The Turning Point [part 1]

After sharing our dreams with each other, I dedicated the following days to assisting Ais in her journey to become stronger.

We ventured into the depths of the dungeon, our determination unwavering as we confronted countless monsters. However, despite our best efforts, our progress seemed to hit a wall. Our Status remained stagnant, refusing to budge.

Whenever Riveria and the others accompanied us, they would either scold me for not keeping Ais in check or reprimand her for fighting without rest. It felt as if we were constantly being held back, unable to break free from our limitations.

To make matters worse, we were assigned to team up with other low-level followers, as if they were deliberately trying to hinder our growth.

Night after night, we returned to our rooms, exhausted and disheartened. And then, an unpleasant dream visited me.

I found myself trapped in the icy prison, the chilling cold seeping into my bones. But this time, I could hear Ais's sorrowful cries beside me, her voice pleading for someone to save us.

And then, a haunting voice, filled with disappointment, whispered in my ear.

"You're holding Ais back. If this continues, she will..." The words hung in the air, chilling me to the core.

I woke up with my heart trembling, and my mind was engulfed in confusion. Was I truly holding Ais back? Was I hindering her progress, preventing her from reaching her true potential?

My breathing grew heavy as I grappled with these thoughts, my mind plagued with doubt and uncertainty.

I questioned my actions and wondered if I had unknowingly become an obstacle to Ais's growth. The weight of the realization pressed upon me, and I felt a deep ache in my chest.

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

On the following day, as I walked through the hallway, I caught sight of Ais in the distance.

I had intended to approach her, but the unsettling message echoed in my mind, causing me to hesitate. Something urged me to seek answers before confronting Ais about it.

With determination, I changed my course and made my way to the captain's office. There were lingering questions that needed to be addressed, and it was time to confront the Familia.

As I reached my destination, I took a moment to compose myself before knocking on the door.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Who is it?" Captain Finn's voice called out from within.

"It's Althea," I responded, my voice betraying a mix of apprehension and determination.

"Come in," Finn commanded, granting me permission to enter.

Pushing open the door, I stepped into the room. There, I was met with the concerned gazes of Captain Finn, Riveria, Gareth, and even Loki. Their presence filled the room with a mix of curiosity and worry.

Captain Finn broke the silence, his voice calm and composed. "What brings you here, Althea?"

Drawing in a deep breath, I mustered the courage to voice my concerns. "Why do you all seem intent on holding us back?"

The room fell silent, their surprised expressions evident. They had not expected me to question them so directly. Loki, however, seemed unperturbed, her mischievous smile never leaving her face.

Riveria swiftly closed the distance between us, raising her fist and then...

*Bonk*

A jolt of pain shot through me, and I winced, instinctively clutching the spot where her fist had made contact.

Riveria's voice held sternness as she spoke. "What in the world are you talking about, Althea? Why are you suddenly accusing us?"

I glared at the strict elf, frustration welling up within me. She had always been the one to push Ais and me, often reprimanding us for all of our actions.

Captain Finn intervened, his voice firm yet calm. "Enough, Riveria. You're only escalating the situation."

"Yeah, calm down, you damn elf," Gareth chimed in, his laid-back demeanor contrasting with Riveria's intensity.

"But Finn, Gareth, can't you see she is—" Riveria began, her irritation still evident.

"I understand, Riveria. Let me handle this," Captain Finn said firmly, stepping in to address the situation.

The captain then turned to me, his gaze filled with sincerity. "Listen, Althea, we're not holding you and Ais back. We're just doing our best to protect you two."

"Protect us? From what? From the monsters we've killed countless times?" I retorted, frustration lacing my voice.

Captain Finn shook his head, his expression grave. "No, Althea, there's something more to it than that. The truth is, we haven't been completely honest with you and Ais about how to level up."

Before Captain Finn could continue, Riveria interjected, urgency in her tone. "Finn, don't tell me you're actually going to reveal it now?"

Ignoring Riveria's interruption, Finn pressed on. "Yes, I am going to tell her. Althea deserves to know the truth."

He turned his unwavering gaze back to me. "Althea, leveling up is not solely about defeating monsters. There is a deeper process involved, one that requires high-level excelcia. It can only be obtained by accomplishing significant feats and facing challenges that test your strength, determination, and character."

Furrowing my brows, a mix of confusion and curiosity consumed my thoughts. "What do you mean, Captain? What kind of feats are we supposed to accomplish?"

Finn took a moment to collect his thoughts, his eyes focused on mine. "It's difficult to explain all the details, but it involves facing greater trials and pushing your limits beyond what you have experienced thus far. It's about surpassing yourself and overcoming obstacles that truly challenge your abilities."

Riveria's frustration became palpable as she pleaded with him. "Finn, we can't expose them to such dangers! It's too risky!"

However, Finn's resolute expression remained unchanged. "Riveria, I understand your concerns. But we can't keep sheltering them forever. Besides, Althea is not foolish enough to attempt these challenges alone."

I absorbed their words, a mixture of fear and determination welling up within me. The thought of facing even greater dangers sent a shiver down my spine, yet a spark of excitement and a longing to prove myself ignited within me.

While I was lost in contemplation, I felt a slight tap on my shoulder. I turned my head and saw Loki standing right beside me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"So, Althy. Now that you've learned the truth, what are you going to do next?" she asked, eager to know my next move.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, considering the weight of the newfound information. "Well... Given that I have to face trials and challenges, I suppose I need to make the necessary preparations to overcome them," I replied, determination seeping into my voice.

Loki grinned, seemingly pleased with my response. "That's the spirit! It won't be easy, but with the right mindset and preparations, you and Aisuu can break through those limitations. And who knows? Maybe you'll discover even greater strength within yourselves."

Her words ignited a spark of hope within me. The idea of surpassing our current boundaries and uncovering hidden potential was quite exhilarating. But I knew it wouldn't be a journey I could undertake alone.

"I'm going to need your help, Loki," I said earnestly. "We may not always see eye to eye, but I believe that together we can overcome any obstacle. Will you support us?"

Loki's mischievous smile softened, replaced by a more genuine expression. "You know, Althy, you're growing on me. Consider it done. We'll lend you a hand whenever you need it. Just be ready for some of my trademark pranks along the way."

I chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie forming between us. Having Loki's support would be invaluable in the challenges that lay ahead.

With newfound determination and a reliable ally by my side, I turned my attention back to the captain and the rest of the Familia in the room.

"Captain Finn, Riveria, Gareth, I understand now that you were trying to protect us. I appreciate your concern and guidance," I expressed sincerely, acknowledging their intentions.

Captain Finn nodded approvingly, his gaze filled with reassurance. "Althea, you and Ais have tremendous potential. We only want to ensure that you both develop at a pace that keeps you safe. If you're willing to take on these trials, we'll support you every step of the way."

Riveria, though still hesitant, seemed to soften her stance slightly. "Just promise me you won't take unnecessary risks. Your safety is of utmost importance to us."

Gareth chimed in, his laid-back demeanor returning. "Don't worry, Riveria. Althea and Ais are tougher than they look. They'll handle themselves just fine."

I nodded, gratitude welling up within me. "Thank you, all of you. We won't let you down. We'll face these challenges head-on and emerge stronger."

As I left the captain's office, a renewed sense of purpose surged through my veins. The path ahead may be treacherous, but I was determined to push my limits, support Ais, and prove that we were capable of greatness.

Little did I know that this turning point marked the beginning of a real journey, one that would test our bonds, unveil our true potential, and shape us into the adventurers we were destined to become.

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

Leaving the captain's office, my immediate priority was to find Ais and share the crucial information I had learned. I understood the importance of preparing ourselves before facing greater dangers in the dungeon.

However, my excitement gradually turned to concern as I searched the entire Twilight Manor without finding a trace of Ais.

With growing worry, I combed through every hall and room that Ais might have visited, but she was nowhere to be found. Realizing I needed assistance, I decided to seek out someone who might have knowledge of her whereabouts.

In the distance, I spotted Anakitty, also known as Aki, a black-haired woman with cat ears. She was one of the Familia members I had previously adventured with, and I hoped she could provide some insight.

"Hello, Miss Aki. Do you have a moment?" I called out to her, my voice filled with a mixture of urgency and concern.

Aki turned towards me, recognition flickering in her eyes. "Oh, it's you. How can I help you, Althea?" she responded.

"I've been looking for my sister, Ais, but I can't seem to find her. Have you seen her?" I explained, hoping that she might have some information.

Aki took a moment to gather her thoughts before replying. "Well, I'm not sure where she went, but I did see her leaving the manor earlier."

My eyes widened, and my heart sank at her words. If Ais had left the manor, it was highly likely that she had gone to seek answers about leveling up, possibly at the guild.

The thought of her venturing into the dungeon alone, facing formidable monsters, filled me with a sense of urgency.

This is bad. Riveria and the others need to know about this before it's too late.

Without wasting another moment, I turned to Aki and spoke with a sense of urgency, "Miss Aki, this is urgent. I need you to inform the captain and the others that Ais went outside and she might be in trouble!"

Aki nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Of course, I'll relay the message immediately," she assured me, her cat-like agility evident as she hurried off to inform the captain and the rest of the Familia.

As for me, time was of the essence. I knew I had to find Ais as soon as possible. With determination fueling my every step, I rushed towards the main entrance of the manor and hurried out onto the streets of Orario.

My heart raced as I ventured into the bustling city, my eyes scanning the crowded streets for any sign of my sister.

I couldn't shake off the worry that gripped me, but I remained resolute in my determination to locate her and ensure her safety.