Chapter_19: Ragnar's Invitation

"Ragnar, please, tell me, what is it about you that has made the city consider you a threat?" Bane's tone was firm, his eyes fixed on Ragnar, waiting for a response. Yet Ragnar remained silent, lost in thought.

With no response, Bane's voice grew more intense as he repeated, "Ragnar, why do they see you as a danger? What is it about you that has caused them to fear you?"

Ragnar's mind raced as he struggled to comprehend the situation. Gradually, he returned to the present, his breaths heavy and labored. Finally, he met Bane's gaze and attempted to gather his thoughts.

'Everything seems fake. Is this whole moment a dream all this time? ' Ragnar's thought deepened.

Ragnar felt a sudden chill run down his leg, sending shivers through his body. With a sense of disorientation clouding his mind, he examined his own hands and the surroundings around him. It was clear that Ragnar was in a state of derealization, questioning the reality of everything around him.

"Ragnar, you need to calm down," Bane said urgently, shaking Ragnar's shoulder. Despite Bane's attempts to reassure him, Ragnar remained in disbelief, scrutinizing everything, including Bane and the chair he was seated in.

"Ragnar!" Bane's voice echoed with desperation, reaching even into the kitchen. Finally, Bane gathered his strength and delivered a firm slap to Ragnar's cheeks, causing them to redden.

"Ragnar, wake up," Bane said urgently, his anger evident. "What turned you into this?" Bane continued to question urgently.

As Ragnar awakened to reality, his bewilderment lingered. It was an unusual emotion to be feeling, even in this kind of moment. Even a single miniature object could persuade Ragnar to believe that it's not real.

His breathing was heavy, and he gripped the chair so tightly that he almost crushed it. As the seconds went by, he managed to maintain his composure and said in a weary tone, "Bane, I do believe that I am not Grimoire."

With each passing second, Ragnar's deep breath and heavy grip weakened, and finally, Ragnar returned to his normal self. "Bane, I believe that all speculations about me were false all along. I believe that I am not a Grimoire."

Bane was taken aback by Ragnar's statement, shooting him a shocked glance with his mouth agape, ready to respond. "So you're telling me that people see you as a threat because they suspect you are a Grimiore? Ragnar, tell me, what really happened that night?"

After regaining his composure, Ragnar returned to his usual self, the sense of detachment fading away. He let out a sigh and admitted, "Yes, that's why I might pose a threat to this city, but honestly, I'm not even sure if I do."

Bane relaxed in his chair, the frustration and anger dissipating. He closed his eyes wearily, regretting his outburst at Ragnar. Opening his eyes slowly, he asked, "What really happened to you that night?"

Hopeless and bewildered, Ragnar stared at his large hands and confessed, "It didn't feel like reality to me. It was as if everything was a dream or an illusion." He turned to Bane and inquired, "Bane, this was the place we stayed before leaving, right?"

Bane looked puzzled as he asked, "Why do you ask? Are you okay, Ragnar?" The room fell silent for a moment as Ragnar took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

'Bane wouldn't even believe me if I told him the story, or even he would believe that I am a Grimiore,' Ragnar thought, his trust in Bane wavering as he considered how to explain the situation.

"Bane, all I can recall is being in a small village. After that, everything becomes hazy; I can't explain it," Ragnar recounted. Bane's eyes focused on his hands, determination, and confidence, despite the uncertainty of the moment.

Ragnar understood that divulging too much to Bane could worsen the situation and potentially cement the belief that he was a Grimiore. He knew there were limits to what he could reveal.

"Bane, I think I may have lost my memories that night."

Ragnar glanced at his hands, a contrived gesture to convince Bane. Bane's gaze softened as he asked, "How does one lose their memories in just one night?"

"I wish I knew, but they're gone," Ragnar admitted.

'I could possibly utilize this later with Lady Ana, but the likelihood of her detecting my deception is high, so I must disclose this at the perfect moment.'

The room gradually fell into silence, with no response at all, only the peaceful sound of the wind.

"Ragnar, are you truly a Grimiore?"

After a moment of solemn silence, a rough and low voice broke the stillness. Bane's countenance softened, tinged with a hint of despair in his tone.

"We have but two days remaining until the second level. If it proves true, then in just two days' time, we shall know for certain whether I am a Grimoire."

Despite the passing of two days, there had been no trace of the ominous dark essence. No fever, no lingering body aches, not even the slightest hint of fatigue. It was a rarity for two days to pass without any symptoms, but perhaps it was due to the health of individuals like Ragnar, with his formidable physique and resilient constitution.

"Ragnar, I can only hope that you remain safe," Bane murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow as the moments slipped away.

"Thank you, Bane. You supported me all the way here."

"Ragnar, I have full confidence that you will pull through. We just reunited today after two days, and I refuse to believe that this is the end for you."

Ragnar nodded kindly at Bane, giving him a sly smile and a grateful glance. After that, the room fell silent as both of them lapsed into silence.

"Bane, I need to tell you something: A ritual will be performed to uncover the truth of what happened. It's called the Stazyc Ritual," Ragnar revealed with a hint of seriousness in his voice.

"Stazyc Ritual? What kind of ritual is that?" Bane asked, looking puzzled.

Ragnar shifted to meet Bane's gaze, realizing he needed to explain further.

'I remember hearing about that ritual back in the west. But I might not remember all the details,' Ragnar thought to himself before continuing.

"From what I know, the Stazyc Ritual is usually performed by an Adjacent Priest or higher. The person involved in the ritual is taken to the church, where the priest creates a barrier of light using Grandeur.

"After that..." Ragnar paused, trying to recall the rest of the details.

'That's the only thing I remember, or were those the details I only heard? '

"I actually forgot. But you'll find out when the ritual takes place," Ragnar added with a sly smile.

"You really forgot? Well, it's alright, as long as I know that it's not some kind of demonic ritual," Bane replied with a hint of annoyance that slowly faded away as he continued.

Ragnar nodded gratefully at Bane, his eyes reflecting his appreciation.

Bane returned the gesture with a warm smile before asking, "Ragnar, who exactly is this Lady Ana?"

"Lady Ana is the eldest daughter of Mr. Smith, the mayor of our city. She was the first person I saw after that fateful night, and she graciously offered me shelter within the castle walls."

"Despite her kindness, she has a tendency to give me orders, including a recent one that led to a skirmish with some unidentified assailants. Nevertheless, I hold no grievances against her."

While Ragnar was explaining, Bane slowly nodded to him with a smile on his face. "It must be great to live inside the royal castle, right? Unlimited food and the freedom to enjoy the beautiful aesthetics of the castle."

"Ragnar, I know that you have a problem, but you are living the best right now. I am glad for you that we met again." Bane's smile continued, his tone turning chirpy.

"Yes, it's quite nice there. I even ate a lot yesterday; I almost devoured all the plates cooked by maids because of their deliciousness," Ragnar replied kindly, his smile wavering happiness.

As they chatted, Ragnar noticed the sun casting a darker shade of light through the window. He realized it might be lunchtime.

He took out his silver watch and watched the hands of the clock move slowly. After a moment, he noticed that it was only "10:32 HP."

"It's still early, even with this dim light," he thought to himself.

As Bane shared his thoughts with Ragnar, Ragnar suddenly interrupted him.

"Bane, it's almost lunchtime. I need to go and follow up on my order from Lady Ana," Ragnar said confidently.

Ragnar stood up and stretched, prompting Bane to do the same and turn off the light by pulling the rope.

The room fell into darkness, despite the sun shining through the window.

Bane, with a weary expression, moved past Ragnar and through the door. Opening the door, Ragnar spoke with a question.

"Bane, do you want to stay inside the castle with me tonight?" Ragnar asked, his tone eager and a mischievous smile playing on his kind face. The sunlight shone around Ragnar as Bane turned to face him.