Back to Alku

"After conquering the independent city of IronClaw, the warriors from three different groups—the Royal Berillan Warriors, the Band of the Sirens, and the Band of the Sun—traveled back toward Alku village.

They left the city of IronClaw with pride, the spirit of victory still burning in their hearts. However, some soldiers found it tough to let go of their comrades-in-arms who had died in the war. Among the many Lonewolves who had participated, only Eran remained.

Before them lay a vast grassland that stretched so wide it seemed to be lost on the horizon. A cool breeze caressed their faces as they continued to advance through the grassland.

"Looking at this meadow, I feel how beautiful nature is," Taneaya said with a smile. "We should thank nature for giving us the strength to fight."

The other members of the Band of the Sun agreed, nodding their heads at Taneaya's words. They had been through an intense battle, but this beautiful landscape renewed their vigor to keep going.

They followed a path that cut through a beautiful flowery valley. The valley was filled with colorful flowers that adorned the ground. The flowers were carried by the wind, creating a breathtaking dance of beauty.

"Gorstag, look at those flowers," Uldor said, pointing at the valley. "I've never seen such a beautiful sight before."

Gorstag nodded in agreement. "You're right, Uldor. This view is truly breathtaking."

The soldiers walked carefully, marveling at the accompanying natural beauty. They walked through the valley's flower fields with indescribable feelings. As the sun began to set, they decided to rest and set up tents in the center of the flowery valley."

They gathered around a warm campfire, and the sound of their boisterous laughter warmed the cold night. Sitting beneath the star-filled sky, they shared stories of their journey and the wonderful memories they had experienced during the war.

Upon arriving in the village of Alku, they were met with a bustling crowd. The friendly villagers warmly welcomed the soldiers. Afterward, they decided to take a short rest in the village. The next day, they would make their first report at the Golden Guild in Alku.

Eran decided to return to the Herald Inn. Tired, that's all he had on his mind at the moment. He simply wanted to lay his head on the pillow and close his eyes.

As Eran retraced his steps through the winding streets and narrow alleys, the scenery remained unchanged, with many sharp eyes glancing at him. When he arrived at the inn, he knocked on one of the doors.

Shortly, the door opened, revealing a man with short black hair who appeared disheveled, as if he had just woken up from sleep.

"Have you come, Eran?" he asked.

"I'm very tired, Halbarad. Can we talk later?" Eran said as he removed his luggage, leaving only his shirt and pants.

"Huh... well, at least acknowledge my pep talk."

"You can see that I'm here, right? That means I've come," Eran said as he stretched in his chair.

"You certainly have," Halbarad could only shake his head at Eran's response. Then he continued, "Let's go eat; you look famished, my friend."

"It's still early; the sun is just rising."

"That's precisely why you need to refuel your energy."

"Right now, I just want to sleep."

"You should fill your stomach before hunger gets the best of you."

"Damn, what kind of words are those?"

"Come on, damn it," Halbarad insisted.

Eran let out an exasperated sigh and then stood up from his seat.

"Alright, alright."

They descended to the first floor and entered the dining area of the small inn, which had only four tables, each with four chairs. Despite the somewhat dilapidated condition of the building, the inn appeared quite clean, and the atmosphere was pleasant.

An elderly lady was busy at her cooking stove, and a girl sitting in a chair near the table for guest registration was chatting with an old man.

After Halbarad and Eran took their seats at one of the tables, the girl approached.

"Hello, Halbarad. You look refreshed; it seems you slept well," the girl said as she sat in one of the dining chairs.

"Ah, Maggie. I apologize; I forgot to greet you earlier. I slept so well because I couldn't stop thinking about you," Maggie blushed at Halbarad's playful comment.

"Leave my daughter alone; she's just a young girl and doesn't deserve advances from someone like you!" shouted the old woman, who was now seen preparing something in a bowl.

"Oh, come on, Martha. I'm not as bad as you think."

"Maggie, listen. The black-haired Bard is like no one to be trusted, not even in the whole world. Remember that for the rest of your life," Martha said to Maggie, instructing her daughter to bring the two bowls that Martha had been preparing.

"Ah, never mind. I'm sorry, Maggie. This time, your mother still doesn't approve of our relationship."

"Shut your mouth and eat it, or I'll put you in the cauldron!!!" Martha shouted in annoyance.

"Ahh... fine, Mom," Halbarad said obediently. Maggie laughed as she returned to her original position, and Eran smiled and shook his head.

"Eat my treat. This potato and shrimp soup will warm you up. Don't focus on the strange taste; ignore it and just eat," Halbarad said.

"I can hear you, Bard, dammit!" yelled Martha from the kitchen as she stirred her food.

"Ah, sorry. I forgot you were still there, Martha."

Martha shook her head repeatedly; this situation always happened in the morning, in a warm family-like atmosphere.

"Come on, tell me your heroic story," Halbarad pleaded.

"I'm very tired, Halbarad. I'll tell you after I sleep."

"Come on, man, I can't wait to hear it," Halbarad insisted with a whimper.

Eran reluctantly told the story of the battle. Halbarad, who heard it, looked very interested, and Martha, Maggie, and his father also joined in hearing the story; they were amazed.

"Truly, you are the real heroes," Martha said sincerely. "Your actions in battle were amazing."

"Not only that, but you were able to team up with three different groups and work as a team. That's a great achievement," added Halbarad proudly.

Eran gave a brief overview of his battle with Sir Paul. He explained how he had to face some tense challenges and real danger. However, he didn't give a detailed account of the struggle, as he didn't feel comfortable revealing all the details of the violence he experienced.

"Hiya! You're a real hero, Eran!" said Halbarad enthusiastically.

"Really? Tell me more! I want to know all about your battle with the cast," Maggie pleaded with sparkling eyes.

Eran smiled lightly, seeing the enthusiasm of his friends. He might not be used to being the center of attention like this, but at the same time, he felt warm at heart because of their care and support.

After that, Eran went back to his room and fell asleep. He told Halbarad to wake him up in the afternoon because there would be a meeting at the guild.

*****