Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 32 : THE SHROUDED MANUSCRIPT

Atlas hurried into his room, where Nowell was already waiting. Nowell’s face was swollen, his arm bearing the marks of injury. Atlas looked into Nowell’s eyes, and pity filled his own.

“What happened?” Atlas asked as he stepped closer.

“I was on a quest, hunting a red bull. But they’re much stronger these days. I miscalculated and got wounded, as you can see,” Nowell explained, his voice strained. “Luckily, one of our guildmates found me and brought me here.”

Atlas reached out to heal Nowell’s wounds. Slowly, they began to close, but a wave of exhaustion washed over him. "This is the first time I’ve felt so tired while healing. What's happening to me?" Atlas wondered silently.

Nowell recovered fully, but Atlas nearly collapsed. Nowell caught him and laid him on the bed. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern in his eyes.

“Yeah, don’t worry,” Atlas replied weakly. Nowell touched his forehead.

“Your body is burning up. Are you sick?” Nowell asked calmly.

“I guess I am, but it’ll pass soon. I’m sorry, Nowell, but could I rest for a moment?” Atlas muttered.

Nowell nodded and left the room. As he departed, Atlas's heart began to race. "What the hell is happening to me?" he thought. "Why is my body acting this way?"

Suddenly, a cold hand gripped his shoulder, sending a shock through his system. “Ah! Whose hand is that? So cold!” Atlas yelled, turning around to find Creed standing there.

“I got bored, so I decided to visit the human world,” Creed said casually.

“So it was you! Can’t you show up like a normal being without risking my life?” Atlas snapped.

“Well, didn't I say your life is in my hands? Not that you wouldn’t die eventually anyway,” Creed replied with a wicked grin.

Atlas sighed in frustration. “Just do what you want. I’m leaving.” As he turned to go, Creed's hand reached out again, resting on Atlas's shoulder.

“Hooman, is this how you treat your boss?” Creed's voice chilled Atlas to the bone.

“What do you want, old man? And I have a name,” Atlas replied defiantly.

Creed’s eyes narrowed. “Old man? You’re the one who looks older than your own father.”

“I swear, I’m going to kill you, demon,” Atlas growled, his eyes blazing with rage.

Creed laughed. “Haha, relax, human. I’m not here to be killed. Let’s go to your house.”

Atlas stared at him, suspicion creeping into his thoughts. "My house? What does he want?" In his mind, he imagined terrifying scenarios, wondering if Creed would torture him out of sheer boredom.

“I have work to do. Don't disturb me. Maybe later,” Atlas muttered, sitting down at his desk.

“I can wait,” Creed replied smugly.

“No! You can't wait here! Go somewhere else,” Atlas insisted.

A knock sounded at the door. “Atlas, I’m coming in!” Darren called.

“Oh no, Darren’s coming! Quick, hide!” Atlas hissed at Creed.

“Who are you talking to?” Darren asked as he entered.

“Oh, nothing. I just woke up,” Atlas replied, trying to act natural.

“Alright,” Darren said, though he gave Atlas a quizzical look. “There's a new quest posted on the quest board. I think you might be interested.”

“What’s it about?” Atlas asked.

“It’s about the last manuscript of the legendary wizard, Larcade Heartmiller,” Darren replied, his gaze serious.

Atlas's eyes widened. “Larcade Heartmiller,” he whispered, stunned. The name belonged to his ancestor, the first of his bloodline to wield magic, the founder of the guilds spread across the world.

“I thought he was slain by a demon and that the manuscript was lost to them,” Atlas added, his mind racing.

“That's what I’ve heard too,” Darren said. “But there are rumors that Larcade is still alive, even now. You should take this quest as soon as possible. People are already fighting over it.”

“Thank you, Darren. I have to do this.” Atlas paused. “Why don’t you come with me?”

“I can’t join you this time. I’m already on another quest,” Darren replied. “Nowell told me to bring you the news, but I knew the moment you heard about it, this quest would become your priority.”

“Thanks, Darren. I truly appreciate you,” Atlas said. With renewed determination, he rushed off to see his father and apply for the quest.