Walking through the moss filled stone path. Yellow lights flicker about as I pass them. The dried up walls crack the moment I pass. The Parchments stacked and the dust piled. Insects crawl and chew through the gap. While eerie silhouettes lurk in the shadows staring down at you as you stare them back into the abyss.
Between the tall stack of books and grand arrangements of this room. One thing can be said, that no one wants to be in this place. But I am here for a reason, an important reason that will help me find a way to help her. The way to my mission and hers. The way to help her since she already does so much to me.
Rana called me here for a reason and I'm going to fulfil it. The blue scarf flutter as if there is a wind in this windowless room. My one hand made of spirit stone, while the other normal hand wears a glove filled with cold sweat for the unknown entity that stalks me in the shadows of the shelves. The marks of archaic letters left behind in the floors leave an impression that this place is out of time.
As I find the word I knew where to search. Founding the documents, scribbled notes, and et cetera~. I collect it, sit in the stone-paved seat that's filled with webbing. Cross my legs and open the book.
"Huk, huk, dammit this is why I don't like ancient text. Why bother keeping it if you're not going to preserve or take care of it. I guess putting it in piles is considered storing now."
Let's just read this god damn thing...
(In the founding times after the Liberation Era, it is the time of true revolution, growth and progress yadda yadda yadda. Skip the introduction, skip the bio and where is the data there. Chapter 4: The Aologi Empire. A rising black horse in the competition who suddenly appear and cause massive chaos on its debut for the other nations, yadda yadda, Created by Owl Loki, yeah I know about it. There the 5 founding families. King of Litarus, Archduke of Yugidaria, yadda yadda... There, Baron of Ovalon the fifth family. Created different than the others in secret...)
"How did he get this book in the first place?"
"Hey, what you're reading?"
"Waaah! What the actual... Arnold, how the actual feth do you sneak up on me?!" Seriously how!? I know, but not like this.
He smiles saying:
"Yup, that was worth it."
Glowing gold in his own light that surrounds him. A handsome tan man in his twenties with a long and smooth jet black hair that went past his shoulder, a tone figure showing through the top of his unbutton golden suit that glitters even in this dimly lit place. With a blood red sash on each shoulder. He's the true definition of wealth and corruption for me.
(He is definitely planning something by meeting me here. I really want to punch his face and get out...)
"Arnold Yuan, Head Finance of this fine Confederation and one of the Rulers of the Black Market. What are you doing here in this dump of knowledge?" I spoke while reading the old manuscript.
He makes a wide grin saying:
"Oh~ We're playing titles now. Rana Song, one of the 3 summoned heroes, called by the few as the Unsung Hero or the Coward Hero and head of the Grey Robed Reapers, slayer of-"
"Okay that's enough," I cut him off.
Tidying himself up before saying:
"But that's not the point here. To be more precise what are YOU doing in my fine collection."
I remember Rana's encounter with him saying:
"You call this place fine? It's like a dumpster here- I mean, you said that I can use this place as much as I want so I did. Or are you taking back your words~?" I smile beneath my mask.
He sighs before saying:
"Let me rephrase that. Why is someone that always shy away from problems, decides to find one now?"
As I remember my time with Rana I say:
"I'm not the same girl that thought I could change this world by being cute infront of the masses and used as propaganda. I decided to accomplish this forced duty on me by OTHER means necessary."
"I see, I can relate to that. Though remember the customers are always right."
A certain answer quickly comes to my mind immediately:
"I throw away that policy a long time ago you dimwit, but if I have to be honest you must get bullied and shat your pants a lot, following that idiotic policy huh Adnold~? I swear the one who makes that policy hasn't even worked with the illiterate citizens in their life."
"Heh, that is quite true but I guess that's what makes you and me different, I~ unlike you always satisfy my customers one way or the other. And I can assure you each of them have a smile on their faces everytime they got spirited away for some unknown reason."
"Still we're getting off topic."
"And who's fault is that I wonder?"
"Anyway, why are you here?"
"Ah right! Just forget about what you're searching. It's about the Ovalon isn't it? There is no written record about them in the past except for mentions. Not even the Northern historians nor the Recorder Enclaves have it except the Aologi Royal Archives and GALA. After all, it was a secret noble family that worked in the shadows."
I close the book and decided to face him. When he suddenly leans on a shelf and sit on the dusted floor saying:
"Ah, it's been a while since I sit on the floor. Listen, I helped and saved your life multiple times already."
"Get to the point, tell me what you know. I'll pay the money as much as you want."
"Aren't you demanding, well at least not as bad as those royal-"
"Point!"
"Fine, fine~ I don't need the mon-"
"You don't!?" I cut him off before he could even finish, sounding surprised.
"Yea, I'm in a good mood for a few days now you see, I can just tell you whatever you want today. So fire it at me."
"I wonder if you found the love of your life or something- wait, you probably just found some huge vault full of gold."
"Oh, nothing like that. Though I wish I could, or maybe I have? Either way, I just met one of the family members of my saviour a few days ago you see."
"Heh~ that mystery lady again? Congrats I guess."
"Heh, thanks... Oh, talking about congrats I just remembered something, I got your last year birthday present for you. Sadly I didn't manage to give it to you, but better late than sorry," he starts rummaging his breast pocket which for some reason fit his entire arm.
"Eh, a present? For me? Whipee~ probably."
And he takes out a golden medallion shaped like a coiling dragon with multiple red rubies and green amethyst saying:
"I remembered you told me that you found the dragon's heritage and you need a key for it. It's almost imposibble taking the medal of a living dragon family but- Hey! Remember that adopted son of the dragon a few years back when he entered the turtle academy?"
"Hmm, that guy with the power to bewitch ladies he sees with his eyes? What about him?"
"Ah, seems he caught your attention huh?"
"Our gifts are pretty identical after all."
"Well you see, the rumours of him as adopted is actually false, he is actually the bastard son of his late father, the previous head dragon but sadly someone bought the proof of his heritage "Legally" so he has to go through a harsh trial to prove himself during highschool no less. But still, he manages to do it. Man, that kid got tough luck and grit."
He hands me the medallion and I take it asking:
"Wait, could this be the heritage? Aren't you quite harsh."
"Well, you would be surprised by how easy people will betray their own sworn kin whenever I say 100 million Riaz for this and 900 million more for that along with with my influence I could put "Insert your precious name here" on the top of the queue. Man, you should see the look of despair and anguish on her face when she hands it over as jer hands shake uncontrollably~ whew..."
He smiles maliciously as his black eyes glow golden before reverting back and continue saying:
"Anyway, about the Ovalon family. It is said that the family was wiped out after the plane crash accident 9 years prior, though I guess they're not a secret anymore since they are the one leading the civil war and with the help of the forbidden secret technology they stole from the depths of the GALA called the "Internet" which is said to originate from the Aologi's first emperor's diary."
"Say this internet thing... Why do they even make it forbidden?"
"Well you won't believe this but this so-called technology could help humanity simulate a hive mind system."
"Now that's worrying."
"Well, not really, it's more akin to sharing, every single one of us still has our own conscious and we can still say whatever we want without everyone worrying who we are. It's like a safe haven for weak people to criticise and vote someone who is said to be untouchable by commoners, kinda like the dream world of the Democracy."
"From the sound of it, it doesn't sound that bad. In fact, if that thing spread all the humans in the world's IQ would quotient skyrocket."
"Well that's the problem, I don't actually know why either. And when I ask my saviour the only thing she said is that the reason is because the founder of the Aologi Empire, the first emperor makes his first royal decree that this technology should never in under no circumstances ever be used and must be locked if it had to be kept... Damn, the technology the Aologi Empire is trying to keep in GALA is being stolen one after another thanks to the newly established United States of Aologi. Man, they bring nothing but trouble with their declaration of war- Oh wait~ nothing but prosperity."
"Oh wait, are you gonna say that lines? Then let me in too."
"Sure, you know what to say right?"
"How could I not? Its spread to the whole world and taken as a joke."
"Ready?"
"To the great New Order of liberty and justice and to our mission to manifest our true destiny upon this world!"
I can't hold my laughter back and say:
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Look at them now! Being invaded by everyone~"
We laugh loudly and I open my mask a little to wipe the tears while Arnold slaps his knee before leaning back as he looks up to the unending darkness above.
"Yeah, even by us the Confederation and even their own kins, the Aologi Empire. They are a fucking treasure trove filled with rich strategic and luxury resources. Oh! And let's not forget thanks to them, we manage to revive a slave economy too, to boost our livelihood and boy does that work. Now the ground level is living their lives happily with low taxes and Central is ecstatic with the newly booming economy. While the Theocracy leaves us alone since they said that they would let us keep them as slaves since they are technically agreed by all as not "Humans"... Maybe there's some squalor but Girl, you won't believe how much we get from the first expedition a few months ago.
"If I remember correctly, The Jade Mantis family were also part of the attack right? Wonder how did they turn Baron. Get the pun? It's totally intentional."
He looks at me with a disappointed face, I reply to myself saying:
"Okay, okay, I'll stop."
"I could explain the intricate conspiracy we revised but the best way to put is, is that we manage to prove them "Guilty" in the Royal Court and of course with definite "Evidence" along with a little bit of Gulags and Mulas to seize all their assets and territory. And if they dare to resist, the tigers, dragons, and phoenix would have no choice but to abide by their creed and wipe them off."
"Well damn, so much feudal conspiracy, now I'm curious to how much Owlian you bring? Since if I remember correctly, the Jade Mantis was the most successful in the expedition to the United States right?"
"Hmmm, we manage to trick and sold off around three million that we got from the mantis into the black market just for safe measured and ten million more to the international market! Hah Man, we just stole a whole Megapolitan City! Using their own internet technology no less! Damn, to deceive them while escorting them is so ironic in more ways than one! I can't believe the Owlians literally believe everything we write!"
(Well, good thing Rana is not hearing this, but she will definitely hear what he said and gets sad when she gets back to this body...)
"I'm quite impressed. That you yourself an Owlian would do that to your own kin."
"M-my kin?"
He looks down as his bangs cover his face, he grind his teeth as I could see the rage burning even without his eyes or aura when suddenly he smiled widely and golden light peeks from his bangs, making a huge smile saying:
"Pffff Haaa Ha Ha Ha Ha Haa!"
Slapping his stomach multiple times before he looks at me happily with his golden eyes saying:
"Sorry Rana, but that is just INSULTING. Or if that is a joke? Than congrats on tickling my tickle box for once, so what's your next question Ms interrogator?"
His eyes return to normal and I continue asking:
"Well, first off, where did you learn how to use that? From what you said I'm pretty sure it's only been a few years," I ask in curiosity.
(After all the Internet is a newly brought out technology after the civil war when that announcement happened).
"From my own saviour, she knows how to use them, along with how she is the master of public order, logistics and information I tell you. She knows all about public and crowd control while also being a really good fighter.
Oh and as a trivia bonus, the newly established United States of Aologi seems to house a population count the same as us. Crazy right!? We could probably circulate their whole Race into the economy and regularly recycle them to no end with those numbers."
I keep the medal in my dimension box and lean on the stone table saying:
"True..."
(This is getting too dark for Rana. Let's just change back to what she told me to find).
"Still, going back to the topic of Ovalon family, there is one survivor that manage to survive that crash no?"
He scratches his chin saying:
"I see, so you know. So that's why you're interested in them now. I wonder where did you know that?" he asks sarcastically.
"A secret treasure trove. What about you? Where did you know all that?"
His eyes become sharper and glow golden again as he smiles saying:
"From the crash site itself of course. It was no plane crash, it was no accident that quells the entire war. It was a plotted assassination from the emperor's finest. So here's the last warning from your best customer. Leave now and we can both forget this conversation ever happened... Wait I can forget and you can remember a good deal isn't it?"
He stood up brushing his butt from the dust saying:
"Now then I'm going to bleach my eyes and wipe my slate clean, so please excuse me."
He leaves through the darkness. I stood up, and use dash to get infront of him saying:
"Arnold, that didn't explain jack shit. I'm not letting you leave before you tell me what I want. Tell me all you know about the Ovalon family."
"To be honest I really want to tell you but I really don't know much, to be honest. So please just let me leave, okay?"
He clasps his hands as he begs.
"No..."
"Fine~ I warned you."
As soon as he puts his hand in his suit. A wave emits around before I could do anything. My vision is now pitch black...
(My eyes, it can't be he render Rana's eyes back to original? No not only that, I can't use my magic. Dammit, I'm not good at CQC but I need to survive!)
I quickly step the ground for echolocation, his not infront of me anymore. Searching around, when suddenly a slim figure ambushes me from the side in a moments notice. The figure attacks with striking my right foot as I suddenly felt my qi seeping away.
(No, it can't be...)
I counter immediately with a reverse roundhouse kick with my left leg as I chant for the spirit gate. The figure dodges by spinning and also make a reverse roundhouse kick simultaneously at my leg.
As our calves clash against each other, his blow shatters my hidden greaves and forcefully making me spin and the figure starts hitting me rapidly in the pinpoint location of my qi. Penetrating my custom made chest plate and paralyzing my left arm before stepping my right foot and prevent me from moving.
(Dammit! I lost the connections from the seventh and sixth gate. It's a qi blocker!)
I try to escape his leg lock while chanting more quickly.
I feel great wind blows between us.
(It's close just a little more!)
When the figure kicks my right foot harder and hearing something snap, I feel something wrapping my right leg, making it even more impossible to escape. Before long, I start to lose the feeling of my right leg. I make a desperate attack with my right hand making for a straight punch. Not feeling any impact, I feel my wrist being grabbed by a hand and smash to pieces.
"Aaa-" My scream was cut short when my throat quickly struck.
The assailant releases me. But I am already standing on my last leg.
"[Hell banishment assasination arts, Armaggedon path: rupturing dark fists of souls]"
Two fists collided with my stomach, cehst and finally I felt a hundred more fist colided with my entire front, sending me above while I can hear the sound of my armour shattering while blood suddenly forces itself out from my mouth, painting my view red thanks to the mask.
Great pain fills me to the core of my soul and body. T-this is similar to Yunan's sealing technique, a forbidden technique used to seal the fifth until the second gate simultaneously. A forbidden martial art used by Sage class qi blockers.
(Where did Arnold get such a strong individual!? There is no way those markets could get someone from a sage class!)
I crash to the shelves behind me and slide down, I hear the books fell in droves, some hits my head as I feel the impact of heavy dictionaries...
"Ghack!"
I vomit out more blood at my body as I taste it from her tongue.
(It hurts like fuck... Shit!)
It seems I was forced to sit through Rana's body last moments. Her right arm is now broken, her body limp, her main qi completely locked, her and my magic nullified, her vision is gone and I can't make a voice from her body anymore. I guess this really what it means for a checkmate.
"Kccak!"
I scream for my last effort to use her gift but failed. I guess I lost this, I should have used Rana's gift in the first place huh.
[I'm sorry Rana, you entrusted me with your body and I wasted it...]
(I guess I'm in no condition to criticize anybody anymore.)
"That was quicker than I thought. Good work," a familiar female voice appears from beyond.
"Yes, thank you Sis!" another familiar voice answered.
"Anything for you saviour," Arnold replied back.
As the footsteps grow closer. I tried to turn to where the voice came.
(Saviour? No way, that voice, it can't be! If it's so the Central Power is naught but doomed with Arnold as a traitor on her side!)
My head suddenly gets stomp on. Breaking my mask while feeling the shelve behind me crack and almost shattering, my head begins to feel light and I feel blood flows through my face.
"Aaarrqqqw-"
I can barely scream as I hear the sound of bubbling water from inside me
(Is the lungs punctured from that last attack!?)
And was cut short once more as the attacker rub it's feet on my cheeks before the feeling disappear. The new assailant grabs my neck and slams me down, crashing into something. They pull me down and force me into sitting position. This is probably where I was sitting earlier.
While my spirit suddenly starts to flee I finally realize.
(Oh no! The connection with me and Rana's body is broken without the mask and is now weakening thanks to the damage she sustained).
Now she's on her own! And not only that since this is forced separation, I'm also still stuck inside her body.
Feeling someone sitting beside her:
"What do you think? a pretty neat item huh? I got it by enslaving one of those idiotic Owlians who thought Zerians doesn't exist somehow, it is an item that can nullify magic, the item that determines the civil war and the cause of many conflicts between the owlians and zerians during the World Invasion and the age of hundred rulers. Can you guess what it is?" Arnold asks as he rubs the item on my face.
"Aa...a...uk," Rana tried to say something but can't.
Dammit, I can't communicate with her. She's left with what I last see which is painful inside and outside. Not only that if she is not treated, she is going to die!
"You can stop now Arnold, I need to talk to her. You can turn it off now."
"What? She'll escape."
"Yes, but she will die at this rate, I'm just curious to see what July's said about her trump against one of mine while also giving her a choice to stay here and struck a deal with me or she can just leave."
"What? Just that? You know what just for you, Sure."
When I could feel magic power surge up inside of her. She quickly distributes it around her body and cast mass heal and purify. Her vision returns, her body healed yet It still can't move nor can she use any qi. That's thanks to them locking six of Rana's gate, that's already sage class. She looks infront to be greeted with two new people, well one is an old acquaintance.
A beautiful slim girl around her teens with a cute demeanour that makes you want to pounce at her immediately and cuddle her to death, she wears a black tight skin suit-Oh, a tiny bulge in her bandage wrapping.
(A trap! I already met two in a few days. What a streak.)
He wears a black tight suit that covers the whole body but the front neck. While also wrapping himself up with bandages from his bottom neck to his toes, making him look like the undead monster from the peninsula desert and the Yutag Kingdom. His large pink tail, smooth white skin, large pink ears protruding from his head, his luscious kinda curly hair is a mix of black and reddish brown along with his large feathery blood red eyes and a small nose.
"S-Saya? I-is... T-that you?" Rana unconsciously speaks her name.
Hearing that, the boy suddenly grabs her by the collar of her shirt and start shaking her asking:
"You know where my sister is!? Tell me!"
[Damn even his voice sound the same as her, how is that even possible? Is it intentional? I guess the buck tooth doesn't show unless he smiles widely huh]
As he shakes Rana more fiercely, asking her over and over.
"E-eep!"
Rana screams in panic.
[Dammit, get yourself together Rana!]
I scream to cheer her up even though she can't hear me.
"Sova, please calm down," the female speaks once more as she ruffled his kinda curly hair before scratching under his chin.
He lets her go quickly, backing off while tiptoeing as he smiles pleasantly making a squeeking sound saying:
"Sorry sis, sorry Rana. I didn't mean to do that."
[So you meant to paralyze us, break her neck, puncture her lungs, and her arm but not shaking us for answers!? Wait where are the remnants of the arm anyway?]
I look at the last person.
A women who's 8 feet tall, wearing a total black as night enraged tiger helmet with golden artisan decor, a slick black female full plate armour that glisten with it's golden aesthetic lines that screams evil, doom, and death with a golden tiger medallion hanging in her left shoulder as a hold on her golden fancy cape that stretches like a curtain and has the same artistic design as her armour. Her long jet black hair that comes out of her helmet is a mixed of amethyst green and lapiz blue that complements her designs. I know who she is, I look below her right leg and arm stained with blood, probably from before.
"Y-you're the leader of t-the Black Tigers... T-Taiga or should I call you... R-Rubeca?" Rana asks her hesitantly.
She walks closer with her dominating aura, with each step she takes I could feel the power of the Dark Gods surging in her veins as she gets closer...
[The power of the Dark Gods is so thick inside of her. This is the first time I saw such an individual... She might be more powerful than the Paladins of the Theocracy. Heck! Even if a squad of them ganged up on her she will probably leave unscathed. And I can guess she hasn't even shown her trump cards either except probably that boy she mentions.]
This is one of the peoples Rana must kill. Even after six years Rana is still not combat ready, unlike the other three- I mean two now. So the best option now is to turn and run with your tail between your legs or like a headless chicken... Which is better.
She gets closer, whispering softly to Rana's ears saying:
"Since I'm working, please do call me Taiga and I'm the head of the whole banished family now in this continent after 7 years, so I hope you get that right next time, your information seems to be lacking nowadays."
She gets closer and sniffs Rana's hair saying:
"I heard that a certain boy is now in safe hands thanks to you... I have to admit after all that blood spilled, I'm surprised your hair still smells so nice," playing with her hair as she says that.
"Eep, I-I'm s-s-sorry!"
[Oh no, Rana don't give up, stay with me! And you stay away from her you damn creep!]
"Why are you sorry? I just said my thanks no? Please don't get uncomfortable and say that July, I'm just curious."
[Wait, you can hear me!?]
"Of course~ I have experienced something similar."
Rana's eyes widened in surprise as she tries to look away, Taiga holds Rana's chin and force her to look face to face.
She gets closer to her, we see inside the black sockets of her helm, seeing her changeable monstrous eyes which is a mix of green, red, and blue with black pupils saying:
"Well, you must understand that beating you up is necessary. Because I know you're not the type of person that will negotiate equal terms while in good shape. Especially while using someone else's body. A scammer if I may be honest," she whispers softly in her ears as her breath tingles Rana's ear.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
[Oh hell no she's not! Stay away from her! She's the cutest and most innocent girl ever, blame me! I am the one! Dammit I need to hug Rana right now!]
I scream at her when Rana tried to say something:
"U-um..."
Taiga makes a summoning circle below her and a grandeur obsidian throne appeared and she sits on it. As she widens her legs and leans closer to us saying:
"I want for the Grey Robes to leave the neutral stand, please."
Surprised by her sudden statement, Rana quickly reply:
"I-I'm sorry... I can't, m-my staffs won't s-survive. Unlike y-you... who is mostly w-warriors, my o-organization... Only consist o-of merchants a-and sales worker a-at best. I-I'll be the first target... T-the moment the f-fight... Starts."
"Even if I told you that I can break the contract of your God and send you back home?"
I can feel her smiling behind her helmet as she says:
"Besides my group are not mostly warriors you know. I'm hurt that you think that way. Check out Arnold, he's an asshole minster and he is doing very fine... Too fine in fact as he flex his influence everywhere.
"Uh, I don't think being an asshole is part of a job sis," the boy commented.
Taiga laughs maliciously and yet sounding innocent saying:
"I know, Sova~" she pets him again as the boy called Sova smile adorably.
(Dammit this multiple name is just a hastle...)
A thought finally came to my head,
(Wait a second... After six years she can finally go home. Wha-w-what should I do? No, she made a promise. To me and Tulia that she will succeed in God's trial. Please say what I think you say.)
"Sorry but I can't. I will never let my own interest ruin the people who trust me. Besides I too already made a promise."
[Thank you!]
I scream to Rana trying to hug her when Rubeca holds Rana's cheek saying:
"I see you have assimilated well in this world. That is fine, VERY FINE indeed. To be honest, I don't need you to fight at all, WE will do that. We just need some helping hands with administrative, logistics and some economical aid while also providing financial help from you people. Since that natural born victim gets his hands full all the time somehow. So how's your gold laying goose farm going?"
Arnold looks at Taiga with a disappointed face saying:
"I feel like that's an insult."
"Of course not Arnold. It's a gift which pulls so much profit to you no?"
"Well, I guess I can't argue with that, this glorious fare visage attracts too much attention~"
"Back to topic. Of course, we will also send our guys to protect each of your members too if you want. We have so many reserves that we could repopulate a whole medium country after a devestating loss. Still a no?"
[That's just too convenient. Rana don't be fooled, please!]
(And what the feth, that many reserves!?)
"I- I... I'm sorry b-but can you please j-just let me think?"
I slap my forehead thinking:
(I guess that's good enough).
"Of course but your deadline is today."
"Wha-what...! W-why?"
"You see, with a certain boy now trying to leave this Confederation, away from my safety. Mom and lil sis heading back to the non-existant hometown probably trying to get in the Academy, now I feel quite left out. I guess I have to hasten the plan by a few months if I want to reunite them back, that means today. Sadly I can't begin in the month of Udyromito to make it a coincidence in the history books, truly sad and I have to cancel my vacation too... Here, have this."
She places a cube flip mirror beside her on the table saying:
"You can immediately make private communication with me using that. Let us go then, I can't wait for the good news."
She stands up and the throne vanishes inside the magic circle.
The boy who was about to sit down stands again up saying:
"Y-yes, sis!"
[This is your chance, speak dammit ask her!]
I scream in my mind when Rana finally says:
"T-Taiga... W-won't you p-please let me ask s-something?"
She looks at us saying:
"Since you ask so politely and you help me save him... Well not you but close enough, I'll answer it, take it as a thank you gift."
For some reason I feel she's smiling behind that helm, Rana closes her eyes before opening them again asking:
"T-thank you... I k-know about your plan for an r-revolution. Even if y-you start, do you think you can keep quiet from him?"
"Yea, I can't. So that's why I'm going to face him if he really does show up. But I won't send my man to their death cause I need my manpower for something else you see."
"Wuh w-what? Y-you won't stand a chance R-Rube-"
Taiga closes the distance in an instant, pressing Rana's lips with her index finger saying:
"You're a big-time business women now. So please, try getting the name of your client right, Rana Song. Or should I call you, Ling Xue? Or is it Xue Ling? The pronounciation that reincarnator soul I obliterated say it's the last name first before the first name so Xue Ling it is right? From your home world."
"I-I-I'm sorry T-Taiga, p-p-please forgive me. I-I h-hope... Y-you, don't forget he holds the t-title "W-World Strongest" for nothing."
She backs away while rubbing her neck saying:
"I know, I may not last seconds against him but all that few seconds is all I need to cripple him down at least. It all goes down in the results and luck, to be honest. Humanity will lose some of its potential to finally expand far beyond the frontier but still, if you think he is the world strongest then I guess you really don't fully know this world yet. How long has it been? Six years since your arrival?"
"Uuh, w-what about the O-Ovalon family m-mind shedding some l-light?"
"They are just one of the founding families of the Aologi Empire that rebels against the emperor and got wiped out in the process like 9 years ago. Don't you know that already? I'm pretty sure with someone your calibre you could get some national newspaper or local tribunals from the newly formed United States of Aologi no? I mean the family is not a secret anymore thanks to those stupid Democratic parties stealing the internet program and satellite codes for theire so called "Manifesting Destiny" plan."
"S-so sorry, b-but that's not what I want to h-hear. What happened t-to the last member. W-what do you p-plan to do to h-him, to Sova? Or S-Sawyer?"
"I see so you made him told you. Well... He's now on a trip, with a tiny companionship, whisking through the world, to the west shores~" Taiga sings a tune.
"W-what?" Rana asks in confusion.
"Ah, I kinda miss that show... I guess I'm just going to make him fulfil his long lost legacy that his parents left him with. So that he could help our species."
"H-huh?"
Ignoring Rana's confusion she continues saying:
"This time, maybe I should let him grow on his own and leave him be without my influence anymore for now, I just hope he meets with lil sis fast and stays safe. I'm curious to what he will become."
(This is why I hate asking her, she will always give truthful and yet such a vague answer that leaves to more questions).
Rana looks down saying:
"H-how d-did you even became like t-this?"
Staring blankly at Rana, her sockets dims. The aura emanating from her begins to become malicious.
(Dammit, did she ask the wrong question?)
She Summons the throne once more and sits, leaning closer to us once again.
The eyes in her helmet suddenly starts to glow, so bright it shines the surrounding red. Taiga leans closer to Rana's face saying:
"Rana I actually have to say to ya aboot saving dat coward..."
She suddenly grabs a hold of Rana's face and grips it tightly. Taiga's eyes shine bright red as her hair all turn jet black, her tiger helmet face turns into more of expression of fury. In pain Rana screams:
"Aaa-"
Her scream was halted when she tightens her grip as I feel her pouring in her malicious powers to prevent Rana from using her magic. I could hear Rana's skull cracking when Taiga shouts:
"I frucking curze ye from the bottom of me heart ya fucking whore! I will say it over and over again till I fuck your ears up with my wordz alone and skull fuck all that you hold dear you twat! I will chase ya until ye fucking turn into a cum dumpster for de pathetic Uzari and die while I record it and send it to yer so-called loyal fans. Ye hear me!? You-"
Taiga suddenly loosen her grip and I feel her draining away all the dark power she pours into Rana's body before she backs off, covering her mouth and shakes her head when the glow stops and her hair return to a mix colour, she continues saying:
"P-please forgive me Rana, I-I let you see something pathetic, I'll let you hear one of my past that change as compensation and I don't mind if you share it too and that goes for you too Arnold."
Using this chance Rana healed her self again. And look away when Taiga kneels down, trying to look at her face to face. And Arnold reply saying:
"Hey come on, I may be some asshole, but I'm not ungrateful enough to betray you."
Taiga shakes her head saying:
"Sure and Forgive me Rana, let me tell you this story, it's for saving him from my terrible, terrible mistake and selfish desire."
Taiga leans back to her throne crossing her leg saying:
"Once upon a time, there lives a young, brutish, smug yet cunning girl that can feel no physical pain, her icon was her green hair and eyes that are not normal for her kind, she was feared by those bigger than her for she has a stare that is compared to a hunter to the hunted.
Every day her life was consist of experimentation, modification, and transformation with a touch of punishment every time she uses her brain to use. But in the end, she was set free, free into the heavily modernised city with flying metals that carry people, huge towers that block the sun, and giant metal man that sometimes fly, walk and swim. She was lost on what to do with the new freedom she never knew she had.
But, one man showed her the way along with a kindness which led her to a great adventure and journey, that will lead to bonds with friends and family in her new home, the darkness that eclipses the world along with the light that blinds it. A path of carnage and betrayal, a path of joy and pain, the unending corruption that will soon lead to her head rolling down the wooden plank. Where she will be given a new life and a path she still walks to this day.
This is the story of how her life was changed for the better or worse, the story of how she met that man..."
Sova sits tight near Taiga as his blood red eyes sparkle in delight, Arnold sits beside me as he takes his notes and pen as he ready to jolt the story down, while Rana sits in an awkward position since she can't move. We focus and listen, she continues saying:
*********************************************************
"The girl sleeps in her empty cold floor, nothing but the warmness of her hands to accompany by. The girl awakens when the huge door slides open, and multiple man in white coming in droves along with some man done in weird black armour moves on his own.
As usual, they start from using their long collar sticks by her neck, then continuing to her arms and forced her to stand. With metal sticks coated with weird light, they surround her as they take her away.
She thought this is the usual "Checkup" or "Healing Therapy" they call it.
But instead, she saw the fear in their eyes not from her but from something else, she was told to sit with a man across each other, which is a first. She smiled thinking:
(No matter what happens, she was confident that by combining her brains and brawns she will make it out alive).
When she enters, this man was unlike any other she has ever seen. From his posture that sends out feelings of dominance, his brown clothes that showcase the medals that hang in his broad chest, not to mention the atmosphere that this room has changed the moment she enters and the demeanor he had shown without looking at her, it has no fear, no remorse, and no mercy.
It was new to her, she never felt so in her life, each and every one of her instinct screams to run away from this man. She starts to do something she never does, she backs away with one step. But the man with the sticks push her in and starts to run away with the man in white as they slide the doors close in a hurry.
(Is this the final measure? Did they finally found a way to pacify me? What will I do now with such an unknown feeling inside me?)
She thought as she realizes her predicament and tried to find a solution. This was not the first time she was in trouble. She was the master of troubles, so much so she has gotten used to the patterns, rule, and setups they made for her every time and she would thwart it. But this time it's different.
The girl with no option left approach quietly in all four. Yet, the man still sits there quietly as he hangs his head low, his eyes shadowed by the light from above making it hard to see through even his balding head, his hands folded as his legs were crossed. His body was huge that it dwarves her, so much so that she is probably just the size of his arm.
The savage girl and the huge man stayed with their distance. They stayed like that for minutes when the man finally flinches and the girl, like a wolf back into a corner, strikes first. She jumps and pounces on quick with her feet and arms, but the man just simply stands and bounce her off with his broad chest, sending her flying to the corner of the room as she hits her head hard.
The girl back away in panic, she felt no pain, she felt no need to stop moving but no matter what she thinks or did, she can't muster the strength to move forward for some reason but instead drag herself away further. Paralyzed by the new feeling she never knew she harbours.
The beast of a man started raising both his arms high. The girl finally remembers the words she used when in trouble.
(It was FEAR that has taken over her).
He started to open his mouth saying:
"*Yaaaaawn* whew~ that was some nice nap I haven't had for nearly a decade, maybe coming here was a good idea after all- No, no, no, no, that's bad attitude for a mighty Hero!"
Confused the girl stayed in the corner crawled up like a ball when she realizes blood is dripping from her head as it flows through her face. She didn't care, for she can't feel pain and it usually heal fast.
But when the man finally looked at her, he walks quickly with heavy steps he makes from his huge feet. Each thump he made drives the girl to run away to the sliding door, she scratches the door with her fingernails as it starts to break and bleed. But she didn't care and still tried to crawl and still try to dig her way out...
[I guess you could say she couldn't think straight in this panic]
The man gets closer to her and finally cast his shadow over the tiny girl. She stops her effort and looks back at the man, she hangs her head low and says the word she vows to never say:
"I'm s-so-sorry..."
Yet the man simply replies:
"Why? Instead don't you think you need medical attention now?"
He kneels down with his hulking body as he tries his best to hold the girl's hand softly saying:
"Come on, let's just get you healed."
She not realizing what this man is doing quickly pulls her hand away screaming:
"Who the hell are you!? And leave me alone, I already said that word..."
"I can't do that little girl, you are my daughter, and I'm your biological father!"
He points himself with his thumb, smiling confidently as she sees his white teeth sparkle for a moment.
"Whot!?"
He backs off and strikes weird poses as he continues saying:
"The man, The myth, The legend, Daniel Gremons be my name!"
He makes a weird pose with his final sentence where he brings his arms together across his abdomen and rips his top uniform showing his ripped body.
[Of course, she was... Uhum, totally speechless.]
(Him a hero? Someone who has achieved the height of human superiority? The person who has etched their name in boring history? This man? This buffoon? This weird man of a gorilla!? Wait but the fact that I felt fear from him is enough proof... I still cannot acknowledge him!!!)
"Ah! Nooo! The general uniform... Jora will get so mad at me- Wait! That is not important, what is important is that we get your hands to some treatment little girl!"
He talks to himself before he gets closer to the girl. The girl terrified by what he is going to do backs away to the door screaming:
"Noooo! Stay away from me! You are no father of mine!"
"That is harsh! But, no matter. You're coming with me, young lady."
"No! How did you even become a hero! I refuse to believe such!"
"How I become one huh? Ha ha ha ha, I'll tell you a story then little girl but first... MEDIIIC!!!"
The door suddenly tries to slide open, the girl backed away when it was suddenly cut open and kicked. People in white with a huge symbol of red leaves with six fingers in their clothes come jumping in saying:
"Hut hut hut!"
And started to open huge boxes. They hold her hands and she tried to brush them off but the man shakes his head saying:
"They are trying to help you. Give them a chance, please. They are my personal and best doctors around."
When she decides to quiet down, they started applying a weird gel and bandage starting from her head before each of her fingers with the utmost care, but she didn't even know since she can't feel it.
The man seeing things going as he wants sits on the chair and it quickly broke, so he just crosses his leg and sits infront of the girl. Following his words as he begins to tell his tale.
"You see little girl, I think it started when I was a boy the same age as you, I too am inspired by tales of heroism our Empire makes. Like the tales of the first emperor, Owl Loki, the mad scientist of the first millennium, James Louis, and the first man mad enough to ride his greatest creation, the Uniomech, Roderic Hughes.
So much so that I like to play with my dad in the backyard pretending to be a hero as he would pretend being my mech saying:
"You keep showing such bravery my son and one day you'll be a hero one day. You show that courage and honour and one day you'll be a hero one day."
A word of cheers and courage feels me to the brim. And so, here I am, a full fledge Hero of the Empire."
He points at himself with his thumb as he smiles confidently and a glimmer appears.
Yet, the girl only listens in silence as she hangs her head low. She can't help but smile, before long started laughing estaticly to see the resemblance that she can't help to contain her self in.
The man confused quickly asks:
"What's wrong little girl is there something funny I'm supposed to laugh?"
She looks with the man with a huge smile on her face as she realizes if she can't beat this man in strength than maybe with words she will.
"Well, you know, the same thing happens to me, surprisingly~"
"Really, Little girl?"
"Yes, those man in white told me that I was a failure, that I was stupid and good for nothing. That I would end up as a useless piece of trash of an experiment... And here I am, unwanted and was expelled on every school I enter. They called me a monster, that I was different, that I don't belong in their society, that I am an anomaly, my own classmates would start destroying my stuff, take away my belongings, they would say bad stuff behind me without even lowering their voice, the first friend I made would even join them so they wouldn't be prosecuted and no one would defend me..."
The girl looks up as she reminiscent about her thoughts lately as she grows, the man eyes widened asking:
"Little one, I..."
She looks back at him saying:
"But, if you're trying to say that what other tell you determines your future, then you can shove your words back up your ass suck it up! Cause to joules with that! That kind of lesson is stupid! I would never let what anybody said determine what I'm gonna be or what I'm gonna do! I'm gonna show them that I am no failure, that I am a no trash, that I am the one who will choose my own path and destiny! And soon one day I too will become a Hero that will make them lick my feet for mocking me!"
"Hahahaha..."
He covers his eyes as she sees a drop of water slides down. The man stayed in silence as the girl finally realize she has won in this conversation. The smug in her face grow bigger as she was still being cared.
"Mwa ha ha ha, I win you oversized brute!"
She points at him with her smug getting bigger and bigger each second she stands when he suddenly smiles an even bigger smug then her's and she realize where her smug came from...
He put his hand down while pinching his moustache saying:
"That is a very adorable smug there little girl."
"Huh?"
"Yea, I guess you're right, that is a stupid lesson there."
"Wait, what!? You're supposed to be in despair! In anguish and In sorow for knowing your life lessons are all naught useless! Show that you lost the battle!"
He strikes a dominant pose which send the girl in panic and look down on her saying:
"Sorry, what battle? All I see is just a kid being honest with her feelings and words. Nothing wrong with that, in fact, I think you should be more honest, it will help you out more."
She tried to stand back up, realizing that her height doen't even reach his knee she brace herself and look at him from below saying:
"Nooo! That is the wrong response! You're nothing like the man in white who ran with their tails between their legs when I outmanoeuvre them... Not to be mistaken for these people."
She points at the people tending her. When the man simply replies:
"Yea, that's cause I'm not those brainiac heartless freaks."
When the people suddenly leave bringing their boxes and jump out the door for some reason, the huge man suddenly sweeps the girl in his arms, crushing the girl between his arm and body as he hugs her saying:
"Say little girl do you have a name?"
"I have, it's number 2."
"That's a dull and stupid name, henceforth you shall be call, Ruth Gremons for your ruthlessness on the pursuit of something that's not even there when I read your reports and now."
"I feel like you're mocking me."
"Don't! But listen Ruth, no matter what people say to you... It's never too late to do something different. As you said, you will make your own destiny."
She looks up at the man, saying:
"Well, at least you're understanding... But, I'm still not going to call you father though."
"Yea, I kinda understand. In time you will. I will make you call me papa or pops... Wait, that is for grandpas."
The huge man carried her out of the room and finally she could see the sun once more."
********************************************************
We were all so engrossed in her story as everyone focuses, from Sova wagging his pink tail and wiggling his ear as his eyes shine brightly, Arnold jolting down everything he heard till I see pages of papers and we are still sitting in this weird position.
She stood up and unsummon the throne saying:
"And that's all for your questionnaires and story time little kids. I think that's how it goes anyways. I mean I don't actually remember every tidbit of that event sadly but you know what Rana?
I'm quite grateful and refreshed that you decided to not use your gifts against us in the middle of the story time. If you do, I have no choice but to break your neck and turn you mute Forever with my powers.
"Huh? Wu... Wha-" before she could finish.
Taiga Press her finger against Rana's lips once more, she leans her face closer to her until the nose of the helmet almost made contact saying:
"Thanks, I think I feel a little bit refreshed that I manage to rest a little, I'll be waiting then. Don't let me down Star Siren~ what was it? Dream up and channel love and peace?"
Rana blushes so red that an Olanum looks pale in comparison. Taiga holds Rana's stomach when I could feel a ridiculous amount of qi just poured inside her.
"Mmph... Pwah!"
Rana muffled in her scarf softly when all her gates open and she holds her scarf tightly.
(Ah! That's so cute! Oh, wait, she could finally move again!)
She lifts her hand easily and turns away as her long cape flutters and I see Sova making what appears to be what the Eclipse Empire called Akanbe before both of them disappear behind Taiga's cape...
[Why does he do that? And that is just too weird and looks adorable somehow].
Whatever it is, it's good for us. I look at Arnold as he rests his head on his hand saying:
"Sorry Rana, I have to abide by my promises. Well, at least you survive somehow, to be honest I-"
His words were cut short when Rana suddenly punched him in the face. So fast that I wasn't able to realize it happen-
(Dammit, how does he dodge!?)
"Wo-wo-whoa, hold on for just a moment there sazzy, please don't pummel my luscious grand handso-"
*smack*
"Mwuo."
"I... H-hate you..." Rana says with teary eyes.
"Ow... I guess I deserve that."
He says in a weird squeaky voice, still sitting calmly like he didn't take any damage. Rana backs off and starts chanting the spirit gate. Arnold rubs his nose saying:
"Hey, before you leave... If you really wanna know more about the Ovalon family, then you better find the Hero of Rebellion, he seems to know about the Ovalon too well. After all, they're the one who summoned and train him."
Rana turns around, grasping her missing right arm saying:
"H-him huh..." and disappear.
I'm glad this is over... But at what cost really? This supposedly easy expedition went like this because of me, I should really beg her forgiveness when I meet her in my body.
[Time to initiate the hugs of forgiveness in hopes that she will forgive me]
**********************************************************************************
The scenes change quickly as if someone presses the fast forward button.
My right leg suddenly stops working and force me to kneel. But when my knee almost reach the ground, Sova quickly grabs onto me and place my arm on his small shoulders. He rubs his head under my chin saying:
"Don't worry sis I got you."
I decided to summon my obsidian throne and he helps me sit in this empty room. I open my helmet when Sova stands beside me, asking:
"Are you okay sis? Your face is falling off."
I hold my damaged left eye when black skin fell to the ground before disintegrating to black dust. I raise my hand signifying I'm fine saying:
"It's okay. If I'm not fine then my body will either heal due time or just collapse until it does."
Sova looks down as he bits his lips, holding my hand's tight saying:
"Please don't say that! Even if you can't feel pain, I'm still very worried for you. Didn't you just tell that you let someone help you heal! Then let me help you too!"
He starts pouring his qi for me and I ruffled his hair saying:
"I see, aren't you just the sweetest little boy~? But if there is something I have to worry about is keeping the us suppressed now and how I lost the gift you work so much to get."
When Sova suddenly blushes to hold the part where I caress saying:
"T-that's not fair if you say and pet me like that all the time..." puffing his cheeks as he said that.
The air around the room shifts when I realize someone has arrived. I look into the darkness when multiple figures appeared from the darkness, doning the executive tiger mask as they walk closer.
I lean back crossing my legs with my left on top saying:
"As I said, tell me in person. So who's first?"
The first one is a slim man wearing all black and a fancy jet black long coat. With his face still covered by the mask, yet you can see his dark skin and some scars poking through the gap in his black suit. So he's still wearing that coat huh? Maybe I should give him something new...
(Wait, Since it looks good on him maybe I should just improve it.)
"Ah, Uncle Jora you're being very diligent as always, very good."
He and two others bow down, Uncle Jora looks at me saying:
"I've delivered the message you wrote, retrieve the renegades, recruit some promising youngster from the southern yellow rooster's rebellion and help cleanse the Purple Phoenix Sector's royal road from the breach in the outer layer while we're travelling here. Though most of the renegades are now but in shambles, I'm sorry we can't attain them alive," in a voice that overlaps each other.
I nodded feeling pleased saying:
"Excellent work either way. It makes me wonder why they left? We gave them so much hospitality and even house their sick banish family and cure their lineage curses too..."
"That's what we call ungrateful bastards, you don't need to feel bad Ruth."
"I guess that's true, but I want to try at least. It won't change if we only dream about it. Still, I wonder what triggered them even though their family is still recuperating in our base?"
"I think there is a high chance they were promised from their main family that they would accept them back into the family and forgive all their ancestors crime. It seems the royals has started to go on the offensive."
"Ah, playing with their traditionalist and patriotic hearts is it? Typical Royalties."
When I remember what I count about his time and the numbers she sent and the time of his reports, it conflicted and leaves a few minutes time gap, I continue asking:
"Other than that, nothing extra? Like meeting someone you always wanted to meet? A certain cute boy perhaps?" I ask in curiosity.
He stayed in silent before shaking his head saying:
"No, nothing extra to report Ruth."
I see... He's definitely lying, but I got the feeling this one help me somehow so I smile at him, saying:
"Alright, Since your group is still new, I'll let it slip for now but anything more like that and I'll have to thoroughly crack it down."
His fingers curl to fists saying:
"Y-yes..."
Feeling bad I say:
"If you really want to, you can always just ask me, Uncle Jora. I'll probably help you out somehow with how much you helped me and Pops back then."
He looks up at me surprised even through his mask asking:
"R-really Ruth!?"
"Yes but after we finish this task first and probably after he went back home."
"I-I see then I'm sorry... I manage to meet up with Sova and three more individuals in the streets, telling him to go back to his hometown to learn the truth."
"I see, I see, as long as you understand and be honest with it, still with the bodies of the renegades still fresh, we can still salvage something. Seems like little Yu owes me more now~"
I smile at his success saying:
"Keep showing this exemplary result okay? Without any of those sneaky extras."
"Y-yes, Ruth."
Another one comes forward, a woman wearing a luxurious jet black dress with an artistic decal of a tiger. Sticking out from all is the black three flower hair pins made from fine linen that has been ragged through time, that is hanging on her long navy blue hair.
(It seems they are all pretty good at keeping things, I'm glad).
She and three other bows down. She opens her mask to reveal a stunning woman in her twenties saying:
"I have good news and bad news, which do you wish to hear?" in an alluring voice.
I quickly say:
"Good news please."
"Very well. We have finally cleanse most of the Reliquary from any taint of monsters today, while also sealing off the breach in the Purple Phoenix Amethyst Palace, their capital sector of Feiyang and the other minor sectors like the blue swans, the white rabbits, the yellow roosters or chickens and other minor sectors while also managing to seal the recently breach Northern Relinquary Treasury below the arena recently."
"Good... Wait a minute, Most? And Amethyst Palace? Did somebody open the exchequer, seals and vaults inside Yuwei's Sector and palace?"
"It seems so. We coincidentally met that boy and somebody else in the streets like our informant tell you about-"
Uncle Jora suddenly stares at her when she just continues saying:
"When our men seal it off, seems like he got some upgrades along the way while there are traitors inside here and there inside the palace but here is the bad news. When we finally reach the core of the Reliquary there is an unexpected encounter."
"Who and how much did we lost?"
"We met the Fabled {L} in the core along with ten tyrant prime class monsters and multiple Monster king vessels. I suspect they are working together now."
"The Fabled and the Monster king working together? Well, that's a worry some development..."
"While we lost three men while trying to escape, we manage to kill three tyrant prime and several- I mean a lot of the monster king's vessel in the process."
"Seven tyrant primes left, three elites lost and {L} is there too? Still, I'm impressed out of the one hundred elite veteran divisions I send you, you only lost three men? We still have a lot to gain~"
"Well to put it in another term we can't revive the three people anymore, their body has been consumed by the Fabled {L} while trying to buy time, and we manage to sustain along 30,000 dead and revived and 80,000 wounded and healed in the middle of battle but yeah~"
"Dat's better than I expect of ya, Exemplar work all of ye. Sing some of me praises to them brave uns!"
Before I knew it, everyone begins to shrink and cower. I realize I'm now smiling so wide I feel like my lips could reach my ear and seeing a crack shaping like her smile from the reflection of my own armour.
(Dammit, I need to control our habit or they will run rampant like a few days ago).
When something finally reaches my head. I continue saying:
"Yes, this could work. Leave around three to five division there to keep an overwatch on the core, let them know that they must protect the core from afar, engage the monster if it is only necessary and send the others with us.
We need to cause more havoc on the first day with the Central Powers to gain his intention and force the central powers to call him back from the frontier. It seems our clash with the so-called "World Strongest" will be sooner than we expected. I'll need you to call for Maledir's help, can you do it?"
"Of course, your wish is my command... Oh and Rage?"
"Yes?" I ask back.
"I manage to retrieve some items of your fancy while travelling the northern treasury."
"Don't tell me you steal some of the relics there."
She showed a face of pleasure as she holds her chest saying:
"Ahnnn~"
She hugs herself as I see her face full of ecstasy before saying:
"I'm disappointed that you think so low of me Rage, yes more- I mean but no matter," she pulls out two items from thin air.
A glaive I throw down below and the machete that fell when Maybelline strikes my hand. I smile as I take them saying:
"You have done more than I ask. Thank you, Medow."
She smiles saying:
"It is a pleasure. Though I wish you could send me some real gifts to my chambers later when I'm done."
"Sure, just make sure you clean up your own mess and make sure it's "LEGAL" and benefit the people one way or another."
"Ah, yes~ Definitely!"
I nod and look at Sova saying:
"I'll take care of them more carefully from now on."
Sova nods with a wide smile showing his buck tooth saying:
"Okay~ hmmm..."
He looks at me with a curious face while putting his finger on his lips. He ponders before asking:
"Rage?"
I look at him answering:
"That's my new acronym name back when I was forse ro be a Judicas in the Empire once more."
"Oh! I think it's really cool."
I pet his head saying:
"You really are the sweetest." (Just like Sawyer).
When Sova blush, turning his back on me and moving a little away. I close my eyes thinking:
(Just a little more and I'll finish cleaning up the Jade Mantis mess in the Reliquary with the World Strongest help, with his incorruptible pure heart he can't refuse this request since it's "for the people." Just a little more... I will rid this Confederation from its carcass state and usher a new golden age while making a new safe haven for our people. A place where both people with magic and none can forget their bitter past and live in peace. But a little different than the Aologi Empire and the newly United states, where here magic is not banned).
Another one walks forth alone, a modern knight fumbling with his thumbs. Wearing a tactical black knight armour from head to toe with the same black tight suit we all wear inside. He bows down when his helmet split in two and fold inside his armour. Revealing a boy in his teens with short wavy chestnut hair. He looks at the ground without letting me see his face.
(Weird? Dave was supposed to be one of the most confident recruits from the slaves I save from the jade Mantis with Arnold's help. What makes him so nervous now?)
"What's wrong Dave? Did something happen during the extraction?" I ask in curiosity.
He faces me with his teary purple eyes saying:
"Uuh, um, The Guild Master... The Guild Master is now missing somewhere outside Iberos!"
Feeling her surging I can't control it and say:
"Scuse me whot!?"
"I captured and interrogate the Sec Lords that attack her and found out that Multiple Sec Lords collaborated to form a coalition and tried to assassinate her and failed, so they teleported her somewhere else in the last second, hoping to let something else kill her instead. And it seems like Angie got drag alongside her since she was in the middle of a conversation with her too. I-I'm sorry we were too late!"
"Aye..."
I shake my head and hold it deep before sighing and lean forward. Ruffling his soft hair saying:
"That's okay. You tried your best and don't fail me next time okay? Learn from your mistakes and pass, there is still more room for your growth."
"Y-yes, I won't fail you next time, I promise!"
I muffled his wavy hair as I smile at him saying:
"Good. At least you didn't kill the Sec Lords did you?"
He smiles innocently saying:
"Of course we did~ We massacred them like cattle like how they treated our kin when they trick and enslave us during the confusion of the establish laws. You are right, they are so weak clinging into their tradition and refusing to learn the other families technique makes them so easy to exploit. They all fall like moths to a flame when we make them fight their worst combination one by one and make a fake promise that they can go after a fight if they don't die that is."
Feeling the urge again I tried holding it saying:
"*Sigh* well I guess that's okay too. We can always expose their bad deeds and it will be okay but next time you did stuff like that without permission again-"
I grip his head as I hear the sounds of cracks and force him to face me saying:
"I will murder ye! Fer Insubordination and churlish by boiling yer head little boy! Yer lucky for now cause yer not a coward!"
I shake my head and let him go saying:
"S-sorry Dave! I didn't mean to-"
He hangs his head low saying:
"Its okay Ms Ruth, I'm already happy you're giving me a chance by saving me and telling me the truth during the confusion. I'll do the best I can so you won't be disappointed in me again!"
He raises his head as he smiles cheerfully. I ruffle his hair again saying:
"Thank you and besides, you're here because you are one of the few who can be reason with. So don't think too bad of yourself."
(Thingking back, I can't believe I'm now recruiting someone who was once belong to the New Order, my sworn enemy during the civil war).
"Ah! Thank you! Thank you!"
Dave lowered his head as he repeats that. I tried to stop him saying:
"That's enough."
silence and tried moving my right leg. Since I can't feel the pain and it's still working, I decided to stand up.
I unsummon the obsidian throne and continue walking ahead saying:
"Still Poor Angie, always getting into "accidents". Well, that's fine, knowing the Guild Master and Angie, I guess this will halt my progress for a day if unlucky a week. I will have to fight in her place today it seems."
The fact they know that they're too weak to even fight the Guild Master herself and resorted to teleporting her instead. That should cost them an ancient artefact to break through her defences. Another stupid decision that we benefit from.
Another problem that stems to me personally is the fact that Sawyer is accompanied by someone I don't know too well. I just have to trust Yuwei now for guarding him.
(I'm sorry Sawyer but please survive just a while longer, and unite with Sis and mom for now. Just a little bit more and I'll make sure our group will be there for you and hope you may forgive me).
"May the spirits bless you in your journey," I whisper slowly.
Looks like I have to believe in the other gods superstitious to protect him now...
I smile widely saying:
"Still, on the bright side. Ima so gonna have so much fun bringing down de Central Powers on me sorry seal covered boots when all de problems leave me be. This is gonna be so much fun~"
I shake my head to get myself back thinking maybe I shouldn't hold them back for a year.
(But the temptation of spending time personally with both Maybelline and Sawyer is just too much to miss!)
Other than that, luckily Yuwei did the right thing isolating her sector from foreign diplomatic policy two years ago so she doesn't need to follow in this conflict, and the reason she does was because she lacks the nobles after she purge them herself during my training with Sawyer and Maybelline is just too funny to me.
Yet with all of that, she is still not safe from getting traitors from inside it seems. Since we're here, we should help her main sector restoration from the shadows.
Another new problem is that now my sweet lil sis too hates me because of my mistakes. Since I halt them back for a year, now I reap the seeds I sow from my decisions... My personal mistakes just keep piling up and I need to swiftly and carefully relieve my problems. I look to the floor when I realize there are rats crawling away to the holes left in the corners... I close my eyes thinking:
(Maybelline my little sister. Unlike me who was born with In-Born Analgesia. She has hyperthymesia. Means she won't forget all of this at all, she can't. Yet with all her advantages... She is an idiot while also being a trouble maker, only when she is drunk in love and needs a day or two to recover back).
With an addition, a force of habit that literally shakes people for answers when she doesn't know something,
(I wonder where did she get that from?)
I look at Uncle Jora when he turns his head in confusion.
(Don't tell me it's from Uncle Jora...)
Whichever it is, it's still a pain in the ass and many more. She won't believe me when I say Sawyer is alive and decided to pursue what she had left her dreams to become a teacher... With mother by her side, I'm sure she will be fine travelling to the now crumbling Aologi Empire. I should ask Coco to help her out in advance.
(I wonder if I'm still cut out for this? Even Rana who probably is a coward through and theough stick to her policy and duty while here I am endulging my personal request to took the bet and failed miserably).
I shake my head thingking,
(No, mistakes are the mother of success and trials are also the recipe of success).
and nod to myself saying:
"Yet with all of this, my main plans have only been barely scratch in the surface. The personal side plan may fail but the main plan will still commence."
I summon a portal that leads to the Central's Guild Master room when Medow stands on my right saying:
"Everyone is in place and the Black Swans have already surrounded the guild as you plan earlier than they have told it seems."
I smile saying:
"Heeh? They really want their revenge so badly huh? That's fine, I mean they join us for this mission just for that purpose. So I'm going yo let them do the massacre instead."
Uncle Jora appears to my left saying:
"I see, as always. Taking a chance of leasure when there's one huh. Just like your father."
"True, I guess."
I continue to cast in an ancient tongue:
[Onofan Orohumanur Ramezkera Tregindas]
Feeling myself surging with uncontrollable power and surrounded by a black aura, my armour starts to shine in purple light. I wipe the blood Rana left on my right gauntlet and see myself in the reflection. The cracks spreading further, I look ahead and wear my helmet again saying:
"Remember, with this situation, we must finish this before Independence Day. Now, With no one left to pose a threat to this plan. Let the Silent Revolution begin."