Chapter 15: Short meeting

One of the scouts rushed to the tent and barged in, relaying his findings. "Prefecture Dolian, there seem to be intruders near the eastern border."

"We spotted a group of armed individuals near a forest clearing, just outside the eastern border," the scout pointed to a marked spot on the map he carried. "They seem to have already formed their own encampment and are acting suspiciously."

"Their own encampment, you say?" Dolian's voice was calm, but beneath his breath, an underlying intensity revealed his concern. He quickly examined the map, tracing the location of the intruders.

Dolian stood up from his seat and wore a serious expression on his face. He was a man who had earned his reputation through quick, strategic thinking in the face of unexpected threats. He never wavered in his principles, firmly believing that his decisions were made for the greater good of his people.

This situation would be no different.

Dolian stepped outside from his chambers. He swept his cape and stood before the soldiers awaiting for his orders. The site was dug and concealed with a lush blanket of leaves, moss, and fallen branches, producing a natural carpet that muffled the sounds of footsteps. There were traps and hidden compartments that sprung at any moment of notice.

The soldiers had a patch of green paint streaked across their noses, a runeshade mark that gathered their aura and blended in with the surrounding forest. If you coupled it with their leather armor covered with druid coats and runemarks carved on their weapons, every hint of their aura was fully concealed, shrouding them from unforeseen attacks.

"Send word to the other scouts and prepare a small team to investigate," Dolian said, addressing the scout who had brought the report. "I want to know what they were doing and their affiliation towards the missing blood."

Dolian bowed before the sky and murmured a quick prayer to the gods for guidance. At the same time, he also noticed the changes in the forest, sweeping the entire floor with a faint mist.

"The ceremony is nearing..."

Before the soldiers carried out their mission, Dolian instructed them to bring a totem and fortify it with runemarks to protect them from a potential surge of energy during unexpected events. Totems were sculptures by the ancient shamans, believed to carry the blessings of the gods and spiritual guidance to those who wore them.

Once the totem was arranged, the plate nestled in Dolian's chest began emitting a soft, pulsating light, its runes aglow in brilliant gold. The light enveloped the entire soldier in the vicinity in an umbrella of light, an invisible strand of energy that streams their thoughts.

Dolian could sense their voices, hearing all their ideas transmitted from his mind. The soldiers were now integrated into the plate. The connection constructed by the [Party Plate] amplified their trust. Dolian bound the plate to his chest as torrents of their consciousness rushed through him. He could feel their unwavering determination and loyalty, filling him with an overwhelming sense of pride.

Different parties would come from all corners of the region to witness the celestial event, creating a perfect opportunity for those with ill intentions to carry out their plans in the guise of a ceremony.

Dolian had to be cautious, and with the help of the [Party Plate] and his strategical thinking, he could ensure that his team was always coordinated and prepared for any situation.

Dolian looked at the moon, sensing the powerful anima energy emanating from the mist. "The ebb of the tide is approaching, and with it, the unknown."

"For what it's worth, only time would reveal the truth."

***

Lionel groggily sat up in his tent, rubbing his eyes as the morning light peeked through the fabric. Stretching his arms, he let out a yawn and felt the crisp morning air brush against his skin. Before he could even think about going back to sleep, Ariel appeared by his side, practically bouncing with excitement, holding a small package in his hands.

"Good morning, Lionel!" Ariel chirped, blocking the light with the package as he waved it playfully in front of Lionel’s face. His usual rainbow-colored attire shimmered in the soft morning light, and his bright, energetic grin was enough to sap the last bit of sleep from Lionel’s eyes.

Lionel felt his eyelids droop again as he sighed in exasperation. "Ariel," he could already feel the morning dimming his patience, "what’s with the package?"

"I almost thought it was mine since our names sound so similar!" Ariel laughed, completely missing Lionel’s indignation. His energy was infectious, though, even with his patience, Lionel couldn’t help but crack a small smile.

Since the fight he had with Darius, Ariel constant chatter and annoying antics has been a constant pain in his ass. Lionel smiled wryly as he massaged his temples and stared at Ariel's charming appearance. The tousled black hair and bright blue eyes gave him a somewhat feminine outlook that almost looked like a fictional character that came to life. Whenever Ariel was busy chattering, he would get fascinated by the braided hair that dangled at the tip of his hair. It was a weird tradition that he couldn't put his fingers on, but that only made it more interesting.

Lionel often wondered how Ariel fights with a weapon, what kind of moves he would have to execute, and what arts or techniques were involved in their family's unique combat style.

Lionel coughed and looked away from Ariel's appearance. He realized that if he kept staring, he might even go forward just to smack him in the face. No, if there was anything he would love to do right now, it was to grab a sandwich and shove the food right into his mouth.

"Great, now I'm infected with the urge to smack you with a sandwich." Lionel grimaced.

The burbling of his mouth could even let him flood the dam enough to drown everyone out of their breath.

"Why are you even here?" Lionel thought helplessly. He truly wanted to avoid being disturbed by this nuisance as much as possible. He enjoyed being left alone, but for some reason, he felt a strange connection to this person nagging him.

"What happened to not attracting attention?" Lionel continued to stare at Ariel, whose mouth blabbered at the speed of lightning. "For me? Who's it from?"

Ariel flashed him a grin, not missing a beat. "Oh, just bringing you a little gift." He thrust the package forward. "It's from a merchant who passed by a few days ago. Apparently, you left quite the impression."

As Lionel tore the package open, Ariel peered over his shoulder curiously. Inside, he discovered a glass jar containing a wriggling metal slime, its tiny body pulsing with a metallic luster. Along with the jar, a handwritten note from the merchant was attached, written neatly and gracefully.

The note was brief and yet heartfelt. The letter expressed the merchant's appreciation for his help during the encounter. The merchant insisted on thanking him with the metal slime as a token of their gratitude.

Lionel's eyes widened in surprise as he read the note. "A metal slime?" he muttered, looking at the jar in disbelief. "Good stuff."

Lionel then adjusted his [Rugues Glasses] and tapped its lenses, watching the slime with gleeful curiosity.

[Xenoslime]

Lvl: 4

Ariel's eyes widened as well. "Wow, that's pretty rare. I've heard stories about how valuable those things can be.

"With this [Xenoslime], I should be able to learn more about the materials described in the book," Lionel said, sounding lost in thought. "No, maybe even beyond that."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Ariel was taken aback by Lionel's absent-minded mumbling, unsure of what he was saying. "Uh, okay?" he replied, feeling a bit confused.

Lionel noticed Ariel's confusion and chuckled. "Never mind. It's just something that I've been looking forward to."

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves interrupted their conversation. Lionel and Ariel turned their heads towards the noise, only to be met with a surprising sight.

The rider rode on a magnificent black stallion, its mane and tail whipping in the wind, galloping towards the camp. The woman reined in her horse in a sudden break, causing it to rear up on its hind legs, letting out a triumphant neigh.

As the rider drew closer, Lionel could see the woman at a closer distance, her hair tied back in a tight braid that glided down her back. She wore a thin smile that glistened under the sun, her presence radiating with confidence and power.

As the woman dismounted her horse, she turned to the person accompanying her, a tall man with a scar on his cheek, bowing his head respectfully. "Thank you for escorting me, Lord Byron," the woman said, her voice soft but firm.

"But I can take it from here."

Ariel and Lionel exchanged a curious glance, wondering who the woman was and her purpose for coming to their camp. They remained hidden, listening intently to the conversation between the two strange individuals.

"Oh, Byron," Lady Eira paused. "Before you leave, make sure the guards are stationed around the perimeter," the woman addressed her status. "It's always better to be certain, especially in matters that need delicate handling. After all, we cannot afford any disruptions during the ceremony."

"Very well, Lady Eira," Lord Byron replied with the utmost respect. "I will see to it personally."

"Thank you," Lady Eira said with a nod of appreciation. "You may leave now."

"Do you know who she is?" Ariel yanked Lionel on his shoulder.

Lionel shook his head, "No, But something tells me we're about to find out." He paused and thought for a while before continuing. "Did you catch what she said about a ceremony?"

Ariel nodded slowly. "Yes, I did. It sounded like we were about to have an adventure!"

Lionel facepalmed. "Adventures? We don't even know what kind of ceremony they were even talking about."

But Ariel was already lost in his imagination. "Maybe it's a secret ritual to summon a dragon! Or a treasure hunt! Or a quest to save a princess!"

"Besides, did you see that horse?" Ariel said, his eyes widening with excitement. "What a beauty! I wonder if she'll let me-"

Lionel raised his hand and gave Ariel a light slap at the back of his head, growing tired of his rambling. "No, we have work to do." He turned around and went back to his tent, still carrying the jar around his hand.

"What are you waiting for? It's not our place to get involved in their affairs," Lionel shouted. "Remember, we're soldiers, not scouts."

cough

"I mean... we're just... not supposed to be here in the first place."

"But, but... Don't you think it's a bit boring just sitting around here all day? We could use some excitement in our lives!" Ariel pouted.

Lionel sighed, knowing that arguing with Ariel was futile at this point. "Fine, but let's be cautious. We don't know what we're getting ourselves into."

Lionel and Ariel quickly hastened their steps, heading toward the direction that Lady Eira and Lord Byron had taken. They approached a bush near the clearing, taking care to avoid making any sudden movements or noise. Once they reached the foliage, they took cover behind it and heightened their senses, listening carefully for any signs of danger.

After a while, they spotted Lady Eira and Lord Byron arriving at the clearing, where a cloaked figure stood before them. The cloaked figure was accompanied by a large group dressed in the same garments. These hooded figures communicated in an unfamiliar language, with their hands stationed on their chest, waiting for their orders.

Ariel and Lionel hid behind a thick bush, straining their eyes to see what was happening. They observed in silence as the robed figure continued to speak, their words slightly muffled by the wind.

"I want you to track the movements of those bounty hunters who stole the blood," Lady Eira said. "Find out who they are and where they are heading. We cannot let them interfere with our plans."

The man nodded in agreement. "Understood, my lady. I will report back to you as soon as I have the information."

"Good," the lady said. "Be careful, and remember to stay hidden. We don't want to alert them to our presence."

With a quick, sharp twist of her body, she turned around and faced Lord Byron, her eyes determined. "We need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the further they'll find it."

Lord Byron nodded in agreement, while also noticing Lady Eira reaching for a small purse hanging from her dress. She retrieved a silver coin with the symbol of "Aeon" carved on it. The coin began to glow faintly, surprising her with its sudden luster.

"This is interesting. It's either a rat is here, or someone's playing tricks on me," Lady Eira's lips curved into a cunning grin.

"Is there something wrong, Lady Eira?" Lord Byron asked.

Lady Eira shook her head, slipping the coin back into her pouch. "No matter, it's just a trinket."

"Lionel, look at your waistband," Ariel stared at the pouch strapped beside his belt, glowing faintly.

"I... I think we have to leave here right now." Lionel regained his composure. "It's best not to linger here for too long."

Once he saw the coin faintly glowing on his belt, a sudden ominous feeling settled him. He quickly grabbed Ariel's arm and fled from the scene.

"Wait, what's going on?" Ariel reacted with a surprise, confused by the turn of events.

In a hurry, they quickly run up through the edges of the forest. Their footsteps buried in the dirt.

In a meantime, the lady smiled with a red tint across her lips, "Hiding, aren't we?" her eyes gleamed with amusement.

The wind brushed through her hair as she turned around and met a man standing behind her. The man landed on the ground, ripples of energy surging around him. The air followed his command, the wind serving before his grace.

"Scarlet druids are known for their acute senses. It seems their ability could only do so much," the man said, followed with a surge of wind clashing against the trees.

"I never thought I would see you again," Lady Eira smiled, "It's been a long time, Harold."

***

"Can you stop doing that?" Lionel commented, getting tired of Ariel's constant petty jab behind his back. He kept his eyes fixed on the jar sitting on the table, studying the round body of the slime with a curious expression. The slime bounced around with excitement, leaving a trail of gooey fluids smeared atop the rough wooden surface of the table.

The rest of the tent resembled a makeshift armory with assorted displays of weapons and tools. Swords, axes, and spears were propped against the canvas walls, with items such as armor plates, ropes, and potions displayed in their respective repository. The place was empty, other than two children bickering at the middle of an ongoing training. Two of them sneaked out from their lectures, without thinking too much of the consequence. He wasn't sure he should be here, but recently, he couldn't help but scratch his itch to check his latest experiment. If Ariel hadn't gifted him with the slime earlier, and handed it in his free time, he wouldn't have thought about skipping.

Of course, he had also one good reason to do it in the first place, and that is to avoid the person nagging him right now.

"Hmph, doing what? It's not me who's at fault here," Ariel retorted, crossing his arms defensively.

"Come on, spill the beans already!!!" Ariel kept yanking his back, unwilling to leave him alone.

Lionel let out a sigh, feeling slightly annoyed. "Fine, just let me finish this task I'm doing."

Without hesitation, he grabbed the slime from the table and placed it atop his palm, its squishy texture wriggling between his fingers. He began visualizing the shape and form of the slime according to his design. It was a mental blueprint, a model he made to test whether the knowledge he had gained from the book was accurate so far. This mental image acted as a manual for the slime, directing it toward his modeled transformation.

The slime molecular consistency gradually changed from a squishy, fluid state to a more defined structure. With a final touch, the slime finally solidified its form and hardened into a rod, with albeit a few uneven edges.

"Woah!" Ariel's eyes glittered with fascination.

"Wait! Wait a minute. You are trying to lure my attention elsewhere. Aren't you?" Ariel pouted.

"As every second goes by, I can't help but wonder why Darius has such hostility towards me," Lionel muttered softly, placing the solidified slime atop the table.

Lionel exchanged a quick glance with Ariel, faintly smiling. "We barely know each other, and yet he seems to have taken an instant dislike to me."

To assess whether the slime still retained its liquid state, he curled it into a spiral shape, imitating its form similar to a knot. "That naive personality of yours, especially."

"But... But I'm just being nice," Ariel sniffed.

"Right... How's nice working out for you so far?" Lionel shrugged. "Always lost in your world, chasing butterflies everywhere you go."

"Hey! That's uncalled for," Ariel frowned. "You're just as naive as me."

"That's the problem—except there's a difference," Lionel smirked as he slowly let the gobbling mass of loops and clumps untied around his fingers.

"I'm smarter." The slime began to untie its knots.

The slime followed his wishes, its slimy fluid shifting and morphing under his will. For a brief moment, Lionel could sense the elements dancing around his fingertips, with a subtle hum of energy coursing through the slime.

"You're... you're bullying me," Ariel said, his voice shaking with emotion.

Lionel fell silent for a second. "Trust me, I'm not. I only learned it after I arrived here."

Ariel stared right into his eyes. He couldn't understand why someone like him would go so far as to hide his secrets from him. From the moment he saw Lionel at the camp, he had already seen him as a friend, someone he could trust and talk with.

"If you didn't want to tell me your secrets, you could have just said so," Ariel said with disappointment. He rushed out of the tent as a single tear rolled down his face.

Lionel told himself it was for the better. He stood there, bearing the guilt, and helplessly watched Ariel run away through the field, disappearing into the distance.

Once the lingering trace of his shadow faded, he noticed a ribbon hooked in the grass, fluttering softly in the wind. “I…” he stuttered and felt the guilt rushed inside him. Memories of their previous conversation, their brief meeting, and especially the genuine friendliness Ariel had shown toward him. He was the only one who could see his struggle, appreciate his efforts, and offer a needed hand.

The choice he made was difficult to swallow—a painful one—and a happy one, even it was for a short while.

"A knot and a ribbon. It was meant to be just a metaphor, a simple expression," Lionel plucked the ribbon from the grass, feeling its soft texture between his fingers.

He carefully placed the ribbon aside at his favorite spot in his bag. There, he stored the objects and the memories that were important to him, hoping to find solace when needed.