Chapter 221 - She Rescues One More (1/2)

The group was led to a deserted location in a derelict part of town. Nearby could be seen an abandoned cemetery that was in dire need of repair. A small chapel stood, partially collapsed in on itself.

”Ugh. No wonder why no one rescued him. Even if someone heard a cry for help here, they would instantly suspect it to be a ghost or a ghoul.” Jasmine shuddered.

”Wait, these things actually exist?” Robin asked, surprised.

”Well, considering that spirit magic is at least semi-confirmed, my own personal opinion is that ghosts are made of the spirits of those who either were or had potential to be spirit masters.” Jasmine replied, semi-interested.

”Ghouls, however, are a cause for concern, as they are a source of deadly poison that only holy water can dispel. They take little damage from magic unless it is light magic. So, unless one has a healer or light magic user, the only other option is to completely burn their remains in a furnace. Otherwise, they'll continue to regenerate.”

”Is that so?” Robin asked, looking about the graveyard.

”Mmmn. That's right.” Keith agreed. ”I've had to deal with a few of them myself. In the end, we managed to completely eradicate them with kilns made of earth, and ground fire.”

”Ground fire? ....you mean lava?” Robin asked, confused for a moment.

”Lava is what the heroes referred to it as, so that is also a name for it.” Keith nodded.

The raven flew right up to the half-collapsed chapel, calling loudly back to the group.

”Boukki! Boukki!”

”It seems he is stuck in here...” Robin noted.

”...is anyone out there..?” a voice faintly called through a small opening.

”We're here to rescue you. Are you all right?” Robin asked.

”There is water and moss here, so I am not in any danger.” Came the reply. ”More importantly, what news is there of the city? I heard sounds of fighting and beasts in the distance?”

”Yes. It seems the black merchants guild was keeping magic beasts below the city, but for some reason they escaped into the sewers.” Christian replied.

”The sewers?! Those blasted fools! I told them not to take on such a double-edged risk!”The voice exclaimed. ”Did they manage to escape?...is there any news of rescuing a child?” At the sharp scolding tone, Felix's eyes started to water. It was definitely his father. He opened his mouth to speak, but Robin held up her hand, shushing him.

”There were many that have been rescued.” Robin said, her eyes narrowed cautiously. ”And all of them were found bearing an illegal slave crest on them. Mister, did your family get kidnapped by those brigands?”

”....” The voice paused. ”What ...did you say? I believe I misheard that they had illegal slaves. What has happened in the six years I've been buried here?”

”You did not hear wrong.” Jasmine declared. ”I personally saw every single one of them branded with a forbidden slave crest.”

”I see...” the person sounded crestfallen. ”I know it's probably an unworthy question of mine, but among those slaves, did you perhaps find a young boy named Felix? It has been six years since I've last seen him.”

”There were no lads named Felix among the slaves.” Jasmine replied. ”All of the black merchant guild members have been captured. the guild is no more.”