Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 47: Through the Mist - The Village of Dali

Alex and Zidane slowly make their way over to the rest of the group. Somehow, Zidane seems energetic, even though he collapsed just minutes ago. Alex, however, feels spent. After risking his life and surviving a death battle, he can't act like an unbreakable soldier. He thinks he did a brilliant job during the fight, but pretending to be invincible isn't his style.

The others, now on their feet, stand in a peaceful silence as the snowstorm settles, casting a serene look over the area.

"Hey, is everybody okay?" Zidane asks.

Steiner, clearly irritated, demands to know what happened, accusing Zidane of hiding something or, worse, behaving improperly with the princess while she slept.

Garnet scolds Steiner for the rude accusation, but Alex shakes his head. "Is this a circus? Sorry, Zidane, but downplaying what just happened isn't a smart idea. The others, especially Vivi and Garnet, have a right to know."

Steiner turns to Alex, eyes narrowed. "What happened?"

Alex explains, detailing the encounter with a tall black mage, resembling Vivi who cast a sleep spell over them. He goes on to describe how he and Zidane woke up and were forced into battle with an enemy who summoned a formidable creature called Sealion.

"We nearly died, no joke! I don't understand how you can act like nothing happened, Zidane. He called himself Black Waltz No. 1, and if there's a No. 1, it only makes sense there is also a No. 2 and a No. 3. We have to be careful! Their goal seems to be capturing the princess...."

Steiner's expression turns grave as he looks at Alex. "What are you saying, Alex? Are you implying the queen would bring back the princess by force, even if it means killing us?"

Alex nods. "Captain, I'm not certain, but I know what I saw. We should talk more about this later. For now, the storm has cleared, and we need to get out of this icy cave."

After several more skirmishes, the group finally reaches the steep path leading upward. The area where Alex and Zidane fought Black Waltz No. 1 and Sealion has changed. The icy battleground is gone, replaced by a majestic, unfrozen waterfall, now flowing freely.

Although Alex earns an additional 300 gil from the skirmishes, he feels drained from the exhausting battle. His mind and body are both taxed, worn from the trials of the day.

At last, they approach a warm light spilling in through the path above, the way out.

As they finally exit the cavern, the group steps out onto a series of cliffs, overlooking the landscape. They breathe in the fresh air, grateful to finally be above the mist. The warm sun shines down, filling them with relief and energy after the dark, cold cave.

From the top of the cliffs, they spot a small village nestled in the valley below.

Alex grins as he recognizes it immediately. "Dali... it's so much bigger in real life! Must be around fifty, maybe even a hundred houses." He appreciates the view as the others regroup, but Steiner and Zidane's bickering picks up again, just as Garnet declares her intent to leave the castle behind.