The Treasure Seeker: Saga 1 - Etrian Odyssey 5 Fanfiction (BoyxBoy/BL)

Chapter 26

AN: And we're up to the second last chapter! Ahhhh can barely believe it myself XD Well, I hope you'll enjoy reading and let me know what you think about the fluff at the end :3c

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Chapter 26:

As the rays of orange and purple shimmered over the horizon of the setting sun, Drayce felt a sense of nervous anticipation rush through him. His heart wasn't exactly beating out of control, but it was faster than usual due to the excitement and uncertainty.

It was the night of the full moon.

This night was supposed the time that the light of the Radiant Moon could be seen.

If they don't find it tonight they'll need to wait for another moon cycle before they could go searching again.

Drayce sat on the edge of the couch as he stared out the window. "This is it," he murmured, his voice breaking the silence that had fallen over the seating room where everyone had gathered in preparation.

"Yes," Shashi replied as he paced over to the window to look out at the darkening sky. "The full moon will be upon us soon." He turned away from the window to look over at Drayce. "Will you be all right to enter the labyrinth?"

Drayce didn't immediately answer. His eyes drifted down to his injured leg. It was still heavily bandaged but the pain had most lessened. Neither Ashton or Fiorello were thrilled with the idea of him entering the labyrinth, but both Shashi and Zohar insisted that he needed to go.

He wanted to go also. He didn't want to miss this chance, this opportunity to finally bring the Radiant Moon home for good. So that Aura could truly rest in peace. And so could the Moon Legacy she created to help it.

"I'll take my cannon and one of my crutches to be sure," Drayce said as he pushed himself to his feet and picked up just one of his crutches before he shoved it under his right armpit. "I'll rely on Decoy Bunkers if anything should happen."

"C-can I come?" Caelem suddenly asked him, his voice ever so shaky from nervousness. "I want to see it, too."

Drayce immediately smiled at the red-haired masurao. "Of course, Cal," he said which caused Caelem to immediately smile brightly with relief. "Stay close to me or Blayke, though, just in case."

"Yes!" Caelem immediately replied, rather happily at that.

"I'll come too. For extra protection," Zohar said, his tone firm, leaving little room for argument. Which was unnecessary as Drayce wouldn't have argued with him anyway.

"Why don't we all go?" Shashi was the one to suggest as he glanced outside the window again. "I wish to see this Radiant Moon as well."

Surprisingly, Ashton was all for it. "Good idea. Just in case we should encounter any trouble, it would be best if we're all together."

Drayce was fairly certain it was because Ashton wanted to keep an eye on him, but he was glad and relieved nonetheless. Everyone being together would also reassure Caelem and make Faelen happy. But that also meant if Drayce accidentally and unintentionally pushed himself too far, Ashton would go into full-fledge caretaker mode and possibly throw him over his shoulder again.

Not a good look for a leader of a guild!

"Well, let's get going," Drayce said with a broad smile.

... ... ... ... ...

Venturing along the winding stairs and paths leading to the labyrinth was surprisingly easy at night. It was a little disconcerting in a way. But Zohar did say entering the labyrinth was far easier at night. Was the lack of guards something done on purpose, leaving the entrance free for anyone to roam in and out as they pleased? Did the guards not want to risk their own lives trying to keep others out, instead letting them make their own choices to enter at night?