeze... Isn't it wonderful, Keevin?" he asked, closing his eyes for a moment to enjoy the fresh air. Opening his eyes, he looked at Keevin's face.

"Yeah, it really is nice," Keevin replied, gazing at the scenery before locking eyes with Atlas and smiling.

As they gazed into each other's eyes, Atlas couldn't help but be captivated by Keevin's features. "I've never seen him like this," Atlas thought. "He looks so divine, like an angel." Lost in his thoughts, Atlas leaned in and kissed Keevin. "Promise me we'll return to Brokstorm together," he whispered.

"Of course, my love," Keevin replied.

They then shared a meal that Atlas had prepared earlier that morning while Keevin was still asleep.

"Hey, is that really an elf? I don't think I've ever seen one in real life," one of the government soldiers remarked.

"Yes, and why don't you mind your own business and leave them alone?" Leonard snapped, his towering and muscular presence intimidating the soldiers.

"Yes, sir!" they replied, clearly frightened.

Leonard smiled to himself. "You're finally happy, aren't you, Atlas?" he mused, a smile playing on his lips.

An hour passed, and they continued their journey to Magdeline Town.