The Soul Keeper

A painstakingly long silence followed my words. I glanced towards Stonepatch village, then towards the old demonic ruins we'd explored with Asher. Even if I tried to make my way there now, I'd never make it in time!

I stopped in the air, conflicted. Was I going after Asher, or was I going to Rina and Alex? I clenched my teeth; I couldn't forsake any of them – I had to help them somehow.

I felt a faint connection form in the back of my mind. "I'm fine." Asher's weak voice sounded. "Some beasts attacked the fort. I wasn't prepared – they caught me off guard." I could sense the pain he was in.

"I'm – I think – two hours away. Do you need my help?" I asked as worry filled my mind.

"No. I'm wounded, but nothing I can't heal." He hesitated. "I'll borrow some of your mana." As soon as he said that, I felt my mana drain through our mental connection. Somewhat worried, I glanced at my status panel. I watched as the numbers representing my mana diminished. 𝓯𝙧𝒆𝒆𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝓸𝓿𝒆𝓵.𝙘𝓸𝓶

"Thanks," He said after a short while. I had about five hundred mana left by then. It was enough to get me to Stonepatch Village. "Why aren't you in Baile Chailce?" He asked after a short moment.

I sighed. "Because I'm worried about Alex and Rina," I replied as I once again set off. "There were some reports of rampaging beasts. I wanted to check on them – help them if I can."

He hesitated. I knew what he was thinking – the tournament. Only a couple of matches remained before the finale and whoever won that would be favoured by the Ereth. Naturally, he didn't want me to miss my chance to win. "Fine," He said after a while. "Be careful, don't let your guard down, and make it back in time for your next match."

"I know. I'll let you know of what I find out." I hesitated. "Stay alive, Asher." As soon as my words reached his mind, I heard his chuckle. He severed the connection without a single other word.

I couldn't help but laugh, partly because I was relieved that he was fine and partly because I had expected him to act like that. He was becoming predictable, even if only a little.

As bright colours started to bleed into the night sky, I spotted buildings in the distance. Stonepatch Village slowly entered my view.

I drew a sharp breath as I looked over the settlement. The buildings were damaged – I could see broken walls and collapsed roofs. Rubble and ash covered the streets. My heart racing with worry, I landed at the edge of the small settlement.

It was only when I stepped on the damaged streets that I realised the damage wasn't as bad as it looked from the sky. Yes, most roofs were damaged, and some buildings had large holes in the walls, but it wasn't as bad as I feared it'd be. All buildings were still standing, I could even see light in most windows.

As I slowly walked on the streets, I spotted a familiar figure in the distance. A one-winged Ereth was sifting through the rubble, seemingly looking for something. As I approached, he lifted his head and looked at me.

"You're alive," He said with a bitter smile. I flinched. "Luhen?" I asked as I saw the wounds covering his arms. "What happened?" He already had countless scars before, now he looked in even worse shape.

His smile faded as he glanced at the sky. "We don't belong here." He whispered and shook his head. "And neither do those that came with you." I flinched. Was he talking about the other players?

"Those two girls saved us." He continued, glancing towards the inn. "And the others like them, though some of them didn't make it."

I drew a sharp breath. Had people died? "Alex and Rina, where are they?" I asked with panic in my voice. He tilted his head towards the largest building in the village – the guild.

"Thanks!" I said. Fallen Grace filled my muscles with power as I dashed towards the guild. The usual Ereth guards weren't there, instead, an old local sat by the stairs at the door. He flinched as he saw me. "Keeper!" He whispered. "He's here!" He shouted suddenly. "The Keeper of Souls is here!"

With a pale face, he ran inside. I hadn't even gotten the chance to say anything.

Soon, a familiar figure stepped outside. "Kai?" Rina's tired voice sounded. Her clothes were burnt and torn, she had scratches and wounds all over her arms. She looked terrible. "Kai you're alive!" She shouted with teary eyes and ran up to me for a hug.

"I'm so glad you're ok." She whispered. "I was so worried!" Her voice cracked. After letting her hug me for a bit, I gently pulled myself away.

"I was worried about you and Alex too." I said with a soft voice. "I'm sorry I couldn't be here before." I glanced at the building. "Where is Alex? And how are your sisters?"

Rina flinched. "Come," She said and slowly walked inside. My heartbeat quickened. Alex couldn't have died... could she? No, that woman was ridiculously strong, nothing could kill her. I refused to believe it.

The interior of the guild hall was turned into an emergency shelter and hospital. Makeshift beds were lined up by the walls and most, if not all of them were full.

"We weren't prepared." Rina said as we walked towards the back. I glanced at the wounded – some were simple wounds, nothing that would prove deadly with a little care, but others... They seemed barely alive. "We mounted a defence as soon as we noticed the horde of beasts coming our way, but it wasn't enough." She glanced at a young woman lying unconscious on a bed. The cloth bandages that were used to quell the flow of blood had a red tint to them. She needed medical attention – now.

"Alex and I gathered the other players and defended the northern side of the village." Rina said with a bitter voice. "We somehow made it out alive – both of us. But many others died," her voice faded as we arrived at the back room. I drew a sharp breath.

The crystal that protected the village from demons, the crystal that gave the Ereth their power – it was in pieces.

Then, I spotted Alex. She sat on the ground. A young girl sat by her. I followed their teary gazes.

My heart broke as I saw the body, covered with a clean, white sheet.