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Chapter 26: New Member

Chapter 26: New Member

Israr carries Kiran on his back. His uniform is full of holes from the bones that pierced him. The 4 others that were with Bone-monster walk behind him. He stares at Consus in front of him, who's carrying Easton on his back. Consus' white haori is wrapped around Easton's body.

Israr looks at the rose symbol on Consus' haori. "The Co-Guild Leader of Harmony is powerful. That Bone-monster was at least blue-rank. He dealt with it like it was nothing. He must've placed bamboo seeds while he was fighting as well." Israr focuses on Easton. "Consus even grew medicinal herbs instantly, which he gave to Easton and Kiran. His gift is incredible."

Consus peeps back. "Hey, Israr. Are you sure I can't grow you anything? It's really not a big deal."

"I'm fine. I don't go down that easily."

"Your regeneration gift sure is amazing."

"It's not the best. I can't do it on purpose. I have to rest."

"It's still amazing."

"Haha. Thank you!"

"How far are we from Frits?"

"We should get there soon."

The group walks for a while. Israr's mind goes back to when the large man transformed.

"Uh, Consus?"

"Yes, Israr?"

"Are all… Negative Energy consumptions like that?"

"Yes," says Consus calmly.

"So that's why they call them demons… he didn't look the same anymore."

"Correct. They completely lose their minds. In old texts, it says the soul gets consumed. That's how they got the term demon."

"Why did you pray for it?"

Consus smiles and looks ahead. "Can you tell me the final two laws of the OmniOne, Israr?"

"Uh… sure. The 6th law states: None shall allow thy negative state to corrupt thy mind nor thy soul. The 7th law states: Everything returns to Me, except those corrupted by negativity." 'Me' in this context refers to the OmniOne.

"Exactly," says Consus. "Breaking one of the OmniOne's laws is one of the worst sins humanity can commit. That man broke them. I want his soul to rest, so I prayed that he is forgiven."

"I see…" Israr thinks, "I've never heard of any Sharmeija member that does that. Praying is only done by the Omni Guild members to converse with the OmniOne. I wonder if they pray for others' souls."

They reach the village of Frits and head towards the centre.

"So are you going to go now, Israr?" asks Consus.

"Yes. Let me return the Kamino Weapon."

"Leave them all with me. Go do your thing."

"Thank you, Consus." Israr puts Kiran down and takes the Kamino Weapon to the centre.

The girl who was crying earlier sees Israr. "You… retrieved it?" Tears again fill her eyes. "Thank you!" She runs and hugs Israr. He smiles.

"You're welcome."

The rest of the village members run in.

"Guys! Israr retrieved the weapon!"

"Woohoo!"

"Israr! Let me treat your clothes!"

"Do you want something to eat?"

The crowd rushes around Israr and he lifts his hands, waving them profusely. "It's okay. I'm okay! I-It's fine really." Israr looks at the girl crying. "I just want you all to treat each other better."

"Right!" yells the restaurant owner from earlier. "Girl, let me treat you to a good meal. Everyone here gets a free meal!"

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"Hoorah!"

Consus smiles as he watches the crowd cheer Israr.

Israr notices Consus and asks the crowd, "Actually, there is something I might need. Is there anyone here that could transport us to Sharmeija?"

"Of course!" yells another older gentleman. "My donkey is at Frits stables. I'll get him ready and we'll meet you outside."

"Thank you so much!" Israr bows for the gentleman.

The group meets the gentleman outside Frits.

"Ni-Haw," brays the donkey

Consus laughs. "It's a good thing Easton is asleep. I think he'd have something to say."

"Mm, it doesn't seem my cart is big enough for 7 people…" says the gentleman.

"That's okay," says Israr. "I'll run back. Ensure that Kiran and Easton can lie down-"

"If it's for Israr, you can borrow the carriage that green-ranks rent. It's big enough for 10 people." An old lady from the stables comes out.

"That would be so kind ma'am! Thank you!" Israr bows to the old lady.

The gentleman walks to Consus, "Now, my donkey can't move too quickly, but he's strong. It will take us about 2 hours to get there."

"That's okay. Sounds like a peaceful ride. Perfect for my newborns." Consus bows. "Thank you for your kindness."

"Anything for Israr. He's such a darling," says the old lady patting Israr's back.

"T-Thank you! Haha!"

The village residents wave goodbye to Israr as the carriage departs. He waves back as they return to Sharmeija.

"Are you okay up there, young man?" asks the old gentleman steering the carriage.

Consus raises his hand in the air. "Yes, I am. I like watching the sky. It's pretty."

Darkness blankets the sky. The stars shine brightly. Consus gazes while travelling towards Sharmeija Headquarters.

They reach their destination. Sharmeija members are waiting for them.

"Please hand over the rogues, as informed," says one of the officers.

"Here." Israr opens the carriage door. The 4 in-black exit and receive different handcuffs – much larger and metallic.

"We'll escort them from here. Thank you." One officer leaves as another comes with 2 floating stretchers.

"Let me take the newborns to get checked. Master Cashel instructed us to."

Consus says, "We don't have the finances to support that."

"Master Cashel informed me this is free of charge." The reasoning given to the officer: Do not piss her off.

"That's great to hear. I already did some basic treatments, so if you can just put them in beds, I'd appreciate it."

"As you wish." The officer bows and leaves with Kiran and Easton.

Consus watches them leave. "The lavender I grew should help them sleep."

"Thank you so much!" Israr bows for the old gentleman.

The gentleman gestures to him to stand up. "Now now, it's my pleasure Israr. You always help us. It's good to return the favour finally."

"Have a safe journey back!"

"Ni-haw."

The gentleman leaves with his donkey and carriage.

"Thank you for your help, Israr," says Consus.

"I'm sorry for putting them in danger," Israr's eyes hang low and look down. "That was the last thing I wanted. I just tried to lift their spirits."

"I understand." Consus rests his hand on Israr's shoulder. "You put your life on the line for them. That trait isn't common in Arkodia. Thank you for protecting them."

Israr gazes at Consus. The calm voice soothes him. "Right. It's my job."

"Good." Consus surveys around. "Now, I must find Marie-Jane and discuss the plans further."

"Someone – hiccup – called?" Marie-Jane stumbles and leans on Consus. Her nose and cheeks blush pink.

"Speak of the devil. Had fun?"

"Y-Yeaha." Marie-Jane peers at Israr. "Who's this guy?"

"The one who had our newborns," responds Consus

"Oh! Thank you for baby – hiccup – sitting them."

"Y-You're welcome." Israr stares at the woman. Although swaying, it's clear by her presence alone that she's a force. "This is the other Guild Leader of Harmony? She seems scary… and familiar. But more scary. I should not tell her I almost got her newborns killed. Act natural." Israr smiles and laughs.

"A-All right!" Marie-Jane raises her hand in the air. "Let's head back to Harmony!"

"Not a chance. You're drunk."

"Boo! You're no fun Consus."

Marie-Jane shakes her Co-Guild Leader. Consus allows her to do it, faintly smiling. He then looks at Israr.

"Say, Marie. We still need a new protector, right?"

"Mmmmhmmmm. But Cashel said they don't have spares!"

"Let's talk to him."

"Okay! Leave it to me!"

In Guild Leader Cashel's office, Marie-Jane, Consus, Israr, Cashel and his front desk assistant sit—the silver-haired girl bows. "I'm sorry Master Cashel! I tried to stop her, but she barged right through! I hanged onto her for dear life."

"It's okay," says Cashel. He has his nightcap on which has a fuzzy ball on top. "Nothing can stop her. Especially when she's like this."

"Heh heh," grins Marie-Jane. "You look cute!"

"It's a specially made cap that makes sleeping extremely comfortable."

Like a cat, Marie-Jane swipes the fuzzy ball back and forth.

"So why was my sleep disturbed?" asks Cashel, while Marie-Jane plays with his cap.

Consus speaks up, "I'd like to ask about Israr."

"H-Huh?" Israr turns to Consus and panics. "I thought he was fine with everything? Is he actually mad? Oh no!" The image of Consus' brutal fight against Bone-monster quickly flashes through his mind. Israr shivers.

"I'd like to recruit him to Harmony as a protector."

Cashel sits back in his chair. "Why's that?"

"There are many in Harmony who could use his help. I think he's being wasted here," states Consus. "He shows a lot of heart and determination. He will grow at Harmony as a protector and as a human." Consus smiles and looks at Israr.

Cashel eyes Marie-Jane. "Do you have anything to say?"

"I trust Consus!"

Cashel sternly stares at Israr. "And what do you have to say?

"I… I don't know. No Guild ever wanted me… and I've built relationships." Israr plays with his fingers. "I… help the people in nearby villages. I don't know if I can leave them."

"I see," says Cashel. He gestures to his assistant. "Make a note of that."

"Yes, sir."

Cashel returns to Israr. "As you don't know, I'll decide for you. It has come to my attention that you have broken multiple rules regarding your privileges here at Sharmeija."

"O-Oh…" Israr looks down sheepishly.

"As such, I am terminating your contract with Sharmeija, and transferring you to Harmony."

"But… what about the villages?"

"Sharmeija will look over it. You have my word as the Guild Leader of Sharmeija."

Israr blinks and alternates between the 3 grown-ups. "So wait… I'm finally joining a different guild?"

"Yes. And one I can vouch for," says Cashel.

Consus smiles and Marie-Jane beams with excitement. "All right! Welcome to – hiccup – Harmony kid! We leave tomorrow morning."

Israr jumps from his seat. "I'll go pack right now!" He runs out of the office towards his room. While he runs, he thinks, "I did it, Kadu! I finally joined another guild!"