CHAPTER 133: ARE CLOSER
Leslie looked at herself in the mirror with a dubious expression.
“You look good. I have to admit you have a great charm.” Érica murmured, giving an amused smile.
She also looked at herself in the mirror.
They weren’t reveling in their own beauty; they weren’t that arrogant, but they were looking at the clothes they were wearing.
Right now, they were wearing a ‘yukata’ that would certainly steal glances if they were in a public area.
Going to Japan and not wearing traditional clothing made no sense.
That was the excuse Akira used when she bought them some yukata for them to wear.
They had already left the onsen and were now at the hotel about to go to dinner, which became this way because Akira and Cithrel obliged them.
“It looks great on you. You look beautiful wearing it,” Shao Ya said, who had been in charge of helping them.
Aeko, who was also present, nodded with an amused smile and her gaze went to especially Leslie.
Leslie scratched her cheek, a little embarrassed.
Her clothing style was tailored to what many would foolishly call masculine, usually not wearing dresses or short skirts.
Nicole was similar, as she was a fighter and liked more freedom of movement, though she didn’t care too much about what clothes to wear.
Still, she was red with shyness at dressing this way.
The yukatas were light, colorful and gave a uniquely elegant and beautiful feel.
Leslie had to admit that, although it wasn’t her style, she liked it.
“They are very nice. I don’t regret buying some.” Clémentine said, giving a smile as she moved calmly.
As always, Clémentine was elegant and her movements were always sophisticated, even though this was her first time wearing a yukata; everyone noticed her confidence and excitement.
An elegant blonde-haired foreigner revealed great beauty.
The others, even though they were from different places, also showed a unique style with their colorful yukata.
“Let’s go. Dinner must be ready,” Shao Ya, who was also wearing her yukata, warned.
They left their rooms and headed to the floor where the private room was located.
When they went down to the floor of their destination, some glances went to the group and the entire group noticed Aurora and Alice, who were waiting for her in that place.
The former wore a colorful and flowery ‘yukata’, but unlike them, she seemed to be experienced in walking and moving at ease.
Her confidence did not prevent that charm that came from her slim figure and delicate appearance.
Next to her, Alice was wearing a black yukata with more muted colors and that she was carrying a bag of chips in her hand took away from that unique oriental charm.
“Uncomfortable?” Aurora asked as they came together.
The group shook their heads in unison, and the response was an amused smile.
Leading the group down the path, they met Cithrel, Venali, and Akira.
Akira was just as charming as Aeko and Shao Ya, but Cithrel and Venali took the prize.
Venali was the undisputed winner.
While Cithrel was beautiful and elegant, and with her etiquette, she always gave the feeling of a decorous princess. Venali was now making people fall in love with her appearance.
Dropping clothes that made her look more masculine and wearing a more feminine style, her cool and aloof expression, along with her clothes, made her very charming.
“What do you think? Isn’t she pretty?” Cithrel asked, taking Venali by the arm and flaunting her proudly.
“Your Highness...” Venali muttered, but seeing Cithrel’s big smile, she sighed and let it be.
She was trying to look nonchalant as if Cithrel hadn’t affected it, however, the group could see a slight blush, leading to everyone being surprised by such a lovely sight.
“No prizes are given, but if I had to choose, I would say Venali is the winner,” Akira said, giving an amused smile.
“She’s beautiful. In many ways,” Érica muttered in embarrassment.
Those present had learned that Venali was not a charming young man, but a lovely young lady and, though a surprise, it didn’t change the charm she had.
“I think Venali would look good in any outfit,” Nicole added with a shy smile.
Whether dressed as a ‘man’ who gave the feeling of a cold bodyguard, or just as a charming young lady, her beauty was unquestionable.
There was a nod in unison, levitating Venali to give a slight smile of thanks.
“You two look beautiful, too,” Venali said.
Her tone and attitude, even though she had a more feminine appearance, brought to everyone’s mind that aloof young man and it was hard to deny the charm.
“Let’s go eat. Then you can continue flirting with each other,” Alice interrupted with an amused tone.
“Oh, jealous at not getting compliments?” Akira asked in a tone that sought conflict.
Alice was prioritizing her food, but she was also putting the group’s embarrassment and admiration they had for Venali on display.
As for Akira, she only seemed to want to fight for fun.
“No, I’m confident in my appearance,” Alice replied and when they looked at her strangely, she with a big proud smile announced. “After all, Aurora said I looked good!”
Some let out a few chuckles at those words full of confidence; an outward confidence.
Aurora gave a smile and patted her friends, leading everyone to head to the next room.
The restaurant’s private room was a traditional Japanese dining room where she had to sit in order to eat.
Its artistic style and decor reminded everyone present of ancient times.
In it were Andrés, Oscar, and Santiago, drinking sake, waiting for them all.
They were also wearing a yukata that caught the attention of the group that was entering.
After a surprise from the male group and some mutual compliments, they all sat down and the dishes arrived.
Akira was trying to reveal all the Japanese culture and was trying hard.
Sitting down to eat or wearing yukata in a traditional setting made everyone could feel the deep culture of this great country.
Making even people like Cithrel or Venali excited.
Eating and drinking to their heart’s content, the entire group had fun chatting in their own way.
“By the way, why didn’t Liam come?” asked Nicole curiously.
The only one missing in this festive atmosphere was Liam, as the entire group was gathered together.
“I can’t afford to pay for an S-Rank,” Akira said and when they looked at her, she laughed and commented. “He turned me down with an excuse that he had work.”
An S-Rank was expensive, there was no doubt, and those present hearing about the job looked at Aurora, who was technically the boss.
“Actually, he doesn’t like to get out of Zerzura too much,” Aurora explained, and containing her expression, she added. “He also doesn’t like to wear out or lose his drones.”
At that answer, Andrés laughed, as did the others.
Having to fight meant he could probably lose drones and for Liam, it was certainly a big ‘no’.
After that small conversation, they continued eating and having fun with each other, until at one point Akira got a call.
“I’ll be right back,” Akira warned with a frown, wearing a serious and professional expression.
Aurora turned her gaze to Akira’s companions, and they shook their heads, not knowing what was going on.
Only five minutes Akira returned with a rather solemn expression.
“Something happened. I have to retire,” Akira said and with a slight sigh, she asked. “Aurora, can you accompany me?”
Aurora’s answer was only to get up, and with her did Alice.
“Do you need help?” Clémentine asked with a serious look.
“No, you guys go on eating. Aeko and the others will stay, too,” Akira replied and as she checked her holographic watch, she ordered. “Remember to rest up for tomorrow. I need you ready for work.”
A voice was reminiscent of the time in Africa where she was one of the higher ranks, giving orders.
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“So, how about the help of two S-Ranks? Would you accept us?” Cithrel asked, noticing Akira’s change.
Akira’s expression was serious, slightly worried and for her to turn down students so easily gave the impression that it was off-limits to the students.
Akira thought carefully and, in the end, nodded.
The atmosphere changed subtly and the students’ looks turned serious until Shao Ya clapped her hands, attracting everyone’s attention.
“Come on, let’s keep eating. Maybe if they come back early, we can continue this feast,” Shao Ya said, giving a smile that lessened the tension.
At those words, Akira realized that her seriousness was changing the atmosphere too much and gave a smile.
“Just like Shao Ya said, I still want to taste the dessert, so save some for me!” Akira exclaimed with a calm and smiling expression.
After a brief farewell and a few orders to their group members, they left.
The trust Akira’s group gave her was high, as they didn’t ask what was going on or what was happening and just accepted it as normal.
“Okay. Let’s go. I want to get there fast,” Akira ordered when they were away from the attention of the students.
******
A portal distorted and Akira, along with Alice, Aurora, Cithrel, and Venali stepped out.
Each of them was prepared for combat or in case the situation became complicated.
“Report,” Akira ordered the soldiers around the temporary camp.
The soldiers opened a portal connected to the military headquarters in Tokyo so they could get there fast.
The military was already in the area, and they could see some helicopters coming through the sky.
It was still dark, but the camp built by the soldiers had some lights illuminating the surroundings of this island.
“We have started security protocol and have quarantined the area,” reported the captain and, with a serious look, he revealed. “We dare not venture in and investigate without the necessary protections.”
The army had some members in the military who were S-Rank, who was always prepared for emergencies.
Now it was the same, as for Akira as the guild leader of the ‘Frost Storm’ guild, the authorities called her in as extra support.
“Is it possible that it’s an Abyssal Portal?” asked the captain without resisting his own curiosity.
Akira and her entire group looked off into the distance, where they could feel a strange sensation.
“It is for that reason that we are here,” Akira replied, stepping forward to the camp.
They were now on the island ‘Aogashima’, about three hundred kilometers south of Tokyo.
On this island, a temporary dungeon appeared that a group of adventurers came to clean and when they finished, something strange happened.
“The report says they saw a blackish portal want to take shape and before they could do anything, it destabilized. The adventurers, realizing the situation, wisely retreated and then they heard an explosion,” Akira said, and looking at the place that was guarded by soldiers, she asked. “Do they feel anything?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
Cithrel and Alice answered in unison.
“I need to be closer so I can detail what’s going on. Right now I just feel something strange that I need to confirm,” Cithrel replied with a solemn expression.
Although she was invited to this place, she was taking a position no longer as a target to protect, but as a member of the group.
“It’s nothing dangerous, we can go,” Alice commented without hiding the confidence in her voice.
Both Cithrel and Venali looked at her doubtfully and at that moment, Aurora stepped in. “We can go.”
Akira nodded and went to talk to the Colonel in command of the Japanese self-defense army.
After a few minutes, the Colonel gave some orders to the soldiers and Akira approached.
“Let’s go. In case of emergency, the Colonel will cover our retreat. He is an S-Rank, so you have nothing to worry about,” Akira reported and signaled for them to accompany her.
As a group, they advanced towards the target location away from the army ‘quarantine’.
The army had surrounded the area and had arranged everything from machine guns to anti-tank guns in case of emergency.
Soldiers were also using other objects and artifacts to defend themselves in case it was necessary or to support the skill users belonging to the army who were present.
This was the protocol that the Japanese military forces developed to deal with the Abyssal Portals.
An already unknown danger.
“I didn’t think they’d let you through,” Cithrel muttered with a curious look at the sight of so many weapons.
Those weapons were not common, whether they were enchanted or using state-of-the-art technology, each of them could wound A-Rank beasts.
“Well. Officially, we have three S-Ranks,” Akira replied, and looking ahead, she muttered. “Going to see that nothing unusual happens is better than waiting for General Yukimura to arrive.”
With that murmur, they moved forward cautiously and everyone present could sense the atmosphere.
In this place were some trees that were slightly leaning.
The closer they got, they realized that the trees were drying out, then they came to an open area where the few trees that were around were down.
The entire area was in such a shape that it made it look like a shock-wave spread out and toppled the trees from one point.
When they looked at the center of where that shock-wave might have come from, they noticed black spots seeping into the ground, corrupting it.
“Be careful. That’s ‘Chaos’,” Cithrel warned, stopping the group and casting a few spells.
The moon shone down on her and her blue hair turned slightly bright.
“You don’t need to purify or cleanse it. This is of no concern,” Alice interjected and unceremoniously approached the area, her black arms touched those black spots, with nothing happening.
“What happened?” asked Aurora, who was silent.
Her question was not only directed at her companion, who was very intelligent, or Cithrel, who was a great archmage.
She also directed the question to her system.
Chaos corrupted the surrounding land, making this area inhospitable.
Aurora herself had seen creatures and humans being corrupted by ‘Chaos’ or ‘demonic energy’, so she could understand that this was of no concern.
It would require some priests or individuals who had some powers related to purification to cleanse the area.
Calling a priest from the Church of the Order would suffice.
The problem was knowing what had happened.
“On a ‘spatial’ level, this place is unstable. The dimensional barrier is weaker than in other areas, and even the space here feels weak as if it were a distortion,” Cithrel pointed out professionally.
She was not a mage focused only on learning war spells; she was a scholar who had learned from the best mages of a great magical empire.
Her knowledge, analysis, and ability surpassed archmages of an even more advanced age.
“An abyssal portal attempted to form, but failed to do so and destabilized. That caused a small shock-wave that knocked down the surrounding trees,” Alice explained, using her black arms to dig into the corrupted earth.
Sometimes the black spots tried to extend into the black arms and could not seep through, leading to nothing happening.
“That’s very specific.”
A voice echoed at the group’s back and when they looked, they noticed a serious and strict man dressed like a high-ranking military man.
“You have the analysis of an archmage,” Alice replied, stepping back and looking at the man, she shrugged and added. “A normal portal would not corrupt the land with ‘Chaos’.”
—’Chaos’ came from the other side.
Her system commented in Aurora’s mind and she kept silent as she saw that the man was hesitant.
The shock wave came from the destabilization of the portal, and ‘Chaos’ was the only thing that came from the other side.
“Sorry for not expecting you, General Yukimura. We were just making sure there were no problems,” Akira explained in a respectful tone.
The man in front of them was a General in the Japanese army and an SS-Rank.
General Yukimura looked at the situation and when he turned his gaze to those present, his eyes stopped on Cithrel.
“I am the Archmage who gave that analysis,” Cithrel said, and looking intently at Alice, she explained. “Just as my partner said, the land is not corrupted by demonic energy, but was corrupted by Chaos.”
Shaking her head with a sigh, she gave an apologetic smile and added. “I have yet to understand your world, but ‘Chaos’, just in a small amount, can corrupt creatures and turn them into monsters... Or it can turn any human into an abomination.”
As an ‘energy’ that was known as ‘Divine’ by some, ‘Chaos’ did not need a large amount to affect the surroundings.
Just a little could transform a beast into a corrupt and powerful creature.
General Yukimura’s gaze turned serious, and he nodded.
“I understand, your highness. I don’t doubt your analysis. I was just curious,” General Yukimura replied, bowing slightly in greeting.
Aurora’s gaze went to the man, and she frowned slightly.
As far as she knew, very few people got information from Terra nova and even fewer people could know about the Crown Princess of the Empire.
From the look on General Yukimura’s face, he seemed to know her, and realizing that doubt crept in, he smiled.
“I am Yukimura Kageyasu. Perhaps you know me as ‘Viscount Alturia’... My wife Viscountess Alva of Alturia has told me about you,” General Yukimura said, bowing his head subtly.
Akira and Aurora blinked in surprise.
As an SS-Rank, General Yukimura was known to be a knight who was renowned for his powerful defense and both of them had not heard of his other identity.
“Oh, yes, I know Viscountess Alva. A devoted wife who waited for years for her husband as she tended her lands and raised her son. Your wife’s devotion is the envy of all the knights of my court,” Cithrel replied, taking on the act of a benevolent ruler.
It was so natural that none of those present noticed the change of attitude and that she gave an imposing impression of an authority figure.
Previously, she had acted friendly and although she was cordial, she had never acted following her title of Crown Princess.
The information was shocking in itself, as very few knew of this secret of General Yukimura, but it was normal when one thought that he was one of the main individuals supporting the idea of the two worlds being connected.
He had a family and a wife who was a viscountess in that other world.
“My wife would be honored to hear those words from you, Your Highness,” General Yukimura replied, taking a vassal role.
As the husband of a Viscountess of the Falion Empire, technically he was a vassal of Cithrel.
As far as Aurora knew, the Royalty of the Falion Empire was absolute, so it was only natural that General Yukimura would be so respectful.
He had met his wife’s future ‘boss’ and despite his military rank in this world, all he could do was bow in respect.
For his personal strength alone, it was the only reason he didn’t kneel.
“Let’s leave the formal talk for another place. Right now I’m just a visitor to this world and you’re a general. Let’s keep the boundaries defined,” Cithrel ordered with a hearty smile.
Her words made General Yukimura nod in relief.
Only her group was present, and it was possible that if others saw him, various problems would arise.
After all, between loyalty to his country and loyalty to his wife and his title was a dangerous question that no one wanted to face.
“Thank you,” General Yukimura said, and returning his solemnity, looked at the place and commented. “If your hypothesis is correct, then there will be no problems and no Abyssal Portals will be generated. Although, it is clear that Abyssal Portals are closer than ever to appearing.”
There was a silence in the surroundings and, at the end, General Yukimura himself sighed.
“Let’s leave this for now, Akira you may retire I will monitor the area in case there are any changes happen and request a team to investigate the repercussions. Maybe they can find something using magic or using psionic abilities,” ordered the General using a solemn voice.
Asking a priest to pray for the God of Time and Space to reveal the past or using a psionic with specific abilities could lead them to discover useful information.
Finding any information would help them prepare for the future.
However, those words were also so that Akira, who was accompanied by Cithrel, could rest and retire.
In the first place, the Frost Storm Guild was acting with the Japanese government and the military, but it was not as if they were receiving direct orders from the military.
“I understand. I’ll withdraw,” Akira replied with a gentle nod.
They would surely send the situation report to her later, so she had no problem retreating.
Before she could withdraw General Yukimura pulled out a card and offered it to Cithrel.
“Your Highness, if you need anything from me, you can always call me and ask for anything you wish. As long as it is within reach of my hands, I will carry out any order,” General Yukimura announced in a respectful tone.
Cithrel nodded and accepted the card.
The group quietly took their leave and moved away from the area.
When they were at the camp and the portal was being prepared to return, Akira couldn’t resist.
“I didn’t expect the Falion Empire’s influence to reach this far. That’s surprising,” Akira muttered in an impressed tone.
She had relaxed because of General Yukimura’s arrival and Alice and Cithrel’s analysis of the abyssal portal.
It was a good thing it didn’t appear, that was all.
Even though it was a temporary relief, it had to be enjoyed.
Aurora could understand her feelings and shared them.
“It’s normal. Many people are connected to the Falion Empire. Being some players who married, get lands and titles in the empire. Maybe their loyalty now is null, but those who have family in the Falion Empire are strongly connected to us,” Cithrel replied with a soft smile.
Some people had family on Terra nova and that was the reason many wished to return.
Thanks to the God of Time and Space, now the portals were used by some of those people from Terra nova who came to visit their relatives.
However, that did not mean that they would stay in this world.
Each had their responsibilities and their attachments, after all, it had been nearly fifteen years since they had communicated with Terra nova.
For many, it was a huge time difference and very few were those who continued to wait so loyally.
Some forgot and went on with their lives and others devoted their efforts to finding a way back.
“Viscountess Alva is a woman who waited for her husband for a long time rejecting countless suitors. A few years ago, I heard that she visited this world with her son to be reunited with her husband and the father of her child,” Cithrel revealed and, with an animated smile, added. “‘Loyalty’ comes from the interests of her family and loved ones. In this case, General Yukimura did not wish to create trouble for his wife and son. For such a reason, he acted this way.”
Akira nodded, encouraged by that story that revealed a lot of information about someone important.
“Let’s go back. Tomorrow we have a lot of work to do,” Akira said, encouraging the group as she watched the portal form.
Aurora nodded.
It was hard to relax when the Abyssal Portals were so close, but warning her acquaintances and waiting was all she could do.