Chapter 15: Pine Village
A week passed.
Their stay in Elyasia's capital was over, though it never felt permanent to begin with. For Samy, Ryken, and Shinra, it seemed like every step forward was just another step toward leaving again.
By the time morning arrived, they stood by the guild's entrance with their modest belongings. Samy carried a small bag slung over his shoulder. Shinra had his dragon lazily curled on his own, clutching his worn backpack. Ryken, ever practical, handled two larger bags.
A mana-powered cart rolled up to meet them, humming gently as it hovered just above the ground. The driver, a young guild employee, began loading their luggage.
As they approached, a familiar—and unwelcome—face awaited them inside the carriage.
Marcus.
"Oi, good morning!" Marcus greeted, far too cheerful for Ryken's taste.
Ryken muttered under his breath, "Of course he's coming with us..."
Samy smirked. "Looks like we're all on the same ship now, Captain."
With a resigned sigh, they boarded.
The cart rumbled forward, wheels spinning with a faint, steady whirr. The city streets blurred past. The buildings, the sounds, the people—it all felt like Elyasia was whispering something to them as they left. A city that shined with peace but hid cracks underneath.
No one spoke much during the ride. They all knew—this journey would shape their fate, whether they liked it or not.
—
After nearly four hours, the landscape shifted.
Pine Village wasn't flashy. It wasn't a city of lev-trams or floating towers. But it was alive.
Fields of vegetables stretched across the plains. Sheds of goats, cows, and chicken coops lined the dirt paths. Houses made of stone, brick, and old wood stood sturdy against the breeze. Small markets bustled quietly, vendors trading not for riches but for daily survival.
"This feels… familiar," Ryken murmured, a soft look in his eyes. It reminded him of home—before war tore everything apart.
As they crossed into the heart of the village, Shinra's hand rose to his face. Silent tears streamed down his cheeks as he watched farmers working, families tending to their stalls. It was a scene so simple, yet it carved deep into his memories.
"Oi, don't get soft on me now," Marcus said gruffly, though his tone lacked any real edge. "Welcome to Pine Village."
Samy's expression remained calm, unreadable. But his eyes stayed sharp, scanning everything.
Ryken gently ruffled Shinra's hair. "Come on, kid. Let's make this place home."
—
The Spiral Guild was a large structure, impressive for a small village. Built like a fortress-school hybrid, it had classrooms, training grounds, housing quarters, and even a central battle arena.
As they arrived, a guild officer approached, bowing slightly. "Welcome, Master Marcus. The guest room is ready."
Marcus waved lazily. "Take them there. They're new. Let them rest—we'll sort out the real work tomorrow."
—
Their assigned room wasn't grand, but it was comfortable. A large bed, a simple attached washroom, and a view of the lake shimmering under the afternoon sun. After settling their bags, the three of them took turns freshening up.
A knock interrupted their quiet.
Ryken opened the door to see the same officer. "Master Marcus invites you for lunch. In ten minutes."
—
The dining hall was humble but warm. Marcus sat at the far end, arms stretched across the bench, clearly at home.
"Good afternoon, you lot. Sit. Eat. It's on me today."
"Thanks," Samy said, though Ryken's nod was more out of obligation.
They ate without much formality. Marcus didn't bother with small talk, but his eyes observed—constantly.
As they finished, Marcus leaned back. "Ryken, report to my office at seven sharp. Bring the other two with you."
Ryken gave a curt nod. "Understood, sir."
The afternoon passed in a tired haze. After days of moving, the weight of exhaustion finally caught up to them. By evening, all three were napping, sprawled across the bed in a pile of limbs and soft dragon snores.
—
6:45 PM.
Ryken stretched and kicked lightly at Samy's foot. "Oi. Time to get up. We've got Marcus in 15."
Samy groaned. "Five more minutes…"
Shinra was no better, curling into the blankets like a stubborn cat.
But at seven o'clock sharp, they stood before Marcus's office, knocking twice.
"Come in."
—
Marcus didn't waste time. "Ryken, you'll be assigned your duties tomorrow. As for housing, we've arranged a small house for you three under the guild's name. Rent-free for two months. After that, you're on your own."
Ryken bowed his head slightly. "Thank you."
Marcus continued. "The academy has already begun. Shinra can join next week. After you settle your things, go to the education department—they'll handle the rest."
"And you, Samy." Marcus's eyes narrowed. "Still hellbent on opening that bakery?"
"I am."
Marcus smirked. "Good. There's only one bakery here, and they barely bake. They reheat goods from Elyasia's capital. Sunday morning, report to the guild hall. I'll set up a meeting with the owner."
Samy's polite nod couldn't hide his internal relief. "Thank you, sir. That would be a big help."
Marcus glanced at the clock. "8:20 already. Join me for dinner?"
Ryken declined with a respectful bow. "We appreciate it, but we have other plans tonight."
—
As they walked back to their guest room, Samy sighed dramatically. "You know, a free dinner wouldn't have hurt."
Ryken side-eyed him. "What are you? A freeloader now?"
"Hey, I'm a baker. We survive off scraps."
As they entered their room, Ryken remembered something. "Samy, go get us dinner from the guild's kitchen."
"Me? You rejected the dinner invite! You go!"
"I've got some work to finish. Go."
Samy muttered under his breath but eventually relented. "Fine."
Ryken turned to Shinra. "Stay in the room. Don't go wandering."
"Yeah, yeah," Shinra mumbled, busy playing with the dragon.
—
The guild at night was still lively. Lanterns floated gently above, casting a soft glow on the cobbled paths. Samy, however, had no clue where the kitchen was.
Frustrated, he reached out and grabbed the shoulder of a passerby—unaware that the "passerby" was Marcus himself.
Marcus turned slowly, irritation evident. "Oi. Who the hell grabs people like—oh, it's you."
Samy froze. "Ah… sorry. Bad habit."
Marcus narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"
"Food. Bread. Rice. Anything."
Marcus sighed. "You don't need to run around for that. Head to the guild's main kitchen. Look for Seira. Tell her my name."
Samy nodded quickly. "Thank you, sir."
"And stop grabbing random people, idiot," Marcus added as he walked off.
—
The kitchen was warm and smelled of spices. Behind the counter stood a young woman—dark grey full-length frock, white apron, blonde hair tied in a lazy bun.
"Seira?"
She looked up. "Yes?"
"Marcus sent me. Said you'd help me with some food."
With a small smile, Seira nodded. "Wait here." She packed up some meals and handed them over. "There. Enjoy."
—
Back in the room, Shinra pounced on Ryken the moment he returned. "Where were you?! I'm starving!"
"Calm down. Wash your hands first."
Dinner was quiet but comforting. Shinra fell asleep curled against Samy, dragon snoring softly by his side. Ryken took the floor as usual.
Outside, the moon bathed Pine Village in silver light, the lake mirroring its glow.
But far beyond, in the woods past the fields, a shadow watched. Unmoving. Waiting.
Someone had their eyes on them.