The Inner Odyssey

Drakon's spear arced in a wide sweep and sliced through numerous abominations, burning them to a crisp. His polychromatic eyes sparked like a raging blaze. It was as if they gave one a glimpse inside the Ember heir's core.

Drakon's lips curled into a crazy grin as he basked in the deadly chaos. He couldn't help but be infected by the Defiled's bloodlust. And so, his attacks had become more savage. Brutal. Immolating.

A sense of anticipation welled within the Ember heir. After this fight with the Dark Elves was over, he hoped this blasted bottleneck of his would loosen, allowing him to ascend into an Expert Mage.

With that desire motivating him, Drakon threw himself into the furious crucible of combat. He thrust, pierced, and blocked, his figure burning like a scorching apparition of hell. Wisps of steam swirled around him. Wherever he went, the Ember heir left the remains of a scorching inferno in his wake.

Under the combined might of him and his men, as well as those Paladins - who listened to his orders to some degree - the Snow Tigers were all but guaranteed to lose. Stabbing another abomination, Drakon gazed at Celeste from the corner of his eyes.

The Chosen of the Divine Sovereign had a focused expression on her face, releasing arrow after arrow. She was responsible for clearing a path.

However, that wasn't what made him look at her. No, it was something else… something much more important, precious and sacred. Drakon locked onto the pitch-black phoenix with his Mana Sense, the desire to snatch it growing bigger by the second.

Unfortunately…

He had to first get rid of that irritating bond it made with that fool. Only then, would it be more receptive to his demands.

Of course, Drakon could just abduct Ignia without giving a damn about the phoenix's connection to Alden, but that would only be a last resort. The Ember heir didn't want to use such a distasteful method on such a noble creature.

He wasn't that heartless.

Probably.

There was also the fact that Celeste was protecting her. Drakon internally clicked his tongue.

'Annoying.'

Why couldn't she just mind her business!?

Gritting his teeth, he shook his head and killed more abominations.

Eventually, his group stumbled on a lone figure desperately crawling away from a Snow Tiger. The abomination looked like it had found its next meal. Drakon looked away, ignoring the person's plight. He had better things to do than watch some weak fool die.

However, just then, Celeste unleashed two pinpoint shots, swiftly reaping the life of the Defiled.

…And saving the figure.

Drakon frowned.

Why would she waste energy on someone who didn't deserve it?

He felt that was very counterproductive.

Looking out from the corner of his eyes, he saw Celeste display a panicked expression. Her distress piqued his interest. Of course, Drakon had wondered why she suddenly decided to dive into the horde. Ultimately, though, he just attributed it to Celeste wanting to be useful in helping protect her home from those vile invaders.

Her alarm, however, told a different story. Curious, he peered closer at the figure. And when he did, an unconscious laugh escaped Drakon's lips.

The Ember heir sneered; a mixture of disdain and mocking in his gaze.

That weak fool…

He couldn't even last that long within the horde.

'Truly, he is undeserving of that phoenix.'

Drakon shook his head and sighed. It was a shame that the vast horde couldn't finish him off.

'No matter, I'm sure there'll be another opportunity soon.'

His eyes flashed.

Drakon waited impatiently as Celeste examined Alden for any major injuries. Then, finished with that, the Chosen of the Divine Sovereign helped her childhood friend slowly stand up and began walking back in the direction they came from, doubtless seeking to exit the horde.

Drakon and his men followed.

***

Alden sat cross-legged on the ground. He did his best to block out the chaotic clash between the forces of the Sanctuary and the Dark Elves. Although, that proved a little difficult. The ground trembled and shook, the intensity of the battle increasing with every passing second.

The young felt a warm sensation from his back and he instinctively relaxed. Alden sensed a portion of his fatigue melt away. He had tried to refuse being "healed" by Celeste, but his love didn't accept no for an answer.

He internally chuckled, recalling how her lips had twisted into a stubborn and determined pout. Celeste had also administered some first aid to his cheek - she had asked Ignia to melt the ice, before sprinkling a fine, red powder on top of the wound.

No longer did his cheek feel stiff and extremely cold. A slightly warm sensation chased the chilliness away.

It seemed whatever Celeste had administered excelled at neutralising ice-related injuries.

Alden internally shook his head, fighting the urge to sleep. He needed to recover his mana if he wanted to be useful later on in the battle.

Time passed.

His mana reserves were slowly but surely increased. A while later, Alden opened his eyes and sighed.

'This is so tedious.'

He was impatient to rejoin the fight.

'Speaking of…'

Alden assessed the state of the battle. And when he did, his face immediately turned grim.

'Bad…'

The situation was very bad.

His brows furrowed into a worried frown.

He paled slightly.

It seemed that Celeste's decision to dive into the horde to save him had provoked the Dark Elves. More and more of them cropped up. And it wasn't just an increase in numbers, but an increase in truly harrowing combatants as well.

"Watch out!"

"I don't want to die!"

"Save me!"

Alden's chest turned heavy.

It was like a gigantic boulder was pressing down on him. He struggled to breathe.

He saw a Dark Elf slit the throat of one person. Another manifested sharp, gelid claws and ripped out its human opponent's heart. A third formed a frozen lance and thrust the weapon into their enemy's stomach. The sickening sound of entrails spilling onto the snow resounded.

Alden felt like he wanted to vomit.

He panted, eyes incredibly wide.

The three humans who had just died were not Paladins, nor were they members of the Ember Clan. No, they were just common people.

Ordinary.

Yet, here they were, risking their lives for the future of the Sanctuary and the generations to follow.

Alden trembled violently.

These intrepid warriors…

He was the reason for their demise.

If he hadn't panicked back then, he could have gleaned some crucial information about the Dark Elves and the size of their forces. Instead, he had let his emotions get the best of him and now the Sanctuary had to pay the price for that by fighting blind.

Alden gritted his teeth.

Emotions...

What a terribly bitter thing they were.