Map of the Blazing Hearth (Gazellian Series #8)

Chapter 37

Nanatili kami sa kuwartong iyon para makapagpahinga, abala ako sa aking mapa at sa ilang aklat na umaagaw sa akin ng atensyon habang may kani-kanila silang usapan. But the room was filled with Rosh and Caleb's conversation about Nemetio Spiran's current situation.

"So, are we going to kill the Head Wizard too?" tanong ni Howl.

If our mission is to kill the goddess, the Head Wizard will do everything to stop us. Dapat nga naming bigyang pansin ang katanungang iyon ni Howl.

"You can have his throne. Ayaw mo ba?" tanong ni Tavion.

"I don't want his throne or responsibilities. I just want to remain the Earth dragon wizard," sagot ni Howl.

"What if we don't have a choice? It's either he kills us or we kill him," sagot ni Caleb.

"Of course, we kill him," mabilis na sagot ni Rosh.

"And make another enemy of Nemetio Spiran?" pagsingit ko sa usapan nila.

"Either way, they'll already see us as an enemy," sagot ni Rosh.

"Dastan will kill us! Babalik tayong may kasunod na batalyon," ani ni Caleb. Mabuti naman at natauhan siya.

"Will he expect a battalion of friends?" tanong ni Rosh.

"That's why he sent Caleb here! Just like what you've done during the war of the goddesses of Deesedayah. The Atteros are allies. Tinulungan nila tayo," dagdag ko.

Minsan ay nagkakatitigan na lang kami ni Anna sa palitan ng salita ng apat na lalaki kaya halinhinan kaming dalawa sa pag-agaw sa atensyon nila.

"My map is not giving an accurate location since it is being influenced by the ruin," panimula ni ko.

"Ganoon din ang lampara ko. We're all aware that our relics work together. Kung nagawa ng mga ito na tulungan tayo kanina at sa mga nauna nating paglalakbay, maybe this ruin or the mastermind behind this place doubled his protection spell against us. Nasisiguro ko na kapag sinubukan pa rin nating sundan ang mapa ni Iris ay iikot lamang tayo,"  tumango ako sa sinabi ni Anna.

"We'll just end up inside another killer room," naiiling na sabi ni Rosh.

"I think this ruin is really designed for it— an old ruin made of killer rooms," dagdag ni Howl.

"To protect the goddess, of course," kibit balikat na sabi ni Tavion.

"The Head Wizard's mind is quite complicated," komento ni Rosh.

"Wizards, magicians, and witches are quite detailed," sagot ni Howl.

"Huh? So, are you trying to say that you'll design a ruin like this if you're going to protect your mate? It will take time," ngiwing sabi ni Rosh.

"I never had an opportunity," tipid na sagot ni Howl.

Natigilan kaming lahat sa sinabi ni Howl, kahit si Rosh ay hindi rin agad nakapagsalita, at saka lang nabawi ang sarili nang pilit siyang tumikhim para basagin ang katahimikan.

"If I have to hide my mate, I could make a giant flower for her. A tulip, rose, lily? Because I know that the petals of those flowers will only open for me."

Hindi lang ako ang saglit na ngumiti nang marinig iyon kay Rosh, dahil si Anna at nahuli kong nakatitig sa kanya nang may paghanga.

"That's it. That is the loophole in this ruin. Why would he create a place that will protect his mate but still allow anyone to enter? The ruin is still accessible to everyone. Yes, they said that the Atteros are forbidden to enter, but it was purely a word of mouth—a law that is still breakable. Why would he allow a flaw?" tanong ni Caleb.