"It's about time we switched," William said, poking his head out the coachman's window.
"I'm alright," Sebastian replied, keeping his eyes on the road. "I've still got energy left to continue."
The sun was beginning to set. Nicolas had gone to catch up on sleep, leaving only the two adults awake as they neared the tunnel.
"We're going to reach the Serpent's Path any minute now," William said.
"I just wish we'd gotten here sooner."
William climbed out and took a seat beside Sebastian. "We needed to stop and eat. Besides, we're still on schedule. You said we had a week to get there. We'll pass through the Serpent's Path by tomorrow. What then?"
Even after the tunnel, it would take several more days to reach the temple. William was curious how Sebastian planned to make up the time.
"Don't worry," Sebastian said. "I know a shortcut—through the Great Waterfall. At the top, there's an old hermit I know. He might help us."
"You don't mean the great sorcerer?"
"You've met him?"
"Something like that."
"I see... you and your mysteries," Sebastian said.
William chuckled. "Says the king of vague. Are you planning to ask him for teleportation?"
"You hit the nail on the head."
"Teleportation magic isn't that advanced," William said. "It's not something just anyone can use."
"I heard rumors about his apprentice," Sebastian said. "Supposedly someone's developing devices. One of them—a teleportation contraption."
William raised a brow. "Someone that smart actually exists?"
"I thought the same thing. But apparently, it's possible."
"Normally, teleportation magic only works on the caster," William added. "They must've been to the destination before—memories are the anchor. And it requires tremendous magical power."
"But this one uses a device. It's not cast—it's triggered."
William leaned back, thinking. "To create a machine that can teleport even non-magic users... that's insane."
"I've been wondering if a third object is involved."
"How so?"
"There are old legends," Sebastian said, lowering his voice slightly. "Rare stones said to contain vast amounts of mana. If one was used to power the contraption..."
"That could make it work," William muttered. "But even if that's true, how would the spell be activated through the machine?"
"For that," Sebastian said, "we'd need to ask the mastermind himself."
"I suppose so…"
There was a quiet pause before William asked, "Why are you going through all this trouble?"
Sebastian's eyes softened. "For my lady."
William smirked. "Ah, Lady Reinsfield. Wasn't she the one who put you in that outfit?"
Sebastian sighed. "Unfortunately… yes."
William laughed. "She must be quite the woman if she can get you to dress like that."
"She is," Sebastian said quietly.
As he looked up at the sky, all he could think of was her smile—the one face he treasured most.
William stretched, folding his arms behind his head. "By the way... do we have any beer?"
"I'd prefer we stay sober during the trip."
"Even though you packed a bunch of fancy drinks in the carriage? A little won't hurt. Road's calm. Doubt anything's going to happen."
"Unfortunately, there's no beer. Only wine."
"—Never mind," William said, shaking his head with a look of distaste.
Then his expression changed. "Hm? What's wrong?"
Sebastian was staring ahead. "They've been trailing us for a while... but now they've decided to show themselves."
He had hoped it was just wildlife passing through. But this was no coincidence.
"Just when we're so close to arriving," he muttered.
"What is it?"
"Take the reins," Sebastian said. "Slow us down a bit."
"Wait, what are you—?"
From his sleeve, Sebastian pulled three shuriken and hurled them toward the shadows ahead.
Three dark shapes burst from the forest line, charging at full speed.
"Brace yourself," Sebastian said, his eyes narrowing. "We're being ambushed.
The creatures were no match for Sebastian.
Three, four, even five at a time—it didn't matter. He struck them down before they could even think of making the first move. Shurikens flew through the air with deadly precision, cutting through the silence.
Each beast let out a strangled cry before collapsing. But instead of bleeding, their bodies dissolved into glowing blue particles, vanishing into the wind.
William's eyes widened. "What... were those things?"
Sebastian knelt and picked up a clean shuriken from the grass. "I'm not sure. Some kind of reptile, maybe. Weak defense—but highly venomous." He gestured to a patch of grass nearby. The earth had turned black where drool had touched it. A flower that once bloomed there now lay wilted, its petals decayed, the surrounding grass dead.
"One bite, and you're done for."
William nodded slowly. "It's strange... they just vanished."
"They looked like ground lizards, but with crocodilian jaws and dark brown scales. Definitely not native to this forest."
"What do you think we should do?"
Sebastian didn't answer. His gaze snapped to the rustling beyond the treeline. He had counted more than just the ones they had fought. A second wave was coming—and fast.
"There are six... no—twelve," he muttered, jaw tightening. "Are they... multiplying?"
William turned toward the carriage. "I'll grab a bow. Looks like we've got company!"
He climbed through the coachman's window, grabbing his bow and a quiver of arrows. Without even glancing around, he called out, "Nicolas, get ready! We've got a wild pack coming!"
Silence.
That's when he saw the boy—collapsed on the floor, pale as a sheet.
William rushed to his side. "Nicolas! What's wrong?!"
Sweat beaded down the young man's face. His breathing was shallow, labored. "I… don't feel so good," he mumbled, barely audible.
"That's an understatement," William muttered.
It was just like earlier—cold sweats, shivering, nausea. But worse.
"I can't… move."
William's brows drew together in concern. "Alright, kid. Stay inside and take cover." He didn't know what was happening, but Nicolas wasn't fit for battle.
But the boy's emerald eyes looked up at him with a quiet plea. "No... I have to… help." He reached weakly for his dagger.
"Stop." William gently caught his hand. "Stay put. We'll handle this. I'll come back for you—just hold on."
Nicolas hesitated. Deep down, he knew his body would only be a liability. If he went out there, he'd be putting both of them at risk. And that… he couldn't do.
Before he could speak again, his body slumped. Unconscious.
"Nicolas? Hey! Stay with me!" William shook him, panic creeping in. He checked for a pulse—still alive, but barely.
"We need to end this. Fast."
He jumped back outside, bow in hand, and ran toward Sebastian, who was waiting with his blade at the ready.
"Good," Sebastian said. "Just in time. I need you to take the reins."
"Why?" William fired an arrow that struck one beast straight in the skull. "What are you planning?"
"I'll stay behind. Hold them off."
"That's suicide!"
Sebastian gave a crooked smile. "How rude. Have you forgotten who you're talking to? I'm quite capable."
William didn't doubt his skills—but these creatures weren't normal. And they just kept coming.
—Damn it… what do I do?
"Sir Jaeger!" Sebastian called, locking eyes with him. "Trust me."
William took a breath. He saw the resolve in the butler's eyes. There would be no talking him out of it.
"Fine," he said. "But don't die."
Sebastian nodded. "Get to the tunnel. I'll catch up."
He launched into the air and landed on the back of one of the beasts, plunging his blade into its neck.
William turned back to the reins. "Alright, time for a bumpy ride!"
With a shout, he urged the lizards into a sprint. The carriage barreled forward, crushing several beasts beneath its wheels as it broke through the horde.
The beasts didn't give up. Their eyes glowed with primal rage. Poisonous drool dripped from their fangs as they charged after the carriage, relentless.
Back on the road, Sebastian remained.
"I have to admit… I'm offended you'd rather chase a moving target than attack the guy standing right here."
With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed another flurry of shurikens, striking down the closest pursuers. He wouldn't let a single one reach the carriage.
"I'll take you all on. Hundreds. Thousands. It doesn't matter."
He reached for the katana at his waist and unsheathed it. A crackle of electricity pulsed through the blade.
As the third wave of beasts emerged from the trees, rain began to fall in heavy drops.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes.
"Get ready to meet your end."