Better To Expect You To Die

The trip was now more lively.

Kin and Crystal continued to talk about the mysterious group of men.

They talked more, and Crystal even listed out the pain and suffering that she had to grow through.

It was a revealing factor as there had been reports of five mysterious men appearing everywhere.

"When they thought they had slain me, they talked about the organization and about 'the Five.' I thought it was just a name, but there was some form of obsession and even worship."

"They were chanting things about it, right?"

"Yes! That's exactly it!"

"So let me get this straight: the Sage Spirit that showed itself to you granted you the power to pass the Arvus test?"

"Yes. You understand the blessings for the Arvus exams, right?'

"...Not really." Crystal shook her head. She never wanted to know more about this.

"I heard the legends, but with the Sage appearing, I now believe it. Each test was left by a powerful and wise Sage. These Sages desired that the world grow stronger, and their purpose would be to face the world's calamities. It's said that the one who made the tests of Arvus in our region had taken the power of the Divine. People take three blessings, each representing Skill, Mind, and Strength. Once they all receive that, they head for the kingdom to receive the last blessing, allowing them to gain a great boost in power. Physical strength, enhanced perception, and even Skill Source Forming."

"So the spirit asked you to visit the three test locations?"

"Four. Apparently, the Magic test that belongs to the Beliare Kingdom region is also made by this same Sage. I have completed two. From what I understand, I am gathering the remnant spirits that manage the Tests."

"The remnant Spirit manages the test. They create the trial through an ancient power. The Five were after these magical powers that control the dungeon. And I am taking the source Spirit and harnessing them in this eyes."

"So those tests will soon vanish!"

"Yes. Those Mystery Dungeons where the test is will soon disappear because of this. The Five are after these powers… My mission is to gather the spirits so they won't be stolen. From what I understand, all the Spirits will merge to the last test. The one in Beliare Kingdom."

"Beliare Kingdom… I was supposed to go there. A noble noticed my and my sister's ability on ice and wooed me. He intends to marry me. He was very sincere. I guess that's why Fate took me away from him and got me kidnapped…"

"...A noble of the Belaire Kingdom? Is it the Delwyn family?"

"How did you know of the Delwyn family?"

"I guessed because of your shocking story and how you speak of Fate and Destiny. I asked the name of the noble, which I believe fits the worst possible scenario for you. If your story of sorrow is true, then that family was the one you had to meet."

"...What?!" Crystal froze.

"I have heard many bad things about them. As you know, the Belaire Kingdom occupies the fourth test. Most of our Kingdom's Arvus are skilled users and fighters. Very few are mages. But the most evil mages taking the test with us are from the Delwyn family. Those ice mages are truly selfish."

"Now that's… an exciting revelation." Crystal began to rethink things.

"I don't know who you met. But I survived their treacheries and won't trust any of them."

"If that's the case… then meeting Adam saved me?" Crystal frowned.

"Adam? Is that his name?" Kin asked.

Crystal was shocked that she muttered his name carelessly.

"Kin. You must promise never to reveal that name. He explained a lot about the curses that I have. And I have power and allies now because I am out of the curse. If I go by your tale, I would have lived a life of suffering in this family. But I was spared from it. So it seems that… meeting him had altered the course of my life…" Crystal thought. She recalled that Adam had spoken to her; she needed to live a life of constantly deviating from the plots of Fate and Destiny.

"And now, I met you." Crystal turned to Kin. Kin had an amazing mission that many would not believe. The orb that Kin showed caused the soul in her to be quiver. At the very least, there was something miraculous and magical in that orb.

"Are you sure you want to be my friend? I think I can help you, but you have to help me."

"Definitely."

"Kin. I am being serious. The curse I live with is quite deadly. You could help me get away from it. But I honestly don't have any feelings for you. And if you join me, you could die." Crystal laid out the future.

"...I am already in a state where I could die. I need help, too. How can I enter the Mage test? You would be my ticket to pass this mission."

"That is true. But please. Don't do this out of heroics or… for a girl like me. I'd rather you do it for other reasons that aren't connected to me."

"I get it. You like the other guy more. I already had this mission before we met! So I won't be doing it just because I met you." Kin chuckled.

"I'm doing this because I guess it's the right thing to do."

"Good. Then promise me you won't die or risk your life for my sake."

"I can't promise that. We are on a mission. And you have a higher potential than me. You showed a power that could challenge an Arvus even before you reached the Arvus level! Besides, you can carry out the mission in my stead, especially with a Raptor like this one."

"...Fine. But… I know that my ice soul is bound to attract charm. It's part of my sorrow. It's part of my curse. I am beautiful because it was meant to hurt me. If you are with me, then it is better that I would expect you to die. That is my Fate and Destiny. To suffer and be alone." Crystal gave Kin a serious look.

The sorrow of the ice somehow leaked out and mixed with it was a strange anger.