Essence Link System: The Healer's Awakening-Chapter 19: Gamble to your Heart’s Content

At the Gate of Dawnmere Village

The sun was barely peeking through the clouds, casting pale gold across the towering gate that stood like a guardian between worlds. It was massive—twice the height of a building, made from enchanted steelwood reinforced with glowing rune-seams, humming with faint magic. And hanging just beneath its looming arch...

Were four nets, thick and glowing, suspended from enchanted spears drilled deep into the ground.

Inside the shimmering traps, caught like trophies, hung Caelen, Reina, Veralia, and Ryan—each one motionless, swaying softly in the breeze.

"Veralia! Reina! Ryan!" Caelen’s voice rang through the quiet. "Are you all alright?"

From her net, Veralia responded, her voice calm but annoyed. "Yes, my Lord. But this is very undignified."

Reina scoffed. "I’m fine. But whoever set this trap is going to regret it."

Ryan, calm but with a growl in his voice, muttered, "Give me the order, my Lord... and I’ll clear a path of blood through this insult."

Caelen, still floating effortlessly in the glowing net, eyes narrowed but voice cool as frost, replied, "There’s no need for that, Ryan. Not yet. We’re not here to fight, remember."

The wind rustled around them, carrying the tension like a sword ready to be drawn. Then—

CREEEEAAAK.

The gate groaned open, iron bolts sliding apart with a hiss, and the heavy doors parted slowly. Dust scattered. Shadows shifted.

And from the yawning darkness... came men.

Dozens of them.

They walked in formation—some in leather, others in chainmail, a few wearing cloaks that swirled in the breeze. All armed. Spears. Swords. Crossbows. Even a few with arc-rifles—weapons rumored to be powered by ancient mana reactors.

But it wasn’t just their weapons that caught attention.

It was their eyes. Every single one of them looked like they were ready to kill.

Reina glanced at them from her net, her twin daggers pulsing faintly with purple light. "Well. They’re definitely not here to welcome us with cake."

Veralia scanned the group and whispered, "These weapons... heroes’ weaponry. Could they be heroes?"

"No." Reina’s voice was firm. "They don’t move like heroes. They move like a pack. Like predators."

Ryan bared his teeth. "Then allow me to show them what it’s like to face a true predator."

But Caelen simply raised a hand, still bound in the net, and Ryan instantly went silent.

"I said stand down," Caelen said, voice calm. "Let’s not spill blood unless we must."

Then he looked down at the approaching figures. His crimson eyes sharp. "We are not your enemies. We come from Grimthorn Village."

The men muttered among themselves. One of them, a scar-faced man with a jagged axe, barked, "They lie. What if they’re part of those criminals from the border raid?!"

Caelen frowned. "There’s a misunderstanding here. We are simply adventurers, seeking shelter—"

His words were cut short when they all raised their weapons at once, pointing them like a row of spears ready to impale.

Tension filled the air like lightning before a storm.

Caelen’s gaze calmly swept the group. Then his eyes narrowed on the one at the center.

A tall man with black armor etched in red lines. He had short, windswept hair, a long sword strapped to his back, and a faint magical tattoo glowing across his jaw. He wasn’t reacting. He wasn’t barking orders.

He was watching.

Calmly. Coldly. Calculating.

Caelen’s eye glowed faint green.

Oculus Veritas: Activate.

The magical circuit in his eye hummed to life. The world blurred... and a transparent blue screen flickered to life before him—visible only to him.

---

[Oculus Veritas: Scan – Complete]

Name: Garrox Vaelin

Title: Blade Tyrant of Dawnmere

Race: Human

Class: Swordsman – Magic Blade Variant

Rank: B

Affiliation: Crimson Hounds

Core Stats

• Strength: 70

• Agility: 64

• Endurance: 76

• Magic Power: 60

• Sword Mastery: 78

• Mana Control: 65

Warning:

Blood Pact Edge Detected

--- freewebnσvel.cøm

Caelen’s pupils shrank. He muttered under his breath, "A blood pact... they’ve bonded with one another. They’re the Crimson Hounds of Dawnmere."

He deactivated the Oculus. The glow faded from his eyes. Still suspended in the net, he spoke loudly this time.

"We are not threats. We are adventurers. Just passing through."

Silence.

One of the armored men stepped toward Garrox and whispered, "Do we trust them, Commander?"

Garrox tilted his head slightly.

He stared at Caelen. At Reina. At Ryan. Then at Veralia.

His lips curled up faintly.

"You’re calm. Way too calm for someone caught in a trap," Garrox said. "I know you can break out. You’re just pretending."

Caelen smiled.

"Well," he said, "it seems our cover has been blown."

In a snap, green circuits surged across Caelen’s net, and the entire thing disintegrated into motes of glowing dust. He landed softly, coat fluttering behind him.

At the same time—

FOOSH!

Veralia’s net ignited in pink flames, burning it to ashes midair as she gracefully flipped, landing beside Caelen with a thud.

SHIIINK!

Reina slashed hers apart in a flash of purple light, twin daggers gleaming as she twirled and landed crouched, poised to strike.

Ryan dropped like a predator from the sky, claws briefly manifesting in glowing frost before dissipating, his eyes glowing faintly.

The Crimson Hounds stepped back in surprise. Some gripped their weapons tighter.

Garrox remained still.

Caelen raised both hands slowly. "Forgive the theatrics. We didn’t come to fight. I meant it. We’re just travelers. We need a place to stay before heading to the capital."

Garrox stared at him. "You could’ve broken out the moment the trap activated. But you didn’t. That shows control."

"I’m not fond of unnecessary violence," Caelen said calmly.

A long pause.

Then Garrox turned. "Follow me."

Without another word, the leader of the Crimson Hounds led them past the outer wall. The rest of the men flanked Caelen’s group closely, their weapons still drawn—but not pointed.

The four walked through a stone-paved path lined with ancient trees and glowing red lanterns. They reached another gate—this one darker, older, and carved with dragon sigils and runes that pulsed faintly with ancient magic.

Veralia narrowed her eyes. "This gate... I’ve never seen a Dawnmere ritual involving this."

Reina, arms crossed, asked, "What are they doing?"

The Hounds formed a circle. Each one raised a hand, palms glowing faintly. The air shifted—magic was rising.

Garrox stepped forward. At the gate’s center was the head of a carved dragon, mouth open as if roaring in silence.

He placed his hand against its fangs.

The moment skin met stone—

VWHOOOOOM.

A ripple of magic burst outward. The runes on the gate shimmered red. The dragon’s eyes lit up. The mana from the five men was absorbed in a single pulse.

Even Caelen’s cloak fluttered from the power.

Reina’s hand rested on her dagger. "They’re doing something. Channeling something."

"No," Caelen murmured, his eyes lighting green again briefly. "It’s not a ritual. It’s mana... they’re powering the gate."

Ryan blinked. "The gate needs this much mana? Just to open?"

Caelen’s eyes narrowed. "Whatever they’re guarding behind this... it’s no ordinary village entrance."

At last, Garrox turned.

He looked straight at Caelen, voice cold but firm.

"We’re taking a risk trusting you. Letting you into our home, our sacred land. If you betray that trust... you won’t leave alive."

Caelen stepped forward, eyes glowing faintly crimson. "I understand. And I give you my word."

Garrox stared for a moment. Then nodded.

CLUNK.

The dragon’s jaw unlocked.

GRRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAANKKKK.

The heavy gate began to creak open, the sound echoing like a roar across the trees. Blinding light spilled out—warm, golden, filled with particles of floating mana.

Caelen and the others shielded their eyes.

Garrox stepped aside.

"...Welcome to Dawnmere Village."

Caelen lowered his hand and looked ahead, eyes narrowing at the light spilling through.

----

Dawnmere Village was a place where the sun always seemed to shine a little warmer, the air always felt a little lighter, and laughter drifted like music through the streets. Unlike most villages that whispered of silence or survival, Dawnmere sang — a lively city tucked behind tall wooden gates and blooming meadows, alive with color, voices, and movement.

The moment they stepped through its arched gate, a wave of vibrancy hit them. Cobbled roads lined with flowerpots and bright lanterns curved gently around clusters of merchant stalls, where traders shouted prices over the hum of the crowd. Spices, cloth, and trinkets from across the kingdom dangled in the breeze. The scent of grilled meat, roasted chestnuts, and sweetbread lingered thick in the air, enough to make a traveler’s stomach growl.

Children ran freely through the streets, laughing with wild energy as they chased each other past shops and over little wooden bridges that spanned small streams cutting through the village. Some played pretend with wooden swords, while others tossed enchanted rings that sparked with color every time they landed.

Crystal-blue mana lamps hovered over corners, glowing faintly even in daylight, each one shaped like a lily or star. Small magical creatures — mana moths, dustlight birds, and glimmer foxes — roamed freely, considered part of the village charm. They’d occasionally follow vendors hoping for food scraps or flutter around children like playful guardians.

Everywhere you looked, there was life.

The blacksmith’s forge rang with the sound of steel and flame, and next door, a seamstress enchanted a customer’s dress to glow faintly during the evening. A potion stall exploded briefly in rainbow smoke as an apprentice sneezed during mixing, earning cheers and laughter from nearby onlookers. Above the rooftops, they could even spot messenger falcons cutting through the skies — leaving bright trails as they flew toward the guild hall at the heart of the city.

That guild hall stood tall and proud — a great wooden structure carved with old runes and battle crests, its windows wide open, voices of adventurers rising inside. It was here mercenaries, mages, and travelers met, shared stories, and picked quests. Just behind it, the training fields buzzed with activity — sword slashes, spells, and sparring matches echoed across the courtyard, watched by villagers who cheered like it was a sport.

But despite the noise and motion, Dawnmere wasn’t chaotic. It breathed with rhythm — as if the village had its own heartbeat. People greeted one another warmly. Elders sat beneath shaded pavilions telling tales to kids. Bakers offered free samples with a wink. Guards in leather armor leaned against posts, smiling more often than scowling.

At the far end of the village, nestled near a small crystal-clear lake, was the Sanctum of Winds — a peaceful temple where wind bells chimed gently with every breeze. Travelers often stopped here to rest or pray before continuing their journeys. The locals believed the wind always whispered the truth there — a place of clarity, healing, and memory.

Dawnmere wasn’t just a stop along the road.

It was a place of safety, of warmth, of magic both old and new.

Veralia’s golden eyes sparkled as she looked around. "It’s huge... it’s more beautiful than I imagined."

Reina inhaled deeply. "The air... it’s warm. I didn’t think a village could be like this."

Ryan nodded slowly. "Now I know why they protected it so much."

Caelen glanced around, arms folded. "Unlike Elsdrem Village... this place feels alive. Civilized."

Garrox chuckled from the front. "Come on, let’s show you to the hotel."

Reina blinked. "Wait—they have a hotel?"

Caelen grinned slightly. "Sure. Lead the way."

As they walked through the village center, eyes turned to them. Children waved, and Veralia giggled, waving back. Reuan leapt ahead, mimicking a cat with playful meows.

A small child stood before Ryan, arms folded, glaring seriously. Without a word, he handed Ryan a flower. Ryan stared. The boy turned, sniffled, and started crying.

Veralia slapped Ryan’s shoulder. "That’s bad manners! When a child offers you something, accept it with a good heart!"

"A... good heart?" Ryan repeated, confused.

Caelen knocked him lightly on the head. "He’s still learning the human world. I leave that to you, Veralia."

"Yes, my Lord," Veralia said proudly.

They arrived at Sweet Paradise, the village’s only hotel. Garrox beamed. "Best place in all of Dawnmere."

"We’ll take it," Caelen said without hesitation.

Inside, Garrox gestured to the smiling receptionist. "This is my wife, Selene."

Caelen bowed lightly. "Hi, Selene. I’m Caelen. This is my family."

"Welcome to Dawnmere," Selene said warmly. "How many rooms?"

"Two," Reina answered. "I and my Lord will share one. Ryan and Veralia can share the other."

Veralia’s eyes widened. "Huh?! Not fair! I should stay with the Lord!"

Garrox sighed. "Handling two beautiful women must be tough. Even I struggle with one."

Selene raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"That’s not what I meant—!" Garrox panicked.

Caelen groaned. "Everyone has issues... Syvi, we’ll take three rooms."

"Huh?" Veralia and Reina gasped.

"You two share a room. Ryan and I will take the other two."

"Why?!" they both shouted, puffing their cheeks.

"Let’s go," Garrox chuckled, leading them to the rooms.

Evening descended. Mana lamps bathed the village in blue and orange light. Fireworks burst in the sky.

Caelen sat by the window, lost in thought.

A knock.

"Come in."

Ryan stepped in. "Sorry to intrude, my Lord."

"No need to apologize. What’s on your mind?"

Ryan scratched his head. "Back at the roadside..."

"You’re still thinking about the child?"

Ryan nodded. "Was I mean?"

Caelen stood. "You’re learning, Ryan. It takes time."

"I... I think I’m a burden."

Caelen walked up to him. "What did I say? We’re family."

Another knock. Veralia peeked in. "My Lord! There’s a festival outside!"

Caelen smiled. "Don’t think too much, Ryan. Let’s enjoy ourselves."

—

Later.

They all wore vibrant native clothes. Reina and Veralia stood beside Caelen, holding his arms. Garrox and Selene arrived behind them.

"You all look good!" Garrox said.

"Thank you," Veralia replied. "You two look great too."

"Welcome to the Festival of Light!" Garrox declared.

"Thank you," Caelen said.

"What event do you want to try first?"

"The sweet shop!" Reina exclaimed.

"No! The puppet show!" Veralia snapped.

They glared at each other.

"I think," Caelen said calmly, "we should let Ryan choose this time."

"I bet he wants to see the puppet show," Veralia said.

"No way. He wants sweets," Reina countered.

Ryan blinked, overwhelmed. "Anything Lord Caelen wants is fine."

"We said you should pick!" Reina shouted.

"Don’t tell me... you’re into men?" Veralia teased.

Ryan’s face twisted. "Into... men?"

Caelen laughed. "Cut him some slack. Ryan, choose."

Ryan looked around, then pointed. "That place."

Everyone turned.

"Gambling Junction?"

Garrox burst out laughing. "Who knew Ryan liked gambling?"

"I-I don’t! I just want to watch Lord Caelen play!"

Veralia pouted. "Gambling? Boring."

Reina sighed. "The sweet shop was better..."

Caelen smirked. "Then it’s settled. We gamble."

Veralia and Reina stared daggers at Ryan.

They entered the Gambling Junction. A glowing sign read: Gamble to Your Heart’s Content.

Inside, beautiful women lounged beside dangerous-looking men. A young man ran out, sobbing.

Veralia gripped Caelen’s arm tightly. "I already hate this place."

They approached a table. Heads turned as they sat.

A man with sharp eyes and smooth brown hair stood, a woman massaging his shoulders. He walked over.

"New here?"

Caelen nodded with a friendly smile. "Yes."

"I’m Berk. Nice to meet you."

"Caelen. Pleasure."

"Want to gamble?"

"I’m still a learner. I might bore you."

"Nonsense," Berk said, eyeing Reina and Veralia. "With girls like that, you must be good."

"I don’t have much money."

"No problem. I’ll lend you some."

He snapped. Two women dropped stacks of chips on both sides of the table.

"One chip is 2000 yen."

Reina and Veralia gasped. "2000?!"

"But we’ll start slow," Berk added.

Garrox smiled. "We’ll catch up with you later." He left with Selene.

"Let’s begin," Berk said, explaining the rules.

"Understood," Caelen nodded.

"But one thing first," Berk said, eyes gleaming. "If I win, I get your girls."

Reina and Veralia flinched. "HUH?!"

Ryan stepped forward angrily.

"No need," Caelen said calmly. "I accept."

"What?!" they shouted.

"But what do I get if I win?"

"Anything you want."

"Anything, huh..." Caelen’s smile sharpened. "Let’s play first."

"I like you," Berk grinned.

"I’m enjoying this too," Caelen said. "Let’s gamble to our hearts’ content."

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