“You’ll mostly won’t see me until or after the five days.” Is what Shibata said before the day ended.
Since then, a day passed. There was only two more before the city was attacked. The city went on lockdown in preparation for the gruesome battle ahead.
In one of the buildings located near the center, little footsteps raced up the stairs and stopped in front of the door. Her tiny hands quietly turned the doorknob and peeked inside the room to spot her target underneath blankets. She was hesitant to enter at first knowing he recently arrived and was told to get as much rest as possible, but he already missed breakfast she worked so hard to prepare.
Casting aside all doubt, she tiptoed forward for the first three steps to test her weight on wooden floor. She then ran towards the window at full speed. She pulled on the curtains and allowed sunlight flood into the room. Using the momentum of her charge, the little girl turned to the bed. She leaped as high as she could with her small size and belly flopped on the blankets.
“Kihet, it’s lunch time! Get up-! Huh?”
She felt the bed only to notice Kihet was absent. As she didn’t catch him come down the stairs from this morning, she searched the room and couldn’t find him. She had known him for being a heavy sleeper from her whole life. Worried, she ran downstairs to another room where Lemi secluded herself.
“Angel Sis! Kihet’s missing! Kihet’s gone!”
“He left early morning for something important.” Lemi answered. The whirling sound stopped and glasses clinked against one another before the door opened. “What’s wrong?”
“Hannah wanted to wake Kihet. Hannah thought Kihet would sleep for the whole day like Kihet usually does.”
Hannah sulked and Lemi could see the little girl with tears on her eyes on a verge of throwing a tantrum. Though Hannah behaved well from the time they were summoned to this realm, this was a rare sight. In that moment, Lemi immediately wanted to pounce on her and give Hannah a big hug. However, her coat reeked of medicine and knew Hannah would push her away immediately unless she took it off.
“Don’t blame him. There’s just so much to do. Maybe when everything calms down, you’ll get your chance.” Corking the samples, Lemi stowed away her things and locked the cabinet. “I’m done my work. Let’s start packing up boxes.”
“Okay…”
Noticing Hannah’s words trailed off, Lemi knelt down to her height and asked, “What’s wrong? Did you wanted to wake Kihet up that much?”
Hannah shook her head vigorously, waving her bobbed cut red hair side to side. “Hannah is worried. Saint told me Kihet saw lots of bad things and want Hannah to try to make Kihet happy. Kihet never smiled yesterday.”
“Maybe he needs time to heal.”
“But… Hannah thinks.” She paused for a second. Her eyes sparkled with admiration. “Hannah thinks Kihet’s become so cool! Hannah doesn’t know why, but Kihet looks like a hero of justice when Kihet defeated bad people yesterday. Kihet always looks so serious that Hannah don’t know if it’s good or bad.”
“But Hannah,” Lemi rubbed the little girl’s head. “Don’t you want to see him smile?”
“Hannah does. What should Hannah do?”
“Then just be patient and continue acting like yourself will do the job.”
“Will it work?”
“Trust me. I also want to see him smile. Let’s do the best we can.”
“Hannah will make Kihet smile, definitely! Hehe!”
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On ground level, no one would have noticed what laid behind the horizon. Only when Kihet visited the tower was then he saw its shattered body defiled by the Shadowed Creatures feasting upon its fragments.
The duty to exterminate the Shadowed creatures continued to lower the burden of the days ahead the city would be under sieged. Even without the Oracle’s power, Kihet nonetheless volunteered to assist the guild to lower the monster’s numbers as best he could before the days of hardships.
“Hanging there, Kihet? I hope you’re not seasick or something.” Alam asked.
“I’m looking at how this thing works.”
“If you want a rundown on how to use it, I can give you a rundown. I can’t exactly say how each part of it functions.”
“That’s good enough.”
They sat on a vehicle cruising across the solid surface of the mirror lake like a ship sailing over water. Curious, he leaned over the rail watching how the treaded pontoon being pulled by an all-terrain vehicle. It didn’t move particularly as fast as he thought, but he was surprised it pull the load of its steel frame, the weight of two fully armored Giants, himself and three other crewmates.
Just then, his ears picked up liquid being sloshed around. Not only that, but he could also smell the all too familiar fermented fragrance.
“Kridas, aren’t we on patrol? Why are you drinking at a time like this?”
“A bit is fine. Besides, I can’t get as drunk as much as I wanted. You want some?”
“Remember the time you offered me a drink? I fell into a coma because of you.”
“Don’t point your finger at me.” Kridas took a gulp of wine, ignoring Kihet’s glare. “In the first place, no one forced you drink the entire barrel. You dunked yourself in it.”
Kihet wanted to retaliate with a set of words, but the Giant merrily laughed reminiscing the time. Not wanting to set the mood down, Kihet simply let go of the matter when suddenly he was blindsided with a question.
“Carmyn and Sal didn’t follow us. I assume they’re alive?”
“I can only confirm Carmyn is still alive. I can’t say anything about Salith, but I heard she’s with the ‘other’ Oracle. Carmyn and I are trying to find out if that’s true.”
“Woah, seriously? That’s great news isn’t it, old man?” Alam chimed in.
Kridas didn’t immediately reply until he downed the entire jar of alcohol. After, he held the empty jar up to the sky. “That eases my mind. There’s no way those two girls would go down that easily.”
“Well, duh. Both of us did the tough jobs to make sure the Enuis, I mean Kihet here, escaped. I stalled the soldiers by jamming the gate while you, uhh…”
“I held back one of the so called “Old Heroes”. Though that wasn’t enough apparently.”
“Quit it. I don’t want to remember what happened back then, but you did remind me of something I wanted to say long ago.” Kihet groped for words, and when he pieced them in his mind, he lowered his head. “I’m sorry both of you had to go through that for my sake.”
Kridas and Alam blankly exchanged looks. Moments later, smiles formed on their faces.
“Aside from the terrible glare you frequently put out, you’re still the same humble person aren’t you?” Kridas slapped Kihet’s back. “But, you know… Being frozen into an ice statue wasn’t how I imagined how I’d go.”
“As for me, I went out with a heroic bang.” Alam pounded his chest. “You’d think for what we did to help you, we’d get some kind of reward. I don’t know, maybe treating us to a few round of drinks?”
“Can’t I just give you two all my money so you two can go drinking on your own?”
“That’s no fun at all. You see, Alam and I actually wanted another drinking buddy.” Kridas sighed and pointed to the other three people. All three of the soldiers with them held their mouths feeling the urge to vomit. “These guys refused all our invites after that one time. Besides in Giant’s culture, the more the merrier.”
“Isn’t that true for other races as well?”
“You do get it. Great! That means you’re coming with us tonight!”
“No, wait. I-.”
“We’re going to drink until the tavern’s empty!” Alam cheered.
Before Kihet had a chance to object, a soldier warned them of a cloud of ink expanding underneath the surface of the lake. From it, two pairs of antlers emerged until a deer like skull surfaced from the lake. Glowing red eyes burned from its eye socket as crimson blood ran down the sides and dripped off its jagged teeth.
“There’s another one coming up to our left!”
A giant raven claw breeched out of the water and narrowly missed grabbing ahold of the vehicle by the Driver’s swift response. Its smokey talons hooked into the floor and dragged itself out, immediately giving chase.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“That means we’re close. I’m taking over!” Alam climbed up to the driver’s seat. He plucked the beastkin from the spot and threw him into the back seat. “Old man, I’m going to have plow through them!”
“Do it. We’ll do what we can to take down the one chasing us. Cartographer, mark down this place.” Kridas ordered. “Everyone else, get ready!”
If the machine wasn’t already loud, once Alam turned the throttle at maximum output, their ride sped up.
Ahead was a Creator’s fragment engulfed in miasma. Lesser Shades surfaced out from pools of ink like they’ve undergone a long journey walking at the bottom of the sea. Although they mostly bunched themselves to form a barricade, strays who wandered too far from the pack were struck by a surge of madness and rushed Kihet’s group.
“Alam, keep it steady for a few seconds!” Kihet hoisted a javelin on his shoulder, planting his feet firmly. His other hand acted as the pointer and once he felt everything was right, he twisted his entire body and threw it.
Although he lost his ability to use the Oracle’s powers, the Tower monsters also lost their ability to regenerate. His spear carved a hole at the blockade and cleared the route.
“Hell yeah! Nice throw!”
“I’ll cover you.” A [Chain] passed another spear into Kihet’s hands. “Concentrate on getting us there.”
“We’re not going to destroy it this time.” Kridas corrected. “Those big guys are intelligent and know how to command the smaller fellas. We’re going to get surrounded if we stay too long. Besides, we’re just the spectators.”
Kihet wasn’t sure what Kridas meant as the Giant launched a flare attached to an arrow at the Screechers. They were about several kilometers away and there was no way Kridas’ projectile would reach.
“You launched your shot?” Alam asked as he adjusted the pair of goggles over his eyes. “Hang on tight. It’s going to get a bit rough now.”
One of the Screechers noticed them turning away. A black orb formed between its serrated fangs and aimed it into their general direction.
The vehicle quickly hightailed away as a black beam cut into the water behind them, tracing their trail. There were more obstacles as black sludge flew over their heads and with a splat, landed in front of them. The contaminated areas spread everywhere and shadowed creatures crawled out of them.
Alam flew by most of them while everyone riding at the back cut down foes trying to latch themselves on their ride.
“Another beam incoming!”
“Hang tight and don’t fall off!” Alam was quite skillful operating the vehicle as he continued to dodge black sludge raining down and magic beam chasing after him. “Help isn’t here yet?”
“He’s here.” Kridas reassured.
A streak of light was drawn over the enemy and in a blink of an eye, the fabric of space over the Screechers shattered like broken glass. As if the illusion over the Screechers broke, so did their gaseous forms into tiny particles.
Kridas and Alam let loose a sigh, impressed at the sight of large monster vanquished so easily. Kihet however, peered at the man standing before one of the broken pieces of the Creator.
The person had knife shaped ears with one pierced with a variety of earrings. He had wavy light blonde hair and sharp crimson eyes. He was smiling smugly twirling his large surfboard shaped blade like a baton.
Unlike adventurers who wore plates or leather armor, he had a jacket that seemingly provided no defense.
“Is he Kaeth?” Kihet asked.
“He might not look much, but he’s very capable.” Kridas answered.
“I saw.”
Kaeth raised his weapon and with a slash, destroyed the source of spawning tower creatures. He then noticed Alam pulling up next to the disintegrating bodies of monsters.
“Yo, Kaeth! Good timing!”
“You know what they say. A hero always arrive late.”
“Though I wouldn’t push it, but I’m glad to see you here.” Kridas commented. “How’s the south side?”
“It’s mostly cleared. When they come for us, I can’t promise we can focus more of our numbers on the other three sides. That’s why I’ll be standing guard at the south gate.”
As Kridas previously mentioned, among the monsters there are intelligent ones. If there was an opening, they wouldn’t ignore the opportunity to exploit it and let themselves be easily murdered.
“So, that’ll be all the info I have. Is he the Oracle Elin mentioned?” Kaeth bold stride brought him to Kihet and extended his hand. “I’m Kaeth Mithral. Nice to meet you. Elenora gave me a brief introduction about you.”
Kihet left his hand hanging. “Kihet.”
“Not much of a talker, hm? Now that I think about it, you remind me a lot about the Acolyte in charge of this Tower. You and him have the same sour faces.”
“So, what do you want?”
“I just single-handedly destroyed a group of enemies, and I don’t even get a praise?”
“You can get your praise from the others.”
“Man, you’re not as friendly as Alam described you to be.” Kaeth scratch the side of his head. “Anyways, heard of your exploits. I commend you for having to stabilize two countries, but don’t you think it’s incredibly lackluster for being the Oracle?”
Kihet closed his eyes and quickly exhaled, staring back at the elf holding a taunting grin. He knew Kaeth was trying to probe into his feelings, trying to figure out what kind of person Kihet was.
“Says the man who got his position stolen as an Acolyte.”
“It might seem that way but let me correct you on that. I gave it away.” Kaeth scoffed. “You’re able to control yourself better than I thought. But it’s the truth when I said you were weak.”
“I wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t the case.”
Both of them went silent, but they were watching each other’s expression. In the end, the first to break the silence was Kaeth as he raised his hands and took a step back. His expression relaxed back to a smile.
“We’re off to a good start. I think I get the gist of what person you are. It’ll only get better from here on out.” The elf stowed his weapon away. “Say, did Elin tell you anything about the Oracle’s crest?”
“Other than its ability to fight off the Shadowed Creatures and the Acolytes, nothing else. It also temporarily gives me a strength boost and my wounds heal faster, but I find them unreliable.”
“Of course it’s unreliable. I’m going to say it right here. Oracle, you’ve been tricked. You drew the short stick. It’s more of an inconvenience, but I’m surprised you lived longer with it.”
“Having the crest is a liability? What about the Heroes?”
“The crest a Hero inherits allow them to fight the Tower Monsters on even grounds. The Oracle’s crest, your Oracle’s crest stunted your potential. For instance, Elenora and I watched glimpses of your journey, but the first instance of you using magic was just a moment ago.”
Kihet had an inkling that the Oracle crest acted like a double edged sword. Even though he could make flames burn away spells and magic, it also sealed his ability to cast any spells. Hence, the [Chain] he could conveniently call up in this realm while his soul is away from the body.
“Fortunately for you, the Oracle’s crest is only limited to sealing your magic.” Kaeth continued. “It does not prevent you from casting spells, but you will not be able to call upon the Elemental Spirits.”
For a moment, Kihet couldn’t make sense of Kaeth’s statement as his knowledge of magic conflicted with the Elf’s previous words. In exchange for the ability to dispel magic attacks, the Oracle’s mark sealed his spell casting capabilities.
But then, what about Alc’Bruk? The Dragonborn responsible of separating him from his mortal body used magic the Oracle’s flames could not dispel.
Then it hit Kihet. “Perhaps, there are other ways to cast magic other than asking the Elemental Spirits?”
“I’m not in the position to explain everything in detail to you. Afterall, the one who knows how to fix this mess is over there.” Kaeth faced the tower. “That being said, my job here is done. The next task at hand is Elenora’s request.”
“We’ll leave him with you, Kaeth. Don’t be too harsh on him.” Kridas signaled to Alam and hoped onto the vehicle. “See you around, Kihet.”
“What’s going on?” Kihet asked.
“We got time to spare before the invasion. During this time, we’re going to try and level you up.” Kaeth unsheathed a shortsword and tossed it by Kihet’s feet. “This is your preferred weapon, right? Let’s start with the basics.”
He was curious. It was decided Kaeth would test Kihet to gauge the amount of training he would need. The Elf sprung a surprise attack as soon as Kihet looked the other way.
Kihet firmly held out his sheathed sword and blocked Kaeth’s slash. He dragged the blade out of the scabbard and performed a diagonal cut, clashing against Kaeth’s greatsword.
“What was that for?”
“Lesson one. You never know when someone would suddenly point their weapon at you. Let’s see how long you can last against someone stronger than you!”
----------------------------------------
It was only a matter of time before the Shadowed creatures were expected to attack in full force. The most obvious sign was the sight of monsters lurking in the outskirts. Even so, the siege already begun as small numbers tested the strength of the barrier.
Behind the ward, soldiers and adventurers lined above the smoothed out walls, occasionally picking off creatures attacking the barrier at a distance. Others stared at the infested lands filled with unlimited enemies.
“There you have it. If you all don’t have any other questions, I’ll head to my post.”
In the war room, troubled expression formed over the council’s faces. The members stared at the battle map, and their list of enemy types, specifically the discovery of new enemies Kaeth spotted. Aside from the Screecher, Seekers, Lesser Shadows and Greater Shadows, new Tower creatures were Behemoths, Immortals.
None of the adventurers who’d have gone out to quest have encountered any of them which meant there were no proven information of their weaknesses except for Kaeth’s encounter to warn the city about.
“This is as prepared as we could get.” The Elder was the first to challenge the faces of despair settled in the room. “All of us have sworn to the Saint’s cause. We’ve all been handpicked to live in this realm and defend this tower. Every single soul here is a capable warrior and if we don’t fight, who would be the ones to protect our loved ones on the other side? These abyssal beasts already took us away from our families.”
Shibata raised his voice. “If people continue making faces like this then surely, we’ve already lost. Is that what we want? Did you all forget if not for them, many of us would still be with our loved ones. Doesn’t that infuriate everyone?”
Shibata examined the resentment washed over the members lamenting over their loved ones wellbeing. Not that he didn’t share their pain of being forcibly separated from their friends and families. Deep down, his heart writhed in agony of no longer able to his beloved wife, dear sister and son. A bit of willpower fueled by anger ignited the flame in their eyes, something that was needed to maintain focus.
“Regardless, I shall debrief everyone once more to ensure there are no misunderstanding.” Shibata took out a pointer.
Kaeth would guard the south while Kridas stationed northside. Lemi was tasked to assist the east and the Elder would take the west. Shibata would stay back and work with the Minister of Intelligence to identify the Demon’s strengths and weaknesses. He and Alam would be deployed as reinforcements depending on the situation.
Starting from the four gates, each main road leading to the tower had seven checkpoints heavily defended. Of course, the enemy would move into smaller streets and alleyways if resistance was too heavy. They would quickly learn the paths were not undefended with barricades set up and trapped. Perchance the defenses were overrun, soldiers manning the checkpoints would regroup at the next one and continue holding them back.
“Just a few questions.” One of the members raised his hand. “I understand the Oracle is present. However, I’ve heard he lost his powers. Will he prove to be useful in combat?”
Shibata turned to Kaeth as the Elf smirked at the question. “I’ll have to give it to that Enui. He’s very capable. In terms of strength, he wouldn’t be a nuisance. In fact, his ability to adapt to my harsh training is very frightening. Especially his newfound abilities he’s picking up.”
“How delightful to hear that. I hear Elenora has picked out tomes for Young Kihet to learn magic. He had always been a quick learner.”
“Too quick of a learner if I may add. I’ve also lent him manuals to learn of my country’s martial arts and he has a grasp of the basic concepts in minutes.” Shibata commented. “Still, it would be unwise of us to send him directly into the front lines.”
“By the way, wasn’t he supposed to be in this meeting? Where is he?” Kaeth asked.
“Young Kihet headed to the workshop to tinker. I gave him permission to be absent.”
“Umm. Excuse us for interrupting.” Another member asked. “May we inquire what the Oracle’s role is?”
“Ah, yes. Forgive me. It is decided the Oracle is tasked to provide reinforcement to checkpoints in the direst need. He is unlike us, who cannot be resurrected by the Saint.”