Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 238: Thank you

Chapter 238: Thank you

It happened so quickly.

One moment she was in a vast desert and the next, she found herself in an alabaster temple with a familiar face staring at her with a warm smile.

Arwen reached out and touched her cheek before slowly moving her palm into her line of sight.

Then almost like she’d recalled something, she quickly looked around but try as she may, what she sought was nowhere to be found.

"...Claudia." She muttered in a hoarse voice.

Roland, who had woken up at some point, met her gaze and slowly shook his head as he clenched his fist.

As tears welled in her eyes, she asked. "Is this real?"

"... We won but... Claudia..."

Just then, Alex’s voice came from behind. "She knew the risks and still took it... she died a hero."

"..." As the tears trailed down her cheeks, Arwen remained silent for a time, her thoughts a grand mess.

As she slowly clenched her fist, she muttered softly. "That’s good... I’m glad to hear it."

***

The deal is complete.

With those words, the Emissary grabbed its scythe and used it to touch the magic circle used to summon it.

Immediately, a wisp of pale flame rushed forth and burned the design, after which it returned to the PaleLands, leaving the alabaster temple in silence.

Then, Vessina let out a relieved sigh.

Who would have thought you’d still have Truzrazeth’s essence?

"A stroke of luck. Thank you for helping me."

We are merely paying back what we owe.

"Regardless..." Alex trailed off as he glanced at Arwen as she silently mourned Claudia’s demise.

She no longer looked human with her mottled skin which had splotches of black covered in dirty bandages.

He understood now why she had said with the exchange, she would no longer be human again.

Taking a deep breath, he continued. "...I should thank you."

Very well then. Now that the exchange is complete, we shall be on our way.

"Before that, I would like to ask that you deliver the people of Krobridge from their slumber within the DreamWorld."

Ah yes... I almost forgot about that.

As Vessina spoke, she glanced at Xistora who was already dozing off at a corner.

...huh, oh yeah, sure... I’ll do that now.

She suppressed the urge to beat the sludge as the latter got to work opening the passageway to the DreamWorld.

Meanwhile, Alex moved to help Arwen.

He had to admit that he had completely forgotten about Claudia and if not for Arwen searching for her, he wouldn’t have bothered much since her death was expected.

Of course, considering Claudia and Arwen were close, he could understand her feelings well.

Unfortunately, unlike Arwen, Claudia... exhausted everything.

At this point, she wasn’t dead... she was truly gone.

He didn’t have the capabilities to revive under such circumstances.

He wished to comfort Arwen and if possible, carry out what he already had in mind.

Perhaps this might be the best time to do so.

Just as he came within arm’s length, Arwen quickly backed away.

"Do I smell?" Alex joked.

Arwen lowered her head as she replied. "Not that, I just..."

"Do you hate me?"

"... She knew the risks. I just wish... I wish I got a chance to see her before..." Arwen choked on her emotions, her eyes still wet with tears.

Alex pursed his lips as he replied. "We are all partly to blame for her death. She sacrificed everything to ensure we won and thankfully, we didn’t let her down."

"Now what?... Claudia is gone, I’m a complete Banshee, and..."

A smile tugged at the corners of Alex’s lips as he crouched to the same eye level as Arwen.

Reaching out, he patted her head as he remarked. "Before you consider all that, I should let you know; I owe you my life. Thank you."

"... I did what I had to to save everyone," Arwen muttered.

"And you did well, so it’s only right that I pay back."

Arwen glanced at him, confused by his statement.

"I am forming a team of extraordinary individuals, capable of filling up positions I would never be able to handle alone. People loyal to me that would not hinder my ultimate goal. You are one such person, Arwen, so I ask... are you willing to join me?"

"I... I’m a Banshee now. Soon enough..."

"The Banshees will come for you."

"...Yeah."

"It doesn’t matter. All you have to do right now is answer me..." Alex reiterated as he dropped his hand from Arwen’s head, gesturing for her to take it. "So will you join me?"

Arwen’s gaze alternated between the outstretched hand and Alex’s warm smile.

Claudia’s death weighed heavily on her mind and though she was prepared for the eventuality, it hurt more that it happened.

"I want to get Claudia back and... I want to reach the PaleLands."

"And I will help you with both of those things. Even keep away the Banshees as well. All you have to do... is take my hand."

"...Are you just saying all that so I’d join?"

Alex revealed a smirk as he replied. "Maybe, maybe not... but it’s better than nothing right?"

As Arwen’s breathing quickened, she soon made her decision.

Slowly but steadily she reached out and grabbed Alex’s outstretched palm.

"Yes... I will join you."

"And I promise to protect you in turn."

With those words, Alex snapped with his other hand after which pulsating black and white erupted from the palm holding onto Arwen.

She gasped as the lights lunged at her, engulfing her before she got a chance to react.

A muffled groan escaped her lips as the strange energy invaded her innards, leaving her disoriented.

Then, she heard Alex’s voice, guiding her. "Do not fight it. It is my power as much as it is yours."

"...Okay." She replied, realizing only now could she relax.

Soon, the sensation disappeared and Arwen opened her eyes to gaze upon Alex.

"Now you can be whoever you want to be. I have no problems with your appearance but if it would take you time getting used to... then whatever figure you envision, it shall be yours."

As Alex spoke, Arwen shifted her attention to her palm where a yin-yang symbol now rested.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and envisioned her previous look.

When she opened her eyes and looked down at her palm, her mottled skin filled with black splotches had regained its vigor, looking increasingly human.

As she choked back her tears, Arwen softly muttered. "Thank you."