Zeteo: The Seeking for Glory

Chapter Two: Unspoken Truths

The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of the jungle as Mathena and Thurman prepared for their journey to Khthon Village. The air was fresh, and the chirping of birds echoed around them, contrasting the dangers that lurked in the shadows. Thurman packed his satchel with food supplies, his face unusually serious.

"Alright, the path to Khthon isn't exactly safe," he said, adjusting the strap. "We'll need to stay sharp. The village is a few days' walk east, and we'll probably encounter monsters and bandits."

Mathena nodded. "I understand. I'm ready."

As they started walking, an uneasy silence hung between them. Thurman had been unusually quiet since the incident at the pub. It was only when they reached a clearing that he finally spoke, his voice hesitant.

"Mathena... can I ask you something?"

She glanced over, meeting his curious gaze. "Go ahead."

He paused, as if carefully choosing his words. "You're... different. I mean, I've never seen anyone who can summon weapons or fight like you. And that thing you did with the basilisk—slicing through its fire like it was nothing." He shook his head in disbelief. "It's not normal."

Mathena's eyes remained on the path ahead. "Is that so?"

Thurman chuckled nervously. "Yeah, that's putting it lightly. Look, you saved my life twice already, and I owe you everything for that. But I have to know—who are you really?"

Mathena felt a pang of hesitation. She had told herself she wouldn't reveal her true identity—not yet. Not while she was still weak, and not until she could fully understand what had happened during the millennium she'd been unconscious. She turned away from him slightly, her face blank.

"I... don't remember much," she said quietly.

Thurman frowned. "You don't remember?"

She nodded, keeping her expression neutral. "When I woke up in the jungle, everything was... a blur. It's like my mind is shrouded in fog. All I know is that I have a purpose, but I can't recall anything from before I woke up."

Thurman's eyes softened, and he nodded sympathetically. "I see. That must be rough." He hesitated, then added, "But if you ever do remember, you can tell me. I'll keep your secret."

Mathena offered a small smile. "Thank you, Thurman. I appreciate your trust."

They continued walking, the sun climbing higher in the sky. The jungle's sounds shifted as they made their way deeper, the chirping of birds replaced by distant roars and rustling bushes. Thurman remained alert, his eyes darting around.

"So, Khthon Village," Thurman said, trying to lighten the mood. "It's not the safest place, but the elder there is said to know everything—people call him the Living Histoire. If anyone can help you, it's him."

Mathena nodded thoughtfully. "The past... it's important. I need to understand what happened, especially if it involves the gods."

Thurman looked puzzled. "The gods, huh? You think they're real?"

Mathena's expression remained unreadable. "There's truth in every legend, Thurman. Sometimes, they're just forgotten."

Thurman shrugged. "Well, you might be right. With all the crazy things happening in the world, who's to say?" He paused, glancing at her. "And you—you could be one of those legends. A hero, maybe."

Mathena's eyes flickered, but she remained silent.

As they continued through the jungle, the air grew heavy with tension. Suddenly, the bushes rustled, and a large, cat-like creature with black fur and glowing green eyes leapt out, its claws extended and fangs bared. Thurman barely had time to draw his dagger when Mathena, moving faster than he could see, summoned a spear. With a single thrust, she pierced the creature's side, and it let out a deafening roar before collapsing.