"Wa, wa, wa, wait, let me get something first!", Rana says in desperation. The mannequin brought her a weird rectangular box with glass in the middle. When Rana proceeds to press the side of the box, the gears inside start to move. She places the box on the table and then says, "Please repeat that."
I take a huge sigh. When the voice in my head resounds even more I try to ignore it and say, "My real name is Sawyer Ovalon", as soon as I say that the voices stop.
Rana spits piping hot tea in my face. Being wrap like a worm, I was force to take the tea on my face.
"Pleh, pleh. Dammit stop giving me such crazy information! What is it with you and secrets! To think you're the descendants of the Ovalon... Wait a second you're from the empire so... Sawyer Ovalon. Oh, now I know where Sova came from."
"There I paid the end of my bargain, it's time you pay yours," I answer back before getting wiped by the mannequin."
"Yes, yes of course. Ah, I'm so lucky today. Now then let me repeat, you want to know about the confederation and she wants to know why they target her family okay then. Is that clear and okay?"
I nod and Sarah followed suit. Rana coughs *ahem* when the Mannequin brought her the book again. She takes it and opens the book, flipping pages after pages saying, "Con con con-fe-de-ra-tion... There. Well then Sova I'm just going to give you a good gist of what's happening right now okay? If I have to tell you the whole history, it's going to take countless days without sleep. And nobody wants that now do we?"
As I shake in response. She says, "Good. heh heh," and leans on her chair when the book floats away from her hands and she starts to narrate, "In the year 386 AL of the Ligenium calendar, a great dynasty burns to ashes. Ambitious tyranical prince and princesses wages an endless war against each other for the throne thanks to the failed legacy of the first emperor of Rucina. A once great and powerful dynasty that stretches from the eastern fringe of Quta till the western edge of Junoi, is now but a shadow of it's former self as it collapse into a warring state period. Yet a chance and a light of hope came to them, for it is the year the world invasion reaches the ibiros continent. The prince and princesses leave their ambitions and dreams behind to cope the invading forces, creating a indominable front through the Rucina treaty and so the Southern United Rucina's Confederation was born and push back the invading forces. Thousands of years have pass since then and now we reach the current year 2800. What we call the Era of healing or silence. It is the post mortem after the 3rd World War."
"Wait wait wait, there's a third world war recently and I didn't know about it!?"
"I wouldn't be surprise if you don't know. I guess I can explain, I'm guessing even Sarah probably don't know it's called the 3rd world war either, right?"
Rana looks at her only to be replied with, "Please just continue."
"Okay~ I guess I can explain for free. That's because the war started when the Owls fought among themselves like 2 decades ago. It rekindles a great darkness of greed, lust, and hatred in the hearts of the racist kings and rulers. To invade the weaken defense of the Aologi Empire and cause havoc and destruction. The war took place mostly in the Duoem continent and the Ignis Islands. But it involves almost all the countries in the world except the isolated ones. That includes some of the Confederation actually take part in the war for personal gains. They steal and illegally extracting their resources, kidnapping the Owls in the midst of chaos to use as slaves. For the sole reason that almost everyone in the world can accept. They are inferior beings that must be wipe out and caged."
"We are not slaves we are people just like you!" I immediately shout in anger, "Just because we can't use magic doesn't mean we are inferior!" I answer back in retaliation when Rana said that.
"Eep, I'm sorry. It's just that I beg to differ with the common norm. Continuing on, after the war ended. Another monster invasion commence during New Year dawn, coming out of the Apex islands located north east of this continent. You do know the Apex Island right?"
"Yes I do, it's the place where the most dangerous monster resides. It is a very common place for a hero to travel and gain fame, power and stories. Still, a monster's Invasion? In the first month, I was still training by then. What happen?"
"Well luckily you don't need to worry about it. We we're able to stop the invasion thanks to the Baratai treaty between the 3 nation surrounding that island. Of course, some stupid Sector Lord just had a bright idea of using the Apex Expedition to bring monsters inside the city. That's where the monster in the Reliquary came from."
"What? A Sector Lord purposely brings monsters inside the city, why? And if that happened during the new year, doesn't that mean, we the people have been living with monsters in our homes for months now..."
"Sova please just let me explain and stop asking questions. If you want to know more then you have to pay more and be patient," sealing my lips when she said that, I lean back to the chair.
"Now, a certain conflict of civil war is about to begin inside the Confederation too."
Sarah slams the table and say, "Okay, just wait a moment here! A world war just ended last year and another major war is already under way?!"
Rana sighs and begins to tear up, "Why can't you two just let me explain."
Sarah sits down and says, "Sorry. Please continue."
"It's around last month when the Hunter's Guild Leader wants to centralized the power in the Confederation for the sake of stability, improvements in the country and it's people, but the royal families disagree and wants to stay in this semi-independent oligarchy-monarchy state to follow the status quo their ancestors sign in the creation of this Confederation. And so two sides we're created between the conflicts. The Central Powers which consist of the royal families and loyalist of the first emperor while on the other side. The Heroes of the Confederation, consisting of veteran elite hunters, illegal organizations, illegal Martial Artist and the help of the religion state of Spiritnism or whatever you wish to call them."
"Wait just a sec," I interrupted. My heart beats harder and harder as I said that.
"What is it now? If you're asking about the illegal organization it's gonna cost you more," Rana explain sounding irritated.
"You said that my sister Rubeca and you are part of the Heroes of the Confederation. While Yuwei is part of the royal families. Doesn't that means, they are going to fight each other... Families and friends against each other..." When the thought of seeing my family fighting each other I remembered the scene of sis Rubeca trying to kill me and the vision of my family falling apart. The scenes of endless flame burning when my parents died resurface.
Causing me to lean over and look down, sweat begins to appear. My breathing gets harder and heavier when Rana say, "Are you okay? Do not worry. I won't join in the battle field. We may not look like it but my group is a group of traders even when our name and sigil doesn't support it. We are the neutral group if I have to say."
As my vision goes blurry I ask, "Can we just stop there. I need some fresh air. You can tell Sarah about her family now. And can you please release me from this strings."
"Ah right, sorry," saying that she clasp her fist and release me from the strings and feeling my body free. I fall down when Rana continue to say, "Can you please help him out. Take him outside," and the horned mannequin moves, standing infront of me, she gives me a hand.
As I take it and stand up, I look at Sarah. She showed me a face of pity before looking away. I enter the gloomy hallway with a company of one horned mannequin. The mannequin say, "Master Sova or do you wish me to call you Master Sawyer?" she asks.
"Please just call me Sova."
The mannequin nod and say, "Very well Master Sova, please follow me close. We're going down stairs. Actually there is no stairs in this place to be honest, so it should be fine. I heard you have a fear of heights so if anything scares you please let me know."
"Yes I will," I answer back.
As we continue to walk in the hallways full of doors, the sound of our footsteps resound when she stops in the middle and breaks the silence, "Master Sova may I ask you a question that has been floating in my mind?"
"Well I'm not very knowledgeable like Rana, but I'll try my best. If that is okay," I reply.
"That is fine, thank you for letting me ask. If I may know, I heard that you are afraid of heights yet when Rana asks your name just now. You immediately discard your fear and jump outside the window. Do you realize that you are about to jump from a 6th floor and fall into the rocky shores below.
When she said that, goose bumps raise every hair in my body. And I quickly reply, "Wait what! I uh, I don't know, the only instinct that kick in inside me is the words of my aunt telling me that never to reveal my name under any circumstance for some reason, so much so sometimes appearing when I sleep back at home."
The horned mannequin, nods and say, "I see... I think you're having a problem of hypnotism. Not by magic but by pure mind control of your mental state."
"What! Me hypnotize? How is that... No, it might be so. Everything change when I finally left home I wouldn't be surprise to find out what they did to me now," come to think of it didn't Yosova ask me about my name? Why didn't I hear anything? Or maybe it's just effective when they directly ask it?
"Master Sova please cheer up, I am not really an expert at entertainment but I will accompany you in your trip. If there is anything troubling you or something that will make you happy please let me know."
"Yes thank you," when she suddenly nods and opens the door beside her.
Light comes through my eyes, as the warm ocean wind blows through my cheeks. I'm in some kind of wooden bridge leading to another metal door ahead. Where I could hear and smell the sizzling meat beyond, the shore waves and whispers of people enjoying their meal. It Shows off a relaxing and happy atmosphere. I walk ahead first, when I hear the door close behind me. Feeling someone grabbing my shoulder, I look behind to see the horned mannequin making a thinking posture before she sprout an idea.
She suddenly opens her chest making me scream in surprise and takes out a wrapped blanket from the void within. Feeling I know what it is, I immediately take it and feel it pulling me down by the sheer weight. I check the content by peeking inside. It's my armour fixed and shined even though it's kind of covered making it hard to see.
I smiled and say, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she replied when a pink line makes a smile on her blank face.
I followed the bridge's path and ask, "Where is the toilet or place I can wear this?"
"You can find one when you enter the door ahead and go to the right. You should find a staff's break room there."
"Oh, okay thanks. I can't wait to wear this again."
"Agreed," she answers back energeticaly.
Walking ahead and opening the door. I could smell the aroma of delicious meals, and the air is filled with grease, oil and cooked meat. When I see multiple mannequin wearing a chef's and waitress outfit running around left and right, carrying dishes after dishes, plates after plates and some saying hello when they see us. I went to the right, while the mannequin swiftly avoided me and the horned mannequin behind of me. The corridor is white, tainted by yellow, green, orange, and purple. I continue on the corridor filled with doors and can fit around 3 people at once.
When I see a staff room and ask, "Is this it?"
"Yes Master Sova," she answers back.
Opening it, I enter to see it empty. With a shower behind, lockers on the side of this room, and a dining table on the corner right. I place the sack on the table and open it. Only to see something is different about it. My half chest plate shoulders, and chest part has been even and fixed with the perfect symmetry. My different gauntlet's now shining brand new and gleaming, the lenght reaches till the whole arm. I have a new black belt that looks more mechanical. the buckle has the symbol of a heart break in two by an arrow with a small survival bag joined behind accompanied by a survival knife with a brown wood handle. My greaves that has been upgraded looks more thick and covers till my thigh, making me think can this still be called greaves? And a meter long black metal rod with a spiralling white motif that looks like flowers, a hole in the tip, the two sides and the bottom is a pommel that looks like a skull biting a scythe giving it a small edge.
Taking the rod I ask, "What is this? I don't remember owning all of this."
When a pink line was drawn making a smile on the horned mannequin face, she says, "It's a gift and celebration of joining the Grey Robed Reapers. Hooray!" she suddenly takes out a basket of flowers and started circling me spreading flowers around.
"I never join your group in the first place!" I retorted back.
The horned mannequin laughs and stand still, "I'm just joking, please forgive me. It's Grand Master's gift for saying sorry, she modified your armor to suit your skills which mean you can now transform! Like the other High Ranking Hunters."
"Wait? REALLY!!!" I scream in surprise.
"Yes, why don't you try it out? Grand Master told me that you wish to have such armor during your way here. Remember to wear everything if you want to succeed."
"Uh, I don't know if I'm feeling bad that she modified my armor without my permission or happy about this but I'll forgive her if it's awesome."
I quickly wear the armor in order. Firstly wearing the belt, not feeling any weight for some reason. I check the inside of the bag to see the card Aoi gave me and a new salve inside. When I check the chest plate to see it's still open the same way, I check inside to see that it has a longer back that protects my spine. Wearing it I feel my spine getting touch and my shoulders both fully protected. With the greaves next, I try putting the greaves on when it split in two and combine together as it cover both my leg in succession. And finnaly my different gauntlets. My sister's gauntlets now fits perfectly in my left arm and slides in easily as my other gauntlets. With my sister's gauntlets being bigger, it forms into some kind of shield on my hand. This is amazing... Wait.
"How do you transform actually? Like do you say something or what?" I ask.
"Simply wish for it in your head. Do not worry it will all be fine," she answers back.
Closing my eyes, I think transform! Suddenly I feel my spine being grabbed tighter. My armour begins to moves and circle around me. Opening my eyes I see the armour is creating a mechanical sound, covering my face protruding from my shoulder and begins to engulf my head from top and bottom. Encased in total darkness, suddenly everything becomes clear. I can see everything.
The horned mannequin points me to a mirror across the room between the showers and I went there immediately. My speed is becoming so fast I arrive in seconds. I can move my body like I'm not wearing any armour except the feeling of my spine being grabbed for a while. Looking at myself, I'm what you now call a grey knight in the hero's stories. I totally forgive you Rana. My helmet now haves a purple line determining my eyes. My full body armour now too haves Purple lines all over, outlining the new pauldron on both shoulders with the left one being bigger. New faulds that kind of fuses with my waist and thighs. I look amazing, when I see my chest part with a small plate covering my neck to open and show a dark purple crystal in the shape of a heart split by an arrow, wrap in some grey steel cage. I think of removing the helmet. When my vision goes dark and the helmet fold back inside the armour.
I look back to see the mannequin still standing there. She asks, "What do you think we have our best smiths work them in hour rush hour."
"This this is perfect, more than I can ask for. I love it!" a different mechanical voice came out. Smiling with pure excitement just like receiving a present. When I continue to say, "Even my voice has change this is truly amazing!"
When I say that the horned mannequin holds her cheeks blushing to say, "Aw, you're making me blush," circling her toe in the floor. I went back to the table and look at the rod.
When I hold it I can feel a great emptiness inside as if it's trying to absorb something... The horned mannequin says, "That is a retractable spear design after your previous one. Grand Master told me that you are quite exceptional with the spear and so we gave you a better one a pole arm where you can make a pole axe, a pole hammer, a scythe and et cetera. You can extend and retract it by pressing the button in the back and handle with a total length of 2 meters."
I try doing what she says. Seeing the button is in the middle I put it away from my face and extend it. To see it working perfectly. I feel relieve and started weaving the Qi around me. I create a spear blade on the tip and on the side, an axe to make a pole axe combo. Dissipating the blades, I walk to the middle of the room where there is no obstacle and decided to test the weapon. Spinning it back and forth and trying different stances and boosted with the lightness of the armour it all feels natural.
"How did you make all of this? And why is it me? What do you gain by giving me all of this?" I ask in surprise and doubt.
"It is all trade secret but if I have to guess. I guess Grand Master wants to curry favour from you. She said something in the lines of an eerily similar soul if I remember correctly," she makes a silence gesture as the mannequin smiles.
"Oh yea, that's right," taking a huge sigh, I finally relaxed and smile happily. I say, "Okay I guess let's get some fresh air I feel so much better now. Thank you this will help me a lot in my way home and can you please lead the way?"
"Of course Master Sova. I'm happy to know my decision makes you happy. Please, follow me."
Saying that. She opens the door to reveal Sarah blocking the door.
"Sarah I..." I tried to say something.
She raises her hand up gesturing me to stop. She walks closer to me and say, "It's okay. You don't need to say that anymore."
I reply, "So you forgive me? I promise I'll be someone better."
"No, I will never forgive you, I guess I didn't know your circumstances either. And I'll frank, you act like I'm your girlfriend or something please stop it. It's gross," she replied back in an instance.
"Oh... I see. I'm sorry," is the response I could give back with the sudden statement and change of speech she gives.
"But, since you're willing to change, I guess I'll reconsider it. When you do change that is," she smiles and looks away.
I smiled back and say, "Really, thanks I'll try my best," it's better than being hated, I thought to myself.
She look back at me and say, "Since I know more about your true self, I guess I can trust you and be more honest with you now. Sawyer~," she smiled innocently before walking to the door.
"Hey, wait a second please don't call me that," I hold her shoulder as I stop her.
"NO PROMISES ARE MADE. So I heard you want to go take some fresh air?" she asks back and still smiling innocently.
I take a huge sigh, before letting her go and say, "Yeah, let's go."
The horned mannequin smiled and says, "... Good to see you reconcile, now please follow me."
The horned mannequin goes outside and started went to the left. I put place the rod in side of the belt when it sticks on automatically. Wow I thought to myself and followed suit when Sarah walks first infront of me. I fully equipped myself with the helmet as we walk, hearing the mechanical sound engulfing my head. Seeing the view becoming clear and more refine and I could now hear farther. I pass through the white hallway with the other mannequin avoids us. I smell the sweet scent of food lingering on the air. And I hear the sound of clatter and whispers as we pass.
Sarah look at me and say, "Wow Sawyer, look at you, showing off your new armour. Good for you."
"I know!" I say sounding excited. "Well it's not really new since they just modified it. But it's really great above all. Did you get anything else from Rana?" I ask back.
"Not really, I guess you could call this garment and cleaning me up her gift," she answers back.
As I gaze at her small stature, looking at her red blood dress and pink tail with a red ribbon tied on it, swaying around as she walks. She suddenly blush and says, "Why are you staring at me like that? You're being very rude, please stop. Especially when you wear a helmet, you creep."
"I thought you said I can look at you whenever I want," I say in response.
"HUH?" she replied in an angry tone.
"So what happen to your family?" I ask.
She look infront and say, "Turns out I misunderstood. The one that attack my family is not the Grey Robes Reapers but the Black Tiger Triads, dressing to be them in order to force them into the fight. Let's just say more political stuff. I guess that just say how much nobles are worth in the eyes of those who hold power..."
"I'm sorry to hear that, if you need something let me know so I can help," I say confidently.
"Sova, I know you're a good guy but please just stop saying that infront of me."
"But I'm behind you."
She looks at me with a puffed up cheeks while blushing, "Shut up don't take things too literally you idiot, you get what I mean!"
"I'm starting to miss the previous you..." I answer as I slouch down.
"Oh please, I can assure you that there is no such thing as a girl that sweet! I mean to be honest you, they are called bitches. You should be very careful with a girl who acts like that in the first place you idiot, they prey on nice guys like you. Of course with an addition of being cute they will just add that as icing on a cake. And throws you away when you go broke and leach you off till you are nothing but a husk of a sad pathetic life. Be grateful!" she puffed up her flat chest as she says that.
"Sarah, since you're going to be more honest now... Can I ask you something?"
She folded her arms and nods her head saying, "Of course, of course junior you can ask anything."
"Can you tell me what you're going to do when you follow me if I never actually run away from your request?"
"I was planning of acting all fluffy fluffy infront of you and use you for my purposes of course. There is no way I'm doing all that act for nothing you idiot."
"I... Really don't want to talk about this."
"Then shut about it."
"I'm glad you're getting along pretty nicely," the mannequin says, looking back as she smiles.
"I don't think we are," I comment back.
"Why aren't we are? Sawyer~" Sarah smiled back innocently.
I sigh again when I say, "At least can I call you Saya? Your real name at least. Since you've been calling be by my name."
"Why don't you do so? Sawyer~. Oh and if you do call me, please add Senior on it," she answer back in a happy manner.
"Okay, Senior Saya... I really feel weird about this."
Saya jumps and pats my back to say, "Don't! Senior here will help you out... Hey, now it's my turn to ask you something. Sova about your name, is it really that bad to not let people know? I mean Rana won't tell me anything because I need to quote a quote 'Pay more'," she says while looking irritated.
"To be honest, I don't really know the full extent. I mean if my aunt would go so far as to hypnotize me for it and Rana spitting drinks at my face... It's pretty bad."
She shows a smug face and says, "Heh, I guess that's true. Say Sawyer, the one who should say sorry is not you, it's me for being..." she says as her voice becomes harder to hear, "Never mind that. You should be less selfless... What are you trying to do now? Like do you even have a plan?"
"Sadly no, I was hoping Rana can bring me home but I don't even know how mu-"
"YEA! IS THAT ALL YOU GOT. YOU SUCK FOR SOMEONE WHO ASK FOR A CHALLENGE!" a familiar loud women voice rings through the corridor.
I look to the cross road where the sound came from, when the horned mannequin says, "Ah, that is our special guest who comes to dine every month," she makes a wondering gesture when she continue to say, "Though I don't remember a women being one of them though..."
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I immediately say, "Please bring me to them, I know that voice."
"I see, would you please follow me. I wonder if it's okay to disrupt a VIP room..." she says touching her chin when she leads us.
Following suit, Saya followed behind me. Walking past the greasy atmosphere and countless mannequins we arrive to a steel door with a black glass panel on the side. I could hear the sound of people having fun inside. The horned mannequin looks at me and asks me once more, "Are you sure? Who might this person you speak off?" she ask.
"Someone I need to arrive home quickly. Please open it up."
She bows and says, "Very well."
She places her hand in the black glass panel. The door slides open and a giant fish flew went pass my head. It Hits the wall behind me and slide down with orange insides. I look inside to be surprised. I could see a giant opulent and imperial like room with a big round table in the middle. It is laid out with already finished plates and countless stacks of wooden mugs. The room is decorated with a anchors, skulls and fishes on the room walls and no window on sight.
"Oh yes! The next wave has arrived. Place it in the table waitress!" she screams on top of the table in high spirits while grappling a robust man that almost look unconscious.
"No! Moriz you're our last hope don't give up so easily. Win! This is the last round!" another man screams at the man being grappled.
"HA HA HA HA! I think you misunderstood. I ordered not one, not two, but five yurn tale exquisite wines!" she screams as she smiles deviously at them.
"Th- that's... You can't do that. Moriz is done for!" another man screams.
When I could hear the man clutched man burping and says, "Uuuuuuh, I-I can still *burp*."
"Ha ha ha! You're doing great your majesty. You can never win against her majesty you fools. Ha Ha Ha Ha!" an old man in full plate armour laughs in high spirits.
The women that screams stands around 6 feet, she has a jade white skin, a slim figure and looks like in her twenties. Long dark indigo purple hair with a mixed of lime green and Apricot orange reaching till her waist and the amethyst hair ornament that acts as a holder for the bun on her right side of her head. She has a sharp eye with the same colour of her hair, long eyelashes and natural red lips accompanied by a red face, indicating she's drunk. Wearing the same outfit sis Rubeca wears during our exams but without the rubber corset and the revealing long V-neck in exchange of a large red sash with a purple phoenix in it. The clothes make her emphasize the outline of her body. She is what you call a sensational beauty or whatever May calls her.
When she looks at me and stops laughing. The others followed her and their face suddenly turns gloomy and terrified, and the old man in full plate armour say, "Okay. I'm sober now."
"Dammit, it's a Guardian!" a man scream from behind.
"Guard, what's the meaning of this? It's supposed to be our free time," the old man in full plate armour asks.
"What? I thought it's your idea old man," the women replied back.
When I raise my arm, one of them immediately throws a wooden chair at me... It's slow. Grabbing the chair, I put it down when another man suddenly appear infront of me and make a slow straight punch. I duck and raise my head quickly, headbutting the man in the chin and leaving him unconscious. When everyone backs away giving us more distance.
I quickly look at the women when her face suddenly goes upset, she drops the clutched man as her hair begins to catch in indigo flames similar to Aoi's. I say to her, "Sis Yuwei, for once I'm actually very happy to see you."
When all of them got a surprise on look their face and look at her. She looks at everyone beneath her and looks at me again. She tilted her head and everyone exclaims, "Sis?" in confusion.
Ah! That's right. The vision around me darkens and my helmet folds down to my shoulders. I look at her and say once more, "Sis Yuwei, I'm so happy to see you here!"
Her face suddenly turns blue and she screams, "SO-SOVA!!!"
"Wa, wa, wa, wait, let me get something first!"
Rana says in desperation. The mannequin brought her a weird rectangular box with glass in the middle. When Rana proceeds to press the side of the box, the gears inside start to move. She places the box on the table and then says, "Please repeat that."
I take a huge sigh. When the voice in my head resounds even more I try to ignore it saying:
"My real name is Sawyer Ovalon", as soon as I say that the voices stop.
Rana spits piping hot tea in my face. Being wrap like a worm, I was force to take the tea on my face.
"Pleh, pleh. Dammit stop giving me such crazy information! What is it with you and secrets! To think you're the descendants of the Ovalon... Wait a second you're from the empire so... Sawyer Ovalon. Oh, now I know where Sova came from."
Sarah looks down at her feet slowly whispering:
"Thank you... (But to be honest What's so special about the Ovalon? I mean K never heard of it...)
Rana looks at Sarah saying:
"Well that's what so special, they are one of the nobles in the Aologi Empire... Which if you want to know then you can pay more."
"Ugh..."
Sarah replies softly when I look at Rana saying:
"There I paid the end of my bargain, it's time you pay yours," I answer back before getting wiped by the mannequin."
"Yes, yes of course. Ah, I'm so lucky today. Now then let me repeat, you want to know about the confederation and she wants to know why they target her family okay then. Is that clear and okay?"
I nod and Sarah followed suit. Rana coughs *ahem* when the Mannequin brought her the book again. She takes it and opens the book, flipping pages after pages saying:
"Con con con-fe-de-ra-tion... There. Well then Sova I'm just going to give you a good gist of what's happening right now okay? If I have to tell you the whole history, it's going to take countless days without sleep. And nobody wants that now do we?"
She winks at me and I shake in response. She smile saying:
"Good, heh heh," and leans on her chair when the book floats away from her hands and she starts to narrate saying:
"In the year 386 AL of the Ligenium calendar, a great dynasty burns to ashes. Ambitious tyranical prince and princesses wages an endless war against each other for the throne thanks to the failed legacy of the first emperor of Rucina. A once great and powerful dynasty that stretches from the eastern fringe of Quta till the western edge of Junoi, is now but a shadow of it's former self as it collapse into a warring state period. Yet a chance and a light of hope came to them, for it is the year the World Invasion reaches the ibiros continent. The princes and princesses leave their ambitions and dreams behind to cope the invading forces, creating a indominable coalition through the Rucina treaty and so forth, the Southern United Rucina's Confederation was born and push back the invading forces. Thousands of years have pass since then and now we reach the current year 2800. What we call the Era of healing or silence. It is the post mortem or post-war depending where you live after the 3rd World War."
Confused I rebut saying:
"Wait wait wait, there's a third world war recently and I didn't know about it!?"
"I wouldn't be surprise if you don't know. I guess I can explain, I'm guessing even Sarah probably don't know it's called the 3rd world war either, right?"
Rana looks at her only to be reply with:
"Please just continue."
"Okay~ I guess I can explain for free. That's because the war started when the Owls fought among themselves like 2 decades ago and if we're counting the preparations and the seminal fall that is far more years. The civil war rekindles a great darkness of greed, lust, and hatred in the hearts of the racist kings and rulers.
They plan to invade invade the weaken defense of the Aologi Empire and cause havoc and destruction. The war took place mostly in the Duoem continent and the Ignis Islands where the Aologi Empire strecth. But, it involves almost all the countries in the world except the isolated ones. That includes some of the Confederation actually taking part in the war for personal gains. They steal and illegally extracting their resources, kidnapping the Owls in the midst of chaos to use as slaves. For the sole reason that almost everyone in the world can accept. They are inferior beings that must be wipe out and caged."
"We are not slaves, we are people just like you!" I immediately shout in anger, "Just because we can't use magic doesn't mean we are inferior!" I answer back in retaliation when Rana said that.
"Eep, I-I'm... S-sorry..."
Rana covers her face with the book before she peeks out saying:
It's just that I beg to differ with the common norm with society now. Continuing on, after the war ended. Another monster invasion commence during New Year dawn, coming out of the Apex islands located north east of this continent. You do know the Apex Island right?"
I ponder and remembered replying:
"Yea I do, it's the place where the most dangerous monster resides. It is a very common place for a hero to travel and gain fame, power and stories. Still, a monster's Invasion? In the first month, I was still training by then. What happen?"
"Well luckily you don't need to worry about it. We we're able to stop the invasion thanks to the Baratai treaty between the 3 nation surrounding that island. Of course, some stupid Sector Lord just had a bright idea of using the Apex Expedition to bring monsters inside the city. That's where the monster in the Reliquary came from."
"What? A Sector Lord purposely brings monsters inside the city, why? And if that happened during the new year, doesn't that mean, we the people have been living with monsters in our homes or basements for months now..."
"Sova please just let me explain and stop asking questions mid explanations. If you want to know more then you have to pay more and be patient."
I my lips when she said that and lean back to the chair. When Rana nods and continues saying:
"Now, a certain conflict of civil war is about to begin inside the Confederation too."
Sarah slams the table saying:
"Okay, just wait a moment here! A world war just ended last year and another major war is already under way?!"
Rana sighs and begins to tear up saying:
"W-why can't... y-you two j-just let me explain."
Sarah sits down saying:
"Sorry. Please continue."
"It's around last month when the Hunter's Guild Leader wants to centralized the power in the Confederation for the sake of stability and public orders so that we won't have rebels and protest each day, to make improvements in the country and it's people, but the royal families disagree and wants to stay in this semi-independent oligarchy-monarchy state to follow the status quo their ancestors sign in the creation of this Confederation. And so two sides we're created between the conflicts. The Central Powers which consist of the royal families and loyalist of the first emperor while on the other side. The Heroes of the Confederation, consisting of veteran elite hunters, illegal organizations, illegal Martial Artist, some retired veterans of war, civillians and the help of the religion state of Spiritnism of the spirit church or whatever you wish to call them."
"Wait just a sec," I interrupted. My heart beats harder and harder as I said that.
"What is it now? If you're asking about the illegal organization it's gonna cost you more," Rana explain sounding irritated.
"You said that my sister Rubeca and you are part of the Heroes of the Confederation. While Yuwei is part of the royal families. Doesn't that means, they are going to fight each other... Families and friends against each other..."
When the thought of seeing my family fighting each other I remembered the scene of sis Rubeca trying to kill me and the vision of my family falling apart. The scenes of endless flame burning when my parents died resurface.
Causing me to lean over and look down, sweat begins to appear. My breathing gets harder and heavier when Rana looks at me wooried saying:
"Are you okay? Do not worry. I won't join in the battle field nor the heroes actually will to be honest. They are just like scarcrows to preassure the Higher ups, but seriously though we may not look like it but my group is a group of traders even when our name and sigil doesn't support it. We are the neutral group if I have to say."
As my vision goes blurry I asks:
"Can we just stop there. I need some fresh air. You can tell Sarah about her family now. And can you please release me from this strings."
"Ah right, sorry," saying that she clasp her fist and release me from the strings and feeling my body free. I fall down when Rana continue saying:
"Can you please help him out. Take him outside," and the horned mannequin moves, standing infront of me, she gives me a hand.
As I take it and stand up, I look at Sarah. She showed me a face of pity before looking away. I enter the gloomy hallway with a company of one horned mannequin. The mannequin looks at me with it's blank face saying:
"Master Sova or do you wish me to call you Master Sawyer?" she asks.
"Please just call me Sova."
The mannequin nod saying:
"Very well Master Sova, please follow me close. We're going down stairs. Actually there is no stairs in this place to be honest, so it should be fine. I heard you have a fear of heights so if anything scares you please let me know."
"Yes I will," I answer back.
As we continue to walk in the hallways full of doors, the sound of our footsteps resound when she stops in the middle and breaks the silence asking:
"Master Sova may I ask you a question that has been floating in my mind?"
"Well I'm not very knowledgeable like Rana, but I'll try my best. If that is okay," I reply.
"That is fine, thank you for letting me ask. If I may know, I heard that you are afraid of heights yet when Rana asks your name just now. You immediately discard your fear and jump outside the window. Do you realize that you are about to jump from a 6th floor and fall into the rocky shores below.
When she said that, goose bumps raise every hair in my body. And I quickly reply saying:
"Wait what! I, uh, I don't know, the only instinct that kick in inside me is the words of my aunt telling me that never to reveal my name under any circumstance for some reason, so much so sometimes appearing when I sleep back at home."
The horned mannequin, nods saying:
"I see... I think you're having a problem of hypnotism. Not by magic but by pure mind control of your mental state."
"What! Me hypnotize? How is that... No, it might be so. Everything change when I finally left home I wouldn't be surprise to find out what they did to me now,"
Come to think of it didn't Yosova ask me about my name? Why didn't I hear anything? Or maybe it's just effective when they directly ask it?
"Master Sova please cheer up, I am not really an expert at entertainment but I will accompany you in your trip. If there is anything troubling you or something that will make you happy please let me know."
"Yes thank you," when she suddenly nods and opens the door beside her.
Light comes through my eyes, as the warm ocean wind blows through my cheeks. I'm in some kind of wooden bridge leading to another metal door ahead and the view below is just the blue sea. Where I could hear and smell the sizzling meat beyond, the shore waves and whispers of people enjoying their meal. It Shows off a relaxing and happy atmosphere. I walk ahead first, when I hear the door close behind me. Feeling someone grabbing my shoulder, I look behind to see the horned mannequin making a thinking posture before she sprout an idea.
She suddenly opens her chest making me scream in surprise and takes out a wrapped blanket from the void within. Feeling I know what it is, I immediately take it and feel it pulling me down by the sheer weight. I check the content by peeking inside. It's my armour fixed and shined even though it's kind of covered making it hard to see.
I smiled saying:
"Thank you."
"You're welcome," she replied when a pink line makes a smile on her blank face.
I followed the bridge's path asking:
"Where is the toilet or place I can wear this?"
"You can find one when you enter the door ahead and go to the right. You should find a staff's break room there."
"Oh, okay thanks. I can't wait to wear this again."
"Agreed," she answers back energeticaly.
Walking ahead and opening the door. I could smell the aroma of delicious meals, and the air is filled with grease, oil and cooked meat. When I see multiple mannequin wearing a chef's and waitress outfit running around left and right, carrying dishes after dishes, plates after plates and some saying hello when they see us. I went to the right, while the mannequin swiftly avoided me and the horned mannequin behind of me. The corridor is white, tainted by yellow, green, orange, and purple. I continue on the corridor filled with doors and can fit around 3 people at once.
When I see a staff room asking:
"Is this it?"
"Yes Master Sova," she answers back.
Opening it, I enter to see it empty. With a shower behind, lockers on the side of this room, and a dining table on the corner right. I place the sack on the table and open it.
Only to see something is different about it. My half chest plate shoulders, and chest part has been even and fixed with the perfect symmetry. My different gauntlet's now shining brand new and gleaming, the lenght reaches till the whole arm. I have a new black belt that looks more mechanical. the buckle has the symbol of a heart break in two by an arrow with a small survival bag joined behind accompanied by a survival knife with a brown wood handle. My greaves that has been upgraded looks more thick and covers till my thigh, making me think can this still be called greaves?
And a meter long black metal rod with a spiralling white motif that looks like flowers, a hole in the tip, the two sides and the bottom is a pommel that looks like a skull biting a scythe giving it a small edge.
I take the rod asking:
"What is this? I don't remember owning all of this."
When a pink line was drawn making a smile on the horned mannequin face, she says:
"It's a gift and celebration of joining the Grey Robed Reapers. Hooray!" she suddenly takes out a basket of flowers and started circling me spreading flowers around.
"I never join your group in the first place!" I retorted back.
The horned mannequin laughs and stand still saying:
"I'm just joking, please forgive me. It's Grand Master's gift for saying sorry, she modified your armor to suit your skills which mean you can now like transform!"
She makes a weird pose before continue saying:
"Like the other High Ranking Hunters."
"Wait? REALLY!?" I scream in surprise.
"Yes, why don't you try it out? Grand Master told me that you wish to have such armor during your way here. Remember to wear everything if you want to succeed."
"Uh, I don't know if I'm feeling bad that she modified my armor without my permission or happy about this but I'll forgive her if it's awesome."
I quickly wear the armor in order. Firstly wearing the belt, not feeling any weight for some reason. I check the inside of the bag to see the card Aoi gave me and a new salve inside. When I check the chest plate to see it's still open the same way, I check inside to see that it has a longer back that protects my spine. Wearing it I feel my spine getting touch and my shoulders both fully protected. With the greaves next, I try putting the greaves on when it split in two and combine together as it covers both my leg in succession. And finally my different gauntlets. My sister's gauntlets now fit perfectly in my left arm and slides in easily as my other gauntlets. With my sister's gauntlets being bigger, it forms into some kind of shield on my hand.
(This is amazing... Wait).
"How do you transform actually? Like do you say something or what?" I ask.
"Simply wish for it in your head. Do not worry it will all be fine," she answers back.
Closing my eyes, I think transform! Suddenly I feel my spine being grabbed tighter. My armour begins to moves and circle around me. Opening my eyes I see the armour is creating a mechanical sound, covering my face protruding from my shoulder and begins to engulf my head from top and bottom. Encased in total darkness, suddenly everything becomes clear. I can see everything.
The horned mannequin points me to a mirror across the room between the showers and I went there immediately. My speed is becoming so fast I arrive in seconds. I can move my body like I'm not wearing any armour except the feeling of my spine being grabbed for a while. Looking at myself, I'm what you now call a grey knight in the hero's stories.
(I totally forgive you, Rana).
My helmet now has a purple line determining my eyes. My full body armour now too haves Purple lines all over, outlining the new pauldron on both shoulders with the left one being bigger. New faulds that kind of fuses with my waist and thighs.
(I look amazing)
When I see my chest part with a small plate covering my neck to open and show a dark purple crystal in the shape of a heart split by an arrow, wrap in some grey steel cage. I think of removing the helmet. When my vision goes dark and the helmet folds back inside the armour.
I look back to see the mannequin still standing there asking:
"What do you think we have our best contract smiths work them in an rush hour."
"This this is perfect, this is more than I can ask for. I love it!"
I smile with pure excitement just like receiving a present. When I continue saying:
"This is all so awesome!"
When I say that the horned mannequin holds her cheeks as pink light shines on her cheeks to say:
"Aw, you're making me blush," circling her toe in the floor. I went back to the table and look at the rod.
When I hold it I can feel a great emptiness inside as if it's trying to absorb something... The horned mannequin says:
"That is a retractable spear design after your previous one. Grand Master told me that you are quite exceptional with the spear and so we gave you a better one, a polearm where you can make a poleaxe, a polehammer, a scythe and et cetera. You can extend and retract it by pressing the button in the back and handle with a total length of 2 meters."
I try doing what she says. Seeing the button is in the middle I put it away from my face and extend it. To see it working perfectly. I feel relieved and started weaving the Qi around me. I create a spear blade on the tip and on the side, an axe to make a poleaxe combo. Dissipating the blades, I walk to the middle of the room where there is no obstacle and decided to test the weapon. Twirling it back and forth and trying different stances and boosted with the lightness of the armour it all feels natural.
"How did you make all of this? And why is it me? What do you gain by giving me all of this?" I ask in surprise and doubt.
"It is all trade secret but if I have to guess. I guess Grand Master wants to curry favour from you. She said something in the lines of an eerily similar soul if I remember correctly," she makes a silence gesture as the mannequin smiles.
"Oh yea, that's right," taking a huge sigh, I finally relaxed and smile happily saying:
"Okay, I guess let's get some fresh air I feel so much better now. Thank you this will help me a lot in my way home and can you please lead the way?"
"Of course Master Sova. I'm happy to know my decision makes you happy. Please, follow me."
Saying that. She opens the door to reveal Sarah blocking the door.
"Sarah I..." I tried to say something.
She raises her hand up gesturing me to stop. She walks closer to me saying:
"It's okay. You don't need to say that anymore."
I reply asking:
"So you forgive me? I promise I'll be someone better."
"No, I will never forgive you, I guess I didn't know your circumstances either. And I'll frank, you act like I'm your girlfriend or something please stop it. It's gross," she replied back in an instance.
"Oh... I see. I'm sorry," is the response I could give back with the sudden statement and change of speech she gives.
"But, since you're willing to change, I guess I'll reconsider it. When you do change that is," she smiles and looks away.
I smiled back saying:
"Really, thanks I'll try my best."
(It's better than being hated, I thought to myself).
She looks back at me saying:
"Since I know more about your true self, I guess I can trust you and be more honest with you now. Sawyer~," she smiled innocently before walking to the door.
"Hey, wait for a second please don't call me that," I hold her shoulder as I stop her.
"NO PROMISES ARE MADE. So I heard you want to go take some fresh air?" she asks back and still smiling innocently.
I take a huge sigh, before letting her go saying:
"Yeah, let's go."
The horned mannequin smiled and saying:
"Good to see you reconcile, now please follow me."
The horned mannequin goes outside and started went to the left. I place the rod on the right side of the belt when it sticks on automatically. Wow, I thought to myself and followed suit when Sarah walks first infront of me. I fully equipped myself with the helmet as we walk, hearing the mechanical sound engulfing my head. Seeing the view becoming clear and more refine and I could now hear further. I pass through the white hallway with the other mannequin avoids us. I smell the sweet scent of food lingering on the air as they pass and I could hear the sound of clatter and whispers from afar.
Sarah looks at me saying:
"Wow Sawyer, look at you, showing off your new armour. Good for you."
"I know!" I say sounding excited before continue saying:
"Well, it's not really new since they just modified it. But it's really great above all. Did you get anything else from Rana?" I ask back.
"Not really, I guess you could call this garment and cleaning me up is her gift," she answers back.
As I gaze at her small stature, looking at her red blood dress and pink tail with a red ribbon tied on it, swaying around as she walks. She suddenly blushes saying:
"Why are you staring at me like that? You're being very rude, please stop. Especially when you wear a helmet, you creep."
"I thought you said I can look at you whenever I want," I say in response.
"HUH!?" she replied in an angry tone.
"Well, to be honest, I think you look great in that. The red compliments your eyes very well and I like seeing your tail swaying with a ribbon on it."
"Huh...?"
Her face becomes even redder before she looks away saying:
"I'm surprised. You're actually pretty good with praises huh, combined with how you are always honest and straight with your words, that caught me by surprise. No, I'm even more surprised by how you don't hate me now..."
"Why would I hate you? But really, thanks... So to change the subject, what happens to your family?" I ask.
She looks infront saying:
"Turns out I misunderstood. The one that attacks my family is not the Grey Robes Reapers but the Black Tiger Triads, dressing to be them in order to force them into the fight. Let's just say more political stuff. I guess that just say how much nobles are worth in the eyes of those who hold power..."
"I'm sorry to hear that, if you need something let me know so I can help," I say confidently.
"Sova, I know you're a good guy but please just stop saying that infront of me."
"But I'm behind you."
She looks at me with a puffed up cheeks while blushing saying:
"Shut up! Don't take things too literally you idiot, you get what I mean!"
"I'm starting to miss the previous you..." I answer as I slouch down.
"Oh please, I can assure you that there is no such thing as a girl that sweet! I mean, to be honest, you, they are called bitches. You should be very careful with a girl who acts like that in the first place you idiot, they prey on nice guys like you. Of course with the addition of being cute, they will just add that as icing on a cake. And throws you away when you go broke and leach you off till you are nothing but a husk of a sad pathetic life. Be grateful!" she puffed up her flat chest as she says that.
"Sarah, since you're going to be more honest now... Can I ask you something?"
She folded her arms and nods her head saying:
"Of course, of course, junior you can ask anything."
"Can you tell me what you're going to do when you follow me if I never actually run away from your request?"
"I was planning of acting all fluffy fluffy puffy infront of you and use you for my purposes of course. There is no way I'm doing all that act for nothing you idiot."
"I... Really don't want to talk about this."
"Then shut up about it."
"I'm glad you're getting along pretty nicely," the mannequin says, looking back as she smiles.
"I don't think we are," I comment back.
"Why aren't we are? Sawyer~" Sarah smiled back innocently.
I sigh again saying:
"At least can I call you Saya? Your real name at least. Since you've been calling me by my name."
"Why don't you do so? Sawyer~. Oh and if you do call me, please try adding Senior on it," she answers back in a happy manner.
"Okay, Saya..."
She stayed silent and looks away. Worried I ask:
"Saya, what's wrong?"
"Senior," she replies softly.
"Huh?"
She turns around asking:
"Where is the Senior I told you about you dofoos!?"
"But you said try adding it, then doesn't that mean I can or not?"
"Then I just maybe won't forgive or speak to you then... I mean what's so hard about adding senior huh?"
She folds her arms and turns back.
"W-wait, I'm sorry. I-I'll say it, it's just that I never call anyone senior before..."
I play with my fingers saying that when Sarah turns back saying:
"Well, I'll be joyed being your first."
I look at her saying:
"Here goes, S-Senior Saya... I feel weird about this."
Saya jumps and pats my back saying:
"Don't be! Senior here will help you out! Hey, now it's my turn to ask you something. Sova about your name, is it really that bad to not let people know? I mean Rana won't tell me anything because I need to quote a quote "Pay more," she says while looking irritated.
"To be honest, I don't really know the full extent. I mean if my aunt would go so far as to hypnotize me for it and Rana spitting drinks at my face... It's pretty bad."
She shows a smug face saying:
"Heh, I guess that's true. Say Sawyer, the one who should say sorry is not you, it's me for being... (mean... and... se-)."
She says as her voice becomes harder to hear before continuing saying:
"Never mind that. You should be less selfless... What are you trying to do now? Like do you even have a plan?"
"Sadly no, I was hoping Rana can bring me home but I don't even know how mu-"
"YEA! IS THAT ALL YOU GOT! YOU SUCK FOR SOMEONE WHO ASKS FOR A CHALLENGE!" a familiar loud women voice rings through the corridor.
I look to the crossroad where the sound came from when the horned mannequin says:
"Ah, that is our special guest who comes to dine every month," she makes a wondering gesture when she continues saying:
"Though I don't remember a woman being one of them though..."
I quickly look at the mannequin saying:
"Please bring me to them, I know that voice."
"I see, would you please follow me. I wonder if it's okay to disrupt a VIP room..." she says touching her chin when she leads us.
Following suit, Saya followed behind me. Walking past the greasy atmosphere and countless mannequins we arrive at a steel door with a black glass panel on the side. I could hear the sound of people having fun inside. The horned mannequin looks at me and asking:
"Are you sure? Who might this person you speak off?" she asks.
"Someone I need to arrive home quickly. So please open it up."
She bows saying:
"Very well."
She places her hand in the black glass panel. The door slides open and a giant fish flew went pass my head. It hits the wall behind me and slides down with orange insides. I look inside to be surprised. I could see a giant opulent and imperial like room with a big round table in the middle. It is laid out with already finished plates and countless stacks of wooden mugs. The room is decorated with anchors, skulls and fishes on the room walls and no window on sight.
"Oh yes! The next wave has arrived. Place it in the table waitress!" she screams on top of the table in high spirits while grappling a robust man that almost looks unconscious.
"No! Moriz you're our last hope don't give up so easily. Win! This is the last round!" another man screams at the man being grappled.
"HA HA HA HA! I think you misunderstood. I ordered not one, not two, but five yurn tale exquisite wines! Since you're paying, after all, isn't that right stuco~?" she says as she smiles deviously at them and the man she holds.
"Th- that's... You can't do that. Moriz is done for!" another man screams.
When I could hear the man clutched man burping saying:
"Uuuuuuh, I-I can still *burp*."
"Ha ha ha! You're doing great your majesty. You can never win against her majesty you Squid legs. Mwu Ha Ha Ha Ha!" a very tall old man in his the fifties with a long braided beard wearing full plate armour laughs in high spirits.
The women that scream stands around 6 feet tall, she has jade white skin, a slim figure and looks like in her twenties. Long wavy dark indigo purple hair with a mixture of lime green and Apricot orange reaching till her waist and the amethyst hair ornament that acts as a holder for the bun on her right side of her head. She has a sharp eye with the same colour of her hair, long feathery eyelashes and naturally red lips accompanied by a red face, indicating she's drunk. Wearing the same outfit sis Rubeca wears during our exams but without the rubber corset and the revealing long V-neck in exchange of a large red sash with a purple phoenix in it. The clothes make her emphasize the outline of her body. She is what you call a sensational beauty or whatever May calls her.
When she looks at me and stops laughing. The others followed suit and their face suddenly turns gloomy and terrified, and the old man in full plate armour put down his mug saying:
"Okay. I'm sober now."
"Dammit, it's a Guardian! No, wait, a silencer... Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! That's even worse!" a man screams from behind.
"Guard, what's the meaning of this? It's supposed to be our free time," the old man in full plate armour asks me.
"What? I thought it's your idea old man," the women with purple hair replied back.
When I raise my arm, one of them immediately throws a wooden chair at me... It's slow. I grab the chair and put it down when another man suddenly appears infront of me and make a slow hook punch. I duck and raise my head quickly, headbutting the man in the chin and leaving him unconscious.
Everyone quickly backs away giving us more distance and starts taking out their weapons, from long and short curve blades, a retractable bow, a spear and the old man armour moves and engulf his head and turns into a helmet similar to Aoi's before taking out a meter long steel rod.
I quickly look at the women when her face suddenly goes upset, she drops the clutched man as her hair begins to catch in indigo flames similar to Aoi's. I quickly move ahead saying:
"Sis Yuwei, for once I'm actually very happy to see you."
When all of them got a surprised look at their faces and look at her. She looks at everyone beneath her and shakes her head and hands before looking at me again.
She tilted her head and everyone exclaims, "Sis?" in confusion.
Ah! That's right. The vision around me darkens and my helmet folds down to my shoulders. When I could hear someone whispering
"Cute", "Pretty soft", "Wonder which family she's from?", " Ah, now I wanna bring her back after beating her" "A silencer and cute... That's just unfair" and et cetera.
I look at her, seeing her face in total shock face, I quickly say:
"Sis Yuwei, I'm so happy to see you here!"
Her face suddenly turns blue and she screams:
"SO-SOVA!!!"