Chapter 85: Journey To Main Branch

Several hours had passed since Alaric had carried the unconscious Rosalind, Illona, and Merja to the secluded cave. The trio lay side by side on a makeshift bedding of soft moss and fabric Alaric had conjured using minor spells. The air inside the cave was cool and still, a stark contrast to the fiery chaos that had engulfed the dungeon earlier.

Alaric sat a short distance away, his back resting against the rocky wall as he closed his eyes to meditate. His new abilities still pulsed within him, their potential barely explored. The transformation he had undergone after absorbing the Azure Spirit Lion’s essence had enhanced every part of him, making him feel like a demigod among mortals.

As he reflected on the hours before, a soft stirring caught his attention. Rosalind’s fingers twitched, and her crimson lashes fluttered open. Her vibrant red hair, though disheveled, framed her face like a fiery halo. She blinked a few times, her emerald eyes locking onto Alaric, who turned to her with a small smile.

“Alaric…” her voice was soft, still groggy from unconsciousness. “What happened?”

“Take it easy,” Alaric said gently as he moved closer to her. “You were injured during the collapse. I managed to get you all out in time.”

Rosalind’s lips curled into a faint smile. “You always come through, don’t you?”

Before he could respond, Illona stirred next. Her lilac hair cascaded over her shoulders as she sat up slowly, her striking violet eyes scanning the cave. She seemed disoriented at first but quickly focused on Alaric.

“Alaric? How…?” she began, her voice laced with disbelief.

“You’re safe now,” Alaric reassured her. “I carried you out after the collapse.”

Illona’s gaze softened as she processed his words. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as her memories of the dream she’d had surfaced.

Merja was the last to awaken. The silver-haired beauty’s piercing gray eyes opened slowly, meeting Alaric’s. Her expression shifted from confusion to shock as her eyes roamed over him.

“You… you look different,” Merja said, sitting up with a slight wince. “What happened to you?”

Rosalind and Illona’s gazes snapped to Alaric as well, their eyes widening as they noticed the changes. His once-average build was now a masterpiece of strength and masculinity. His height had increased subtly, but it was his face that drew their attention. His jawline was more defined, his features sharper, and his eyes held a magnetic charm that seemed almost otherworldly.

“Alaric, you…” Rosalind began, trailing off as she took in his transformation.

He chuckled softly, running a hand through his now slightly longer, darker hair. “Let’s just say I’ve been through some changes. The details, however, are a secret.” He winked, the gesture disarming them further.

Rosalind smiled knowingly, her affection for him evident. Illona and Merja, however, exchanged subtle glances, their thoughts a tangle of growing attraction and confusion. The dreams they’d had lingered in their minds, vivid and impossible to ignore. They felt drawn to him in ways they couldn’t explain, their hearts beating faster as they watched him.

“Where are Halvard and Goran?” Illona finally asked, breaking the silence.

Alaric’s expression darkened, and he let out a heavy sigh. “They… didn’t make it. The flames that erupted after the ceiling collapsed were too intense. I barely managed to get the three of you out. I… I couldn’t save them.”

Rosalind, Illona, and Merja’s faces fell, their expressions a mix of sorrow and disbelief.

“Don’t blame yourself, Alaric,” Rosalind said softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “The fact that you saved us at all is nothing short of miraculous.”

Illona nodded, her violet eyes glistening. “She’s right. You did everything you could. Halvard and Goran would have understood.”

Merja remained silent, her gaze fixed on Alaric. Her feelings were conflicted, but a part of her felt a growing admiration for him—an admiration that was quickly transforming into something deeper.

“What do we do now?” Rosalind asked, breaking the heavy silence.

Alaric stood, his posture confident and composed. “We leave this dungeon. It’s destroyed now, and there’s no point in staying. Whatever treasures it might have held are buried beneath the rubble.”

The women nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. Rosalind and Illona cast levitation spells, their forms lifting gracefully into the air. Merja, however, remained grounded, glancing at Alaric with a mix of hesitation and expectation.

“You don’t know levitation magic, do you?” Alaric asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

Merja shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Come here,” Alaric said, opening his arms.

Merja hesitated for a moment before stepping into his embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her, and she couldn’t help but notice the warmth and security they provided. As Alaric activated his flight spell, “Soaring Wings”, they began to ascend slowly. Rosalind and Illona were ahead, their attention focused on navigating the path upward.

Alaric, however, took his time. His hands moved subtly, one resting on the curve of Merja’s waist while the other … strayed. His fingers grazed her firm buttocks, squeezing gently, and she stiffened in his arms.

’What is he…’ Merja’s thoughts spiraled, her mind flashing back to the dream she’d had. Her body betrayed her, a warmth pooling in her core as his touch lingered.

His other hand slipped beneath her shirt, his fingers tracing the smooth skin of her lower back before moving upward. When his palm cupped her breast, she bit her lip, a soft gasp escaping before she could stop it.

“You alright?” Alaric whispered, his voice low and teasing.

Merja nodded quickly, unable to form words. She clung to him, her nails digging lightly into his shoulders as she struggled to contain her reactions. Her breaths came in shallow pants, her heart racing as pleasure coursed through her.

Above them, Rosalind and Illona remained oblivious, their focus entirely on the path ahead.

When they finally emerged from the dungeon, the cool night air was a welcome relief. Rosalind and Illona landed gracefully, while Alaric touched down with Merja still in his arms. He set her down gently, his hands lingering a moment longer than necessary.

Rosalind’s gaze swept over the collapsed dungeon entrance. “It’s a shame we couldn’t retrieve any treasures,” she said thoughtfully. “But… perhaps we can still make use of this place. The Silver Ravens Guild could mine out the resources, gather herbs, and harvest whatever else this dungeon generates. Even collapsed, it’s a valuable asset.”

Illona nodded. “True. Without monsters, it’s much safer. We could set up operations here without worrying about casualties.”

Merja’s gaze remained on Alaric as the others spoke, her thoughts drifting back to the dream and his touch. She felt a growing desire she couldn’t suppress, her body responding to him even now.

Alaric, meanwhile, smiled to himself. Everything was falling into place, just as he had planned.

He knew they needed a moment to regroup and process everything that had transpired. “Ladies,” he began, his voice soft yet firm, “we should head to the Silver Ravens Guild. We need to report this and figure out our next steps.”

Rosalind nodded, her crimson hair swaying gently. “You’re right, Alaric. We need to inform the guild about Halvard and Goran, and the dungeon…” Her voice trailed off, a hint of sadness lingering in her eyes.

Illona stepped forward, her silvery hair shimmering in the dim light. “Yes, and we must uncover the Phantom Assembly’s purpose in the dungeon. It’s highly unusual for the Azure Lion, a mythical beast, to be involved in their affairs.”

Merja, her golden skin glowing softly, added, “And we need to understand why they collapsed the dungeon. There’s more to this mystery than we realize.”

Alaric agreed, his mind already spinning with possibilities. “Indeed, we must get to the bottom of this. But first, let’s find some rest and gather our thoughts.”

The journey to the Silver Ravens Guild’s branch in Leywick Town was uneventful, marked by quiet contemplation and hushed conversations. Alaric, though not a member of the guild, accompanied the women, his presence a steadying force amidst the uncertainty.

Upon reaching the guild, they were led to a private chamber. The atmosphere was tense, anticipation hanging heavy in the air. Rosalind, Illona, and Merja took turns recounting the dungeon expedition, their voices steady despite the turmoil within.

“The Phantom Assembly’s dark mages were present,” Rosalind began, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “They collapsed the dungeon on us. We discovered a hidden chamber where a colossal Azure Lion battled against them.”

Illona continued, her voice like steel. “Their motives for entering the dungeon and fighting that beast remain unclear. We must uncover their plans.”

Merja sighed, her golden eyes glistening with sorrow. “After they caused more collapses, the entire dungeon crumbled. The Azure Lion vanished, and flames… flames engulfed everything. Halvard and Goran… they didn’t survive. Their remains couldn’t be recovered.”

The room fell silent, the weight of their words hanging heavy. After a moment, the guild master nodded, his expression grave. “We’ll investigate. For now, rest. You’ve been through a lot.”

Once the debriefing was complete, Rosalind, Illona, and Merja left the meeting room and returned to the waiting hall, where they found Alaric surrounded by several senior guild members.

’What’s happening here?’ Rosalind murmured, her brows knitting in confusion.

Alaric caught her gaze, a small smirk playing on his lips. ’They’re trying to recruit me,’ he thought, amusement sparkling in his eyes.

Alaric had been approached by the higher-ups who were eager to recruit him. After all, news of his prodigious talent was known throughout the entire Kingdom.

One of the senior members, a stern-looking man with a thick beard, leaned forward. “Young man, your talents are exceptional. Joining the Silver Ravens Guild would provide you with opportunities and resources beyond your imagination.”

Alaric gave a polite smile, though his thoughts were more calculating. ’They’re desperate to recruit me. This could be advantageous.’

“I appreciate the offer,” Alaric said, his voice casual yet calculated. “But I have certain conditions.”

The senior members exchanged glances, excitement dancing in their eyes. “Conditions? Anything! Just name it!”

Alaric leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest. “I wish to learn some of the standard and basic Martial Techniques available to members of the Silver Ravens Guild.”

Shock rippled through the group. “Martial Techniques?” one echoed, disbelief in his tone. “But… you’re a mage, Alaric. A gifted one at that. Why the interest in Martial Techniques?”

Alaric shook his head, a soft laugh escaping his lips. “I have no intention of becoming a Martialist,” he explained. “I simply want to study it, enhance my style as a close-combat mage. Plus, I’d like to offer it to my mother Lyra. She’s a Master Martialist.”

Understanding dawned on their faces, and they nodded, satisfied. One by one, they began to offer their services, eager to guide him in the ways of the Martialist.

“I’ll teach you about Battle Aura!”

“I’ll show you powerful sword techniques!”

Alaric listened, a smile playing on his lips. This was exactly what he sought, a chance to learn, to grow, to gain more power.

As the senior members continued to sing their praises and offers, Rosalind, Merja, and Illona approached Alaric. He excused himself from the group, a look of relief flashing across his face as he turned to the women.

“Alaric,” Rosalind began, her voice soft. “I think I can now take you to meet Orion. The skilled alchemist whom you wanted to meet.”

Alaric’s eyes lit up with interest. “Oh, really? Where can I find him?”

Rosalind paused, thinking. “He’s at the main branch of the Silver Ravens Guild. It’s quite a distance from here, but if you’re serious about meeting him, I can take you.”

A slow smile spread across Alaric’s face. ” I am. I need him to concoct a Mystic Rejuvenation Elixir for Iridelle. Her Magic Circuits need to recover.”

Merja nodded, her golden eyes filled with concern. “If you’re going to the main branch, you should have the forgers craft a weapon for you. A proper weapon can be crucial in battle.”

Illona agreed. “She’s right. You need a weapon that suits you, Alaric. Something that can handle your power.”

Alaric considered their words, his mind racing. “You’re right,” he said finally. “I’ll get a weapon. But first, let’s meet this Orion.”

Rosalind nodded, a small smile on her lips. “We’ll leave at first light. For now, let’s rest.”

As they prepared to depart the next day, Merja and Illona pulled Alaric aside. “We won’t be joining you,” Illona said, regret in her voice. “We have personal matters to attend to here.”

Merja nodded, determination in her golden eyes. “But take care, Alaric.”

Alaric smiled, understanding in his gaze. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. You two take care as well.”

And so, Alaric and Rosalind embarked on their journey to the main branch of the Silver Ravens Guild. They rode on a single horse, Alaric seated behind Rosalind, his arms wrapped around her waist, holding the reins. Her voluptuous body pressed against his, sending waves of pleasure coursing through him.

Rosalind, feeling his arousal, leaned back into him, a soft smile on her lips. She took his hands, guiding them over her breasts, her breath catching as he teased her nipples, making them hard.

Alaric leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire.

She chuckled, a low, sultry sound that sent shivers down his spine. “Maybe I do,” she replied, her hands guiding his beneath her shirt, letting him feel her soft skin.

Their journey was filled with such moments, intimate touches, soft whispers, and stolen kisses. Alaric reveled in exploring Rosalind’s sexy body, his hands roaming over her curves, his fingers teasing her nipples, driving her wild.

They stopped along the way, Alaric pushing Rosalind against trees, his hands exploring every inch of her body. He teased her, making her moan and writhe beneath his touch, her body begging for more.

“Alaric… please…” she begged, her voice thick with need.

He smiled, his eyes dark with desire. “Please what, my dear?” he asked, his fingers continuing their teasing dance.

“I… I need you…” she gasped, her body trembling with desire.

Alaric chuckled, his fingers slowing down, teasing her. “Not yet, my dear. Not yet.”

Their journey took three days, filled with pleasure and intimacy. By the time they reached the main branch of the Silver Ravens Guild, they were both breathless and hungry for more. But for now, they had a mission to accomplish. They had to find Orion, the alchemist who held the key to Iridelle’s recovery. And so, with determination in their eyes and passion in their hearts, they stepped into the guild.