9/14 - Anti-bandit camp - morning

Today is the day, the day we sent off for our march for the bandit HQ. We have numerous troops coming with us, but we are leaving those who can't fight, or help out with hunting for food, setting up camp, preparing food, or any other labors that need doing. Children aren't coming with us since it is too dangerous for them to go. As for me, I just got done with retrieving something from my tent. I'll have to take it down after I'm done with this.

"Okay, let's do this!"

I place the swords Alex gave in the belt holsters they came with. It's a nice fit. This is my first time wearing it since he gave it to me, so I'm glad it fits. I grab my things. I book it to the outside of the camp as everyone is moving equipment outside the camp. I spot Marie helping with moving things.

"Marie," I call her.

"Proxy, what are you doing?"

"About that pole I asked you to get me from the kingdom?"

"Oh, yeah, I have it." She walks over to her tent, which is not too far away from where we are. She comes out with a pole in hand. "Here.”

“Thanks.”

“Mind if I ask? What are you doing with this? You wanted me to get a large piece of fabric the other day and some paint, now a flag pole? What are you making?"

"This."

I unveil the thing I've been working on. Her mouth opens, her eyes widen as her ears perk up along with her eyebrows.

"No way… Did you make this!?"

"Yeah, is it good?"

"Good? It's amazing!"

Her excitement is definitely real. Looks like my hard work was not for nothing.

"Let's show it to Alex!"

"Brother will be thrilled, let's!"

We run off to find Alex. He's outside the camp with the others, helping them set our stuff on the ground.

"Yo, Alex," I greeted him.

"Hello, Proxy, Marie. How can I help you?"

"Not this time. But instead, we come to give you something."

"For me?"

"Yeah, check it out."

Marie unfolds the fabric in her hands. It's a flag designed by me. It took me about two nights to complete the design; I worked during midnight to get the best amount of focus. Of course, I finished the front first, let it dry, then did the back on the second night. The front of the flag has a golden star being grabbed as it gives off a bright shine, and the back of it has the stars shining in the night sky behind the golden star.

"So, what do you think, good, right?"

He delicately touches the flag. He takes it from Marie's hands, raising it to the sky.

"This is...excellent! This is an excellent flag!"

"In that case, tie it up."

Marie hands him the flagpole. He ties in the laces in between the small holes at the side of the flag. It's now tied to the flagpole, swaying proudly against the wind.

"I know I made it, but this is so cool! Now I can put on my jacket."

I throw on my new jacket. It's leather, vibrant red with metal plating on both of the bicep parts of the sleeves. It has a belt at the bottom of the jacket, but I decided not to fasten it; and while I'm at it, I'll leave it unzipped. However, that's not even the best part…

"Hey, you painted the flag on your jacket?"

"Yeah, though, I made the star and hand black so it contrasted with the jacket's color. What do you think?"

"You look pretty stylish, kind of impressed."

"You're just jealous of my jacket."

"Whatever you say."

A honk of a horn suddenly goes off. It's close, is it bandits? I grip my swords in anticipation…

"It is here," Alex whispers to himself.

Trees are being knocked down in the distance. I can hear the rumble of its engine closing in. The sound is coming from the direction of the construction cave. Then it can't be bandits, which means our ride is coming.

"It's here!"

It rears itself from a pocket of forest, appearing in front of us in all of its glory. It's as big as a bus but longer and wider than a regular one, maybe about 4-5 cars' worth of buses in terms of length. It has a cool red and grey exterior. Despite it being a culmination of different parts from several cars, it doesn't look bad at all. It stops in front of us. The driver pops their head out the window.

"Sup," Elizabeth shouts. "Anyone order a kickass mode of transportation?"

Everyone, even me, gasps in awe of the vehicle's length, width, and overall look.

“This is one hell of a beast,” I state my overall thoughts on the thing.

"Hell yeah, this is sweet as all hell! Let's go!"

Alex lets out a loud and overly audible laugh, having heads turn to him.

"This is a fine vehicle indeed! It is a vehicle that shall carry us to our enemies!" He places the flag in front of himself. It waves as the wind pushes against it. "...Everyone, let us go forth, and fight!"

Yeah, let's do this shit! I put on my goggles.

"Um, I don't wish to burst your bubble, but we need to put our stuff inside first," Marie reminds us.

"Ah, yes… But first, let us pack our things!"

Honestly, that just killed the mood. But oh well, at least we’re getting a move on.

Moonlight castle - morning

Selena meets me outside of her castle. The moon hangs in the sky as usual, but at this point, I'm used to it. Nunnalé standing by my side.

"So, the day has come for you to leave?"

"Yes, I am setting off with the others to defeat the bandits."

"Oh come now, why are you speaking to me in such a boorish tone."

"O-oh! Sorry."

"It is fine, I suppose. But Richard, from here on out, you are on your own. I shall no longer be summoning you for training. You will have to make do with what you have at your own disposal. You still have much to learn about your Source and the limit of your potential."

"I know."

"...But, you can see this potential of yours if you continue to practice your Source."

"Right!"

"In that regard, you are better off mastering the two abilities you have at your beckoning now: strengthening and healing. Detection is a subject we lacked time to train in, so you will have to go without."

"Of course."

"Ugh, did I not say to quit with the boorish attitude?"

"Y-yes... It's just, I hold you in high regard, so I want to show you the utmost respect."

"But of course. It is only natural you should feel honored to be trained by me." I'm always impressed by her outward personality. It's comparable to Proxy's but with condescension. "I will give you credence however, you were a fun student to teach."

"I was?"

"Indeed, the more you come to an understanding with Source, the more you matured."

"You think so?"

"I do not, I know. Take pride in the fact that you are one of my first students in years."

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"Years?"

Her eyebrows raise without her face taking on any other expression.

"Nothing, forget about it." I want to ask for more details, but I think it would do more harm than good. "Overall, while your training is not complete, I have confidence you shall master your abilities. So do not let me down."

"Of course, I won't waste anything you taught me, teacher."

"I expect no less."

Nunnalé bows her head to Selena.

"Thank you for training my master. I am in your debt."

"No need. I only did so because he himself put in the effort to convince me. I would not have trained him otherwise."

Remembering the ball is weird. I felt like a failure when I didn't get her the teacup myself, yet she still gave me a shot. Despite her attitude, I feel as if teacher is a good person. I want to show her that her expectations will be met.

"Teacher, here." I pull out my white card, the same one that I treasure. "I want to prove I'm serious about meeting your expectations. So please take this as a promise to show you that I was worth your time…"

She stares at the white card in my hand. Her gaze is transducer on the card.

"Where did you get that?" she asks.

"My mom. It was before she died of a sickness. It's a treasure to me, so I want you to take it. That way, I'll come back for it when I finish my promise."

"Hmm…"

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Keep it, do not let go of your possessions so easily. I do not need insurance, I have confidence in your endeavor."

"I see."

"How about this, when you come back, we will have a delectable cup of tea? Is this preferable?"

"Y-yes! I would like to. And if it isn't too much, can Proxy be invited?"

"I suppose he can, as long as he is willing to bake a cake."

"Don't worry, I'm sure I can convince him."

Tea and cakes sound like fun. I can't wait for that day to come.

"Well now, shall you be on your way?"

"Yes. Nunnalé, are you ready?"

"Affirmative."

We prep ourselves as Selena holds her index finger against her thumb.

"I hope you are victorious in your battle against the bandits. And until you are, fight with all of your soul, and fight for your reward of cake and tea."

"I'll make you proud. Gah, sorry. I was boorish again."

"Don't apologize. I find it rather endearing. I might even say cute," she says with the intent of teasing me.

I can only push up my glasses, subtly hiding my face.

"Master Richard, you are blushing," Nunnalé, lacking in subtlety, points out.

"Nunnalé!"

Selena giggles to herself. It's not the condescending laugh from usual. It's an innocent laugh that flares up my face.

"Well, I kept you here long enough, I bid you a good day, and wish you good luck."

With the snap of her fingers, we leave the moonlight castle. I don't know what the future has in store for us, but I shall prove my abilities to not only myself, or my friends, but my teacher.

…

"So, that white card…"

Selena ponders about the card she saw in Richard's hand earlier. It gave off a familiar presence. It was the same one she felt when she was helping Richard through the poison incident. It was keeping him live longer. But the feeling it gave off was maternal and protecting if that makes sense. The conclusion to what the energy the card gives is an easy answer. But in that case…

"It appears his mother had kept secrets from him."

There is no doubt in her mind. His mother is a Source-user.

Bandit HQ - morning

I finally arrived at the meeting room at the main base. The 7 captains, including myself, are gathered here today. The room is a spacious throne room that has ruined pillars, torn up flags, and holes in the roof and walls; allowing sunlight to seep in.

“Yo, sorry I’m late, it took me a while to get here."

“My, Wildcard, at least show you care,” the 7th captain comments with a snide attitude.

“Shut up, I got her as quickly as I could.”

“Not quick enough! Shit, not even a fraction of a 3rd quick. Your animals are so damn slow, it makes me wanna cry,” the 5th captain says in a mocking, transparent way.

“Shut up, speed freak! I’d rather ride animals than ride on those damn machines!”

“Yeah, yeah… What happened to your arm,” the 5th asks.

“It got broken during battle.”

“Ha! How pathetic, just pathetic, and slow too!”

“You...!”

“Gentlemen, no need to fight over trivialities,” the 2nd captain tries to quell us with a gentlemanly tone.

“Trivial, nothing trivial about it, you slow geezer!”

“Yeah, stay out of it, old man!”

“How rude. Do I need to instill manners into you both?”

His knuckles crack as he uses his thumb to push them down.

“Wanna go, old man? Then bring it!”

“Oh my, what a party, but you are not permitted to fight in such a sacred domain. The boss will become angry,” the 7th warns, trying to sound ladylike.

She might talk like that, but it’s a lie that many others fall for.

“Shut it, you face hiding weirdo,” I tell her off.

“What was that, you little shit!?”

Her facade quickly breaks down into her true self. She makes others see her as a mature, alluring woman, but in reality, she’s akin to an animal that has its prey drop its guard by using a fake nature.

“Oh, look who it is, ms. ugly personality,” I press on with the insults.

“That’s it, I’m gonna kill you!”

“So scary, you can’t touch a damn hair on my head!”

A man, who’s twice my size, steps in front of me. His bulk is intimidating to anyone who isn’t a captain since his muscles are bigger than his head.

“Do not insult lady 7th,” his deep voice, gruff voice demands of me.

“Oh, and what will you do, Rickter, kill me!?”

“I shall if you continue to insult her.”

“Fine then, bring it on!”

“Enough!” An authoritative voice echoes in the room. It belongs to the 1st captain: Scar. He's standing near the throne seat at the far end of the room. His red hair catches the eye whenever you look at him. “...This fruitless banter is nonsensical. We are here to discuss our current situation. So, if any of you wish to disturb this meeting, come face me. But do know this, your head shall roll.”

Shit, normally I’d take him up on it, but my instincts are telling me not to. Damn, it's been like this ever since I first met the guy. This feeling of having something choking my neck.

“I am so sorry for Rickter’s behavior,” 7th apologizes.

“I-I am sorry as well,” 6th captain Rickter adds on to the apology.

“Just don’t make any more commotion. Now, UNKNOWN, debrief us.”

“Yes,” the 4th captain complies. “This morning, two Flame Wraith squads engaged enemies in the southern area of the continent. Despite our frontal attack being a distraction, they figured out our tactic for a sneak attack on their home base. Furthermore, we could not recover the 9th captain. His whereabouts are currently unknown. As for the 8th, the members of his group said he stayed behind with the enemy. We have reason to believe he’s either dead or plans on switching to their side.”

“So Zell and Zeal switch sides the moment they’ve been outdone? Talk about speed,” the 5th quips.

“...Furthermore, the southern area is now completely ridden of our presence.”

“So what are we waitin’ for!? Let’s speed off towards them, full force! That way, they can taste our power and speed!”

“No, we must prioritize our own areas, as well as finding new captains. Until we find new captains, we must guard the areas we control.”

“It would not take much to take it back,” the old man raises.

“Heading into enemy territory is tantamount to foolishly jumping into a bottomless pit. For now, we shall hold until we get a firm idea of what the situation is. So until then, please be vigilant. This ends my debrief.”

The 1st captain adjourned the meeting.

“My, my, so we were brought all the way out here to hear something that could’ve been said in short in a letter,” 7th criticizes. “I have a delicate operation going on, so any distractions must be important.”

“This is important, we must meet to show respect toward the boss,” the 1st comments.

“Speaking of, where is the guy?” I ask.

“He is busy at the moment. Anything you have to say to him can be directed to me to relay to him,” UNKNOWN says.

“Nah, I was just asking. So, can we go now? Getting pretty bored.”

“Yes, we are finished… But, before we do. 2nd captain: Old man - will stay at the main base, just in case.”

“If you insist, but if my bloodlust grows with any way to express it.”

“No need to worry, I’ll entertain you as always,” 1st declares.

The old man laughs to himself as if the 1st said a good joke, let alone one at all.

“I shall look forward to it then.”

“4th captain: UNKNOWN - you shall continue to monitor our new enemies."

“Understood.”

“7th captain, and 8th captain: Rickter - you both shall remain at your checkpoints, continue operating as usual.”

“Of course, Scar. I shall continue to be of use to you all and the boss. Right, Rickter?”

“Of course, I shall also prove useful as well.”

God, what an obedient dog she has.

“Same applies to you, 5th captain: Master of speed.”

“I might as well be everywhere, cause where there is land, that is my checkpoint!”

“As for you, Wildcard - recover from your wound.”

“Come on, I can still fight.”

“No, you shall remain, for we cannot lose another captain…”

“Damnit, I wanna run around!”

“Run when your arm heals. If you continue to argue with me, I shall make you stay here.”

Shit, if only I didn’t get my arm busted up by that damn brat! I’m going to freaking kill him for it!

“Excuse me, but I wish to inquire why you were in the battle?” UNKNOWN asks me.

“I heard about the battle, so I went to go fight.”

“For a slow guy, you sure are quick to move towards a battle! Maybe it’s because of your beastly instincts.”

He laughs at his own joke with an obnoxious laugh. I bite my lip to fight the urge to bite back. I’m not gonna get my head chopped off for no good reason!

“Fine, I’ll stay here, but after I recover, I’m heading out!”

“Understandable, just make sure not to push yourself until then.”

“Yeah, yeah…”

“Now, you are all dismissed.”

All the captains make their way out of the meeting hall. The 5th speeding his way out of the hall. That guy is damn obnoxious.

“Wildcard,” 1st calls me.

“What’s up?”

“How did you break your arm? Rather, who broke your arm?”

“You worried about me?”

“No, I wish to know how strong our opponents are.”

“Well, I only fought two, but one of them is a monster.”

“How so?”

“They threw me around as if I was nothing. Their kicks and punches were destructive. I’d say that person could give you a hard time.”

“Is that so? What about the other one?”

“He was weak. It was easy for me to hit him and stuff, but he did something odd.”

“Odd?”

“When I punched his head, it was as if he was made of steel or something.”

“Hmm, interesting. You may go now.”

“Sure thing. I was just getting bored. See ya.”

I take my leave from the meeting. My arm is still aching, even in this sling of mine. It might take a month or so for it to heal thanks to Zell not being here to heal it. Man, this isn’t fair. I wanna hunt, not be bedridden. That glasses bastard is gonna pay for what he did to me! Not just that. I’m going to reclaim the trophy he stole from me...