[Book II Chapter 130] FILIA: A Walk in Waceria
------------------------------------------------
Filia sat listlessly on the balcony overlooking the central square at the Waceria Adventurer’s Guild. This was one of the rooms reserved for VIPs, usually visiting immortals. An exemption had been made for her due to the situation.
Upon returning to Waceria, she’d immediately contacted Hans Leveson to report the events at the the Amalgamation dungeon. The Sofix CEO had been disheartened to learn of Johanna Loubor’s betrayal, expressing his sincerest apologies for placing her in a such perilous situation. He offered to send an escort to accompany her back to Neon. Shortly after the call ended, a staff member came to show her to her current accommodations. Later, she’d discovered an ungodly amount had been deposited in her account at the Black Bank. Yet she felt nothing.
I probably should take Hans up on his offer. Waceria was large city-state nested deep in the Twisted Lands, an important stopping point for thousands of refugees migrating West same as Messanic to the North. With two immortals and a powerful guardian beast, not to mention a contingent of saints from the cultivating world and a large gathering of adventurers, it was relatively unassailable. However, Rosaria had also boasted impressive defenses. It’d be a disaster if her presence led to another demonic beast invasion. Yet she couldn’t muster the resolve to care.
Bringing out her deck, she flipped through and stopped on the image of galebat. She concentrated and channeled. A gray wingged creature sprung into existences and dropped down besides her.
<
Pang of wrenching sadness washed over her as she recalled her first meeting with Cici long ago. “Yes, I’m your new trainer, Filia.”
<
This innocent question put her at a loss, and she beat a hasty retreat. “I’ll let you know next time I summon you. Right now, I need to go.”
<
Filia gazed dejectedly at her cards. They were all the same, producing the default version of each sukemon. Her special friends were gone.
There was a knock on the inside door, which made her wince. Soul Skyfell had been stopping by, sometimes twice a day, to check in on her. She’d politely declined his repeated invitations to join his team. Even if I had the will, I’ve lost the majority of my fighting power…
“Come in.” She yelled. She’d stopped locking the door as getting up was a pain.
“How you doing this fine day!” A boisterous voice called out.
Filia looked over to see Gen Jiang strutting towards her. “You aren’t who I was expecting…” She replied. The man’s confidence and optimism, in their own way, were just as grating Soul’s compassionate concern. “Are you here to pester me too?” It’d be utterly miserable if they started tag teaming her.
“Please don’t blame the boy for his meddling,” Gen chuckled. “If anything, I was the one who alerted him to your dire state of mind.”
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Anger flashed within her but dissipated just as quickly. She simply didn’t have the energy. “It doesn’t matter.” She sighed. “What did you want?”
“I would like you to take a walk.” Gen declared grandly.
Filia groaned at the ridiculous suggestion. She’d believed this cultivator, despite his ostentatious manner, to be the serious sort. “What is this?” She asked.
“You’ve been cooped up here too long.” Gen expanded. “Go walk the city and get some fresh air.”
“No.” Filia replied curtly, putting an end to the nonsense.
Regrettably, her guest was undaunted. “If you humor my request, I’ll see to it that young Soul doesn’t disturb you again.”
Filia’s head perked up. “Really?” This might be worth it.
“On the honor of the Fate Pavillion,” Gen announced. “Do this and you’ll enjoy peace and quiet.”
Part of her suspected some kind of trick to this, but trying to uncover the truth was too bothersome. “I’ll go out for half an hour.” She said. “So please keep up your end of the bargain.”
To her relief, the noisy cultivator bowed and retreated without another word. She then slowly gathered her courage and stood up. Focus on the reward…
She wandered aimlessly, soon finding herself on the main avenue. People are everywhere. There was a constant flow in and out of Waceria, and it was particularly bad near the docks. To avoid these crowds, she made the way to the quieter side alleys.
“Filia?” Said a familiar voice.
She turned to face the speaker, and it took a moment to place the bearded man. “Joel…?” It’d been years since she’d seen her former teammate. Unlike her, age had taken its toll.
“I never thought I’d meet you here!” Joel appeared ecstatic at this reunion. “How have you been?”
“I’m doing good.” Filia lied, wishing to sidestep painful explanations.
“That’s great.” Joel nodded happily. “Listen, do you have a minute? There’s someone I want you to meet. It’s close by.”
“Alright…” She said. I have time to waste.
Joel led her to a small house nestled deep in the backstreets. Holding for the door handle, he stopped abruptly. “Please, don’t mention anything about… you know…”
Your confession of love for me? “Of course not.” She smirked.
Inside, a woman and a little girl came to greet them. “This is my wife, Denise, and my daughter, Sofia.” Joel declared proudly. He then knelt by the girl. “Remember the former teammate I told you so much about?”
Sofia’s eyes lit up. “The sukemon expert?”
“That’s her.” Joel agreed.
Filia found herself swiftly dragged off by the eager child, who, before she knew it, was showing off her card collection. In no time the enthusiasm rubbed off on her and she joined in a lively discussion. Sofia then demanded to see her deck, to which she obliged. The sun was setting when they finally finished.
“Thank you,” Joel said after escorting her outside. “You made her year.”
“No problem.” Filia smiled. “It was fun.”
“I would’ve been nice to catch up…” Joel said wistfully. “Where are you off to now?”
“I’ve working with one of the cultivating squad to keep Waceria safe.” Filia replied. “I’ll drop by again if I have the opportunity.” With that, she leapt to roofs.
She glanced back and watched the man head back inside. One day, I’ll have that. She’d forgotten the innocent joy of engaging in a shared hobby. Sofia had reminded her. For her sake and that of my future family, I must protect this world. It’s what my friends would have wanted.
Making her way back to the Adventurer’s Guild, she began planning. Which sukemon should she use? She’d lost her ten strongest, but there were others. They would take some work, but…
<> Said a deep voice.
Filia stumbled out of surprise. <
<
<
<> Oberon confirmed. <
<<…Thank you.>> Filia said solemnly. With this, I’ve recovered my fighting power, maybe even gained some. The realization was bittersweet.
Letting go of the regret and grief, Filia set out to locate Soul’s party and accept their invitation.