I'M THE HERO

Chapter 19: Bond

| Thank you for getting this far!! |

Ryazania's POV:

Soon after arriving at the Guardian's Keep, we set up camp inside the ancient ruins, using it as our base of operations while we waited for the turmoil to settle down.

Though dilapidated and overgrown with vines, the keep provided the safety and seclusion that we desperately needed.

 I spent my days training relentlessly with the Sword of Eternity, honing my skills under Fein's watchful eye. 

Our sessions were intense; each swing of the sword and parry of the blade was a step toward mastering the weapon's power and unlocking its secrets.

Meanwhile, Mal and Elara busied themselves with setting up a makeshift camp. 

They scouted the keep's interior and surrounding areas, finding suitable spots for sleeping quarters and a cooking area.

 Vengir, with his practical skills, started making seats, and tables, he even began repairing the old gate.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast long shadows across the crumbling stone walls, Mal approached the training grounds where Fein and I were sparring.

"Ryazania, Fein," Mal called out, his voice carrying over the sound of clashing metal. "It's time for supper."

We paused, lowering our weapons and catching our breath. 

Nodding to each other, we made our way to the central courtyard where Elara and Vengir had set up a fire and prepared a simple meal.

As we gathered around the fire, the aroma of cooked food filling the air. 

Mal took a deep breath and began to speak. "I've been thinking," he started, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames. "This place, the Guardian's Keep, it has potential. What if we made it our fortress?"

The others looked at him with a mix of curiosity and surprise.

"A fortress?" I echoed, my brow furrowing in thought.

"Yes," Mal continued. "We could fix it up, make it defensible. 

With the turmoil in Eldenforve and the Sacred Templars hunting us, we need a stronghold, a place where we can regroup and plan our next moves without constantly looking over our shoulders."

Fein nodded slowly. "It makes sense. This place is isolated and has strong natural defenses. If we can repair the walls and fortify the gate, it could serve as a base."

Elara added, "And it's not just about defense. We could use it as a base to gather allies, plan our strategies, and eventually help Ryazania...and if we can clear our name"

Vengir, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "I've already started fixing some of the structures. With a bit of time and effort, we can restore a lot of what's fallen into disrepair."

I looked around at my companions, seeing the determination in their eyes. 

The idea of turning the Guardian's Keep into our fortress was more than just a strategic move—it was a chance to have some stability.

How I got transported in this world, how I was taken and abducted by the cloaked figure, and how we got transported in this region.. I just want a stable place to sleep at.

"Alright," I said, my voice firm. "Let's do it. We'll make this place our fortress, our home, from here. We'll plan our next steps and prepare to face whatever comes our way."