A few days after the battle of Kayr, I've been disturbed by some unwell thought... causing me lost in the thought for a while
It's about no other than that normal footsoldier that I killed. I wasn't myself back then... and to be honest, I rarely kill any mere soldier on the battlefield. And right now, my mind was trying to recollect back on what was that all about. For that reason, I make myself by sitting on the rooftop and having a calm breeze for myself.
It's a windy season so sitting out here in this evening is the best course of action
"What I was thinking back there..." that's the words that keep swimming around in my head
I sunk my hand in the pocket and let out the necklace which is belonged to him. A strange feeling is striking me... what was it, lonely? despair? or angry? but one thing that assures me is definitely not a happy vibe.
Why am I asking him? What's my motive for it? Why don't I just kill him quickly like any other enemy? Usually, I won't talk even to my allies, let alone the enemies.
"Sheron!"
"Hmm ??" a familiar voice pulls me back to the reality
I looking at the three demons who floatings in mid-air in front of me. It's the skeleton siblings. They have a bat-like wing attached on their backs, allowing them to fly like a bird.
"What's wrong? you look even gloomy than usual"One of them said with a sickle on this hand
"Nothing, where are you going at this time?"
"We want to go to a nearby human village, to kidnap their children that still wandering around the dust, care to join us?"
"Nah, I'm good. Just be careful with their wild arrows " I reminding them about a random arrow being shot by those humans. Well, they are skeletons... mere arrow from the villagers cannot even tickle them.
"Sure, I'll keep that in mind. Ah, while we on it, we'll try to bring some for you... you can expect that from us~" the three of them laugh each other but that won't trigger me to do the exact same
They flew away as soon they finish their business, or I can say a visit for me. The skeleton brothers used to play with me since a kid, that's why I have a kinda good relationship with them.
Talking about kids, I remember clearly about the conversation with that old Gray. Thinking about that really embarrassed me.
*****
"Mr Gray... what is a holy knight?" Sheron pointing at the wanted poster that he grabs
"The holy knight is the human knight who uses the sacred weapon made by the goddess to kill us"
"Why human wants to kill us ?? why the goddess helping them?? what mistake that we've done ?? "
Commander Gray smiled seeing the shining eyes exhibited by Sheron while asking questions.
"In ancient times... before men existed, we, the demons and other races have long existed in this world. When the human is having trouble by their ignorance, we're the one who helps them... teach them to create things and use weapons, using magic and all kinds of knowledge.... until they manage to live on their own, even rule their own kingdom self"
"But why want to kill us?"
"We are the superior being in this world. No other races have better in magic, knowledge, civilization, structure building, even with the skill of weapon... we far beyond greater than them"
"And just that reason alone, the human feeling a threat by living with us, as we are looks different than them. They even capture our people, torture them and sell to other humans. Day by days, year by years... their population has become uncountable. They were afraid of us as they don't want to be inferior to us. Even the goddess has felt the same way"
"The decades have past and their population has grown bigger, so they need to find new land for their new settlement. And they're broke their oath with the demon king by attacking one of our villages. They keep attacking and selling our people until the demon king has no choice but defend our land by raising war with the human"
Sheron bowed his head in fear of humans greed. Seeing that reaction, Commander Gray put his big hand over Sheron's head and patted him.
"Do not be afraid... uncle Gray will teach you how to play the weapon so you can defend yourself from them" his promise make Sheron smile happily
"Are you promise, sir ??"
"Promise," Commander Gray said with a smiling
* * * * *
Now that I thinking...
Why the holy knight is called holy... is it because of their weapons? or their temperament? If they have the goddess clan helping them, why they keep losing to us? Are we that strong... enough to no one able to stand in our way?
If so, then I've already fed up on this endless one-sided battle. I want to go to their place. I want to see what kind of trouble that causes them to always lost to us and besides, I also have a secondary reason to do with.
I have made up my mind. I'll go there and find the answer for myself, then I'll decide the right course to take. And then--
"Sheron!" I heard a woman's voice from down here... Don't tell me-- damn, it's really her!
"Mana!" I jumped off from my seat, to meet her.
"What are you doing here? okay, that's not the real question here... where is Adail, your fiance? I do not want any trouble with him because he's so annoying "
That guy really ticks me off. It's not like he's far stronger than me... but the way he talks and acts... I find it hard to deal with. He's a demon who has many connections.
"Why you! Sheron, now listen to me. There a two reason I came here to tell you because the first one is coming out recently" Mana huffed, hahaha... it's so easy to tease her
"And what it is?"
"First... I already told you that he's not my fiance! he's just my brother's friend and second,... I'm here just to meet you" she says it without hesitation, hasn't she?
"Oh.., so now you already accomplished your goals, I guess there's no reason for you to stay here then. Thank you for your visit, you may leave now~"
"what's with that attitude of yours... geez" look, she's mumbling alone! that's a very cute thing to see... hahaha
"Stop laughing~!"
"Okay-okay"
"And... thank you "
"for what?"
" For this" She showed me a shield-shaped necklace
"Oh... that, That's -"
"Thank you, Sheron" Oh great, she's making that face with a smile. I can't even look at her properly
Mana is my friend from the kid. Back in the days, we often played together, along with her brothers
She also the youngest daughter of the demon king, a princess to be told. She has a long, golden brown hair. Has an excellent body for her age, white skin and has a dazzling face. If she goes to the elve's forest, she will be mistaken as one of the local.
It can be said that I'm the only one who can talk freely to her since the demon king is the first one who took after me before that old man Gray. So our relationship is kinda close, and many of those who misunderstand me as her lover, while my thought about her is different.
"What are you doing?" she asked as she saw me wearing this leather armour
"I thought about travelling" I replied as I put a shield on my back while talking to her
"I want to go too !!" Mana said excitedly
"Don't be ridiculous, You're a princess, I'll be in trouble one to answer your father"
"Please, take me away with you ~" she begging to me now, "I'm tired of being locked inside the castle forever. I want to go adventure too!"
"I can't "
"You can ~"
"I can't... geeez.. I do not just go wandering around aimless.. you know,"
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
"You're not~?" she clinging to my left arm. I can feel her soft part just by sensing it with my arm. Not good...
"I'm not!! I've something important to do"
"What's that important thing?" She asks that sharp question with a staring dagger to me
"C-Commander Gray told me to go spying at human's side .. and it's dangerous for you to go with me because it might affect this major mission... so I have to go alone"
That face she makes... I know that face of her. It's showing that she doesn't fully trust my reasoning. what a pain in the neck!
"So, how long?"
"How long what??"
"How long does that spy mission go?"
"O-oh... hmm... two years or more ..."
"Two years ?? What are you doing there for that long? "She asked me while grabbing my shirt with strength, and then shaking me
"Don't tell me that you want to breed with the human!? Even we're demons, I won't allow it!"
"Hmm, never thought about that. I'll put that on my reminder list"
"Sheron!"
"O-okay! I'm just j-joking... so please stop shaking my head!"
Finally, it stopped. The surrounding keep shaking as my leg lost its balance. She's one dreadful demon!
"I've my own reason for that length. The human land is vast... and they have many kingdoms around the world. To be honest, two years won't enough, so for a starter, I'll go to the nearest kingdom"
Please let this bluff through that thick head of her!
"Your basis makes sense. Okay, I believe in you... I will tell this to Big brother Modra and Brother Malhar so they will manage your supplies," She said that as wanting to leave this place.
"No, wait a minute,"
Damn it, I'll be dead meat if those brothers find out my plan because they forbid any demon to stay at the human side for more than 2 days. Guess I have no choice
I reach her and pull her hand, and bring her to my embrace. This is the only way to make her feels calm and obedient.
"She--"
"Just stay still..."
I learn this technique from a demon who I coincidently happen to be there after the battle ended. His wife looks furious and his daughter continuously crying upon greeting him. And then he hugged them and rub their head, and magically, they became silent and had that calm showing on their face.
From that moment, I tried that technique at Mana while she's on rage. Apparently, it works... but somehow she looks red and sweating lots, even for now. It was that day, I continuously hug her, whenever she feels angry, hesitated or sad... but for now, I assume that she's just too agitated.
"I beg you... please don't tell them"
"But why?" her voice sounds timid...
"You already know me, Mana. I like do things alone, as I was back your father found me. This is a mission that even Modra must not know"
"But I just want to help..."
I hug her even close..."I know. So for that, can I trust you?"
A sudden hug around my waist with a fragile strength. She lands her face on my chest and rubbing it. That's her answer-- it's a 'yes'
But seeing her like this, making me a bad guy. I spoiled her too much.
And after succeeding to convince Mana, she then left my house yard while humming. She really is a strange girl... heh.
"Wow, this is rare ~" that voice...
it comes from that big tree behind the house. That sneaky little bastard... he's now better at concealing himself
"It's rare to see Sheron, the antisocial who clad himself with huge achievement... smile sincerely for a girl~ hahaha"
"Okay Godin, that's enough hiding"
A whirl has shown at the mid-air, right before my eyes. And then comes out from that whirl is a demon who wearing a dark slim attire, combine it with her blue long scarf. And that demon is called Godin, one of my few friends.
"Since when you are here?"
"Since you hug Mana with greedy... hehe ~"
"Damn... you have a bad sense of timing..."
"hahaha"
"Ahem... done with your surveilling the area?"
"Easily done ~"
This is Godin, a demon who can emerge himself with the wind and possess a rare ability, teleportation. It allows him to go place to another place with a blink of an eye... as long as he has been that place or have a clear image about it.... or so I've been told by him
"You better keep this matter to your own knowledge"
"About what?"
"About Mana coming here. Things will get rough for me if those candidates were starting to sniff this matter"
"Candidates? ah... you mean those guys who want to marry Mana. Sure thing, friend... anything for you"
"Then that's good. I trust you"
"Another thing to add, Sheron..."
"What?"
"If you want to find the owner of that necklace and the sword... bring those things to the Night Witch. She lived near the lake in the south. Well then, I take my leave..."
so he already knows that part... damn this bastard...
He disappeared just like that. It's been a while but he's a lot stronger than before... but not near enough to wake up my appetite to fight. Now that I know what to do and know where to head for... things got a little easier.
***************************************************************************
It takes for a couple of hours to reach here... and finally, I'm here. To be honest... I never set my foot on this district... so I kinda nervous as the moment I arrived, a chill has run through my body. It's making me feel uneasy.
The sound of birds, those wind blows the trees... plus with I arrive at the night... even me, starting to put more effort into alert at the surrounding. Holding the small spear on my hand, I'll lung anything that triggers me to and put a hole between their eyes if anything goes funny--
"Young man--"
A moment notice I received that voice, my hand quickly raise the spear and start to lung to that voice came from
Upon my attack, my eyes caught a small figure, cloaking itself with an old robe... holding a basket that full with some kind of sticks
Crap... I'm too fast!!
It's too late for her to--
"Hey... is this the way you greet others?"
...
.........?!
What the...
S-she stopped my attack... with only her two fingers? my very own full strength has been nullified by this old lady? I can't believe this...
"I-I'm sorry. My arm is out of control, plus I'm in an alert so anything that surrounds me will get hit"
"Not your fault. Maybe that's the way you have been taught until now. So, what business do I have with a famous kid like you?"
"Famous?"
"You can't fool this young lady. You rack all your achievement by slaying those who have a decent reputation as the strongest. Not to mention... you're one of the twelve symbols"
Just about I want to respond to her question, I remembered one of the few advice from Godin, and that's to be careful about choosing my words and stay humble. For now, I will obey these rules
"I came here to ask for your help, O wise one. Please help this foolish demon with your grand knowledge"
"Oh, so you do learn how to be polite. Very well, get inside"
"Just like that?"
"What are you hoping for? get in already"
Once I got her permission, I entering this small hut which located at the bay of the lake. And just like the outside, the interior is no better. The place is a mess, full with empty bottles and scrolls.
"Sit anywhere you like"
"I take your offer"
I choose to sit in front of her. I wonder why is she called the night witch. She is just like a human, but only a slight ugly. Maybe she's too old.
"So, what kind of help do you need from me?"
"I-I just wondering if you can look upon these items. I want to know the owner's name and place"
I handed the sword and the necklace to her. Once she reaches those items, I can see her arms... full of burns and scars. No wonder she hides them in that big cloak of her.
"This is human's invention. The sharpness and the durability of this sword are below average. While the necklace is worth about two gold coin"
"That's cheap..."
"What can you expect? they're human. The invention, tactical warfare, even alchemy... they below us in a great gap"
"I-I see. So, did you find the location for these two items?"
"Hold on, boy. Everything in this world has the price... even for love"
"How much for the cost? name your price"
"Aren't you too hastily? very well... I want a pair of Phiro's eye"
"Phiro eyes...?"
"Your loots from the war. You received them thirteen years ago when fighting with the white knight"
Do I have that kind of item? the only thing that I kept in the house is a sacred treasure and a dozen of the treasure box...wait--
"Did you mean, that white knight?" I asked curiously
"Dunno what you mean, but the price is still the same"
I'm quite surprised by what is she demanding. That knight is quite a tough opponent. That phiro eyes were mentioned by her is his eyes... which allowed him to see a future in ten seconds. In the past, I was considering to put them on and replacing with mine but being strictly against by Mana and Defon so I scratch the idea.
"So, do we have a term?"
"Definitely. I'll go back to fetch that thing. it'll be a moment so please wait"
"No need for you to do that. Just sit down and lend me your hand for a bit"
"O-okay..."
I do not know what's she thinking but it'd be the best to follow her instruction. I stretch my right-hand to her, and she grabs it with force. She then rub my palm with her hand while her mouth whispering on something.
And something strange has occurred...
A jar that has a pair of an eye in it suddenly arrived at her left-hand... this is insanely shocking me!
"W-what has just happened here?"
"Surprised? it's one of my original spells"
"That's amazing!"-- I feel awe by her magic
"Stop it, you make me embarrassed. But to be honest, this isn't the best of me. In my prime form, I can easily obtain this with just staring at your eyes. But once you reach this stage, soon you will realize that age really is limiting everything"
"Ha..."-- I'm replying her words with a half-cooked answer
"So, will you do the task?"
"Very well. Give me those things"
Without hesitating, I gave the sword and the necklace to her. She then grabs a bowl that filled with water and pouring it to those two items. I find myself in confusing to comprehend her act.
Once she finished bathing the sword and the necklace, she took a few papers at the nearby wooden chair, and wipe it until both of it dry. The papers then glowing in red light, radiance through all this cramped space.
I catch a glimpse of what happened to those papers. The words came out from it with slowly until it is visible to see. Truly, I became wordless for that reason. Until now, all I saw within my life was a devastating spell, destruction magic and divine rune cast by those high-level fighters... it became regular to my eyes but these... It soon became my favourite. I must seek time to learn from her
"It's done. Take these papers"
I take those with care since it still soaked. And I read the content while placing those wet papers on my palm
"Sword: Savic family .. north Roca village"
"Necklaces: Herald's family .. north Roca village"
"Roca village. where is that place?"
"If I was not mistaken... from here, it's to the west across the mountain, through the thick forest and you will see a human village. There's a river so you should ride along with it, it will lead you to the human settlement. Judging from the distance... it's a long way to travel. It will be a one-day journey if you go by riding an Arghan... but if by a horse, maybe it took three or four days"
The Arghan she spoke is a sky dragon. A bit mild and loyal to his master... unlike other dragons... especially elder dragon which they can talk and has an unshaken pride. Arghan usually being ride only by the superiors.
I stood up and bows to her, sign for respecting her. It's a common tradition to bow your head to those whom you respect. Oh, that's right! I forgot to ask her name...
"May I ask for your name?"
"Oh my. You ask me to go out with you? well... that was sudden. I'm in my eighty but sure, I'll gladly accept it~"
"No, I'm just asking your name. It would be rude to always call o wise one with the name night witch"-- she then turns silence, and shows he bitter smile to me...
"Hey, Sheron..."-- I'm quite taken for this. She never mentions my name till now, not after our first meet
"Yes?"
"Do you know why we, the women who hide in this big old cloak, called the night witch?"
"I guess is because of your vast knowledge?"
"That's is one... but the main is..."-- she then stops in the middle, turns herself back on me
"O wise one?"
"I-it's nothing..."-- her reply sounds like after crying
I took a second for my eyes to observe the surrounding and I find it really lonely. Live alone in this poor structure building, being cast off by their own kin... I can understand how of those outcast human that lives with us... feels.
Being discard like some trash... having nowhere to live... having no blanket for the night... now my wrath upon those who cast them... boiled up.
"Hey, O wise one..."
"What?"
"Your age is not that old. I'm in one-hundred seventy... so that's mean I'm your elder, am I right?"-- I'm trying to cheer her up.
"Heh. Our timeline age is different, idiot"
"It sure is... hehehe"-- now she's finally smiling again. That's good!
"... It's Trey... that's my name"
"Ms Trey, once I finished my task... I'll come to visit you again if you allow it"
"Bring some gift along with you"-- what an amusing human she is...
"I'll keep that in mind"