The Cosmic Vessel

Chapter 2 Camping

The scene takes place at night, with a campfire burning brightly. Ten people, members of Ash, sit around the fire, while a few carriages and horse carts are nearby, accompanied by merchants and their goods.

One of the party members, filled with curiosity, spoke up, "Leader, you ended the story too quickly. I want to hear the full tale of the god wars—how it started, who began the conflict. Please, share all the details." The rest of the group grew excited, eager to hear more from the leader.

The party members, named Eira, a beautiful and charming young woman of around 21, spoke up. "The story is just a myth. We don't even know if it's real. The historical records of that event have been erased from the world, and it's been passed down like a children's bedtime tale, person to person." She smiled gently. "If anyone has a missing piece of the story, feel free to share." Her beauty left the men speechless, as the full moon illuminated her face, making her glow like an angel. Her white hair shimmered under the moonlight.

The camp fell silent as everyone gazed at Eira's stunning beauty, the only sound being the distant chirping of crickets. Thorin, Ash's childhood friend and closest companion, gave a soft cough to break the silence. "That's enough of bedtime stories," he said with a grin. "We need to rest for tomorrow's journey. We have to complete the escort for these merchants. Every hour and a half, two people will switch shifts to stand guard while the others rest."

As Thorin took a few steps toward Eira, he said, "You can sleep inside the carriage. There's no need for a lady to take a guard shift tonight. Rest fully until the rooster crows at dawn." He then turned to Ash with a teasing grin. "How's your wife, Erza? She's close to her delivery date, right? What are you hoping for—a boy or a girl? Let's hope it's not twins, haha! What do you say, buddy?"

Eira walked toward the carriage, overhearing their conversation. Gritting her teeth and clenching her fists in anger, she stormed inside and slammed the carriage door shut with a loud bang. The sharp sound echoed across the camp, catching the attention of a few nearby. People glanced at the carriage, confused and stunned, having no idea why she had slammed the door so furiously.

Ash raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled, and asked, "What's gotten into her, slamming the door so hard like that? She seemed fine just a moment ago. Is something bothering her? Should someone check on her to make sure she's alright?"

Thorin shrugged and said, "Nah, she's fine. Probably just a mood swing. Don't worry about it." As they continued walking back to the campfire, he added, "Now, where were we? Ah, right, let's pick up from where we left off."

Ash sighed and said, "Thorin, I'm going to retire from the Adventurer's Guild. It's time to take care of my family. We bought a large piece of land and a mansion in the village. That's what Erza wants—she doesn't want me taking any more dangerous jobs. So, this will be my last trip as an escort."

Ash paused, his mind drifting to memories of the past. "I think back to when we were young," he said with a nostalgic smile. "We were reckless, always chasing danger on those wild adventures. I just hope those days stay in the past."

Thorin nodded thoughtfully, the flickering firelight reflecting in his eyes. "Yes, those memories are precious, and I hope they never fade. But time moves on, and we can never predict what the future holds for us. Life pulls us in different directions, and before we know it, the adventures of our youth are just stories we tell by the fire."

He paused, then added with a small smile, "I've decided to join Celestora Academy as the head instructor in Eldoria. You know, it's a prestigious place, founded by the former Emperor Lionheart about 10 years ago. It's a huge opportunity, and teaching the next generation of knights and mages—it feels like the right path for me now. Who would've thought, after all the battles we've fought together, that I'd end up as a teacher?"

Ash looked at him, surprise flickering across his face. "You got an invitation from them too?" 

Thorin nodded, a serious look crossing his face. "Yes, I got the invitation too, and so did Eira. It seems like Celestora Academy is really making a push. Even though they were only established a decade ago, they're already aiming to become one of the top magical academies in the world. They're not just looking to boost their rank; if I'm right, they're strategically expanding their influence and military strength. It feels like they're building up an elite force, possibly to make the empire stronger and more secure for whatever challenges lie ahead."

Ash raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "I didn't expect that. Seems like Celestora Academy isn't just reaching out to powerful adventurers to teach students—they're aiming for something bigger. No wonder I've heard rumors about famous people joining their ranks. Looks like those rumors are true after all." He paused for a moment, thinking it through. "Having renowned figures at the academy is sure to attract a flood of new students. It's a smart move. With such high-profile instructors, they'll boost their reputation and draw talent from all over the world."

Thorin nodded. "You're right..." His words trailed off as he suddenly tensed, sensing something unusual. His gaze shifted toward the dark forest near their camp, and his expression grew serious. "Ash," he said in a low voice, "I'm sensing a heavy aura coming from the forest. Something strange... something powerful."