– Era of the Wastes, Cycle 215, Season of the Rising Moon, Day 79 –

Terry took a deep breath and stood back up. He gripped the two practice short spears tightly.

“If nothing else, I am willing to commend your tenacity,” teased Sigille.

Sigille was holding a simple practice staff about the same length as the axe she normally used. Infuriatingly, Sigille stood completely relaxed, no matter how hard Terry tried.

Sigille placed the staff on her shoulder. “You’re actually doing well for your age. I can see Isille’s focus on ambidextrous wielding in you and your patterns are less predictable than most. However…”

Sigille examined Terry calmly. “Let me guess, Bjorln and Isille used to split the lessons?”

“Yeah…” Terry wrinkled his forehead. “Why?”

“You did alright in hand-to-hand combat, but I don’t see you applying that knowledge now.”

Sigille shook her head. “Isille and Bjorln have their specializations and it is good for you to learn from the experts in their respective area. But this isn’t a tournament. You are not graded on form and style adherence.”

Sigille tapped the staff on her shoulder. “You need to bring everything together. More importantly, you have your own abilities that differ from theirs. You need to develop your own style. I saw you spinning around on the tracks. I also saw you practicing with throwing weapons. I know you can cast a spell. I also know that you have some mana-crafted items.”

“No need to hold anything back. I won’t get hurt, I promise. Show me what you got, then I’ll show you what you’re missing.” Sigille grinned and then turned serious. “Again. Terry style.”

Terry walked to the side and picked up a few more practice weapons into his storage bracelets.

Sigille smiled approvingly.

Terry took a deep breath and charged at his aunt. He feinted with his right, then struck with his left.

Sigille ignored the feint and moved her head slightly to dodge.

Terry transfixed the spear in the air after it had been dodged. The spear was angled to block Sigille’s upper body from turning right or moving backwards.

Terry’s mana-crafting and spellwork practice had significantly increased his spell control for the Immovable Object spell. As a result, the casting time was finally low enough to make the spell itself practical in close combat.

“That’s better,” muttered Sigille. She lightly slapped her staff at Terry’s open flank.

Terry dodged by activating the mid-wrist imprints in his bracers and jumping to swing into the air. He summoned another practice spear and wanted to attack.

Sigille could have disrupted the first transfixed spear, but she wanted to see how Terry’s plan would develop.

However, before Terry could finish his follow-up, Sigille raised an eyebrow and turned her head to the entrance. Without looking, she casually grabbed Terry’s attacking spear and gave Terry a push with her staff, which caused Terry to spin against his wishes.

Afterwards, she stepped out of Terry’s range. Her eyes were glued to the entrance. “Wait a moment, Terry.”

“Huh?” Terry was taken aback. Then, his mana sense told him the probable reason for Sigille’s expression. He had been too focused on the spar to notice the approaching mana signature before.

Without a doubt, the signature belonged to Matteo. However, Matteo had already taken his leave for the foreseeable future. Sigille did not intend to take any more missions this season, which meant that Matteo would start his death hunt season early.

A moment later, Matteo stepped into the training grounds. Sigille shared a glance with him, and her expression turned sour.

“Trouble,” muttered Sigille.

Matteo examined the people nearby and then walked up to Sigille and Terry.

“What is it?” asked Sigille.

Matteo took out a mana-crafted item that was shaped like a card.

“Crap,” cursed Sigille. “That bad?”

Matteo channeled mana into the item, and all the noise in the area disappeared. Terry got goosebumps from the sudden change in atmosphere.

“Okay, nobody can overhear us. What is it?” Sigille repeated her question.

“I got offered a nominated mission,” said Matteo with a grim tone.

“That doesn’t seem unusual. What’s it about?”

“I don’t know for sure. It’s under wraps and more details are only shared with those that accept the preliminary conditions. I refused.”

“More unusual. Why?”

“Because then the penalty for interfering with the mission would be even higher, and I suspect that there will be a need to interfere.”

Sigille had a bad premonition.

Matteo clicked his tongue. “I wasn’t the only one that got the mission. Sudden Death, Vicious, Apex, the Venom Siblings…”

“That’s a lot of ranked rookies. What do they want to do? Storm a mid-sized demon fortress?” Sigille frowned. “Nasty line-up, too. Cultists, a battle junkie, and people without a conscience. How do you fit in? Wait…”

Sigille’s suspicion deepened. “They skipped Amelia and Dargones? What about Jee?”

“I could not get a hold of Jee, but from what I could gather, he must have gotten a separate nominated mission. One that was issued on the same day.”

“The ranked rookies would have their own way to move. Calling in Jee is a bit much for that kind of group. Either they need to transport something large…”

“Or a large group,” continued Matteo.

“So, how do you fit in?”

“I figure they did so based on reputation and with no knowledge of our more recent activities.” Matteo could see in Sigille’s eyes that she already understood where this was going. “A few unranked Guildheads also received the nominated mission. They’re the sort of folks that I would meet during the Setting Moon.”

Sigille closed her eyes and sighed. “Folks with a deep resentment against death and the undead.” She opened her eyes again. “Okay, you have me worried, but…”

“There’s more.”

“I was worried you might say that,” grumbled Sigille.

“Santos has approached me with some new intel. Apparently, there have been abductions of citizens in the northwestern parts of the Wasted Zone. Rumor has it that the culprits are a bunch of undead taking the citizens away while leaving no witnesses behind.”

Terry clenched his fists. “That’s not—”

“No, it’s not,” said Matteo. “That’s the point.”

“Whoever planted that rumor about undead involvement had to have access to Megumi’s report and then chose to ignore the important parts…” Sigille scowled. “The Preacher.”

“It does fit his style,” said Matteo. “He would also be one of the people with enough pull at the Guild.”

“While we all expected some trouble, my bet was on some intense hatred for necromancy or prejudice towards deathfolk being the driving force...” Sigille wrinkled her forehead. “The Preacher ticks none of those boxes. I did not expect him to be the first to make a move.”

“But…” Terry muttered with no idea how he could possibly help.

“I’ve already dispatched a couple of messages to warn the Wasteguard coordinators to prepare for potential fallout at the Wasteborder. I’ve only included the details with those that I trust. If the Captain is already on the move, then Mal will look to inform her.”

“I expect that Megumi is still in Syn,” said Sigille. “That spirit poison incident has shaken her deeply. She needs a break.”

“All the more reason to check it ourselves,” said Matteo. “The Captain has earned some rest. Long overdue. Whoever disturbs that...”

“Has earned a beating,” finished Sigille. “I’ll talk to Dhruv. He can find a mission for us to get close and—”

“Already done,” interrupted Matteo. “I picked one up at the Guild. The witch has no grounds to stop my partner from joining the mission.”

“Transport?”

“Amelia has prepared some travel scrolls with the coordinates of the mission location and for our holiday resort.”

Sigille nodded. “Good thing we accepted her previous offer so that she could learn the coordinates. What are the two going to do?”

“Amelia is going to throw her weight around with Guild management to get the mission cancelled. Dargones has to take over alone to free her up for that.”

“I want to help,” interjected Terry. “Is there anything I can do?”

He asked, knowing that in this, he was as helpful as a third nipple and—

“Good nephew,” said Sigille. “You’ll come with us.” She clicked her tongue. “If they pull stupid crap like this, then I would rather keep you close. Who knows what other stupid ideas they might get when I am not looking.”

The gazes of the three moved to the entrance. Two new mana signatures were approaching.

“Witch…” Sigille grumbled with a frown. “Complete coincidence, I am sure.” She rolled her eyes. “Let’s get going.”

Matteo dispelled the soundproof barrier. Terry hurriedly returned the practice weapons, and they all walked to exit the training grounds.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

They were intercepted by Willow and another woman that was wearing similar robes but with a less bright color. The woman’s mana signature resembled Willow’s as well.

“Greetings, Sigille,” said Willow. “Matteo.” She nodded at him with a bright smile. “Always a pleasure.”

Matteo maintained a blank expression and did not react.

“No time to chat, we need to move,” said Sigille. “Bye.”

“Oh? I thought you were done with missions until the Rising Sun?”

“Things have come up.” Sigille kept on walking.

“That’s perfect, actually.” Willow displayed a thin smile. “I was about to introduce you to your new partner.”

Sigille stopped and turned around. “I already have a Guild-partner.” Her eyes were cold.

“Of course.” Willow gave a single nod. “However, new regulations state we should stick to the minimum group size of three people as a safety precaution. Even a commendable Guild-member like Matteo does not count for two people.”

Sigille inhaled slowly and weighed if it was worth the time to argue. Her eyes moved to Terry before she looked back at Willow. “If it’s just that, then that won’t be necessary. We have already formed a group with Terry. That’s three, by my count.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” retorted Willow flatly. “Your group needs a proper healer. Also, I have examined his Guardian record when I added the entries that were confirmed by you and Megumi. I very much doubt that a completed intermediate curriculum with some advanced courses and a tiny bit of practical experience would qualify him to be of help to the Divine Hammer.”

At least she did not use the words ‘third nipple.’

Terry tried not to show any reaction.

Sigille made her decision. “Let’s get going then.” She left without another word.

Matteo and Terry followed in silence.

The woman behind Willow was taken aback and stood with mouth slightly opened.

“You won’t be of much help if you linger around here while your group is leaving, Glimmer Cadence,” reprimanded Willow.

“O-of course. I’ll be on my way, Bright Willow.” Cadence hurried to catch up with the others.

***

This is sooo awkward…

Terry and the others had left the city. The group included their new companion: Cadence.

“Uhm…” Cadence’s eyes were trembling. “Look, uhm… I understand that this was sudden, but I’m really glad that I have the chance to work with you.”

Sigille and Matteo ignored her completely.

Terry opened his mouth, but then he shut it again.

“Is this some kind of twisted test?” questioned Cadence. “If so, I don’t get it.”

Silence.

“Could you at least tell me what this mission is about?” asked Cadence. “I would like to help, but this is hard when…”

Sooo awkward…

Terry bit his lips.

“Perhaps we can walk by a volcano.” Sigille said to Matteo. “Dance around on the edge a bit. Perhaps someone slips.”

“This…” Cadence furrowed her brow in confused anger. “Okay, what is going on?! What could I possibly have done to deserve this kind of treatment?”

“Don’t know about any volcanoes, but there are a few forbidden zones.” Matteo replied to Sigille.

“I can’t believe I used to admire the Divine Hammer from the stories.” Cadence shook her head in disappointment. “And I can’t understand why Bright Willow would always speak so highly of such a Guildhead.”

Sigille and Matteo both stopped at the same time and turned to face Cadence. Both of them raised an eyebrow each.

“Oh? You finally acknowledge my presence? How generous of you!” Cadence was growing increasingly angry.

Sigille and Matteo did not show any reaction.

“Well, this is new,” said Matteo with a glance at Sigille.

“Yeah…”

Both of them turned around to walk again.

“Does the witch really believe her words would carry any meaning to us?” Sigille snorted. “As if that would somehow change when using someone else as a proxy.”

“What witch?” Cadence’s anger was replaced with frustration again. “What proxy?”

Cadence shook her head, and then her eyes turned to Terry. “Could you maybe tell me what is going on?”

“Uhm…” Terry regretted that he had greeted her before. It somehow put him into this awkward position where he was the only one to ever verbally acknowledge her presence. He really did not want to stand on a different side than Sigille and Matteo.

“Leave my nephew alone,” growled Sigille. “You are the proxy for the witch that has put you into our group.”

“What?” Cadence was trying to decide which part to object to first. “Bright Willow? She is just following the Guardian regulations. I volunteered to join this group because…” The eyes of Cadence hardened. “Because I had foolishly trusted your reputation! I can see now that I was mistaken, but I still intend to do my job.”

Cadence clenched her teeth. “And I’ll have you know that I’m my own person and not anyone’s proxy. Bright Willow has not instructed me with anything. She has praised the two of you exceedingly—”

“Definitely new,” interjected Matteo drily.

“Tse.” Cadence scoffed. “In contrast to you, Bright Willow does not badmouth people behind their backs.”

Matteo ignored her.

“Such acts are beneath a follower of the Bright Lady.” Cadence grumbled to herself.

“Okay, that does it.” Sigille pointed a finger at Cadence and walked up to her. “Your ‘Bright’ Willow is nothing but a two-faced witch. No, she does not badmouth people. The witch prefers lying to everyone and always tells them what they want to hear.”

Sigille snorted derisively. “But the witch has no compunctions about acting despicably when no one is around to judge or stop her.”

Sigille’s presence became intense.

Subconsciously, Cadence gulped and took a step back. “Bright Willow would never—”

“You have no idea of all the things the witch would do.” Sigille stepped up to Cadence and stabbed her finger at Cadence’s chest.

Sigille stared into Cadence’s eyes without blinking. “I brought a child of barely ten to the Guardians. A child that had been betrayed by the only caregiver he had ever known. A child in desperate need of support.”

Terry forgot to breathe. Despite her short stature, Sigille seemed to tower over everyone present.

“I accepted that child as my own and I wanted my son to grow up with a home to be proud of. I wanted for him to grow up as a proper Guardian.”

Frustration and disappointment flashed through Sigille’s eyes but they were quickly pushed back by a different emotion and Sigille glared with cold fury in her eyes.

“I had to move out to fulfill the last wishes of my life’s chosen. When I returned several weeks later, I learned that during my absence, the witch had thrown my child into the dormant dungeon beneath the Guardian outpost.”

“I don’t give a shit what the witch is saying about us now.” Sigille snarled and bared her teeth. “I still remember when she called my child a filthy abomination and told me he had been disposed of.”

“Bright bullshit.” Sigille sneered with a clenched fist. “Whatever creature accepts a filthy witch like that as a high-ranking representative is the real abomination.”

“The Bright—” Cadence was aghast. “No, that must have been a misunderstanding.”

Matteo rolled his eyes in silence.

“Bah.” Sigille looked at her with disdain and she moved back to walk next to Matteo.

“I will never understand cultists.” Sigille exclaimed to Matteo. “So quick to throw away all sense and turn gullible. I somehow understand the ones that are doing it for a quick power-up.”

Sigille shrugged with extended arms. “That’s just greed paired with terrible decision making. I can understand that. But I will never understand those for whom it almost becomes habitual. Even after they have been tricked by otherrealm creatures, they just go looking for the next entity to delude them.”

“Is that supposed to be me now?” Cadence became angry again. “That really makes me trust your stories about others.”

Cadence glared with offended eyes. “The circle of the Bright Lady is not a cult. The worshippers of the Bright Lady are not cultists. We have never threatened the realm. I do not see why we should be associated with the cultists of past eras. I object to this term being applied to us.”

“You can object however you want,” replied Sigille flatly. “You can call a pig a dog, but that won’t make it bark.”

“Alright then,” scoffed Cadence. She put her tongue against the inside of her cheek and rolled it to the front.

“Are you or are you not worshipping a being from another realm?” questioned Sigille.

“...”

“Did you or did you not open your mind to the being’s influence?”

“Tse.” Cadence rolled her eyes. “The Bright Lady does not interfere with people’s minds.”

Sigille snorted amusedly. “How would you even know?”

“How would you know that you are not under mind influence?” retorted Cadence as a challenge. “That’s how.”

“Oh, really?” sneered Sigille. “That’s odd, because I have taken significant precautions to prevent anyone from fiddling with my mind, whereas you have intentionally opened it for a specific entity.”

“And?”

“Let’s assume that detecting influence over an open connection was remotely similar to detecting it with a significant defense in place. Of course, that’s a completely ludicrous assumption, but so be it. Let’s further posit that the time window was remotely comparable – another ludicrous assumption, but what the heck, why not?”

Sigille scoffed. “You have literally no idea what the creature you call the Bright Lady would or wouldn’t do. Perhaps it truly has never influenced your mind before. So what? Does this prove that it would never do so in the future?”

“Wastes, no.” Sigille shook her head. “For all you know, there was simply never a good reason for the creature to covet that which is within your sphere of influence. Your life may simply be too insignificant. It has not been worth the creature’s effort or attention.”

Sigille snorted. “What is more likely? That an insanely powerful magical being with no emotional connection to this realm whatsoever is coincidentally a pure altruist that expects nothing in return for a share of its power? Or that it is simply biding its time and waiting for a chance that makes it all worth the cost?”

For a time, Cadence paused with creased eyebrows. “The Bright Lady has our adherence to her teachings.”

“Teachings that apparently don’t mean squat,” retorted Sigille. “If they did, then the witch would have lost her channeled powers a long time ago. I guess the Bright Lady did not really pay attention. I figure the only thing here that would be worth the attention of such a mighty creature is the realm itself. I doubt you or any of your fellow cultists had that within their reach yet.”

“Hmph.” Cadence frowned. “Not every being is selfish. You don’t know th—”

“And neither do you!” interjected Sigille. “That’s the point! I know as much or little about the true nature of the creature you call the Bright Lady as you do. In contrast to you, I have not sold out my home realm in blind faith.”

“The Bright Lady has our respect. Why should I assume that she demands more?” Cadence glanced at Terry. “Do you talk the same about the magic sovereigns in Arcana? Isn’t it blind faith to trust them to act good, too?”

“Hm, that’s a good point. Let me think for a bit.” Sigille blinked. “Oh wait, my mistake. It’s really not. Terry?”

“Yes?” Terry tentatively replied.

“Did the magic sovereigns ever demand that you worship them?”

Trick question?

“No.”

“Did they ever demand that you open your mind to their influence?”

“No.”

Cadence clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Then I guess the magic sovereigns are a lot less demanding than this Bright Lady thing,” said Sigille. “You do not truly know if your relationship with the creature is a blessing or a curse.”

“Okay, fine. I admit it.” Cadence spoke with no sincerity. “I am a potential bringer of doom and destruction. Any second now, I could become the gate for the vile invaders to spew forth into this innocent realm. I mean…”

Cadence’s eyes moved towards Matteo’s back. “I can’t see why you harp on about my potential possession when…”

“Heh.” Matteo exhaled with a wry smile.

“Don’t dare to compare yourself to Whaka Matteo!” spat Sigille with a sharp edge in her voice. She faced Cadence again.

“Did you choose to join the cult?! Yes? Were you an adult when you were given the choice?! Also yes?” Sigille accompanied her questions with nodding.

“Did you ever work day and night to reconquer your mind and spirit from the foreign influence?! No? Did you nearly get yourself killed again and again when trying to hold on?! Also No?” Sigille was shaking her head with every question.

Sigille stopped moving her head and stared into Cadence’s eyes. “Then shut your damn mouth-hole!”

Sigille stepped next to Matteo and turned to him again. “You were saying something about forbidden zones before? Let’s keep that in mind as an option.” Her mood had turned extremely sour.

“We’re far enough now,” said Matteo. “The scrolls should work from here.”

“Can I at least know what the mission is about?” Cadence asked meekly. Disappointment and frustration were still visible on her face, but Sigille’s outbreak had subdued her into abandoning the argument. For now, at least.

Sigille and Terry both looked at Matteo. They had not gotten to that point before Willow intercepted them. They both knew neither.

“West-northwest. Settlement with multiple murder victims,” said Matteo. “No signs of struggle or magic restraints. Suspected mind mage activity.”

“How pertinent to the topic under discussion,” remarked Sigille grumpily. “Let’s go. No time to waste. If the cultist does not want to come, she is free to stay.”

“Hmph.” Cadence made no attempt to leave their side.

Matteo ensured that everyone was within the spell’s range and then ripped the transportation scroll in half.

***