NOVEL WEB Chapter 21: Carnal desire
Two days had passed since their arrival. The group had organized itself around the camp, each performing their tasks while regularly glancing at the dark barrier where Akira had isolated himself.
One evening, as the sun was setting, Elysia, Thalia, Dorian, Kael, and Rhea gathered away from the camp. The atmosphere was tense, heavy with unspoken words and unanswered questions.
"Elysia," Thalia began in a grave voice, "we need to talk about Belthegus's heart. How long have you known?"
Elysia lowered her eyes, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her tunic. "I was... I was present during the raid," she finally confessed, her voice barely more than a whisper.
A heavy silence fell over the group. Faces closed off, marked by incomprehension and disappointment.
"Do you realize what you've gotten yourself into?" asked Rhea, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I know perfectly well," replied Elysia, her voice trembling but firm.
Thalia stood up abruptly, fists clenched. "If you knew, why participate? They were already dangerous enough with the heart in hand they are even more dangerous!"
The silence that followed was deafening, everyone digesting the implications of this revelation. Suddenly, a light laugh broke the tension.
"What a fascinating conversation," interjected Yumi, appearing like a shadow at the edge of the circle. An enigmatic smile played on her lips. "But whatever happens now, your fate is already sealed." She turned her head toward the barrier that had darkened further and whispered. "Looks like he's finished."
*********
A few meters away, near an improvised forge, Hernandez worked on his creation. The metallic sound of his tools resonated in the air as he muttered: "Who would have thought I'd have the chance to work with these scales again?"
"Seems like you really enjoyed it," a voice resonated behind him.
Turning around, he discovered Akira leaning against the doorframe, Belthegus's heart glowing in his hand.
"Oh, you're finally back!" exclaimed Hernandez, his enthusiasm palpable. "I've just finished your order."
"I see," Akira simply replied, stepping forward before tossing him the heart. "You know what's left to do."
"I know, but first, I want to see what it looks like when you wear my masterpiece," declared Hernandez, radiating pride.
After a resigned sigh, Akira grabbed the armor and disappeared for a few minutes. Upon his return, he wasn't wearing conventional armor, but rather a sophisticated set of clothes. The black sleeveless tank top hugged his impressive musculature, the high collar and fitted cut betraying a design focused on functionality. His fitted black pants, reinforced at the knees and equipped with multiple pockets, gave him complete freedom of movement. Black arm warmers enveloped his forearms, harmoniously complemented by matching gloves and high boots.
Akira tested his mobility with a few fluid movements, a satisfied smile illuminating his face. "You've done excellent work," he said, opening and closing his fists. "Well, I'll let you finish your work."
"No problem," replied Hernandez with pride. "I intend to forge you the most powerful weapon that can exist in this world."
"Then until then, I'll wait for you," concluded Akira before walking away.
*********
I walked slowly, hands in my pockets, absorbed in my thoughts. My steps inevitably guided me toward the camp. As I approached, faces became clearer, but something about them seemed to have changed.
Yumi studied me carefully, her eyes taking on a golden hue. "Looks like the same person from the outside, but..." she observed. "What happened?" she asked, her gaze piercing.
"Well, many things happened," I replied, turning my head toward Dorian, who immediately looked away.
"But tell me, where's Elysia?" I asked, noticing her absence.
"She... she went toward the forest," stammered Rhea, visibly nervous.
With a nod, I headed in the indicated direction. My steps quickly led me to the forest. Despite being a gate, monsters were rare in this area, decimated by Dorian's group's raids. The murmur of a waterfall could be heard. A river appeared, and in its waters stood a familiar silhouette. As I approached, I distinguished Elysia, nude, caressing her skin.
"Want some company?" I called out in a teasing voice.
Turning around suddenly, she launched an ice spell that I dodged with a slight tilt of my head. Finally recognizing me, she apologized hastily: "S-sorry, I didn't know it was you."
"No need to apologize," I said, approaching. "But more importantly, you have very beautiful breasts." I said with a smile.
Her eyes widened as she became aware of her situation.
"Kyaaaa!" she cried out while covering her chest, sinking into the water, cheeks scarlet.
Her reaction drew an amused smile from me. "You haven't answered my question."
"If you want," she mumbled into the water, creating bubbles on the surface.
As I undressed, I could feel her furtive gaze on me. Once nude, I immersed myself in the water as well.