Chazon had spent some time experimenting with the limits of Teleport, and by extension Return, for the rest of the day. His assumption about the Aetheryte Crystal absorbing some of the money from the teleporter turned out to be true; there was a magic vault of sorts at the base that could be accessed by someone registered as a guard. Thankfully the minimum cost was only 10 copper, though the cost can reach upwards of 1 gold coin if one was far enough away. The cost will always be cut in half if a crystal has been marked in one's status magic as a favorite. Glenn figured that it would be good pay for the guards if the crystal became a popular teleporting spot.
Thanks to the carpenter, he had gotten a carriage made out of BioPlant wood and even though he didn't have a filolial to pull it, he was able to confirm that one could teleport an entire carriage to the newly dubbed "Aetheryte Square" and still have plenty of room in the square proper.
His help guide updated and told Chazon everything he had just learned, along with another interesting tidbit: the Aetheryte Crystal will check the square or plaza it is in for safe spots to teleport something or someone in as to prevent something akin to tele-fragging. If it can't find a safe spot, a light will start circling the crystal with a sort of alarm telling the surrounding people to try and clear out to make room for people teleporting in.
Chazon and Rino continued to try and level up off the BioPlant seeds that were created the other day. They had managed to hit level 28 and got a lot more wood for construction material as a result. Rino was still worried about Chazon all the while, wishing that he would eventually tell her what was wrong like her father said. In the meantime she started teaching him Melromarc's language with Damalus' help, hoping that she could re-bond with him.
What happened a few days later would prove to be a life changer for Chazon.
A caravan of traders had arrived in Lerno under Elena's leadership, just as she had mentioned doing at the banquet. The BioFruits proved a popular item to the point where Lerno could barter with just the fruit and nothing else, though the villagers had processed the fruit and removed the seeds. If merchants wanted a miracle seed, they would have to pay a lot more for it. Chazon gave them the idea of roasting excess seeds for an additional food item; which amounted to a walnut substitute that also proved popular.
Due to the Aetheryte Crystal being a very new thing in Melromarc and the world in general, the townsfolk decided against letting strangers attune to it until another one has been set up in the world. As such, all the traders thought that it was a fancy, yet pretty square centerpiece given to them by the Spear Hero.
Chazon saw one particular wagon that had a suspicious tent set up outside of the village proper while he was checking everything out. Deciding to make sure it wasn't anything shady, he approached it to inspect when he encountered the owner; a short man with what looked like a ringleader's outfit and tophat, though once again it was all grey. "Ah, the vaunted Spear Hero! I wasn't expecting you here."
Chazon simply crossed his arms. "Who are you and what is your purpose? Depending on your answer, I might have to tell you to shove off."
"That is the kind of attitude that I like to hear! Your fellow hero has shown me much of it and it still gives me gleeful chills!" The man bows. "My name is Beloukas, and I deal in goods of a… peculiar status.
"That doesn't give me much to work off of." Chazon stated flatly. "Do I have to pry, or should I just force you to pack up?"
"But of course you can pry. Since you're already here, how about you see for yourself what I deal in. You are here to keep the peace, yes? I'm sure you'll do your job more efficiently if you were to inspect my tent yourself." Beloukas bows while allowing Chazon to head inside, which he does so reluctantly.
All he saw were cages upon empty cages. "This isn't telling me much, unless you're a cage or trap seller."
"Ah, but have you considered what goes in cages? I figured you would have known; I have heard the rumors regarding you, Spear Hero!"
"Rumors?"
"Oh, You haven't heard? There are rumors about you that you had entered a brothel for a *ahem* particular service and that you had actually-"
"Stop… I know what you're talking about and I don't want to hear it…" Chazon felt the ice in his veins return after trying so hard to forget, only to receive yet another brutal reminder of that night.
Beloukas, to his credit, knew that the subject was a caltrop field and decided to drop it somewhat. "My apologies, Spear Hero. Rumors tend to get exaggerated and that one seems to be no exception. Regardless, were you able to see what I was getting at?" He gives a sinister, yet business-like smile.
Chazon thought for a moment while looking at the cages before horror dawned on him. "Slaves?"
"Correct! I deal in all manner of slaves, though admittedly I only have two in my possession at the moment." He adjusted his hat, smile never receding. "Since you have denied the rumors surrounding you, I do actually offer another service if you are interested."
"Are you capable of such kindness? Are you merciful enough to extend a hand to a slave on the brink of death?"
Those very words had haunted his nightmares ever since that night, showcasing another way he had failed as a hero. He saw almost first-hand what a slave looks like; bereft of hope and afraid of their master, doing everything they can to not get harshly punished. And yet he never thought to try and save at least one slave from their fate. Naofumi may have done it out of necessity, but he still saved Raphtalia from a cruel fate that could've led to her death and treated her with kindness.
But… would I be able to do the same? Can I… actually save someone like this?
"Let me see them." Came Chazon's bland reply. Even if Raphtalia would never forgive him for the duel that almost tore her and Naofumi apart… he could at least show her that he wanted to make amends by showing kindness to someone in a similar position to what she used to be in. He still had about 400 silver; it was a matter of how much a slave was worth to Beloukas.
That surprised Beloukas, clearly not expecting such an answer from a hero worshipped by the Church of the Three Heroes. He quickly regained his composure. "I must warn you, you won't find much in them. Do you still wish to-"
"Enough with the questions. You're wasting my time with them." Came the cold retort. Chazon knew that he might not be viewed favorably in the village after today, but if he could give the slaves a loving home, then it would be worth it.
Conceding to the customer, Beloukas led him to the back corner of the tent. "Well, you asked and now I'll show you. Here's the first slave I have. I had just gotten her from a fellow slaver before coming out here, so I haven't gotten time to adjust her."
He pulled back the tarp and a surprised gasp was heard. There was a young girl in the cage wearing some very filthy rags. While Chazon couldn't tell what her hair and eye colors were, he could identify a pair of ears closely hugging the top of her head and a slender, yet furry tail. Weasel ears and tail…
She looked at the two men with fear in her eyes as she clutched something. When Chazon looked directly into her eyes, she saw how much pain she was in; how much abuse her previous owner had put her through. Hate had begun to creep over the despair in his heart at her previous owner, but he shook it off mentally. "And the other?"
"Ah… this one will be of no use to you, but if you insist." Leaving the weasel demi-human alone, Beloukas went to the next cage, one where incessant coughing was coming from, and lifted it. This time, it was a demi-human with fox-like ears and tail. However, this one made no motion to show that she knew someone was looking at her; her face was deathly pale. "This kitsune demi-human slave is not long for this world due to a very rare disease. Thankfully it isn't contagious, but I've yet to find a cure for her. I wouldn't recommend her."
You mean you haven't bothered to cure her, you slime ball. Chazon's hate was beginning to surface more, only to be re-submerged by the avalanche of despair that held sway over the spear hero. But… she really is not long… I knew how cruel this world is, but…
"Are you capable of such kindness? Are you merciful enough to extend a hand to a slave on the brink of death?"
Raphtalia… no, it's no longer just about what she said… this has become more than that.
Chazon opened his eyes with a determined look on his face. "I'll take them both."
This is about saving lives. To give them a chance at living how they want.
That surprised Beloukas immensely. "Even the kitsune? I can, perhaps, understand the weasel thanks to a certain other hero's companion, but the kitsune might become a-"
"Are you questioning my choice? I thought the customer was always right." Chazon stated in a low growl. He had made up his mind in spite of his despair; he may never be able to get out of it, but if he can save others from it then that would be fine.
"If you are certain. That'll run you about-"
"You stated that the weasel demi is still unfamiliar to you. Because you haven't put time and resources into her, I'm certain you can let her go at a lower price." Chazon wasn't a business person, but he was going to try his damnedest. "And likewise, you stated that the kitsune demi doesn't have long for this world, so I'm sure that'll drive her price down as well."
"Ah, that is true, but I have to think about-"
"I'm giving you an out here, sleaze ball, so don't test my patience. Or would you rather me just smash and grab, leaving you with nothing?" Chazon gave him a solid glare.
Secretly, that made the slave trader gleeful that the Spear Hero can drive hard bargains like his fellow hero. "I suppose I have little choice. I'll charge you 50 silver for the weasel demi and the kitsune will come with her for free."
"Done." Chazon handed the 50 silver over and gave Beloukas a pointed glare, telling him to hurry up.
Beloukas unlocked the kitsune's cage first and allowed Chazon in. He winced at the smell that permeated the cage, but kept going. The kitsune barely opened her eyes when his shadow fell over her and he could see just how much pain and misery she was in. She let out a low whimper… only to gasp softly when he had withdrawn one of his camping blankets and wrapped her in it, providing her with some much needed warmth.
Chazon's face visibly softened as he beheld her up close. The misery in her eyes changed to pleading; a wish to either be saved or put out of her misery. He rubbed his head against hers softly. "Don't worry… I got you now. Let's get you someplace better."
The weasel was next and she stared wide-eyed at the fact that he was carrying the sick kitsune in a blanket wrap. He kneeled down to her and offered a hand. "Come here. You aren't staying in this place anymore." There was a softness to his voice, one that told her that he was genuinely kind.
She hesitated even so, but grabbed his hand with one of her tiny ones. He brought her near and she squeaked in surprise when he petted her on the head before picking her up with one arm. She saw the kitsune and noticed that her fellow demi looked a bit more at peace in his arms, only to feel him rub his head against hers reassuringly. "Let's go."
"Spear Hero, what about the slave crests? They are part of proper procedure and-"
"If the slave crests are absolutely necessary, it'll wait until after the kitsune is healthy. And don't you dare say a word; I'm going to do my best to cure her, mark my words!" With that, he dashes out of the tent.
Beloukas waited until Chazon was out of the tent before smiling again. "Those Shadows sure know their stuff. I'll admit the weasel wasn't part of their "suggestion", but they knew that he would go for a chance at saving the kitsune. I'm getting goosebumps again; this is the Shield Hero, Spear Hero edition!" He chuckles at that, deciding to remain in town for a while longer to see how things pan out.
Chazon had made a beeline for Damalus' house, knowing full well what to do. He claimed to be a mere apothecary, but considering he had created medicine for the war, he probably had some tricks up his sleeves. I pray that he has an answer to the kitsune's illness. If not, then I want to make her last days as comfortable as possible. She deserves that much.
"W-who are you?" The weasel demi barely managed to ask that while Chazon was running with her in his arms. This man had skipped out on branding her his slave and even took in a sickly slave despite being told many times she wasn't long for this world.
Chazon gave her a reassuring smile. "My name is Chazon and I'm nobody important. Who matters is you two right now."
She let out another soft gasp at that. Nobody… has ever said that to me in a long while… Tears had begun building in her eyes.
"Hey… don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you." Chazon thought her tears were of fright since he couldn't exactly lock eyes with her, so he tried to reassure her. "Only monsters hurt others without reason." I say that, even though I came very close to killing a man, no matter how much he deserved it…
"Thank you…" she whispered quietly, burying her head into the fur lining on his shoulder armor.
He would have responded, had he not noticed that Damalus' house was right there. Rino had just exited and saw him approaching, only to look shocked at who he was carrying. "Chazon-kun, what's going on?"
"Let's just say a slave trader stowed away with the merchant caravan and I discovered it. I remembered… certain words spoken one night that made me check it out in full and… well you can see what I did." Chazon quickly headed inside to tuck the kitsune into a comfortable bed and get the weasel out of her rags. "Rino, do you have any spare clothes from when you were a little girl?"
Rino smiled after him. I knew it… underneath all of your pain, you are still the kind hero that I joined… that I admire…
That I love so dearly…
Rino blushed when she realized what she thought before shaking her head and following him inside. "I'll find some for you. Papa should be back soon as well!"
"Perfect. I need his help desperately. Let's just say he's got a patient in critical condition."
"Speak no more!" Rino squeaked in surprise when her father suddenly appeared behind her. "I've got a sixth sense when it comes to patients! Show me the damage." Rino quickly shook her head and followed him inside.
"She's in one of the beds up here. Hope you're not picky about your patients." Chazon motioned to the kitsune who's now in one of the beds. The weasel was hiding behind him, afraid of all the new people she was quickly getting introduced to.
"Bah! I'm not one of those racist radicals you find in and around Castle town. An apothecary's duty is to help the sick and injured; letting race get in the way of that is an utter disgrace!" Damalus took a look at the kitsune. "Still, I'm going to need some time with this one, so take the other lass and be sure to treat her to a bath."
"I can help with that as well!" Rino piped up, which made the weasel squeak in fright. "Hey… don't worry, I won't hurt you. My name is Rino, and I'm Chazon-kun's party member." She kneeled down so that she was eye-level with the demi-human child, giving her a sweet smile.
"M-my n-name is… R-Rifana." The poor girl stuttered before bowing.
Chazon closed his eyes. "Rifana… a beautiful name." He smiles at her. "In my world, your name means 'angel', and you fit that description well, maybe even better once you're clean and in good clothes." Rifana's eyes grew wide as she let Rino lead her away by the hand, Chazon giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Rino's a pure-hearted person. You can trust her."
After a bit, Rino came back with a clean Rifana who's currently in a frilly dress that perfectly fits her. Rino let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad I held onto the clothes I wore as a little girl. My late mother loved them dearly, so I never had the heart to give them away."
Tears began welling in Rifana's eyes but before she could say anything, Damalus called out. "I've isolated the illness and administered some medicine… but it's not looking good."
Chazon rushed in and saw that while some life had returned to the kitsune, she was still very ill. "Can it be cured?" He was half-way pleading.
Damalus looked down with sadness in his eyes. "I've seen this disease before. It's a rare one that tends to attack kitsune demi-humans in general. A cure tailored to it does exist, but the herbs required for it only grow in Siltvelt and Shieldfreeden." He shook his head solemnly. "There's one other thing that can cure her… but it's too long of a stretch."
"Tell me." Damalus looked right into Chazon's eyes. While no light seemed to be present, the determination in them could not be denied. "If even a sliver of a chance exists at saving her, I'll go for it."
Damalus crossed his arms. "If you are so determined… The solution is called "Yggdrasil's Drought" and it is a potent medicine capable of curing any illness. However, it requires a Yggdrasil Leaf and from what I've heard, they can only be found in one of four ancient forests scattered across the land. One is to the north of us and is a days run from here, but the area is exceedingly dangerous."
"That's fine. Rino! Take some money and prepare as best as you can; we're heading out as soon as you're ready!" Rino affirmed that and ran out to gather supplies after grabbing a bag of 100 silvers from Chazon.
Rifana whimpered a bit and Chazon gave her a soft hug, which startled her. "Don't worry. Damalus is Rino's father and I'm sure he'll take good care of you. I know not what suffering you had to endure from your previous owners, but I assure you that those days are over." He breaks the hug and pets her on the head. "Be a good girl, okay?"
"O-okay…" Rifana still couldn't believe it. Someone had bought her not to enslave her… but to save her. He had even gotten her fellow demi and was going to risk his life trying to cure her. Who… are you really?
After Chazon had bolted out the door, Damalus beckoned Rifana over and gave her a pat on the head as well. "That lad has a good heart… It's just a shame that he lost all hope for himself at some point. I can only hope he goes back to being the hero he once was.
"H-hero?"
"He didn't tell you? Chazon-sama is the Spear Hero! I can't imagine why he would withhold that information from someone he's trying to save." Damalus crossed his arms in compilation.
A hero… a hero other than the shield hero saved me? Not only me, but another demi as well… and told me that we were more important than him…
"My preparations are complete, Chazon-kun!" Rino had come back from the temporary traders market in the Aetheryte Square.
Chazon nodded at her. "What did you get?"
"Rations, some great quality HP potions, good quality MP potions, I even found some soul-healing water. From what I remember papa telling me, it's great for heroes to drink to recover something called SP."
SP recovery, huh? Would have been nice against the Heavensward Mauler, but too late for that. "Alright, I've double-checked our camping supplies in case we need to camp for the night." Chazon thought of something. "I need to ask: are you okay doing this with me?"
"Why do you ask? I'm your party member, aren't I?"
"Well… We're going to a highly dangerous place looking for something that might not exist. Even knowing that, you still wish to join me?"
"Yes." Rino knew that he was trying to push her away for the same reason why he always tried to comfort her for the past few days. "I remember what you told me the day I asked to be an official member of your party. My answer since then hasn't changed." She gives him a determined look.
You… really are stronger than I'll ever be… Chazon nodded at that, wishing he could see her brilliant red hair at least one more time before truly submitting to his world of grey. He remembered some lyrics from his world at that moment. How cold have I become? I didn't want to lose you by what I'd done… caught in the grey…
"Chazon-kun?"
"Sorry… Let's go, it's now or never." She nods and both party members dash out the northern exit of town. They hopped over the river feeding Lerno Village and kept going north, fighting any monsters that challenged them.
The ancient forest they were looking for was signaled by an enormous tree in the middle of a thick forest. By the time they had reached the outskirts of it, it was already sundown, so they made camp at the edge and waited till morning. Rino desperately wanted to talk to Chazon, but she didn't know how to. Chazon went to sleep that night, merely praying that the kitsune will be able to hold on for a little while longer.
When morning broke, they packed up and delved into the forest. Chazon was immediately annoyed by how dense it was. "I've explored some thick woods and forests in my time, but this is ridiculous." It doesn't help that I can't tell wood and tree trunks from leaves or flowers thanks to everything looking grey…
After some time, Rino had gasped at what she saw, but Chazon didn't know why until a lizard-like monster called an Ancient Celkko attacked him, instantly dealing 30% of his HP in a single blow. It was level 32, presumably the highest level monster they have yet to face, yet the duo was able to kill it without many other incidents.
Rino gave Chazon a concerned look as he drank an HP potion "Are you okay, Chazon-kun?"
"Sorry, I didn't see it coming. I'll try to be more careful going forward." Chazon tried to reassure her as he moved to carve the corpse for materials.
That made Rino look down in distraught as she whispered, "But… I could see it perched on the side of that tree just fine though… green against brown is easy to see."
"Did you say something, Rino?" Chazon gave her a concerned look. "I promise I'll be more careful, okay? I was just careless." Rino simply nodded and kept following.
After some time, they came across some rather large tracks in the ground. Chazon paused and scooped up some dirt to sniff it, thankful his sense of smell wasn't gone. "These tracks are very old. I doubt anything like that Ancient Celkko would be able to make tracks like this; they look like they were made by something with claws or talons."
Rino had managed to break out of her concern as she looked at him in wonder. "What are you doing?"
"Doing what a good hunter should do: testing tracks to see how fresh they are. We can't see past the canopy very well, so unless we find some other method of getting to the giant tree in the middle without wandering in circles for hours on end, this is the only way." My status magic map is unavailable to me as well for some reason...
"Can't you use your High Jump skill? Or climb up the trees?"
Chazon shook his head at that. "From the ground, my High Jump can't reach past the canopy and I'd rather not risk climbing the trees since I'd be a sitting duck. There could be some powerful monsters up there." Rino nodded at his explanation. "For now, despite how old these tracks are, let's follow them and see where it leads us."
After some time following the tracks, and almost losing them in the scuffles that happened because Chazon couldn't see color properly, they came across a clearing… that had the Giant tree in the middle of it. "Well, those old marks definitely were useful. Let's see if this tree isn't hollowed out."
Sure enough, they found an entrance to the inside of the tree. However, some sort of strange light-barriers covered the entrance. Rino gave it a concerned look. "How are we supposed to get inside? Do you need to break it with Faust Shadow Bolt like the Heavensward Mauler?"
Chazon was about to answer when a voice rang out in both of their heads. "That will be unnecessary."
"Wha- who are you?" Chazon looked around with confusion in his dull eyes.
"I am the guardian of this forest, so to speak. If you wish an audience with me, I will speak only to those of pure heart. If I deem you worthy, I'll let you into the Ancient Oak tree that rules this forest."
"Pure of heart…" Chazon decided not to question it as he shook his head. "Sorry, but that rules me out immediately. Rino… it's up to you now."
That shocked the poor girl. "Chazon-kun I know you're also-"
"I'm not." He let out a sigh as he retreated towards the outer edge of the clearing. "I'm sure the guardian agrees with me. Just… promise me you'll get out of there as soon as you think you're in danger."
Rino's heart throbbed at hearing Chazon deem himself unworthy of entering a sacred place despite being a hero, but knew that it would make him even sadder if she didn't go. As such, she approached the barrier which dropped and allowed her entry.
When she entered, she noted a spiraling incline going up towards the top. "Worry not. I shall save you the walk up this tree. Step into the swirling energies in front of you and it will take you right to me." Sure enough, the swirling energy made itself known to her. When she stepped inside, she was carried upwards to the top in a few seconds; something that would take upwards of an hour long doing the normal way.
When she got off the magical energies. She beheld something she never thought she'd see in her lifetime: A pure white dragon was perched at the top of the Ancient Oak near a window to the sky above the forest. Green eyes observed her with a serene calmness that comes from a patient guardian of a forest. "N-n-nice to meet you! My name is Rino!"
That amused the dragon as he let out a huff. "You do not need to be so stiff with me, little one. I am Reine Skala, the guardian of this ancient forest." He regarded her with genuine curiosity. "It has been long since I have encountered someone as pure-hearted as you. What brings you to my abode?"
Rino calmed herself down enough to remember why they were there. "Reine Skala, I have come here because I am in need of a Yggdrasil Leaf. Is there anything I must do to obtain one?"
Reine Skala closed his eyes in contemplation. "And what, pray tell, might be your reasoning for asking such a request?"
"My companion recently purchased a sick demi-human slave from a slave trader that had stopped by my village. My father, who is an apothecary, identified the illness she has, but the ingredients for the normal cure are too far away from these lands. As such, we wished to create a Yggdrasil's Drought so that she may live long enough to see a brighter future; one where she no longer has to suffer being a slave." Rino gave Reine Skala a pleading look. "I know that such a leaf is very valuable, but we wanted to save her with all our hearts."
"Do not cry, little one. I can tell you speak the truth; that your intentions are as pure as your heart. However… I cannot part with such a legendary item so easily." Reine Skala tapped a claw to his muzzle before his eyes widened. "Perhaps a test that doubles as a request is in order. If you and your companion complete this test, I shall give you what you seek. Do we have an accord?"
Rino nodded at that. "Then so it shall be. My request is simple: kill the monster that has been rampaging through the forest ever since the second wave of catastrophe; it is the only boss monster in the forest. As much as I wish to take care of this myself, I fear my power will do more harm than good and the monsters of the forest cannot deal with it themselves, hence my request. Do so, and I'll bequeath the Yggdrasil Leaf to you."
"We won't let you down!" Rino said, determination in her heart. She turns and heads toward the swirling energy that brought her up.
"Ah, I wish to speak of one last thing to you." Rino turned around, puzzled. "You probably already know this, but I must say it anyway. Your companion… the Spear Hero… I can sense immense despair corrupting his heart. In fact, I could sense it as soon as he entered the forest."
"I… know about it… but… whenever I try to talk to him about it, he always just comforts me instead…"
"The wounds on the surface will never compare to the wounds of the heart, little one. He has lost sight of who he was and blames himself for all of the ill that has happened to everyone around him. His duel with the Shield Hero, the result of that duel, and your kidnapping. He blames himself for it all."
Rino gasped at that, tears welling in her eyes. She knew it had something to do with him having to save her from the brothel, as well as despairing over the results of the duel, but she never realized that he took all the blame onto himself. "He… he's so hurt… and I… I never truly noticed…"
"Do not lose yourself as well, little one. Neither of you are to blame for the events of that night, rather it is the result of blind hatred of one person and the unrelenting cruelty of another, two very corrupting forces. If you truly care for him, then you know what you must do."
Rino closed her eyes for a moment before nodding at that, drying her tears as she stepped into the magic swirling behind her, taking her back down. I… I need to talk with him properly. If I don't do it soon… he might slip away from me forever.
She called out for Chazon as soon as she exited the tree, which got his attention "So what happened?"
"The guardian, Reine Skala, wanted us to kill a monster that has been causing havoc ever since the second wave. If we can find a boss monster roaming in this forest and kill it, then we'll get the Yggdrasil Leaf we need." Rino hesitated for a moment. "But… can we talk about something, Chazon-kun?"
"Can it wait until we are done here? I don't doubt that what you have to say is important, but I wish to cure the kitsune as soon as possible. You can say your piece after we get the leaf." Rino let out a low sigh before nodding, knowing that she couldn't argue against that kind of logic.
Upon re-entering the forest proper, the duo started looking for abnormal tracks in the forest. They've encountered Ancient Calkkos, insect monsters called Stick Bombers, and the bird monsters that perch high in the canopy called Swooping Eagles. None of them were boss monsters, so they were on the lookout for anything that doesn't share any tracks left by them.
After a bit of searching they found some, but the sight made Chazon shudder violently. "I remember seeing these tracks in the forests outside of Castle town. These are Mauler tracks, though…" He kneeled down to observe them closely. "Something is up. From the way all these tracks are layered, it seems like there are two of them walking closely to each other. Yet we've been told only one boss monster is here."
He scoops up some of the mud and sniffs it, only for all of his hair to stand on end.
The tracks were very fresh.
He immediately drew his spear and had it switched to the Stone Golem Spear for the defensive boosts. Rino squeaked and drew her dual blades as they began circling the small clearing with their backs to each other. "C-Chazon-kun?"
"Whatever it is… it's very close by… perhaps... " While he couldn't see color… his hearing worked just fine. He heard rustling from the side… and saw something massive moving towards them. "OUT OF THE WAY!"
Both party members dived out of the way of the massive monster that had just barreled towards them. They managed to straighten themselves in time to see the monster that had tried to mow them down.
It was bear-like… as far as fur and muzzle was concerned. This monster had 2 pairs of front legs and 2 pairs of back legs; an abomination that turned and roared at them as a purple arrow appeared over it.
Mutated Mauler
Level 36
"WHY IS IT ALWAYS BEARS?!" Chazon half screamed, half cried out in despair. Rino didn't have time to question him as the Mauler rapidly approached them on its 4 hind legs. "Rino! I'm going to distract it. Try and get onto its back and cut it up!"
The Mutated Mauler had all of the strengths of its Mauler brethren, but not as many weaknesses. It still had good mobility on its hind legs despite it being more of a swiping position for others, while the additional pair of claws gave it more rending power. Despite that, Chazon was able to draw its ire by poking it with his Stone Golem Spear; he didn't dare switch to a less defensive spear for the time being.
Rino was able to cling onto its back after Chazon blocked a double swipe and started slashing away. The bear, despite its extra limbs, still had difficulty getting back-clingers off like the others. That allowed Chazon to move in with stabs and slashes, trying to deplete its HP bar.
Eventually, it was able to fling Rino off its back, though she recovered with a good amount of grace. Chazon took the opportunity to use High Jump to mount the Mauler himself. I can't risk Spear Drive since this monster isn't as big as the Heavensward Mauler and we don't have Naofumi with us. I also don't want to risk harming the forest, lest I gain the ire of Reine Skala.
As such, he switched to his Heavensward Mauler Claw Glave and started slashing away, using it's high slashing bonus to its fullest. Unfortunately for him, the Mauler had figured out how to dismount people who got on its back, leading to him getting flung into a tree prematurely. It didn't do any damage, but it did knock the wind out of him.
"Chazon-kun!" Rino rushed towards him, intending on helping him up.
But Chazon saw what was happening: the Mauler saw her running to him and had moved to strike her down. No… she can't take a hit like that! I can't… I need to protect her! I̟̝͝'̴̲̜͉v̟͍̮é̤̯ ̲̭͈a̦̩̙l͍̠͔̖͖̳͖͝r̘̭̟̦̯̀ͅe̡̝̯̞̦̞a͍̭͇͙̯̳̞d̬̖͇̺̥͉y̜̣̞̱͞ ͓̥͠f͔͙͇̲̙̮a͍͢i͇̣͚̰l̨̪e̻̮̘͇̜̬̻d̖̱͠ͅ ̨̜t̢͈̹̠͖̳̜̣o͢ ̡̥d̥̜̜̖͕̬̫ơ̪͚̩̙ ̮̩s̸̮̩̮̪̯o̰̳̹̼̱͍ ͡t̻̠o̬͕͚͓̼̳ͅo̥̜̮͎ ̫̥̙̹̗̻ma͉͖n̞̤y̻͍̦͙̰̭ ̼̕t̤̝̤͉͘i͞m͈͍̹̝͇̤̜es̡̮͈̺̤̬!̠͔̗̝̥̦
With time seeming to slow down, Chazon switched to his Ultralight Metal Lance before running towards Rino. She just barely comprehended that she was about to take a direct hit from two of the monster's claws and widened her eyes in surprise.
Chazon was able to reach her, grab her, and turn around. He screamed in agony as two sets of claws ripped into his back through his armor, turning his 100% HP into 20% in a blink of an eye.
"CHAZON!" Rino screamed for him as he collapsed onto her. The Mauler had tried to go for another attack, but it was interrupted when a Swooping Eagle attacked it, wanting to get rid of the invasive monster. Eventually, the eagle took off with the Mutated Mauler in hot pursuit.
Chazon slowly lost consciousness as Rino started crying out her healing spell, desperately trying to save him.
…
As Chazon regained consciousness, he noted the crackling of a fire nearby and the softness of what his head was lying on. He looked up and saw a slightly puffy-eyed Rino giving him a lap-pillow; monster repellent set up to keep everything away. "Why… I could have dodged that blow, so why did you do that?"
Chazon sighed. "Because… I'm weak. I failed to protect you when you needed it the most..."
"When have you ever failed to protect me? You aren't weak! I know you're-"
"Rino, I'm the weakest hero of the four of us. This is… indisputable fact." He sighed again as he got up, closed his eyes, and turned his face away. "I failed to help Naofumi in his greatest time of need… I failed to save Raphtalia from the pain of being separated from her hero- her savior… and worst of all, I failed to protect you that night… all because I left you alone-"
"Stop." Chazon felt something touch his cheek and looked back over. Rino had put her hand on his cheek. "You didn't fail Naofumi-sama and Raphtalia-chan; you did your best in that situation to help them, to make sure they weren't separated. And what happened to me… was something you couldn't predict."
"But… if you had stayed with me… if I hadn't sent you away…"
"It probably wouldn't have changed what had happened anyways," she said softly. "When I had been paralyzed, my assailant told me that even if I stayed in the castle, I would have been paralyzed and whisked away all the same." She shook her head slowly. "Please… stop blaming yourself for everything. You saved me in the end- isn't that enough?"
Deep in Chazon's mind, he was surrounded by a field of grey ice crystals, frozen tears trailing down his face, and he shivered feebly as despair's icy grip held his heart tight. "But… I still think I would have…"
"You aren't perfect, Chazon-kun. You had no way of knowing how things would have turned out."
"Why… Why do you keep defending me? I҉͙̻̰͔͡'̛̥̙̝͉̖͇m͏̧͚̦͖ ͖͇̗̹͉͙͙ͅņ̜̤͉͔̯̗o҉̮͙̯͉͈̗̞͇̩͜t͉͖̥̙͙̮͜ ҉͚͓a̖͙̦̬̯͘ ҉̪̞̪̪͙͎̟h̛̳̜̤̖e͚͍̥̯̱͝r̫͔͍̱̮̜o̸̩̠̩̼̕…̴͚̮̳̹ ͍̤̜͈͇̦̗̪̦͝I͇'̢͓̘̞͕̲̕͢m̹̬̯…͓̘̮̦͔ ̰͉̀͞h̸̛̖͕͓͡o̶̙̙̼̰̰͎̰̕p̢̖̹̦̤͕͉͎͔e̴̵͔̟̩̱̤ͅļ͔̀e̢̘̮̦͢͝s̭̭͈̮̦̹͘͝s̵̳̖͢…͉͕̪̪ u̸̵̹̲̘͈͈̣ͅs̢̼̙̭̲ȩ͈̙̝̲͖̀ļ̴̗̯͔̭̜͠e̷̡̩̘s͏̞̳̩͕͚̳̳s̶̹̮͜…w̵̸̮̥̼͙o̴͙͙͈ͅŗ͎̙̼̘ͅt̮͓h̛̰͓͍͚̭͉͉l̨̰̱ͅe̵̦̺͉s̵̢̹͎̩͡s̥̹̤̭̥͘͞-"
"What about my village?" A light in his mind shone. "The Alchemist's Cave and the miracle seed that you turned into a true miracle? Could someone so hopeless have guided me through that? Could they have saved my village?"
"B͉͚̫̝͇̣̩u̜̝̟t̷̪͈̭̩ͅ.̹̟͓̜̟̥͠ͅ.̪̟͎͠.̛͖ ̴I͙̰̦͜ ̣̰̩͕h͓̙̻̫͖͈á̹̖̝̣d҉͖ ͍t͚͓̣̝͔r͙̺͠e̬̩̳͕at͜e̮d̬̩͖ ͏̯y̛o͎̣͖̜u ̺̺̼̭̖ḻ̷͚͙̻͇i̪̩k͚͟e̝̟̦͎͚̘-"
"What about Lute Village and the speech you gave them after the wave? Could someone so worthless truly give such an inspirational speech?
"B̨̺̟͓u̢͕t͎.̣̳̳.̟̳̠̻͢.̩̞̝͚̝̬̥ but… I..."
"Naofumi-sama and Raphtalia-chan… they trusted you with their lives in the wave… they fought with you so that we could save so many lives." The light pulsed and shattered most of the ice. "They wouldn't just trust anyone. Even at the end of it… you and Naofumi-sama were laughing at something genuinely funny, something he wouldn't do even with Raphtalia-chan at the time."
"But I betrayed that trust… when I failed them at the duel…"
"They won't blame you for it. It was just as much out of their hands as yours. I'm certain that they saw how hard you tried for them." Chazon had no more words as the rest of the ice shattered around him, before the light revealed itself as Rino. "And… at the end of it all, even with your pain, you saved me from my fate. You came looking for me when anyone else would have ignored my cries for help."
She cupped his face, the frozen tears on his face melting away, with a beautiful smile on hers. "No matter what happens… no matter what you think of yourself… I know you as the hero who saved my life so many times… the hero who truly thinks of others' plights..." She presses her forehead against his.
"And the man I so dearly love now…"
In the conscious world, Chazon was staring at Rino as she kept her soft hand cupped on his cheek, tears rolling down his face. "Ri…no…?"
"You're worth more to everyone than you give yourself credit for, Chazon-kun. We all fall down at some point and it feels like we should give up. But you should never feel like you can't get up, especially when the people closest to you are willing to help you up, to help you face your challenges head-on. And know… that I'll do my best to always be there for you."
Eventually, Chazon broke out into small, yet uncontrollable sobs as he put his head against her upper chest. "Please… don't… leave… me…"
She smiles as she gives him a soft hug and rests her cheek on his head, some tears of her own in her closed eyes. "I won't… no matter how many times you fall apart, I'll be there to put you back together. I promise with all my heart."
The two stayed like that for the longest time and, despite his sobbing, Chazon's heart once again knew hope.
Rino had become his light of hope.
…
Purity Series Requirements Met