Chapter 32 - Nigel (Patreon)

It had been three years since Nigel last stepped foot in Zalevet. 

A long mission in the Broken Bits carried them away from the Human Continent with the promise of coins. Opportunity after opportunity kept coming their way upon arrival. Business was good. Food and drink were aplenty. They had no reason to head home to Port Prosper. They were adventurers living the adventuring life, free to do as they choose, consequences be damned.

Until the consequences came.

One morning, Jessie felt sick. They visited a doctor, expecting some sort of virus or infection. Instead, they found out she was pregnant.

Thus ended the saga of the Trailblazers abroad.

They were headed home on a large merchant vessel headed to Port Prosper. The entire crew was below deck in cabins. Barcus was paired with Jessie, caring for the woman who would eventually give birth to his child. Tart roomed with Bydon out of pure devil companionship. Garreth was supposed to room with a random person, but they’d stayed behind at the last moment, unbeknownst to Nigel and the rest of the group.

That left Nigel in a room by himself. Or, more precisely, in a small storage room with a cot in it. The only company he had was the rats that snuck out at night to steal food and pluck strands of his hair to build a nest. 

He wore light clothing covered in a cloak. Byron had long since trained him in the Chaos style, removing his need for any armor other than joint protections and a leather chest plate and shoulder straps. That was all hidden by white and brown clothing, tied together with a tree-bark-colored cloak. His shaggy, long brown hair shot out in every direction as his violet eyes stared at the roofs above him.

Three years. Nigel mused. Didn’t even seem that long, but I’m already in my twenties.

His gaze tilted to the small square opening in the ship. It gave him a stunning view of the ocean. The smell of salt filled his lungs, and air whipped through the gap, tossing his hair and burning his eyes. 

Suddenly, the wind stopped. In fact, it felt like the ship had stopped moving entirely. 

Puzzled, Nigel stuck his hand out the window. Sure enough, the wind has lessened. The water outside was steady. They bobbed with the little waves that battered their sides. 

“What’s going on?” He leapt out of his room and headed upstairs. He passed a few others muttering, asking questions, having come to the same conclusion. He ignored them, pressing forward to the top deck. 

Nigel squinted as the sunlight blinded him. He’d been below deck for so long, his eyes were too accustomed to the dark. But just as quickly, he was fine again. A vast ocean blossomed before him. It seems to sparkle white with diamonds from the brightness of the sky. 

“We did stop,” noticed Nigel. He glanced around, seeing other ships nearby having done the same. “What’s going on?”

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a massive vessel crossing the water. It was far bigger and grander than any other in the ocean. It cut across, unabated, brimming with importance.

Nigel crossed the deck for a closer look, his eyes scanning it for passengers. 

Suddenly, he spotted someone. On the top deck, a red-haired woman with a bored expression was staring at the ocean. Her arms leaned over the railing, and her chin rested against it, too. She looked as if she’d fall asleep at any moment. 

But that wasn’t what Nigel was focused on. It wasn’t even her orange eyes, which signified a level of mana power above what Nigel had.

It was her head.

Or rather, the horns on top of it. 

An archdevil? They really did come here. It wasn’t just a rumor. Nigel leaned forward to get a closer look, sea salt spraying him.

The large ship drifted by unabated.

The red-haired archdevil cast her gaze down at Nigel. Their eyes locked. Nigel didn’t flinch away, and the archdevil didn’t really react. 

They parted without breaking eye contact until the ship drifted far enough away that it was no longer possible. It shifted in the direction of Port Prosper and anchored just offshore without fully entering the port.

Nigel was filled with immense curiosity and confusion as his ship began moving again. But his mind drifted, more so than usual, to someone else: Yen.

They’re here for her. It’s the only thing I can think of. Nigel found himself thinking. A small pang in his heart resonated throughout his body so deeply that his hand instinctively reached for his chest.

Barcus walked up beside Nigel with his arms crossed. “You see the archdevil, too?”

“She looked straight at me,” said Nigel, breathlessly.

Barcus chuckled. “Horns are the key to your heart, eh?”

Nigel frowned. “You think they’re here for Yen?”

Barcus’s face was soon stern and serious as he stared after the massive ship from Paradise. “It’s a possibility.”

“Think mom and dad will know more?” asked Nigel.

“We can ask them tomorrow,” affirmed Barcus. 

For some reason, Nigel could feel his veins filling with unease. “Why not tomorrow? What if something serious is happening?”

“Wanna board the ship then? Hold one hostage? Ask some questions?” teased Barcus. He nudged his brother. “Be patient. Rushing is never good. Not in situations where one’s life may be at risk. Patience.”

Nigel sighed, forcing himself to relax against his better judgment. He clenched the railing, nodded, let go, relaxed, and leaned against it while looking at his brother. “How’s Jessie?”

“Very pregnant and very sick.” Barcus settled beside Nigel against the railing. 

“And she hasn’t even met our parents yet.” 

“Yeah, it’ll be worse tomorrow,” said Barcus with a sharp smirk. “She’ll leave me.”

“Well, you know her. She won’t have trouble finding another man even with a kid.”

“Asshole.”

Barcus lightly pushed Nigel, who raised his hands decisively, signaling peace. They both laughed. The atmosphere from before lightened. 

“The fuck do you two have to smile about?” Jessie’s voice rang across the ship.

“Don’t curse, you’ll indoctrinate the baby,” complained Tart.

Barcus and Nigel looked behind them to see the rest of the Trailblazers moving across the deck of the ship. Tart was supporting Jessie, whose belly was now swollen. Garrett and Bydon lingered behind them. Bydon looked fine, but Garreth’s face was pale and sweaty due to the rocking ship. He’d been a mess the entire trip and barely spoke to anyone out of fear of puking. 

“You’ve met the parents. That ship’s already sailed,” joked Nigel.

Barcus slapped Nigel on the back of the head while Jessie merely shot him a dirty look.

“Violet eyes make everyone confidant,” muttered Jessie. “Too confident.”

“Don’t be too annoyed with him,” said Barcus. He pointed to the archdevil’s ship docked in the water far from the port. “There’s an archdevil there.”

“The ones we heard rumors about in the Broken Bits?” wondered Jessie.

Tart and Bydon stared at the ship. Their expressions were filled with worry and a mix of curiosity.

“Think they’re going for Yen?” asked Garreth, ironically.

“Yes,” Tart and Bydon said in unison.

That only made Nigel tense. He quickly looked at his brother with a worried expression.

“We can learn more and do something tomorrow,” said Barcus calmly.

“We could go on ahead,” Bydon said. “This isn’t a coincidence. We don’t need to learn anything.”

“We’ve been on a boat—” Barcus began.

“Resting and doing nothing,” said Tart. “We’re in good enough shape to head out now.”

“We don’t even know if something’s going to happen,” said Barcus, his expression twisting with agitation. He pulled away from the railing, standing straight, and his voice filled with authority. “We’ve only heard rumors. Let’s get confirmation first that this isn’t anything more than an ambassador branching out after…” His voice trailed off. “Even as I’m saying it, it sounds stupid.”

Jessie looked at everyone. “Let’s go now.”

“Hm?” Barcus perked up.

“When the ship docks, we’ll make a line straight for your parents. We talk, you drop me off, then head that way,” said Jessie. Her hands softly smoothed over her belly. “As much as I want to, I can’t go, and the others will run off without you if you decide to wait.” Her eyes were steady as she stared at Barcus. “Something is happening, love. We’ve heard enough rumors. They were talking about the Black Horned Guardian in the Broken Bits. There’s no way Paradise isn’t aware of her.” She looked at Nigel. “We can’t lie and say that isn’t one of the reasons we came back.”

Barcus’s expression cracked. He crossed the ship until he was just before Jessie. Carefully, he grabbed her hands and lifted them. “I don’t want to leave you. Not now. The baby’s only a few weeks away.”

“Then come back in time,” said Jessie. Her voice was soft and comforting.

“Or don’t go at all,” suggested Garreth. His voice cut through the moment. His arms crossed his chest as he stared blankly at his team. “Why should we go out of our way for some girl we taught for a few months nearly ten years ago? It’s stupid.”

Tart and Bydon immediately looked at him. Barcus said nothing. Jessie looked like she would say something, but Nigel acted first. He cut across the ship until he was right in front of Garreth, causing the man to flinch and take a step back.

“Then don’t come,” suggested Nigel. “Who said you had to? You plan to leave the group soon, regardless. Go now. We won’t stop you.”

Garreth stared at Nigel for a second. His eyes scanned the rest of the group for a moment. “Are you all planning to go?”

Tart and Bydon nodded.

“I would if I could,” said Jessie.

“She’s my student,” said Barcus.

“Of course,” said Nigel.

“Ha…okay then.” Garreth scratched his head and turned away. “I guess this is it then.” He turned and moved back into the ship. Before he ducked below, he stopped, turned around, and looked at everyone. “I’ll miss you all.”

-----

•

-----

They saw the back of Garreth’s head one last time as he separated into Port Prosper without them. They didn’t exchange words, wave, or show any emotion. It was the way of the business. The fact that they had been together for a little over a decade was impressive, but adventuring groups usually disbanded someday. People grew, got injured, or wanted different things out of life. It was different from a Mercenary organization or an affiliated Clan. Merc groups were independent, international organizations based around an ideology or concept, while Clans were group networks affiliated with the Guild.

“He always was doing his own thing,” said Barcus with a hint of laughter, trying to brighten up the group. “Best to get it over with now. Trailblazers were breaking up soon, anyway. Might as well trim the leaves before the trunk tumbles.”

“Harsh,” muttered Jessie. “He was your first apprentice, and you call him a leaf?”

“He needed to strike out on his own someday anyway,” said Barcus, staring after Garreth. “Always quiet. Wasn’t growing. He was living in our shadow and constantly comparing himself to Nigel. Whatever excuse he needed to do that, I’m glad he did. This is for the best.”

Tart, Bydon, and Nigel said nothing. Rather, they were focused on the docks and markets around Port Prosper.

“Quality slaves here! Quality slaves!” said one man, his voice booming. He stood on a platform just off the dock behind a line of men, women, and children stripped naked and presented before a slowly forming crowd. They looked exhausted and malnourished, like they were fresh off the docks. Marks of Enslavement branded their bellies. There were eighteen of them, with only one human. The rest were beast and forest devils.

“That’s how we know we’re back,” muttered Tart, disgusted. Her arms crossed her chest, and she stared, unblinking, at the auction. “Nothing like being home.”

Bydon quietly gripped his biceps, his arms crossed. His fingertips turned white as he stared wordlessly at the scene.

A young forest devil girl, maybe fourteen at most, looked across the crowd, terror in her eyes. She scanned for one sympathetic face among the horde of greedy and judgmental eyes. Finally, they landed on Nigel.

They screamed “help” from the deepest reaches of her soul.

Nigel instinctively took a step forward.

Tart and Bydon stopped him immediately.

“What can you do?” whispered Bydon.

“That won’t make things worse,” added Tart.

Nigel’s jaw clenched. “So what? We do nothing.”

“No,” said Bydon. “We do what we can.”

“Throwing a stick in a river won’t stop it from flowing,” said Tart sadly.

“But this won’t happen unless someone throws the first stick,” argued Nigel.

“You’re not the first person to throw a stick, and you won’t be the last,” she argued firmly. “There’s a time and a place. This is not it.” She grabbed Nigel’s arm, guiding him away. He could feel the anger just in her touch.

Nigel was quiet for a while. “Okay,” he eventually said, turning away. His eyes were trained on the forest devil girl. A small family had just finished buying her. Nigel wanted to hope they’d be kind, but his mind only drifted to the worst possible outcome.

Things have to change. Nigel thought.

-----

•

-----

“We’ll wait here,” said Tart. The five of them were outside of an inn affiliated with the Guild near the wealthy part of Port Prosper.

“And restock,” added Bydon.

“We’ll go see our parents,” muttered Barcus. He forced a smile, but everyone could tell he was nervous.

“I’ve never met them before, so if you act like this, I’m going to freak out,” Jessie said shyly, which was completely out of character for her.

“Oh, they’ll love you. You’re carrying their grandchild,” Nigel said to her. “It is we disappointments who have to worry.” He forced a grin. “Though Barcus, at least, is continuing the family blood line. I haven’t even done that.”

“Not from lack of trying, with all the devil girls you fell in the Broken Bits,” Nigel heard Tart whisper.

“Jealous? It’s not my fault dust comes out between your legs when you sit down,” said Nigel quickly, earning a shocked glance from Tart. He looked between Barcus and Jessie. “Shall we get this over with?”

They nodded, separating from Tart and Bydon as Jessie, Nigel, and Barcus fully entered the wealthy district farther North into the city.

The number of people walking through the streets vastly decreased. They were replaced with carriages, and small groups of people surrounded by guards. Likewise, the buildings were taller, cleaner, and more spaced apart. There were finally maintained sections of grass, perfectly symmetrical streets, fountains, pets, expensive clothes, boutique shops, and foreign delights.

It was a paradise for luxury that reflected the port’s connection to the rest of the world and its vast wealth.

The further the three of them moved into that part of the city, the larger the buildings became, and the more out of place they looked in their adventuring attire. People gave them strange looks, but the trio ignored them.

They finally arrived at a large mansion far in the northern part of the city. A sizable gate with staff surrounded it, all forest and beast devils, moving throughout dressed in maid and butler attire.

Nigel stared at the place with an expression that held many complex layers, none of them definable. Barcus looked the same. The two brothers regarded the place like some exotic, mythical beast they’d seen decades prior that they were now seeing again.

“As much as I’d love to watch you both go through flashbacks in the middle of the street, my boos hurt, my feet are swollen, and I’d like to sit down.” Jessie gestured at the two boys to advance. “Shall we?”

“Right,” murmured Barcus. He moved close to the gate where a hired guard looked up at them. “Barcus Black,” said Barcus slowly. “I’m here with my brother Nigel and my companion, Jessie. We’re here to see my parents.”

The guard regarded them closely. “Show me your codex.”

Barcus materialized the magical book and showed the guard the cover. The books always told the truth, thereby validating Barcus’s claim.

Soon, the gates were opened, and the brothers and Jessie were moving into the house.

The maids regarded them slowly, muttering as they passed from the front courtyard to the front door, where a butler greeted them.

“Young Masters, welcome home,” said the butler, a forest devil named Eiron. He looked twenty, but he’d been a part of the house since they were born. The Mark of Enslavement on his neck looked as new as the day it was branded on him. “We were worried we’d never see you again.”

“Yes, what has it been? Fifteen years?” said Barcus.

“Seventeen,” corrected Eiron with a warm expression void of any conflict.

“Right.” Barcus cleared his throat. “Are our parents home?”

“The Master and Mistress are in the parlor,” answered Eiron. He turned to enter the house, and the trio followed him. “They’ve likely already been told of your arrival.”

“Not surprising,” whispered Nigel.

“And who is your guest?” Eiron looked behind him at Jessie out of the corner of his eye.

“She’s my… fiancé?” Barcus looked back at Jessie. Jessie shook her head. “Lover?” Jessie nodded. “Lover. She’s carrying my child.”

“Right. As good a reason as any to come home,” said Eiron blandly.

The inside of the mansion was meticulously maintained. Everything was clear and perfect, with white and black colors dominating the interior of the home. They crossed through the front door and were immediately greeted by a large set of stairs that led up and split to the left and right. They didn’t go up them, but instead, went right to a door beside the stairs. Eiron opened it and gestured for them to go inside. Barcus went first, followed by Nigel and then Jessie. Eiron took up the rear.

Inside was the parlor, an extravagant room with large windows, expensive furniture, unique art, armor, weapons, and a massive, hardly-used piano.

A man and a woman were sitting in two separate chairs with a small table in between them and a coffee table in front of them: Barucs and Nigel’s parents. A lone couch sizable enough for five people to rest on was empty and inviting in front of them.

Their father was a tall, in-shape man with short hair, a clean-shaven face, and man scars visible on his hands, neck, and face. His violet eyes were relaxed as he glanced at his sons. The suit that rested on his body was tight, like it could hardly contain his muscles. He looked to be in his forties. Small strands of gray hair intertwined between his dark brown locks.

Their mother, by contrast, was a delicate, tall woman with black hair. She wore a simple, cream dress with heels, a shawl over her shoulders, and a hat. She had lovely brown eyes, a soft demeanor, and an intelligent expression that seemed to hold wisdom far beyond her years. She looked about a decade younger than her husband, but was the exact same age.

“Dear, who are these strangers?” asked their mother as Barcus and Nigel stepped forward to greet them.

“They look like our sons, but it’s been so long, I can’t quite remember them,” said their father, his voice calm and tone low. “We do have sons, yes?”

“Father. Mother,” Barcus bowed, a gesture that Nigel followed. “It is lovely to see you again.”

“Is it?” their mother said. “I’m surprised you remembered where we lived.”

“What do you need?” their father asked.

Both boys winced.

“We don’t need anything,” said Barcus. He stood up straight and moved until he was by Jessie, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and bringing her forward. “This is Jessie. She’s, uh…she’s…carrying your grandchild.”

The room changed almost instantly.

“Eiron! Bring food!” snapped their father.

Their mother bolted up and grabbed Jessie’s hands, guiding her to the couch. “Sit down, sit down. Rest your feet.” She looked at Barcus quickly and with anger. “Help us!”

“Right!”

Nigel watched the whole thing unravel, unsurprised. His parents both loved children. They doted on them a lot when they were younger. They just had high expectations for them. They weren’t even made; Nigel and Barcus had set out on their own to be adventurers. Their father owned the largest clan in Port Prosper, known as the Black Clan, which controlled the guild branch in the city. It made them some of the wealthiest people there. They sponsored adventurers throughout the city and country, inspiring new hope. Their father was a seasoned adventurer with many accolades under their belt.

Barcus was supposed to begin taking over the Black Clan when he fled to start his own. Their father didn’t fault it. He’d done the same to his father, who was a guard in Camden. He didn’t even mind when Barcus told Nigel, as Barcus had gotten quite a reputation as an independent. What they did mind was the lack of wives, grandchildren, and visitation. All three had been met in one meeting, which absolved Nigel and Barcus of all their wrongdoings.

“How far along are you?” their mother asked. Her voice was kind and warm as she sat with Jessie on their couch. “How long have you been seeing each other? When did you get married?”

“Six months,” said Jessie with an uncomfortable smile. It was apparent she was overwhelmed but the sudden change. “I’ve known Barcus since he started the Trailblazers, so about seventeen years. And…we’re not married.”

“Oh. You’re both holding off for now. Best to do it when you’re comfortable. We’ll help plan the wedding.” Their mother patted Jessie’s shoulder. “Don’t you worry.”

“I don’t think we’ve settled on the marriage thing yet,” uttered Jessie meekly.

Their father walked up to Barcus and lifted him by his shirt collar until Barcus was dangling in the air. “What kind of man are you?!”

“I want to! She won’t marry me!” said Barcus, immediately throwing Jessie under.

“Who can blame her? You got her pregnant and dragged her to meet your parents like some prize cow,” barked their mother. She looked at Jessie. “Is something wrong with him? What’s holding you back?”

“I-I don’t really…my parents split up, and I don’t feel like I can trust myself not to the same thing.” Jessie blinked rapidly and babbled. It was almost as if Barcus and Nigel’s parents had psychologically broken her down. “I’m sorry…”

“Oh, it’s okay, dear.” Their mother pulled Jessie into her chest and stroked her head, causing Jessie’s face to burn red with embarrassment. “Regardless, you’re staying here until the baby’s born. I won’t take no for an answer.”

Nigel felt like he should leave the room. His parents hadn’t brought him up yet, and he was already foreseeing the topic of conversation.

Eiron and some forest devil maids began entering and exiting the room with food and drinks to greet the guest. They’d apparently held off until an order was given.

“How does this change your goals in life?” asked their father to Barcus. His words carried a heavy weight as his gaze bore into his eldest son.

“I…I’ve learned a lot from my time with my Trailblazers,” said Barcus slowly. His face was stern, and his body was rigid. “I’ve trained a lot of people. Inspired others. Saved lives. Lost lives.” He froze. Quests from his past flashed before his eyes, good and bad. They sat heavy on his shoulders. “I…want to help people…still help people. But I need to take care of my child. So I’ve come home to take over the responsibility I ran away from all those years ago.”

Their father stared at Barcus, his expression cold. The room was quiet. Everyone was looking at him, even the servants. Nigel felt tense. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He wasn’t sure if his father would start laughing or screaming. Either was a possibility.

Instead, their father clasped Barcus on his shoulder. “Good man,” he said proudly. “A worthwhile decision is one burdened by sacrifice, no matter how small. I’ve kept track of your exploits. You’ve done great things.” He looked at Nigel. “You both have. I’m proud of you.”

Barcus and Nigel stared.

“Rest now. We’ll talk about this later. The girl matters more,” said their father. He gestured for the others to sit, with Barcus taking the spare spot beside Jessie and his mother, and Nigel the seat his mother had vacated earlier.

“Congratulations on your eyes,” their father said to Nigel as he settled into the chair. “It is no small feat to move from Green to Violet in a decade. Most people cannot do that in their lifetime.”

“I got lucky,” said Nigel.

“Don’t be modest,” said their father. “You’d have to accumulate a vast amount of mana to do that. You must have felled many strong foes. Be proud of your efforts.”

In truth, Nigel knew what an accomplishment it was. However, he was the only one who knew why. No one, not even Barcus, knew how Nigel had accumulated enough mana to reach a violet threshold. The only way was to kill mana-laced creatures—humans, monsters, and demons.

He felt too embarrassed to tell them, especially Tart or Bydon.

“He’s our son. Who would expect anything less?” said their mother with a smile. She, too, was an adventurer when she was younger before she fell in love with their father. “What about you, dear? A girl in your life?”

“Yeah. Tell them,” said Barcus with a smile.

Nigel frowned, giving his brother a cold look. In truth, there was no one. It wasn’t to say he hadn’t met wonderful girls and spent time with them. Nigel was in his early twenties, had traveled the world, and met many interesting people, some of whom even captured his heart, if only for a day or so. But none of them was love. He felt an ache when he heard the word, like it was forbidden for him.

“Not yet,” said Nigel slowly.

“Work on that. You’re handsome,” said their mother. “We’ll set you up with someone if you need help.”

“Yeah, I’m sure there’s a maid or two in here he’d like,” joked Barcus.

Nigel’s face burned red as he repeatedly glanced at a forest devil with long black hair and a pale complexion.

“Oh.” Both his parents said.

“You can play with one, dear, but don’t marry it,” said their mother. “That’s a step too far.”

“Believe me, son. I understand,” their father said with a nod, patting his son on the shoulder.

Nigel held back a groan as he shook his head. “We passed a ship coming into port that caught our eye. Had an archdevil on it. Know anything about that?” he asked, tired of the conversation and ready to leave the city already.

Both Barcus and Nigel’s parents’ faces dimmed.

“Where have you boys been all this time?” asked their father.

“Broken Bits,” answered Barcus.

“That’s why.” Their father nodded. He looked between his sons. “You may have heard rumors out there, but archdevils made it to Camden. The King granted them an audience, brought them to the castle, and they stayed less than two days before departing. That’s what people tell me, at least.”

“And they’re in Port Prosper because?” wondered Nigel, his stress lifting slightly.

“They’re here to meet with Count Prospero,” said their father.

“Why?”

Their father’s face was grim. “From what I gather, there is a town they want permission to visit to the west. There are rumors of a Black Horned Guardian in that area. Before that, there was word that Prince Christopher Zalevet had taken an archdevil captured by the royal family there to raise to serve Zalevet. It seems these rumors reached the archdevils of Paradise, and they wish to verify them,” he said. “They’re seeking Count Prospero’s consent on the matter, as the town is in his territory. Unnecessary, as the King allowed them free movement in the country, but it’s a sign of respect—one I didn’t think they’d bother fulfilling.”

“What’s the name of the town?” Jessie asked, panic in her voice.

They all knew the answer based on the available facts. They just needed to hear it. To confirm it.

“I believe it’s called…Sandy Branch?” said their father after a moment.

Nigel tried to bolt out of the room, but Barcus stopped him, grabbing his arm.

“Let go!” shouted Nigel, his face red and rising with panic. It was weird to him. He’d never felt that way before. His eyes darted around frantically as his breathing picked up.

Barcus stared at his brother. He, too, had never seen him like that. “We can’t just leave.”

“What’s going on?” their mother asked.

“We know the archdevil they’re looking for,” whispered Jessie. “We trained her, and she was Nigel’s friend.”

“Friend?” Their mother looked at Nigel. “With one of them?”

Nigel’s expression grew cold. “So?”

Everyone shivered at the coldness that single word dripped throughout the room.

Their father grabbed Nigel, much rougher than he had Barcus, and lifted him off the floor. “Don’t talk to your mother like that.”

“Let me go, and you won’t have to hear from me again,” said Nigel, not backing down. He was obsessed and terrified, his heartbeat rising and sweat dripping from his forehead. His eyes and marks started channeling mana. “Let me go.”

Their father stared at Nigel for what seemed like an eternity. Then, he dropped Nigel to the floor. “Go.”

Honestly, Nigel was confused. His brow raised as he stared at his father, expecting anger.

“I would have done the same if it had been your mother.”

Nigel gritted his teeth. They held each other’s gazes before Nigel nodded. “Thank you.” He turned to leave.

“I guess we’re going now,” complained Barcus, following after him. “Take care of Jessie for me!” he bellowed back into the house as they started leaving the mansion.

“Don’t die!” Jessie screamed back.

“Never!”

•

Barcus, Nigel, Tart, and Bydon sat in the back of a wagon, which was slowly bringing them toward Sandy Branch.

“It’d be faster to run there,” muttered Nigel, annoyed.

“And miss out on this fun bonding moment?” said Tart. She was lying across a bench with her legs on Bydon. “Please. We’re already down two people. Let’s savor it before we’re all gone, one way or another.”

“Loving the optimism,” said Barcus with a weak smile.

“It’s mostly because you’re coming,” said Tart, looking up at the roof of the cart. “A man leaving his pregnant girl behind to fight a potentially hopeless battle is what we call divine providence. You’re almost certain to die on this trip.”

“Thanks for making me feel better.”

“Any time.”

Nigel stood up and made his way to the back of the wagon.

Bydon and Barcus immediately stopped him. “You’re not running,” the two and Tart said.

“Ugh!” Nigel turned around, sat back down, and started scratching his head. “This waiting shit is killing me!”

“It is not like you to lose your cool like this,” said Tart. She was staring at Nigel, a worried expression on her face. “Garreth’s said it like an ass, but he was right. We haven’t seen Yen in nearly ten years. Why are you acting like this? Worry’s fine. We’re all worried. But you…it’s odd, Nigel.”

“Like a disease,” uttered Bydon.

“It’s not a disease,” muttered Nigel. He stared between his companions. “It’s…it’s stupid. I can’t even say it. It just started happening ever since I saw the ship and that archdevil.”

“Love?” suggested Barcus. “Because you’re acting like a man trying to save the woman he loves.”

“But that’s crazy!”

“It is,” agreed Tart.

“I don’t know why. I haven’t thought about her in years. I mean, sometimes, but…I don’t, it’s like I left something behind with Yen, and I just remembered where I’d left it.” Nigel looked away from them, embarrassed. “It’s strange. I can feel it getting worse as we get closer. My hands are trembling. My heart hurts. I want to get out of the cart and start running. I…I don’t know what this is.”

Tart and Bydon looked at Nigel, intrigued, while Barcus was stricken with worry.

-----

•

-----

It took them a few days to arrive in Sandy Branch. The archdevil’s ship hadn’t left when they did, but it would be faster than them when it did. If they were unlucky, it’d have arrived before them.

But when they arrived outside the town, the ship they saw was not in the water. Some smaller ones were pulling in while others were leaving. But the archdevils were not there.

The carriage pulled passed the town gates, a new addition since the Trailblazers were last in town, as were the guards. They were inspected thoroughly before being allowed to enter.

“It’s tense here,” mentioned Tart.

“Means they’re aware of what’s happening,” said Bydon.

The carriage stopped, and the crew got out. Barcus walked up to their driver and thanked him.

“Don’t thank me,” the carriage driver said, laughing. “I’ve been in and out of here the past few weeks. Never made so much coin in all my life.”

“People leaving?” wondered Barcus.

“And coming. All because of that horned devil that lives here,” said the carriage driver. He spit into the dirt. “Not that I mind. Fills my codex.”

“Hmm. Interesting. Thank you.”

As soon as Barcus left him, a small group of locals carrying trunks walked up to the driver and requested his service. A few moments later, he left the town, heading back to Port Prosper.

“It’s changed a lot,” said Tart as they walked through the streets of Sandy Branch. “Lot more developed.”

“And surprisingly busy,” muttered Nigel.

“Not with locals,” added Bydon. “Adventurers and Mercenaries, mostly. Still some townsfolk, but no one with families. It’s not the place I remember.”

“Word’s definitely reached here, then,” said Barcus. “Let’s go to Beginner’s Rest. We can ask about Yen there.”

The inn they once knew had been newly remodeled, with another section added to the back to expand the space. Compared to every other place in the town, Beginner’s Rest was by far the busiest. There was a crowd of people outside drinking. Inside was no better. But the mood was good. People and devils laughed. Music played. It was honestly a delightful sight to behold, given the circumstances that led the Trailblazers back.

Along the way, they heard some gossip.

“That horned girl beat the shit out of me,” muttered one guy. “I was just fighting. What’s wrong with that? Brutal bitch. Thank the Gods she didn’t kill me.”

“You hear?” said another person. “Not many people are returning from the forest anymore. Seems like something’s going on. Glad I made my coin already.”

“What am I supposed to do with all my coins if the shops keep closing?” another man sighed. “At least the brothel’s still open.”

Pushing past the groups of people outdoors, they eventually made it to the front of Beginner’s Rest. Nigel led them inside. His eyes scanned the place for a familiar face, but he spotted no one. Not even the bartenders. “No Bruno or Tannin. Just some blonde girl.”

“Maybe a new owner?” suggested Barcus as he stood beside his brother. “We could ask.”

Nigel charged forth, unabated, toward the blonde. He slapped his hand lightly on the counter a few times to get her attention. “Hello?”

The blond shuddered, clearly annoyed by the action. She turned, ready to yell. “What do you-oh, pretty.” She leaned forward on the bar and smiled at Nigel. “What can I get you?”

“I’m looking for Yennifer.”

The blonde’s expression changed instantly. She pulled back and stared Nigel directly in the face. “Why? How do you know that name?”

“I’m her friend.”

“Sure. Since when? Who are you?”

“Ni—”

“I’m curious, too,” said a new voice. Nigel suddenly felt an arm over his shoulder. He saw a pair of orange eyes flash at his right side.

Nigel recoiled and pushed at the figure, separating the two of them.

“Oh ho ho! Quick reflexes!” said the orange-eyed man, who Nigel could now see clearly. He was tall, lean, and well-built with tanned skin and messy black hair. He looked like he never stopped smiling, but there was a dangerous look to him that caused Nigel to shiver.

Orange eyes. Nigel focused on them. More mana than me. So much more than me. But mana isn’t everything.

“None of your business,” said Nigel.

“Yen is nothing if not my business,” said the orange-eyed man. “I’d consider her a dear friend, isn’t that right, Lex?”

“Right,” said a voice from up high.

Nigel craned his neck. The entire inn was crowded with adventurers and mercenaries drinking and eating. They’d created a space around the bar for Nigel and the orange-eyed man to ‘chat.’ But the voice wasn’t coming from there. Nigel saw the source: a bored-looking blonde girl sitting on the railing on the third floor. She was alone with a dagger flicking across her fingers like a coin.

“Sorry for my brother.” Barcus pushed through the crowd with Tart and Bydon until he was standing between Nigel and the orange-eyed man. “He’s hot-headed as of late.”

“Hadn’t noticed,” said the man.

“Barcus.” Barcus put out his hand for the stranger. “Nice to meet you.”

The orange-eyed man merely looked at the hand. “Gai Regal,” he said, opting not to shake it. He looked between the Trailblazers. “You are?”

“I’m Yen’s former teacher.” Barcus touched his heart and softened his posture to seem approachable and less defensive. “Taught her the Warring and Heavenly styles when she was a kid. I’m assuming you are her friend.”

“Something like that,” Gai said slowly. He glanced at Nigel. “What’s his deal?”

“They grew up and trained together as kids.”

“Ahhhh!” Gai snapped his finger, looked straight at Nigel, and grinned. “Christopher’s going to love you.”

“Who—” Nigel began.

“What’s going on here?” A female’s voice cut through the crowd.

Nigel didn’t need to see to know who it was, but his eyes still raced toward the source.

The crowd parted for the new arrival in an instant. Everyone could see the door from everywhere in the inn.

A tall woman with black hair, a little way past her shoulders, and white eyes stood on the threshold of the inn. She wore long boots that rode up to her thigh. There was a slight gap of white skin between them, and a black dress cinched tight with belts. A cloak with a hood wrapped around her shoulder, and it drifted around her body like a wispy cloud.

And two black horns poked out from the top of her head.

“Yen,” whispered Nigel.

Yen scanned the room, looking for answers. Her eyes drifted to Barcus, who was standing in front of Gai. “Huh? Barcus?!” Her gaze flittered like she was looking for someone. “Tart! Bydon!” Her gaze finally rested on Nigel.

It was like the room froze.

It had been years since they last saw each other.

But it might as well have been minutes.

Nigel felt himself moving in tandem with Yen.

She leapt at him.

He opened his arms.

They crashed into each other.

Nigel wrapped his hands around Nigel, and she did the same with her legs. They embraced like there was no one else in the room.

At that moment, a thought ran through Nigel’s mind and embedded itself in his heart.

My life is hers.

It terrified him.