Sinbad and Reana were sitting on barrels while Yunan leaned against a nearby wall. Reana, with a gentle touch, carefully tended to Sinbad's wounds, her focus unwavering as she cleaned and bandaged his injuries.
"To put it simply... Partevia is... always at war with the neighboring country, Reim," Sinbad explained, his voice tinged with sadness. "All of the working men here were drafted as soldiers... But lately, it seems like they are gathering people for 'the dungeon'... Ah... The 'dungeon' is this mysterious tower that appeared in the border between Partevia and Reim."
"Yeah..." Yunan acquiesced. Reana was listening too, as she did not hear often of said dungeon.
"However, in that 'dungeon'... Over 10,000 people have challenged it, and not a single one has come back," Sinbad continued, his voice tinged with bitterness. "The people call it a 'hole of death'... Now the military is drafting people to be sent to this dungeon of death... But I can't die yet..." He clenched his teeth, the determination in his eyes shining through the pain. "For my mother's sake, for Reana's sake... And the sake of the villagers..."
Yunan, his eyes filled with concern, interjected, "There's no way to be relieved of the enlistment?"
Sinbad's response was filled with resignation. "You saw earlier, right? This is a military nation. If you resist, they'd use force. I'd be sentenced to death if I'm unlucky. The military's orders are absolute... But this is... wrong. If I enlist, I die. If I resist, I still die. The war is never ending too. This country... is done for!!"
Yunan's question pierced through the air, his voice calm yet filled with empathy. "Are you... alright with how things are...?"
Sinbad exploded with frustration, his words fueled by a deep-seated anger. "As if!! Unless this war ends and this country changes, everyone will only suffer!... But... There's nothing I can do now..." He gritted his teeth, his fists clenched in a mixture of despair and determination.
"You can do it..." Yunan started. He extended an open hand before him, a serene smile playing on his lips. It was a gesture that seemed peculiar to Sinbad, as Yunan was not facing him directly.
"If it's you, you can do it... However, right now, you lack the power... That's right... The king's power to change the world..." Yunan's words hung in the air, carrying a weight of possibility and hope.
They were both staring at the blonde man with wide eyes, but Reana had something more in her gaze. Unbeknownst to Sinbad, Yunan caught the glimmer in Reana's gaze, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips, but decided to save his inquiries for a more opportune moment.
Sinbad couldn't help but feel a mixture of confusion and intrigue as he got up and approached Yunan. "He king's power... to change the world?"
"That's right," Yunan affirmed, his smile unwavering in the face of Sinbad's skepticism.
A burst of laughter erupted from Sinbad, his disbelief evident. "Ahahaha! How did you come up with that? Yunan, you're really a funny guy. If such power exists for real, the world would be a mess with kings creating kingdoms freely..." Sinbad's laughter trailed off, noticing the shift in Yunan's expression. The blonde traveler's countenance had turned serious. "... You're joking, right?"
"What if it's true?" Yunan's smile returned, his eyes locking with Sinbad's.
Sinbad displayed a pensive expression as he contemplated Yunan's words. "But... If that power really exists... I'll take it. If I can change this world with it, I'll use that power without hesitation," he declared, his voice laced with newfound determination. Reana's gaze shifted to Sinbad, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and admiration.
"I knew you'd say that," Yunan nodded, pointing a finger behind him. "That power is in that dungeon."
Sinbad and Reana recoiled in surprise. "So, the power that soldier mentioned, the 'power that surpasses human intelligence,' can it be...?" Sinbad's voice trailed off, anticipation filling the air.
"Yes, that's what he's talking about," Yunan confirmed, his words carrying an air of certainty.
Sinbad's resolve solidified as he spoke, his voice tinged with determination. "In that case, I have no choice but to challenge that dungeon."
Reana's eyes widened, her worry for Sinbad evident in her expression. She reached out a hand, wanting to voice her worries, but held back, not wanting to dampen his spirit.
"That's right. Challenge the dungeon from which more than 10,000 men have never returned," Yunan stated matter-of-factly.
Reana's breath hitched, a mixture of fear and concern gripping her heart. The magnitude of the task at hand weighed heavily upon them, but Sinbad's gaze remained unyielding as he gulped.
"Are you afraid?" Yunan inquired, his voice gentle yet probing.
Sinbad raised his hands before him and stared at his palms as he contemplated the question. Slowly, a smile began to play on his lips, elation evident in his demeanor as he clenched his fists.
"From how you look, I believe you'll be alright," Yunan assured him. "Then see you in three days! I'll be waiting for you at that tower. Later, Sinbad, Reana."
With those parting words, Yunan leaped over a nearby fence preceding the cliff that marked the border of the village. Sinbad and Reana hurriedly followed suit as he disappeared from view.
"Hey, Yunan! I didn't say I'm going!" Sinbad yelled, his voice laced with both defiance and apprehension.
But there was no response, no sign of Yunan anywhere in sight. Sinbad's words lingered in the air, unanswered. "He's gone..." Sinbad muttered.
----
"We're home, mother," Sinbad called out as he and Reana passed through the curtain of the entrance, their footsteps echoing softly in the small house.
Esra's weary face brightened at the sight of her son and his companion. "Welcome home, you two. Where have you been this morning? I got worried, since neither you nor Reana came back," she said, her voice tinged with concern. A feeble smile adorned her lips, betraying her underlying worries.
Sinbad's expression softened as he met his mother's gaze. There was a hint of longing in his eyes, a mixture of sadness and determination. Reana, standing silently behind Sinbad, observed his every move, her own face filled with genuine concern for him. The weight of his impending journey pressed upon them both.
"Mother, this is for you," Sinbad said, his voice gentle yet resolute, as he handed at heavy purse to his mother, offering it with a sense of purpose.
Esra's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the purse, her fingers gingerly opening it. The sound of coins spilling into her hand filled the room. Her gaze shifted between the purse and her son, confusion etching her features. "What's this?" she asked, her voice a whisper of curiosity and astonishment.
"It's what I earned today," Sinbad explained, a touch of pride evident in his voice. "I did a great job, so the captain gave me more than usual. This should be enough for medicine. And then, mother, I'll..." He trailed off, his voice faltering, uncertainty clouding his features.
"Yes?" Esra prompted, her gaze fixed on her son, her love and concern evident in her eyes.
Sinbad turned away, his resolve waning. "No. Nevermind..." he muttered, preparing to walk away.
Esra's heart ached at the sight of her son's struggle. "Sinbad... come here," she called, her voice filled with a mix of warmth and determination.
Sinbad turned his head, meeting his mother's eyes. He walked towards her, drawn by the sincerity and strength he saw in her gaze.
Esra held out her hands, revealing a gleaming sword resting within her grasp. Sinbad's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the sword. "Please bring this with you," she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of purpose and unwavering support.
His voice laced with astonishment, Sinbad asked, "This... Isn't this the memento sword from father? Why, all of a sudden?"
Esra's smile grew, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes. "Because it's time to give it to you," she replied confidently. "Sin... You can stop being considerate of me," she continued, her words both surprising and poignant.
Sinbad was stunned.
"It's true, I'm very sick, have been a burden to you, and have worried you with medical expenses every day," Esra admitted, her voice filled with both regret and gratitude. "But! Please do what you should do," she urged, her gaze unwavering. "You have found something that only you can accomplish, right? So, please, accomplish it! I'll be fine. Now I have all the people around us helping me. And I have a feeling that you won't bring Reana with you yet, am I right?" she added, her eyes shifting towards the young girl, assessing her expression with motherly intuition. "So, have a safe trip."
The weight of Esra's words settled heavily on Sinbad's shoulders. He stood there, his breath catching, realizing the depth of his mother's love and the strength she possessed despite her own frailty. Gratitude and determination mingled within him as he mustered the strength to respond.
"Thank you... Mother," Sinbad said, his voice filled with a mix of emotions. He reached out, taking the sword from her hands with reverence, feeling its weight and history in his grasp. The moment was bittersweet, a symbolic passing of the torch from father to son, a testament to the courage and resilience of their family.
----
Under the moonlit sky, Sinbad and Reana stood together by the edge of the cliff, their figures silhouetted against the vast expanse of the sea. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the rocks below created a soothing backdrop to their conversation. The weight of the day's events and the impending challenge ahead lingered in the air, casting a solemn atmosphere around them.
Sinbad's long purple hair gently swayed in the night breeze as he turned to face Reana, his golden eyes reflecting a mix of determination and concern. His hands were clenched at his sides, his posture resolute.
"I've made up my mind, Reana. I'm going to challenge the dungeon," Sinbad said, his voice firm yet laced with uncertainty.
Reana's brows furrowed as she listened to his words, a hint of unease creeping into her expression. "But Sinbad, the dungeon... It's a dangerous place... you said it yourself... I'm worried for you," she confessed softly, her concern evident in her voice.
Sinbad turned to face her fully, his gaze intense yet gentle. "I know, Reana. I understand the risks. But this is something I have to do. There's a power in that dungeon, a power that can change the world. If I can obtain it, I can make a difference," he explained, his voice filled with determination.
Reana sighed, her worry mingling with resignation. "I understand, Sinbad. I know how important this is to you. But please promise me something," she pleaded, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness while taking a step closer to him.
Sinbad nodded, his eyes fixed on her.
"Promise me that you'll come back safely," Reana implored, her voice filled with a mix of longing and fear. "Promise me that you won't take unnecessary risks. And promise me that you'll remember that you're not alone. We're all here, supporting you, waiting for your return."
Sinbad reached out and gently took Reana's hand in his, his grip conveying both reassurance and gratitude. "I promise, Reana. I won't throw my life away recklessly. I'll do everything in my power to come back to you and everyone else. But I need you to promise me something too," he said, his voice softening.
Reana looked at him intently, her blue eyes searching his face for his request.
"Stay with my mother, Reana," Sinbad said, his voice tinged with a mixture of concern and affection. "Take care of her while I'm away. She's been unwell, and I worry about her. You're like family to us, and I trust that you'll keep her safe."
Reana's lips curved into a gentle smile, a mixture of sadness and determination. "I will, Sinbad. That's what I was planning to do anyway. I'll stay by Esra's side, and I'll do everything I can to ensure her well-being. You have my word."
Sinbad's grip on her hand tightened briefly, his gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Reana. Knowing that you'll be there for her gives me peace of mind. And when I return, I'll bring back the power to change the world. We'll build a better future together."
"I believe in you, Sinbad." he said softly, trying to repress her sadness.
As the sound of crashing waves echoed in the background, the intensity of their emotions hung palpable in the night air. Sinbad released Reana's hand, stepping back and turning to head to the dungeon. His long, purple hair flowed in the breeze as he prepared to embark on his perilous journey.
Reana stood there, her hand pressed against her chest as she watched Sinbad disappear into the darkness. A single tear rolled down her cheek, carrying a bittersweet mix of emotions. It was a tear filled with worry for his safety, yet also with unwavering faith in his strength and determination.
A/N: Hey! Next chapter will take place after the dungeon, as Reana won't go so there won't be any differences from the original work :) Hope you like this chapter !