Chapter 97: Is something wrong with me?

POV Eliza

I made my way back to Tyros. The way through the dungeon took longer than the way there, however, as I was exhausted from the last few days. My body may have recovered, but mentally I was at my limit. Possibly even beyond it. This battle frenzy that I had gotten myself into gave me a lot to think about. I was so lost in thought that I didn't even realize how much damage I had taken. In the floors with more dangerous opponents, I would certainly have been in mortal danger.

On the way back to the portal at floor 11, I came across other adventurers. They looked at me with pity, but I hardly noticed.

It was early evening when I arrived in Tyros. The guards' eyes turned to me.

“What happened to you? Were you mugged?” <Guard>

“What? No, everything's fine. The monsters in the dungeon mainly hit my clothes.” <Eliza>

“Then please go on and recover well.” <Guard>

I entered the town and went to the Red Deer. I rented a room and went straight upstairs. I needed time and rest for myself. But even hours later, I couldn't come to a clear conclusion. I just didn't understand it. Why was I so obsessed with fighting that I attacked even large numbers of opponents regardless of my own losses? Furthermore, I was amazed in retrospect that I was still able to think clearly as long as it hadn't stopped me from fighting. I had deliberately avoided the slimes and the trees, but had thrown myself all the more enthusiastically at the other monsters. I checked my abilities again, but found nothing that even came close to explaining my battle frenzy. I wondered if it was one of the things Luna had sealed. I suspected that no one but her could give me an answer. However, I had to go to the capital to get to the shrine. I sighed, because I wanted to spend the winter in Tyros. Depending on how long it took in Lightburgh, I might not get back before the first snow. But I still had to get back anyway so that I could complete the mission with the children.

I was able to calm down mentally to the point where my thinking was no longer confused. I fell onto the bed and was instantly overcome by sleep. The next morning, I planned my next steps. I found it particularly difficult to decide whether to tell Lirella that I might not be in Tyros in winter. However, I promised her that I would return as soon as possible so that I could at least celebrate my birthday with her. After a brief farewell, I set off. The sooner I got my answers from Luna, the sooner I could return.

Three days later I arrived in Lightburgh. By now it was possible to enter the city again, as I could see from the queues outside the city gates. I still went in at night via the sewers so that I wouldn't be stopped. I assumed that my escape from the heroes was the reason why the checks were carried out at the time. I entered the city in the middle of the night. Since I knew the way, it didn't take long before I was standing in the room with the locked door. I walked up to it and tapped the code. Then I stepped back far enough to be clearly seen from inside.

“Elem, it's me, Eliza.” <Eliza>

The flap opened and I recognized Elem's face. He looked at me urgently.

“Has someone been following you?” <Elem>

“No, no one. I came through the canals. Have the children returned safely?” <Eliza>

“Yes, they're all back safe and sound. Master Freyna is waiting for you. She's in her office. Come in.” <Elem>

Elem opened the door for me and let me in. I nodded to him and entered the rooms beyond. My first stop was Master Freyna. I knocked on the door of her office.

“Come in.” <Freyna>

I opened the door and entered the room. There I greeted Freyna.

“Good evening, Master Freyna. I'm back.” <Eliza>

“Good evening. You took your time. The children have been back for a long time. What kept you?” <Freyna>

“I met old friends in Tyros who needed my help. That required my immediate action. After that, some other things happened that kept me busy. But it gave me an additional reason to return to here immediately. Otherwise I might have stayed in Tyros for the winter.” <Eliza>

“You don't seem to want to talk about it, I respect that. As long as it doesn't affect us, anyway.” <Freyna>

“It has nothing to do with you. It's about a friend of mine and interpersonal problems.” <Eliza>

“The relationship between two people can get as complicated as you like, especially at your age. But I take it from your words that you probably won't be staying with us for long. When will you be leaving?” <Freyna>

“I plan to be in Tyros by the turn of the year at the latest. That's still many weeks away. I'm not on the run, so I can stay here for a while.” <Eliza>

“All right, then. Then we'll have enough time to show our appreciation for your help with the dungeon. As promised, I'll continue to teach you magic.” <Freyna>

“Thank you for that, Master.” <Eliza>

“Now shoo shoo with you to the others. There's someone who's eagerly waiting for you.” <Freyna>

Master Freyna smiled warmly as she said goodbye to me for the day. Her words were still ringing in my ears as I left the office. As soon as I had closed the door behind me, I felt someone approaching me very quickly. I was only just able to turn in that direction before I was knocked over. Someone had grabbed me in a fierce embrace and pulled me to the ground. I recognized black cat ears and a thin tail wagging wildly back and forth.

“There you are at last. What took you so long?” <Tamina>

It was Tamina, my cat girl friend. She seemed to have missed me, so I returned her hug and patted her on the head. I got a soft purr in response. Cute.