SSS-Class Overlord: My Harem Rules the Realms (18+)-Chapter 67: Failed Summoning Ritual?

Ethan and Reyna made their way through the twisting streets of Calsoz, weaving between vendors

closing up shop, beggars huddling in doorways, and the drifting perfume of spice smoke.

The sun drooped low behind the rooftops, bleeding gold and crimson over the city.

"So," Reyna huffed as she swung her axe onto her shoulder, "ya gonna tell me what the hell ya been

up to since the dungeon or what, don’t ya know?"

Ethan stuffed his hands into his pockets, exhaling a thin plume of breath into the cooling evening.

"Honestly? Training. Missions. Trying to keep the city from burning to the ground every other day."

Reyna barked a laugh. "Hah! Figures. Ya always did attract trouble like flies on a dung heap, don’t

ya think so?"

Ethan gave a dry chuckle. "Thanks for the flattering imagery, Reyna."

She elbowed him lightly. "I’m serious! Me? I been takin’ jobs here an’ there. Guard duty. Smackin’

bandits around. Even went fishin’ one day... though I accidentally punched a fish clean outta the

river. Don’t ya know."

He tried to hold back a grin. "You punched a fish?"

"Aye!" Reyna cried, throwing both arms wide. "Great big bastard of a trout. Came jumpin’ right at

me face. Reflex, don’t ya know!"

Ethan snorted. "Must’ve scared the fishermen half to death."

She puffed out her chest. "Nothin’ wrong with teachin’ fish who’s boss, don’t ya think so?"

They kept walking, swapping tales as the city walls grew closer. The road curved past rows of

ancient trees, their leaves whispering in the breeze like secrets.

Ethan found himself relaxing for the first time in days. Even with the threat of corrupted monsters

and mysterious women vanishing into mist, Reyna’s laughter felt like a tether to something normal.

At last, the looming stone gate of the next city—Vallasin—came into view, its massive iron

portcullis half-lowered for the night. Guards eyed them with suspicion until Ethan flashed his

knight insignia, and Reyna brandished her axe like it was her passport.

Inside, the city felt different than Calsoz. Narrower streets. Higher walls. And a constant hush, as

though the stone itself was listening.

They passed under hanging lanterns spilling orange light onto the paving stones. People hurried by

with downcast eyes, speaking in hushed tones. The air smelled of ink, damp parchment, and faint

smoke.

Reyna slowed her stride, glancing around. "Ain’t exactly the jolliest place, don’t ya think so?"

"No," Ethan murmured. "It’s tense. Like everyone’s waiting for something bad to happen."

He led her through winding alleys until they found a modest inn with a wooden sign creaking above

the door: The Silver Lantern.

Inside, the common room glowed warm and golden. The scent of roasting meat and spiced cider

washed over them. A few patrons sat scattered at tables, speaking in low voices.

Reyna slammed her axe down beside a chair, startling a nearby bard into dropping his lute.

"Barkeep! Two ales and some stew, don’t ya know!"

Ethan chuckled and waved off the bard’s terrified look.

Moments later, they sat across from each other, steam rising from bowls of stew as rich brown

gravy clung to chunks of beef and potato. Reyna tore into hers with single-minded fury.

"So..." she said around a mouthful. "Wanna tell me why we’re really here?" freeweɓnovel-cøm

Ethan wiped his mouth and leaned forward, voice dropping. "The monsters. They’re changing,

Reyna. Their cores... they’re corrupted. Stronger. Smarter. Someone’s behind it."

Reyna froze with a piece of meat halfway to her mouth. "Smarter monsters? Ah shite..."

"And there’s more," Ethan said. His voice darkened. "There’s talk of a cult. People going missing.

Eyes glowing red in the night. And a woman I can’t identify who’s strong enough to block my strike

with a finger."

Reyna slowly lowered her spoon. "Ah, bloody hell. So we’re talkin’ end-o’-the-world shite again,

don’t ya know?"

"Pretty much."

She slammed her spoon down. "I’m in. Ain’t lettin’ ya face that crap alone, don’t ya know."

Ethan exhaled, tension slipping from his shoulders. "Thanks, Reyna."

She pointed a dripping spoon at him. "But if I get eaten by one o’ these fancy monsters, I’m

hauntin’ yer ass, don’t ya think so?"

Ethan snorted. "Fair enough."

Once they finished eating, Ethan paid the innkeeper a few silver coins for rooms, then turned to

Reyna.

"Tomorrow, we’ll start investigating. But tonight... we start small. I want to sweep the streets. Look

for clues. People. Anything out of place."

Reyna grinned. "Aye. Just say the word, Ethan Graves."

That Night...

The streets of Vallasin lay cloaked in shadows. A thin mist curled along the cobblestones, turning

lamp light into shimmering halos.

Ethan pulled up his hood and glanced over his shoulder. Reyna followed, close enough that her

presence felt like a wall of muscle and steel behind him.

[System Notification]

[Quest Objective: Begin Investigation]

[Search suspicious alleys]

[Gather information from locals]

[Identify possible cult activity]

Reyna glanced at the floating panel and muttered, "Tch. System’s nosy as ever, don’t ya think so?"

Ethan smirked. "Sometimes it’s helpful."

They moved quietly through narrow streets, avoiding patrols and ducking beneath cloth awnings.

A woman scurried past them clutching a basket. Ethan reached out, gently stopping her. "Ma’am.

Have you noticed anything strange lately? Red-eyed creatures? People disappearing?"

The woman paled, eyes darting around like a hunted animal. "Please... don’t ask questions. Just

leave it alone." She hurried off, vanishing into a side street.

Reyna’s eyes glowed faintly in the lamplight. "They’re all scared outta their skins, don’t ya

know..."

Ethan clenched his jaw. "That’s what worries me. Someone’s keeping them terrified."

They ventured deeper into the city. In a cramped alley, they found strange black marks scorched

onto brick walls. Symbols, spirals, letters Ethan didn’t recognize.

Reyna squinted at them. "That looks like shite scribbled by someone possessed, don’t ya think so?"

Ethan reached out and brushed his fingers across the markings.

A jolt of cold lightning shot up his arm.

He stumbled back, gasping, as ghostly whispers filled his mind.

Reyna caught his shoulder. "Oi! Ya good, Ethan?"

Ethan’s breath came hard. "Yeah... yeah. Just... something’s seriously wrong here."

He gazed at the symbols, his eyes narrowing.

"These aren’t just random scribbles. This is magic. Dark magic."

Reyna rested her axe against her shoulder, expression grim. "Looks like we found our trail, don’t ya

think so?"

Ethan nodded, determination burning in his eyes.

"Let’s keep going. We’ll find who’s behind this. Whatever it takes."

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