The sun was setting on Kanashis' first day and he needed a place to sleep. He hadn’t really thought about it before but if it wasn't for Kenken he’d probably be sleeping on a park bench.
Kenken had given him about twenty two dollars which he used nine of to rent himself an overnight room in an internet cafe. Though room probably wasn't the correct term as it was a closet sized space with four metal dividers as walls and an open ceiling. He didn’t really have any possessions so this was enough space for him at the moment. Of course a hotel room would have been the preferred choice but that would have been far too expensive. He’d read about this little trick online before. On the /EDL/ Edoland board on Jichan. A shit posting forum he regularly used. Though he hadn’t used it in quite a while now that he thought about it.
The last time I “logged” on was the night before Azhar was destroyed, about 5 months ago. I wonder how things have changed since then? Actually I wonder what Azhar itself looks like. Jin told me they were in the works of rebuilding but that it’d probably take a few decades to return to normal. Do I even want to go back home at this point? It’s not like there’s anyone there to greet me so is it really even my home anymore?
Kanashi felt his dry eyes burn but no tears came out. Perhaps he’d already cried all his tears away.
Should I think about my family more? Should I cry more? Should I be more sad? What would they want me to do? Why am I just okay with moving on? Is there something wrong with me? Am I the same Kanashi Sarumalder that went to bed that night? Did he die with his family and I’m just what’s left over? Since when was I okay with violence? When did I ever find excitement in getting hurt and hurting others? At what point did I stop caring about my family and home?
The sound of snoring from the next stall broke Kanashis train of thought. Looking at the clock he saw it was already midnight. He'd been in his head for hours already.
I wonder what they’re doing here? Homeless, foreigner? Maybe trying to get away from everyday life and just travel the country? Why am I here? To set up way points right? But is that really what I want to do? Am I doing this because I want to or because I was told to? What is my motivation for this? To feel special like I’ve gotten myself an important role in life, Something I can finally do right?
Kanashi sat up and hugged his knees.
Has anything in my life ever went right? I was always second to Frairk in everything I tried to do. Every Time I’ve made a friend they’ve ended up turning on me. Every girl who ever liked me did the same, they all turned away and left me alone. Will the Venator Society do the same to me in the end?
Will I one day feel the glaring eyes of Jin, Julius and Hayai peering down onto me with disgust and scorn?
Am I that repulsive? Am I that annoying or unlikable? I tried not to talk as much and let others make the first move but it always ended the same way.
With me all alone…
Feeling his eyes water, Kanashi smiled. “Now I cry?” He muttered with trembling lips and hugging his knees harder.
“I hate myself so much, I really do.”
# # #
Kanashi walked down the sidewalk under the blazing Saharis sun. The rays of heat singing the hair on the back of his neck. It was a Tuesday afternoon, an average and quiet day. One where everyone his age was in school. Except Kanashi of course. No, he was playing hooky. Something he did fairly often. Thankfully most of his teachers were lenient with him and didn’t care if he missed a few extra days as long as he got good grades.
However those few extra days turned into a few extra weeks and those good grades fell down to nearly mediocre. School was like a prison, all those years of getting milk poured on his head. The rumors spread about him, the people who hated him.
What he did to make them hate him was beyond him; they simply called him annoying or weird. Perhaps it was his lack of spine that made them pick on him. An easy target who won’t fight back too much. Why didn’t he fight back? The fear of getting hurt? The fear of getting in trouble? The fear of further harassment?
Am I really that much of a coward? He wondered with a yawn.
It was only noon and he was already exhausted. The kind of exhaustion that sleeping doesnt fix. Like a constant haze in your mind blocking you from being able to focus or understand those things happening around you.
What is the point of any of this? He sighed, kicking an empty soda can into the road. “I guess this is my edgy philosophical phase? The time when I think I understand everything and no one understands me?” He laughed, shaking his head.
“Yeah, that sounds about right…”
The sudden sound of an electric bike’s hiss rang through the street like a plane taking off. Kanashi without hesitation whipped his head around and looked straight at the incoming mob of people. There were eight of them. In the front was their ring leader, someone who Kanashi knew rather well.
Greyson Mundenacker, the local druggie. He was a few years older than Kanashi, around the same age as his older brother Frairk.
“Kanashi!” He called out coming to a sudden stop in the middle of the road.
“Yo.” Kanashi hummed with a plastic smile.
“What’re you up to?” Greyson asked, flicking his cigarette bud at Kanashi.
“Just going for a walk.” Kanashi frowned, smacking the bud away.
“Where to?”
“Not sure, I might hit up the gas station and buy an energy drink or something.” Kanashi shrugged.
“Oh?” Greyson laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Does that mean you have some money on ya?”
“Yeah I got my card.”
“Mind if I take a look at it.”
“...Yeah?” Kanashi said, taken aback. Of course I do, are you retarded or something?
“What? I thought we were buddies?”
“I didn’t.”
“What!? You’re breaking my heart man! Just a little peak, I promise I won't do anything I just wanna see.”
“I already told you no.” Kanashi said, turning around and continuing his journey down the road. Please leave, please leave please leave. He repeated in his head.
“Hey faggot we’re talking to you!” One of the men behind Greyson yelled out.
“I’m done here.” Kanashi argued, continuing to walk away.
“Tch.” Greyson spat, revving his bike up and charging towards Kanashi.
Kanashi sensing something coming at him from behind dove out of the way with a yelp. “What the hell!?” He yelled between grit teeth.
“When did I say you could walk away?” Greyson argued, stomping over to Kanashi who jumped up to meet his gaze.
The two made eye contact and Greysons buddies formed a circle around them.
“I’m not asking any more, I’m telling you now. Show me your card.”
“Go to hell.” Kanashi spat.
“Don't make me take it from you ya little fag!” Greyson cried, shoving Kanashi who stumbled backwards and onto his behind.
“Don't touch me.” Kanashi growled, clenching his fist.
“What the hell are you gonna do about it?” He laughed. His friends quickly joined in and everyone was looking at Kanashi and laughing.
“...” Kanashi felt a bolt of emotion run to his fist, his stomach churned and he felt sick. He was gonna do it, he was gonna stick up for himself. He was going to kick Greysons ass right here right now.
So why am I struggling to do it!? He cried internally. Move, legs move! I’m gonna do it! I’m gonna punch him right in his stupid fat fucking nose! Kanashi clenched his fist so hard it hurt, he could feel his nails pushing up against the skin of his palm close enough to draw blood.
“Pft, that’s what I thought.” Greyson laughed. “You don't have your brother to protect you now do you!?”
“!” Kanashi jumped to his feet. He did so automatically without thought. His eyes narrowed and nostrils flared. Right as he prepared to swing he heard some cry out in pain.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing to my little brother!?” A powerful and deep voice called out.
Without hesitation one of Greysons yes men turned around with a snarl, yelling “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to-”
Before he could finish a fist was embedded into his nose sending him flying backwards with a wet splash.
“Tch, who the hell do you think you are talking to me like that!?” The intruding man asked, flicking the blood off his fist. This intruding man was tall with tan skin like that one would have from working outside often. His arms were rippling with muscle and thick veins pumped pure testosterone through his body. His clothes were average, a plain white t-shirt with a red baseball logo across the front and some cargo shorts.
“You… What the hell are you doing here Frairk!?” Greyson screamed with blood shot eyes.
“I’m here to visit my parents, the ones who live in the neighborhood I told you to never come back to. Not only did you come here but you have the balls to mess with my little brother?”
“This is your little brother!?” Greyson laughed, cocking his head back and looking at Kanashi with furrowed brows. “Ya look nothing alike ya know-”
“Shut it.”
Greyson flinched at Frairks command and sealed his lips.
“How many times have I kicked your ass now?”
“...”
“How many times!?”
“Th-three…”
“And you still haven't learned? They say third times the charm but you're pretty slow so maybe I’ll have to go for round four. ” Frairk laughed, combing back to his hair.
“I swear Frairk, nothing is gonna happen man! We were just playing around ya know!?”
“Is that so? Well then enlighten me on what would have happened if I wasn’t here? How would this game have ended?” Frairk stepped up to Greyson so close that his chest was touching Greysons nose. He glared down into Greysons murky green eyes and the latter trembled like a wet dog.
“Nothing dude.. I swear…”
“Yeah, you bet your ass nothing would have happened. Because if something did I’d have chased you down and put another metal plate in your head.” Frairk said roughly tapping on the side of Greysons head. “Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind.” Using only one hand Frairk shoved Greyson hard enough that he flew backwards into the guy behind making them both crumble to the floor.
“O-Of course!” Greyson yelped, jumping up to his feet and hopping onto his dirt bike. Without even a question his group of yesmen did the same and they burned rubber out of the neighborhood.
All the while this confrontation happened Kanashi stared at Frairk with eyes full of envy. Frairk without hesitation charged into a group of almost ten men and dominated the scene. He struck fear into the hearts of everyone who was standing there besides Kanashi who only felt jealousy.
Jealous that Frairk could do what he couldn't, what made them so different? They both had the same parents and lived in the same house. They went to the same school and were only a few years apart. So why was Frairk everything he wanted to be?
“Phew!” Frairk sighed looking at Kanashi. “Man that was scary! I thought those guys were gonna kick my ass!” He laughed, wiping his forehead.
“...”
“What, not happy to see me?” He asked with a smirk.
“No, that's not it…” Kanashi sighed, turning his head to the side.
“Then what is it?”
“You were just… too cool...”
“Oh thanks, ya know I’ll always be here for ya man!”
“...Now they think I can’t stand up for myself…”
“...”
Frairk had a stone cold blank expression. One of complete confusion before it regained its color and he grinned from ear to ear.. “That’s what you're worried about!?” He leaned back with a boisterous laugh covering his eyes.
“Don't laugh about it!” Kanashi argued.
“Sorry, it’s just I can’t understand why you would care what they think.”
“...” Kanashi didn’t respond. He just kept staring down at the floor. Why do I care what they think? I can tell myself I don’t care but I do. Why do I have to prove myself to them?
“Don't worry, next time they come around give me a call and I’ll kick their ass for you.” Frairk said, picking Kanashi up and throwing him over his shoulder.
“Put me down!” Kanashi yelled, punching Frairks back.
“Nope, I gotta make sure they don't come to get you on our way back!” Frairk laughed walking them back to their parents house.
Kanashi, understanding it was useless to resist, succumbed to his fate and went limp. He laid over Frairks shoulder staring down at the ground with a frown as they walked along.
“...”
“...”
“What’d you come for?” Kanashi asked.
“I needed some stuff for work.”
“I doubt we have anything for Aerospace Engineering.”
“It’s called a birth certificate smart ass.” Frairk huffed, punching Kanashis butt softly.
“...”
“...”
“How come you aren’t in school today? Not feeling good?” Frairk asked.
“Something like that.”
“Man, I guess I got all the good genes because I never got sick enough to miss school.”
“Yeah I know. I’m sick of hearing mom talk about it.” Kanashi huffed.
“She can be a pain in the ass sometimes but she means well. You know how relaxed dad is so somebody needed to wear the pants.”
“I just think it’s not that big of a deal.”
“It’s probably not in the long run. But she’s our mom so she’s gonna worry about every little thing we do.”
“I just wish she could stop comparing the two of us. No, you know what? I wish everyone stopped comparing us! Our parents, my teachers, hell even those guys compared us!”
“Oh, well sorry about that last one.”
“Don't ignore the point!”
“I’m not! It’s just impossible for you not to be compared to me. I’m the only comparison they have for you. If I wasn’t born and you were the only Sarumalder child then they’d find someone else to compare you to.”
“Well… you could have at least done something wrong along the way.”
“I did plenty of things wrong. The trick is not getting caught.” Frairk said, dumping Kanashi to the floor in their front yard.
In the driveway was Frairks cotton candy blue sports car, the one his fiance’s dad bought him as a birthday present.
“You ever gonna let me drive that thing?” Kanashi asked, nudging Frairk as he rang the doorbell.
“No way.” Frairk answered, bonking Kanashi on the back of the head.
“Hey now…” Their father Hóme said, opening the door. “No need to hit Kanashi on the head Frey. You might just knock it off of him.”
“But he deserved it dad.” Frairk sighed with a shrug.
“What the hell did I do!?” Kanashi yelped, throwing his hands in the air.
“I know he probably did but violence is never the answer…” Hóme lectured. He rambled on for a few minutes while Frairk and Kanashi rolled their eyes. Hóme was slightly taller than Kanashi but shorter than Frairk. He had tan skin and spiky black hair with thick square glasses. He gave off a strong nerdy yet confident father vibe.
After concluding his speech Hóme stepped aside and opened the door for Kanashi and Frairk to enter the house. Upon entering they took off their outside shoes and put on their slippers. Orange for Kanashi and Blue for Frairk.
“Man smells just like home!” Frairk sighed, taking a deep whiff of the air.
“No, that’s just the smell of Moms Carne Asada burning.” Kanashi giggled, wrinkling his nose.
“Don't be a jerk, Kanashi.” Hóme grunted, slapping Kanashi on the back of the head. “ Your moms just trying to… expand her horizons a bit.” He sighed.
“Yeah well… she’s not very good at it.” Kanashi muttered under his breath.
Suddenly a red slipper flew from the hallway smacking Kanashi in the head.
“Gah!” He cried, clutching his stinging face.
“I’m gonna make you eat the whole thing if you keep talking like that!” Their mother Reia yelled exiting the hallway. She was short and thin with shoulder length feathered blonde hair and narrow eyes like a hawk.
“I thought it smelled good~” Frairk hummed going to give his mother a hug.
“No one likes a kiss ass.” Reia said, pushing Frairk back with her hand. “But I missed you too.”
“So you know it stinks!” Kanashi laughed, running up the stairs.
“Wanna play!?” Reia growled chasing after him.
Frairk watched his mother and younger brother wrestle at the top of the stairs with a wide smile. “Looks like you guys are managing without me?” He asked Hóme.
“We’re certainly missing you. But you’re a man now and have your own life to live so as long as you come back to visit every few weeks we can manage. But if you break your moms heart I’ll kill you.”
“Oh yeah? What happened to violence being wrong?”
“That was about your brother not your mother.”
“Yeah, I guess you're right. He probably gets hit enough by mom.” Friark laughed as Reia walked back down the stairs.
Following her sluggishly was a beaten Kanashi who gasped for air.
“The good old rear naked choke?” Frairk asked Kanashi.
“Shut up…” Kanashi grunted.
Reia clapped her hands signaling the three men to zip their lips and listen to her next words carefully. “Alright, looks we're gonna go get some fast food.” She sighed.
# # #
The sound of someone's fist pounding onto cheap metal forced Kanashis eyes open, he sat up and rubbed his eyes with a yawn.
His clock said 6:40, meaning it was nearly time for him to leave.
“You go now!” The person on the other side of the metal divider yelled continuing to bang on the divider.
“One second!” Kanashi groaned.
What a weird dream… I feel like that exact thing happened a few years ago…
Putting those thoughts aside, Kanashi quickly packed his few belongings and left the cafe. As he walked through the building a few people glared at him with annoyance and scorn which confused him greatly. He wanted to yell out “What the hell are you looking at!?” But decided against it. He needed to be on his best behavior to not draw any attention.
The morning streets of Izumika were bustling with people. Young, old, workers, shoppers, gangsters. Everyone seemed to be moving.
Alright, it’s seven in the morning meaning I have five hours until our meeting… So what should I do? There were many things he wanted to do In Edoland but now that he had no money they were all basically impossible. He of course wanted to go to a local [Book Station] , a large Edoland company which sold second hand goods of all otaku interests. But it would only be torture to go there without money to spend. When they opened one in Azhar he easily spent nearly five hundred dollars on his first trip.
Actually… that’s probably the only real bucket list thing I could do in this small town so I guess I have no idea how to preoccupy my time.
First thing first he needed to go get some breakfast, his stomach burned from his lack of eating the past few days. On his path back to the [Sosaki Vendor] from the day before he paid closer attention to his surroundings and noticed something interesting.
Almost all of the electronics had the brand [Sosaki Corp.] on them. Cars, buses, light poles and street lights it seemed like everything was manufactured by them.
They had their hold in Azhar but it wasn’t this severe. No Azhar belonged to the [Kusig Manufacturing] company. The same company which mines and processes the [Nitrus] dust found in the Red Mountains.
Though with Azhar's destruction the [Kusig Manufacturing] is assumedly on its last leg and to be elapsed by [Sosaki] at some point.
Should I feel guilty for supporting my city's competitor? Kanashi wondered while entering the [Sosaki Vendor]. Compared to the day before it was bustling with energy. The store had at least a dozen plus people running around in it.
Kanashi made his way to the food aisle where he found coffee and bread. Not wheat or barley bread mind you but Rice Bread.
What the hell is this!? He wondered, picking the bread up and examining it. It looked like bread, it felt like bread, it smelled like bread but would it taste like bread?
His cup of Coffee and Chunk of rice Bread cost only $1.50 not bad. The bread was actually rather expensive compared to the other breakfast items. However the other options did not fit Kanashis palette.
Breakfast should be Pancakes, waffles, toast, eggs, bacon and sausage! Not fish, vegetables and soup! Well that was his westerner talking. Actually the traditional Azhar breakfast was much closer to Edolands.
Most of Azhars traditional food didn’t really settle with Kanashi. Carne Asada, Cactus, Boiled Fish, Arabic Rice, Hummus. They just didn’t sit right with his stomach.
His diet was mostly bread, white rice, Ramen and snack foods. It wasn’t the healthiest for sure but since moving to Historia he’d tried to eat better with help from Jin.
Grilled Chicken, Eggs, Rice, Fish and the like. It was thanks to that he gained ten pounds in his few weeks of training. Speaking of which he had grown larger. Not much as he was still frail looking but his arms were thicker and his stomach had the vague outline of abs when he flexed.
Sixpack! I’ll have you soon! Just you wait a bit longer!
Finishing his breakfast, Kanashi decided to explore Izumika for the next few hours until it was time to meet Kenken and the others at the restaurant.
“Well let’s see then… where to go first…?” He muttered, choosing a direction at random. With that Kanashi explored probably a quarter of Izumikas center district. The name Izumika was truly a fitting name as fountains could be found literally everywhere.
In Azhar there were fountains and the sort but they were pretty expensive to run and considered taboo as it’s a waste of water. A few companies could get away with it and they really pushed the envelope with them. They could probably contend for mini water parks more than fountains.
The most comparable fountain he found in Izumika was in front of the [Sosaki Corp.] office. It was way too small to be their home office but it was big enough to be the largest building in the whole city. Their fountain was multi-layered with dragons and koi spewing water from their mouths. At the top of the fountain was a Kappa with a water basin on its head and a graphically sculpted faucet coming from its crotch.
The second largest was old, probably the namesake of the city as it was a [Shintai] a sacred area.
Kanashi didn’t quite understand how Rebecca said there's mana present in nature since he never felt it before but upon entering this [Shintai] he truly understood. It was like the air was thick and sticky with the smell of honey. A warm nice feeling yet still heavy and overpowering. Like a fluffy big dog laying on top of you and licking your face.
The fountain was made of a dense brown stone with a tall samurai looking figure in the middle of it. At the bottom of the fountain was a small tablet with the name [Enma Gorosuke] inscribed.
Enma? That’s a really cool name. Enma as in the god of hell but spelled as flaming horse. I wonder if he’s a folk hero or something. I don't think I’ve ever heard of him…
There were alot of unfamiliar names Kanashi had heard of lately, The mad pirate king Osorei, now this Samurai Gorosuke.
I wonder if I’ll be forgotten to the world just like these guys when I die… maybe I won't even get as lucky as they are. I’ll be forgotten completely. Even if I do survive somehow, what about mom, dad and Frairk? This is why I don't like traditional Saharan Religion. They say if you don't have people to remember you after your death you end up in hell. Though the Irony isn’t lost on me since the ones who came up with those rules by their own logic are now burning in hell.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Wait a minute is hell legit then? If Celestials (Gods) exist then maybe other religious things are also real? I’ve always been a mildly religious guy but I’ve had my suspicions about certain things… not only that but the only Celestial I’ve heard of was that Quek guy… What was he the god of again? Chaos or something like that? Hmmm, perhaps there are Edoland gods (Celestials) wandering around amongst me right now.
Kanashi turned his head and looked at those around him. Even using observation he saw no signs of magic.
I’ve still got 90 minutes to kill so I should move on.
With that Kanashi continued his journey. He didn’t want to leave the general area he had been camping out in or his [spawn point] which was the [Sosaki Vending.]
Unfortunately he walked straight into the bad part of the city. It was only a few minutes from the Enma Fountain.
It seemed that the building quality dropped near instantly. From clean and polished stone to beaten and weathered brick. Most of the stores seemed to be small businesses. Self Owned Clothing stores, bike shops, Antique stores. The kind of things that don't get too much attention on a daily basis. Wild dogs moped around the alley looking rather thin and sickly which Kanashi frowned at. He tried to pet one but it snarled and snapped at him before running off down an alleyway.
One of the stores which stood out was an electronic repair shop. It was the nicest looking shop by far and had a wide variety of merchandise available through the front window. Kanashi looked over the many electronics inspecting the prices and brand for a few minutes until he felt stratified with his knowledge and began to walk away.
But then it happened. A commercial came on, one that made his head flick around and bloodshot tired eyes pierce the Tv screen.
“You!” The female voice on the commercial said.
“Me!?” Kanashi asked, pointing at himself.
“Yes you! I can tell through the screen you’re a dirty virgin who can’t find a partner to save their life.”
“How did you know!?”
“But don't worry, we have just the thing to cure your sad life. Here at Catgirls incorporated we’ve created the perfect product for you.”
“Cat girls!?”
“Yes cat girls!” The women on the TV said as if hearing Kanashis cry. “After decades of testing, Edoland scientists have created the perfect wife and or husband for someone like you! Created from a single cell in a lab, scientists have been able to create a biomechanical spouse for those who don’t have the time for a real partner or the ability to find one. Just like a REAL partner they can talk, clean, care for you, and even do other things.” The lady said with a wink which made Kanashis heart throb.
“For the small installment of $200,000 you can get the base package and if your-”
Kanashi sighed and looked away from the tv. “I can’t afford $200,000… well it’s a big investment but it's also a good one.. I wonder if I could convince the bank to give me a loan. What’s the lifespan of these things? Can I customize them? Are multiple allowed so I can have a harem!?”
DONK! DONK! DONK!
The sound of someone pounding on the store's window pulled Kanashi out of his thoughts. He cocked his head up and looked into the store's interior where an old man was yelling at him in Edogo while pointing as if to say “Keep walking bum!”
“Do I look that bad?” Kanashi asked aloud, looking down at his wrinkled and dirty cheap clothes. “Shit dude…” He sighed.
Well it’s almost time for me to go meet Kenken at the [Shokuseki] now isn't it?
Looking at a local map post Kanashi found the [Shokuseki] restaurant was about half way across the part of the city he explored. If he speed walked he could still make it in time so he started his journey.
As Kanashi made his way to the restaurant he made sure to pay closer attention to those native inhabitants of Edoland and how they dressed and acted. He was already sticking out like a sore thumb being the only foreigner but perhaps if he adjusted his actions to better fit the Edo culture he could better fly under the radar.
They used to call me slant eyes in middle school so maybe I just have to dye my hair black. He thought while rubbing his chin.
Upon a closer inspection the people of Edoland looked normal, Disappointingly so. There were gorgeous women who made Kanashis heart thump and handsome men who made him jealous beyond belief.
However the ratio of good looking - plain - ugly was about the same as anywhere else he’d been. Well he hadn’t been to too many places but still his point stood.
However it was interesting to see how little the diversity of people was. A sea of bark blue and black hair as far as the eye could see. Even though Azhar wasn’t the most diverse city with most of its inhabitants being either Iborian, Vulracious or Native Saharian.
# # #
Speaking of which I think it’s time to explain the different races of this world known as Eden.
You see there are three “human” species (races) which have been properly identified through archeology. Though the Evangelium outlines many more.
The first of these human species are man, typical humans like me and you with an average height of one and a half to three meters. A life span of nearly 120 years and the physically weakest of the three. Though their mind is said to have been the greatest which helped aid in their survival.
Second are the Dwarves, very similar to humans but physically stronger and shorter. They have a life span of nearly one hundred and fifty years but were exterminated during the era of the forgotten war. They had bigger and denser bones making them physically strong and resilient but weak to water as they were too heavy to float. Though no pure dwarfs remain, their genes still live on in those like Grendle Coldhammer who have a very distant dwarf ancestor.
The third and final officially recognized species are the Giants. These are humanoids who went extinct a few thousand years ago around the same time as the first kingdom of man was established. The cause of their extinction is unknown but it’s theorized that they were unable to adapt to the changing climate and failed to compete with humans in their overlapping range. Though according to later anecdotes their population had been on the decline for many millennia before this. Giants reached a size of up to a whopping five meters though there are unverified accounts of some reaching up to eight meters being found on the Kiton continent.
The Evangelium tells of other races such as the Atlanteans, an advanced race of humans which lived near modern day Serenite, the northernmost part of the Vulracious continent.
Next are Demons, like has been said previously they are only called demons due to their history and the prejudice against them by mankind. Much is still to be learned about demons as their blood and DNA is different then humans and hard to read. This makes it nearly impossible to compose a profile of them. Not only that but the cross breeding between tribes and mankind has only muddled the waters further.
Some scientists believe that Demons are a different species of hominids which convergently evolved with humans from a very distinct ancestor. Though this fails to explain their ability to cross breed with humans as their chromosomes would be so differently matched. Another unpopular theory is that Demons are in fact the remnants of an alien species which at one point in the lost past came into contact with humans.
Not only is this ridiculed because the concept of alien contact is frowned upon but they would still not be able to breed with humans and produce offspring. Those who believe this theory point to the mention of the Annukai in the Evangelium who are said to have been the engineers of life who helped the Atlanteans create civilization. As of the current moment there is no accepted origin of Demons. Demons themselves are much more focused on receiving better treatment and rights as beings then their origin.
Next are two species that those non magic users do not know of. These being Holy and Celestials. Holy are a random mutation that has only occurred a handful of times in all of history. These are humans with extreme magical power and a blessing. Because of their magical nature they can live up to three hundred years and some change. All Holy are born with a blessing which when compared to human blessings are much more powerful.
The first Holy is believed to have been the First King of man Salagin who ruled for three hundred years according to the Evangelium. In the current day there are around four known Holy. El-Saber, Randolph, The Oracle Delphi and the Emperor Orochi.
Finally are Celestials, those created through collective human imagination. These were worshiped as Gods in the past by different cultures. Celestials' power depends on their worship so while in the past they were extremely powerful in the modern day they are insignificant in comparison. Some Celestials such as Alexander the God Of War and Weaponry in ancient Vulracious mythology are still powerful due to the rituals still performed in his name even if it's just tradition and not true worship.
Celestials can interbreed with humans creating demi gods who have been recorded in the Evangelium and other ancient stories as heroes of great.
A few centuries ago the Pantheon of Celestials from all cultures, territories and ranks came together to ban the creation of Demigods as their worship lessened and the potential of their offspring becoming stronger than them was a great stress. Though not all Celestials obeyed this and there are still a small number of humans with very very distant Celestial ancestry. Most celestials in the modern day blend in with humanity preferring to live humble and meager retirements until they’re forgotten about entirely and disappear.
# # #
Returning to Kanashi who was now impatiently standing at an intersection he counted the seconds until the light flashed green.
He’d quickly moved to his destination and was now only a few blocks away from the restaurant. He’d meet up with Officer Kenken and the other people who are participating in this mission. They would discuss their plans and then set them into action. He’d get his visa + train pass and meet up with Nordon in Sarukou. Everything was going well. That is until something happened, something that seemed to be set up by the flow of fate itself.
“Ora, ora!” A group of men on motorcycles yelled speeding down the sidewalk towards the intersection.
There were probably a dozen of them and they looked like thugs, leather jackets and pompadours which dropped to their brow. A laughable living stereotype. If you’d told Kanashi they were actors from a movie in cheap costumes he’d probably believe you.
“Ora!”
Everyone quickly cleared out of the way except for a young child, one who was too focused on the yellow bouncy ball in his arms.
“Kisama! Ugokiro!” The men yelled, hollering and honking their horns. Just as things seemed desperate and Kanashi prepared to act, the mother of the child grabbed him by his collar and ripped him out of the way. As she did so the yellow ball flew from his hands into the road.
Not even a second later the motorcycles ripped past the crown of people and through the intersection. They were probably going over 60mph on the sidewalk of all places.
If the mother had been only a half second late her kid would’ve needed to be scrapped off the pavement. The crowd of people at the intersection screamed and hollered profanity at the thugs who kept driving on.
While everyone was distracted and yelling at the thugs including the child's mother he ran after his ball to retrieve it. His ball had found itself square in the middle of the road and he without thought leapt into the way of an oncoming semi truck.
Oh shit, it’s happening! Kanashi dashed forwards to push the kid out of the trucks path. If he used enhancement and observation he could probably make it in time and get the kid out of the way. However he himself would face the incoming truck. But that was his plan!
He would push the kid out of the way, get run over and then be reborn into a new world! Or become a spirit detective whichever happened he was fine with it!
Right as Kanashis feet left the floor someone grabbed his foot and ripped him backwards. Their speed and strength was incredible, they threw him back a few meters as if he weighed nothing.
The sound of a car hitting a brick wall was accompanied by a flash of blue light.
[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Tsunami!]
The truck was stopped in its tracks. The front smashed in like someone had taken a wrecking ball to it. However it was caved in, in such a way that the driver would remain unharmed.
The child who had run after the ball was resting safely in the hands of the man who had presumably stopped the truck. He was also most likely the one who threw Kanashi backwards, ruining his chances of being Isekaid.
That bastard! Kanashi thought with a nasty scowl, But his scowl quickly evaded into a blush when he recognized the man in front of him.
OTSUGA MIYAGAMI THE GOD OF KARATE!? Yes there was no doubt that this was him, his thick frame and the large scar running down the top of his bald head confirmed the identity of the Isekai ticket thief.
“Phew, looks like everything ended up alright then?” Otsuga asked with a laugh looking at the kid in his arms.
“Y-yeah…” The kid muttered with tears in his eyes.
Otsuka returned the child to his mother and they both cried in eachothers arms while the crowd clapped and cheered.
But there was one man who was different, no one young boy. Our protagonist Kanashi.
“OTSUGA MIYAGAMI!” Kanashi screamed at the top of his lungs. It came out with such a guttural tone that it could be confused for a battle cry.
However Otsuga was used to this tone, it was the tone he dreaded most. That of a fan.
“Oh no…” He muttered with a grimace as Kanashi leapt over the crown and in front of him.
“Sensei, it's an honor to meet your acquaintance!” Kanashi said in Shinkai and performed a full dogeza.
“No, no it’s okay!” Otsuga cried out full of embarrassment.
“If you wish me to strip naked I’d do so without hesitation!” Kanashi said, looking up at Otsuga with eyes of determination.
“Please don't!” Otsuga frowned. “Just stand up and talk to me like a normal man.”
“I couldn't! You’re the God of Karate!”
“But you’re not a student of mine! This is highly disrespectful!” Otsuga lied, squinting one eye.
“Oh, My greatest apologies!” Kanashi said, jumping into the air with perfect posture and hands to his side.
“Alright listen kid, I really appreciate you being a fan and all but I gotta ask that you treat me like any other normal old man! I’m not even supposed to be out here right now!”
“How come?” Kanashi asked, cocking his head to the side.
“I’m… Ditching work today.”
. “Oh! I understand, I’ll keep my mouth shut then!”
“Ahem, it’s good then that you understand the dire situation present. Well I also must say that your bravery in wanting to save this child was very impressive but I’d prefer if you didn’t thrust yourself into dangerous situations you would only worsen.”
Kanashis eye widened at this, SHIT! I forgot about the kid entirely! Should I just pretend like I did it for that reason and not so I could get isekais!? I mean the setup was perfect! But that would be a lie and I don't want him to hate me so I just won't respond.
“I understand…”
Otsuga frowned and looked at his watch, “Well I’ve gotta date to attend so I’m outta here. Can you do me a favor and fill out the police report for me?”
“?”
“Just give them the basic run down and my name. They’ll figure it out- actually I’m going to meet Officer Kenken shortly so I’ll just do it there…” Otsuga muttered, rubbing the scar on the top of his head.
“Oh you’re going to meet Officer Kenken as well?” Kanashi asked with a smile.
“As well?”
“I’m going to meet him right now actually.”
“Are you a criminal?”
“No! I’m… attending a meeting related to something top secret.”
“Like?”
“I can't say…”
“I see. Well It’s fine then! I’ll be on my way now.” Otsuga said, turning around and quickly walking away.
“Wait for me Otsuga Sensei!” Kanashi called out running after the Karate master.
# # #
“And then Habi fights his father Jiyurou and defeats him with a cook off! But get this, the food is imaginary! Like not real food, just stuff in their head!”
“Sigh, I understand…” Otsuga said, rolling his eyes.
“You won't believe the next part either so it starts with-”
“We’re here.”
“Huh?” Kanashi hummed looking up at the building in front of them. It was a very old western style diner with a yellow paint job and large square windows. It looked as though it hadn't been touched in the last 250 years when the style was last popular.
“Well then this is where we part ways, It was nice talking to you… eto….”
“How rude of me to never give my name! I’m Kanashi Saru-'' Should I say my real name or my alias? Oh well nothing too bad can happen huh? “Kanashi Sarumalder at your service.”
“Wait, Kanashi Sarumalder?”
“You’ve heard of me?”
“No…” Otsuga said, turning his head, by his expression he was mostly certainly lying.
How would he have heard of me?! This is bad, is he a part of Toumeikan!? Did those Yakuza get a message across? Should I try to run or hide? No, I should fight him and defeat him now! But at his level… I don't know if I can.
“Oh well, it seems like Otsuga-Sensei and Salamance-San have already met each other? Things will go much easier then.” Officer Kenken said with a smile as he emerged from the diner.
“Hm?” Kanashi hummed confused.
“Salamance?” Otsuga asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at Kanashi who puckered his lips.
“Hahaha! Did you mishear me yesterday Officer Kenken!? My name is Sarumalder Kanashi, not Salamance!” Kanashi laughed. SHIT cover blown, but it looks like it’s too late to back off now.
“I see… then you are the one I heard about.” Otgsua muttered to himself.
“My apologies Sarumalder-San!”
“Oh no dont mind, I know L and Rs can get confusing. I’m more than thankful that you can speak Shinkai alone. It wouldn’t be fair to judge you for something small like that.” Kanashi laughed, patting Kenken on the shoulder.
“Kanashi, In Edoland names are a great deal.” Otsuga said.
“They are?”
“Yes, especially to us from the older generation, the most important being your family name. This dates back to ancient times when first names were not given and people were only addressed by their clan title.” Ostuga explained
“I see.” AAAAH how did I miss something that important!? I’m a failure I tell you! A horrible mess of an Otaku failure!
“Ahem, let us continue our conversation inside.” Kenken said, regaining his composure.”
“Of course.” Otsuga smiled.
Kanashi and Otsuga followed Kenken inside the Diner. The inside was even more dated than the outside. Brown leather booths, cheap metal tables and rickety chain like chairs. If there was a standoff between two druggies and two gangsters it wouldnt at all feel out of place.
They continued further into a “private room” which looked to be the place where children's birthdays would be held. As for which kid would wanna have their birthday at an old style diner who knows.
Inside this room were about a dozen and a half people only two of which were not police officers. They sat around a large table eating a western style breakfast that smelled great.
Otsuga must have known one of the men in the back because he laughed aloud and instantly went to hug the man he called “Naori-Kun.”
Naori was rather short with flat brown hair and two moles. One below his lip and one under his eye. He looked almost girlish because of his long eyelashes but his rippling neck muscles made it clear he was a powerful man.
“Hmph, I see they needed the big guns for this!” Laughed the other non police officer. He had blood red spiky hair which shot out into every direction and a face covered in long deep scars.
“So they asked you to come too Sakashima-San? I’m surprised you came.” Otsuga replied.
“When I heard it was Ugoki I couldn’t refuse. He’ll fetch me a good wad of cash once I drag him in.” Sakashima laughed. “Now who’s this brat?” He asked, turning to Kanashi.
Naori and Otsuga did the same and Kanashi swallowed nervously.
“I’m Kanashi Sarumalder, nice to meet you…” He choked out.
“!”
Both Sakashima and Naori looked to Otsuga who nodded sternly.
They began to speak with each other in Edogo with many words Kanashi couldn’t understand. It was clear they were trying to hide something from him which only made his worries grow.
“Ahem!” Kenken clapped, gathering everyone's attention. “Now that we’ve all arrived let’s sit down and discuss our plans.” He said with a smile.
Kanashi took his seat along with everyone else and the discussion began.
“Here is all that we know so far.” Kenken said, throwing a stack of papers in front of him and flipping through them quickly. “The Toumeikan Yakuza company has deployed a number of members to each city bordering the ocean without exception. The reasoning for this is unknown but we do know that it’s happened across all of Chushima.
Since Izumika is such a small city we’ve lucked out and only had three magic users sent here. These are Chujou Ugoki, Nobunaga Heida and Dekamaru Setsuka. There are other Yakuza in Izumika but they’re not magic users so us officers can take care of them no problem.
However Ugoki, Heida and Setsuka are out of our league. And that’s where the Venator Society members come into play.” Explained Kenken.
“!” Kanashis eyes shot open, Venator Society? So he knows who I am!? But how!?
“Oh and Kanashi of course.” Kenken said as if remembering something unimportant.
“Wait a minute…” Kanashi muttered looking at Otsuga who winked.
“The Venator Society members and Kanashi will take care of the three magic users. Otsuga and Sakashima will be our main hitters while Naori plays support and Kanashi backup. We’ve also secured a warrant to have the hotel which the Toumeikan are staying in evacuated when the time comes.
Nobunaga and Dekamaru are probably someone that can be defeated in a 1v1 but Ugoki will require at least two of you.” Said Kenken.
“Excuse me.” One of the officers said, raising his hand.
“Yes, Benkou?” Kenken nodded.
“Is it ethical to involve an outsider like Kanashi in our plans? We can look past the legality of it but what about the danger imposed onto Kanashi in this? I understand that we’re desperate but there’s a difference between desperation and gross negligence.” Officer Benkou said.
The others at the table seemed to nod and agree with this statement. Kenken frowned and was clearly distressed at this notion and the positive response it received.
“Well Kanashi agreed to it and his magical aptitude is up to par so I figured…”
“That we could put him into the line of danger? If he was a citizen of Izumika- No a citizen of Edoland then I could get on board with this but a foreigner? This is just cruel, he comes to our country to have a vacation and we thrust him into a life of death battle for our own sake!” One of the female officers said, smashing her hand onto the table.
“I….” Kenken tried to defend himself but closed his mouth quickly. He looked as if he was about to cry..
“...” Kanashi stared at him silently and clenched his hand into a fist. Kenken was for sure at fault in this situation but so was Kanashi. He was willing to participate so shouldn't everything have been fine. As he got ready to stand up and defend Kenken, Otsuga stood up and puffed out his chest.
“!”
Everyone grunted in surprise and whipped their heads around to look at Otsuga.
“What’s wrong Otsuga-Sensei?” One of the officers asked.
Otsuga turned to Kanashi and in a single clean motion dropped to the floor and performed a perfect Dogeza.
“I, Otsuga Miyagami request on behalf of all of Izumika that you provide your aid to us in our time of need!”
“!”
“...”
“Huh!?”
Everyone except Sakashima and Naori gasped at Otsugas display. The one who was most surprised was Kanashi.
“Of course! I will gladly lay down my life for the city of Izumika. I’ll fight to my last breath and keep fighting even if every single bone in my body is broken and my senses robbed!” He said, jumping out of his chair. He wasn’t really thinking or understanding the words which came from his mouth. He simply said what came to mind. He wanted to please the hero in front of him who had lowered his head.
“!”
Otsuga jumped to his feet with a broad smile and squinted eyes. “Any objections?” He asked confidently looking around the table.
No one dared to oppose him, he was a hero of the nation. The one recognized as the God Of Karate.
“Well then.” He laughed sitting down in his chair.
“...” Kanashi followed suit, his heart pounding out of his chest. Amazing… he silenced them with a simple action. No one could dare to oppose me joining if he had asked himself.
Otsuga looked at Kanashi with a warm smile. “What good is a hero who can’t bow his head for his people?” He whispered.
“...” Kanashi chewed on those words. They were wonderfully put together. It’s impossible to be a true hero, somebody who helps and saves everyone no matter what it might cost them.
However Otsuga managed to become as close to that Ideal as possible in that moment. A true hero.
“Well then.” Kenken said, clearing his throat.
“Can we continue?”
# # #
All who remained in the diner's private room were Kanashi, Naori, Sakashima and Otsuga. This was at the latter's request which no one even thought of opposing.
“We finally met Sarumalder Kanashi. I’ve heard all about you and while I’m happy to see you I can’t say that I quite understand why I am seeing you.” Otsuga said, rubbing the scar on the top of his head.
“...” Kanashi didn’t respond, where could he even start? There were many things he could say. No, there were many things that he wanted to say. Most were off topic but those that were still conflicted with each other in his head.
“Ah, that was kinda a loaded question. Let me ask you something more simple then.” Otsuga sighed, folding his arms. “Why are you in Izumika and not Sarukou. Where is Nordon?”
Well that certainly narrowed down Kanashis response choices. He felt like he was in a VN debating which reply to pick. He took another ten seconds to decide his response. In the end he chose what made the most sense. He explained himself, he told them everything without sparing a detail. About him waking up in the Venator Society, his time training with Jin, Fighting Titan and going on the Cymba. How we met Jason and Rebecca and his fight with Satoshi. His time traveling to Edoland and his first day. Hell he even explained the events of that morning.
Perhaps it was just him venting his struggles over the past few months to someone else but it just felt like the right thing to do.
“I see….” Otsuga sighed, puckering his lips in thought. “This is quite a troubling turn of events…”
“Why do you say that?” Kanashi asked.
“This Satoshi character… he’s someone that shouldn't exist.”
“How come?”
“If what he said about his last name being Kageki is true then this changes a lot of things in the underground politics of Edoland.”
“I’m not sure I understand…” Kanashi sighed.
“I think it’s best if I explain from the start then.” Said Otsuga. “Up until a little over a decade ago there were three clans which held the most power in Edoland. The Kageki, Soutou and Hojo clans.
“A little over a decade ago the Kageki clan fell into a property dispute with the Toumeikan Yakuza and were massacred without a single survivor. Or at least that’s what has been reported and I’ve never heard of a Kageki clan member named Satoshi.”
“Could he be faking it?” Kanashi asked.
“No, if he truly used [Kagepo] he must be a member of the Kageki clan and a child of the clan head at that.” Otsuga answered.
“Is it like a blessing then?” But I thought blessings weren’t inheritable unless you have a blessing for that specifically. Like Jin does.
“Not exactly, it’s more like a natural affinity. The Kageki clans supposed founders had a blessing which allowed him to control shadows themself. It’s said he taught his descendants how to do the same with Elementalist magic and from there it snowballed into something they’re born with an affinity for.”
“Interesting… and you said there were two other clans? Are they still around?”
“Yes, the Soutou and Hojo.”
“Soto? That sounds Iborian.”
“The Soutou clan were original traders from Iboria who settled in Edoland, the Hojo were wealthy merchants who descended from the Royal Family. Together they created a monopoly on foreign goods and quickly became the wealthiest clans in the entire country. The Kageki clan were Shinobi who fought in the North Vs. South War against the Soutou and Hojo. Their betrayal of the South and joining of the North turned the tides of the war and they were given the title as one of the big three clans to appease their ego.”
“Why did the Toumeikan massacre them?”
“The Kagekis min trade like Satoshi said was Assassination. They not only provided their services to Edoland but the entire world. The Toumeikan saw that potential profit and took it for themselves.”
“How horrible…” Kanashi frowned. He actually felt bad for Satoshi assuming he was a member of the Kageki clan. However he could not condone his choices. He had something similar happen and he didn’t kill innocent people in a quest for revenge.
“But to join the Toumeikan to get revenge… hmph he’s nothing like his father.” Sakashima huffed with a frown.
“Given that we’ve never heard the name Satoshi he might be a bastard child of Dou who escaped. The Toumeikan are ruthless but they might have let the little mongrel escape, deeming him not a threat.” Otsuga sighed.
“Well now that you’ve got your fill of information come over here so I can check out that wound.” Naori interrupted.
“Oh sure...” Kanashi walked over to Naori who lifted his shirt and inspected the wound.
“!”
The three men were speechless at the wound in Kanashis stomach.
“Disgusting.” Sakashima grunted.
“Rude!” Kanashi barked with a frown, it only looked like a large scab. How was he supposed to do anything about it?”
“This isn’t any normal injury. I’ve never seen anything like it before! It has some kind of curse-like effect applied to it.” Naori said, puckering his lips in thought.
“What kind of curse would that be?” Otsuga asked.
“Nothing major from what I can tell. But again this is something I’ve never seen before, it seems like Satoshi wasn’t too adept at wielding his cursed blade and that [Deus Ex Machina] really helped out the healing process.”
“Deus Ex Machina?” Kanashi questioned.
“That thing you did where the bolts of mana flew out and you got stronger, it’s called [Deus Ex Machina] think of it like a critical hit in a video game.” Naori explained
“Oh I see.” Kanashi hummed in response.
Naori placed his hand on Kanashis hip and used healing magic slowly. The wound began to close but quickly reopened. He tried again but the same thing occurred.
“Interesting… this isn’t like anything I’ve seen before.” Naori sighed.
“Is it something you can’t heal?”
“I’m afraid not right now no. If given time I’m sure I could come up with something but right now I have no idea where to begin. Curses are like a knot, imagine a curse as a bundled up rope. The rope is tied into many little knots along its length and then into one big one. To exorcize that curse you need to undo all of those knots. This curse is pretty intense. Basically whenever I apply my healing magic it reverses it.”
“What does that mean?”
“My mana is reversed into Hakai (destruction).”
“Hakai?”
“The inverse of normal mana, something difficult to use. I only know about it because of Otsuga.”
“It was created by Murlock.” Otsuga said, walking over to inspect Kanashi's curse himself.
“...” Kanashi blushed as he felt the old man's cool breath on his stomach.
“The [Tsubashnai] he used was probably the [Samasura Blade].” Otsuga muttered.
“You think so?” Noari asked with a look of surprise.
“Yeah, that’s the only explanation for how it would be able to do this.”
“I know I sound like a broken record at this point but umm.. What’s the Samasura blade?” Kanashi laughed nervously.
“It’s one of the twelve legendary Edoland swords said to be capable of killing a god (Celestial). But I don't know why it would use Hakai on you.”
“Is it not supposed to?”
“Hakai is most effective against gods (Celestials) as beings made of pure mana/aura they’re the most susceptible to it. Maybe because you entered the [Abyssal Zone] with [Deus Ex Machina] you activated the blade's hidden effect? Otsuga questioned rubbing his scar. But still, it wouldn’t continue to keep on going like that. Unless… no it would be a stupid thing to even consider. “With that said, let us return to the main topic.”
“Oh yeah, well as you heard from my story I’m an Elementalist with little proficiency in Energy Manipulation. My spells are pretty much all over the place in terms of their elements but I have close and long range methods of attack as well as [Itachi].” Kanashi said while Naori applied a seal to Kanashis wound.
“Alright then Kanashi, that should keep it from getting worse, this Jason guy was pretty skilled to apply the seal he did but mine should last a bit longer. But I gotta stress that you’re not healed. You’re simply not bleeding and it won't worsen.”
“Got it!” Kanashi said with a thumbs up.
“Alright and my magic as you can see, well my expertise is healing magic but I mainly use enhancement.”
“That makes sense, healing magic is just an extension of Enhancement…” Kanashi hummed with a nod.
“Well then, I use enhancement along with Elementalism and Energy Manipulation for my magic. Like you saw earlier I’ve trained my enhancement to such a degree that I can put a hole in someone with a palm strike.” Otsuga said with a warm smile.
“I use Transmutation in conjunction with Elementalist magic.” Sakashima said with a frown.
“Alright then… do we know Ugoki and the others' magic?” Kanashi asked.
“I know Ugoki is an energy manipulator and Nobunaga uses a katana but I’m at a loss for Dekumaru.” Otsuga sighed.
“Hmmm.” Kanashi hummed, puckering his lips in thought. Nobunaga using a sword would probably be either an Elementalist or Energy Manipulator. He might even be like Julius and just use Enhancement. Ugoki being an energy manipulator is pretty easy to read. Either he affects himself or the environment around him. So I feel like Dekumaru is either gonna be a Clairvoyant or Spatial Manipulator.
If she’s a Spatial Manipulator with a Liminal Realm I have my [White Water Space Cutter] ring that Jin gave me but… If I use that they’ll know I’m with Jin. If she’s a clairvoyant then I need to worry about something like mind reading or mind control. But that'll be easier to deal with then Spatial Manipulation… Dammit, both of these suck!
“Well, we can sleep on it for another night and then meet up tomorrow.” Naori said, patting Kanashi on the shoulder.
“You’re right we have another day to figure things out so we should take our time. Oh, by the way Otsuga-Sensei you said that you know Nordon, is there a way you can contact him for me?” Said Kanashi.
“Yeah, I’ll let him know. But if he’s in Sarukou it will probably take him a day and a half to arrive.”
“That’s fine. As long as he knows where I am and we can get on the same page.”