Chapter 25: Cave of Wishes

In the Dragon Village, high-quality natural stones are said to be dormant. It is said to be located at the base of a steep valley.

“Impossible! Impossible! I’m not going down into that deep, dark gorge!”

“I’ll be by your side. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not feeling safe!”

Bern squeezes my hand, but I panic in the dim light. I’m not feeling anything.

“I’m following you because I’m worried about you. you should be grateful.”

Bern and I are riding Laseid to the canyon’s bottom. Floating in the dark is an odd sensation. It’s like a roller coaster at a theme park.

According to Laseid’s story, there is a cave at the bottom of the valley containing natural stones known as [the Cave of Wishes].

It is said to lead you under natural stones that will grant anyone who steps into them their wishes.

I know it sounds like something out of a horror film, but this is a strange land inhabited by ancient elemental dragons. Everything is possible.

But even so…

“Why do I have to go too?!”

It’s Bern who wants natural stones in the first place.

“I want Marie’s wish to be granted. Then it’s pointless unless she comes with me.”

No. Simply choose one at random.

“The cave is well illuminated. Don’t worry about it.”

Laseid’s casual tone is strangely irritating.

“I’m not feeling safe…!!!!!”

My screams reverberate throughout the valley.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Laseid was right about [the Cave of Wishes]. It saved me from a state of panic.

“Wow! Beautiful!”

Red, blue, and green etc.

The various colored natural stones are so stunning that they shine as if they’re trying to make a statement.

“You were yelling a minute ago, you’re such a fussy fellow.”

Laseid is dumbfounded, but what child wouldn’t scream in the darkest place?

“How come Laseid-sama is still following us?”

“You’ll have a difficult time getting home without me.”

…Indeed. This valley is quite deep. It is not something that a child can climb.

“Do you have a wish, Marie? I’ve always wanted to ask.”

Bern tilted his head.

“That’s…”

Yes. I want the Third Battle of Kureina to be stopped. That is my most pressing wish right now.

My vision blurs as soon as I think of it.

“Eh?!”

I squatted down involuntarily as a queasy feeling overcame me, as if I had been thrown around in circles.

After a while, my shaken vision has returned to normal, but Bern and Laseid have vanished.

“Bern! Laseid!”

I look around, but they aren’t to be found.

What on earth has happened?

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