Chapter 106
“Delightful,” Fain said, watching the layers of darks behind Dreadus, itching, shouting, crawling, and fighting against the layers of Void.
Darks stomped and gnawed at each other, looked like a massive tide, and countless elements and Arcana made their appearance into a massive colorful storm. They tried to get in, seize all those nice and obnoxious instinct callings behind this nonsense.
There were immense Corruptors than in most places, as well as many flying Darks of all kinds of manners. Some were looking like ancient primal beasts, unleashing devastating beam attacks, feathers like spears the size of a car, or breaths sharper than any sword.
Droons were also included, poising as large blobs of dark matter and wind that made them like big dark clouds. They meant trouble since they were rare Darks capable of intellect, notifying, and acting as devices for many powerful nests, Darks, and Holy Lands. They established a certain web of interest and communication around the surrounding territories and hierarchies. They were like a wave of instincts, and they could pivot Darks across hundreds of miles so they would know what was happening.
That was their common feature. The worst one was the actual transmission, grasp of the information, and near inability to kill their bodies. It was nearly non-physical, so many powerful Rank 7 Darks, if not worse, used them extensively like potent scouts, or gatherers of news. They were rare and hard to grow, so perhaps these were coming from somewhere else because Australia didn't need them very often.
Fain kept his smile and waved a hand behind him. His Academy will deal with the rest of this show and they weren't alone either. Of course, he knew most dangers and potential problems around here. Reaz was a clever girl and gave him general news, while the rest was unmistakable in his eyes.
He wasn't alone as well. The Federation sent some people and Walkers as supporting forces that Fain had to accept, otherwise he would be asking for something way too big.
Dreadus was still important, and so was Reaz, so he had to give them some face by giving them his words over their merits and privileges. “On my name, this will be shared interest that will change our present timeline. I will take just a small portion of the merits and do it small insignificant justice.”
“Not as if I asked for this sort of crap. Shut up and give me a break. I don't like you.” Dreadus said, unwillingly and hoping for something else.
“Not hate? How strange...” Fain frowned, sounding surprised, if not shocked out of his wits. He was still regarding the Crystal Water Sea.
Reaz approached him next after understanding that Dreadus was far too bothered to do this justice. Reaz was way more flexible and shameless than him, and her current appearance didn't change anything. In some sense, she was fiercer, and some blood and appeal of the past four hours made her kind of hungry for more blood.
”I was surprised things got this far, or... late, or at all. Were there some problems, Fain? I recall the timing wasn't that wrong because we rushed with minimal recommended rest. There were some issues on your part, or so I've read from the device. We had so much on the line and even a few dozen kilometers would help us out, yet.... why had you pointed to this safe zone?”
“There were some minor problems with our main transportation vehicle. Not a big deal.” Fain downplayed the issue which wasted them more than a few hours. “As for this safe zone, others were unable to do much for this time, and let's not forget the main issue of your pursuers. This zone is at its limits, and we couldn't get involved or go closer to you. This was the most optimal, and... well, your great Magis are one step to the grave and instability. We will take care of the Crystal Water Sea immediately!”
When Fain gave his order to his Butlers, Vern and Vera only snorted and snapped when their pride got tested. They might be on their knees, but their Emblems and Arcana were still ongoing. Grunting, they continued with their jobs and appeared tougher than this asshole thought.
Fain could only smile at their silly attempts and liked how they tried to push further from their limits.
“So?” Dreadus stomped the ground and went on with a business talk. “How will this proceed, dear Fain?”
“With the Federation, of course. This much is fitting considering your merit and I don't have time for such a big gift. First Head should be pleased.”
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“Fitting?” Dreadus didn't believe Fain would refuse this sort of thing. Academy would kill for treasures of this unknown caliber.
“Yes. Consider it my courtesy and the fact that the Federation is also here and ready to give this thing some justice. I am not alone... unfortunately. Emblem Association has a stable history with these sorts of things. Even more Heads will be happy.”
“Pillars too, I guess?” Reaz added as she glanced around, noticing some people in nice uniforms.
Behind all the Butlers, a little man walked forward, pushing them aside because he didn't stand up among them even if his Rank outpaced almost everyone. He was a bit bigger than the girl, who was above five feet and three inches tall at best.
“Uhm,” the man sighed and seemed unnaturally bothered about Fain and everyone present. “We will take care of the rest, Fain, Dreadus. Your team did well and...”
“As I was saying,” Fain stepped before him and talked as if this person wasn't there, “helicopter is ready, so go on and take some rest if your Magis are as safe as they think they are. There will be delicate protection following every corner of your path. They will protect what is bound to happen since I am sure this place is wild and the rest won't be any different. This operation will go on for more than a day, so take care of the Crystal Water Sea because it is your mission. Am no thief, you see.”
Dreadus almost laughed at him and turned his head aside as if he couldn't wait to leave.
“So, there is really no teleport formation prepared?” Reaz inquired.
“Nay. This sort of Sea won't allow it, I believe.”
“Figures. Wait, how are you sure of that?”
“Experience,” Fain said as if it was a matter of fact simpler than the wounded moon or Madness in Darks.
By now, the man behind him was so bothered by his shadow that he left, leaving one lingering figure behind the Butlers who had some words to say and things to do.
It was a lofty lady, standing at least six feet tall. She was beautiful even among her peers. Her black hair was slick and like a veil, flowing over her back and shoulders in straight lines like fine silk. Her clothes were a single one-piece skin-tight uniform fit for tough action. It was something that many Walkers had because of their balanced combat experiences, equipment, Emblems, or their position. Hers either meant she had her circumstances or preferred this feel and style because its tight fit and cuts were unusual.
A breathtaking gem cut between her collarbone and below her belly, cutting the uniform and exposing bits of her flesh. Everything was tight and her Emblem looked like a chasm or a nasty wound on her torso. It wasn't deep to expose her bones, ribs, or organs. It was almost like a raw amethyst but blue and a little bit white.
Fain noticed her a long time ago as one who brought some interest with him, or because she forced this. Dreadus would recognize her anywhere with this kind of style.
“Might I help you, miss troublesome, Mi-Yung?” Fain said when she approached him and Dreadus.
She sized the group first before giving Fain a forced smile. “I think I owe some words and give this meeting some opening. I apologized since I had my circumstances, and this much is... weird. You owe me too, so...”
Fain laughed at her as if she told a joke. “No apologies taken. You will work for this much more than you would want, right? Owning or not, some matters sound more like excuses. That sounds like a good idea, so go hard for your mistakes and we will forget about it. Or you might as well tell me your reasons, but you are so defensive about it. How strange. I am so itching to see you begging.” Fain said to her coldly.
Mi-Yung figured from the Crystal Water Sea that her words were emptier than she wished. She underestimated everything and realized how fucked she was. “I don't work for you and my position allows for some questionable decisions. Who knew that the timing would get so wrong? You can't blame this sort of shit on me, Fain!” Mi-Yung argued and waved at Dreadus before pressing her hands together in a weird bow. “Sorry for this. I owe you now, so... bye. See you in the Federation. Meet me when you are ready, or I will find you instead.”
Fain chucked when she ignored him.
“Oh,” Dreadus noticed that she might have done something bad once again and he couldn't guess what. He didn't find it surprising, so he waved at her as she left the scene, knowing that this was unfortunately far from over. She should repay for her private mistake later.
Fain knew; he was adamant and knowing, and Assembly Island was almost equal to the core of the Academy. As a whole, the Academy was still stronger because of its focus on Walkers and talents that stuck to its sides.
Dreadus took good note of her words and Fain and asked about her. “What was she about?”
“Oh, nothing much. Nothing at all. She said nothing but took that helicopter out of my pockets. Fox, I say. Stealing and shameless, she acts as if she is clever. Oh, she is. Sometimes.”
“Pocket? Something big. Don't lie.”
“She did something and doesn't want to elaborate. Classic Songs. Not a big deal for me, however. They are proud and she is splendid in that matter. You might learn a whole ton from her too, even if she is nearing half of your age.” Fain waved a hand and felt great.
“A joke, I hope?”
“Was it too obvious? I recall that if you two got together, the world would end. Reaz wouldn't survive it either, Assembly would crack apart, and my nerves would find a new cycle. Wait. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad.”
By now, Dreadus was fed up with this bastard and stomped towards a huge helicopter further back. There was other avian machinery; smaller helicopters, and even two abnormal jets. They seemed different from the past ones and had a variety of constructs and devices around their wings, back, and bottom. Some involved seats, handles, and other things. Their wings were wide and sharp and cockpits were bigger than usual.
As Dreadus tried to flee the scene, his team waited behind, followed by Fain who gazed at his back, curiously considering some matters. “Wait a second,” Fain begged to differ and stopped Dreadus with a palm right before he passed him.