East Road Quest

Chapter 99: The Sinking Lake

Contrary to expectations of a desolate and filthy stronghold, the headquarters of Cauking were surrounded by lush trees and thickets. The refreshing greenery unfolded before their eyes, a stark contrast to the monotonous grey they had grown accustomed to.

The forest encircled a large lake, its shape almost hugging the water’s edge.

Jade surveyed the surroundings and asked in a low voice, “Have we reached the end of the swamp?”

The lake was so clear that the bottom was visible as if looking through glass.

Ruby quickly assessed the size of the lake with her eyes. It was circular, roughly three miles across, just under ten chiffons by elf standards.

“It’s not exactly the end of the swamp,” Merald replied, “but rather the very center.”

In the middle of the lake was a relatively small island, yet it spanned half a mile in diameter.

The island was dense with short trees. Even from a distance, Ruby could tell there was no space left untouched by the tightly packed growth.

‘An unnatural space,’ she thought.

Pointing towards the island in the lake, Jade inquired, “Is that the ruins of Torogar? It’s different from what I imagined.”

“I don’t recognize this place either. It wasn’t like this before,” Merald said, staring intently at the lake.

“What was it like before? Is it strange because of the dense forest in the middle of the swamp, or is it the presence of deciduous trees like elms on the island in the middle of the lake?” Jade asked, her question sharp and specific.

Pointing at each tree, Merald responded, “I’ve been meaning to mention those trees. I thought you wouldn’t be interested, but you noticed. As you said, these trees shouldn’t grow in this region. And the trees that should be here have all disappeared. That’s the anomaly I was talking about.”

“What do you mean?”

“Those unfamiliar with forests might not find it odd. Look closely and listen. There are no birds in this forest, not even insects. In Elforest, the only place devoid of life’s sounds to this extent is the northern Ice Forest. Even there, some animals live during this season.”

Jade listened intently and then nodded.

Ruby had already noticed what Merald was explaining and listened half-heartedly. She then began to observe the island in the center of the lake, her head in her hands.

‘Here comes the confusion between delusion and memory. I’ve already fought Cauking on that island. That’s where I died.’

Merald continued his explanation, but Ruby was no longer interested.

“Imagine looking down from the sky and draw the shape of the forest. Can you see it?” Merald gestured a circle in the air with his finger.

“This forest forms a perfect circle, as does the lake. At the exact center of the circular forest is a circular lake, and in the exact middle of that is the island. Such geography is impossible in nature. Before, the forest was ordinary, the lake was irregularly shaped, and the island wasn’t round. Of course, these trees didn’t grow here either.”

“Are you suggesting this vast lake and forest were artificially created? Even the island?” Jade asked, astonished.

“Not everything was made artificially, but it seems like someone has tampered with it to some extent.”

Saph stood by the water’s edge, craning his neck to look down. The water was so clear that from the side, it looked like a cliff.

“Now that you mention it, I don’t see a single fish in the lake. It’s somewhat eerie,” Jade said, pointing to the bottom of the lake.

“So where exactly are the ruins of Torogar? Under the lake? I was expecting ancient relics and abandoned buildings…”

Merald answered, “Strictly speaking, this entire area was Torogar. According to geologists, it sank due to an earthquake about a thousand years ago. The swamp we’ve passed through was formed for the same reason, and the ruins are all submerged beneath it.”

“The swamp is said to be a mark of the angels’ retribution, isn’t it?”

“Whether you believe the scholars or the legends told by the elders is up to you. I’ve told you both.”

“So, according to the scholars, the lake was also formed by that earthquake?”

“The lake itself might have been formed that way, but when I came here long ago, it wasn’t this deep.”

“So the lake and the island were originally here, but they’ve become much deeper and larger than when you knew them?” Jade summarized what he had heard.

“When I came here during peaceful times, before Comora appeared, it was embarrassingly small to even call it a lake. It was just a bit larger than the swamp you’ve seen on our way here.”

“Buffalord mentioned that the swamp ruins contain Cauking and the gates of hell…”

Jade looked down at the ground as he continued, “Combining all the information we’ve gathered on our way here, if it’s not buried beneath the ground we’re standing on, then the lake is the most likely place.”

“Taking it a step further, the lake might be an artificial moat created by them…”

Merald tilted his head in thought.

“But what…?” Jade urged him to continue.

“One cannot be too hasty to judge. It’s strange indeed, but it’s too clear and pure.”

“From a human perspective, demons are filthy, damp, and ugly, aren’t they?”

“In my case, it’s information gained from experience. The Komoras were always dirty, and they stank. The cave that spawned Heldra and the Komoras oozed ‘evil energy’ the moment you entered. But there’s none of that here.”

Merald glanced at Ruby, who was still clutching her head.

“I’ll take a look around. Our next move depends on confirming whether this is indeed Cauking’s lair. It would be foolish to swim to the middle of the lake without knowing what misfortune might await.”

“This is the place.”

Saph’s sudden statement halted Merald, who had just started walking along the lakeshore.

“The stench is coming from here.”

Saph pointed emotionlessly to the bottom of the lake.

“Are you certain?”

Merald asked.

As Saph hesitated to answer, Ruby removed her hands from her head and said,

“Don’t ask her for certainty. That’s when things become uncertain.”

“Huh?”

Confused, Merald turned to Ruby, who snapped irritably,

“When Saph speaks, it’s the truth. There’s no need for confirmation.”

Without any preparation, Ruby strode towards the lake.

“And based on my memory, or experience, or delusion, or prophecy, that island is correct. I fought Cauking there. Or rather, I will.”

Merald, with his hand on his hip and standing askew, warned,

“Stop speaking nonsense and halt. We must approach with caution.”

“Why do you make everything so complicated and difficult?”

Ruby tapped the sword on her back and continued,

“I have a weapon that can annihilate demons right now. If I use it to eradicate everything inside, it’s all over. It might feel anticlimactic after all your worrying and struggling, but I no longer need Jade’s magic.”

After her lengthy speech to Merald, Ruby turned to Jade and said,

“How about that? You no longer need to put yourself in danger. Isn’t that great?”

Before Jade could respond, Ruby turned away.

Merald shouted with a strong tone,

“Don’t be arrogant. You have no idea how many forces are inside, or what traps lie in wait. The leaders who even used Heldra as a tool are in there!”

“If I had this sword, I would have sliced Heldra into pieces like supermarket meat the moment I met him. My only concern is Cauking. Isn’t it obvious? If he dies, all other demons, or Komoras in elf terms, will end. Why bother methodically eliminating the small fry first?”

Ruby spoke rapidly.

Merald retorted bluntly,

“So you’re confident you can defeat Cauking in battle?”

“Of course. I’ve never lost.”

“From what I’ve heard, you lost once and were imprisoned for five hundred years?”

Ruby glared at Jade and Saph.

Both flinched simultaneously.

Unwavering, Merald stated,

“There’s no need to take your anger out on them. It’s a fact I sought and found. You’ve been impulsive and reckless, but while I’m guiding, you must follow my orders.”

Ruby shifted her gaze back to Merald.

“Funny. Who’s giving orders to whom?”

“I am, to you.”

Ruby stepped into the lake until the water reached her ankles and thrust her raised sword into the ground. The blade sank about a palm’s depth into the water.

“You’re not still under the illusion that you’re superior because I took a hit from you while poisoned, are you?”

Ruby asked threateningly.

Yet Merald showed no sign of yielding.

“I don’t establish superiority based on whether an opponent is stronger or weaker. I only consider efficiency for achieving results.”

Merald pointed with his thumb at Jade and Saph.

“I hope these two come out of this fight without a scratch, and I’m aware that your excellent combat skills will be a great help to me in this battle. However, I’m also concerned that your impulsive actions could introduce unexpected variables into the fight. In this case, it’s better for me to lead you than for you to follow Jade’s sole command.”

“Efficiency? Well said. I like efficiency too. So tell me the most efficient plan. I’ll go to that ruin and finish Cauking!”

“Do you even know what he looks like, what powers he has? Or are you just arrogantly assuming you can win no matter what?”

“I know!”

“You know?”

“I’ve fought him several times in here.” Ruby tapped her head.

“And the result?”

“I will win.”

“I asked for the result, not a promise, didn’t I?”

Merrald continued, “Another thing, what if Cauking placed someone who looks like Buffalord on the fake throne, while the real Cauking took the form of a mouse?”

Merrald spoke so rapidly that Ruby couldn’t even respond, “Remember what Captain Vuren said? The elves here have different information about Cauking’s existence. That means we know nothing about Cauking’s true nature! While you’re happy catching the wrong guy, the real one might just disappear somewhere.”

“If he’s in the form of a mouse, he’d be Mouseking, wouldn’t he? Don’t you know anything, you blockhead!”

“Hiding one’s name is basic for a devil, isn’t it?”

“I know! I’ve already seen it.”

“With your prophetic ability?”

Merrald asked sarcastically.

A crimson light poured from Ruby’s eyes.

“Both of you, stop it!” Jade intervened, approaching Merrald, “I didn’t expect you two to become chummy, laughing together. But at least I believed you’d join forces against a common enemy. My expectations were too high.”

Jade stood in front of Merrald, pleading with Ruby, “This might not stop the fight, but please, don’t fight.”

Ruby revealed the transparent shackles around his neck.

“Why, will you tighten the shackles if I don’t obey again?”

“It’s a request.”

“Hmph! Does he think a request is some kind of magic word?” Ruby snorted.

Jade turned to Merrald, “You know it’s more efficient if you don’t fight Ruby here, right?”

“Fight over this trivial matter?”

Merrald’s voice was still angry, despite his words.

Ruby, not liking Merrald’s tone, was about to curse him out when he stopped at a sound from behind.

The lake’s surface swelled, and a water column twice Merrald’s height rose. It quickly took on a rounded human shape, with a head, arms, and torso but no legs, connected to the water’s surface. It slid silently towards Ruby, picking up speed.

“Ruby! Dodge!”

Merrald swiftly drew his bow from his back and warned.

“Why should I dodge? That thing should be dodging me!”

Ruby drew his sword, planted in the ground.

The Water Giant slid quickly towards Ruby and swung its fist.

As it swung, the rest of its body shrank while the fist grew enormously, concentrating the water into its punch.

Ruby swung his sword at the Water Giant, but the blade passed through the water.

With nothing to stop the blade, Ruby stumbled forward and fell. The Water Giant’s fist struck right under Ruby’s chin.

Ruby was flung from the lakeside into the forest by the heavy blow.

As soon as Ruby was hit, Merrald shot an arrow, which also passed through the Water Giant and fell into the lake.

The Water Giant slid to where Ruby had been standing, and the wave it brought crashed fiercely against the lakeshore.

Unable to come out, the Water Giant circled the water’s edge a couple of times before sinking back into the lake.

The surface heaved as if a large rock had been thrown in, and the giant’s form disappeared.

Ruby lay nearly thirty paces from the lake, the impact as numbing as if he’d been struck by Heldra.

“That bastard!”

Ruby sprang up, and without anyone stopping him, he ran towards where the Water Giant had sunk.

“It’s dangerous! Don’t go!”

Merrald shouted.

Ignoring him, Ruby plunged into the water. But he had to leap out almost immediately.

“What’s with this water?”

Ruby, in his panic, spoke before fully emerging, swallowing a mouthful of water.

He coughed violently, spitting out the water.

“Ruby, are you alright?”

Jade approached, but Ruby warned her off.

“Don’t come near the water.”

Jade stopped immediately, and so did Sapph, who had followed to a point.

Instead, Merrald approached Ruby’s side.

“Why the water?”

“It’s sinking.”

Ruby said irritably, shaking his wet hair.

“It’s not the first time I’ve experienced the natural fact of sinking in water, so what does that mean?”

Merrald asked seriously.

“There’s no buoyancy at all; it’s like walking on flat ground in the water.”

Ruby threw a small twig into the water. It sank like a steel ball below the surface.

Merrald rubbed the water from Ruby’s hair between his fingers.

At first glance, it seemed like ordinary water, but something was off.

“It tastes just like water too,” Poe remarked, smacking his lips thoughtfully.

“Regardless, I can see why the water is so remarkably clear. There’s not a single leaf floating on it. No debris at all; everything must have settled to the bottom.”

Suddenly, three water giants that had appeared earlier rose from the lake’s surface.

Jade and Sapphire recoiled in horror, retreating further from their original spot.

Emerald nocked an arrow and let it fly. The arrow pierced through the giant’s face and continued on its trajectory far into the distance.

“Such a waste of arrows,” Emerald muttered, stepping back, and Poe, deciding not to be stubborn, followed suit.

The water giants approached the shore and then vanished back into the depths. Rough waves lashed against the lakeside once more before calming down.

Emerald spoke with a warning tone, “Considering how their bodies shrink when they swing their fists and that they can’t come out of the water, they must be magical entities made of water. Punching or slashing them is futile. They’ll just be recreated.”

“I knew that from the start. I didn’t dive in to fight those water giants. I rushed in because I thought there might be a sorcerer hidden somewhere inside,” Poe explained, vigorously shaking his wet hair.

“So when you said ‘that guy,’ you were referring to the unseen sorcerer, not the magical entity,” Emerald realized.

Just then, with a splash, something resembling a long rope shot up from the water’s edge.

Poe readied his swords, prepared to strike. What he thought was a rope turned out to be seaweed, with a round water bead attached to the end.

The bead-tipped tendril moved about like a snake searching for prey.

“Here we go again,” Poe sighed, lightly swinging his chain to hook the seaweed. The water bead at the end shattered, and the seaweed was dragged out, entangled in the chain.

Poe ran his hand along the chain to inspect the seaweed.

“Hmm? This looks different from what we saw last night, doesn’t it?”

“Last time, it had eyes. This time, it’s just beads of water.”

Moments later, as if taunting them, about twenty seaweed tendrils with water bead eyes emerged above the surface.

Poe walked sideways as a test. The gaze of the water bead eyes followed him precisely.

Poe murmured, glancing sideways, “Is it the same magic cast by a different sorcerer, or different magic by the same sorcerer?”

“Do you remember the other gaze that spied on us yesterday?”

“That must be it.”

“We can be attacked, but we can’t fight back. And that thing is watching us, but we can’t see it. This isn’t going to work.”

“What are you suggesting?” Poe asked.

“Let’s make a plan,” Emerald said firmly.

After a moment of silence, Poe turned away so the seaweed’s eyes couldn’t see him and spoke, “Let’s get one thing straight. Just because we follow your plan doesn’t mean you’re the leader.”

Emerald gestured towards Jade with his chin.

“Jade is the leader, and it’s Jade who should decide on the plan. I’m content just to suggest it.”

As their intense gazes met, Jade crossed her arms and said, “If you two are going to stare me down so blatantly, at least speak up so I can hear!”

“Fine. We’ll make Jade the leader,” Poe declared.

“This isn’t a permanent decision,” Emerald added, to which Poe nodded emphatically.

“Of course not,” Jade said with a displeased expression.

“What on earth are you two talking about?” Sapphire asked innocently.

Father Puyol, having overheard the conversation, relayed it simply, “Father says you’re the leader.”