Cursed Odyssey

Day 7

The mines echoed with the familiar rhythm of pickaxes against stone. Arthur wiped sweat from his brow, quota complete, when he spotted Gwynn approaching through the dusty tunnels.

"Hey, how's your little cult going?" Arthur asked casually.

Gwynn shrugged. "Why ask? I thought you didn't care about me and my 'cult.'"

"Hmm?" Arthur's brow furrowed with genuine confusion. "I never said anything like that. Am I not allowed to worry about my idiot friend and whatever shenanigans he's pulling? Especially when he might end up dead doing it."

"Well, if you must ask, it's been going well." Gwynn straightened, chin lifted with pride.

"Good. Just be careful, okay?" Arthur waved dismissively and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Arthur paused, glancing back. "What is it?"

"Have you seen Zephyr?"

"Zephyr?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What could you possibly want with him?"

"Nothing really. I just wanted to talk..."

"Well, he should be in the southwest quadrant as usual, mining with Rayah. I wouldn't go there if—"

"Thanks!" Gwynn flashed a grin and hurried off.

"Oh lord..." Arthur rubbed his temples, watching his friend disappear into the tunnels.

"And by the way!" Gwynn spun back suddenly, making Arthur lift his head. "The offer to join us is still open! I'll promote you to lieutenant if you're lucky!"

"Stop being childish and just go. I'd rather die than be subservient to someone as incompetent as you."

Silence stretched between them before Gwynn replied with a bright smile: "No worries, Arthur! Just let me know when you change your mind!"

As Gwynn walked away, his pace quickened. His breathing sped with his steps, sweating hands twitching as a smile curled across his lips.

Oh, what sarcasm...

He shook his head, putting more force behind his nearly-filled wheelbarrow until—

There.

Two figures came into view. Rayah lounged on a rock, white hair dusty but still catching the torchlight. Below her, Zephyr worked methodically, red eyes fixed on his pickaxe.

"Yo, Rayah!" Gwynn approached with a grin. "Do you mind if—"

"Leave."

The word cut through the air like a blade. She hadn't even bothered to sit up.

Gwynn froze mid-step, then forced himself forward. "Just need a second with Zephyr. Promise—"

"Has idiocy fried your brain?" Slowly, Rayah rose like something undead, eyes half-lidded but sharp as ice. "I said leave."

Unconsciously, he stepped back.

Something shifted in his mind at that moment. For reasons unknown, he continued forward.

His smile grew wider as he ruffled the back of his head. "I'm in a bit of a hurry! So it has to be now, if you don't mind..."

Rayah's eyes snapped fully open, bright as twin moons. She stood and walked toward him with hollow, deliberate steps.

No words. Just that fixed stare—like icicles that could pierce souls.

A voice broke through the silence:

"Mistress Rayah, I've completed your quota."

She stopped.

Her gaze shifted to her sweating, exhausted slave and the wheelbarrow filled with crystals beside him. Her eyes returned to Gwynn, and with a slight curl of her lip, she spoke:

"I will remember this." The voice carried the weight of death itself.

Yet Gwynn simply smiled, watching as Rayah left the mines.

"Thank you! I appreciate it!"

---

Silence settled over the two boys before Zephyr broke it.

"Are you not scared?"

Surprised, Gwynn straightened his back, gripping his wheelbarrow tighter. "Why would I be?"

Zephyr's dead eyes wandered over him. "So... what did you want?"

What happened with Rayah must have really drained him. He's like an empty shell. Maybe what I'm about to tell him will bring some hope back...

"What's wrong, man? Why do you look so depressed these days?" Gwynn asked with genuine concern.

Zephyr looked confused. "I assume that's not why you're here. I thought you were in a hurry?"

"Ahhh..." Gwynn's face brightened. "You're right... But I wanted to check on my short friend first, you know—"

"I'm not short!" Zephyr twitched.

"Not short? Uhh yeah sure,"

"Just get on with it." Zephyr hefted his pickaxe.

Gwynn's smile twitched. "I have a secret."

"Another prank? I—"

"I'm serious." The shift in tone made Zephyr stop mining.

Finally, Gwynn had his full attention.

"Swear on the twenty-two greats you won't tell anyone."

Zephyr's hand rose to his chest. "I swear it."

"Good... Well... This may be hard to believe, but..." He leaned in, whispering into Zephyr's ear: "I am your lord and emissary, chosen by the Demi-God ****. The source of the visions and voices. You were chosen as the demi-god's ears—you are his link to this world."

"M-me? Why me?" Zephyr couldn't hide his shock.

"Why else?" Gwynn almost cackled. "Because you're the weakest one in the entire prison. Through you, he can gain access to this world."

"W-what does that mean?"

Gwynn ignored the question and pressed on. "Under the command of the honorable Demi-God, we will escape this prison. That's a promise! He can communicate with me, but for me to communicate back to him, it must be through you. Zephyr... do you understand? Betrayal is not an option! I promise you—all you have to do is obey me. Nothing more, nothing less."

---

Feigning normal conversation, Gwynn revealed everything—his experiences, the escape plans, every detail of importance.

As he turned to leave, he puffed out his chest and marched away with exaggerated bravado. His heart raced more than he cared to admit, palms so sweaty he could barely grip his filled wheelbarrow.

I can do it... I can do it all... Lord ****, I pray you are pleased!

Left alone, Zephyr—or rather, Joseph—returned to his mandatory mining.

After such a bizarre interaction, he appeared somewhat normal. Though if one looked closely, cracks showed beneath his facade: twitching hands, unsteady breathing, numb skin—all hidden in plain sight.

Time passed. As he neared his quota, a familiar voice spoke from behind:

"So, what was that about?"

Samsara passed by toward the entrance.

"It's exactly what you think it's about," Joseph whispered casually.

"Why another source? Do you not trust me?"

"I trust you wholeheartedly to play your part. I never had any doubts—absolutely none. I needed insurance that nothing goes behind either of our backs."

Her steps subtly slowed. Samsara was taken aback by such a powerful response. With the lie detector on him, there was no way he could lie to her so boldly. There was no doubt—Zephyr, or rather, Not-Zephyr had complete trust in her.

Truly, fated partners in crime.

They were like two birds: one with a broken left wing, the other with a broken right. Alone, neither could dream of flight, but together they could soar above these walls.

"Good to know. Trust is my creed—broken trust is worse than a thousand deaths. You're the only one I can trust here. In any case, I can't stay long. I feel two sharp glares pointed straight at us. She's still watching."

"I'm well aware." Joseph took a deep breath and continued mining.

---

Days passed like held breath. Every prisoner, even the guards, felt mounting pressure.

Something big was coming—they could feel it.

An invisible countdown had begun. The voice continued, and so did the visions. Some heeded the warning; others were too scared, broken, or lazy to act. Still others remained convinced it was a trick by the Warden.

Each day without incident only wound the tension tighter—a tsunami preparing to crash.

Unnoticed behind it all, Gwynn's cult moved in shadows, following their divine commands. Each evening, Joseph received reports.

Day 6 "As ordered, prison guard shifts are monitored throughout the upper prison. So far, timing seems consistent."

Day 5 "One of my men managed to sneak past the top Arcane siphoner."

Day 4 "The keys to the door are held by a guard in one of the upper layers. I'll order surveillance to see if it's the same guard every time."

Day 3 "I beg your forgiveness—today was ruined by arrogant imbeciles who think they're above their station! They dare question me, chosen by you, my lord! I will control and discipline them, resuming everything tomorrow!"

Day 2 "I removed them! They'll never dare disturb us again! I've ordered others to monitor them, so there's no worry about information leaks. Still, progress was slow today—I beg your utmost forgiveness! But worry not, this is all according to plan!"

"Ha! Zephyr, it must be weird being talked to like you're important, right? It's funny when the only reason you were chosen was your weakness! Weird world we live in, but don't worry—you'll begin your rise once we're out!"

---

Day 1

(The Night Without Moonlight)

The day reached its end.

The subtle clanks and flickering fire felt almost soothing.

There had been an organizational meeting for guards that morning, so prisoners entered the mines much later than usual.

Now, in the dead of night, most guards and prisoners had left. Joseph was among the few who remained.

In a secluded corner, he mined with strikes slower yet heavier than usual.

"There's a lot on your mind, huh, Not-Zephyr?"

"Samsara?" Joseph looked up with complete bewilderment, as though too lost in thought to notice her approach.

"I know it's tomorrow, but you should relax a bit."

"We shouldn't be talking about this. What if—"

"Worry not." She seemed to smile beneath her mask. "Not a soul around us for a long distance."

Joseph didn't respond verbally, simply looking up further.

"What, you don't believe me?" She leaned forward. "Gotten this far and you still doubt me? Too late for that now."

"No, no... it's not that. As I've said and will always say, I have complete trust in you to play your role. I can't say the same about anyone else."

"Those words truly fill me with reassurance." She looked away, making her face hard to see. "If you do indeed trust me, then tell me the reason for such sadness."

"Huh? What sadness?"

"Don't play dumb. Was it what that Gwynn fellow said earlier?"

"Huh? You heard that... No, no, nothing like that."

"Then what? Is it Rayah again?"

"Not that either... it's... I guess my nerves are finally getting to me. None of this feels real. Tomorrow I must—"

"Hey... Zephyr... Look at me."

Joseph raised his head, meeting her eyes. For a moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the intensity of their shared gaze. Samsara's eyes, usually so guarded, reflected deep understanding—almost a mirror to his own turmoil. In that silent exchange, something shifted. Joseph's lips curled into a smile, slowly at first, then growing broader as tension eased from his shoulders.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Well, you called me Zephyr for the first time... and it felt genuine."

"Ahh—" She immediately looked away, making Joseph chuckle softly.

"Enough of that! At least you no longer look pathetic."

"Yeah..."

"Hey... Zephyr... Once we're out, I... I promise to show you what's underneath my mask."

"That came out of nowhere. Why?"

"You're clearly curious, no? Take it as extra motivation."

"You trust me so little you wouldn't show it now?"

"Don't push your luck. I've never shown my face to anyone in years. We don't have time to talk freely here. I have so much to say... maybe I cheered you up too much."

"Mhm, mhm, mhm... perhaps."

Short silence fell before he spoke again.

"Thank you, Samsara."

"You're welcome, Z-Zephyr."

Suddenly, her attention sharpened.

"Anyway, we need to go and split up. I hear footsteps—those small footsteps you'd recognize anywhere."

"I understand." Joseph simply smiled.

"We'll talk again tomorrow. For now, let's split." Samsara turned to leave when suddenly—

"Hey." Joseph reached out, catching her hand with his trembling one.

"I wasn't telling you the full truth earlier. Sorry. The biggest reason I'm feeling like this is..." His hands trembled more violently, head dropping as if unable to meet her gaze.

"I sometimes feel an odd, powerful force in my body—one that could take over me at any second. I tried to control it, but I can't. If that force emerges tomorrow, then it'll be over for everything. I've already felt possessed twice before! Please, you're the only person I can trust. You're very spiritual, aren't you? What's happening? Please help me."

Long silence stretched between them.

"I already thought something like this was happening ages ago… How long has this been happening?"

"Ever since I woke up in this prison."

"I see." She took time to ponder. "To tell you the truth, it's the first I've heard of such a case. But it explains a lot. I can't help you with this."

"Then wh—"

"Move on. No point worrying about it now, is there? Just do your best, move forward. That's all that can be done, isn't it?"

Looking up finally, he couldn't see what lay beneath Samsara's mask, but her expression told him everything. Those words she conveyed were the very same he once spoke to his precious little sister.

"Thank you."

---

Day 1: The Final Message

"My lord... Everything is set up as you instructed. It is indeed the same guard who has the key to the top Arcane siphoner every time—a dark-skinned guard named Yasoo. A distraction has been planned and orchestrated to ensure safe passage for your spirit.

"Today is the day. I, your humble servant, request you... oh lord ****, please perform your miracles. I did all I could. Merciful and all-powerful be thy name—it is all up to you now. Destroy the top arcane siphoner and set us free from our shackles and anklets."

---

Day 1: Zero Hour

Zero sparks remained. The day of escape had arrived.

The prison was an unstable corpse. Signs of life would flicker, yet deadly silence persevered.

Each day, this cadaver withered further, cold anticipation washing over all. Today was the tipping point.

There was an illusion of normalcy. As Joseph looked around, everything seemed routine, but he could practically hear his fellow prisoners' heartbeats from sight alone.

Having finished Rayah's quota, she retreated to the cells as usual, seemingly oblivious to it all.

Gwynn, twitchier than Joseph had ever seen him, relayed his final message before leaving the mines.

This time, he wasted no breath on jokes or remarks. His stone face was a cracking tablet, fractures clearly visible.

But he had served his purpose. All was set according to plan.

Joseph couldn't help but smile inwardly.

Footsteps approached slowly, followed by a voice sliding into his ears.

"I will be heading to position." It was Samsara.

"Understood. Remember, you are the glue that will keep this operation from falling apart. May 'The Wheel of Fortune' bless your way."

"Hmph. I don't believe in luck." She paused slightly. "All will be taken care of."

Her steps hastened toward the exit. Joseph looked up, staring at her retreating figure for a long time, a slight smile touching his lips.

Then, seemingly from nowhere, another intruder invaded his sanctuary.

"Why are you staring at her?"

Joseph froze instantly.

"Is that any way to greet someone, Skylar?" His response was calm.

"O-Oh... Well, Zephyr... hi... I just..." Joseph was turned around and couldn't see her face, but he knew exactly how she looked.

"I'm sorry, but I'm busy today and—"

"BUT YOU'RE BUSY EVERY DAY!" Joseph turned to see a reddened face, shades darker than her scarlet locks.

Had they not been in a secluded area, her voice might have alerted others.

"Why can't we just talk? How can you be so calm when today is the day?"

"Today is what day?" Joseph turned around, daggers hiding behind his perplexed eyes.

"I— huh... Gwynn would always come talk to you, so I just thought..."

"So you've been spying on me?" Joseph pressed.

"N-No... I mean... yes... K-kinda... yes." She turned her head down to avoid eye contact.

"You shouldn't be discussing this kind of stuff in the open. Gwynn and I could have just had normal conversations for all you knew."

"I'm sorry, I just—"

"When you weren't invited into Gwynn's inner circle, you decided to spy on me instead to get more information."

"H-huh? Zephyr? What are you talking about?"

"I knew this day would come! In essence, this was part of a bait to lure you out! Gwynn would never trust anyone as weak as me with information unless forced, and—"

"ZEPHYR! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

Her voice cracked like a brittle branch, hot tears streaming down her face. It was a raw, anguished sound that pierced the tense air. Skylar's hands clenched and unclenched, fingernails biting into her palms.

"I just wanted to pay you back for your help! I kept trying to talk to you, but you'd always ignore me! Why?"

"Skylar, you're being too loud! Someone might—"

"I don't care anymore! Do you have any idea how worried I was about you? You stopped talking, lost the color in your face and eyes! You... you..." Her voice trailed off, choked with sobs.

"Calm down, Skylar!"

"I AM CALM! Is it Rayah? Is it Samsara? What are they doing to you?"

"It's none of that! Just calm down. Why are you acting like this? We barely even know each other."

Long silence fell, heavy as the stones they mined. Skylar's shoulders slumped, tears drying into streaks on her cheeks. Then slowly, she lifted her head, locking eyes with Joseph. It wasn't a simple stare—it was as if she was examining his very soul.

"Barely know each other? So you've really forgotten? After all we've been through... That's what you have to say. Why did I even care about—"

"It's not that. It's not what you think."

"Then what?"

"It's complicated. I can't speak much about it."

"It's like... I can't explain it, but there's something different about you. Like you've found some purpose. What is it? What drives you to move forward? Why have you not killed yourself yet? At least answer me this."

Joseph was visibly startled by her bluntness. His eyes widened, revealing vulnerability. He was pushed to a precipice, forced to choose between further deception and a sliver of honesty.

"In a sense, life is a game, and ambition is its currency. Ambition could be noble or evil—all are equal and shape our lives the same, no matter how much people pretend otherwise. We bid on ourselves and those who support us, and devour those who bid against us. If one loses their ambition, they've lost all meaning in life. Death is the best exit for those who wish to leave this game, and I am still a player."

Skylar absorbed his words, brow furrowed in concentration. Though taller than him, she felt dwarfed beneath the weight of his answer. Strange, unsettling feelings prickled her skin.

"Am I a person who aligns with your ambition?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"I... I knew it. You really have changed. I think I understand you. And you won't tell me anything more about this ambition... Or what you know of the demi-god."

"I'm afraid not."

"I thought as much. Anyway, thank you for finally talking. And—"

"I'm afraid not."

"I thought as much. Anyway, thank you for finally talking. And just you wait and see... I'll show you." She shot him a final, odd, almost ominous smile before turning and striding away, back held straight despite the trembling in her legs.

But before she left—

"Huh—"

He caught her hand with his trembling right. Time froze as he spoke:

"I appreciate everything you've done for me. I've treated you so poorly, but have faith. Truly, you are like a bright flame—a light that sparkles in this dark hole. I may have forgotten the past, but I saw your kindness in the present. After this is over, please refresh my memory! Before you go, remember this: in the chaos, where you see dazzling light, there I shall be. So farewell... and please don't think too harshly of me."

"O-okay... thanks."

Slowly, she moved forward, and Joseph's hands gradually released.

As she left, Joseph took a deep breath. He looked around, ensuring such commotion hadn't drawn unwanted attention.

That had been more stressful than he could have imagined. His hand had been forced, and he may have revealed too much—but it had revealed something else in turn.

He had already accounted for multiple possibilities, but still—

There was a traitor in their midst. Before, he'd been 80% certain of their identity. After this conversation, that 80% became 100%.

The problem was: how much did she know? How much had she overheard and predicted?

Though faint doubt lingered, with that final uncertainty now removed, it was finally time to escape.

"Zephyr... I know you are in there. I know everything. I have been sent by a god. I am here to help you. No matter what... no matter what... Trust in my judgment. Do not doubt me. Do not take over. I have your best interests at heart..." Joseph whispered to himself.