The Against All Odds

CH 7 - Dorston Citadel

Leo stepped cautiously towards the light waiting in front of him. The closer he got, the more dazzling the light became, until he was forced to close his eyes to protect his vision. Belladona and the spirit walking in front of her were also affected by the brightness of the light. They were as if immersed in a golden glint that radiated from every direction. The light makes the line between reality and wonder blur even more, as if it were to remove all fear and doubt. Leo felt a strange sensation flowing through his entire body, like energy flowing into him, it felt cold and cool simultaneously.

When he opened his eyes, they were in a completely different world. The dazzling light had turned into warm sunlight, illuminating a beautiful landscape. They stood in the middle of a vast meadow, with colorful wildflowers blooming all around them. The gentle breeze blew gently, giving a sensation of warmth and calmness.

Leo could not help his awe and confusion, mixing into one. Those who just came out of the dark hotel gripping, suddenly in a place so peaceful and beautiful. Belladona and the spirit accompanying her did not seem to be surprised by this change, as if having gotten used to this sort of thing.

Belladona extended her hand gently and patted Leo's shoulder gently. "alright. Let's help your friend out soon. Please put him on the grass there."

Leo nodded, then carefully lowered Alisha's body onto the grass. His face was full of worry as he looked at Alisha's pale and severely injured state. Belladona takes a position next to Alisha and starts chanting a spell. His voice was like the whisper of a gentle wind, which seemed to involve an ancient power that only he himself understood. Belladona's hand touched the wound on Alisha's abdomen attentively.

Leo, who was initially anxious, could only watch in amazement as the change occurred. He saw something extraordinary happening in front of him. Alisha's injured skin began to close and heal very quickly, and a healthy color returned to her previously pale face.

"It's amazing" whispered Leo, barely believing what he was seeing.

Belladona nodded with a faint smile. "This is just a little bit of my ability. He'll be fine now. He just needs to take a break, it might just take a few hours."

Leo was relieved and grateful. He felt indebted to this mysterious woman who had saved Alisha. "Thank you, Belladona. I don't know how I can repay him."

Belladona's expression turned serious. He stared intently at Leo, full of hope and expectation. "Leo," he said, "I know that you came from the 21st century. But for some reason, I feel like there's great potential in you. May you not disappoint like your predecessors."

Leo was surprised by Belladona's statement. "What potential do you mean? Predecessors? and how do you know me?" various questions came to his mind like a broken dam.

Belladona thought for a moment, then said, "I've seen how you fight those monsters. Now take Alisha with you and follow me. And also. I'm sorry if I might have spoken too rudely to you earlier."

"That's not a problem, as long as you can help me get out of this thing."

Leo carefully carried Alisha on her back, making sure she was safe. Beside him, Belladona stands, ready to lead them into an unexpected adventure.

They had entered a desolate territory and were filled with ruins. Leo realized this place was located behind the portal he had just passed through, so this should be where the hotel was located. But everything looks different, realising Leo, that he has really moved the world.

As they walked, ruined ancient buildings began to be seen around them, creating a stunning as well as melancholic image. The magnificent castle, the stone walls that once loomed high, now only remains debris and ruins that are forgotten by time.

Among the ruins, there are many scattered objects, such as silent witnesses from the dramatic past. Rusty swords, neglected spears, and even the pile of ancient books that had been yellowed by time, were all scattered around them. It seemed like this place had once been a witness to the epic battles that had taken place in the past.

Belladona looked at these buildings and artifacts with a mixed gaze between nostalgia and disappointment. He then turned to Leo and in his soft voice, "Leo, we will go inside this castle. This is where your potential and answers will be revealed."

In the darkness that enveloped the passage of the ancient castle, their steps produced a trembling sound. The dim lights that illuminated the castle hall came from the sunlight that burst through the holes in the roof. Those rays of light formed sparkling circles as they pierced through the darkness.

On the walls of the castle strewn with ruins, there are large paintings depicting historical events. The paintings had faded and worn out, but they still exuded the charm and aura of a passing age. Flags with various symbols in the middle are also seen hanging along the hallway, reminiscing about the glory days that once existed.

Spears, swords, and shields lay scattered, telling the story of a long war. In some corners, traces of blood have dried up, leaving traces of past atrocities.

The rats dare to roam the dark passageways, becoming unofficial guards of the remaining legacies. They sneak among the rubble, looking for sources of food or valuables left behind.

Leo tries to hold back his doubts along with how Belladona can figure out his name and other important information. He felt the need to understand more deeply, so he asked carefully, "So, Belladona, how did you know my name, and also Alisha?"

Belladona smiled widely, his eyes twinkling within the dark hallway of this castle. "Of course it's a very easy thing to do for a witch like me."

Leo smiled a little, it might be impossible in his mind if in his old world someone could know the name of people for free, he was also not a person who believed in things that smelled magical or shamanic.

Belladona who walked at the very front with graceful steps in the dark hallway of the castle. Her open clothes revealed her elegant curves. His alluring chest moved gently along with each step, creating a natural charm that impressed Leo.

Leo felt stunned by Belladona's beauty and confidence, though in his heart he was still filled with thousands of questions about their circumstances. He tries to stay focused on the current situation, although it is difficult with the presence of Belladona who is so stealing his attention.

Leo is not a bad guy either. However, she was not used to seeing women in clothes like this before, Alisha who was always with her also always wore polite and neat clothes.

Leo, who was beginning to feel awkward, asked Belladona, "Don't you feel cold wearing such clothes?"

Belladona just smiled sweetly, then whispered softly into Leo's ear, "Do you feel awkward being close to a woman like me, Leo?"

Belladona not only provokes Leo with words. He also plays graceful body movements and casts meaningful glances that make Leo feel uncomfortable.

The spirit that accompanied them began to feel worried to see Belladona continue to tease Leo. Anxiously but politely, the spirit tried to remind the witch, "Belladona, please don't joke too far. We have a serious job."

But Belladona instead chuckled, unshaken by the spirit's warning. "Aura, don't be too serious. I'm just trying to entertain our precious guest. The woman sleeping on her back is her lover yes."

Just a few steps ahead, Belladona suddenly sneezes loudly, making Leo put on a poker face, knowing that the flirtatious witch actually feels cold with such clothes.