Cease the Suffering - Etrian Odyssey II (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 38

AN: Thanks so much Irish_Moon_Dreamer for commenting on the previous chapter! Here’s another long and fluffy one for you. And there’s a little surprise at the end~

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Chapter 38:

The sun was just about the rise as the party made their way back to Flaus Inn. A few early risers were up and about, Hamza being one of them. The War Magus was surprised once more to see his guild-members hurried into the lobby. There were no obvious injuries, yet there was some sort of tension in the air.

Shen was dripping wet, his powerful form shuddering erratically. He had one hand on his katana, while the other was clasped on Magnus’ shoulder, the blonde-haired Alchemist staring off into space, his eyes unblinking. Lynus circled around the two, well and truly into what was now dubbed as “Mother-Hen Mode”. Chi-hung lingered by Magnus’ side, nudging him with his head, trying to get a response out of him. And Axel stood a little way from the group, scratching the back of his head in a haggard manner. He also seemed to have Lynus’ bag on his person, carrying it so Lynus could fuss over the two unimpeded.

Another eventful night it seemed.

“You two need to get out of those wet clothes,” Lynus ordered, ushering both Shen and Magnus toward their room. “And sit in front of the fire place. I’ll ask Matron to brew you some tea or something. Don’t give me that look, just do as you’re told.”

As Lynus turned to speak with Matron, he paused and gave the two a rather stern look. “If you’re not in the tearoom by the time I get back, so help me…” he warned.

Axel chuckled and waved him off, before he approached Hamza in order to explain the situation. “Long night,” he said.

“Another mishap?” Hamza asked, although the answer was quite obvious.

“Shen fell through the ice and nearly froze.”

“I’m fine,” Shen immediately stated over his shoulder before Hamza had the chance to ask him himself.

Hamza simply nodded his head before motion toward their Alchemist. “And Magnus?” he questioned, concern about that vacant and haunted look in his eyes.

His concern grew when Magnus didn’t answer. He appeared to be in some state of shock.

“Headache,” Axel answered for him, purposely being vague before adding, “I’ll explain everything later.”

Once more Hamza simply nodded his head. “This stratum is indeed rather dangerous, isn’t it?” he commented with a frown. If it wasn’t the monsters that were trying to kill them, it was the labyrinth itself. Danger was literally coming from all sides.

“We managed to find two Snow Blossoms, though,” Axel said as he stretched his arms over his head, emitting a few telling cracks and creaks. “Didn’t want to risk looking for the other possible two.”

“No, that is completely understandable,” Hamza said, agreeing completely with their reasoning. After all, the mission didn’t state that they had to complete it all in one night. “We can try again tomorrow or the next. Finding two in one night goes beyond expectations. You’ve done well.”

“The blossoms are in Lynus’ bag,” Axel explained, indicating to the bag he was carrying as he started to make his way up the stairs to his own room, to no doubt remove his armour and unwind a little. “He’ll take care of them. Well, after he finishes taking care of everyone else.”

Hamza watched as his guild-members move away, going in separate direction. Only Chi-hung lingered behind with him, circling around him a couple of times. Hamza caught his gaze and shared a silent conversation. Chi-hung flicked his right ear back, showing that there was no need to be overly concern. Everything was going to be alright.