Reverse Chronicles

Lyane's Underworld

Lyane is a city on top of a plateau. Along its outskirts were villages and towns located along the trade routes that connected the Caldian cities. The first village that we reached was called Thyre. We made a quick stop then continued on our way. We arrived in a town called Parael, where we decided to spend the night.

Lyane was a just a little further, but it is dangerous to travel at night. The inn that we stayed at was at full capacity. Merchants and adventurers filled the scene. It was a familiar air that I noticed was common in Caldia. As a mercantile republic, Caldia’s economic, political, and regional strength heavily relies on the flow of goods, services, and products brought by merchants and adventurers.

I was tired with the trip. The labyrinth still had my body sore. I went to take a quick bath, leaving all my stuff on my bedroom along with the others’. A warm bath just hits the spot. Still, this world had me shocked. Mean and evil people existed, reminding me of Earth. Although kind and good people like Franz and Keith also exist, the labyrinth incident came like an unexpected blast of wind.

When I was finally done, I went back to my room to change. As I was finished, I noticed that something was not right. Something was definitely missing. I looked at myself in the mirror to see what was wrong. Something that was supposed to be there was missing.

“You’re not equipping Whisperer?” Franz noticed me looking at myself in the mirror.

That’s right, where is Whisperer?

“It’s gone!” I panicked. “Where could it be.” I rummaged through my stuff to find the blade and its scabbard missing. “Did you guys see Whisperer?”

“I just came back from restocking our supplies,” Franz answered. “I wasn’t here when you left Whisperer.”

“What about you, Keith?”

“Hmm? Oh, I was out practicing new spells. I arrived after Franz.”

Someone must have stolen it. Oh no, what should I do now?

“Did you notice someone coming out from this room?” I asked them, while rummaging through the rest of my stuff.

“Now that you mention it, I noticed someone wearing a blue hood who exited the room, when I arrived.” Franz recollected his memories. “It was a woman. She even smiled and said that the room is now ready.”

“Oh you mean her? I also noticed her coming out of the inn. She rode on a horse towards the northeastern road.”

“We have to catch her!” I bolted out of the room.

“Josh, wait.” Franz grabbed my arm. “It’s already late.” He looked straight into my eyes. “We will find Whisperer, but it’s too dangerous to go now.”

“You’re right,” I broke our gaze and went inside the room.

The next morning, we went to the next town before the sun showed itself. We went to a tavern to inquire about the blue hooded woman. It was filled with drunk and hangover people that stank with rum and beer. Luckily, the tavernkeeper was awake and entertained our inquiry.

“Good morning, sir,” Franz sat on a chair at the front reception desk. “Have you heard of any burglary incident in town?”

“No, good sir. I haven’t heard of any.” The tavernkeeper continued to wipe plates and glasses.

“Have you heard of a thief that wears a blue hood?” Franz got two gold coins and placed them on top of the desk.

“A thief wearing a blue hood?” The tavernkeeper kept the gold coins. “You must be talking about the Roots of Lyane,” the tavernkeeper whispered, looking attentively at the windows. “They are an underworld merchant organization in Lyane. I hear that they steal from select people for special reasons.”

“I see. Do you know where we can find this organization?” I asked.

“In the city…” the tavernkeeper suddenly fainted.

“What happened?” Franz inspected the man. There was a dart on his neck. I looked from outside the window and saw a figure wearing a blue hood.

“It’s her!” I ran outside and chased the woman. She went right to an alley. I followed her to the alley, which was a dead end, but she disappeared. She vanished without a trace.

“Did you catch her?” Keith caught up.

“No, she’s gone.”

“The tavernkeeper said ‘In the city’.” Franz arrived. “We may be able to learn more in Lyane.”

“Let’s go!” We travelled as fast as fast as we could. Mikah returned to Lorbe, so we ran all the way to Lyane. Thankfully, Keith’s spells helped.

Lyane was a city on top of a hill. It had walls carved from stone that were as dark as night. Its structures were tall and could be seen from afar. Smoke and fog came out of the chimneys of the buildings. It was a city built on the foundation of the knowledge of utilizing the wealth of the land. It made money from mining, quarrying, and smithery.

We entered the gate to see a city of metal. Most of its inhabitants wore armor, some only the basic light armor, while others were on full battle armor. There are also merchants and tourists who can be distinguished by their clothing.  The city was noisy with the battering of metals and clanking of steel. The air was surprisingly fresh, and the sun still shone on the city of smog and fire.

“Take this,” a boy suddenly ran towards us and gave me a piece of paper. “You have until sundown to do it.” The child fled after saying.

You finally made it in Lyane. Are you worried that your trusty sword is gone? You will get it soon.

The first trial is a test of strength. There is a merchant in the northern part of the city named Jess Magghus. Punish him that he may never again see the light of day. If you successfully do it, you will be able to retrieve your sword. You must do this by sundown, however, Magghus will leave for Syracre when the sun has already set. You must prevent him from doing so.

Also, I have eyes and ears everywhere in the city. Don’t ever think of disobeying me. If you leave the city, your lives will end in an instant.

-          Jennifer Lawrence

“This note,” Franz was appalled by the message, “it instructs us to end someone’s life.”

That woman, why? How? Does she know that I am from the other world? How does she know who I am?

“This is too much.” Keith was paralyzed.

Franz and Keith were flabbergasted and stunned with the note. We stood in the middle of a busy street and froze for minutes. It is up to me to pull ourselves together. I grabbed the other two and looked for an inn. I left the other two inside the room.

I can no longer drag them in my own problems. I must do it. I have to do it with my own hands.

I am determined to do it. I looked for a weapon shop to buy a temporary sword. Luckily, there was a smithery in front of the inn. I bought a sword that caught my eye when I entered the shop. Its blade was silver, and a faint reflection of my face could be seen when I held it in front of me. With a sword around my waist, I ventured of to the northern part of the Lyane, where the trial awaits.