To:Mirage glen(ch21)

ANGELS AMONG US : BOUND BY FATE

Chapter 21

"To:Mirage glen : part 2"

Oliver and Caleb set forth at dawn, their journey taking them northeast towards the Mirage Glen village, nestled just beyond the reaches of the Oasis kingdom. Their mode of travel was a sturdy cart, drawn by a pair of determined horses, with a seasoned transport man at the reins. The road was long and the sun climbed high, ushering in a need for a brief respite.

By midday, they found themselves pulling over by a serene river, the cool waters promising relief and refreshment. The horses, grateful, dipped their muzzles into the river, drinking deeply. Meanwhile, Oliver and Caleb seized the moment to replenish their own reserves, drawing water for themselves and breaking into their modest supply of food.

As they sat, enjoying the brief pause in their travels, Oliver's curiosity bubbled to the surface. "Didn't the book describe the vessel at Mirage Glen?" he inquired, seeking clarification on their quest.

Caleb, taking a moment to consider his response, shook his head. "No, the book wasn't specific. It didn't give details about physical looks or anything of that sort," he answered, his tone reflecting a mix of frustration and intrigue.

The conversation took a deeper turn as Caleb added, "It's kinda scary, you know? There are people like you who possess godly powers." The weight of his words hung in the air, a testament to the gravity of their mission.

Oliver felt a shiver run down his spine. "Yeah, I think about that all the time," he admitted. "About how all the vessels might have a tremendous amount of energy and power... and probably scary." His mind couldn't help but conjure shadowy, formidable figures, fueling his apprehension.

Caleb, ever the voice of reason, offered a different perspective. "Perhaps, but the celestial vessels were chosen for a reason. They might be possibly stronger, but they were chosen for a reason. And what if they aren't so bad after all? Don't let the doubts get the best of you. We must find all of the vessels somehow."

Their conversation, a blend of fears and hopes, reflected the complexity of their quest. With their spirits somewhat lifted and their bodies refreshed, they returned to their journey, the thought of encountering the celestial vessels looming large in their minds.

"I guess so," Oliver murmured in response, his mind still grappling with the vast unknown that lay ahead of them. Caleb, sensing his friend's unease, offered a reassuring smile.

"Well, whatever happens, I'll be by your side. We are stuck together now," he declared, a lightness in his tone that belied the seriousness of their situation.

With a contemplative gaze, Caleb picked up a small stone from the ground, weighing it in his hand.

"I'll leave the fighting part to you and the other vessels. As for me, I'll increase my knowledge and skills as a researcher and do whatever it takes to unfold the secrets of the book," he stated, his resolve clear. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the stone skimming across the river's surface, a physical manifestation of his determination. The rock danced upon the water, never sinking, until it reached the opposite shore. "That is my goal," he affirmed.

Oliver watched the stone's journey with a mixture of admiration and thoughtfulness. "The book has complex writings and a lot of hidden messages within it. I trust that someday you'll uncover its secrets," he said, his voice carrying a note of confidence in Caleb's abilities.

"Well then, shall we continue the journey?" Oliver proposed, standing up and dusting off his clothes.

"Yeah, let's move," Caleb agreed, his spirits buoyed by their exchange. Together, they tended to the horses, readying them for the next leg of their journey. As they set off once again, the path ahead seemed a little less daunting, their shared resolve and companionship lighting the way.

.....

The carriage rattled gently as they made their way through the undulating landscape of the northeast, the anticipation of reaching Mirage Glen Village growing with each passing mile. The driver, a man seasoned by years of navigating the vast expanse of the Oasis Kingdom, announced their impending arrival with a note of pride in his voice.

"Gentlemen, we have reached the northeast. We will arrive at Mirage Glen Village in about an hour," he declared, his eyes steady on the path ahead.

Oliver, ever keen to engage, leaned forward, his expression a mix of admiration and surprise. "Wow, man, you really know your stuff. You even know the time of arrival," he complimented, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Inwardly, he marveled at the driver's expertise, feeling a twinge of modern-day convenience in this exchange. "It's giving modern-day vibes," he mused silently, appreciating the small comfort in their journey.

The driver chuckled modestly, a hint of blush coloring his cheeks at the unexpected praise. "Hehehe, aw shucks, thank you. I've been working in this industry for more than ten years now. I'm already used to different places, no matter where it is in the Oasis Kingdom," he replied, his humility evident in his tone.

Oliver nodded, acknowledging the driver's skill with a simple, "I see, well, that's a good thing."

Their conversation, however, was abruptly cut short by a sudden, distant explosion that shook the serene landscape. Caleb, quick to notice, pointed towards the horizon where a menacing plume of smoke rose.

"Hey, Oliver, check over there. That's a..." he started, his voice laced with urgency.

"An Arachnid monarch," Oliver finished for him, squinting into the distance. His hunter's instincts took over as he observed the chaos unfolding.

"Look closely. I think a hunters guild is already there fighting it," Caleb added, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.

"Well, that's good. That monster is a tough one. I nearly died back then," Oliver confessed, his mind drifting back to his harrowing encounter in the Fathomless Forest. His casual mention of such a perilous event was meant to reassure, but it only served to deepen Caleb's intrigue.

"And he managed to slay it all on his own. Something makes me doubt that he really is an F rank hunter," Caleb thought to himself, his suspicion growing. Oliver's nonchalant demeanor and his survival of such a deadly encounter were puzzle pieces that didn't quite fit the image of an inexperienced hunter.

As the cart moved further along the path, Caleb and Oliver could see the battle against the Arachnid monarch unfold with more clarity. The monstrous spider, towering and fearsome, skittered and lunged with terrifying agility. Its eyes, gleaming with malice, focused intently on the hunters who dared challenge its reign.

From their vantage point, they heard the commanding voice of the guild leader, cutting through the chaos with precision and authority.

"Two healers, go and tend to those injured by the spider's attacks. We need them back in the fight as soon as possible," he ordered, his gaze sweeping the battlefield for a quick assessment.

"The rest of you, stay with us. We'll need your healing support here. And if any of you can use your Atado to attack, now is the time to step up."

The hunters moved with disciplined urgency, their roles clear and their actions coordinated. The healers split from the main group, dashing towards their fallen comrades with healing Atado glowing in their hands, ready to mend wounds and bolster their allies' spirits.

Meanwhile, the remaining hunters, including those with offensive Atado abilities, rallied around their leader, forming a strategic front against the Arachnid monarch. The air crackled with energy as Atado of various elements were unleashed towards the giant spider. Flames, ice, and bolts of electricity converged on the creature, each attack precise and powerful, aimed at weakening its defenses and creating openings for a decisive blow.

The Arachnid monarch retaliated with ferocity, spewing webs and venom in a desperate attempt to fend off its attackers. Yet, the hunters' resolve only hardened, their movements a dance of death as they dodged and struck with lethal efficiency.

As the battle raged on, a critical moment arrived when the guild leader, spotting a weakness in the monarch's carapace, signaled for a concentrated assault. With a roar of determination, the hunters focused their combined Atado on the creature's vulnerable spot. The air hummed with the power of their combined efforts, and with a final, resounding crack, the Arachnid monarch's defenses shattered.

The monstrous spider let out a chilling screech as it collapsed, defeated, its reign of terror brought to an end by the valiant hunters. Cheers of victory and relief rose from the group, their faces weary but glowing with triumph. The healers quickly moved to assist any injured in the aftermath, their healing Atado soothing pains and closing wounds.

Caleb and Oliver watched the scene with a mix of awe and respect, the courage and skill of the hunters a testament to the dangers that lay in their world and the strength required to face them. As the cart continued on its journey to Mirage Glen, the encounter with the Arachnid monarch remained a vivid reminder of the battles fought and won by those who dared to stand against the darkness.

A thought came to Caleb's mind as he saw the battle between the Arachnid monarch and the guild hunters he thought about something so much that he had opened his mouth as he started to share his thoughts verbally to Oliver.

Oliver listened, half-amused and half-impressed, as Caleb delved into the history of hunters and the emergence of Atado powers. Despite his initial reluctance to engage in what he had playfully termed 'history lessons' from Caleb, Oliver found himself drawn into the narrative. It was a story of resilience and evolution, of humanity's response to the chaos that threatened to engulf their world.

"Hunters weren't always the organized force we see today," Caleb continued, his gaze still fixed on the spot where the hunters had battled the Arachnid monarch.

"Initially, they were solitary fighters, each dealing with the Chaoses' threats in their own way. But as the challenges grew, so did the need for cooperation and strategy. That's when the hunter guilds started forming, pooling their resources and Atado to stand a better chance against the monsters."

Oliver nodded, the wheels in his mind turning. "So, it was necessity that drove them together.

Caleb caught Oliver's nod, pleased to see the spark of interest in his friend's eyes. "Exactly," he affirmed. "Necessity, and perhaps, a newfound understanding that unity brought strength far greater than any individual could wield alone. These guilds became more than just tactical alliances; they evolved into communities, brotherhoods, and sisterhoods bound by a common goal."

The cart moved steadily, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the path a constant backdrop to their conversation. Caleb leaned forward slightly, animated by the topic.

"And with the formation of these guilds, the knowledge of Atado and its application in combat were refined. Strategies were developed, tactics honed, and a more profound sense of purpose instilled in every hunter. They were no longer just survivors fighting to push back the darkness; they were protectors, guardians of humanity's future."

Oliver, listening intently, felt a new respect for the hunters and the history Caleb shared. The notion of unity transforming disparate fighters into a cohesive force for good resonated with him deeply. "Makes you appreciate the peace we have now, doesn't it?" Oliver mused aloud, his gaze wandering over the landscape that had witnessed countless battles, now serene in the light of day.

Caleb nodded, a solemn expression crossing his features. "It does. And it reminds us of the sacrifices made to secure that peace. The history of hunters, the rise of Atado."

"Sorry for the interruption gentleman, but we have arrived at mirage glen" the driver said.