"Wel-come-home, Sova!"
Jumping before us as we open the door is a girl with dark brown hair raising her arm like a bear. It's none other than Yuria. It seems Nanny Yunyun eyes is staring at her coldly as she seems to be holding her hands back.
(Feeling a huge sense of relief and happiness. I smiled at her surprise).
Yuria opens her bright orange eyes, falling into shock, panic and confusion as she backs away from Nanny Yunyun.
"I-I-I-I-Ahh-Oh... Ohh! Kraaggg!"
She seems to shrink taking a breath in saying:
*Inhale*
"I-can, huh-huh, I-I can explain!"
Nanny shakes her head replying:
"There's no need to explain."
"I see..."
Yuria smiles peacefully as she closes her eyes and breaks down to her knees. Nanny then face me but doesn't look straight at me saying:
"Well then, I'll be leaving first Sova. Take care, may the spirit bless you."
"Ah, thanks, Nanny! May the spirit bless you too!"
Nanny bows down and walks away, making sure that I won't see her face.
(I don't know but I hope she gets better).
While I enter the room and close the door. Seeing Yuria still smiling peacefully as if she's resigned to do something, I shake her shoulder and try to bring her back saying:
"Yuria, it's me, Sova."
"Huh? Wait what?"
Yuria quickly opens her eyes and looks at me from head to toe and before she could ask anything I answer:
"I had my awakening or something while on my mission and now look like this. And I can assure you, I'm still a guy. So don't get any misunderstanding!"
Yuria who seems to understand me the most other than the two sisters nod and stands. Brushing off her apron she stares at me for a while before nodding to herself saying:
"Very well, still, welcome home! Congratulation on completing your first mission!"
"Thanks! Still, why did you surprise me here? I mean you could do it back at the palace gates."
Yuria scratches her cheeks and looks away with empty eyes replying:
"There's numerous reason but I guess the main one is I already did... Let's just say the experience is not exemplary."
"Ah... Sorry, I got called before I entered."
Yuria raises her hands high with
"Enough of the bad vibe! You must be exhausted working for days. So let's go relax!"
"Yea! And before we do that, I want to change first. Can you please leave."
"Ah... Well, sure. I'll be waiting outside then."
"Yea! I'll be quick."
As she exits, I strip immediately and begin to change. As I remove my clothes one by one, I can't help but wonder what Abe said and feel disgusted with my self. I went back here with her and it almost feels like I'm trying to forget what transpired around me...
Rather than worrying about something that's being taken cared off, I think I need to improve my self first before I can help someone. But I wonder if I can follow that word? But I better try than doing nothing.
Starting with the way I speak during missions. I hear Saya told me how I quickly break off the character of someone scary whenever I ask her. I wonder if Nanny could help me more with that? This would prove fatal if I could blundering if I don't fix this quickly.
Next would be the improvement of my skills. Since Sis Yuwei is usually busy and not in this palace, I think I can ask Sis Fei and Kokkan to help me with that. They're both powerful fighters and maybe... Maybe I could ask the soldiers with their experience too. The better the variety the better is what Sis Rubeca taught me and why she told me so many techniques.
I guess I do need to learn more about common sense too to no look suspicious or out of touch. Since Saya knows a lot more about the recent times, I could ask her about that. Yea, she could come with me again to learn with Nanny Yunyun... That is if she's willing.
And if possible, maybe I could learn something new along the way. I can only hope that happen though. But in the end, I'll be relying on them a lot throughout the time but I hope- No...
As I finish putting on my green shirt, I lay on the bed, wondering dreaming, a time that maybe... No...
I raise my hand clenching on the falling phoenix saying:
"A time where I will be the one to help them in their most dire time. I may have a family to chase and reunite but the new companions I make along the way are also precious to me."
I guess I shouldn't make Yuria wait longer.
*************************************
Beneath the western peninsula, passing the straights of Xiongzhi channel is a great mountain that serves to border the Confederation and the Forbidden West. As the horde of horse-kin gallops through the steep mountains, they carry with them golden magic bows that exude power and strength. Usually, a normal horse-kin is 2 meters tall but these soldiers are mostly 3 times bigger than an average horse-kin wearing a mix of black brigandine and fish scale armour with golden trim that protect every part of their body, leaving no openings and armed to the teeth.
They are none other than the most powerful force in the Horse Sector arsenal, and the defender of the Segmentum's Heart, The Maelstorm Regalia. And leading them is a group of even more elite units of pure white and blood red, the Riders of Pandemonium. In total numbering over 4000, they traverse the mountains with ease as if they're galloping the steppes of their home. Commanding all of them are 3 figures, each wearing a more distinct and unique armour than the others, with each one wearing different colours and a common one having a jade gem surrounded by brown leather.
"Xunyue, look!"
One of the figures leading the army points at the countless rising smoke on the client's border. Xunyue, the leader of the army raise her right arm holding the bow shouting:
"Hasten speed! We're crossing the border!"
The 3000 strong force immediately went east and rise through the mountains with unparalleled speed as if they're gliding through the air. Contrary to the name, the Forbidden West is not a strange land to all, thanks to recent times, those who wish to know or learn about the place are always welcome. They are a land of nature and agriculture, always lush with crops, gardens, parks, forests, lakes, streams, rivers and seas of grass. A place with no technology nor advance weaponry. Living there is like going back in time for around a thousand years and settling there is a mix of all living being from humans, sub-humans, ancients and even spirits. And thanks to the diligence of their settlers and thriving trade with the Confederation, those who live there almost never know the meaning of hunger.
But before their eyes are none of that. Lands burned black to char. Huts of wood where people live to tend the farm turned into a bonfire, monuments of wooden idols turned to huge towers of fire, crops that have been grown to harvest have welted and died, forests that hug the mountains are gone and countless rivers that flow through the lands have dried up, replaced by empty, dried up mud. The usual sight of farmers and their families is nowhere to be seen. There's no life to be found here and not even the presence of spirits is around. As if hell has risen from below and replace everything, this lands mirrors the land of ash and magma of the eastern bastions that guards against the abyss continent.
The army descended down, hiding their anguish behind their mask. With the forbidden lands being a client of the Confederation, soldiers are freely allowed to pass by through identification, but this... Not even a single soldier or sign of life came to greet them. They trotted past the wilted fields, broken windmills and burning houses yet found no trace of who or what has created such a disaster.
"Those illegal immigrants said nothing of this!? When was the last time we receive any news from the forbidden west?"
With fury in her voice, Xunyue clenches her bow with rage as she sees her birthplace turn to ruin.
"That would be a 3 days ago when the newest settlers pass through. The border guards of the Ox Sector even said everything was still the same then too."
"This is all done in a few days? And we, especially those ox's didn't receive any distress call for help? It's like when the Aologi Empire released the Hammer of Civilization half a millennia ago... Either way, inform Central of what transpired and we'll know the answers when we reach the Tier 3 city closest to our border."
One of the commanders pulls out a crystal and begin to report it while the rest of the army gallop forth into the charred land. With desperation and rage gripping the hearts of the soldiers as most of them saw their birthplace turn to this hell, they gallop forth with enchanted speed, their kicks leave giant clouds of dust and dirt behind them. Running as they spread out in a wedge formation with each squad making a spread out column.
In just a short while they traverse more than hundreds of kilometres yet not single sweat fell from their face thanks to their rigorous training and stamina. The soldiers halted for a while as the area around started to become reminiscent of a battlefield. Weapons used by the people here are mostly made of wood and stone, so many wooden clubs and shields scatter around the field and only empty wooden armour beside them. Clothes of different kind and even shaman robes are present. It is a bizarre spectacle as if the people inside have disappeared leaving behind their clothes.
"Hey what happened here?"
"Did they have a strip party or something?"
"Look, from design, those are supposed to be blessed weapons but... I can't sense any magic or spirit on them anymore. Did a Soul Devourer cross by?"
The soldiers started to speculate by themselves, looking around but still in formation, when one of the commanders kneel down, grabbing a necklace with carved bones. He presents it to Xunyue saying:
"Isn't this an ancestral necklace? Does this mean even the Highest Ranking Shamans can't stop this?"
Xunyue's visor open with her thought to reveal her face that's filled with pain. Even though the people living here rarely experience war, they have the spirit guardians and shamans to protect them in times of turbulence. And leading them all is an oligarchy led by a group of Renowned Shamans chosen by the Ancient Spirits living in their capital. All in all, they are capable of taking hordes of hundred thousand enemies easily when or whenever for a while before they finally martial an army. She takes the necklace as she bit her lips replying:
"Dammit, we just finished dealing with those raiders' nest in the north and we have this? I'm sorry my lil Yongong, now nanny won't be able to visit you after the festival-"
"Great Elder! Look over there!"
One of the soldiers' points above. Occupied by the bizarre phenomenon around them, they only realize an even larger pillar of smoke rising from beyond the hills. Without being able to sort out the situation around them, Xunyue order her soldiers to move without delay. Charging into the scene what greeted them was what they have expected within their hearts the moment they see what transpired. The tier 3 city is built around the branching Azure river. It stretches far as the eyes can see, made mostly from wood, stones, and sometimes integrating forests into homes with the revered Elder residence made with the heaven's roof near the river. The city housing around 32 million people, is now in ruins.
"General Su, General Li!"
They both gallop in front of her and clasp their hands shouting back:
" "Yes, Elder!" "
"Take a 1000 man each and search every rock under the city. Try to find any survivors!"
" "Yes, we obey!" "
"You heard the Revered! 1000 man commander Tai, follow me! We'll enter from the west!"
"1000 man commander Ki, follow me! We enter from the east!"
Xunyue looks behind at her elite battalion ready to be commanded.
"1000 man commander Rong."
Rong gallops beside her and clasps her hand shouting:
"Yes, Great Elder!"
"Split your forces in half, one half and the support company will set up base here while the other half and my Pandemonium Riders will follow me inside the city. After setting the forward base, secure the area and scout the outskirt of this place. Try to find any clues, even the tiniest would help while also call for reinforcements and more helper back at home."
(I'm sorry Jinxi but Nanny won't be able to send any relief effort to help with your friend. My clients come first).
"Yes, Great Elder! We obey!"
Rong went back and started ordering her soldiers as Xunyue stares down at the city from the mountain. She folds her bow and sticks it on her back. A single horse-kin, twice her size walk beside her. With a unique armour of red and white, he folds his arm and stares down at her saying:
"Rebellions, Revolutions, Revelations, Renegades, Radiations, Rebels and so much more. I wonder what awaits us now? Radicals?"
Xunyue looks at the necklace replying:
"Who knows. We've dealt with all of them before. And probably a shadow group, triads, and usurpers await us back at home too. I wonder why I haven't had a brain tumour yet?"
"That's because you have us and your kids to calm you down. And magic to cure you just in case. Now shall we?"
"You really can't take a joke Tudou."
He unfolds his arms and summons forth a blood hook glaive when the necklace in Xunyue's hand begins to absorb magic and shine bright. Blinding any onlookers around.
*************************************
A young lady with pointy ears peers down as if we're looking from below her. As the view behind her shoulder burns and people running away in desperation. With tears in her eyes, she cried saying:
"Please... Save me-"
*shiing*
With a single strike, a red line appears on her neck before her head falls and blood sprayed like a fountain. The view obscured and ruin as it tumbles down. Someone's feet appear, crushing her head when the view changes, slowly as we get to see the body of the person picking us up. Wearing an armour of unknown origin and the hands of their foes like a trophy while purple light shine between the gaps of it's armour. As we reach its face only total darkness appear and the glowing purple eyes.
"These are the death rows of destiny, the fire of your civilization dims. These are precious times to hide your children and weeping women. Even if you surrender, I will continue to ravage everything for not even oblivion shall be a comfort for you. I bring with me power beyond strength and reason. I ride with numbers beyond counting, and I will watch your world burn."
As the view pans over the burning city, everything darkens with a final message,
"For we are the Scourge beyond Immortal."
*************************************
The voice was eerie and gnarly. Ever twisting, changing and ringing endlessly in their ears. Even the veterans of this unit are left shivering and terrified from the message. Exempt from that is the battalion of pandemonium and Xunyue. She crushes the bones and lavender coloured dust pour down from her hands.
Xunyue looked up at the smoke-clouded sun and shut her visor.
*sigh*
Feeling the hatred inside her melting away, she summons her glaive and look at Jun with fatigue consuming her old body saying:
"What are the chances... The 13 Nobles and deities will be thrilled with this news. Jun, martial up our people and get ready for war-"
*buzz* *piiiiiing*
A large ear-piercing sound echoes through their field before they could move. When the ringing stops, one of the soldiers in charge of communication gallops forth shouting:
"Esteemed Great Elder! We've received an urgent report from the northern peninsula defeated garrison."
*sigh*
Sighing loudly, she nods replying:
"Continue."
"An unknown army numbering over 6 million and a fleet over 300 thousand is landing on the coast of Suencho. The other two Sectors in charge there have already intervened but immediately got obliterated and is now returning to get a bigger army. It seems they're using Owlian tech despite being Zerians. So they have an edge when dealing with mages. The Generals back home has also finished amassing an army of qi users and unique power holders. Now, he just needs your permission to bring some of the Maelstorm Regalia to aid them."
"Just do it. Where's my grandson? Can't he help with that?"
"It seems Lord Segmentum Shenshu and Field Marshal Shantian is also halting a monster invasion lead by the Harbingers of the F.A.B.L.E.D, [F] in the coastal fortress of the void east."
"Mighty fine... Tudou."
"Yes, Xunyue?"
"Return home with the Pandemonium Riders and lead the army to crush those invaders. If we heard it, then the other Sectors must have heard it too. Crush everyone who gets in your way."
He clasps his hand shouting:
"Yes, we obey!"
The white and red armoured riders shine bright and disappear with a flash.
*************************************
[Extra Bite]
"So, I just realize this but where's Kokkan?"
The thick steam, hot air and wonderful smell permeate through the changing room while I exit the bath. Yuria helps me tie my hair and place my headband saying:
"Oh, right, he told me he has something private to discuss with Hanami, so we probably won't meet them today. Why do you ask?"
"I just realize but what am I suppose to do now? I mean, I know I can relax but just sleeping feels so wasteful now. Nanny seems out of it too, Kokkan's not around and I doubt you know where Saya is right?"
"True..."
(I guess the best way to find her is during breakfast but I have to be very early since she eats super fast).
Yuria uses some kind of wool tie before putting my headband saying:
"Hmm, then what about Mistress Fei?"
"Oh yeah, let's go visit her. And... I guess can we visit the armoury too?"
"Huh? What's wrong? Now that I think about it, what happened to the equipment you got from her majesty?"
"That's the problem, they all broke in my mission. So I was wondering if I could get something new."
Yuria walks away to the exit shaking her head replying:
"This is the first time I saw someone destroy their equipment completely in their first mission. Don't you have any remains of it?"
I stand and follow her replying:
"Nope, I think I was practically half-naked for a while in the middle of battle."
Yuria looks at me surprised saying:
"Now that's guts! Hmm... Ah, so that's why you're wearing a servant outfit huh?"
"Yup! Someone I saved was kind enough to hand me her clothing."
"I see... But why a servant outfit though? Did you save a servant or something?"
"Mhm! She was a servant of Sis Yuwei's friend and maybe I could tell you more during dinner or something."
"Hehe, yeah, that would make good mealtime story."
As we exit we were stopped by a group of 4 multi-layered robed people wearing black helms that cover their entire head. Their long hair still comes out while their long ears seems to poke out of the helmet as well...
(Oh, aren't they the people seating below Sis Yuwei during the gathering 2 days ago? Still... Long ears... Where did I hear that trait before?)
I quickly bow down and clasp my hand saying:
"Greetings."
And Yuria follows suit, bowing down clasping her hand saying:
"This lowly one greets revered Chancellors."
(Chancellors?)
They all nods and bow down saying:
" "Greetings, son of Blessed Sofia. Your light shines bright as well today." "
(Who!? And light? Oh, could they follow the Libera church?)
Before I could ask anything, they walk past us and enter the bath. One of them walks slower than the others, the one with long blonde spiral hair stares at me for a while before following the rest inside. Yuria walks closer to me saying:
"Those chancellors always give me the creeps. Well, shall we find Mistress Fei first or the armory?"
(Whatever, I'll think of that later).
I shake my head replying:
"Definitely Sis Fei. Let's go!"