Two days had passed since their arrival. The group had organized themselves around the camp, each tending to their tasks while casting occasional glances toward the dark barrier where Akira had secluded himself.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Elysia, Thalia, Dorian, Kael, and Rhéa gathered away from the camp. The atmosphere was tense, heavy with unspoken words and unanswered questions.
"Elysia," Thalia began in a serious tone, "we need to talk about the Heart of Belthegus. Since when did you know?"
Elysia lowered her eyes, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her tunic. "I was… I was there during the heist," she admitted finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
A heavy silence fell over the group. Their faces hardened, marked by confusion and disappointment.
"Do you realize what you've gotten yourself into?" Rhéa asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I know perfectly well," Elysia replied, her voice trembling but resolute.
Thalia stood abruptly, her fists clenched. "If you knew, why did you go along with it? They were already dangerous enough, and with the Heart in their hands, they're even more so!"
The silence that followed was deafening, each member grappling with the weight of this revelation. Suddenly, a light laugh broke the tension.
"What a fascinating conversation," Yumi interjected, appearing like a shadow at the edge of the circle. An enigmatic smile played on her lips. "But no matter what happens now, your fates are already sealed." She turned her head toward the barrier, which had grown darker, and murmured, "Looks like he's done."
---
A few meters away, near an improvised furnace, Hernandez worked on his craft. The metallic clanging of his tools echoed in the air as he muttered, "Damn, who would've thought I'd get the chance to work with these scales again?"
"Looks like you're really enjoying yourself," a voice rang out behind him.
Turning, he saw Akira leaning against the doorway, the Heart of Belthegus glowing in his hand.
"Oh, you're finally back!" Hernandez exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable. "I just finished your order."
"I see," Akira replied simply, stepping forward and tossing the Heart to him. "You know what's left to do."
"I know, but first, I want to see how it looks when you wear my masterpiece," Hernandez declared, radiating pride.
With a resigned sigh, Akira took the armor and stepped away for a few minutes. When he returned, he wasn't wearing conventional armor but a sophisticated set of clothing. The sleeveless black tank top hugged his impressive musculature, its high collar and fitted cut emphasizing functionality. His tight black pants, reinforced at the knees and equipped with multiple pockets, allowed complete freedom of movement. Black arm wraps covered his forearms, seamlessly complemented by matching gloves and high boots.
Akira tested his mobility with a few fluid movements, a satisfied smile lighting up his face. "You did excellent work," he said, clenching and unclenching his fists. "Alright, I'll let you finish."
"No problem," Hernandez replied proudly. "I'm going to forge you the most powerful weapon this world has ever seen."
"Then I'll be waiting," Akira concluded before walking away.
---
[First Person POV]
I moved slowly, hands in my pockets, lost in thought. My steps inevitably led me toward the camp. As I approached, the faces came into clearer view, but something about them seemed different.
Yumi studied me closely, her eyes taking on a golden hue. "You look the same on the outside, but…" she observed. "What happened?" she asked, her gaze piercing.
"Well, a lot happened," I replied, turning my head toward Dorian, who quickly averted his eyes.
"By the way, where's Elysia?" I asked, noticing her absence.
"She… she headed toward the forest," Rhéa stammered, visibly nervous.
With a nod, I set off in the direction she indicated. My steps quickly took me into the forest. Despite its nature as a gate, monsters were scarce in this area, wiped out by Dorian's group's raids. The sound of a waterfall reached my ears. A river came into view, and in its waters stood a familiar figure. As I drew closer, I recognized Elysia, naked, caressing her skin.
"Fancy some company?" I called out in a teasing voice.
She spun around abruptly, launching an ice spell that I dodged with a slight tilt of my head. Recognizing me at last, she hurriedly apologized, "S-Sorry, I didn't know it was you."
"No need to apologize," I said, stepping closer. "More importantly, you have beautiful breasts." I smiled.
Her eyes widened as she realized her situation.
"Kyaaaa!" she shrieked, covering her chest and sinking into the water, her cheeks flaming red.
Her reaction drew an amused smile from me. "You didn't answer my question."
"If you want," she mumbled into the water, creating bubbles on the surface.
As I undressed, I felt her furtive glances on me. Once naked, I slipped into the water beside her.
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