365 Days Journey

Day 2

After the knights and adventurers spent the entire day sweeping through the city, it was finally declared safe today. All the churches sent their clerics and priests to purify the dead, preventing them from turning into undead.

It was a sight to behold from the second floor of the adventurer's guild. Golden light illuminates the whole city and soothes those who are grieving.

"How is Antra?" I asked, tearing my gaze from the glowing city and turning toward the girl lying on the bed.

"She lost a lot of blood, but she'll be fine," Aunt Carla reassured me, her voice soft as she stroked her daughter, Aela, who was sleeping soundly next to her. "Don't worry, Reis. Antra will wake up tomorrow or the day after. You should get some rest."

Aunt Carla had opened her own tailor shop a few years ago after leaving her work at the church. Though she'd enjoyed her time there, her dream was always to make clothes, especially leather garments. All my leather armor was crafted by her.

She was my mother's sister, and it seemed that healing magic ran in the family. My mother had a natural gift for it, and Aunt Carla, though she didn't practice as much anymore, had inherited the same talent.

My eyes fell back on Antra. Her right arm, reattached but still marred with scars, made my chest tighten.

'She must've been terrified... I hope she's okay. I just want to see her smile again.'

Antra has been my closest friend for eight years. She was like a big sister, always fussing over me, scolding me whenever I came back covered in mud, and dragging me to the nearest well to wash up.

We met at a festival not long after we both lost our family members to disease. She'd grabbed my hand, mistaking me for her brother, and wept uncontrollably in my arms. After calming down, she apologized, but from that moment on, we were inseparable. She was the one who helped me heal.

I clenched my fists every time I looked at her wounds

'I couldn't protect her...'

Was my regret right now.

I heard she'd stayed at the guild long after her shift, waiting for me. It was partially my fault.

I clenched my fist even tighter, the weight of guilt heavy in my chest.

"Aunt Carla, I'll leave Antra in your care. Thank you for staying with her this whole time," I said, my voice tight as I tried to keep my emotions in check. "I'll head home now, but I'll be back later."

"Huhu~ Of course, Reis. Be careful on your way back~!" Aunt Carla smiled warmly, but I could barely return it.

As I left, Warhammer in hand, one of the staff approached me with a message from the Guildmaster. He told me to take a weapon or shield from their armory instead of my Warhammer.

Grateful, I accepted the offer, choosing a sword and a small shield.

I returned home at 8 AM, observing the city's state along the way. After walking for 15 minutes, I finally spotted the marble building with wooden windows, a carved door, and a small garden in the front yard. This building is my parents' house.

Carved into the door is the word [Samya], meaning [Harmony]. My dad loved using ancient languages and seemed obsessed with them.

"Talena Ughatitam."

I placed my hand on the carved word and, after reciting the secret chant, the lock on the door opened from the inside. By the way, "Talena Ughatitam" is a direct translation for [Open Lock]. To lock it again, simply recite "Talena."