*brush* *brush*
With whisks from sticks,
*brush* *brush*
Dust drapes our feet,
*brush* *brush*
And soon clouds gather,
*brush* *brush*
"Umm... Tanwa, what are you doing?"
Confused and unable to hold back my curiosity. I decided to ask Tanwa who's brushing the ground as we march forward.
"H-huh!? O-oh! F-forgive this lowly one! This servant is just nervous..."
"Nervous huh? I guess I can't blame that."
As she continues to brush, I can't help but ask another question:
"Say, Tanwa, why do you always regard yourself so low like that?"
(I mean, not even Yuria act like this when she gets to know me. Heck! I don't think even Kanami act like that once, as far as I remember).
"Oh? Well..."
Tanwa halts her broom. Her pristine pink eyes slowly fall unto me before she looks down unto her feet once again.
"That's because it helps me dodge troubles. Especially since I'm always with Lord Tannan, I really need to make sure I don't cause her any trouble."
I look ahead the chaotic streets asking:
"Is that so... But don't you want to talk with others normally though? Like, don't Tannan ever ask you to speak with her normally?"
"Of course she does. But, I'm afraid that I might forget and accidentally speak informally. And the strict Jaguar Nobles are very picky about what to say. If I can please everyone and help Tannan by bowing down, then I'll gladly do so."
(That sounds so... Constricted. I may be vying for no violence but, isn't that just too much- wait, a minute! Didn't I accepted Gorbachev's offer without a second thought and fought him? What is wrong with me lately?
Then maybe, just maybe... Sis Fei, you use this technique to trick me for confessing and coercing me but now, I'm going to use it for good!)
I fold my arms and try to look down at her replying:
"Is that so, well if that's the fact, I'm sorely displeased with you."
"Huh!? Wuwuwuw WUH!?"
Tanwa almost dropped her broom as she tries to stand straight.
"Not only you keep turning away when I speak with you, but you also keep ignoring my orders and reject them only to follow your own."
"Huh? Eeeeh!?"
Confused, surprised, and perplexed, Tanwa can only look at me with spiralling eyes. I straighten my posture and tilt my head back saying:
"You think just because you're facing me, I wouldn't notice that you're avoiding eye contact since I'm wearing my helmet? That's very disrespectful! Should I perhaps write about how her people are uncouth."
"U-Uncouth? I don't know what that is but I'm sorry! P-Please don't!"
I feel killing intent and unpleased eyes jabbing me, but I unfold my hands and stare at my nails
"I wonder how did Tannan even teach you to be like this? Have you no common sense?"
"Eh? Eh!? Wuwuwi...."
Tanwa cowers, shielding her face by hiding behind her arms and I respond with a gentle touch on her shoulder saying:
"See?"
"Huh?"
Tanwa peeks from the small gaps made by her elbow.
"You can't please everyone. So please, don't place yourself so low."
"Uh..."
She lowers her arms and looks at me directly into the window of my soul.
"Some people may not be pleased with how you act. Like me, so just act normal and speak to me like a friend. I would prefer it that way."
"Eh?"
"Say, why not call me Suowa."
"I-I-I can't!"
"At least, won't you speak with Tannan that way? Or at least just call her Tannan at least."
"Huh?"
Tanwa looks at me with tears in her eyes as guilt chains me down.
"I'm sure she'll be happy."
Tanwa hesitantly nods saying:
"I see... I'll try it."
"Now that's the spirit!"
I smile at her resolve and face what's ahead, remembering my own words,
(Some may not be pleased huh? Does that mean not everyone should be entertained? Should be humoured? Should be... Hmm?)
I raise my hand and stopped Tanwa, effectively stopping our group.
*twing* *twing*
A sharp sound of slicing wind and small spark appears at the edge of my eyes, I raise my hands and easily grab what's coming between Tanwa's eyes. And soon when the other projectile is about to hit me, Kokkan arrives from behind parrying the attack with the handle of his blade while Tanwa looks at me surprised wondering what happened.
"Sova, are you okay?"
Kokkan asks as he stands ahead of me. I look at the needle I catch replying:
"Yea, I'm fine. I think you should also try to protect everyone Kokkan, not just me."
Kokkan's calm face twists asking:
"But..."
"Please, if they die then it'll affect me a lot."
(Both the mission and personally...)
Kokkan closes his eyes and nods once replying:
"As you wish..."
He stands in front of Tanwa who's still confused and she turns at me asking:
"Lord Suowa? What's wrong?"
"An enemy attack, didn't you see or hear it?"
Tanwa shakes her head and looks past Kokkan. When I pull my broken staff, Kokkan holds my hand and gives me one of his sheathed rifle katanas saying:
"Use this instead, Sova."
(Excitement soon fills my heart as I was blown back by what's happening...)
"Really? You're letting me use something so awesome!?"
Kokkan tries to hold back from breaking to a smile saying:
"A-Awesome? Just use it, Sova. It cuts better than that broken weapon at least and you can use range attack-"
"Hey, hey, hey! We got visitors!"
A young girl's voice ring across the serene and chaotic burning streets. I look at where the sound originates and saw a tiny person the same height as Saya wearing a heavy-looking lamellar armour that makes her like those spirit church pagoda. Standing at a fork on our way, she wields a giant hammer unfit of her size.
(That's a very interesting armour and looks pretty cool!)
"It works kinda like a rifle, you know how to use a rifle right, Sova?"
Kokkan ignores the enemy beyond and continues to ask me. I look back at him and shake my head saying:
"I-I'm sorry, but I never really hold a gun before. And the enemy ahead?"
I try to shift his focus but he forcefully makes me wield his weapon saying:
"Then you need not fret, this sword is pretty light, so please just aim and pull the trigger when the blade is pointing at the enemy. The length should at least be appropriate to your size. As for bullets, there are 6 tiny metals inside. So remember that."
Still ignoring the enemy before him Kokkan instructs me on how to use his weapon.
*crack*
Maybe it was the heavy armour but the enemy manages to step the ground so hard his feet sink inside the concrete floor. She points at us shouting:
"Don't ignore me!"
*twing*
As I sense another attack approaching, I tried to warn Kokkan but he pulls one of the triggers in the sheathed swords he carries. The longest sword inside burst forth with the sound of compressed air and fling out. The hilt of the sword hits the needles away and spreading it, Kokkan pulls out another blade with that's still sheathed and pulls another trigger.
*BANG*
I was forced to close my ears as the sharp bang rings loudly as if the whole street's space distorts in my eyes,
*CLANG* *CRASH*
(Are gunshots this loud? I mean the rifle those palace guards use at the barracks are not this loud at least).
The building behind where the heavily clad girl stand soon found a giant new entrance. Another person appears from the shadows beside her.
"Aaaargghhh!!!"
A rat-kin with a hood holds the missing sides as his bones and inside becomes exposed and falls to his death, his blood and guts splattered everywhere.
(That's brutal! And is that really a tiny metal that is on this thin scabbard?)
When the longest blade about to hit the ground, Kokkan moves the empty sheathe in a specific place and the katana goes inside the sheathe smoothly. He looks back at me saying:
"I hope you can learn from that demonstration."
*crash*
"W-what, what was that!?"
The heavily clad girl falls on her butt as her hammer drops, pointing at us as she shouts. Kokkan sends a glare of death at the heavily clad girl as I felt a chill down my bones. The enemy that's pointing at us falls on her back and seems to be incapacitated.
"It seems all enemies are eliminated. Let us proceed."
"You... You killed that kid?"
"Of course not! I wouldn't kill royalties from the White Rats without permission."
"Royalty? White Rats? And what happened?"
Confused I can't help but asks, from how everything ends so quickly as soon as it starts.
"Hmm? Please wait, Sova."
Kokkan pushes his index finger to my lips as to silence me and walks ahead, as I was about to chase him, he grabs the hilt of his sword.
"[Blooming eclipse blossom, Mirror path: full moon ignition]."
*shiiing*
The sound of crisp and clear steel vibrated across the winds. Mighty winds come from nowhere as it blows my way, as I cover my eyes with my whole arm. When the wind stops, I see Kokkan in the same position as before and nothing has changed... Or so I thought.
Before I knew it, the buildings around him begin to shine in deep blue light, cross patterns scattered everywhere. Evaporating with each diced up cubes that float around. All the building around us lost all its roof and second floors.
"Wha!", "Woah!", "Amazing!", "Isn't that Habib's store?" "My house!", "S-Shut up, do you want to die?"
Baffled by Kokkan's might, I can only watch as he disintegrates everything.
(Is this what it means to be powerful? Yet, he still looks a bit older than me... Can I catch up to him?)
"Psssh!"
Kokkan breathes out the air he kept in his lung as if a steam engine pumps out air. He walks to me and bows his head down saying:
"Forgive me, Sova. It seems her royal guards are coming here in full speed. But don't worry, they're but part of the wind now."
Kokkan looks at me with cold yet accomplished eyes and I can't help but think...
(Can I be as cool as him!? Oh right!)
"Kokkan let's talk as we march forth. Tanwa, let's start walking ahead, we should be quick."
"Okay! But... What about that..."
Tanwa walks close to me, pointing at the unconscious enemy as she asks with worry. Kokkan shakes his head saying:
"We'll definitely take her as a hostage. I was wondering how they manage to raise such an army with so much magic equipment but if a royalty is leading this charge, then it's much more sensible to at least send this much."
"Hoh! D-Does that mean... With her, the invasion is over?!"
"Pretty much so."
Tanwa raises her broom in excitement while the people behind who heard it roar with the enthusiasm to match.
"Now then, please hold this blade closely. You still remember my instruction right?"
Kokkan pushes the blade he gives me, and I nod saying:
"Of course!"
(Whew, maybe when I return back, I should ask Sis for a halberd that can be a gun and emit qi blades! Doughnut eats rabbit! Why didn't I made my spirit weapon like that either!)
We march forth, with an air of victors and morale breaking the roofs. We arrive at where she collapses, Kokkan grasp his blades and,
*shing*
Without being able to do anything, the sound of steel ring in my ears while Kokkan's blade is still in his scabbard. The armour the rat-girl is wearing splits in half and detach from her as if he was cutting open a shell leaving the inside intact.
"Kokkan, don't surprise me like that!"
Kokkan tilts his head while asking:
"Excuse me?"
"I thought you're going to kill her!"
Kokkan shakes his head in denial replying:
"I would never, not without permission from you, my lady!"
"Mmph! just warn me next time you're going to attack. It's really stressing me out!"
Kokkan looks at me surprised and smiles pleasantly saying:
"This is the first time I heard you say that. It seems I learn something new to you once again."
Baited, I can't help but retort back,
"Mmmph! You're clearly ignoring me."
He turns away and carries the small girl in his arms replying:
"Forgive me, if I offend you, Sova. But I'm definitely listening."
"Said the guy who cooperates with Sis Fei to coerce me! And why are so polite now!"
"This is how I always am. And for why, that's simply because her authority exceeds yours before. I have no choice."
"Why don't you look at me when you say that! I bet you're smiling behind there!"
"Yes, you're right. But I'm glad you're at least relaxed now, Sova."
(Huh? Relaxed?)
"I'm clearly not! Don't you try to run away now Kokkan."
Kokkan faces me with an innocent smile saying:
"Don't worry, I won't run. I'll stay by your side as long as I am allowed to."
"I feel like we're deviating from our first topic... By the way, why not just let someone hold the girl? If either of us holds her, we would lose our fighting strength."
Kokkan nods saying:
"I can't wrong you there. Here, will anyone carry her? I'll make sure I and Suowa will keep you all safe while we travel."
Kokkan speaks in runician and tries handing the girl to someone but everyone looks away before Tanwa steps up saying:
"Uuuh, I don't like to hold something very important but I'll do my best! Leave it to me!"
"Thank you, but are you sure? Without you. We wouldn't be receiving any enhancements."
Tanwa gives her broom to someone and carries her on the back replying:
"Don't worry, that broomstick is for easing myself. I can still enhance someone even without pointing."
Kokkan turns around and walks forward with a cold stare saying:
"Very well. Shall we continue?"
"Of course!"
While Tanwa marches forward and encourages everyone by saying how close to victory we are. Kokkan walks close to me asking:
"Sova, this is your first mission right?"
I nod saying:
"Yea! So please don't ruin this for me."
"Don't worry, I won't. And if it did, I'll gladly take the blame for you."
"When you say it again, I suddenly feel guilty that you're risking your life."
"Please don't, my lady. I'm simply doing my job. And as of recently, my loyalty to you is absolute!"
"I seriously have no idea what you're talking about."
(I mean are still in the same page?)
"Sova, how about this?"
"Hmm?"
Kokkan smiles at me saying:
"When we finish this mission, I'll give you one of my limited choco bars again?"
(Wait, is he talking about that choco bar he gave me the first time we met!?)
"You... You... I won't be tempted! You only use those whenever you're trying to get something out of me!"
"Pfff, hahaha, surely you jest? But don't worry. This is my reward for you my lady. For completing your first mission."
"Really!? I guess I have more motivation to clear this thoroughly then."
*nudge* *nudge*
"Hmm?"
Wondering who is pulling the edge of my sleeves, I look back and see the kid who was with me before.
"Are you okay Sis? I mean, your head..."
He asks with worry in his face. Not wanting to worry him, I nod saying:
"Of course! What is wrong kid?"
"I'm sorry, Sis."
"Hmm?"
"You fight and get hurt for us yet we tried to stay away from you."
(Well I don't know what you see but...)
I pat the kid in the head to cheer him up saying:
"Don't worry, I'm just doing my job. As long as you're safe. I'm happy."
The kid looks up at me surprised asking:
"S-So, you're not mad?"
"Why would I be?"
"Uuu..."
He hands me a small sparkling rock the size of his small palm saying:
"This is all I can give Sis... Thank you."
I can't help but smile and take the rock saying:
"Thank you, I'll keep it... Say, what's your name kid?"
With a smile, he walks beside me replying:
"It's Karna!"
"Karna? That's a nice name."
(Karna... I think I heard that name before... Oh right! The Demi-God of Indara. Hero of the Unisadrathya Epic on something war. Sadly, I don't know where that is but a frontier below the Aologi Frontier... But if I deduct from what Tannan said about her people and about what Saya said about the food and how it comes... High chance these people are from there).
"Really? Hehehe, thanks, Sis!"
I stare at the small stone asking:
"Say, what's this stone anyway?"
"Oh! That's the Magnite ore!"
"Magnite? The one used in that crop pannels?"
He nods replying:
"Mhm! I found it when playing with my friend in the field."
"Shouldn't you give this to the adults? I mean it could be dangerous."
"Uuu, I know but, it's so sparkly I want to keep it!"
"Haha, I see. I guess I'm the same back then too. Just make sure you give it back next time okay? It might really get someone in trouble."
"Okay..."
He replied unenthusiastically as we march forth. I look back at Tanwa who's kinda having trouble carrying the rat-kin as she drools on her shoulder with a smile plastered on her face...
(Now I kinda feel bad).
"Kokkan, is she the one you said to be the dangerous foe? Or is it the one you defeated?"
Kokkan shakes his head replying:
"No, not that joke of an opponent. It's far deeper ahead of us, I'm sensing around 2 or more of them fighting right now."
"Fighting? Should we speed up and help?"
Tanwa cuts between us asking Kokkan and me. Kokkan nods replying:
"If that's what you wish, but can the one behind you follow if we speed up?"
"Ah! Well... I really want to help them if they are any survivors. But I don't want to force them to march faster when they are tired from the previous battles and activities."
Tanwa's face cramps in pain as she realizes the choice she makes.
"Kokkan, why don't you just scout ahead and tell us what's happening and return? Just make sure you don't get discovered okay?"
I propose an idea to him and Kokkan nods slowly replying:
"Of course I can. Since this area is pretty clear, I guess I can scout for a little bit but..."
Kokkan stares at me for a while before finally saying:
"Please, forgive me, my lady. This guardian shall leave for a very short while."
He jumps to one of the rooftops and disappears from sight as we keep marching forward. I look back at the rat-kin Tanwa carry wondering...
(Hmm, a kid in battle... Am I still considered a kid?)
As we continue our march forth, I ready the katana Kokkan gave me for whatever to come. I unsheathe the blade a little to see the silver blade with a tint of purple on the edge. I sheathe it back in and thought to my self...
If there's one thing I can honestly say is that... I'm tired, not physically but mentally... There's been so much chaos and destruction no matter where I go and people are all getting hurt. It wasn't all like this-
"I'm back, my lady."
"Uwah!"
I try to release my blade at where the voice came but he pushes the handle inside preventing me from pulling my blade out saying:
"Sova, it's me, I'm back as soon as I can."
"K-Kokkan? Don't surprise me! And you're back? So quickly."
"Don't underestimate my speed, Sova. There's a reason why I was able to catch up with a speeding train. Anyway, it seems a small group of soldiers and Tannan is ahead of us."
"Tannan is!?"
"My Lord is there!?"
Tanwa cuts in as she heard Tannan's name. Kokkan nods saying:
"Yes, it seems she's fighting a group of Rat-kin practitioners ahead. Probably all Certified Masters. And one of them seems to be an in the True Martial Artist level."
"Certified Masters and True Martial Artist!? Oh no! I know Tannan's going to be okay but I'm worried about the soldiers, their just apprentices at best."
I can 't help but lean to Kokkan asking:
"Kokkan, sorry for asking but what's a certified Master and True Martial Artist? Are they like different from make-up artists?"
Kokkan leans even closer and pulls me away as we turn our back before saying:
"No my lady, in this Confederation to be a practitioner you must have permission from the people in a high position. But also, there's a limit on how much you can grow in this time of peace. Unless Martial Law is implemented, you can't go beyond your restrictions. But to be honest, everyone who practices actually doesn't follow that rule, especially the one who made it, but I'll explain this in a later date when we return if you wish to know more, Sova."
"I see... I never heard of this from my Sister... Maybe I should learn more about the stages too, that seems to be important."
"We can do that my lady. Just need to give me the word when we return."
"Okay, I'm caught up now. Thanks, Kokkan."
"The pleasure is all mine."
When we turn around Tanwa looks at us asking:
"So, did you have a plan?"
Confused by knowing what to do since I'm just asking Kokkan what I don't know. Kokkan nods at her saying:
"Actually, I have a plan. It's pretty simple really. But I'm afraid this might have the opposite effect."
"What is it?"
Tanwa can't help but ask and I nod along curious what he has to say.
"Simply, unleash our powers, and scare them away. If they know powerful reinforcements are in their way, then you can bet they would retreat. But..."
Kokkan looks back at the Rat-kin on Tanwa's back saying:
"They might just speed up the process of killing Tannan and the soldiers as quickly as possible since they know we're coming."
"Wait, don't we have the royalty here? Won't they think we have her in our hands now?"
Tanwa nudges the rat-kin on her back which cause her to flail her hand shouting:
"No, I'm still tired! Let me sleep, Sis!"
Kokkan shakes his head replying:
"I doubt they would actually let a royalty in the front lines. I think she probably escapes with a small contingent of elite forces to get in some action. So they might think she's a fake probably."
"Uuu..."
Tanwa despairs as she is forced to contemplate of leaving the people behind to save her lord and her soldiers or stay and probably let her lord to her demise.
"Kokkan, why don't we went ahead first? Either you or I can carry her and we can show up at the masters with her and save Tannan ahead as Tanwa and the people catch up."
"Huh?"
I try to propose an idea and Kokkan and Tanwa look at me with anticipation.
(This feels heavy).
"I mean, Tanwa can lead the people first, right? And since there's no enemy around for now like you said, they will probably be fine without us for a while right?"
Kokkan nods replying:
"Yes, that could work since our plan is to threaten them with the life of the royalty. So showing up first to them will definitely catch them off guard. It is better than nothing, so we will do as you said, and in case they try to run in this direction, I suggest you carry her Sova. This way I can protect you and the people as you said. So... Do you think you can lead them while we leave for a while?"
Tanwa nods enthusiastically saying:
"Of course, leave it to me! Please, Save Tannan and the soldiers."
Tanwa bows down and soon found her self tumbling down thanks to the weight behind her.
"Ow..."
Kokkan carries the rat-kin by her armpit and gave her to me saying:
"You can leave it to us. And here you go, Sova."
I carry the rat-kin on my back and feel her long silver hair brushing my shoulders and her breath tickling my ears.
(I once carry Saya on my back and her hair is not this long and she sleeps pretty peacefully. This feels different, but at least so much better than carrying a rock).
Giving Kokkan his sword back and he nods saying:
"You can still move easily with her right?"
"Of course! She's as light as a feather compared to the things I carry back during training."
"I see... Then keep up with me then Sova."
"Right!"
*************************************
With their blows clash, steel echoes, bones shatter and weapons bend. Soldier fall like flies in the might of masters while only one person tries her best yo protect everyone and fails to be driven to the corner by multiple people and one foe above all.
His being radiates power as his eyes seem to light the state of his soul, bright and empty.
"Argh!" One soldier fell.
"Aaah!"
"Urgh!"
And another and another... Silhouettes of soldiers wearing steel armour fell with the rain of fists and tails. Soon only one person left standing between the collapsed and the risen. Masters of power gathers from one side, cornering a single combatant carrying a segmented blade as her tool of combat.
"It's really cheating when someone unarmed can just block my weapon."
Tannan stands ready with cuts and bruises on her body. The master which arrive with 5 now only has 3 with two of them having been dissected in twine.
"It seems she's not to be underestimated."
The one that stands in the middle of the masters is a man whose age can be defined by the length of his white beard tugged inside his robe and armour. One thing to say about his looks is his missing ears that seem to be cut by a jagged blade.
"Be careful next time Huolan. It seems this is no ordinary district."
A young girl whose distinctive feature is the variety of daggers she carries on her back, making the shape of a wheel.
"Heh, if it wasn't for Master, I would've been the same as those two... Wonder if those Xuju would lend us some help with the revival?"
Someone whose missing his arms sitting down as he leans on a wall reply back with fear and sadness.
"I doubt it. Those self-serving bastards probably only care about the royal family who saves them."
"Either way, we should finish this quick so we can regroup with those Xuju."
The old master summons forth his magic rod from thin air and raising it high.
"Yes, I obey!"
The Master tries to hasten the battle and his one disciple follows in his initiative. The old master raises his magic rod and his qi soon gathers turning into elements. His disciple pulls the daggers on his back, holding each between his fingers and they soon shine in a different glow.
"I'm quite fucked aren't I?"
Tannan gathers whatever strength she has left to unleash upon her enemies when,
"Stop right there!"
But the old master and the young girl unleash their qi blast and magic storm nonetheless. A dashing young man appears to Tannan's rescue, he carries a long curve blade one longer than the other and a sheathe that look like rifles. The two attacks disperse and miss their marks by a margin as he just stands between them.
*BANG*
And in return, a loud gunshot rings loudly on those who could hear. Before they knew it, one of the legs of the young girl is missing.
"Aaaah!"
She falls down on her knees as the new individual place his sheathed sword back.
"I said, stop right there didn't I?"
"Diaoyi!"
The old master went to his disciple's aid trying to tend to her wounds. But the only thought that crosses those who saw was,
(Why can't I see the bullet?)
A gun's bullet, after all, has a set limit on how fast it could travel. Even a machine gun purchased in the illegal market wouldn't leave a certified master blind to its route and that wasn't to say a True Martial Artist. The new challenger wears an armour from the Eclipse Empire. Unlike the normal warriors there who brand their armour with the insignia of their clan or country, he has the symbol of a bird, eating its own wing. A formidable opponent has arrived from nowhere.
"Kokkan! W-Wait up!"
Another person appears from the rooftops. Her voice is light and calming, cute even. And so is her appearance which looks like a master-crafted doll came to life. She wears a servant robe and carries a little girl on her back. Her looks may be what caught the attention of everyone's eyes, but those who practice qi and can use magic well can sense something more eerie and bizarre about her.
No magic which scratches the possibility of her being an undead, no qi or a sense of life discards him as a possession, it's like she's a breathing corpse without even a taint of life or magic to sustain it. And for those who can see it, even those with malicious intent stray away from her path like a plague, an alien is the best way to describe her.
"So...va?"
"My lady, you're finally caught up."
"You... By the Spirit King, isn't that... Princess Yinwei! What is she doing out here!?"
Everyone surprised by their own reasons soon makes the servant girl takes her in before saying:
"Um... We have your princess, please retreat at once, or else!"
"..."
The old master can't help but watch and ponder at the situation, after all. Even if she's fake they can't even afford to fight back with the arrival of two new people with unknown powers whose easily the same if not surpasses the old master.
"Very well, we will comply. We shall retreat, for now. I thank you for your mercy."
Even if it's true that she has the princess in her hands or not, they would be punished either way. The old man is in no position to argue or bargain with them... But in all honesty, he is grateful.
(Even if he has to suffer a severe punishment after this, he is grateful that he will bear the punishment for his disciples instead rather than all being executed since he has a proper excuse to turn the tide).
With haste, he carries the survivors and brings the other two corpses of his disciples with his magic and leave with silence. As he leaves, he can't help but look back at the one that caught his attention the most. He peers deep into the servant girl one last time with one of his technique he acquired on his whole life, the eye of truth and a glimpse at the truth. When I realize she's looking at me too and a scene appears before me.
A silhouette of a giant beast sitting on the roof she stands... No, a monster... No, even worse than that. The silhouette covers all around like a dark tidal wave encroaching into the light. It was so much worse as inside the darkness, he could see it. He could see the worst sign of all, 6 beady red eyes staring back at him at like a hunter looking at a prey.
"By the spirit king, what have I seen? Not even the spirit queen who rules the underworld gives such an ominous feeling. In all my life and the other, I would avoid her immediately. I better warn my disciples too... Are we truly in the Phoenix Sector?"
*************************************
As the old man left in a hurry with a pale expression and sweat dripping off his face I can't help but whisper,
"He... He actually left... I actually manage to talk things out for once, yea!"
I jump high in excitement as things finally go as I want for once this time.
(Though it's by threat, it still works nonetheless! Maybe next time I can finally coerce myself out with words alone!)
"Kokkan!"
I jump back down to celebrate in the mood and realize Tannan and Kokkan was staring down on each other.
(Ah, right! Kokkan was not supposed to be here!)
"Um... Tannan, I can explain-"
Tannan holds her hand high and shakes her head as to say that she doesn't want to hear any excuses saying:
"It's fine. What matters now is that both of you can help with the defence of the district... And I'm not so ungrateful that I would ignore how you just saved me and my men. And let's not talk about your contribution... Is she really a royalty?"
Tannan can't help but ask back with a tired look on her face. I look at Kokkan as to pass the baton to him saying:
"Um... It's actually Kokkan who identify her even with her armour on. I mean if that old man recognizes it, I'm sure it is."
Kokkan nods saying:
"That is true, my profession before I join her majesty requires me to memorize the face of important figures in this Frontier... Safe to say, I wouldn't forget the face of the only child of the White Rat Sector Royalty."
(Wait, only child? Then whose the Sis she called when she's sleep talking? Oh, could it be she's like me calling someone like a sister figure).
"Oh... Very well then. As for the soldiers..."
Tannan replies back, looking back the soldiers behind her and folds her blade back.
"Ah, you don't need to worry! Tanwa and her group are actually on the way here. So help will soon arrive."
I answer her before she could ask and she leans closer asking:
"Really? Tanwa's safe!? Thank goodness! I suppose we wait for now, and... I'm guessing you're with them before you rescue me?"
"Mhm, we cleared the place out first before we leave... Or more like only Kokkan since I'm carrying her on my back."
"Hahaha, so honest I see..."
Tannan stares at me with her eyes as if she could shoot with those before she continues saying:
"Talking with you have been so much easier now, I hope we can keep this up, Sova."
"Of course! Eh, wait a minute, aren't I'm supposed to be intimidating!?"
Tannan holds her waist as she leans forward asking:
"And who told you that?"
"My nanny does, and Saya to! Keep saying something fear is a Silencer's best weapon- I mean forget everything I ever said!"
"Puff, hahahaha! I see I see. Well just try your best then, Sova. Say, if it isn't too much, mind sending someone to check on Tanwa's group? Call me paranoid but I'm just trying to be safe."
"Ah, of course! Kokkan, if you wouldn't mind."
I nod and toss the baton to Kokkan again but this time he refuses by replying:
"Sorry my lady, but there's a limit to how much I can separate from you, you know."
"What kind of limit is that!?"
"A limit of being your Honour Guard of course!"
Kokkan replied with confidence as he pounds his chest with his free right hand. Tanwa folds her hand and leans onto the wall saying:
"You mean her boyfriend?"
"Huh?"
(What the fudge?)
"W-W-What are you saying!? I... I wouldn't dare see my master in that light! Very well then, I will prove it to you!"
I could tell Kokkan is flustered even through his voice as he jumps away to oversee Tanwa's group but before he leaves out of sight, he looks back at me saying:
"I hope you take care, Sova. That old master might return. So I'll return as fast as possible."
"Sure!"
I reply back and Kokkan jumps away leaving only me and Tanwa, not counting the one I carry and the injured soldiers...
"Say, will the soldiers make it?"
I can't help but ask Tannan as I'm worried about their health. Tannan shakes her head saying:
"As long they don't get injured more, they'll live. But anyway, that Kokkan guy, mind telling me about him? He seems so attached to you, it's actually cute."
Tannan slides down as she sits down to rest. I place the girl down and sit with my leg crossed replying:
"Him cute? I thought he was considered handsome and cool?"
(I mean his sharp eyes and that air about him just scream cool! Especially his get-up, did he actually dress like that intentionally?)
"Hoh~? Do you actually see him like that? I do admit he's quite the looker. I bet if he becomes a teacher at a school or something, all the female staff and students would flock to him like birds of a feather I think is the word from your Sector?"
I nod agreeably to what she says replying:
"I know right? I wish I could be like him one day!"
(A day girls would flock to me like I'm some kind of super popular guy I read a lot on that library girl's collection... But I can't! I already have May! But wonder if that's possible in an environment where Owlian is not accepted).
"Hmm?"
Tannan looks at me with confusion and I tilt my head wondering if I said anything wrong and she fans her hand replying:
"Never mind that, tell me... How's Yuwei doing?"
"Sis? Oh, she looks like a middle-aged lady now in her Empress gown!"
"Hahaha! I can easily picture that! I mean, some of the guests and visitors mistook her for a teacher! Wait for a second, Sis?"
(Oh, schnitzel!)
"I-I mean her majesty! Yes, her majesty!"
Tannan shakes her head replying:
"Hehehe no need to hide it, just call her whatever you want with me. Still, I can't believe she's actually letting someone call her like she's family. Guess there are things even I still don't know much huh?"
(Aaah! I still make mistakes! Now I understand why I need Saya to monitor me!)
"P-Please don't tell this to Sis when you meet her again! I beg of you!"
"Hahaha, sure, sure. Your secret's safe with me... By the way, changing topics here but what happened to your armour and weapon? I mean why are you wearing Tanwa's clothes?"
"Oh, actually, I still have my back up weapon, but my armour got obliterated during battle leaving me practically naked until I met Tanwa."
"Now that's something I want to see... I mean, well I'm now curious on who did you fight to actually destroy your armour."
"Some powerful rat-kin, I guess you could say I actually died there or almost?"
"Really someone capable of threatening a Silencer!?"
Tannan eyes shot open with surprise but I quickly reply:
"No, no, it's not that. I was not using my qi or magic when I fought so she overwhelms me with God's gift or something she calls it."
Tannan nods as she calms down replying:
"Ah... I see that makes more sense. I really appreciate you not using your magic, it must be hard fighting with pure strength alone. Even me who's at the brink of being a true Martial Artist have a hard time fighting with strength alone you know, you're really amazing."
"Hehehe really, I'm not that great. I mean I did use qi in the end I guess."
"Then, is that soaring dragon and the scenery turning purple your doing?"
"Dragon? Ah, I guess it is. But I don't know about why the scenery keeps changing all the time though."
"Don't worry, so, you're a Mixed Martial Artist huh?"
"Mixed Martial Artist?"
(That's a new term).
"Hmm? You don't know?"
I shake my head to indicate no and Tannan closes her eyes asking:
"Then tell me, how long have you been training martial arts? I mean, you're probably a True Martial Artist already if you defeated my brother easily."
"Ah! Well, to be honest, I'm actually still new in this practitioner thing and qi. I guess around a year and a few weeks."
"A year!? You've become a true practitioner in just a year!? That's madness, even those reincarnated and rejuvenated masters I've heard a lot who's most prominent need at least 5 years you know? Ah, maybe you're a monster like Moriz or you got lucky and eaten some mythical fruit or something."
(Moriz... I wonder how's he doing now? Last time he got arrested by that white tiger guy. And mythical fruit? I don't think there's something like that in the forest we train).
"Say, is that bad or anything?"
"Nah, it's quite the opposite, most practitioners wish to learn multiple arts. Even I too wish to learn it. They're a minority inside a minority of people. I heard even royalties would immediately make them lords of districts and some would even give them sectors to rule and hold them down. Not even the enforcers and Gate Guards can match them since most of them are at least a True Practitioner Disciples to at least reach that stage. They're just that precious."
"Now I'm scared of myself."
"Why!? You should acknowledge how precious you are! And not only are you an MMA, but you're also a Silencer! You're beyond what money could attain! Even the Silencer from Central can only use one art."
(Seriously!? But, just because I can use multiple arts doesn't mean, I'm strong. I mean, I still lost to that Rat-kin).
Tannan drags herself closer to me and rests her arm on my shoulder asking:
"Hey, since I'm going to join the Phoenix Sector anyway. Mind telling me how many arts you can use in total?"
"Oh, you mean how many techniques right?"
"Mhm!"
I look up remembering,
"Rabbit, Rat, Tiger, Goat, Monkey, Horse, Crane, Turtle, Dragon, and Ox."
Tannan's eyes open up even larger as I speak the technique one by one.
"And phoenix?"
Tannan glares at me as she's about to pop. But I shake my head replying:
"No, the phoenix techniques involve a lot of mid-air aerial movement which I have a hard time doing (more like can't at all since I can't fly)."
Tannan glares at me intensely as I could see the red nerve in her eyes as she breathes heavily close to me...
"Um, T-Tannan?"
"Oh, sorry. You're joking, right? Most of your techniques all belong to the 13 Royal Families you know? THE 13 ROYAL FAMILIES OF THIS ENTIRE GOD DAMN CONFEDERATION."
Tannan seems to emphasize her last statement. I try to ignore it saying:
"Well, I could show it to you if you want? But to be honest, I'm really digging with using the dragon techniques since their pretty powerful (and their name is pretty awesome)."
"Haaaah... Nevermind..."
Tannan sighs heavily as she lays down with her back on the ground.
"Say, are you a noble from Central? I mean you do have a family name."
"Huh? No not at all, I'm actually... A secret."
"Of course you are! Come on!?"
(Whew, that's a close one!)
"At least, I can say I'm not born from Central."
"Then how the hell did you even learn the dragon technique!? Don't you know only and let me repeat, only people from Central can learn the Dragon technique. No one and O mean, no one that's not part of the dragon family can learn their technique you know!? People's body explodes from their techniques you know!? I even heard someone who reincarnates to a different body that's not part of the family still explode!
And that's just the Dragons! Let's not talk about the Tigers, Crane, Monkey, and the others."
Tannan folds her arms and faces away as she grumbles,
"Dammit, the more you dig the more mysterious you get. Oh right, ignorance is bliss. So I'm just gonna ignore that since we're allies now and all. It's good to know that you're on our side."
(Wait what did she say? Explode!? Sis Rubeca, what did you just teach me? You didn't tell me any of this!)
"Well I am what I am, so accept it... By the way, don't those Special Rank Hunter can also use multiple arts too?"
(I should dig up some info about my Sis a bit and maybe learn more).
"Oh yeah, but the most they could do was 3 you know? And they are already a minority you know? Even the famous World Hunter only had one Hunter who could use 3. Not even the Grand Hunts Marshal can use 2. Well, I guess most of them use magic anyway... Grumble... Grumble..."
Tannan grumbles with agitation as she seems to ease up and rest.
"Oh, what about Heaven's General? Can't he use more than 3?"
"He's an exception among exception... I guess like you. I mean unlike you, he can use more than 30 arts... But he's a relic from Rucina's time so that's a given. I mean for fuck sale, he's like more than 2500 years old you know? And I even heard his successor is like already the same when he's just on his 20's you know?"
(I feel like, "you know?" Might be what I might remember her now...)
"Well, I saw Sis use more than 4 too."
"Aw, shut up, you talented bunch just ruins my mood. Just change the subject would ya?"
"Then... Mind telling me what's school is like?"
"Huh?"
I can't help but ask one of my deepest curiosity.
"I mean, no matter what reason I gave them, they wouldn't let me go at all. Saying that school in this Confederation is bad and corrupt. Or how it'll hurt me instead of learning something."
She rests her head on her hand while still laying down. She looks back at me a little saying:
"Since we're both pretty tired, I'm not gonna mince my words... They're right. School is nothing but an expensive teenage daycare or salon. Teachers are nothing more than guards, classes are nothing more than gatherings for people to make connections, and don't make get started with exams and tournaments..."
She looks away and waves her hand before continue saying:
"Well, Yuwei or whoever told you that that is right. They corrupted it so much you better just leave the country if you want to learn from school. Worse come to worst, it's just a farm for noble children."
"I see..."
(That's disappointing... Is it really that bad? Are all those things I read just fantasy?)
My gaze has fallen down the floor before I knew it and I can't help but worry for Sis Fei now. School, I guess I'll just have to be contempt with what I have...
*pat* *pat*
"Aw come on, don't look like that. You're making look guilty here. Say, just because most of them are like that doesn't mean all of them are. I mean take the school where I'm going to."
As I felt her patting my head, I look up seeing Tannan sitting right infront of me.
"It was thanks to Moriz' assholish and dickery moves by exploiting the loopholes and breaking the rules along with forcefully appointing the current principal as she is now that we're able to get what we have today. I mean, if it's that bad, why did Yuwei choose to stay on her last year or even send her Lil Sis to the same school? It just means it's worth it."
"Really? I was planning to head over to the school festival with Sis Fei after this. I'm actually getting excited now."
"Ah! So that's why you're asking. Well, you'll definitely have fun! It's the accumulation from all of my generation and the whole student body's effort. There's a reason why the Turquoise Turtle Academy is the best academy in the whole Confederation you know? And visit my class' event to okay? It's class 3-E remember that."
I nod my head enthusiastically replying:
"Okay! I mean with the time difference from here, I'm going to arrive there just as the festival is going to start!"
She folds her arms and nods saying:
"Hehe, that's right... I wish I could enjoy it but as you can see, I'm preoccupied with internal problems. I just hope Moriz' there to give the opening speech."
"I doubt that would happen."
"Huh? Do you know something? Wait you know Moriz?"
I nod saying:
"Yea, we met when Sis Yuwei and Moriz is at the diner. He got arrested by someone from the White Tiger Sector... I forgot his name."
I could see a nerve popping from Tannan's forehead as she cracked up a forced smile and sighs in the end saying:
"Ah whatever, he still has his more reliable vice-president. She can do his job. Dammit, Xunyan, you just don't give up do ya? Well whatever's the case, what's taking them so long!"
"I and Kokkan jumped over multiple building to get here. I doubt they'll arrive that quickly."
"Well, this is just great. And with my condition now, I'm just going to be a burden if I help Pasha now. Being weak sucks..."
"I can understand that. Now, let's just wait for Tanwa and the others then."
"Yeah..."
Tannan looks at the sleeping rat-kin as she says that.