MLIII C3, P2- "Heart Of Gold"

"Heart Of Gold" is the second Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 06.01.2022.
== Plot ==
Adam and his allies make the decision to loot the mercenaries who attacked them and use their money to support the Kingdom of Goznor in recovering from the bandit crisis which they were forced to face earlier and the damage that was done to its infrastructure (as well as the well-being of its residents).
Hunting down the evil king can wait... for now. The kingdom needs our heroes help again. More than ever, perhaps.
Thus, it would not be wise to ignore its call. Especially in times like these.
=== The Story So Far ===
Although Adam and his friends prepared well to take the fight back to the one who is trying to eradicate them, a single flaw in their ways and, in a strange twist of fate, allowed the madman to make the first move.
Having hired two of the best mercenaries in the elven kingdom, Torion convinces them to embark on an adventure and find his son. Then, if he is accompanied by his new friends, he instructed them to show no mercy and kill everyone. No exceptions.
Long story short, their plan backfired. Even their considerable skill in trickery and fighting was not enough to defeat their targets, despite the fact that they managed to separate and weaken them. In the end, they met their end in the hands of warriors who are far more competent that they used to be. In life, that is.
Torion was foolish enough to reward them with a large pouch of gold before the mission started. It turns out that the mercenaries' greed was far greater than their judgement.
Said gold will not go to waste, of course. It is time for our heroes to do something different from their usual responsibilities.
== Story ==
As our heroes leave the forest and approach Canonia, the sun starts to rise. Soon, its light shall illuminate them.
While Aiden and Jonathan talk to each other, Derion continues to inspect the vial filled with poison that they found earlier.
"Such a deadly way to kill an unfortunate victim. How creative."- He says- "However, the way they hid it until the end makes me realize that they are quite secretive. Almost paranoid. They must have been quite desperate to use a weapon of pure destruction. Makes me think that they were ready to do anything to keep the sack of gold that we found... and maybe gain some more while on the run."
Adam nods.
"In most situations, mercenaries are very untrustworthy individuals. Often, they are also very cowardly. Ready to switch sides."- He says- "They only work for you because you gave them money. Most of them value it more than anything else, especially when their own well-being is on the line. Those vagrants were no exception and I am glad that they are dead. Good riddance."
Derion sighs.
"If mercenaries are always ready to switch sides when offered more gold, then why didn't we simply bribe them?"- He asks him- "Sure. They were cowardly and untrustworthy, but they could have helped us hunt down my father. We could have used them for something good!"
Adam stares at him suspiciously.
"No way!"- He yells- "Letting those fiends work for us will only endanger the towns that we visit further than they already were. Having those two-faced wretches will only make things worse. Even simply thinking about doing such a thing is not right. Not at all."
He sighs.
"Plus, we will not be able to hire anyone at all."- He continues- "All of the money that we could have used for such a task is still in the coffers of my father's kingdom. Travelling all the way there will only waste our time."
Aiden nods.
"Same here."- He adds- "Asking Vehrn ain't an option. He's a good man, but he really doesn't want to share what he's earned with his own two hands."
Adam nods.
"And that is why we will do what he fails to accomplish."- He says- "Helping those people is our utmost priority. We will always be there for them, no matter how far away we have to go."
Derion sighs.
"Few heroes would dare say such a thing."- He says- "Most of them simply care about making a living. But... what about us? Are we more special than them?"
Adam smiles.
"That is the thing."- He responds- "We are just a group of enthusiastic heroes with big dreams who wish to help those in need."
He smiles again.
"We are just some tiny stars in the massive sky. Insignificant, but eager to honor our parents' wishes and become heroes, just like them."- He continues- "That, dear Derion, is what makes us so special. So irreplaceable. People put their trust in us because we just do our job. Because we do not try to be more than those who fought evil before us. We never stray away from the path to peace and they appreciate it."
Derion gasps.
"Hmm, I never saw it this way when I stayed in the elven kingdom."- He says- "Now that you mention it, I never dared to look into their eyes. See how they felt about me. I just did those things, because I felt like I was destined to perform good deeds."
He looks up at the sky.
"Maybe that's why he despises me so much."
Adam looks at the sleepy town ahead of them.
"Anyway, talking about the past is rather... invigorating. If we lived in more peaceful times, this would have been a nice respite. A break from the boring, melancholic lives that we used to have."- He says- "However, those times are long gone. In dark times like the ones that we live in, such a distraction is only a waste of time. The world is in danger."
He takes a step forward.
"We must make haste."- He continues- "If Derion's father finds out where we are right now, then he... he... "
He sighs and shakes his head.
"It is best not to think about it, though."- He says- "Come on. Onward."
The four of them walk toward Canonia and get there just as the day finally arrives.
"Ahh. Much better."- Jonathan says- "Seeing the sunlight fills me with determination."
Adam nods.
"The sun is our beacon of light. The omnipresent watcher who protects our universe from the eternal veil of darkness that surrounds us."- He says- "Some cultures worship the god who created the sun. As for us, we just appreciate the fact that it is here. That is all."
Aiden raises how eyebrow.
"Is it a gift from God to our little planet?"- He wonders aloud- "Or just a ball of fire with a task of its own?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Pondering such universal questions is beyond our understanding."- He responds- "This planet is our home, but there are many mysteries that will remain unsolved. Sadly, this is one of them."
He looks at the town and remembers the time when he had to stay here and hone his skills, away from his parents, his friends and anyone he ever had the chance to know.
"Canonia became a hollow shell of its former self when Steele and his bandits attacked us."- He says to himself as he relives those painful memories- "They burned it down and killed anyone who dared to stop them. That fateful event was the catalyst that led to the departure of many citizens. It was painful to watch. Many of my friends out here just... gave up. Decided to seek their fortunes elsewhere."
He sighs.
"I hope that they remember what he had to go through. I hope that they realize what must be done to save our common home."- He continues- "However, most of them are cowards. They would rather stay away from danger than to willingly throw themselves into the fire. I am afraid that I cannot risk my own life for people who refuse to cooperate and fight alongside their fellow innocents, despite being horribly outnumbered."
Derion notices that Adam has stopped. He approaches him.
"Is everything okay?"- He asks him- "You look rather... worried."
Adam notices that he is no longer alone. He shakes his head.
"I was just thinking about the year when I used to stay here."- He says- "Canonia is like my second home. Seeing it in this state is just... horrible."
Derion nods.
"I know."- He says- "Although there are many things that they must do themselves, we can still aid them. In our own way."
Adam nods.
"Of course."- He says- "Now, move on. Do not worry about me."
Derion nods and joins his friends in inspecting the village.
"What a depressing sight."- Aiden says- "With the shaman of Canonia gone, the town has fallen victim to despair. It's a sad scene."
Jonathan clenches his fist. He clearly misses Gloria and always wonders how he can save her.
"Those flamboyant fools took her away. They didn't even think about how her disappearance would affect those who love her. Who respect her."- He says and turns to Adam- "Mark my words, cousin. I... will make them pay. I will not rest well until we bring her back."
Adam smiles sadly.
"I know how much you love her, Jon. The presence of someone who is truly important to you is a sight to see. So invigorating, so motivational."- He says to him- "Do not worry, dear cousin. Soon, all of the people that the Darklings captured will be freed, Gloria included. When we finally find them, they will realize how wrong it was to mess with us in the first place."
Jon nods.
"And when that happens, I will stay by your side."
Then, he turns around and approaches the shaman's cave, hoping to find clues that will lead him to Gloria's whereabouts.
Adam tries to join him, but is stopped by Derion.
"He's having a hard time. Leave him to his thoughts."- He says to him- "We should do what we came for."
Adam looks at Jonathan one last time, clearly having second thoughts. At this moment, he remembered the promise that he made to the people of Canonia.
He turns around and nods.
"I am sure that he will join us soon."- He says- "Until then, we must make a little delivery."
Aiden raises his eyebrow.
"Delivery?"- He asks- "To whom?"
Adam nods.
"To everyone, of course."- He responds- "It is our duty."
The three of them try to move away, but soon notice that something is going on at the town square.
"A fight!"- Devin says- "Come on, we've got to help them!"
Adam nods.
"Let us go."
Having said that, he and his allies rush toward the town square.
There, they find a small group of commoners, surrounded by a much larger group of Darklings. The pitiful residents try to scare them away with a combination of fire and steel. 
However, the creatures are too stubborn to flee. When they see their prey, they fight it and never back down. Until their victims die.
Or the other way around.
Adam is infuriated to see those creatures in such a peaceful town. He charges and saves the life of a resident just as he is about to be killed.
"Haven't you had enough?!"- He yells at them- "Capturing our friends was already bad enough. And now, you try to slaughter those innocent townsfolk who have done nothing to deserve their impending doom at your wicked, dirty hands? This is atrocious!"
He draws his weapon.
"Your evil empire will not escape our wrath!"- He yells- "It will fall... and you will die alongside it!"
He swings his sword at a nearby Darkling.
"Begone, creatures of the dark!"
The Darklings are surprised to see Adam and his allies. As they fight back, they wonder how they are going to get away.
But there is no other option. They must fight them if they want to stand their ground.
"For Darkthrop!"- One of them yells- "For a darker fut-- "
Suddenly, he is shot in the chest. It dies almost immediately afterwards.
The other creatures look back, horrified. They notice the arrow that is protruding from their fellow Darkling's chest and gasp.
"How could this be?"- One of them says- "Who-- "
They receive the answer not long after. 
Their companions watch as a large amount of them are brought down by a barrage of arrows.
Now Adam is also surprised. He looks back in time to see Jonathan shoot another Darkling down with his enchanted arrows.
"I've had enough of you, vile miscreants!"- He yells as he shoots them down- "Leave this sacred place! Leave... and never return!"
The creatures try to fight back, but they are easily overpowered by the combination of heroes and regular soldiers who have united and decided to eradicate the ones who torment them once and for all.
"Gah! This cannot be!"- The last darkling yells- "Master! Why? Why are you doing this?!"
Adam approaches it, his hands clenched into fists. Fury dances in his bright blue eyes as he prepares to deliver the final blow and end this meaningless struggle.
"You took my sister away. You corrupted this poor, innocent soul with your wicked schemes. You turned her into a monster. She will never be the same again."- He says, clearly annoyed- "I will never forgive you for this. Nor for what you want to do to those people."
One of the warriors lends Adam his sword. Then, he pins him to a nearby wall.
"You said that you want to kill everyone who is not accepted by your precious, pretentious leader."- Adam says and takes a step forward- "Well, you are the most unworthy creatures that I have ever seen."
He charges.
"Begone, fiend!"
Then, he stabs the Darkling in the chest, permanently pinning it to the wall with the sword.
He watches as blood pours out of its wound, as it gets weaker and weaker.
The soldiers smirk as it starts to close its eyes.
"I thought that we would be always... victorious."- It mutters- "Master... why... why did you... "
Then, its head falls limp. It is dead.
"Such is the fate of those who dare to disrupt the peace that our elders forged with their own hands many years ago."- He says- "Let that sink into their heads."
Adam nods.
"We will not falter. We will keep fighting for our common home until it is cleansed from the impurity that we call "The Darkthrop Empire". "- He adds- "The crimes that they have committed are far more than the fingers on my hand. Their sins are tainting our world. Until this menace is fully eradicated, we will never rest well."
Both heroes and commoners stand still for a moment, honoring those who fell in battle against villains in the past. They also make a silent prayer for those who have yet to face the darkness and risk their lives to stop it.
"Someday, we will prevail."- Adam says to himself- "The darkness will not conquer our world. As long as heroes like us are here to help, hope and faith will always stand by our side."
He turns to the residents who joined them.
"Thank you for coming, good people."- He says and nods- "You are free to go."
The citizens bow to him and shuffle back toward their houses.
Meanwhile, the shaman of Goznor approaches them and shakes their hands. One after the other.
"Heroes, you've done it again."- He croaks- "Thanks to you, Canonia will stay intact. At least for the time being."
Adam nods.
"We are glad that we helped, shaman. It is our duty to help people in need."- He responds- "By the way, what is going on here? Shouldn't Gloria be in her grove?"
The shaman shakes his head.
"Not long after Darkthrop's forces attacked Castle Goznor, some of them paid Canonia a visit. The group of vile creatures was too large for them to take care of."- He says- "Following their failed attempt to conquer our town for themselves, they left us alone. But then, they returned and captured Gloria before she could have the chance to defend herself. It was a painful moment for all of us."
Jonathan nods.
"Are there any traces of where they went?"- He asks him- "Any clues?"
The shaman sighs.
"I tried my best to find her. Believe me, I tried very hard. I searched every single part of the forest nearby, regardless of my old age."- He says- "However, I am afraid that I was too late. Whoever took this innocent soul away from us, they left no clues. No spies. Whatever they're planning to do with her, it won't take place anywhere nearby."
Adam and Jonathan stare at each other for a few moment.
"If my assumptions are correct, then they must have taken her to Underfall!"- Adam says to him.
Jonathan sighs.
"Things just turned from bad to worse."- He says to himself- "First, they captured Adam's friends and now, my dearest Gloria? I won't allow them to do anything to her! I must go there!"
He sighs. Again.
"But not yet."- He continues- "Right now, I made a promise to aid my cousin and his allies. And I will."
Adam shakes his head.
"We must pay King Torion a visit as soon as possible."- He says- "Perhaps he knows more about what is happening."
The shaman approaches Adam and places his hand on his shoulder.
"Beware the evil king."- He warns them- "He may be frail and old, but he was recently blessed by the evil sorcerer. His power is beyond our imagination and his troops are always ready to spill blood, even when the innocents are the ones that must be slain."
He looks at the rest of the heroes.
"Heed my warning, young ones."- He croaks- "Once you step into the battlefield, there is no going back. You will either emerge victorious... or fall victim to the darkness in your hearts."
Derion nods.
"We will remember your advice, elder. Thank you for caring about us."- He responds- "My father's crimes will not go unanswered."
The shaman smiles.
"I can see it now, Derion. You may be born the son of Torion, but you have your mother's blood. You are too pure to live with him."- He says- "Someday, you will become the king of those people. When that day comes, I know that you will lead them toward a brighter future. One that is free from malice and despair."
Derion nods.
"I hope that you're right."- He says- "Only time will tell whether I will be better than my father or not."
The shaman nods.
"Anyway, didn't you have to visit the elven kingdom? Maybe you should do so."- He continues- "Don't worry about us. We will try to survive this apocalypse... somehow."
Adam looks around and notices how desperate the people have become. Ever since the darklings arrived and almost killed everyone, they have changed a lot.
The streets are nearly empty. Whoever is still brave enough to face the incoming danger paces around nervously, worried that they might be attacked at any moment. The guards stand on the walls and stare at the surrounding area suspiciously, careful not to miss anyone who arrives at the gates.
It is a heartbreaking sight.
As Adam stands still and wonders what to do, his allies start to leave.
"I hate to say it, but we must go."- Derion says- "Come on, Adam."
Adam shakes his head and looks around.
"I cannot leave them alone."- He mutters- "I cannot."
The shaman sighs.
"It must be though for someone who has stayed with those people for an entire year. You see them as your second family and don't want to let them go."- He says- "Yes. It is very painful."
Adam stares at the sack of gold that he and his allies found earlier and remembers why he came here in the first place."
He approaches Goznor's shaman and gives him the sack without thinking twice.
"What?"- The shaman wonders- "What... is in here?"
He opens the sack.
"Oh!"- He exclaims- "Oh... my God!"
It is filled with gold coins, more than enough to start anew and repair the town. Perhaps even to restore it to its former, glorious state.
"My father once said that some things that I do not need myself can be precious to others. Maybe even priceless."- Adam says- "Thus, I bestow upon you the chance to help this city, sir. Use this money to hire the best warriors and the most skilled engineers. Those people have suffered for far too long and I want to prevent the inevitable disaster."
He smiles.
"I hope that this will be enough to all of you."
The shaman nods and bows to Adam.
"I have always admired the heroes who visited me and told me that they are going to perform good deeds. They always made me smile."- He croaks- "Some of them, they give themselves far too little credit for what they are doing. And yet, they are the purest souls out there."
He smiles.
"And you, young Adam, are one of them."- He continues- "For that, I thank you. With all my heart. And so does nature itself."
Adam smiles.
"I am glad that you think so."- He says- "Hearing how grateful people are for the things that I am doing for them, it fills my heart with joy. Your gratitude is my greatest reward and I thank you for that."
The shaman nods. Then, he stops them for a second.
"I hear that you have nowhere else to go. No roof over your heads."- He says to them- "Recently, the shaman's cave was opened for visitors. I think that it will be a suitable home for righteous heroes like yourselves. So, you have my blessing to step in there and rest until you are ready."
Derion starts to refuse, but Jonathan prevents him from saying anything.
"We accept your offer, shaman."- He says and bows to him- "Thank you for accepting us in this little town."
The shaman smiles.
"It's the least I can do."
As the four heroes approach the cave and enter it, the shaman stares at them. And he continues to do so, even after they are gone.
"Look at him, Emela. Look at this pure, innocent soul that you took in and loved with all your heart."- He says to himself- "Look at how much he has grown. How heroic he has become. It is such a miracle."
He looks up at the sky and smiles.
"Someday, this young hero will save the world."- He continues- "I am sure of it."
Then, he steps further into Canonia, eager to deliver the good news to this troubled, little town.
== Trivia ==
* The title ("Heart Of Gold") refers to Adam and all of the good deeds that he has done for the people, especially those that describe him as a hero.