The sound of rain battering the tent roof remained deafening, as if the heavens were pouring out all their sorrow that night. Inside the dimly lit tent, Novalia sat beside Evaliza. She once again offered the bread that had been pushed away earlier.
"Evaliza, eat a little. You need the energy." Novalia said softly, yet with an urgent tone.
The Elf girl remained motionless, her gaze staring blankly at the blanket. Keyzier's harsh words from moments ago still echoed, piercing through the remnants of her shattered pride.
"Don't take Keyzier's words to heart." Novalia continued, letting out a long sigh. "He does have a sharp tongue and looks cruel. But actually... he cares deeply. He is angry because he sees a reflection of himself in you. He knows exactly how it feels to see a loved one sacrifice their life."
Novalia gently patted the back of Evaliza's cold hand. "Rest now. We will take turns keeping watch."
After ensuring Evaliza ate a small piece of bread, Novalia stepped outside, leaving the Elf girl alone in a silence filled only by the roar of the storm.
Once Novalia was gone, Evaliza's defenses finally crumbled. She hugged her knees, buried her face, and wept. It wasn't a hysterical cry, but a heart-wrenching, suppressed sob. Guilt and despair mingled together until sheer exhaustion eventually dragged her into the realm of dreams.
In her sleep, the darkness of the forest and the cold mud vanished. Evaliza stood in a warm meadow. In front of her stood the figure she missed so dearly.
His green hair shimmered in the sunlight, like leaves glistening with dew at midday. A gentle smile was etched upon his face.
"Zorlan?" Evaliza called out softly.
The young Elf nodded. There were no wounds on his body, no blood. He looked peaceful.
"Sister, why are you still crying?" Zorlan asked gently.
"This is all my fault... If only I were stronger, if only I hadn't been so careless..." Evaliza stepped forward, wanting to reach for her brother. "Forgive me, Zorlan."
Zorlan shook his head slowly, taking a step back, out of Evaliza's reach. "No, Sister. I died by my own choice. I chose to protect you because I wanted you to stay alive. Do not feel guilty about my decision."
Zorlan's body began to fade into particles of light.
"Keep living, Sister. Live without regrets. I love you very much."
"Zorlan! Wait! Don't go!"
"ZORLAN!"
Evaliza jerked awake, shouting her brother's name. Her breath came in short gasps, cold sweat drenching her temples. However, this time, the tears that fell were no longer tears of despair, but remnants of longing.
Morning sunlight slipped in through the gaps in the tent. The storm-filled night had passed.
Evaliza fell silent for a moment, absorbing the dream. Keyzier's words from the previous night and her brother's message in the dream seemed to merge, slapping her into awareness. Dying in vain would be an insult to Zorlan's sacrifice.
She wiped her face roughly, then stood up. A new resolve began to ignite in her clear green eyes.
As she stepped out of the tent, the fresh morning air welcomed her. There, the three members of Party Noiver were already busy packing their belongings.
Evaliza's steps halted briefly. A feeling of awkwardness and guilt seized her. However, she forced her legs to move toward them.
"Um... excuse me..." Evaliza's voice sounded hesitant.
Three pairs of eyes turned to her. Keyzier merely glanced at her briefly before returning his focus to his sword, while Donovan and Novalia offered faint smiles.
Evaliza bowed her head deeply. "I... I want to apologize for my behavior last night. And thank you. Thank you so much for saving my life."
Silence fell for a moment.
Keyzier sheathed his sword and walked closer, making Evaliza hold her breath. However, instead of being angry, the gray-white-haired young man just stared at her flatly.
"Do you feel better?" Keyzier asked briefly.
Evaliza lifted her face, looking straight into Keyzier's blue eyes. "Y-Yes! I have decided. I will continue living my life. I won't waste the life that Zorlan fought for! I swear I will get revenge on those bastards!"
A smile, an extremely faint one appeared at the corner of Keyzier's lips. He extended his hand.
"Good to hear you've come to your senses. I'm Keyzier Almon. The chatty and stiff redhead over there is Donovan Harlan, and the girl who nursed you is Novalia."
Donovan snorted at the nickname but let it slide.
"My name is Evaliza Enheilm! Pleased to meet you!" Evaliza shook Keyzier's hand firmly.
The journey continued. Although the weather was still slightly overcast from the previous night's storm, the group's mood was much brighter. Evaliza, now feeling indebted, nimbly helped with whatever she could during the trip.
By late afternoon, the silhouette of Verna City's sturdy walls came into view. The largest trading city in the Amsavedra region looked majestic with its towering stone gates.
The entry queue was quite long.
When their turn arrived, the gate guards scrutinized the group carefully, especially Evaliza, who was hiding her pointed ears under her hood.
"Since this lady has no identification, the entry and security fee is 4,000 Lyra, and there must be someone to guarantee her presence while in Verna City!" said one of the guards, spear in hand.
Keyzier stepped forward, pulling out his adventurer identity card. The gold-colored license card felt heavy and cold, made of a special material far more luxurious, and it shocked the soldier until his eyes went wide.
"I will be the guarantor for this woman!" Keyzier said casually.
The guard's attitude changed 180 degrees. He saluted nervously. "Ah, forgive our rudeness! Please enter, Lord Keyzier! Welcome to Verna!"
After passing through the gate, all the merchant groups moved around the city of Verna.
"By the way, we are heading to the adventurer's guild to report. How about you, Evaliza? Do you want to part ways here?" Keyzier asked.
Evaliza shook her head quickly. "No. I will go with you. If necessary... I want to become an adventurer too, just like the three of you!"
The decision was final. She needed power, and she needed money to survive. Becoming an adventurer was the fastest path.
The wagons stopped at a fairly large building.
It wasn't because Donovan was carrying a magic bag, or because Keyzier walked with a casual swagger. It was because the afternoon breeze accidentally blew back Evaliza's hood.
"Hey, look at that... Her ears are pointed."
"That's an Elf! By the Gods, that's a real Elf!"
"So beautiful... Her skin is like porcelain."
Whispers rippled along the street. Evaliza's natural elegance and exotic beauty mesmerized anyone who saw her. In a world where Elves were considered a rare race, her presence was a stunning anomaly.
When the guild doors opened, the hustle and bustle in the hall instantly died down as the group entered. Hundreds of pairs of eyes fixed on one point: Evaliza.
The girl felt a bit uncomfortable being a spectacle, reflexively hiding behind Keyzier's back.
Keyzier, indifferent as always, walked straight to the receptionist's desk. He placed the completed mission scroll along with his license card. "Escort mission complete. The client's signature is already there."
Seeing the card, the female receptionist trembled. She felt a mix of nervousness serving a Rank S adventurer and fascination at seeing the Elf behind them.
"V-Very well! Great work, everyone!" the receptionist exclaimed.
Once the administrative matters were finished, Party Howl and Party Hubert said their goodbyes.
"We're going to find an inn first. Thanks for the cooperation, Keyzier, Donovan, Novalia!" Frank said while waving his hand. Hellena also smiled at Evaliza before leaving.
Now, only the four of them remained in a somewhat quiet corner of the guild.
Keyzier looked at Evaliza intently. "Evaliza, what weapon do you usually use when fighting?"
"A bow, of course!" Evaliza answered firmly. "Besides that, I also have an affinity for wind, fire, water, and a little bit of light magic."
Keyzier's eyes lit up. He exchanged glances with Donovan and Novalia. An unspoken understanding passed between them.
"A perfect coincidence!" Keyzier grinned broadly. "To be honest, our formation is a bit messy. We have a tank and a fighter, but we don't have a pure long-range attacker. Do you want to join Party Noiver?"
Without hesitation, Evaliza answered. "If it's you guys... of course I want to! Please guide me!"
Without wasting time, Keyzier helped Evaliza with the registration process.
A few minutes later, Evaliza's license card was issued. She stared at her adventurer license with teary eyes.
Name: Evaliza Enheilm
Rank: G
Party: [Rank S] Noiver
"From now on, you are officially a member of our party!" Keyzier declared. Then, he remembered something. "Wait, you said you can use light element magic?"
"Y-Yes, I can use it a little. Why?"
"Good!" Keyzier nodded with satisfaction. "In that case, I will teach you how to use advanced healing magic."
Evaliza's jaw dropped. "Huh? You? Teaching me healing magic?"
"Why is your face like that? It would be dangerous for our party if you only rely on me for healing matters. Especially since I'm the type to rush to the front lines and often leave the rear position."
"Wait, aren't you a mage?" Evaliza asked, confused, recalling the rumors she heard from Hellena about Keyzier's devastating ice magic.
"I am a sword user who utilizes magic!" Keyzier corrected quickly.
Evaliza looked at Keyzier skeptically. A swordsman who has mastered high-level ice magic and instant healing magic without chanting? This guy really doesn't make sense.
"Liza?" Keyzier called out suddenly.
"Liza?" Evaliza blinked.
"Your name is too long. From now on, I'll call you Liza. Let's be closer!" Keyzier grinned, then stretched his cheek. "Well, let's find an inn. It's already dusk, and I want to sleep on a soft mattress."
Donovan and Novalia just shook their heads seeing their leader's behavior, casually giving nicknames. However, they saw a faint blush on Evaliza's cheeks. The elf girl smiled.
"Alright... Key!" Evaliza answered softly.
The four of them walked out of the guild building, greeted by the Verna twilight sky, painted in orange and violet hues. The city lights began to flicker on, creating a warm atmosphere that contrasted with the cold forest of yesterday.
Evaliza walked beside Novalia, feeling a warmth that had been missing from her life for a long time. She had new comrades. She had a new purpose.
She touched her chest, feeling her own heartbeat.
Zorlan, watch me! Evaliza whispered in her heart. I am not alone anymore. I will become strong, far stronger than I am now. Someday, I will take revenge on those who took you away, and ensure no one else suffers the same fate as us.