Chapter 18: Mystery Under the Well

Goerld

I lazily scratched my stomach as the first sunlight of the day hit my head. It was another day of working the fields. As I stood up from bed, my mind drifted back to the events of last night. After returning home, Nera's mom had cooked us a feast. Everyone had praised me for my bravery. It was a bit embarrassing, but it felt nice.

Nera and I had stayed up late, talking. We'd talked about our childhood, our dreams, and our hopes.

It had been a fun night. But now, it was time to work. I walked into the shower and realized the water pump wasn't working. I hummed and head outside to see what was wrong.

"Goerld, is something the matter?" Nera asked, she had a basket of laundry in her arms.

"The water pump is broken. I'll need to fix it."

"Want me to help?"

I shook my head. "No, it's fine. It'll take a while."

She laughed. "It's no problem. Besides, two heads are better than one, right?"

I smiled shyly. "All right. Let's go then."

We walked to the well where the pump drew water from. Everything seemed fine. Maybe the well had gone dry?

Shivers ran down my back as I felt Nera shoulder press against mine as she leaned in to get a better look.

"So, um, Nera. About what happened last night," I began.

"Yeah?"

I sighed. "Did you mean what you said?"

"Of course. I wouldn't lie about something like that."

"Oh. So, uh, what does this make us?"

She looked down and blushed. "Well, w-what do you want to be?"

"I don't know. I mean, we're just friends. And we've known each other since we were little. I guess it would be weird if we started dating."

She nodded. "Yeah. It would be weird."

"But, it would be nice if we did," I added.

She laughed. "Yeah. It would be nice."

I looked away and scratched the back of my neck.

"Goerld, are you nervous?"

"Uh, yeah. A bit."

"Why?"

"Because, this is new territory for me. I've never really had a girlfriend before. It's kinda scary."

She giggled. "Don't worry, I feel the same."

I couldn't help but smile. "Why are you scared of having a boyfriend?"

She fidgeted. "Well, you know. Boys sometimes only think with their reproductive sticks. They don't care about the person."

I frowned. "I'm not like that. I care about you. A lot."

Nera looked down. "I know." She looked up at me, her face deeper red than before. "That's why I want to be with you."

It was my turn to blush deeper.

"So, um, can we start dating?" she asked, moving around.

"Sure," I replied.

She hugged me. "Yay! Goerld said yes!"

I blushed.

"Hey, let's go fix the pump. Then we can talk about this more."

"Okay."

I stared back at the well. There was nothing wrong with the pump.

"Think the well went dry?" Nera said, staring at it.

"Maybe. I'm gonna climb in. Bring me a rope and a bucket."

"Okay."

She went back to the house and returned with a long rope and a metal bucket.

"Here, use this."

"Thanks."

I tied the rope around my waist and lowered myself into the well.

"Are you sure about this, Goerld?" Nera called out.

"Yeah. Just hold on tight."

I grabbed the side of the wall and started climbing down.

"Be careful!"

"I will."

My green eyes widened as I felt a strange energy pulsating.

"Huh, weird," I muttered.

I reached the bottom and found a small tunnel leading underground.

"Goerld, are you okay?!"

"Yeah. I found a tunnel. I'm gonna follow it."

"Okay. Be careful."

I crawled through the tunnel and found myself in a large cavern.

"Wow, this place is huge."

I looked around and noticed the walls were lined with crystals. Nera's voice could no longer reach me.

"Whoa. These are beautiful," I said, looking at them.

I took a closer look and saw that the crystals were glowing.

"What are these things?"

I examined them closer and realized they were giving off a strange energy.

"Wait, are these crystals filled with mana?"

Suddenly, a voice boomed through the cave.

"Yes, they are. They are a source of pure mana. You've heard the old legends, right?"

"Yeah. But, who are you?" I said, looking around. "Actually, where are you?"

"My name is Aternoso."

I gasped. Aternoso? That was the name of one of our ancient deities.

"You're a god?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. Although, I prefer the term 'demigod.' I was once worshipped by your ancestors. But, that was a long time ago."

"Why are you here?"

"Because, the mana within the crystals is starting to become tainted. Those beings from beyond the stars, the Titans, their greed and avarice is polluting the mana."

"What can I do to help?"

"Help me restore the purity of the crystals. I have been watching you, Goerld. You have a kind heart. And a strong will. You're perfect for this task."

"I'm honored. But, I'm just a farmer. I'm not a warrior or anything."

"Your strength lies not only in your muscles, but in your heart."

I frowned. "What can I do?"

"You must kick out the invaders. Restore this world to its peaceful self. Once the world is cleansed, the mana will return to its natural state."

"I understand. But how do I do so? Those beings from Titanos have powers greater than ours. How can I hope to beat them?"

"By using the crystals."

"What?"

"Each crystal is capable of storing vast amounts of mana. By using the crystals, you can harness the power within and use it to fight the invaders."

"Okay, I'll try."

"Excellent. Now, close your eyes."

I did as he said.

"Can you feel the energy within the crystal?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, imagine yourself drawing that mana into your body."

"Okay."

I focused on the mana and imagined it flowing into me.

"Good. Now, open your eyes."

I opened my eyes and saw my had was glowing bright green.

"Whoa, cool!"

"Excellent. You are now one with the crystals."

"So, what do I do now?"

"Find the worst of the invaders. Fight them. Defeat them. Cleanse this land."

"I understand. Where can I find the strongest of them?"

"You must infiltrate their base. The one closest to your village. They are the ones responsible for tainting the crystals."

"Okay. I'll do my best."

"Excellent. Now, go forth and cleanse the land."

"Will do."

I stood up and headed back to the surface.

"Goerld, are you alright?" Nera asked as she helped me out of the well.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"Good. So, did you figure out what's wrong with the pump?"

"No. But, I did find something interesting."

"What's that?"

I held my hand out, and formed a green crystal.

"Whoa. How did you do that?"

"It's a long story. But, the important thing is, we have a chance to save our world."

"Really? How?"

"These crystals can give us the power to fight the invaders."

"I see. So, what's the plan?"

"I'm going to infiltrate their base and stop them from tainting the mana."

She blinked. "Tainting the mana?"

I nodded. "I know it's gonna sound crazy, but it the cavern I found at the bottom of the well, I spoke with Aternoso- the hero god, he explained the situation. Our world's mana is being polluted by the evil thoughts of the invaders, and we have to stop it."

She looked down. "Like that one guy who tried to..."

I nodded.

"Then, I'm coming with you," she said.

"No. It's too dangerous. Besides, I can't afford to lose you. This is something I have to do alone."

"No. If you're going, I'm coming too. I can't stand the thought of losing you."

I smiled. "I'll be alright. I don't plan to go in, powers ablaze. I'm going to join the Titanos army and try to combat the negative emotions. Whether that be by peaceful means like talking, or if need be with force. I'll do whatever it takes to restore the purity of this world."

"That's crazy. You can't seriously think they'd accept you."

"I have to try."

She sighed. "Fine. But, you have to promise me that you'll come back safe."

"I will. Don't worry."

I hugged her.

"You'd better."

"I will."

She nuzzled my chest and whispered, "I love you."

"Me too."

We stayed like that for a while, until finally, I released her.

"But first, I better get these fields tilled."

She giggled and grabbed her basket. "And I better go finish my family's laundry. See you later." She blushed. "Goe."

My cheeks reddened. She had called me that before when we were kids, but now it sounded like a pet name.

"Okay. I'll be here," I said, waving.

"Bye," she replied, waving back.

I watched her go, then turned and headed back to the fields.

This was going to be a tough fight, but I had to do it. For the sake of the world and for Nera.