The harsh midday light struck the broken stones of the castle. The hot air carried scents of dust and soot. The ruined courtyard, half-devastated, was soaked in a heavy silence, broken only by the footsteps of a man approaching.
Canon was the first to return. Ever victorious, ever loud. He reappeared through the gaping hole in the wall he himself had smashed earlier.
"Damn, told you it'd be quick, he said, shaking off his bruised shoulder. And that blond guy... guess he's still no match for me"
He didn't get to finish. A clump of withered flowers, twisted roots, and fresh soil smashed into his face. A muffled groan escaped him as he turned toward the source of the projectile.
"Seriously ?"
Down below, Dante was climbing the castle wall, retracing his exact path from earlier, gripping the still-warm stones. He pulled himself through the open window, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
"Gift from the royal garden. Figured you could use it. You know, to look less like a troll."
Canon clenched his fists. As usual, the two seemed ready to clash over the slightest insult. Sparks flew between their stares.
But before the argument could erupt, something strange made them freeze.
They had finally noticed the two figures standing farther off, motionless.
Samuel stood there, steady and calm as ever… but what made them react was Relia, at his side, holding his hand. The same Relia who had attacked them at the inn.
Instantly, Canon drew his massive axe, and Dante unsheathed his silver-hued katana. Without a word, Relia stepped forward, her blade flashing into existence in a swift, clean motion. Her eyes showed no fear, no aggression—only cautious resolve.
Samuel didn't move. Then, in his usual calm, firm voice, he said:
"Sheathe your weapons, all of you. You can relax. She's with us now."
The silence that followed was heavy. Dante didn't lower his guard right away. Canon narrowed his eyes.
Samuel glanced behind him.
"You too, Helydia."
The shadow by the wall stirred, and Helydia's spider-like form slid out of the darkness. Still perched on long, clawed legs, she stared at the two men. Slowly, her body began to contract, reshaping into her human form. Her dress was still stained with dried blood, but her gaze was sharp.
"If you say so, then I trust you, Samuel… But how do you know we can trust her?"
Samuel crossed his arms. His gaze gave away nothing, but his voice held an odd certainty.
"I just know. That's all."
A breeze drifted in through the shattered castle openings, lifting dead leaves and dust into the air. The tension began to fade, like a storm passing in the distance.
Dante was the first to lower his weapon. Canon rested his axe on his shoulder, still watchful.
"You've always had a talent for attracting weird company", he muttered, casting a glance at Relia, then at Helydia.
They were all there now. Strangely united by chaos. And though everything wasn't over, one thing was certain: this battle wouldn't be won alone.