Liam sat in the Oakhaven park after returning Muru safely to her mother. He looked at the beauty of the park around him.
Zulixa broke the silence.
"You know, power is strange. Some say dark power is bad and light is good. But every power is like a sword. The one holding it decides if it's good or bad. Look at us — we used both light and dark for the same reason. To help a little kid."
", you know too much. Maybe that's why they kept you sealed."
Zulixa: "Speaking of knowing things — two days ago while you were sleeping in the royal castle, I detected a dungeon created not far from Oakhaven. Maybe one day of travel from here."
: "You can detect that far?"
Zulixa: "No. But this was different. Someone or something is there. Their aura is so immense I detected it from here. In fact I can feel it even now."
Liam: "Nyx. Luna. Come here."
They appeared before him.
Zulixa: "I wonder why they arrive so fast when you call them."
Liam: "It's like a gate for them. They travel through my shadow and appear anywhere I am."
Zulixa: "Oh. I thought they were teleporting to you. Now I understand — they use your shadow ."
"Nyx, Luna — in the Demon Lord's followers, is there anyone known for creating dungeons?"
Nyx: "Yes sir. I believe every General has that ability. Perhaps some Light Generals do too."
Then we can't be sure who is in there."
Liam wanted to see the dungeon for himself.
He went back to the royal palace. He didn't want to make Lyra worry again.
He asked one of the guards where Lyra was.
"She is in a meeting with the King and the nobles. The King left word — if we see you, bring you to the meeting room. Follow me."
They walked to the meeting room. It was heavily guarded. The guard captain knocked and announced —
"My King. Liam is here. May he enter?"
The King approved.
Liam entered. The King, Lyra, and several nobles looked up. Some welcomed him warmly. Others just stared.
Some of them don't like me. It's obvious, Liam thought. Why do I care? I don't like them either. They think they are above everyone. That the gods chose them. That they are special.
One noble stood from his chair. "My King — why is he here? He is not worthy. He is just a commoner."
The King looked at him. "Silence. We are not here to discuss who is noble and who is not. There is a dangerous matter to discuss. Sit down." He turned. "Sit, Liam."
The King began.
"Our scouts and multiple eyewitnesses have reported a dungeon appearing close to our city. As you all know — whenever a dungeon appears near a city, history tells us something bad follows. We must make a move. We must be prepared."
One noble spoke. "Wherever a powerful fighter goes trouble follows. Since the day this Liam appeared in our city we have lived in fear. We all know another destruction is coming. He should go to the dungeon before it comes to us."
The King stood, his voice sharp. "Have you forgotten who saved this city last time?"
Another noble. "Yes — but he also killed 37 of our own people doing it."
"In war you give everything to win," the King said. "Victory requires sacrifice."
The King's right hand man — an old, sharp eyed advisor — spoke carefully.
"My King. We must stand together to get through times like this. I have a suggestion. Let every noble send their most powerful warriors to form a party. They go to the dungeon, investigate, and perhaps clear it. The dungeon may disappear once cleared."
The King nodded. "I like this idea. Let us vote."
Ten nobles. The King's right and left hand advisors. Liam.
"Raise your hand if you agree."
The King raised his hand. Both advisors. Liam. Seven of the nobles followed.
"It is decided. Tomorrow morning send your chosen warriors to the royal palace. We gather here and make preparations to move."
Liam spoke. "May I say something? A party of eleven fighters is difficult to control. Six is better. Send only your most powerful men. And the city must keep strong warriors here in case something happens while we are gone."
The King agreed.
Liam knew the truth. If one of the Generals was in that dungeon — ten men couldn't fight it. He could barely protect himself.
Liam and Lyra arrived at the training ground where the party was waiting.
Lyra stepped forward. "Hello. Let me introduce everyone." She turned to Liam. "Liam, this is Davan — the party's shield. They say he can stop a mountain if it falls on his head."
She continued. "This is Kross — sword master and the party's main attacker. And these are Brath and Mirova — both attackers." She smiled warmly. "And finally my beloved childhood friend Seilan. She is a mage, the party's leader and planner. She is amazing."
Seilan stepped forward and looked at everyone.
"Listen carefully. We are calling this the Hero Party. In my entire career — every mission, every raid — I have never lost a single life. I do not accept death." She paused. "If you die I will go to the other side, drag you back, and kill you myself. Do what I say. Don't you dare make a single move without my permission."
Her eyes moved to Liam. "I have heard about you. You look strong. Good. But don't underestimate any enemy." She looked at everyone. "None of you are untouchable. The graveyard is full of people who thought nothing could touch them."
Zulixa: "Talk about a crazy one. Hey Liam — don't even think about hitting on her. I guarantee you will lose something important. And I don't mean your arms or legs."
Liam: "Shut up. Be serious. Maybe she can handle herself but the others — I'm not sure."
Seilan: "Let's move."
The King and the nobles watched from the palace balcony as the party departed.
Lyra stood there watching Liam walk away.
They say if a man leaves and never looks back it means he doesn't love you — or it means he knows he will return.
I pray he believes he is coming back.