Demonic Lake

After the door closed, the two were left in their two-bedded hotel room.

"This party is a mess." Emma sighed and returned the bedside desk and lamp to their original position.

"Thanks for helping me." Bernice patted her chest in relief and gratefully looked at Emma.

"What are friends for?" Emma returned to her bed and tiredly sat down. "Besides, I don't like Hester in the first place. He's been annoying this entire trip. I really don't know why the Guild and Mage Association accepted the Flintblaze Family's recommendation to include him in the team. He's more of a liability than an asset."

"No need to be so judgmental of him. Perhaps they see great potential in him." Bernice revealed a slight smile as pulled out her travel bag beneath her bed. "Let's not worry about him. You wanna go out tomorrow and try the cuisines local to this town before we head to the guildmaster?"

--------------------------------------------------------------

A room next to Emma's and Bernice.

Abe tossed Hester into the room before shutting the door.

"Ouch! What the hell is your pro-"

*slap*

Abe slapped Hester in the face which stunned him. He could only look at Abe who indifferently towered above him. "You really need to shut up Hester. Your arrogance is gonna get you killed someday."

"Wha? What do you mean?"

"You're a sheltered boy, so you may not know this. But nobles don't really have power anymore. Ever since His Imperial Majesty sided with the commoners, the massive influence he gained throughout the war has allowed him to implement policies which put everyone equal under the law. This is even popular among many Summoners and heroes."

"For your sake, Emma's sake, the Guild's sake, and your family's sake, I suggest you let the matter go. Killing or beating anyone up regardless of status and family is illegal. Not only will the Guild Association revoke your license, the Swords Academy will expel you which will leave a permanent mark on your record. Not to mention your family's reputation being ruined and you being booted."

"Furthermore, you'd make Emma an enemy out of you since she tries to stand for justice. The Guild and Mage Academy have high expectations for her and she could be destined for greatness."

"Of course, that would be the last of your worries since you'd be sent to prison. But you don't want any of that right? Do you really wanna ruin your life and get on the bad side of someone destined for greatness over a measly conflict?"

"N-No." Hester meekly shook his head as his anger deflated.

"That also means leaving Bernice alone. She might be from a commoner family, but she's friends with Emma. I'm also from a commoner family so this mission is a great way for me to leave impressions and improve my status. I don't want you getting in the way of that. Understood?"

"Y-Yes."

Abe nodded in satisfaction and took his hand off.

"Then get ready for bed. We have a long month ahead of us."

Leaving Hester behind, he entered the bathroom and took off all his armor, leaving only a shirt and pants on. He took the chance to look at himself in the mirror.

Growing up in a lower-class commoner family, Abe's life has been filled with many difficulties. From bullying in school to the struggle of making friends, not a day has been relatively easy.

Since the discovery of his talent as a Tanker, life has become much easier for him and his family. They do not have to work as much and can afford better quality food. As long as he trains himself and his potential does not run out, he could make it to S-rank. So long as he does not die, he can enjoy a good income that bring happiness to his family.

'I want more. I want to be recognized and earn status. As long as I do that, nobody will dare mess with me anymore. Please do not get in my way Hester, or I may have to resort to certain measures.'

--------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was a blackish red that shined demonic light upon the lands below.

The skies were a demonic blood red with bloody clouds that slowly moved.

A single blood lake sat in a demonic forest, with a single large mountain in the distance. The waters were so calm, it reflected the clouds and the forest on the edges. Not a single ripple was present.

"Why am I here again?"

Suddenly, a voice broke the eerie silence.

It was George Foster, who stood at the edge of the lake. He looked around with indifference as if he had visited this place many times.

The lake became turbulent as millions of bubbles rose to the surface, repeatedly popping and reappearing. Each bubble released a bloody mist that slowly rose to the sky.

Roars of insanity filled the bubbles as if a monster hidden in the waters was trying to escape to the surface and attach to George.

"Begone. This is just a projection. You won't accomplish anything here." George could not help but sneer at this.

"Kekekekeke!" An eerily chilling cackle filled the bubbles as the lake calmed down.

"I am you, and you are me! How long can you keep yourself repressed?"

George's face returned to indifference as he slowly exhaled a sigh. Ignoring the cackles, he sat down by the edge of the lake while resting his arm on his knee.

"I guess I'm stuck here again."