Lying on the cold stone was the best feeling Elion had ever experienced. His entire body was killing him. He had run for an hour at full speed, right after draining his mind during that improvised surgery on his tapestry. The whole ordeal hadn't been kind to him.
The others weren't faring much better. They had already been weakened by the crimson water. Only Lumos seemed alright; his strength runes kept him going, and he hadn't been infected because he had already been a First Finger before the dive.
"We'll rest here today," the sorcerer announced. "I'll keep first watch. You guys sleep."
An angel…
Elion didn't even have time to think before his consciousness faded at the sweet sound of Lumos's voice.
When he awoke, drool was slipping down the side of his mouth. His body was sore, but at least his mind felt rested. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. Everyone was alive—well… except Alphons. But he didn't want to think about that anymore.
It was a small miracle no one had suffered serious wounds during their escape from Erika. They were more or less running blind. Their only advantage was the element of surprise which was probably the only reason they were still alive.
Now that they had found what they came for, it was time to return to Nexus. Elion still had to figure out how.
He glanced around. Lumos was asleep. Talom kept watch. Farha had taken out her rifle and was studying it with sad, faraway eyes. Honestly, Elion doubted she'd look that sad if any of them died.
Eshrod woke the moment he pulled out food from his pack. The Gremlin's ability to appear whenever food was involved was practically a law of the universe. He half-suspected she could even drag herself back from death for a snack.
"What do you have there?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
Elion grimaced.
"Dried shadow squid, again. We haven't finished the stock," he said dejectedly.
The face Eshrod made was not quite human. The disgust twisting her features was nightmare-worthy. For a split second, Elion thought she might cut him down and cook him for dinner, but he quickly dismissed the thought.
Eshrod wouldn't do that… right?
A seed of doubt nestled in his chest.
No, she can't cook—and if she kills me, then I won't be able to cook myself.
The Gremlin sighed.
"Just give it here."
Elion hesitated before handing her a piece of the culinary abomination. He half-expected her to bite his hand off like a rabid animal. Fortunately, she only took the food, grunted a thanks, and began chewing painfully.
Dodged a bullet there… though the real bullet was the 'food' he had to eat.
Would ration bars be better?
Honestly, it was close. The bars tasted like nothing, but the squid's meat seemed like it was actively trying to be disgusting. Even if its texture was better, the flavor was unforgivable.
Food aside, they still needed a way back to Nexus. As everyone woke, they began discussing it.
"We have no idea where we are," Elion said. "And going back the way we came doesn't seem feasible."
"Can't you use your affinity to find Nexus like you did for the First Finger?" Eshrod asked.
"You shouldn't ask that of an affinity-bearer," Farha interjected. "The cost is usually steep."
The Gremlin raised an eyebrow.
"Then what do you propose? Wander aimlessly in the Depths?"
"I know, but still—"
"It's fine," Elion cut her off. "I'll do it."
Before they could say anything else, he closed his eyes and focused on his affinity. A suffocating will pressed down on him. Its intent was made clear instantly.
"What do you want?" It didn't sound pleased to be here.
I need a way back to Nexus. Can you show me the way?
"I have already granted you my blessing once. How dare you ask for more?"
Well, you need me alive to fulfill that wish you spoke of. Wouldn't it benefit you if I survived?
"Are you threatening me with your own life?" It sounded almost offended.
Of course not. I'm not stupid. This helps you too. The sooner I return, the sooner I can fulfill your wish.
"Bargaining with the divine, are you? Brave… or foolish." It stayed silent, Elion could feel its hesitation. "Very well. I shall grant you the path. But in exchange, you must do something for I."
It was a step in the right direction, but Elion feared what it might ask.
It must have sensed his fear because it answered right away.
"I do not yet know what I need from you, but if you truly possess his legacy, you will prove useful. When I require you, I will call. If you refuse, you will die."
So serious all of a sudden.
Elion grinned.
No, don't say it. DON'T say it.
The intent of the divine concept soured. Elion suddenly felt the cold breath of death run down his spine.
"Do not say it, foolish mortal."
I can't hold it in—it'll devour me from the inside!
Elion chuckled.
"Thank you, Mommy Divine Concept. Didn't know I was this popular with eldritch sugar mommies." He blurted out, barely holding himself together.
The divine will slammed onto him. His vision blurred, blood spilling from his nose and mouth.
Fuck!
It was like being strangled to death.
Such a tsundere…
The concept tightened its hold in retaliation to his thought.
Elion swayed, losing balance. His skin grew colder, and his heartbeat slowed. For a moment, a primal fear gripped his heart.
Shit, I might really die here!
He fell, Farha caught him before his face met the ground in an intimate, painful kiss.
"Elion!" she cried, her voice sharp with worry. She knew too well the cost of communing with the divine.
He raised a shaky thumb, smiling weakly. His hair was still stained crimson from his outing in Erika, and his face was smeared with his own blood.
"Found the way. Though Miss GPS didn't take too kindly to my joke…"
Farha frowned.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, worried he might have lost it. Well, more than he already had.
"It's nothing. Just the whims of a divine concept." He pulled away from her support, standing on his own. Lifting his mask to wipe the blood from his face, he pointed into the darkness.
"We're going home," he said confidently.
The golden thread had appeared again, leading toward Nexus. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't worried about the favor the divine concept would demand—but there wasn't much he could do.
They simply couldn't stumble blindly until they reached Nexus.
Whatever Miss GPS had in store, he'd have to face it—after all, it needed him alive.
Argh, so many obligations.