The Black Knight Joins

"So that's why the man was sleeping... Alright then, so what do you say?" I asked, looking at the Black Knight.

We had reached the rest of the group and sat around in a circle to prepare for the final stage. I had gotten messages from Vania's scans stating that the Five Ducklings had been defeated except for the Black Knight, who had defected to our side...

Or at least, I hope so since the Knight has yet to agree to fight with us.

"Say what?" asked Mordred looking at me as of I'd grown another head.

"Will you join our side? It's okay if you don't want to join us as the Arks, but for now, our main goal is to make sure Fabian Brookes doesn't continue his horrible deeds. We've got a common goal so let's join forces," I elaborated, extending my hand toward her.

Mordred smiled as she got up and slapped my hand, much to the group's shock.

"Of course! I intend to keep my promises, especially since that boy over there risked his life to protect me at the last point... But, I want to make it clear that I won't be joining the Arks," the Black Knight replied as she walked up to the giant doors.

"Then what are you going to do after defeating the Baron?" asked Tomoe, confused at the Knight's cheerful attitude.

"I haven't thought that far yet..."

Me neither... After being reincarnated into a new world where Magecraft is everywhere, I was beginning to yearn for adventure without the need to follow the rules or Missions. But I've decided to stick with the Arks, but I might look for an adventurers' Mission.

A Mission that requires me to fight beasts to get good gear or meet with people to learn about the culture of the Five Domains. Get into a brawl or get drunk until the sunrise... Ah yes, that's how adventurers should live their lives in this realm...

"No worries, Mordred. You're welcome to join me on my little quests, or you could live freely again. The choice is yours, but after we've made Fabian suck his thumb," I said, standing next to the Knight.

"Suck his thumb?" asked the Slayer, confused at my words.

"It's a way of saying 'making Fabian curl up in a ball and cry'. Anyways, I agree with Lizzie. So, Mordred, feel free to do whatever you want afterward so long as it doesn't hinder the Arks or me. But now, let's get this battle over and done with," announced the Time Mage, helping with the doors.

As all of us pressed against the towering slabs of stone, we managed to open the doors, revealing a long and dark hallway with rows and rows of creepy paintings lined neatly on the walls. I'd call them weird because they were all pictures of children sitting on the same chair.

It didn't take a genius to note that the house owner was off his wagon and that those kids were long dead. A long stretch of purple cloth carpeted the floor while the scent of alcohol hung around the air. Raiyen instantly went on high alert as he stepped into the area.

Tomoe's ears flinched while Mordred summoned her whole armor with the helmet. Duncan was also unnerved by the place as he took out his giant scythe and held it in a battle stance. Something was not right, but I couldn't figure out what... Not until after a few steps into the hallway.

I froze before rushing to a wall and gingerly touching the bricks.

"Vania. I want you to analyze these stones I'm touching and give me a breakdown of ALL the materials used," I commanded out loud so that the rest could understand what I was doing.

Just before Vania could reply, Mordred placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you sure about this? Will you be able to stomach the truth?" questioned the Black Knight softly.

I couldn't see her face, but I could tell that Mordred was worried that I would get emotionally hurt from the truth. I smiled sadly as I placed a hand on top of hers.

"I'm bound to learn the truth anyways. I prefer to have my nightmares with open eyes. And I guess... I would feel at ease to know that one of our predictions was correct," I replied, signaling Vania to do the scan.

A popout appeared in my vision, with a percentage bar counting up. As the scan was done, several windows popped out, detailing the many substances used to create that specific wall. And I stepped back in fear when I realized how bad the situation was.

These... Aren't only bone dust mixed with clay...

"Notice. Traces of human remains have been found."