I found myself in a swamp filled with sludge, led astray by hallucinations.
Innumerable strings wrapped around my legs like hands leading to death, dragging me into the swamp.
“Guh, h-hello!”
– You’ve come, haven’t you.
A woman’s voice just spoke! But looking around, there was no one there. Only evil spirits flying overhead.
“Is anyone there? Help me!”
– Your companions will be here soon. Tell them to go back.
“What? Is that true?”
Saved! I’ll just wait here quietly. That was close, they must have come looking for me. By the way, who is this voice belonging to? It’s different from the evil spirits’ voices, a clear, cold voice like water that penetrates deep into one’s heart.
“Um, excuse me, who are you? Where are you speaking from?”
– It’s no use coming here. If you don’t want your companions to sacrifice themselves, tell them to go back.
Can’t they hear me? They’re talking to me one-sidedly. Could the voice’s owner be the King of Spirits? Then, could this be the Spring of Life?! Is this sludge-like swamp it?
“Are you the King of Spirits? Is that so? If so, we came to help. Um, could you please get us out of here?”
– It’s too late. Now, tell them to go back.
From far away, I could hear many footsteps.
“Arisugawa, where are you?! Answer if you’re here!”
“Sharin! I’m here, help me!”
Leading the charge were the Puzu Tribe Father and Sharin. As soon as their figures appeared, the evil spirits circling overhead began to attack everyone all at once.
“Wh-what?!”
“Let’s form a formation immediately!”
At Philiana’s signal, I saw them assume a combat stance. The evil spirits surrounded us, looking for an opening to attack. Damn it, they won’t have time to save me at this rate.
“What should I do? How can I be saved?”
– It’s no use, it’s already too late.
That’s all they say, but that can’t be true, there must be a way. Then, shaking off the evil spirits’ attacks, the Puzu Tribe Father ran towards me. He leaped high, evading fangs that tried to latch on, with a sharp curve.
“Behind you!”
“Damn it!”
Black vines entangled his small legs. He rolled on the ground, breaking free from restraint. Amazing, in an instant, he rolled in the same direction, evading the attack.
“Are you alright?! I’ll bring the vines now.”
“That’s the thing, my legs are caught by something like a rope.”
“What?!”
An evil spirit approached from behind with its mouth open. I instinctively thrust out my right arm. A dazzling light pushed back the darkness like a barrier.
“Take this bangle. Give it to an elf girl named Cecilia.”
“B-but what will happen to you if I take this?”
I’ll probably be eaten alive. But this is all I can do now. This bangle has the attribute of light, so it reacts to darkness and protects me. However, as someone who can’t use magic, this is just a temporary activation, and I can’t bring out its true power.
If Cecilia uses it, it will undoubtedly exhibit even greater power.
“Quick, take this and tell her to come to the spring.”
“O-okay. I believe you.”
He took the bangle from my arm and left. The only light protecting me was moving further away.
– It’s a pity, I did warn you.
“KISHEEEE–”
As if waiting for this, an evil spirit attacked from above. Damn it, I can’t reach my sword at my waist. I could force it out, but if my arm sinks as well, there’ll be no hope of survival this time.
“Don’t look back! Give it to Cecilia!”
The light kept getting further away. This is all I can do now.
“Hiroaki! Tsk, get out of the way! Are you okay? I’ll save you now.”
As expected of Cecilia, she came before I was eaten. But right now, she shouldn’t be saving me.
“Stay still, I’ll help you out with a rope or something.”
I pointed forward. I could barely breathe due to the pressure of the mud. It’s painful, but Cecilia is here, she can do this.
“What? A cloak and shield? Why are they over there, did you throw them on purpose? Why?”
With my last strength, I had hurled the cloak and shield forward. Because of that, my arm was almost submerged in the mud, with only my head and left side barely sticking out.
“This is the Spring of Life, go to the center and greet the King of Spirits.”
“Huh? What are you saying? Are you talking about that strange poem? How can you know if that’s true? More importantly, I need to save you first.”
I brushed away Cecilia’s reaching hand. I’m not sure, but I feel like if I can dispel this darkness, the King of Spirits will return.
“I heard a voice. I’m sure he’s still nearby, now is the only chance. Hurry.”
“…Alright. I believe you.”
Cecilia climbed onto my shoulder as I was sinking, stepped on the floating cloak, then jumped onto the shield. Then, she raised the bangle in her hand high.
“Oh King of Spirits, my name is Cecilia Lumier. Please reveal yourself.”
