Rise, given thy sword and shield, give praise, sing with the law of spears. When flesh fail and steel sink deep, flail and yell as your heart yearns to be free.
Covet a blanket of gold as the herd flee, now only a few walk beneath the crimson veil that is her eyes. As tall walls crumble beneath the almighty's mercy, shall I ring through to me and be?
*cleave*
With a mighty swing, a single man tore through a line of muscles and steel with his mighty sword. Behind him, cowering survivors with and without weapons take a step back little by little as they are being cornered.
"Xin! This is all the people we can gather! Should we retreat now?"
A soldier with a proper gear asks Xin with his back on the wall.
"Fine! All of you take them to the inner district, I'll hold them back off!"
"Are you serious, Xin!?"
"Yes, just go!"
Xin pushes the soldier away and parry's an incoming dagger. With hasten feet, he moves as if he's as light as a feather yet hits harder than a falling rock. Even with all his strength, he's still one person against the might of a well-equipped horde.
"Tch, who knew fighting hordes of weaklings is harder than a giant monster."
As weaken soldiers flee, smoke and blood fill the air. As the fight goes on, their numbers seem to thin down... Or not.
"Dammit, I guess I better scare them off quick."
Taking a stance, Xin places his large blade above his left shoulder shouting:
"[Venomous wolf fang technique: chain fang destruction!]"
Enhancing his feet with qi and magic. His charge seems like green lightning, wherever the light goes, one rat-kin either got cleave in half or lose its head. But in reality, Xin is merely using the momentum of his strikes to connect one another and hoping that there will always be enemies near him while covering his sword with poison magic.
"Hrraaaghh!!!"
His scream rings through the industrial district killing every rat-kin that come in his path.
*clang*
"Greetings."
"Hmm?"
His blade was stopped by a single rat-kin, unlike the others who wear magic armour and use magic weapons this rat-kin wears none of the sorts. Wearing a thin expensive dress with a gorgeous flower pattern which makes her look out of place in a field of war, she holds in her hand one beautifully decorated knife as she pushes Xin back with unbelievable force flinging him back. With an ecstatic smile, she begins to speak,
"I'm impressed such backwater village like this could house a fighter as strong as you. Here I thought we were having a winning battle thanks to those Xuju, but I guess it is true what they say, an incompetent ally is worse than a dangerous enemy.
Weixia is my name, a Central Noble sent by the 13 for the retribution crusade. Tell me, young man, what's your name? Since you're pretty cute, I'll bring you home with me as my personal guard, what do you say? I'll promise it'll feel REAL good."
Xin lands a bit far from her and takes another stance. He spits blood on the ground as her attack seem to leave a cut on the edge of his mouth. Gathering an immense qi on his body he prepares another technique replying:
"Go fuck yourself!"
"How rude! Naughty boys like you need to be taught a lesson!"
But before Xin could unleash his skills, a blade soon find itself swinging at Xin's head from the side, but with his instincts, he dodges by dashing ahead to attack shouting:
"Venomous wolf fang technique, Corrosion path: sundering claw rush."
Xin unleashes his attack, with one swing three claw marks were left where he strikes. Killing all rat-kin in his way and destroying all the buildings in his path, everything his blades attacks soon begins to melt and rot. Leaving nothing but a pile of goo and smudge. But among all that got killed, Weixia was not one of them and soon Xin found another attack coming right at his face.
He dodges by ducking down and using the momentum left by his swing to attack at his front to find no one there but Weixia on his blind spot at his left and send her blade forth to his sides. With his reflex, Xin blocks it by swinging his body around and sending his blade from right to left and block her just in time but with a sprain on his back and his arms thanks to his forceful movement.
*stab*
Even with all those quick movements, he found his thigh being stabbed by Weixia's tail that suddenly had a blade attached to it.
"Monster Hunters like you are just the cutest! There's a reason why we Centrals don't lump our techniques with your hunter kind."
Xin with one of his leg weakened, he fell on his knees, pushing her blade ever closer to his side. With his will power, he holds her blade back-
*stab* *stab*
A gauntlet appears in Weixia's arms and shoot out multiple long needles that pierce his armour easily, puncturing his chest. With a gentle shove, Xin was push back and is about to fall, but he grits his teeth and stand with sheer willpower alone.
"Shit, shit, shit!"
Xin tries to grab his potion but realizing his bag is gone, Weixia lifts her tail to show she had stolen his bag without him knowing it.
"Aw~, rat stole your goods? Hey, hey, cutie, here's my last warning to be mine. C'mon, why are you so hesitant? Are you perhaps jealous I might be keeping other boys? Don't worry, I always keep one boy at a time so I'll pamper you lots! You know what, you're too cute to leave, so I'm just gonna knock you out and bring you back home!"
Her words merely sicken Xin. Rather than being taken, Xin gathers his qi and magic into the crystal instilled in his body...
"Xin!"
A giant segmented blade fell onto where Weixia stands, causing the dust to settle in.
"Come with me!"
Xin felt his hand being grab and pulled back, and when he was dropped, he felt a bottle falling in his lap. Realizing it's a potion, he wastes no time to pull the needles out and drink it all. His wounds closed at a rapid rate and he uses this chance to follow Tannan back.
When the dust cleared, Tannan stands near the road bordering another district with Xin by her side. She looks at him asking:
"She almost got you. But now we're together, let's finish this."
Xin nods saying:
"Yeah!"
Standing on his feet, he sees Weixia leaning on Tannan's Segmented blade, fiddling with her weapon.
"Hoh, another challenger arrived but isn't it unfair?"
Tannan uses her last segmented blade and takes a stance, Xin does the same and readies for an attack.
"Very well, it seems you boorish louts have many to be desired-"
*shine* *boom*
Two giant purple dragons explode from the ceiling, illuminating the entire district in its glory. Lasting for just mere seconds, they adjust their eyes to the new situation where the core of the district now shines a deep purple colour giving the entire place a sense of darkness and despair.
"Isn't that the Dragon technique use by the Nian Heilong back when he challenge Moriz?"
"You mean the calamity dragon disciple guy from your class? Wait, are you saying someone from the Central Dragon is here!?"
"Hmm, I have a really bad feeling about this. So I guess you both win this round. May the spirit blesses your journey. I'll make sure to see you again cutie, so stay alive till then."
Weixia flees according to her whim and leaves the two alone.
Seeing the shock in Xin's face, Tannan can't help but ask:
"What's wrong? Do you know what's going on?"
"N-no, but the fairy I sent to keep tabs on the Silencer went silent for a while. Maybe its has something to do to her."
"You did what!? Didn't I tell you not to do anything suspicious!"
Xin sheathes his blade replying:
"How can I not? The fairies are screaming at me, telling me she's dangerous and we shouldn't trust her! Calling her a Monster and enemy to life! And you know the fairies don't lie to me."
Tannan folds her arms and remembers what she believed but she shakes her head saying:
"You may be right, but it doesn't change the fact, we have a bigger problem right now. If she is a threat, then we'll deal with her later. Now let's go find Tanwa, last I heard she's in the market district."
Xin shakes his head and closes his eyes replying:
"As you say, but know this. She is no Zerian, she's an Owlian. The spirits can tell. I doubt she can even use magic."
Tannan continues her pace replying:
"You don't need to tell me that. I already figure that out... I'll trust Yuwei... For now."
As the district light turns back to red, they both regroup with the others and split up. Tannan along with a small detachment went to search Tanwa while the rest are sent to the inner district.
*************************************
Adjusting my clothes so I can move more freely, I loosen the bottom half a bit more saying:
"I can't believe I'm doing this..."
"I'm sorry, I knew you wouldn't want to wear it."
Tanwa hands loosen on the skirt as she losses her confidence.
"N-no, that's not it! It's just that, I can't believe I'm going to wear a dress again."
As if she had a revelation, Tanwa looks at me with grief yet a smile full of hope saying:
"Ah, Aaah! I see... Please don't worry Lord Suowa, you look beautiful in whatever you wear. I'm sure you'll get to marry a wonderful man in the future."
"Wait what?"
" "Yes! Yes!" "
The other girls that sneak inside immediately comment on me before Tanwa shoo them away saying:
"I told you not to disturb us! Leave!"
"Ah~ Tanwa's actually angry!"
"Run!"
"Uuumph!"
Tanwa pouts by stomping her foot as she returns and tightens the knot for my dress.
"There, thank you for waiting for Lord Suowa."
"No, thank you, Tanwa. I rarely if not never wear a dress before. Still, I'm surprised they could act so cheerful when everything is so dire."
"Oh, well I think that's because of Lord Tannan and Pasha. They're the guardians of this district, with them around, no one can actually defeat us."
(Pasha? Oh!)
"The one that's a fan of Rana!"
Tanwa nods and grabs my long hair and starts to weave it saying:
"That's right! He never shuts up about her and even makes his job carving statues of her ( I guess his skills with the art is no joke either since he can make his shop float). But I guess they're feeling more safe thanks to you too."
"Eh? Really?"
Tanwa stands up to fold my hair before she puffs her chest out saying:
"Why of course! You're a Silencer after all!"
"Oh, right..."
She finally ties my hair all together and wraps another cloth around my head before saying:
"Mhm! You shouldn't forget who you are you know. I mean, forgive this servant for daring to lecture you!"
(I don't know what hairstyle she gave me but...)
"No, no, it's fine. Thank you for helping me dress up Tanwa."
"The pleasures all mine!"
I stand up and grab my broken weapon and follow her out of the building. Turns out she has spare clothes in her magic pocket... I wish I could use magic item... As I leave, I could see the survivors that followed Tanwa is talking with a smile and hope as if the destruction around them doesn't matter at all.
"Oh, look the Silencer is out!", "Oh, she's a beauty alright", "Man, I heard you saw her naked, you lucky bastard", "Say, what's a Silencer?", "How long do you think it takes to combine all the district?", "Sigh, why did this happen? But with Lord Tannan, Pasha and especially the Silencer, We'll definitely repel these invaders away!", "Yeah, but I wonder how the others are doing?", "Tanwa is definitely the best ribbon wrapper around town, isn't she?"
As I heard them talking among themselves, I too begin to wonder what Saya is doing right now alone.
*clap*
"Alright, everyone. We're going to the inner district, follow me!"
Tanwa raises her broom and points it forward as she moves ahead. She looks at me saying:
"Um... If you wouldn't mind, could you help guard the rear?"
"Sure, you can count on me."
She bows saying:
"Thank you for cooperating, Lord Suowa! I will lead them to their safety."
Tanwa begins to move ahead as everyone follows, from the combatant levies first beside Tanwa while leaving some on the rear and the civilians soon follow and I went last on their tail. One kid seems to stay beside me as we walk.
"Um... Kid, is your parents near? It's a lot safer to walk with them."
(Like what happen if a rat-kin comes and ambush us since we're at the rear).
He shakes his head saying:
"My parents said it's okay as long as I stay close to you. Um... Lord Silencer, do you think I can grow strong, like you or my daddy? I want to protect my family in case this happens again!"
"Huh? Well if I can why can't you?"
"Daddy said that I'm not special. Not all of us can be like you. And hearing that is just... Frustrating!"
(Uh... Isn't that a harsh truth to bring? What do I say? I can't just say I'm a normal Owlian... Aha!)
I nod my head to agree, saying:
"That's true but don't you think there are more jobs that are more amazing and special for you out there?"
"More amazing? And for me? Like what? Like what?"
"First, why don't you call me big brother? That's much easier to say than Lord Silencer no?"
"Um... You mean Big Sis right?"
*sigh*
"Yea... I guess so. Now, for a common example, what about heroes? Most of them are born from common birth, and they all achieve something that makes the Gods blush. I mean, you could even be a Hero of your own."
"Heroes? You think I can become one!?"
"Of course! Then there is the Heaven's General. I heard from my Nanny that they are almighty warriors who are said to be stronger than Silencers like me, and even Segmentum Lords have to bow their heads to them. Everyone can achieve this position as long as they give it their all and not give up."
"Woah! I never heard such people before! Tell me more, tell me more!"
The kids jump in joy as his eyes sparkle with anticipation.
"Hehe, sure."
(I can't believe it, I'm actually talking like this to somebody else! Usually, it's my Sis or someone older but... I still can't help but smile).
"Then what about Pasha? From what I heard he's a super strong and mighty guardian where people would feel ease with him here. Don't you want to be like him?"
"Well... It's great to be acknowledged, but I don't want to be a pervert, Sis."
"Wait, what?"
"Ah, you just arrive right Sis? Pasha is known around here as a pervert obsessed with his hand-made statues and this Rana girl. Our parents told us to stay away from him if you can."
(What do they teach kids here!?)
"Well, what about a Special Rank Hunters? They're usually people who can discover their special trait, be it for combat or not and is as popular as a Heaven's General."
"Hunters? Oh, you mean like big brother Xin! I heard that he became a High Ranking Hunter after graduating from the hunter academy but are you saying some hunters are more amazing than you, Sis?"
"Yea! Like my Big Sister, for example, she's a Special Rank Hunter liked by everyone and is even stronger than me. I dare say, she's much smarter than me. Last time I heard is that she manages to kill a beast the size of three houses by herself."
(Like around 2 years ago? Well I don't really know anymore...)
"Woah! Stronger than you, Sis!? That's amazing! Then maybe I should ask Xin to help me! I think I want to be a Hunter too!"
I pat his head saying:
"Hahaha, rather than that, why don't you spend your time with your parents first and tell them what you want. Maybe they'll even show you a much better and special path only for you."
"Mhm! I'll go ask them right now! Thank you so much, Sis!"
The kid nods and runs ahead, only to stop mid-way to wave back at me. I wave back at him and he runs along into the crowd...
"Yea, you should spend time with your parents..."
My mind suddenly remembered back at the Royal Palace Exchequer. How my mother's spirit seems to tell me that Dad's alive and is somewhere out there.
(But... I have my current family to worry about. At my own pace at least. I'll train, I'll study, and I'll grow sharper and better that'll make everyone shocked. But for now, I better prove my worth to Sis Yuwei's followers that I'm someone trustworthy by completing this mission!
Then again, I first need to get used in this body, I mean other than my hair getting longer, I feel like... I've been getting more proportion, not in my chest but my hips...)
I stopped my track when the group infront of me halt their steps.
(Hmm? What's going on?)
When I focus my hearing ahead I could hear people panicking and making a racket.
"Um, excuse me."
I try to squeeze through the crowd and they all made way for me as they saw what I was doing. Tanwa who sees me with no time waste pulls me out of the crowd.
"Lord Suowa, perfect timing! All the other, reinforce the rear!"
Confused by what she meant, I look ahead of me and regret what I did. In a large empty space that seems to be a place where everyone gathers for some kind of bazaar and fountain attraction, what awaits us is an army of rat-kin prepped and ready for battle with someone who can easily be identified as a commander leading them...
(Well if they're the same as the one I face before it's probably going to be fine but...)
The rat-kin here look... Different. Unlike the ones I've been fighting now, they all look like someone who's gone through hell and back with numerous scars apparent inside their heavy armour and muscles clearly seen through their defensive line. And worst of all, those rat-kin are huge, like they're twice or thrice the size we've been fighting! And each of them seems to have unique and much better weapons for each person too! With how much, it radiates an aura where mine doesn't.
(Where the hell did they come from!?)
"Lord Suowa, I'll provide you with support! I'm sorry to say this but for the first time in my life, I'm actually scared of rat-kin."
(Well, they can't be as strong as my Sis... So maybe I'll hold out. But doughnut eats rabbits, are they so intimidating!)
As I stride forth with my weapon ready. Their leader who wears a more ominous-looking gear and a little bigger than the rest takes a step forward. Soon, we found ourselves in the middle or close, where he stands right ahead of me as I'm forced to look up at him...
(Seriously though, where did all these big people come from?)
"So, are you their representative?"
"Huh? I-I guess?"
He speaks in the common tongue and caught off guard by his sudden question, I answer him immediately without a second thought. He folds his thick arms asking:
"Alright, then let's make a deal shall we?"
"Eh?"
(Really? With me!?)
"I'm Gorbachev Heisu, leader of the 28th World Hunter's division. Sent here by the 13 Nobles of Central... Or more like 12 since the Phoenix wasn't there when we did. (Those corrupt bureaucrats, can't they leave the Hunters out of this?)"
(World Hunters!? De World Hunters!? As in the best hunter group in the world! And Yosova's and Aoi's group!? And Nobles of Central? What is someone from Central doing here!?)
"I-I'm Sova, Silencer of the Phoenix Sector! Pleased to meet you!"
(Oh no! I spill it out of reflex!)
"Silencer!? And phoenix!? Pfff, hahahaha! Perfect! I was wondering why you have no magic. Hey, since I'm not a fan of slaughtering people like them. Why don't we have a normal duel? If you win, I'll let you pass here into where the heat is rising and retreat back to whence we came with our tails between our legs. And if you lose you just have to march back to where you came from, how does that sound? It's a win-win situation!"
Seeming to be in a good mood, Gorbachev proposed an idea and brings the conversation in his pace.
"W-wait, a minute-"
"Oh, c'mon! Just accept it! I myself and my boys haven't done any actions till now and thanks to that, we might get punished when we retreat back. Help a fellow dragged in Hunter, would you? And I'm curious to see what a Silencer like you may hold."
Contrary to his ominous look, he seems to have a cheery attitude.
(Wait...)
"You... You're a Special Rank Hunter aren't you?"
"Well duh, Special Ranks needs "Special" people... *slap* yeah! Nailed that pun! Right boys!? Who said I can't make humour huh! Was it you Kuzma!"
He slaps his knees and raises his hand back at the people behind but they just ignore him.
"Tch, this is why we don't get many customers. Or girls..."
I ignored his remarks I begin to think,
(I need to test out this newfound strength, and if I really want to help Sis and reunite my family I need to prove I'm strong and trustworthy enough... And right in front of me is a Special Rank Hunter from Central. A rank I wish to achieve if I became a Hunter back then. There can be no better test than that).
"Very well, I accept your proposal, just make sure you leave them out of this!"
I ready my weapon and look straight at him in the eyes as I said that. Even with his face hidden behind his helmet, I could tell the surprised look in his face. He folds his arms again replying:
"Hoho~~~, where did that determined face come from? Take your stance then."
I jump back a few meters from where he stands and formed an alternative wrath stance as I land. Wielding my broken retractable weapon above my left shoulders, placing my right foot forward and left foot back.
(I feel like I'm forgetting something important to me... But I can't put my finger in it...)
He unfolds his arm and takes out a steel rod. His weapon shines bright and takes a form of a giant two-handed and two edge axe. With runes and scriptures of an unknown language moving along its blade and long handle.
"Well, have at thee!"
I dash ahead from his provocation, appearing instantly in front of him in a diagonal position so that I can strike with my weapon before jumping up, delivering an ascending diagonal strike thinking,
[Immortal calamity dragon technique, chaos path: Ascending Underworld].
My weapon burst in black and purple qi as my body seems to move naturally like I practice this technique for as long as possible. A giant qi wave slash blast upward to where I swing causing the surprised Gorbachev to block as he retreats back. My strike hits his weapon and the wave struck him hard, destroying parts of his front armour and separating his axe from the user.
While the weapon is in the middle of turning back to a steel rod, I continue the momentum while still being air-born thinking:
[Immortal calamity dragon technique: dragon thundering storm]
I charge my weapon and swing it down at him with speed surpassing my previous strike. My qi soon turns into myriads of thundering dragons charging at Gorbachev. Not wasting a second, Gorbachev forcefully lands and cross guard my attack, deflecting my strikes with his shoulders as it destroys both his shoulder guard and sending my attack up into the depths above.
When I land and we stand a few meters away from each other once more. The qi dragon soon explodes as it hits part of the exterior, colouring the entire district in a purple colour before slowly turning red again.
(What in the flying fudge just happened!? Have I been so proficient in the dragon technique like that!? And I don't remember learning those techniques either! And this body... I feel like I can move this body better than the last one, it's disturbing... Especially with that improvement. It's actually freaking me out how fast I improve- no, how much Mary has changed me).
"Ptui!"
Gorbachev spits the blood from the opening in his helmet and takes out another steel rod saying:
"Phoenix my ass! And I know that Dragon technique all too well! What the hell are the Central Dragons doing here!? Neutral? Go fuck themselves! At least I got to thank you, I got a big excuse- I mean news I can tell and save our asses."
He grabs his falling steel rod changed it into his axe again before he takes a proper stance this time. Just like me, he takes a wrath stance but bending his body the sides until it can't anymore. He takes a huge breath in and out as I see his chest expand and contract.
"You... That weapon, it's made of Owlian Steel, isn't it? What the hell has the world gone too while we Hunters work our ass off to protect you all!? I really can't tell what you're thinking when you have no qi you know."
(Wait, no qi? Then what's the power I've been using?)
"One... One more bout, here I come!!!"
With anger in his voice, he unleashes his murderous intent and charges right at me. Even with his giant size, he charges with speed comparable to commandant as the shock oh his step smashes the floor below him. I dash ahead doing the same, destroying the ground beneath as I charge at him with all my strength I can muster. He raises his axe for a downward strike shouting:
"[Rat ogre of catastrophe technique, abomination path: Slayer of thousands]!"
I pour forth enormous qi onto my weapon and unleash forth my most powerful attack.
[Immortal calamity dragon technique, chaos path: Triple Apocalypse Roar]
My blade struck his axe in a distinctive clash of red and purple, causing the entire scene to bask in blinding light.
*Bwwoooooom!!!*
When the light fades and I felt I struck something, I land to where he was standing just now and vice versa. It seems our clash has created some explosion since the floor I'm stepping is like a crater after a giant blast.
When I look back at Gorbachev, I see him standing with his back turn at me.
"This is not the first time I fought the Calamity Dragon Masters. No matter how much items, skills and talent you had, it's meaningless in the face of me. You lost."
Gorbachev proclaims as his back is still turned. As I try to get close, I felt my vision beginning to spin and saw my body, a severed ribbon and my long hair flying as I felt myself falling down.
"Lord Suowa!", "Lord Silencer!", "Lord Silencer!", "Sova!", "Sis!"
"You really are nice. But that's gonna cost you your life."
(What?)
As my vision fades and turns black... I could hear Gorbachev saying:
"We vow to only use our technique on monsters, but I don't think I can call practitioners like you people can I?"
(Again!? I...)
*************************************
"Hmm?"
I don't know how long has passed but when my vision returns back again, I hastily jump back on my feet. Confused by what happened, I hold my neck wondering if I just got my head chopped off. I could see a pile of my blonde hair scattered about. When I hold the back of my head, I realize my hair seems to be shorter and uneven as if it's been cut.
(Did I just did what I think I did?)
I look back at where Gorbachev is, but all I found, is someone's else back entirely... A large cape with feathers on its shoulders and the symbol of a bird, eating its own wing...
"Kokkan?"
(No... I need to think straight. It seems I may not be ready for Central. But that doesn't mean, I have yet to give it my all).
I hold his hands and pull him back easily. Kokkan looked at me surprised shouting:
"Sova, y-you're alive!"
Ignoring him, I see Gorbachev who seems to finally face my way. His chest has three large puncture wounds as blood drips out of it. Again, even with his helmet on, I could guess Gorbachev is dumbfounded by what happened to me. Not only him, as I look around, but I could also see the band of hunters behind me, Tanwa, Kokkan, and along with the people behind Tanwa looking shocked as if something unbelievable has occurred...
(I don't know what happened either okay!)
Is what I try to scream out loud but knowing the situation at hand. I plunge my weapon deep into the ground and try to summon forth my spirit weapon. A giant whirlpool of purple qi gathers from my arm spiralling to my hand, forming a long rod and soon becoming a beautifully decorated halberd like last time. I take a low battle stance and ready myself once more saying:
"I'm sorry, but this time, I'm not going to lose!"
I unleash whatever power left within me from my unknown magic and qi as I direct it at him. The whole red scenery soon turns purple once again, dying this world in a flash of gloom and darkness. Gorbachev relaxes his tense posture and morphs his axe back into a steel rod saying:
"You Martial Artist are crazy. I surrender."
"Huh?"
Surprised yet happy with the result, I can't help but show my confusion. Gorbachev jumps at the tall building on the side and signals his Hunters saying:
"We're retreating boys, we fought a good fight or more like only me ( I'm cutting all your pay grade). Besides, I better live to tell the tale than not. A Central Dragon and a samurai- no, since you have no visible flower emblem, a mercenary? This needs more investigating."
(It seem he's misunderstanding things).
He and his Hunters immediately scurry away with haste, jumping from building to building before disappearing from my sight while the whole area becomes red once more.
(It seems that's over).
I try to think of banishing my weapon and the halberd dissipate with a purple vortex...
(I never knew spirit weapons can be so cool!)
Feeling someone grabbing my shoulders, I look up to see Kokkan with a joyous smile before he hugs me tight in his arms as I felt his warmth and joy even through his armour as he shouts:
"Sova! Thank goodness you're alive!"
I felt like his hug could squeeze the life out of me. I look up at him and pat his back saying:
"K-Kokkan, you're hugging me too tight..."
"Forgive me, but I need this a little longer."
"Eh? But-but!"
Kokkan looks at me with solemn in his eyes replying:
"I'm sorry... I couldn't protect you. I thought would lose someone from the royal line again..."
While his voice weakens with each word.
"Huh? What are you talking about!?"
(Seriously, how many misunderstanding could there be!? Oh! Could he mistake me for being Sis Yuwei's blood sibling since I call her Sis? But then why did he say again?)
Kokkan immediately lets me go saying:
"I'm just glad you're okay."
(Yea, I guess...)
"Oh... Wait a minute! Kokkan, why are you out here!? Shouldn't you be hiding?"
"No, I couldn't care less about that anymore. I will protect you closely and stand by your side."
"N-no... But my mission..."
"I'll make a reason, I'll take all the blame! So let me just stay close to you! I'll make sure it succeeds!"
"Ummm... Ah! Whatever! Just stay close then!"
"Yes, my lady!"
Ignoring his remark, I return back to where Tanwa is, saying:
"It seems the matter is settled. For now, we can continue, and please don't worry about him. He's a friend of mine."
"N-N-No! It's okay! L-L-Lord Suowa! We understand! Alright, let's continue on!"
The people following Tannan start looking at me with true fear in their eyes. Unlike previously where all I could feel are but awe and admiration. All I could see is absolute terror, it's like they see me as a monster...
"Did you see that?", "She... Her head...", "Mommy, what kind of magic is that?", "That's magic right?", " Are revival magic like that?", "But I sense none..."
(Seriously, what did I do? It's not the first time I see someone looked at me like this but seeing how they see me before and changed... I guess it... Hurts).
"U-um! Lord Suowa!"
"Huh? Oh yea, do you need something Tanwa?"
"O-oh... I-if if it isn't too much, would you please follow beside me as we travel?"
(I see...)
"I guess I wouldn't mind."
Tanwa bows at me saying:
"Thank you for understanding!"
As she walks, Tanwa holds my hand and pulls me forth.
"I'm sorry..."
"Huh?"
"You risk your life to save us and yet we looked at you like that... Please I may be a lowly servant but please, on my behalf... Please forgive us!"
Tanwa bows as we are ahead of everyone. I shake my head saying:
"It's okay. I'm just doing my job..."
"Don't worry, if Lord Tannan asks, I'll help to convince her! You can count on me!"
I really don't understand how but I nod with a smile saying:
"Thank you..."
Tanwa nods with conviction and returns to the crowd giving them orders before she finally leads them, now with more of the levies being in the rear. When I follow beside Tanwa, Kokkan halts me by grabbing my shoulders saying:
"There's someone very powerful if we head there. I suggest you let me deal with it."
"Eh? Will you be okay?"
"I'll be fine, I'm your personal honour guard, what matters most to me is that you return home safe. And once we return, I'll help you with your haircut if you please."
"Oh?"
(That came out of nowhere).
I pull his hand away from my shoulder saying:
"But, even then, you're my friend. I can't let you get in harm's way."
Kokkan gives me a peaceful smile replying:
"Then let's protect each other back. I'll be relying on you, Sova."
"Yea! That I can comply!"
I nodded to his suggestion and suddenly remembered. I pull out the weapon I plunge deep into the ground earlier and follow Tanwa as I walk close to her.
(One hurdle has been set aside... I wonder how many left until this they are repelled. But I feel one more hurdle has been placed upon me).