Chapter 99: Concessions
It didn’t take long to convince Soltair that there were mightier foes to play with. The mere mention of the Gate Core had his eyes lighting up in excitement, and he couldn’t help but mutter the word "boss room."
"Alright, let’s move, but stick close to Fyren," Soltair instructed, casting a vigilante eye at the raging battle. Over half of the demons had been slain, but the survivors were beginning to rally, reinforced by more demons streaming from deeper into the caves.
Fyren, his colossal sword raised high, pointed toward the rear of the demon army, into the lava tunnels. "I believe the core lies beyond there."
"Then lead the way. I’ll cut a path through," Soltair declared. Without waiting to see if we were ready, he leaped off the rocks and soared through the air, smashing into the ground a few hundred feet away on the front lines. His landing created a small crater, which he jumped from sword swinging.
Trithe sheathed her swords and shook her head incredulously. "We’re literally at the heart of Demon Gate, and he’s happier than when I kissed him?" As though realizing her words too late, she quickly flushed red, and stammered, "I, uh.. Need a lift?" she quickly changed the subject.
I blinked at her sudden offer, taking a step back as I realized what she meant. "N-no, I’ll pass," I stammered. My stomach lurched at the thought of careening the air with no control, the time fighting the Basilisk at the forefront of my mind. Before she could insist, I began walking forward, cautiously navigating the challenging terrain.
"Your choice," she shrugged, jumping after Soltair.
Fyren, on the other hand, seemed puzzled. "They’re quite the pair. But why would they carry you? You’re not so tired you can’t just use magic to fly, right?"
I glanced at him, expecting a wry grin, but his face was serious. "Uh, well, you know. Flight’s not really a thing, right?"