Shroud Arcanum

Chapter 38: Chapter 37 - Vow

Zalya took a deep breath, her eyes softening with a mix of concern and sadness. With meticulous detail, she recounted the series of events that had unfolded after Liam's unconscious collapse.

As she spoke, she painted a vivid picture of Irys's descent into her berserk mode, explaining the potency and risks of such a transformation.

Liam's heart lurched as he learned how Irys's arm was obliterated, a sacrifice to halt the Titan's final attack. A familiar feeling gnawed at his gut, reminding him of times when he felt powerless.

He lifted his eyes to meet Irys's gaze, searching for words but only managing to whisper, "Thanks."

Irys nodded solemnly, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "Anytime."

Zalya's expression changed abruptly, a mix of anger and disbelief. "Anytime? So you'd willingly sacrifice yourself again?"

Irys shrugged, her tone unyielding, "You know me, Zalya. And you know my answer. I'd do the same for you without hesitation."

Both Liam and Zalya were rendered speechless by her admission. Liam's thoughts raced, silently vowing, 'Over my dead body,will I let you face such danger on your own again. '

Zalya continued her tale, detailing their close encounter with the Titan. With every word, Liam's understanding of the gravity of their situation deepened. It became abundantly clear that they were really lucky to survive the fight.

Zalya voiced her frustration, "Now that we talk about it, what were you thinking dashing forward by yourself?? You know more than a hundred people died in the battle."

Liam exhaled deeply, looking for the right words. " I admit it's wrong for me to dash alone, but at that circumstance not like we can run from the titan."

Alric, not one to mince words, cut in sharply. " Don't lie Liam, At the time your eyes show you have personal vendetta with the titan, you don't need to share the details with us. But at the very least cannot you regroup and attack with us together?do you think we will just ignore you and run? "

Zalya nodded in agreement. " That is true, and you are not alone; why goes straight to the Titan by yourself."

Liam's thoughts raced, a whirlwind of emotions and memories. He contemplated admitting the cocktail of overconfidence and an unaccustomedness to teamwork that had driven him, but he thought that would only lead to a more intense discussion. Opting to avoid it, he responded, "Alright, I get it, and I'm truly sorry. Now, how do I go about signing this?" pointing towards the contract.

Zalya, a touch of surprise evident in her eyes, explained, "Place your finger on the contract. It's designed to recognize and record your soul wavelength. But before you do, are you certain about this? Once you sign, there's no going back."

Liam raised an eyebrow, momentarily baffled. He mused internally, 'Wasn't she the one who handed me this contract in the first place?' Out loud, he affirmed, "Yes, I'm sure. If it concerns Irys, then it's my responsibility as well. Admittedly, I'm unfamiliar with these credits and their worth, but I give you my word—I will find a way to fulfill this agreement."

A soft glow emanated from the paper as Liam pressed his finger onto the ethereal document. A fleeting sensation coursed through him as if he was forming an intangible bond with the contract and Zalya herself. It was over in an instant.

Zalya, satisfied with the completion of the contract, summoned the paper back to her with a swift motion. "No need to worry; worse comes to worse. You can just work for me to pay for the debt. I won't be stingy with your pay." Changing her attention to Irys. "Irys, it's time to check your arm." Irys nodded in agreement, and the two women made their way to an adjacent room.

Once secluded, Zalya shot Irys a teasing glance, "So, it finally happened, huh?"

Blushing slightly, Irys responded, "You could say that. You know, the moment I gave him my father's armor, my mind was already made up."

Raising an eyebrow, Zalya countered, "It still surprises me. Back home, you've had admirers and suitors lining up for your attention for years. And yet, none of them ever received a second glance."

Irys gazed distantly, her thoughts evident in her eyes. "With him, it's different. No one has ever made me feel the way he does. Plus, as you're well aware, my instincts have always guided me right."

Nodding, Zalya conceded, "That's true."

She then proceeded to make a series of intricate hand motions over the cast on Irys' arm. Responding to Zalya's gestures, the cast shimmered and gradually receded, revealing an arm that looked as if it had never been injured.

As Irys flexed her arm, feeling out its range of motion, Zalya watched her intently. "How does it feel?"

Irys took a moment, rotating her wrist and stretching each finger, "It's not fully back to its original strength, but I'd say I can harness about 70% of my previous power."

Zalya frowned, her brow furrowing with concern. "Irys, can you promise me something? Stop taking such immense risks for yourself."

Irys met her gaze, her eyes reflecting a deep well of determination. "I can't promise that. You know as well as I do that once 'berserk' takes over, I'm not in control. But what truly matters is that we come out alive, victorious."

Sighing heavily, "I genuinely hope that being with Liam brings about a change in you."

Irys' expression softened as she smiled, a hint of mischief playing at the corners of her lips. "He did vow to become stronger and to protect me."

Zalya couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Stronger than you? I'd love to see that day. Then perhaps you won't have to throw yourself into the fray like you always do. And when you introduce him back home, it'll be quite the spectacle. All those Valandrian suitors who've been chasing after you will go feral. Not to mention Liam is not Valandrian."

Irys' laughter joined Zalya's, the sound echoing in the chamber. "No need to worry, if they dare to challenge him, they'll face the consequences. Worst case scenario, we'll take them down."

Zalya, her tone serious once more, said, "If Liam can hold his own against them, then at least I'll rest easy, knowing he's capable of standing beside you."