4 Days Left Until Reckoning

The sun had barely risen when I awoke with a decision in mind. After tossing and turning all night, I knew what I had to do. Slipping out of bed, I got dressed quickly and went in search of Neku. The guild was as quiet as a graveyard at this early hour, the only sound being my own footsteps echoing down the empty hallways.

After searching for a while, I found Neku in one of the guild rooms where documents are stored, sifting through piles of scrolls and maps. Her face lit up when she saw me, and I could tell she had been waiting for my answer, "Darx," She said softly, "have you made your decision?"

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, "Yes, I'll help you steal the medallion."

"Great!" Neku exclaimed, clasping her hands together, "We don't have much time. Let's get started."

She spread out a map on the table and began to outline the plan. Neku explained that I would need to enter the church through a hidden path leading to the back rooms, where I would wait while she distracted Priest Gabriel. She said the Priest would most likely be in his exclusive prayer room, behind which lay a secret passage to where the medallion was hidden.

"Now, listen closely," Neku said, pointing to the map, "When you're inside the prayer room, find the statue of the goddess Imris with a crown," She traced her finger along the map, indicating a spot near the back of the church, "You'll need to lower one of her arms to open the secret passage."

My heart pounded in my chest as I studied the map, trying to commit every detail to memory. From what Neku explained to me, I would arrive at a small room after going through the secret passage that led to the back of the church. I will have to leave that room, making sure that no one sees me, and I go hide in another room on the right following that hall and wait there until Neku takes Priest Gabriel from his personal prayer room.

Neku looked at me with a serious expression, "We can't afford any mistakes, Darx."

"Understood," I replied, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness since I had never done something like this, "When do we begin?"

"Meet me at sunset near the fountain by the church," Neku instructed. "And remember, don't make a move until I give the signal."

The day dragged on as if time itself had slowed to a crawl. The upcoming mission consumed my thoughts, making me forget my other problems, at least for a while.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I made my way to the fountain near the church. My heart raced in anticipation of what was about to unfold. Neku was already waiting for me, her eyes scanning the area to ensure we hadn't attracted any unwanted attention.

With a nod, Neku handed me a small, folded map, "This will guide you through the secret passages. Are you ready?" She asked with the monotonous tone of voice with which she usually speaks.

Before answering, I wanted to confirm what she promised me, "You'll really tell me what you know about Harold and the secrets you know about the church if I help you with this, right!?"

"Of course. I promised you after all," Neku answered me without any change of expression on her face.

I nodded, gripping the map tightly in my hand, "Let's do this."

"Good," She replied, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder, "Remember, don't go to the prayer room until you hear Priest Gabriel and I come out of there."

With that, Neku walked away, heading to the church, leaving me alone by the fountain. I took a deep breath and followed the directions on the map, making my way to the cemetery near the church. After exploring for a while, I found the place where it was marked on the map with an X, which was a tomb. As I entered the tomb marked on the map, after searching for a bit, I noticed a hidden passage tucked away behind an old, crumbling statue.

Navigating through the secret entrances, I moved beneath the church to the back unnoticed. The air was damp, and the faint glow of torchlight lighted the narrow passages. Eventually, I arrived at the small room in the back where the church kept all kinds of things-religious artifacts and other miscellaneous items shrouded in dust.

After ensuring I wasn't seen, I left the room and followed Neku's instructions, taking the path to the right and then turning right again in the next hallway. I went into the second room on the right and hid there, waiting for Neku to take with her the Priest, as she said.

Time seemed to stand still as I crouched in the dimly lit room, listening intently for any sign of movement. My heart raced with each passing moment, and I couldn't help but wonder if we would be able to pull this off without getting caught.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, I finally heard Neku's voice and the sound of footsteps approaching. Priest Gabriel stopped in front of the door where I was hiding. I pressed my ear against the door as closely as possible to hear their conversation. Priest Gabriel sounded unusually happy, saying suggestive words to Neku while Neku responded with erotic moans. This left me utterly baffled, unsure of what to make of it.

"It's strange that you are the one who comes to me," I heard the Priest say while at the same time hearing how Neku was trying to stop her moans, "Normally, you are a bad girl who forces me to be strict with you, for you fulfill your obligations."

"AHH... mN... I-I was just in t-the mood... Hnm... d-don't you like it?" Neku said between moans.

Neku had managed to bring Priest Gabriel out of his prayer room, just as planned, but... What the hell is going on outside? Is Neku and the Priest doing what I think they're doing?

"L-Let's go to your chamber at once... Amm, S-Someone could see us here," Neku said between moans.

"Don't be impatient, dear. You know that no one can enter this area except with my permission." Priest Gabriel replies to her.

As they continued their exchange, I listened intently as they entered the room opposite mine. Deciding it would be best to wait for a moment before leaving, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It wasn't easy, knowing what was happening just across the hallway.

When I finally mustered the courage to leave the room, I knew I should head towards the prayer room to continue with the mission. However, my curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't resist taking a quick peek into the room where Neku and Priest Gabriel had gone. I quietly approached the half-open door and peered through the small gap.

Upon seeing inside the room, I was shocked by what I saw. My cheeks flushed red, and my eyes widened as I took in the sight before me.

Neku and Priest Gabriel were having sex right there in the room. The Priest was lying on the bed with Neku on top of him, completely naked, riding him passionately. Her large breasts bounced with each thrust, and her moans filled the air. I couldn't help but feel excited watching such a scene, and my penis became erect.

"Y-You are very intense today," Priest Gabriel said between moans and the squeaking of the bed.

"Hah... N-No, it's... It's just that you're really... L-Large." Neku said, breathing heavily.

"Fufu, you are a good girl," Priest Gabriel said with a laugh as he looked up at her.

I couldn't help but be captivated by the scene unfolding before my eyes, and my erection grew even harder as I watched. The sight of Neku's bouncing chest and her seductive moans drove me mad. My heartbeat quickened with each passing moment, and the feeling of blood flowing faster.

"H-How do you like my f-fucking...?" Neku asked, her body shuddering.

"It-It's great," Priest Gabriel answered, his hands kneading Neku's breasts, "But, something is missing..."

"W-What...?" Neku asked, her body trembling under the Priest's touch.

"If you were a virgin, this would be even better," Priest Gabriel answered, his hands groping Neku's breasts.

"N-No...that's your fault... Hmm... y-you are the one... who took my virginity, Ahm..." Neku answered, panting as she rode the Priest.

"That is true," Priest Gabriel said while laughing.

Caught up in the moment, I continued to watch as they changed positions. Neku got on all fours, and the Priest positioned himself behind her, starting to fuck her in doggy-style. Their bodies moved in sync, the sound of skin slapping against skin mixing with their moans and heavy breathing.

My heart pounded in my chest, and my arousal grew as I watched them. I knew that this was wrong, that I shouldn't be spying on them like this. But I couldn't tear my eyes away.

"Ah...yes, just like that," Neku moaned, her voice breathy and filled with pleasure.

"Your body is divine, Neku," the Priest responded, his voice strained.

My thoughts raced, wondering what prompted her to engage in such an intimate act with Priest Gabriel.

I continued to watch unblinkingly when suddenly, I saw Neku turning her head in my direction, "Shit!" I whispered while moving my face from the door. Still, I'm sure she saw me. Shit! With a deep breath, I turned away from the door, my erection still straining against my pants. Damn, it will be embarrassing to see Neku later.

I **** myself to focus on the task at hand and made my way down the hallway toward the prayer room. Upon entering, I realized it was the same place where I had met Priest Gabriel the day before. It dawned on me that this entire area belonged to him. As I moved further into the room, I spotted the goddess Imris statue with the crown Neku had mentioned.

Carefully, just as Neku instructed, I lowered the goddess's statue hand. My attention was focused on this statue, but suddenly, the goddess statue across the room began to move, revealing a hidden door beneath it on the floor. My heart raced with nervousness as I opened the door and descended the stairs.

Once down, I found a long corridor with a wooden door at the end. The hallway I found myself in had several glowing blue hieroglyphs similar to those I had seen in the cave. Now I understand what Neku meant by saying that my help in this was essential since I am the only one who can see those symbols. Remembering my experience with those glowing blue hieroglyphs, I carefully navigated the hallway, avoiding touching specific glyphs as I progressed. As I reached the end of the hallway, I saw a floating blue magical circle before the final door. Unsure of its purpose but feeling pressed for time, I decided to walk through it, hoping for the best. To my relief, nothing happened when I stepped through the circle.

My senses were on high alert as I pushed open the door, revealing a dimly lit room filled with all kinds of treasures, art, relics, scrolls, and books that seemed very old. I was shocked for a while, thinking about the value all this would have if it were sold.

After remembering that I didn't have much time, I quickly scanned the room, seeking the medallion Neku had described. It didn't take long before my eyes landed on the medallion resting on a table. I felt a mix of triumph and curiosity coursing through me. With steady hands, I picked up the circular medallion. Examining the medallion, I saw that the edges had inscriptions similar to the language of Zrephia and a small glass sphere at its center.

"Finally," I whispered to myself, gripping the medallion tightly, "Now I just need to get back to the guild."

Suddenly, a shrill female voice erupted from the medallion, making me jump in surprise, "You filthy piece of filth! How dare you touch me!"

I dropped the medallion in shock, not knowing what that was. As it clattered on the floor, the voice fell silent.

"What the hell was that?" I said as I scanned the room, shocked, looking for the one who had spoken moments ago.

My eyes then focused on the medallion. Cautiously, I picked up the medallion again, only for the voice to resume its angry tirade, "Release me immediately, asshole!! You disgusting human, or I'll curse your entire lineage for a hundred generations!"

"What? Who are you? Where are you?" I asked, still trying to understand who was speaking.

"What? I am here! Are you blind or what?" The same tiny voice said.

As I examined the crystal embedded in the medallion more closely, I noticed what looked like a minuscule ant inside. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was actually a tiny fairy trapped within the crystal. No wonder she was so angry and **** to be freed.

"Look, I don't know how you ended up in there, but I didn't trap you," I tried explaining to the furious fairy. "I don't even know how to release you."

"Typical human incompetence," The fairy scoffed. However, she seemed to calm down slightly as we continued talking, "Fine, since you're not the one who imprisoned me, I'll withhold my wrath... for now. My name is Sunshine."

"Sunshine," I repeated, trying to wrap my head around the bizarre situation I found myself in, "I-I'm Darx."

"Hey, Dox." The fairy spoke.

"It's Darx!" I said, correcting her.

"Whatever. Dox, get me out of here, and I promise I'll only curse you for three generations."

"It's Darx! And I already told you I don't know how to do it. Besides, do you think saying you'll curse me for fewer generations will convince me to free you?" I reply.

"Tss..."

"I don't know how to get you out of the medallion, but maybe someone in my guild knows how. Let's go there and see if we can figure out how to get you out of there, okay? Just stay quiet while we escape."

"Very well, Dox," Sunshine agreed, though her voice still held a hint of irritation.

"It's Darx!" I stated, in a more annoying tone, "Well, let's get out of here."

"Alright, but first..." Sunshine conceded, "Take some of the scrolls and books from this room. They could contain valuable information."

"Uh?" I was surprised by the strange suggestion, "Is there something you're looking for?"

"Just do it!" Sunshine yelled in annoyance.

Now that I think about it, Sunshine is right. If I want to find answers from the goddess, it is very possible that they are here. It is clear that this is where the church keeps its valuables, and the manuscripts and books in this place look very old. I grabbed a few scrolls and books, tucking them into my magic bag before cautiously retracing my steps through the secret passages.

As I passed by the room where Neku and the Priest were still entwined in their carnal act, Neku's moans could be heard loudly.

"Ah?" Sunshine asked, "Is someone...fucking?"

"Shh!" I whispered harshly, my face flushing with embarrassment.

"Wow, someone's getting laid! Maybe you should join in, Dox. You seem tense," She giggled, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"Shut up! And it's Darx!" I whisper-shouted, trying to ignore her teasing as I continued along the passage, careful not to leave any traces behind.

Finally, I emerged from the hidden entrance in the cemetery and quickly made my way back to Midnight Dawn's. Entering the guild hall, I tried to act casual, though I couldn't shake the feeling that everyone could see right through me.

"Hey, Darx!" A fellow guild member greeted me, "It's true you are back! I never doubted for a moment that you were dead, hahaha!"

"Y-Yeah, ha, ha, ha... I am more alive than ever," I replied calmly, hoping my voice didn't betray my uneasiness.

"Great, I can't wait to hear all about it later," He said with a friendly smile.

"Sure thing," I nodded and hurried away, eager to go to my room where I could process everything that had just happened and talk to Sunshine without anyone overhearing.

Once inside my room, I locked the door and took a deep breath. The events of the evening played in my mind. I still felt the nervousness of having infiltrated the church to steal, and more than that, I could still hear Neku's moans echoing in my ears, and the sight of her naked body with the Priest was burned into my memory.

"Alright, Sunshine," I said, holding up the medallion, "Let's talk. How did you end up trapped in this thing?"

"Like I'd tell you," Sunshine scoffed, her voice filled with disdain.

"Hey, if you want me to help you, you'll have to trust me," I said, holding the medallion close to my face, "I want to help you, but I can't do that if I don't understand what happened."

Sunshine let out a weary sigh, "Fine, I guess you deserve at least that much for getting me out of that place," She said, sounding irritated, "But if you tell anyone else about my shameful capture, I will curse you for 200 generations."

"Is that even possible..." I spoke to myself.

Sunshine paused for a moment before beginning her tale, "Several days ago, a group of humans in white robes ambushed me in the forest. I escaped them a couple of times, but they chased me relentlessly for several days, and eventually, they captured me. They trapped me in this damned medallion, and they took me to the place where you found me."

A fairy in the forest a short time ago... As she recounted her story, I remembered seeing a fairy in the forest on my way to the capital with Syvis. I also saw a carriage from the church near that forest in one of the towns where we stopped. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks – Sunshine was that very same fairy.

"Wait a minute," I interrupted, "You're the fairy I saw back in that town along our journey!"

"You saw me? Really? I don't remember ever seeing someone like you." Sunshine replied, her tone more somber.

"Well, I saw you in the distance while we were camping, but you looked more like a firefly, and you also looked bigger." I continued.

"Don't be stupid! I'm not normally this small. The bastards who imprisoned me in the medallion were the culprits. When I reacted to what had happened, I was already more tiny than normal and stuck in this thing."

I put the medallion on the bed. As soon as I stopped touching the medallion, I stopped hearing Sunshine's voice. I see... Only whoever touches the medallion can hear whoever is trapped inside. That would explain why I stopped hearing her when I dropped the medallion back in the church. This medallion... It must be a relic of Zrephia.

I grabbed the medallion again.

"Thank you for telling me, Sunshine," I said sincerely. "We need to figure out how to free you, but for that, we need to wait for my partner to return. She knows more about this medallion than I do."

"Shit...," Sunshine said, her voice softening a bit, "Oh, well..."

As night fell, a light knock on my door was heard, followed by the door suddenly opening, revealing Neku standing in the doorway. My heart raced as I remembered the scene from earlier–Neku having sex with the Priest. I'm sure my face reddened, even though she seemed just as normal as ever.

"Darx, how did it go? Did you get the medallion?" Neku asked, seemingly oblivious to my embarrassment.

"Y-Yeah, I got it," I stammered, showing her the medallion. But before I could explain further, Neku interrupted me.

"Good job! Now follow me to Stella's office," She instructed.

"Stella?" I thought, confused. I didn't know that the guild master was involved in all this.

Neku didn't give me any answers, only saying she would explain everything when we were in front of Stella.

Neku started walking without waiting for me, so I quickly put the medallion on my neck and walked behind her, trying to catch her. As I followed Neku, Sunshine recognized Neku's voice, having heard her moans when we passed in front of the door where Neku and the Priest were.

"Hey, if it isn't the Moaning Queen! Hahahah!!" Sunshine joked and then started laughing hysterically.

At that moment, I completely forgot that only I could hear Sunshine, and I got nervous thinking that Neku listened to what she said. I snapped at Sunshine, telling her to shut up. Neku stopped and turned towards me, clearly thinking that I had told her to shut up.

"Excuse me?!" Neku exclaimed, raising her eyebrows in surprise.

"No, no! I wasn't... I didn't mean to..." I tried to explain, stumbling over my words. This whole situation was turning into a mess.

"Whatever, let's just keep going," Neku said, shaking her head and resuming her walk towards Stella's office.

Sunshine laughed even more, having fun with my misfortunes.

I exhaled, feeling defeated. As we reached Stella's office, I couldn't help but feel anxious about what would happen next. I hope Neku and Stella can give me the answers I've sought.