Fallen off the Cliff by My Lover After Becoming a Hero

Ha! Ha! Ha!

I was running, the cold wind slamming against my face, carrying a metallic, blood-soaked stench that pierced through my senses.

Escape. 

If I want to survive, I must escape!

...But where can I run to? 

With these legs of mine, who could I possibly outrun?

Ha! Ha! Ha!

As the pitch-black darkness engulfed me, all that awaited was—

"Renee-nya!" 

A familiar voice, like a ray of light, pierced through the endless night. 

"This way!" 

I instinctively turned toward the voice, my feet carrying me forward without thought. 

Slam.

A hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder. 

The warmth seeped through my clothes, spreading across my body—

It was blood. 

Dark crimson blood.

What's happening…?

A pair of deep red eyes, almost maddened in their intensity. 

"I've found you," a voice whispered.

Sunken eye sockets, blackened blood oozing endlessly. 

Ah... Ah... 

Before I could retreat from the terror, the next moment— 

"You look... so... delicious!" 

The low growl turned into the roar of a beast, and a gaping maw lunged toward me! 

"Ah!" 

I jolted awake, my body trembling uncontrollably from the cold. My chest heaved as I gasped for air, sweat streaming down my forehead.

Everything was dark... the familiar darkness. 

The stench of decay and the damp, sticky air surrounded me, oddly comforting.

"I've found you…" 

The image of that bloodsucker gripping my shoulder flashed through my mind when I closed my eyes. 

That look—like I was prey—mad and insatiable.

Gulp. 

I swallowed hard, forcing down the fear.

Escape. 

I have to get out, now. 

Cough, cough! 

Just as the terror threatened to consume me, a harsh cough yanked me back to reality. 

Ha... 

Panting heavily, I felt the weight of my body and the fog in my head start to ground me. 

Gradually, I calmed down.

I closed my eyes, letting the facts I knew play out in my mind. 

The bloodsucker's deal with the captain is set for tomorrow. 

The ship was delayed, forcing them to stay docked tonight. 

And the last time the crew was ashore, they caused a scene at the tavern. 

"..." 

Opening my eyes again, the confusion in my heart vanished.

This is my one chance.

"Ha…" 

Taking a deep breath, I forced my body to relax. This might be my last chance to rest. 

It's time. 

Gritting my teeth against the dizziness, I quickly retrieved a lockpick hidden under my long braid. With the pin between my teeth, I began sawing through the worn ropes binding me.

Freeing my hands, I immediately set to work on the ties around my ankles.

My body wasn't in great shape, but it would do. 

Though my head felt foggy, my body obeyed commands, albeit with a half-second delay.

As I shook off the ropes, I staggered to my feet. The faint sound of snoring reached my ears. No one had brought food tonight, meaning it wasn't yet midnight. 

After all, this batch of "goods" was scheduled to be unloaded soon.

Click, click, click… 

I squinted, straining to catch the faintest glimmer of light in the darkness as I carefully began picking the lock. That nightmare was unpleasant, but at least I hadn't slept too long. Otherwise, I'd have missed the perfect moment.

Clink. 

A soft sound signaled success—the first lock was open. 

Good. That's one down.

"Renee-nya…"

"...!" 

Thump, thump!

The sudden voice made my heart lurch. I whipped around, only to see everything as it was. The speaker... was curled up in her sleep, her furrowed brow betraying the fear haunting her dreams.

Dream talk. 

I exhaled a quiet breath of relief, but my gaze lingered on her.

—"Renee-nya!" 

—"I'm sorry… I…"

The way she clung to my hand then—what had she been trying to say?

"..." 

Her tear-filled eyes after I scolded her flashed through my mind. 

Was she apologizing for not being there when I needed someone the most?

Naive fool.

Creak… 

Pushing the cage door open as quietly as possible, my eyes fell on her once more. 

Rotten food, cramped spaces, unbearable conditions. 

—"Renee-nya, you're stronger than I am. Do I still need to teach you that?" 

—"Hurry up."

The memories of her in this cage flickered through my thoughts. 

For one last time, I silently watched her, saying nothing.

...It's time to go. 

I carefully shut the cage door behind me. After some hesitation, I hung the opened lock in plain sight. 

Now, we're even. 

Fate will decide what happens. Let's not meet again.

Frowning, I turned and walked away, quickening my pace. 

Time was running out—I had to act now! 

Without hesitation, I headed straight for the luggage area. They'd been too focused on me to notice anything else. 

Click! 

The sound of the secret lock turning was crisp in the silence. Unable to contain my anticipation, I threw the case open. 

Clack, clack, clack… 

The mechanisms inside shifted, revealing a three-tier compartment.

Medicine on the second tier, clothes on the bottom... and whatever else might still be useful. 

My condition was dire. To make it through what came next, I grabbed a few vials of medicine and downed them without hesitation. 

Gulp, gulp… 

The cool water I chased them with washed away the bitterness of the medicine. The momentary relief was almost euphoric after days without a proper drink. But I didn't linger in that comfort. Instead, I quickly cleaned up the empty bottles, draped my favorite cloak over my shoulders, and packed anything useful into its pockets—matches, a hammer, a water flask… anything I might need.

Damn it… 

My gaze fell on the almost-empty weapons compartment, and I couldn't help but click my tongue. 

The Hero's War had left me nearly out of resources, and on my return, my carelessness as a "hero" had prevented me from restocking. 

How foolish. 

I grabbed the last three small explosives, shutting the case and slinging it behind me. The bombs were kept within easy reach. 

Avoiding combat was my priority; these would have to suffice. 

As I scanned my surroundings, a nearby crate caught my eye. Inside were neatly arranged cylindrical toolkits. 

This… 

Recalling the marquis's demonstration earlier, I quickly strapped one to my back. Its weight was manageable, and the straps fit snugly—quality leatherwork. With more time, I could modify it further.

With my new gear, I adjusted my cloak, distributing everything for maximum efficiency. 

"Alright." 

Clenching my fists, I took one last look at the row of cages. 

Let's get to work.