The Assassin and The Blind Saint

Arc 1 Chapter 11: The Valley

[ Sirius POV ]

We continued on our way and reached one of the Black Dread Valley's entry points during the day. The weather around the valley is different from the weather in other areas. The clouds above it look black and there is a fog that envelops the valley.

“Come Lena.”

“Umm.”

After a while we walked into the valley, I saw a river flowing from a hill. Visible from the color from a distance, the river water is not at all suspicious and can be seen in drinking without causing any symptoms.

“Hey Sirius, I heard the sound of the stream. You said earlier this area is very little resource to survive, is the water in the river can not be drunk?” ask Lena.

“Yes, most of the water in this valley is very dangerous to drink. Most people - people who first pass through this valley get problems because they consume food and drink in this valley,”, I replied.

We then continue our journey back. The further we got into the valley, the more the sunlight faded and the fog became thicker. When it was deep into this valley, it was very difficult to estimate the time if it did not carry a clock.

After a long walk, we arrived at a good place to rest. However, after looking around, I saw a small light in the distance about 200 meters from where we were standing.

“Lena, wait here for a moment. I want to check around.”

“Alright, don't take too long Sirius.”

I then walked closer to the faint light source - faint in the mist of the valley. After about 100 meters from the light source, I started using the Featherstep technique to slowly settle down. After getting close enough, I started to see a house made of wood. The light source came from the bonfire burning in front of the wooden house.

I saw a human-like figure burning something. But I knew that the figure in front of the bonfire was not entirely human. I know very well because the previous me was the same kind as them. After making sure there were no dangerous threats in the surrounding area, I walked back to see Lena.

Turns out some of them live here ‘kah? Maybe it'll be better. Because they can never be accepted to coexist with ordinary humans.

...----------------...

[Lena POV ]

After Sirius left to scout, I then sat down while listening to the atmosphere of this valley. Unlike the other places I have visited, here it feels very quiet and cold.

However, I heard some sounds of birds and some other animals that made me nervous. Is he still long? I began to hug my feet and began to pray to the Goddess Athena so that our journey this time would be easy.

“Sorry Lena, you have to wait for me here alone.”

Suddenly I heard the voice of Sirius from behind who patted my shoulder.

“Ah! you surprised me!”

Seriously, he's very good at settling down - sludge. Why can't he approach me in the usual way.

“Ahahaha sorry, I am used to doing it when I am in an environment like this,” he replied.

“So, what did Sirius find?” my many.

Sirius then fell silent for a while and replied.

“I saw a house not far from here.”

“Home? Then, can we go there? I think we'll get cold if we rest outside like this,” I said as I rubbed my palms together.

“Can't, there's an Arbil in there,” Sirius said.

“Arbil? I think I've heard the term from Abbot Francis but I don't know what the term means,”.

“We have to find another place, I will explain to Lena why we should not approach an Arbil,” said Sirius.

“Good.”

We leave here and continue on our way back. Shortly after, Sirius began to speak.

“Arbil is a human who has a special ability called Bloodlust Frenzy,” said Sirius.

“…”

“When an Arbil uses that power, his power will multiply many times over,” explains Sirius.

I sometimes like to envy those with unique abilities. If I had it, maybe I'd be more useful even without sight.

“Yes, that ability is very useful but, Arbil it will be possessed by a high appetite to kill. They often kill those closest to them accidentally,” explains Sirius.

I heard Sirius's tone begin to change as he explained that.

“When using that power, the consciousness of the Arbils will disappear completely and will not be controlled. The worst thing is, that power can be provoked at any time. That's what makes them dangerous,” he added.

Hearing what he said, I think Sirius had an acquaintance with an Arbil. Did he have regrets in the past? Then, how can I help Sirius in that matter? He helped me and saved me all the time. I at least want to do something for him.

After discussing that, we then just fell silent without saying anything.

After a long while walking, I started hearing the sound of lightning striking and the wind – the wind that blows here started to blow even louder.

“Lena, we'll rest here. I'm not sure if we walk any further, we'll find a better place before the storm,” Sirius said.

Sirius gave me a coat so I wouldn't get cold.

“Thank you.”

“Look at the clouds and the wind, I think this storm will take a few hours,” said Sirius. “ I will try to make a fire,” he added.

No! No! No!

The sound of rocks clashing.

“...”

“What's Sirius?” my many.

“I've tried to rub the stones but no sparks have appeared at all,” replied Sirius.

What the hell does that mean? It sounded as Sirius opened his pouch and walked forward doing something.

“What does Sirius do?” my many.

“It turns out to be true, this is the Arkansas wind. The wind that makes the fire extinguish which is only found in some parts of the valley here.” replied Sirius.

Not long after, I heard a rain sound. We rested in a small cave that was not deep. The good side is in this situation, we are not rained on.

“Lena you rest first, I'll stay here,” Sirius said.

“Alright, thank you Sirius, you also do not forget to rest yes.”.

I closed my eyes and slept on Sirius' tarp.

The jedar!! The jedar!!

I had a very hard time sleeping because of the continuous roar of lightning. I was very sleepy and tired, suddenly the air became very cold. My body began to shiver and my mouth shook.

When things were like this, I tried to recall my life in the village. Shepherding goats - goats and seeing flowers - blooming. A sleep in a cozy meadow with the warm sun shining down on me. It was a beautiful day.

I started to feel a warmth in my body. The coldness that pierced my body earlier began to disappear in exchange for the warmth I longed for when I was in the village. I felt a caress in my hair like a warm wind wagging my hair while still in the village. With this comfort, I began to lose my consciousness and fall asleep.

.

.

.

When I started to wake up, the storm had stopped but, a bigger problem arose. I felt my heart stop. A-a hand was in my hair and coiled around my belly! M-maybe that warmth I felt just now?!! I then tried to turn around and feel - palpable. A face and lips I feel.

“….”

I then turned around again and tried to cover my face with both hands. My body warmed up again and my heart was beating very fast.

Bawm! Bawm! Bawm!

B-how will I have a normal conversation with him later after this?! W-forgive me a Goddess, I have broken one of your teachings!

“Ughhh..”