Braving the Broth: A Searing Stand Against Simmering Odds

As Reinhart got to his feet, Saava rushed into the cavern he had been training in. The look on her face did not give Reinhart confidence as he felt a lump growing in his throat. If this was what he thought it was, then there was no amount of training that could prepare him for this.

"We have been found by a Feral Dralkon. I am not sure how they did it, but it seems that someone is controlling it and directing it to come for Grin'nix," Savva said, much calmer than she looked.

Dread hit Reinhart as his worst fear came true. "What are we supposed to do? Can we run?" He asked, but Saava shook her head.

"No. We have children and old that would become easy targets for a creature like a Feral Dralkon," Saava said and then sucked in air to pump out her chest. "No, we will fight it, and create an opening for you and the Queen to escape. The two of you are the most important people in the world right now in all of our eyes. Giving our lives so you both can escape will give the rest of our people a chance in the future. Without you and Maze, I don't think this world has a chance."

Reinhart stared at Saava, his heart pounding in his chest. He clenched his fists, feeling a mix of fear and determination running through his veins. Saava's words painted a grim picture, but it was the reality they were faced with. His past life had prepared him for many things, but combatting a dragon was certainly not on the list.

"Is there a plan?" Reinhart asked, managing to keep his voice steady, despite the turmoil within. Saava nodded.

"Each of us has a role to play in this," the sylph replied, her golden eyes meeting his squarely. "Aldren will engage the Feral Dralkon directly. His combat skills are unparalleled among us. The Sylph siblings and I will protect the village and cover any escape for you and Maze."

Reinhart was silent for a long while, the weight of her words sinking in. He turned his gaze to the ground, his heart heavy with the realization of how absurd this situation was, and also with the understanding of the enormous responsibility that it carried.

"Are you asking me to run away?" He asked, meeting Saava's gaze again, showing no signs of fear or hesitation. He was fully determined to face whatever came their way.

"This is what the world needs, Reinhart," Saava said, her words softer, but Reinhart shook his head.

"No, I never leave a job that was meant for me to someone else, and I don't think that Maze will want to run away either," Reinhart said, but then let out a sigh. "To be completely honest, I am terrified of the thought of going up and facing the thing that is roaring up there. My problem is that, for the first time in my life, I have something that's not only worth protecting but the strength to follow through with it. I really have no other choice but to use the power that I have been granted to do so. "

As he finished speaking, Reinhart felt a surge of determination welling up inside him, rivaled by the raw fear that gnawed at the edges of his sanity. The fear wasn't of death, but the fear of failing to protect those he now dearly cared for. He locked gazes with Saava, his resolve reflected in her eyes.

"You're right," Saava admitted, but her voice was grave as she added, "But you need to understand that this isn't a regular enemy we're dealing with. Even the strongest Dralkon would think twice about going head-to-head with a Feral Dralkon. They're the consumers of mana and souls, savage in intention and unyielding in strength. This isn't going to be a test of your courage, but a struggle for survival."

Reinhart nodded, acknowledging the precariousness of the situation. A tense silence fell between them, soon broken by the threatening roars echoing through the cavern.

"Prepare yourself, Reinhart," Saava advised her voice firm. "Remember all that you've learned in training. And remember, you aren't alone. We're all in this together."

With that, Saava turned and swiftly departed, presumably to join Aldren and safeguard the rest of the Dralkon. Reinhart was left alone in the cavern, surrounded by the echoing sounds of looming danger.-

Steeling himself, he focused on honing his mana, recalling the teachings of Vexille. If this was going to be a struggle for survival, he would do everything in his power to ensure that he and Maze came out alive. But as he delved deeper into his reservoir of Mana, a more pertinent thought occurred to him - he could use his 'instant dinner' form for healing if needed. Currently, Reinhart only had 2 hours left in his human form.

Determinedly, Reinhart stood up, his gaze fixated on the cavern's mouth, ready to face the fiery inferno that awaited him. Despite the dread coursing through him, he held onto his resolve and marched forward. There was only one way this could end in Reinhart's mind, and that meant push had come to shove.

"Reinhart!" Maze called as she came running down the tunnel to him. "Did you hear about the creature above that is attacking?"

Reinhart grinned and put on his bravest face. "Hard to ignore something that is so loud it makes my stomach hurt!"

"What are we going to do?" Maze asked, giving him a serious look, but Reinhart didn't bat an eye as his face became serious.

"There is only one thing that we can do. We are trying to protect the people of this world, and the Dralkon have been more than helpful to us. Saava said that she and the others would try to make an opening for us to escape, but I can't just leave them. I can send Sprout with you, and I am sure that he will keep you safe," Reinhart explained, but Maze smiled brightly and shook her head.

"No, I am not going anywhere that you are not, but I am glad that you want to stay and fight. I have a duty to protect the people that call me Queen, so I am glad that I will have you by my side," Maze said, and the two started to head back to the main chamber area of Grin'nix. "How big could this Feral Dralkon be?" She asked as they ran, but Reinhart didn't want to guess.

If the stories and fantasies of Reinhart's old world were anything to go by this 'Feral Dralkon' would be a monstrous entity, a creature so fearsome and overwhelming that could instill dread with just a glimpse. But right now, speculation wasn't what he or Maze needed.

"Let's not tempt fate Maze," Reinhart said, grasping her hand as they ran. "For now, let's focus on keeping ourselves safe and aiding the Dralkon. This is a battle, and we must be as prepared as we can."

Their hearts pounded in their chests, roaring louder than the exterior world, which, every now and then, was pierced by otherworldly screams that echoed the incoming peril. The tension in their grasp was palpable, but so was the determination.

As they neared the main chamber area of Grin'nix, the reality of their situation hit even harder. Aldren stood there, towering and mighty, his body adorned with a metallic armor shimmering under the ambient light. Close to him, Saava and other Sylphs readied themselves, their bodies glowing with concentrated mana. The atmosphere was buzzing with restrained anxiety and a fierce will to protect.

For a moment, Reinhart and Maze stood still, taking in the sight which, despite its grave essence, held a glimmer of hope. It was a vivid tableau of willpower, unity, and courage, one that etched itself deep within their hearts.

Together, they moved towards Aldren. The formidable Dralkon met them with a stoic gaze, acknowledging their decision to stand their ground, to fight. There was an unspoken understanding, a shared sentiment, and newfound respect that passed between them. The flames of unity grew stronger, threatening to eventually devour the fears that were clawing at them.

"Mount your magic, brace yourself. We go to meet our sister in battle. Her mind is gone and she will stop at nothing to kill us and every Dralkon in Grin'nix! Even if we stop the one controlling the Feral Dralkon, our sister's mind will still be gone, so do not hold back until she is dead!" Aldren commanded.

His words hit like a sharp gust of wind, stirring a whirlpool of emotions within Reinhart and Maze. It was not a mere battle against a monstrous entity anymore. It was a painful showdown against tormented kin, a reality far more distressing than what they'd ever imagined.

As the memories of their own warm arguments and loving banter flickered in their minds, a wave of nausea churned Reinhart's stomach. His grip around Maze's hand tightened. Her reciprocation mirrored his turmoil, the very thought of fighting someone's sister hitting far too close to home.

Yet, they couldn't back down, not when lives were at stake. It was a cruel ordeal, but they would face it, together.