“He’s gone… [data lost]. I can’t tell them the truth… Without him, I don’t know if we can survive in this wasteland of [data lost], and death. I have to put my trust in His Justice… I have to support him now that Our Salvation has vanished… Why did he go?” - Melissa P. Kenella, The Lost Diaries, Vol. III.
Clover groaned, mind in a fog as she tried to clear her vision; she squinted at the brightness that met her eyes and the sterile smell lingering in the area. A light-blue medical curtain was drawn across the high ceiling and around her bed in what appeared to be a hospital room, yet she was dressed in the same damaged outfit that she still wished had an overcoat.
Her brow creased as she pushed herself against the cushioned back of the large medical bed, throwing off the blanket that covered her lower half.
“Hmm... Again, more questions than answers…” she muttered, rubbing her temple.
Something felt off inside her body, unlike before; she felt...weaker.
Glancing back, she studied an LCD screen, showing a real-time medical chart with various readings that meant nothing to her; it looked like something out of sci-fi compared to the technology she was used to.
To her right was a table and drawers that looked simple enough, yet the rest of the facility was something of a horror film with its plain high metal walls and ceiling.
Getting up, she performed a big stretch, holding out her hand to call the Viper Blade. She twirled it around expertly without extending the segments; it came naturally, as if the sword was a part of her body and mind.
Not a fencing sword...yet it can act as one with how light it is—in fact, it could function as a slashing or piercing weapon while having the versatility of its range and whip-like abilities...a sophisticated tool.
Releasing it, she watched it vanish in a teal outline. Useful. Although weird, to be sure... But these clothes... And the rips…
Concentrating, she tried to force them to be more proper for her station. Sadly, nothing happened. The small patches of exposed skin on her thighs and form-fitting top, as well as the damage to her boots, were still as evident as ever. At least nothing genuinely embarrassing was on display.
Clover puffed out a soft breath and plucked at the flared hem of her black shirt before sliding her fingers across the belt, looping around her midriff. At least the tight outfit was comfortable.
Brushing back her platinum-blonde hair, still in the boho ponytail, she turned her attention to the curtain, a frown close to her lips; she wasn’t sure exactly how she knew, but four men were standing on the other side.
There was food near her, but she didn’t have an appetite; in fact, she didn’t feel like resting either. Getting out of bed, she pulled back the curtain, studying the area with a critical eye while folding her arms.
Two other patients were in the big rectangular room, and they both gave her stunned looks, along with the single nurse nearby. Four armed men were standing guard close to her bed in the back corner of the room, holding guns she’d never seen before. They stiffened as the curtains were thrown back, and she appraised them.
“Hmm... Are you here for me?”
They wore combat vests similar to what she’d seen some of the High Council Military use at one point and were dressed in a black and gold outfit that she wasn’t familiar with; their helmets had visors covering part of their faces, leaving the nose down clear.
The man in charge stepped forward, hands leaving his weapon to hang around his torso. “Ma’am, if you could follow us—we’ve been ordered to take you to General Laurence when you awoke.”
Clover ignored them, continuing to study her environment. It could have been a rival City-State by the colors, but it would be small and far away since she didn’t recognize the maroon crest they wore or what was printed on the side of the wall.
The facility was new, yet their staff should have been whipped into shape because some of the equipment showed signs of damage or wear.
Divulging my identity wouldn’t be wise without more information.
“Which City-State are we in?” Clover demanded, giving the men a dirty scowl.
Her sharp eyes shifted to the men beside him as their muscles tightened at her question and attitude; they considered her a potential threat. There wasn’t an ounce of fear in her breast, though, despite their size. She could take care of herself—even more than before, considering her strange ability to summon the Viper Blade.
She could practically taste the unease and fear in three of the men while their leader had a hint of hope. His response was patient, ignoring their agitation. “I...understand you are trying to figure out what happened; the void swallowed you—that’s the last thing you remember?”
“I didn’t ask what I knew,” Clover chided, full lips tightening while glancing toward the other two patients; they were recovering from what appeared to be blast burns of some kind.
The man chuckled, stepping to the side to motion for his men to relax as they nervously shifted their guns. “I know. I know... My name is Leroy. Please, relax a little. Umm...have you seen yourself in a mirror?”
Her vision narrowed. “No?”
Leroy held his hands up to show he meant no harm before reaching into his front pocket to take out a small mirror. “Well... Here…”
Taking it, she stepped back, not knowing if he was trying to pull her attention away to make a move. “Don’t twitch.”
“We’re right here,” he replied, giving her a forced smile. “Look…”
Her mind blanked upon seeing her reflection. “What...happened to me?” she mumbled.
Clover twisted her head left, right, up, and down, trying to understand precisely what she was looking at. Her features had sharpened a bit, her cheekbones rising slightly, and her pupils were now slits, like a snake, yet retained the blue hue she was born with. Her platinum-blonde hair was thicker and unwashed.
“What did you do to me?”
Leroy flinched as her eyes penetrated him, shaking his head at her accusation. “No! No! We didn’t do anything to you! Eh…” He gestured to the wide hallway where more soldiers could be seen guarding various doors. “You’ll find the answers to all your questions by speaking to the general.”
Her glare slid back to him as she handed the mirror back. “You—fine... Just tell me what City-State I am in.”
He breathed out a heavy sigh, smacking his lips. “Skydream—I know, it may not be where you came from—it’s been fifteen years since the Voids started sucking people into them.”
The information didn’t register to Clover for a moment. “Fifteen...years?”
Her gaze fell to the floor in disbelief. Fifteen years... No, they appeared not that long ago... Fifteen years…
She looked at the advanced equipment, mind flashing back to the ruined metropolis she’d run through upon exiting the sphere. Skydream, fifteen years after I went in... Was I thrown forward in time?
What about my family? Mom? Dad? Leora would be nearly as old as me; are they all okay?
Fearing the implications, her hands tightened against her sides. “Take me to your general.”
“That’s what we’ve been trying to do,” one of the soldiers grumbled.
Leroy held out a hand. “Chill, Josiah—we can’t understand what she’s going through right now. Okay, he’s this way.” He took the lead, speaking as they moved, “Just know that you aren’t the first to exit the Voids... Do you have a name?”
She shook her head, feeling somewhat numb. “I’d rather not say—not yet.”
“Is she really a spirit user?” one of the men mumbled to his buddy; Clover ignored him.
“I understand,” Leroy nodded, guiding her through what appeared to be a military medical bay with heavy steel doors that could be sealed off if needed. It was more like she was in a prison ward’s medical wing than a proper hospital.
Her focus darted to the left, breathing in deeply—a familiar presence had passed through this area not that long ago. Again, Clover didn’t know how, but she knew Melissa was ahead of her, and sure enough, the woman soon came into view around a corner.
The woman was dressed in a gray and white uniform with a maroon armband showing the same insignia as the men. Clover assumed the stripe pattern showed her rank; it was an acceptable outfit, though the semi-formal dress style made her slightly envious.
“Oh! Awake already? My, it must be nice, still being in the prime of your youth! I’m Melis—”
“Yes, it’s a pleasure,” Clover mumbled, cutting her off. “We’ve met before, and I’d like to show you my gratitude, but—I would first enjoy an explanation as to what has happened to Skydream and myself.”
“Ah-he-he…” Melissa sucked in a forced breath. “Right, right, uh...no need for formalities! It’s my job as a part of the Medical Unit to rescue kids like you.”
The heat in Clover’s chest rose a little, and her mouth twisted in agitation before responding. “…Did I not tell you—I am not a child, Melissa. And while I appreciate your aid, I believe I am owed a modicum of decency in an explanation as to what has happened to my home.”
A few of the soldiers nearby stepped back a little, muscles tightening and chemicals releasing from their bodies that told her they were a little frightened, but she was done being dragged around without an explanation.
“I was told fifteen years have passed since the Voids appeared—fifteen, Melissa—that cannot be right! I only stepped through moments before appearing here.”
She spread her arms, then paused before glancing down at herself, unsure of what people would think of her unique clothing.
“I was dressed like—like a foreign Wilder! An entirely unacceptable outfit—before it spontaneously transformed into what I am wearing now, and I have snake-eyes...snake-eyes, Melissa! My face has changed! Can you see why I am so distraught and confused about what is happening around me?”
The woman held up her hands. “Woah! Woah! Woah! Hey, slow down! I get it! I really do! I came through the Void as you did—well, not exactly like you—I didn’t remember anything either!”
“Mhm…” Clover’s eyebrow lifted, her gaze sweeping her proper dress; she looked to be in her very early twenties, not the elder she acted to be. “I do not see snake-eyes, Melissa…”
“Uh-huh, yeah... I’ll admit, heh, that’s a bit odder than the usual survivor,” she chuckled, scratching the back of her neck. “Eh, but, I mean, you aren’t exactly like most people that exit the Voids, either! Umm, right... I’m sure you have a lot of questions—where are we, what happened, who’s this gorgeous blonde talking to you…” she said with a short giggle, but she trailed off as Clover corrected her.
“Personally, my questions would be—what happened to my family, how are people fairing after fifteen years of these...these things attacking us, my clothes and appearance, what those Voids are, and what is being done about them?”
“Mhm…” one of the soldiers grumbled, practically rolling his eyes under his mask.
“Heh... Let’s not get ahead of ourselves! I’ll explain! I’ll explain! You know, we gotta go slow or...or things could get really, really confusing! Rushing things won’t make this easier on you, trust me.”
Clover took a long breath, loosening up her tight neck with a low groan. “I suppose I should have a sound mind when processing this...long story, I’m sure. Is there any tea or other beverage we might partake in while discussing...everything?”
Melissa pursed her lips, scratching her arm a little. “You see, heh, umm...unfortunately, we have a lot of things to do—like, right now... Please, please, just bear with us for some time... Can I get a name?” she asked.
At that moment, the metal doors behind her opened to reveal a large, serious-looking, middle-aged man with various medals and colors pinned to his jacket; he folded his large arms across his chest before addressing her.
“Her name is Clover Emberfield, correct? The youngest daughter of Mark and Jose Emberfield, former members of Skydream’s Great Council...the highest-ranking nobles from the East Skydream province.”
Everyone’s mouths dropped open at the introduction.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“Humph…” Clover examined the well-built man. “I’ve seen you before... Major Laurence, I believe. Aren’t you a ranking member of the Royal Guard?”
His placid expression didn’t change while mirroring Clover, placing his left hand on his hip. “Now, I am the brigadier general of the SPU’s Western Medical Brigade. In short, Clover, the old order is no more.”
Clover’s lips tightened at the news. “My family?”
Laurence’s tone didn’t deviate. “Rassi assassinated your mother, your aunt, and your uncle on their return to your manor in Eastern Skydream, blowing up the car they were in only five days after your disappearance.”
“My niece—Leora?” Clover asked, doing her best to keep her voice in check while recalling the silver-haired child; her pure silver color was more vibrant than the average Emberfield and something her aunt had boasted about. “Did she survive?”
The man’s dull expression didn’t change. “She was with a maid at the time, who was watching her as your family handled the initial outbreak. Your father took her in, but her life was taken just under three years later with your father’s assassination.”
Not Leora, too... Clover internally cried, wanting to stab something but retaining her composure as he continued.
“As for your brother, from early reports, transevil killed him and his wife, but you know that already; your presence was recounted by those you employed. Your brother and sister-in-law were among the first deaths in East Skydream from a smaller void that appeared nearby.”
“General!” Melissa gasped.
Clover held up her hand, face hardening, yet she had to tighten her fist; it hurt—a lot—but she had to bear at least this much. “I’m not a child... So, those wolves didn’t come from West Skydream... Keep going.”
“But…” Melissa trailed off, arms held tightly against her breast. “Are you sure?”
“A high noble?” Leroy whispered in shock, still stuck on that detail with the guards. “An Emberfield?”
Laurence ignored them. “The First Rassi War erupted upon their invasion, and your father was vicious—a war hero, really—and a role model to many, taking in his niece. He threw himself into the effort after almost everyone in your family died, yet still made time for your niece.
“Unfortunately, nearly three years after the Voids appeared—bringing the rassi and transevil—your father and niece were murdered by an elite rassi squadron affiliated with the now-decimated Felmor Faction; no one alive even knows what their leader looked like, so there are still speculations as to if they’ll return.”
Clover glared at the floor, arms crossed under her breasts. “I see... All my other family?”
“Dead.”
“…Mmh…”
“General,” Melissa mumbled, stepping forward to rub Clover’s arm, “after hearing all of that—wouldn’t it be better to give her some time to come to terms with it?”
Slowly shaking her head, Clover took a deep breath, feeling the heat in her chest rising. “No... Dwelling on it won’t help me... In fact, I’d rather not. I’m here...what should I do next?”
Her calm, seafoam eyes were as cold as the Void she’d fallen from; the only thing left inside her was this strange pull to help those close to her and feed on the things that had taken everything from her—the least they could do was fill her with something.
Laurence nodded, gesturing to Melissa and her to follow him. “We’ll continue with what was previously planned—Lieutenant Leroy, you’re no longer required. Please, return to your post protecting the medical zone.”
“S-Sir!” the soldier saluted his commanding officer, giving her one last look before guiding his men back the way they’d come.
Melissa sighed, and Clover could sense empathy oozing out of the woman as they continued through the doorway and into what appeared to be a command room with a massive portal-like gateway across from them.
“Clover... If you need time, please, take it, but otherwise... We will put you through a short test to determine your visual responses, physical condition...things like that.”
Her vision moved to the unusual device ahead of them. “For what purpose? My family may be dead, but I’m still a high noble—not a guinea pig.”
“N-No! No! No!” Melissa waved her hands in astonishment, clearly flustered and still seeing her as a child who needed protection. “You definitely aren’t a guinea pig! No, this is just—the Void has changed your body—you’ve seen the way you could move and fight those Class-1 transevil! It’s just better to know what we, and you, are dealing with... Please, don’t think we’re the enemy…”
“Mmh…” Clover glared at the wall. “That may be true. Actually, there has been this, haaa... Yes, I have changed. What kind of ‘test’ are we talking about, and can I get some more appropriate clothes?” she asked, plucking at her outfit. “These are quite damaged, and...odd.”
“Eh...he-he-he, you see,” Melissa mumbled, “you might actually have a practical use for that outfit... Please, just go through the test first.”
Clover gave her an incredulous and mistrustful look. “Hmm... I doubt that, but...if you insist.”
“Also…” the woman’s face softened, becoming melancholy. “I know this is all confusing to you—it was for me, too, and I had someone there to help guide me through all of this—you might even think you’re dreaming...like this is all just a nightmare, but...but it’s real.”
She wasn’t entirely convinced; it certainly was possible this was all just a horrible nightmare.
“Do you remember the...the wolf—the one that attacked us?”
She recalled the ghost girl who looked like her before swiftly snapping back to reality as they continued talking. “As if I could forget,” she stated, fidgeting with the tip of her braid. “It nearly killed us.”
Melissa nodded, her tone regretful. “I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but...it’s only going to get worse, Clover...it gets so much worse.”
“Mhm... I don’t like this new world—but I’ll deal with it as it deals with me,” she replied, arms tightening against her body.
“It’s just…” Melissa glanced at Laurence; he was talking with a few men and women sitting at desks around the room, getting things prepared. “If you don’t accept this... I-I’ve seen many people die...thinking this is just a dream.”
Clover’s slight frown settled on the device in front of them. “Fifteen years…” she whispered. “My purpose in life was changed the moment those...that transevil murdered and ate my brother. I understand my world doesn’t exist anymore—I’ve seen enough signs and experienced this...reality. I’m accepting it.”
Melissa’s face tightened with concern. “You...aren’t like most people that—well, that I’ve talked to that exit the Void.”
A slight smile lifted Clover’s lips. “I am not a normal person—I learned that when, instead of running, I went after the wolf that killed my brother and sister-in-law.”
“I see...ahem, please, the test first—I’ll explain everything to you in more detail later. General, is everything ready?”
“Almost,” he responded. “Have you explained to her what the test entails?”
“Uh, no,” she mumbled, tone as if she’d been scolded. “Sorry…”
“Humph,” Clover gave him a slightly dirty look. “You could explain it to me properly, general, instead of having your subordinate handle everything... These people seem capable enough to prepare this test for me.”
He turned to face her with a slow, drawn-out sigh, his expression somewhere between utterly emotionless and agitated. “…You are something extraordinary, Clover.”
“I’ve heard it repeatedly,” she huffed, feeling slightly annoyed at all the veiled comments; the weakness she’d been experiencing since waking up was aggravating.
“Clover…” Melissa hissed. “He’s pretty important.”
“As am I,” Clover stated, glaring at him.
“Don’t get the wrong idea.” Laurence kept a stiff posture. “I’m not saying that because your attitude bothers me.” He shifted, staring at one of the women at the stations. “Complete the specifications I mentioned... Now, where to begin,” he mumbled, walking over to her.
Clover’s gaze lifted to the largely empty control room they’d entered. “How about this facility...where we are, and what test you’ll be putting me through.”
He nodded, bypassing her sharp tone. “I’m in charge of the Medical Core, as I’ve said, which includes the Steel Box Bastion, where we are. This is a military stronghold between Hollow Veil and Talon City, bordering the Badlands. Steel Box Bastion functions as a Battle Simulation Facility—among other things—that incorporates breakthrough technology to put humans with powers through a set combat sequence to test their capabilities.”
“Alright... So, you’re going to see how strong I am. Simple enough,” Clover shrugged.
Laurence’s gaze hardened. “Allow me to make this perfectly clear for you, Clover Emberfield... One of Skydream Peace Union’s primary tasks is to keep spirit users,” he nodded toward her, “like you...under control.”
The hair on the back of Clover’s neck prickled at his tone. “Right... Point taken. I will do what I please, and if I do not like how you treat me, I will go my own way.”
“Careful,” Melissa whispered, and she could sense dread in the woman’s voice. “Just...don’t make the SPU your enemy.”
“If it comes between freedom and that...I’ll choose freedom,” Clover flatly stated. “I am more than negotiable and fair, but I will not be stepped on.”
Laurence nodded. “Understandable—although an odd reaction compared to what is...expected of spirit users. Now, normally, we only check the basic details of a spirit user’s strength, but…”
“Let me guess,” Clover giggled, placing a hand on her hip while summoning her Viper Blade into the other to hold out in front of him, “I’m a special case.”
The men and women stiffened at her action, leaning over to mumble amongst themselves.
Laurence’s gaze fixated on her weapon before lifting to her eyes. “…Indeed. Spirit users below a certain Class don’t use weapons—it is even rare among spirit rulers, and those that do possess one tend to be in the higher echelon of changed humans—the clothes are…”
He cleared his throat. “In short, we’ve never encountered someone like you—with all the aspects you possess, in any case. So, first, we’ll be subjecting you to some tests.”
“The Viper Blade,” Clover whispered, her focus falling on the sword in her grip. “It...is unusual—it’s as if I was born with it. I competed in fencing competitions from a young age, but never with something such as this.”
Another long sigh hissed through Laurence’s teeth at her comment, and Melissa piped up. “Yes! We call weapons like that Spirit Armaments. It’s somehow connected to the spirit master! It’s…”
“Ahem,” Laurence’s stern eyes moved to her, instantly causing the woman’s jaw to snap shut.
“S-Sorry…”
“She has not been proven to be a spirit master, Captain Melissa... Time will tell.”
Clover glanced between them with a critical stare, jaw set in annoyance at these continued terms. “…Spirit user, spirit ruler, and spirit master—I’m assuming they run in order of strength?”
Laurence’s brown eyes returned to her. “It does. Spirit user is more of a broad term but also specifies Class-0 to Class-2. The fact you can use it isn’t the point of interest, Clover—what’s remarkable is that you effortlessly killed twelve Class-1 wolf-type transevil without breaking a sweat, instantly, and just after leaving the Void...according to Captain Melissa. She also said you destroyed Isngneal—a Class-3 transevil—that should require a large group of spirit users or a competent spirit ruler to combat.”
She dismissed her weapon, folding her arms again while shifting her hips to the left. “Mmh, but was it really all that powerful?”
A smirk lifted her lips as she remembered the entitled child who had ordered her around. If a small ghost kid could take it out, then was it all that?
The man’s mouth worked around for a moment, vision narrowing a bit. “Really, all that... Isngneal has a name for a reason. He isn’t a normal wolf-type transevil—his fur was so impervious to our weapons, we couldn’t so much as cut a hair on the beast, yet you blew it away—granted, you fainted after.”
His comment caused her to huff, glaring at the wall. “There were reasons.”
“I’m sure…”
“Isngneal murdered eight members of my unit that were sent to retrieve you and the other two that dropped from the Void,” Melissa whispered, rubbing her arm and staring at the floor.
“…” A bitter taste filled Clover’s mouth, her focus falling to Laurence’s boots at the news, realizing they’d put their lives on the line for her. “I apologize.”
“Mmm-uh-uh... Don’t apologize…” her demeanor brightened. “You killed it with a single blow! It was just...it was amazing,” she whispered.
Clover was silent for a few seconds, paying respect to the solemn conversation before pressing on the other bit of information. “…You mentioned two others?”
“Ah. Umm. No... Well, yes—sorry, I’m just a little scatterbrained,” she groaned. “There were two others that fell out with you, but we were only able to get to you before being forced to retreat due to some Class-2 transevil are in the area.”
“Huh... So, that mutt was something special. The tests?”
Laurence nodded. “A combat test is necessary to determine the extent of your powers upon exit, so we have a good statistical database to judge progression.”
“I can understand that,” Clover said, noticing all the scientists watching her. “Still... I can’t help but feel like a lab rat.” She sighed, shrugging her shoulders. “It can’t be helped, I suppose.”
For the first time, she saw a small smile brighten the man’s gloomy face. “A good answer. Take this…”
Clover’s left eyebrow lifted; he handed her a tiny device the size of a pinhead, making her take care in handling it. “Which is?”
“The latest in communication technology. Place it in your ear, and you’ll have your own operator to assist you through your transition; we can also patch in to talk to you if needed.”
“Mhm,” she said, giving him a suspicious look. “You aren’t going to just ‘patch in’ to every discussion I have?”
He shook his head with a bit of amusement. “No... There is a warning noise built into the device that lets you know who is connecting to you, and if you press against it, it will instantly link to your operator. New spirit users tend to have a specific operator that they may grow accustomed to—they’ve gone through years of training to support you. Lily will be your operator.”
Laurence directed her attention to a young, brown-haired woman as she waved from her console. “H-Hello! I’m Lily,” she said with a forced chuckle.
Smiling, Clover put the device in her left ear, pressing it with a sly smirk. “I see you drew the short end of the stick, Lily.”
“D-Don’t say that!” she said into her ear. “It’s an honor to be of assistance to you, Lady Clover...It allows me to do something for humanity that—that few people get the chance to do…”
“I’m joking,” Clover laughed, giving Laurence a smug smirk. “Alright, General, I need to work off a bit of stress; are you sure this place will be capable of handling that?”
“Go wild to your heart’s content,” he said, motioning her to the device fitted into the wall as it turned on; the wall opened with radiant white light. “Listen to Lily, and you should be fine.”
“Mhm. I’ll just cut whatever you send my way as elegantly as possible,” Clover huffed, brushing back her ponytail. If it was a trial by combat, she’d been in plenty of competitions to know there would likely be a ranking system. “I’ll show you what I have.”
“Just...just be careful,” Melissa encouraged. “You probably aren’t one hundred percent.”
“I am perfectly capable of handling myself,” Clover growled, her stare causing the woman to flinch and give a sheepish laugh. “I am thankful for what you have done for me, Melissa, but how many times must I repeat myself—I am not a child.”
She paused as the doors peeled back to reveal an almost digital-type world, neatly ordered to force her to maneuver it like an obstacle course, and judging by the ‘combat’ portion of the general’s explanation, there would be enemies for her to cut down.
A digital combat simulator... The world really has changed.
“Lady Clover, are you ready?” Lily asked in a bright tone.
She placed a hand on her hip, turning to look at the nervous girl. “You can cut the ‘Lady’ part, Lily. It’s bothersome.”
“Right! Heh, thank you, Clover. Umm...inside, there will be robots with sensors designed to determine how your strikes serve in real-life combat against transevil and rassi. I look forward to your results!”
“Lovely,” Clover licked her lips, feeling a surge enter her bloodstream. The only thing pumping underneath her skin was the desire to feed on the enemies that had stolen everything from her, help those who helped her, and get to the truth of things.
She hoped these foes would provide a similar taste as the wolves’ energy. “I’m going in—don’t be mad if I break your Steel Box,” she giggled, jogging inside.
“Show us what you’re capable of,” Laurence mumbled, and if Clover didn’t know any better, there was an edge of hope in his sullen tone.
The doors sealed shut behind her.