The Abysmal Territory

[55]

Syrax came out of hiding and spread her wings.

"See, even Syrax agreed. But I think my first suggestion is way cooler," Saki said.

"Don't say that thing again, alright? For now, we, the five members, continue our journey as the Abysmal Bane Party!" Teiko declared.

"Oh, you included Syrax. You're very considerate," Silica said.

"Yup, but he forgot about me earlier," Saki said.

"I said sorry already, okay?" Teiko said.

"Then, what will be our mission as the Abysmal Bane?" Akeiko asked.

"For our mission, let's go out of this place with Syrax!" Teiko said.

They all cheered.

"So, what's the plan you said earlier, Saki?" Teiko asked.

"Ohh, so you're listening earlier, huh? My initial plan is to destroy a big passage upward so Syrax could fit in and go out," Saki said.

"Oh! Since Syrax doesn't like the air in the normal passage, you intend to create a passage as large as her normal appearance?" Teiko asked.

"Yup, but since she has become small, then we just need a smaller passage," Saki said.

"You understand that your initial plan would alter the balance in this cave, right? Since the dragons could go to any level and might even go out of this cave on their own," Teiko said.

"Well, we don't have to do that anymore since we can seal the passage that we will be creating using Akeiko-nee's magic," Saki said.

"If it's simple as that, then I can do that. But about making a passage, how will we do that?" Akeiko said.

"To go to the second level, we just need to find those passages since those passages exist. That's why some monsters from different levels are here. To go up at the first level, we need to make it a little larger so we can fit ourselves up. But we still need to seal it off," Saki explained.

"Okay, I can't think of anything that would not let go with that plan. Let's start the mission!" Teiko said.

Syrax guided them to one of the passages that the second level monsters use to go to the third level. In the second level, they needed to fight many monsters so they could find one of the passages but after many days, they were able to get out of the cave.

"Yay! First mission of Abysmal Bane, done!" Silica said.

“Yup, thank you everyone!” Teiko said.

“You don’t have to say that, it’s the group mission after all,” Akeiko said.

“It’s time for celebration!” Saki said.

“Should we not talk about what we will do next?” Silica asked.

“The next thing we should do is to find another Stone of Maverick,” Teiko said.

“Where should we find one?” Akeiko asked.

“The best place to find the Stone of Maverick is the mountain of Geirvogel,” Saki said.

“Then, it’ll be our next place to go,” Teiko said.

“How many days should we travel before we could go there?” Silica asked.

“Maybe in the next six months?” Saki said.

The others look at each other.

“Well, it’s better, but can it be a little faster since we have Syrax and we could travel on the air already?” Teiko asked.

“No, in that six month, I already included the travel by flight. If we don't meet Syrax, it will take us nine months to go there,” Saki said.

“But I think it is still fine, we still need more than two years so we’ll all be able to do the Hero’s trial,” Teiko said.

“Yup, that’s why we still have time to have a celebration for the completion of our first mission,” Saki said.

“Yup, yup. I heard it loud and clear. But for sure, I’ll be the only one that will cook,” Teiko said.

“Do you want to let Silica-nee cook for us?” Saki said.

“I’m sorry!” Silica said.

“I’m just kidding, Silica-nee,” Saki replied.

“Anyway, let’s find some safe place to camp since it’s just early in the morning,” Teiko said.

As they prepare for the feast, Syrax flies up to the sky and disappears from their sight.

“What? Where will Syrax go?” Akeiko said.

“Don’t worry, I still have my authority over her. But if she wanted to be free, I’ll let her have the freedom. Maybe she waited for this for too long,” Silica said.

After some time, Syrax came back in his original form with three boars in his claw.

“I see, you just wanted to hunt for food for us and also for you,” Saki said.

“Well, she’s big so she needed a lot of food to eat,” Teiko said.

Syrax roared at Teiko.

“Still conscious of me?” Teiko asked.

“No, you just said some bad words to her so she’s angry at you,” Silica said.

“When did you learn to speak with her?” Teiko asked.

“No, I just know what she feels. Anyway, do you want me to help you cook?” Silica asked.

“Ahm, no. Just stay with Saki and Syrax, I’ll have Akeiko help me in here,” Teiko replied.

Silica runs towards Syrax and plays with her.

“You could have let her help you,” Akeiko said.

“Maybe next time. She’s exhausted since most of the time, she’s the one that takes care of Syrax,” Teiko said.

“I see, anyway, what should we do about Syrax? Some beings are afraid of earth dragons because they are known for destroying towns on their own,” Akeiko asked.

“We’ll figure what to do next. Let’s just enjoy this day first,” Teiko said.

As they finished cooking the foods, they started their celebration.

“Are you not going to make a speech, Teiko?” Akeiko said.

“Is that required?” Teiko answered.

“Yup! It’s our first mission after all,” Silica said.

“Fine, I’ll do it,” Teiko said.

Teiko took a deep breath. He said, “First of all, I didn’t expect that things would turn up like this. I thought I'd only travel alone with Saki. I even thought that all the journey that I’ll experience will be harsh, but in just two months, I encounter you guys. The journey became wonderful and enjoyable. I’ve met someone with the same goal as me and right now, we’re all here. I might be saying this for now and the journey will become sorrowful in the future, but I’m glad that I’ve met all of you. So right now, as the Abysmal Bane, let’s celebrate this day in completion of our first mission!”

The other cheered.

“Let’s make all of our missions successful from now on!” Silica said.

“And let’s finish all of them with a smile on our face just like this day,” Akeiko said.

“And let’s kill all of the beings that will stop us from finishing our goal,” Saki said.

“Hey, Saki. That's a mess up,” Teiko said.

“I’m just kidding! Finally, cheers for the Abysmal Bane!” Saki said.

CHEERS!