COI C266

An unexpected meeting occurred. Lord Lori’es sees the guild masters and mistresses, and some faces who’ve been visited him for sometimes.

He greets them “Lady Constantine, Lady Coheld, and I’m surprised it’s you . . . Lord Daygen. Your guild members were a bit straightforward from their last meeting”

Daygen bows his head “As old customs, my people are the stretch of my eyes and ears”

Lori’es looks at the two guild mistresses then nods “Respectfully so, I’ve been honored to have such customs to begin with”

The rest of the guild masters and mistresses shared their greetings later on.

Until they reach these two. The two of the guilds that build Enders Bridge from the beginning. Lead by two mistresses, young and new of ideals, and still conserve the old ways both ironic and honorably. Lady Constantine’s guild, the Not Worthy Guild, is being shamed since this day because of their monotheist faith. The madness from the guild would think to unify under one god. With a flawed book in their hands, nearly destroyed with only surviving pages left. While Lady Coheld’s Dexter Guild clings to the past of the world’s modernity, losing sight of themselves because of their studies and power of archscience.

Honestly, they still respect the guild’s name. Their issues are their leaders. Both acts like their predecessors between faiths and facts, but for the past years when the two of their leaders passed down to these two mistresses. It feels like they possessed the values of their opposites. Their certainty due to one guild member from the Raker Mawn. And today, they will bring the audience of that matter. Lord Lori’es calls out to Daygen

“It’s been many cycles, and I will no longer turned the other cheeks after news are concentrating toward the east”

The Lords and Ladies step aside but maintain their poise as their eyes shown their seriousness of the issue. Daygen gives his summary

“And do so, it leads whom we are hoping to hear. My first citizen guild member, Tabitha, correct?”

They didn’t react nor complain about it. The looks of their eyes as everybody knows what’s going on. On the contrary, it was because of the common topic they are observing before the Isekai City entered this world. Through Daygen’s summary. This will only tell what they wanted to know the guilds involving with the East Coast. He continues

“The Not Worthy and the Dexter Guild are eyeing on the East Coast since the escape of the Immortal being, Sarah Mae. Freeing her domain from Koiich. Yet, she was not finished. Her freedom cost the attention of the surviving Heroes Faction’s leaders. Causing conflicts that created the lost tidal city of Montra Esteval into the demon’s personal domain. Because of its ancient civilization and structures made by the materials before the apocalypse that becomes Rune Isles. This leads so many attractions of certain groups”

“Circoston Invaders from the north were able to find it because of Sarah Mae’s descendants. Bringing aid to stop the demon’s control. On the south, citizens who are defecting from their city hear the voice of the demon. Either they are traitors or victims, it is for the Isekai citizens to judge them. Sneaking deep underground, there are the men of the Not Worthy Guild. Persisting to find lost people who were mistakenly enter the domain followed by thanks to the citizens’ predicament . . .”

“. . . That same incident starts to give attraction to the Dexter Guild. The previous guilds who explored in search for the destruction of the demon by Lady Hivites’ request. It was soon thwarted by the demon’s great effort. Creating isolation to prevent anyone reaches the outskirt of the tidal city. Reports from the Not Worthy Guild shows the desperation to bring the citizens inside calling a distress to help them escape as they find out one of the first citizen was influenced. Bringing in my guild to observe the situation”

Lord Lori’es raises his hand to silence him “That’s enough, this is enough summary they needed to hear. All that is left are the conversations that they try to persuade me. Your guild member, Tabitha. Is she facing the conflicts soon?”

The guild masters and mistresses, Lords and Ladies, are turned around and see who are involved at the East Coast. The most specific focus in their attention through Daygen’s summary are on Lady Coheld and Lady Constantine. Both of them were nowhere to be found bringing the commotion among the crowds.

Meanwhile Lady Coheld and Lady Constantine are in a different room. Lord Lori’es’ guards shield them from view and their conversation blocked only to the two of them. Lady Constantine says first

“Is she really going to succeed?”

Lady Coheld doubts it “With only a team of Dexter Guild and one from Isekai City, I doubt she can save them from their PTSDs”

“Again with your long names turned syllables, they are losing their minds down there. They have more than a month left to succeed”

“You’re speaking the impossible. Tabitha wants everyone to be rescued”

“And you still give your best men to her”

“I have my reason. To my shares with her because of her home city, I was able to get my partners to improve their methodology”

The sounds of the crowd roared at the back. Both of them shook as they hear what Lord Lori’es said to them

“. . . This will not stand, Baelakeon Coheld! Aysienna Constantine! Assist Daygen and his chosen guild members going to East Coast. Provide them the necessities needed for them to coordinate both of your guilds. This cycle is the days of their defeat”

The two were dumbfounded ordered them to assist the Raker Mawn Guild as they look at the crowd where there should be a podium. There’s Daygen, but the one who is next to him is . . . and it was

“Sanquin . . .”

At the East Coast, slept to no sign of waking up. After the riling of many survivors have finally take their rest. The end of the hyper speed spell drawn and blessed by Delilah herself, or to be truly called

“Sarah Mae”

One of her descendants speaks her name worriedly. It was not the time for the 1st head to respond like this. But the mother who she was only respond swiftly. The loud sounds of both waters colliding, both waves turned the tides on each other as the depths have turned into a raging whirlpool either is sinking or acts like a geyser. This will tear apart to anyone who will touch it.

“I knew it . . .”

Mi’lady says to the other woman. A woman carries the banner symbolizes the sisters of arms in grey.

“It’s obvious for the citizens take longer to recover than us”

“There’s more, sister of arms, my ancestral family’s doll is definitely here. The young lady, Fay’mae Thulz’Yulfrit, have given her heirloom doll to them. We need to find it before they leave this camp”

“Sigh* Such as your family’s legacy says. But do guardians supposed to find their way back?”

“This is . . . I shouldn’t be telling you this . . .”

She stands up and leaves. The sister of arms watches her tend to Tabitha’s team “Then excuse yourself, Mi’lady”

The apothecary is readying the rift. “Their mind is stable but their bodies are”

She stops him “Thank you for the help, but there is no need to explain the bad news. I already know”

“Splendid, Mi’lady. Will the sister of yours cared to speak of you more? I see her holding a drawing belonged to that woman (pointing to Tabitha). You see that drawing had hidden has a message within. Godspeed, Mi’lady. You’ll need to take it seriously”

If any citizens would’ve asked about the importance of the children drawing, if only they are awake. On this guild’s view, on this has special message that the toddler wasn’t the only one who drew it. Within the thickness of the paper, is a hidden letter where it can be read that involved the shines of their banners. The elder lady had left a message for them. One of her relatives is with the Benedictus. The woman who is with Mi’lady’s side. Sister of arms have already read the message.

“You clearly hear the faithful’s observation, Mi’lady. They are not here to be saved, but guiding them what they should’ve done since the beginning”

“It’s not their choice. I heard our Urbanites leader they are here to save their people”

“To truly be saved, one must know their fate. Their choices have caused us time to bring them out in failure. Remember the man named Wilson?”

Mi’lady shouts back at impulse “I HAVE!”

The shen quickly calms down “Ahem* To be killed by my ancestral weapons”

“To be slain that swiftly, I am sure they are alone than we have thought”

“I agreed. Apothecary! explains the details to her briefly about their conditions. I will take first my visiting them in the dreams”

The apothecary stands up and opens the magic book, pages moving in motion as he begins to explain it to her

“Sister of arms, Mi’lady has spoken”

“Apothecary, take your time. I don’t need to be early with her ancestral mother”

Mi’lady entered the dream. Same as what Tabitha experienced when Yui and Juela entered hers. This dream is different, a part of their memory creeps in deep further than their own minds. This dream is real mixing with ideal where its imperfection blurred from its clear attractive view. Ignoring the flawed, the uncomfortable, and the broken. Leaving nothing but clean and perfection. The three women only stood on the view of the balcony surveying what they see the civilization once stood. Tabitha can only describe back in her world.

“This looks exactly like Atlantis”

Silfa lost herself in the moment “What kind of dream is this? It feels so surreal. Juela, is this really real?”

Juela looks around and then down at the balcony “There is even people moving along with the water stream. It is the same clear water moving like the waterfalls. This must be the ruins, before it was destroyed”

“Hey! Watch it”

They heard someone shouting as they turned around and see Mina’s team. Four girls piling up each other as they feel so alive.

Silfa reactively casting her forcefield “Wait, I can’t use my magic”

“This is truly a dream”

“A dream? Hey, Juela what are you saying exactly?”

Tabitha steps in “It’s hard to explain really. But first, we need to know who’s dream this is”

They approach them and pick them up one by one. Toba says to Sakura

“Finally, we got our memories back. And I thought I’m going crazy about your secret with the hunter”

“Just don’t try to tell anybody about it. You remember your abilities then stop using extortion on me”

Meanwhile Mina talks to Aoi “And I’m here remembered I’m going lose you all after that sick thing I did to her”

“No, I remember. There’s no other way. She is no longer alive and we don’t know what will happen to us”

“Yeah, and I remember the dwarf guy convinced you”

Aoi nods “Yeah, well. Going back home is going to be difficult”

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“Like we didn’t survive that long”

All of them laugh as they have already made up to each other. Silfa and Tabitha remembered what they thought to be very dark. They were very guilty from the start, but now they get along just fine. They see Juela is okay with it. Both of them leans on her

“Why are you fine after all that happened?”

“For the past months, you think they should stop sulking their twisted past”

Silfa leans closer to her cheeks rubbing both of theirs “This is our people, you messed up woman”

Tabitha leans and rubs hers to Juela’s other cheeks “Sorry, but they are kids. Don’t compare them to your people. You don’t know how messed up they are when it comes to their behaviors and attitudes”

Then both of them says to Juela at the same time “We are Isekai citizens!”

Juela scowls at them as her eyes looking left and right to the both of them. As their eyes looking at Mina’s team and they look at them worried. Aoi speaks out first

“Uhm, are you guys alright?”

Mina guilty walks forward “So, uhm. About that incident?”

Toba pushes Sakura forward. Sakura glares at her then turns to her “Uh, is there a need for explained what happened?”

Silfa shakes her head “That trial was bullshit”

Tabitha drops her jaw out of surprised. The moment she raises her voice. Juela shuts her before she yelled at Silfa.

Silfa continues “I don’t care what past makes you become a monster. I’ll have you guys than what happened to Aoi’s brother. You’ll a lot of time to get yourself back to society or else you will not be the only one getting killed”

The four girls went pale and only nod. They look around each other and realize one of them is missing.

“Where’s Kenta?”

The city Del’Montra Esteval begins to shift. Water rises and the lower level of the city begins to submerged in water. Waves go to where they are, surrounding them by the splash of tidal waves. The view of its vast civilization soon faded where a pillar of light appears before them, slanting and pointing to the white moon. Purely white as the city begins to ascend the city to the sky. Ripping the massive tallest structure while leaving the massive valley of buildings drowned to the waves. Where they see what happened to the continent, spots of fire and destruction spread like a disease with each land varied in different biome fail into its symptoms.

Ruins of different cities scattered, never recognized nor remembered. Only can be seen as pile of rubbles and ashes. During this midst of chaos, even the sky itself turned for the worse where different of clouds and winds colored unnaturally. Horrible by its sight and beyond locked out of view limiting the dream had to show them. Then there, she appears. The last flow of water from the rising city reaches to them as it begins to dry up. The being who showed them before, returned. But shows identical appearance of the Enders. Worn nothing of the common dark blue and black, bright and beautiful colors bringing the sight of charm.

Delilah shows herself. Staring down as they look at her back with the same reaction as hers. Distrust.

“You’ve come this far, knowing the secrets, and learned why they can’t leave”

Silfa talks back at her “Those trials. They were nonsense, aren’t they?”

Delilah says nothing as she gives an angry frown. Silfa thoughts so.

Juela speaks out “Pardon, there shouldn’t be any reason for you to visit us like this”

Aoi yell out as she almost forgot “The notes! Are you still waiting for the notes?”

Delilah nods “I have never wronged my decision. Do you still not start it yet?”

Toba confronts Delilah “You didn’t see what’s going on. We were got attacked and your blessing drop us at the crucial moment. How can you . . . ugh”

The dream interacts her body, giving her the sleep paralysis state. The nightmare motion shifts as Delilah appeared before her eyes bringing her body much pressure almost waking her up. Everybody feels the same pressure as they are close to half asleep feeling the conditions of their tired bodies. It was pure death as they can’t even move. The side effect is the exhaustion even their brain couldn’t operate. This is the same as a coma.

Delilah backs away “Was it really a blessing? Or did I give you a curse?”

Toba turns her head away “Ugh”

Tabitha tries to settle this “Delilah, we’re having troubles. You know these kids have suffered for so long”

“Then it’s time to learn who she is messing with. The influence had clouded them to the point they have forgotten they are in the brink of death. Their own people keep pulling down to the depths of that monster . . .”

Delilah stops and looks at Tabitha’s appearance. Her descendant really made an effort causing her to forget. She leaves her no choice to bring the woman asked for this.

“Dearest 1st head, it is best to let us handle this”

Someone says to her as Delilah disappears. The sounds of metal boots walking, two people are approaching with impressed and intrigued. The sister of arms shows the drawing in front of them linking the flow of mana to Tabitha, while Mi’lady shows the Sarah Mae seal. It begins to lurk goes directly Tabitha herself too. The meeting has shaken all of them.

The structure reaches to space as they can see the moon brightens in white. Where there are no other moons like Alga and Jigeram, this alone is claiming the city of Del’Montra Esteval. It enters the moon’s surface revealing the golden atmosphere. Both Silfa and Tabitha grew more shock than they could ever realize. The moon, it looks the same from the city sphere. They couldn’t hold their silence any longer. Both of them said to them

“Is this what we think it is? Is this vision of what happened to this place”

“Those two people they rescued . . . is it linked?”

“Then the Enders should actually rescue them from the very beginning”

Accusation begins to churn, but the sister of arms and Mi’lady calmly used their bad condition to control their emotions.

“UGH!”

Mi’lady explains to them “If it was that easy, then we shouldn’t have a problem”

The sister of arms added “If they made it, those same woman and child. Then she must have explained what’s going on here. Was her words clear or poorly remembered?”

Silfa stops and can’t talk back at the sister’s statements. Tabitha on the other hand can’t hold herself

“Then who the Enders they are talking about. The hunter and the dwarf guy”

The sister understands, and she said to her “That’s why we are all here. To fully explained what truly going on. In this dream, it only explains how this ruin survived from becoming part of Rune Isles. Since your bodies taste the broken state of a coma, we can have a nice long story together. There’s no need for you to ask questions in smallest details. I hear Delilah mentions about the notes. I think it wasn’t Enders notes. She probably meant Wilson’s”

They are at lost, and none of them seem to know any about it. Aoi herself was told to find the notes. But meant to find Wilson’s notes, she never knew she have to find it.

She continues “Huh, if Delilah wanted to find notes from the Enders. You’ll think we are the ones who can easily spot it. The citizens’, however, they are very well hidden among the folks. Wilson’s notes should suffice for your urging knowledge of your people. You’ll get your notes about the Enders to our men. I don’t know who keeps it. It would be easier to know that is not what Delilah mentions”

Aoi feels awkward as she hasn’t begun her search. She thought about the note before from the altar. It must be meant for something else.

Later, Mi’lady begins a tale of how they got involved. “It was the time at the assault of the goblins and dwarves. The spirits ran rampant causing an uproar as they grow stronger with every death of their tribe. Those enemies were the defectors. Large numbers of them boldly fighting at the surface until they started to change. Madness already occurred as they descend deep down among the caves. The underground network they ventured connected to ours who are seeking for lost souls. Some of them we found managed to reach us. At first, we were able to free them from the curse, yet, sadly they didn’t wish to save their own people. Sigh*, traitors”

“Sickness spurred out, many of the survivors who have gone mad by their own survival. Their dead bodies, their insane minds, and their corrupted souls have become the vessel that we can’t save. A purge was taken among themselves. Vulnerable to the surrounding area from all different sides, they couldn’t escape with little of experience they have. If they hadn’t disturbed the spirits. Many would escape with annoyances, but the goblins and dwarves have figured it out. Ending the lives of citizens”

“This is the beginning we found out a demon is lurking in them. Not just one but many, it was numerous to the point there is no hope for them to endure it. Many were able to escape, but didn’t hear a word of them reached your city. I’m sure they must be the ones who left them here for some unknown reason. It was all chaos until it gets treacherous. The time of the 3rd moon cycle. This is when we got involved. We have found out the underground network is changing, leaking out the roots that proven to be unnatural. Usually, it always and desperately searching for Alga’s light or mana. Stretching its roots to get it. But when it leaks, it portrays of its dying state. That’s when we have to prepare for the worse”

“During that time, we have to call for aid. It was the man who tried to bring you here in our camps. By the name called the man catcher, respectfully as an elder if you see his wrinkled face. He led much of the effort on the field while we are preparing to escape. From what I hear they call it a city sphere, but we don’t care of the change. It is the testament of their escape. The man catcher was opposed by the idea because of the Enders’ sympathies were not genuine. Until someone is willing to take the risk. It was Wilson. To our surprised, we clearly see him not one of the crowds who first entered here. More like, he was searching for them just like you three”

“The 1st attempt happened, that’s when Wilson was betrayed. It was the beginning of the citizen not wanting their people to leave. The first one we are able to bring two people escape into the realm. Soon after, there is not even a given chance to recreate the portal. The third one was far worse than we had imagined. People started to forget by the time they are willing to change. The influence begins to overwhelmed them. But in truth, we know they are willing to accept the influence. The greater power they have, the proof of them they have submitted it without force”

“That’s when we intervene. Saving as much people as who are forced than who is willing. Destroying everything they have built behind our backs to the outmost abilities between us. The youths were still in our cares. Others trained themselves under the influence drove them either friends or foes. It was an internal conflict with no leading trails for us to track down. They are far too many. Many sides found them putting the end of their lives before it becomes worst. The man catcher didn’t give up and persists”

“This grabs attention close to the shore. There’s one who tried to venture through from the ceaseless fights. We met him. It was Voldemyr. He reports us about the citizens coming back here. Then something happened, my own blood boils as I can feel the 1st head calling to me. I tried to convince her. But soon she found a new one, U’ecin. The same descendant like me. All of them are from Raker Mawn. I don’t know how far did he able to notice of her presence. But he found out without a problem. It was my greatest mistake. I shouldn’t be ignoring her plea. By the time of the 4th cycle. It happened”

“The land leans to the coast, where the citizens hide from the harsh crystals and Jigeram’s light. The day we scattered and us pulled deep down to the depths as we were almost swallowed up. That’s when Delilah rescued us and raise a camp by the border between her and the demon. We somehow able to save the others as they fall. Now all of you are here. For the past months, this is how it leads. If there is another detrimental event again. Then the people here trapped will be consumed after all we have done”

“Now, you see what happened here. No escape because of the cycles, the goblins pestered with vengeance, the Circoston Invaders taking no chance and have to kill the source including the citizens themselves, and finally, finally. You! All of you. The fate of your lives is reaching its peak. Us, the Not Worthy Guild will . . .”

Both Mi’lady and the sister of arms both bows to them “This is your last chance of your people’s exodus. This very camp can only save those who are separated or fall into the depths. We asked you, save these people before they become slaves to the demons. All that happened because we didn’t know a demon possessed them”

After a long story, Mina and her team were at lost. So many have happened and they finally remembered it all. They have suffered, endured, and surpassed it. Mina finally have to say this

“Can we still be saved?”

Tabitha answers “Yes! It’s because we are all here. Ah Ma’am? I don’t know your name, but. I’m assure you. I have prepared since the day I planned to save the children who were taken away from me. Even more so are the friends and family members”

Silfa joins in “We’ve been planning multiple times. We’re not going to leave you guys. Even how bad you guys are. Everyone shouldn’t deserve this”

Both Mi’lady and the sister of arms left the dream leaving them to prepare in their minds.

The sister of arms ordered her men “I have instructions for you to do. We have one week before they wake up. What’s the condition with the man catcher?”

“Him and his men are fine, and we have a Dexter have first recovered after the immortal’s spell”

McS4 wears his power armor showing only his exposed head before his disguised hide his elderly face. The sister of arms greets him

“Ever since I was a young girl. You still have that look of your face. Your real face”

McS4 puts his helmet on and scans her. “You’ve seen me before because . . . and it was back then when he drew my real face perfectly. Back when we lived in the inner realms at Agatheus City”

“I’m just glad you remembered me. Then I’m confident you’ll follow her orders”

She left. McS4 picks up the cube. It was the same cube to force command his power armor automatically. Given to be a piece of information about the outside of the East Coast. If they brought it here, he automatically assumed it was her. He is getting a bit curious and heads out to find them. U’ecin is compiling the ancient weapons they looted from the enemies. He checks one by one then he sees the cube placed on the table

“Are you asking where did I get it? It was from your guild mistress”

“I understand you’re trying to hide it from me. Because I read its content, I know you’re lying. Where is it from?”

“Go find it yourself. Your equipment of yours probably know anything about it instead of me. Or maybe you want Voldemyr here to know about it. He thinks that it makes your equipment become a living steel or a goblin spirit possessed it. I can’t say you will answer us correctly”

Voldemyr is crafting materials as he heard his name. He shakes it off and sighs out disappointment

“You left Haw at the entrance. I’ve seen what he is building. You can probably contact him”

McS4 walks away gaining nothing but detest. He tries to contact Haw. Haw was able to receive the signal

“RH-0 reporting!”

“Archscience conquers ALL! How are you able to catch our signal down here? You can’t even bypass the contaminated air”

“I reconvert the detectors and the signals together. If I was able to reach you. Then mana from where you are is here. And this signal is crystal clear. It is positive it tries to reach out to the surface”

“Then connect this signal with Cor”

“Roger that . . . There!”

“Two transmissions received, I am detecting a cube is in your hand, S4. This is not part in your inventory”

“Rh-0, any information of them carrying the cube when they passed you”

“That’s a negatory. Only Voldemyr passed by because of the traces of decaying mana in my area. I have no information where he entered the realm”

“Copy. Any information about our leader”

“Words out of the box”

“Words out of the box. Hmm, for how long?”

“One week, I have already gathered enough information from our enemies, or patients”

“Cor, our mission was supposed to be a rescue mission”

“It is confirmed, Rh-0. For one week delayed. We are free to act. McS4!”

“Yes?”

“Both of us must prepare for what Tabitha have planned. We must secure all pathways up to the surface where Haw stationed. Bring only what our rival guild has and give me some”

“Roger”

“And you, Haw”

“What do you need?”

“Your preparations are already in set. Use the item and left behind at your requisition point as your station point at the entrance. We will recall you through”

“Are you saying we have to use the Not Worthy guild’s resources? Cor”

“S4, we are resourceful enough for our rival guild to cooperate. The Military Corps and the Orthodox Legionnaires are one in the same quality army”

“. . .”

“Do you read me? McS4”

“Roger, roger. I’ll commence the rally point. Over”

“Over and out”

“Out”

McS4 pulls out his helmet and began talking to the sister of arms. She sees the elderly face of a man with augmentation secretly hid like it some tattoo.

“Is there a problem?”

“Pardon for my intrusion, I have to speak behalf of my team’s assistance. Tabitha’s order still persists. I want you to ask her what we want to do in our operations during her absence”

“Your way of speech. Where’s the alternative speech like most Dexters do?”

“This is not how you won’t going to understand me. I speak to you as an urgent request. Dazed by my etiquettes, you should be too”

“What do you want Tabitha to know?”

“The Exodus”