Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two
Overview
Royo, Mikail, and Euyn reach Lake Cerome, arm up, and plan how to enter the submerged temple to reach its records. Tension over leaving Sora and Aeri is set aside as Mikail and Euyn operate smoothly together. While tracking toward the lake, they detect a follower and nearly shoot—only to discover it is Aeri.
Summary
Royo, Mikail, and Euyn finally catch up to their sled and enter a small town by Lake Cerome. They stock gear and weapons, planning to access the underwater temple to reach books they believe hold crucial information. Royo questions the value of the mission and worries about Sora and Aeri, but Mikail insists they proceed.
Euyn proposes waiting to intercept a priest delivering records, or coercing one to guide them, prompting the group to pack for a possible stakeout. Mikail and Euyn coordinate tactics—Euyn leading with the crossbow, Mikail covering the flank, Royo guarding the rear—showing a renewed trust after earlier conflicts.
They begin a stealthy ascent toward the hills around the lake. Royo struggles with silence while Euyn’s tracking and marksmanship prowess stand out. The thawing tension between Mikail and Euyn suggests their partnership is stabilizing despite past betrayals.
Near the hilltop, Euyn halts, hearing a step out of rhythm with theirs. Weapons raised, they prepare to strike the follower. As Euyn sights in, Royo turns and recognizes the target: Aeri. The near-miss reveals their tail is an ally, abruptly colliding the temple team’s mission with Aeri’s urgent trajectory.
Who Appears
- RoyoNarrator; uneasy about leaving Sora and Aeri, but prepares to breach the lake temple with axe and knives.
- EuynTracker and marksman; proposes intercepting a priest; leads the approach and nearly shoots the follower.
- MikailSwordsman with a stolen key; prioritizes the temple mission, coordinating smoothly with Euyn despite past rifts.
- AeriUnexpected follower; nearly shot when she catches up to the group at Lake Cerome.