I just realize this but the clothes I'm wearing now... Isn't this just an oversized shirt? Or some sort of variation of that modern long one-piece dress but with a short skirt variation. Since it only covers till my knees. But it's also so comfortable I didn't realize I'm wearing this when I just woke up.
The cold breeze I felt through my legs while I walk, the icy floors that touch my naked feet and the freezing walls of glass that separates each room like an invisible barrier. While the chilling wind blows from every direction, my feet start to shake as an undeniable urge press my belly.
(This is bad... Considering).
"Cold places like this just makes it even harder to hold it in..."
I try to hold my urge to wet myself as I search for a toilet or even a place where I can relieve.
(Why does nobody put the washroom in the same room or close to the bedroom!? Like why? Why!? Why don't they? Is it because it smells? Then there's a reason why there's a refresher or magic right!? Or maybe... Maybe... That Zerians, people with magic have a way to relief them selves without using bathrooms? Oh glory moly with a side of baloney when did I start thinking so deep!?)
I scream in my head as I remember how these past weeks, the place I visited seems to lack one of the essential rooms any place should have.
"Yes, when I finally get myself a new house or a personal room. My first priority would be to make sure that there's a toilet nearby. I mean even the bedroom in Rana's place has a restroom in the same room they sleep. So why doesn't this place have one!? Maybe I should make a request to change a room near the bath."
I stroke my chin and scream my pent up desires clear my mind. I continue my tracks on this empty place. Slick and sheen is the floor and walls, quite simple and modest for my taste. Seeing one empty room after another wondering what this place could be and remembering that black sludge incident...
(When did it happen again? And I wonder how long have I been here?)
As I continue on and walk to a turning point, I ended up in a weird dead-end... Or more like the end of a corridor that leads to only one door. Unlike the places before, the sudden change in tone from white to black is drastic. The entire white wall changed to thick black steel while the transparent glass walls become a thick black glass where I could see my own reflection thanks to the light on the ceiling and when I knock, the sound bounces back immediately as if there are layers inside both the glass walls and the steel walls.
(Logic dictates that I should leave here immediately but I'm more than desperate as to find that place!)
I grab the knob and open the door as I ignore the clear signs and see a very reminiscent logo above a door and can't help but say...
"Paradise..."
At the end of the black eerie road is a what can be described as a sanctuary. From moments notice, I dash ahead with all my strength, ignoring the writing on the walls, I enter the bathroom stall. For all I could think off is simply,
(I'm SAVED!!!)
*************************************
*flush*
Finishing my business and finally realizing I'm not even wearing any underwear. I wash my hands and look around the place I ended up in. Just like the hall leading here, this place has black walls and multiple air vents with pretty tight bars. Ignoring the fact that this place kinda looks like a prison, I see multiple brand new packs of morning utilities to start the day just beside the faucet and decided to grab one and use it get myself ready for the day.
(I'm gonna have to tell Sis or someone I use this here).
Brushing my teeth and washing my face, I look at my own reflection and wonder how someone could change in just a day. I hold my forehead, wondering what Sis meant when her lips leave a mark. I push my bangs up and see what seems to be a kiss mark left on my forehead and for the first time... I see the scar Sis gave me during our first breakfast.
(I wonder why people are so surprised by it. I mean it's not so bad. I've seen worse like that one General or something during Sis' gathering at the palace. He had a scar that literally makes it look like his head got sliced in half!)
"Glarrgg, ptui."
Spitting the mouth wash, I rub the scar she left for a while as the scars now seem to be a part of my face. Splashing my face one last time, cleaning the kiss mark Sis Yuwei left before drying it. Being a reasonable person, I decided to bring the pack along and place the towel on my shoulder as I exit the toilet wondering who this room is for. I look at the writing on the walls which is written in an unknown language and continue on my way to the exit.
(A weird awakening but a normal morning for me. And what time is it anyway?)
But it seems, I won't be leaving so easily... Blocking the way outside is a girl in her teens wearing the same clothes as me. Her really long flowing black hair flows like a river as it floats around as if someone's carrying it. As I take a step backwards she disappears with a hazy motion as if she's never there. Looking back and forth seeing she's nowhere in sight, I wipe my eyes and continue onward wondering if I'm just hallucinating.
But before I could hold the knob, I felt someone grabbing my shoulder. I could feel her breathe on my ears, as she soon leans on my back. Feeling her huge chest pressing me down, I look back to apologise my mistakes saying:
"Um, I'm sorry for using your new morning utensils. I'll ask Sis to replace it soon."
"Oh, don't worry about that. What matters now is that you manage to open that door without any key cards. So..."
Speaking in the common tongue, she spins me around and forces me to face her as she holds both my arms shouting:
"Let me use you for a while!"
As she screams, her bangs raise up showing her beautiful glowing jade green eyes.
(Oh, she has similar traits to Sutra and Pasha. I wonder if they came from the same place?)
We stare at each other for a while when her lips curl into a huge grin as if she's accomplished some amazing feat...
(Um... Is something suppose to happen?)
She lets me go and hold her waist with one hand and raise the other as if to command me. With a huge smug she points at the door shouting:
"Now, servant! Open that door for me!"
Her glorious way of moving and stature reminds me of Sis Yuwei as she shouts. Wondering what just happened, I decided to play along and open the door when she nods triumphantly saying:
"Hmph! Hmph! She may have overthrown my parents and secretly instil a puppet government but... Now my time to shine has arrived! And I got a nice servant along as well, ahahahaha!"
She raises her hands once more with a gallant pose as if a cape is supposed to wave. She takes a few steps forth with before she continues saying:
"I had enough of being in this place! So what if I had a luxury meal? Being in this dull place sucks! I'm going to find her and demand a better room or I won't help her at all!"
Hearing her complain all this time, I took this chance to dash out of there. Slamming the door shut at her face and wait for a while wondering what's suppose to happen before walking away trying my best to whistle as nothing happened.
"Fuu, fuu!"
(I wonder how did they even whistle? They all make it look so easy!)
*bang* *bang* *bang*
"H-Hey! What's going on here!? Aren't you suppose to be under my control! Hey! Heeey! Open up! Your Master commands you! Open uuuup!"
*bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang*
The banging on the door continues, she keeps slamming on the door as her loud knocks soon become taps while her commanding voice starts to become bawls.
"Hey *sniff* please open up... *sniff* I promise I'll be good... Sniff, sniff..."
Her sobbing noise comes to weight on my guilty conscious. Call me weak-hearted but feeling the pain crushing my heart, I slowly open the door. Seeing her sprawling on the floor with tears in her eyes, what seems to be her majestic presence when I saw her first the first time seems to disappear entirely, replaced by a weak girl crying on her knees. She looks at me for a while before wiping her eyes with frustration and stands on her own.
She walks out with what seems to be a heavy thump of her being irritated and mad and then she looks at me saying:
"I'll follow you for now so be grateful, hmph!"
Her angry pouts sound small as she lost her confidence yet not her bad mouth. Her confident stature now changes with her crouching forward holding my hands like a kid holding to his parents when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. And to make sure she doesn't get the wrong idea, I look at her saying:
"Just to clarify, I'm not going to leave this place yet."
"That's fine. Just bring me not my room."
I nod at her suggestion and continue forward. Seeing the same place over and over again, I look at her who's pressing her large chest on my arm asking:
"My name's Sova Anmao and yours?"
She looks back at me with her pathetic face yet it contradicts the unyielding spirit on her eyes as she replies:
"Jaya Si Samudra Lanka."
"Quite a long name."
Since she's shorter than me, she pulls me down as my arm digs between her chest when she finally gets close to my ear shouting:
"You Xin are the ones with long mush up names! I mean Anmao? Shouldn't it be An and Mao? And who says that to people they just met? And a princess at that! Do you want to be beheaded!?"
I clean my ears and look at her face to face asking:
"I'm sorry, but you keep saying you're a princess but are you really?"
With my question, she lets me go and back away a little to strike an unknown pose with her hands raised high before placing it on her chest saying:
"Of course I am! It's just that these clothes don't bring the majesty from me."
"I... See... But if I remember correctly, shouldn't the person bring the majesty to the clothes?"
"Shush!"
I ignore her for now and try looking around. Just in case I don't get lost, I started to leave marks as I went on. Just so those past events will never occur again. When I notice one of the peeled fruits Ptelophy gave me on the floor, I pick it up and Jaya walks close pointing at it asking:
"What's that?"
I eat it saying:
"Food."
"Ew! Why do you eat that!? Do you even know what that is?"
"It's the fruit I place down. I mean do you see the floors here? Not even a speck of dust. I mean it makes me wonder how they clean up all those black sludge that girl makes. And since this fruit's tasteless I guess I wouldn't mind eating it."
(Hold on, wouldn't a tasteless fruit have some taste when added something? Since there's still no taste, this place IS ridiculously clean).
She quickly pushes me away shouting:
"Ugh! You disgust me! What kind of lady eats something off the ground!?"
"I'm a man though."
She looks at me funny before she stood proud and folds her arms replying:
"Hah? This is the first time I see a lady makes that excuse. Very well, I'll approve your humour, lowly noble."
She fans me away saying:
"So, go on, my servant. Continue leading the way."
It seems her confidence has returned somewhat as she begins to speak haughtily. I nod not understanding her intention saying:
"Sure..."
(She may be full of herself but she sure is fun none the less).
As we travel, she starts to talk about her country called the Jaya nagara and how she received a kingdom as a gift from her parents before Sis Yuwei influence things. Telling how luxurious her life was and how she was born with wealth and Sis Yuwei tricked her into working with her.
"But how did you get tricked?"
She slouches down pressing her fingers answering:
"Well, I mean... I guess I was entranced by her noble stature and nature. I mean did you see how she moves? Her elegance, her nobleness, her refined movements, she comes to my kingdom saying she's an Empress and wanting to form a pact. Of course, I take it when even my advisors and regent also gives me the go. Before long I started calling her Sister as well so I can learn her graceful moves."
"Well, isn't SHE an Empress?"
"Not 3 years ago!"
"I-I see... But your moves do remind me of Sis Yuwei. So I guess you did inherit her elegance."
"You thinks so? Hehe! I'll accept your compliments. And hold on. Sis? What's your relation to her, lowly noble?"
"Please call me Sova."
"I'll call your name when you deserved it."
*sigh*
As I start telling her about myself and how I met her when I was a child and retold her what Sis said to me, I follow the path the fruits lead me until I finally found a familiar room. Unlike the other rooms, that only need to open a glass door. I need to enter one smaller room that's filled with technology and colourful buttons with a transparent window that I didn't realize was there until I enter this room.
"I'll tell you how I reunite with her later."
"Hmph! Very well, and what's with this room? What is this place? Hmmm... I can feel it, I can feel the heresy..."
She points at the fire extinguisher shouting:
"Heresy! Heresy! Heresy!"
Then it was the light above, then it was the ticking machine before pointing everywhere shouting:
"Heresy! Heresy everywhere!"
Jaya looks around with unease and hostility as she hugs my arm and growling at the table filled with colourful lights. I can't help but smile as I wonder if that's what I look like when I saw those new things for the first time.
"Hey, what's with that smile? Are you mocking me?"
"No, it's just that. It seems just like me, you don't know much about technology yes?"
"Technology? What's that? Is it science? Heresy!"
She hugs my arm tighter as she squeezes her chest on my arm...
(Weird... I wonder why I don't feel anything when I feel their chest but I quickly become nervous and flustered when I feel the chest of someone I know? Maybe I should try and learn about myself more too. I mean that's the point of meditation yes?)
I nod to her question and point at the door replying:
"Yes, I think technology is science... Anyway, let's enter my room first."
"Very well, lead the way, servant."
Still not letting me go, I had to drag my self over before I can open the door. When we finally went inside, Jaya looks at the bed and runs ahead, letting me go and jumping high. With grace and precision, she lands perfectly on the bed in her sides and shoos me away shouting:
"This place is mine! You can sit on the chair."
She then proceeds to mess my folded blanket and hug my long pillow. Placing the pack beside the table and eating the leftover fruits I begin to wonder one of my first questions.
"So, do you know where we are, Jaya?"
"Hey!"
"Hmm?"
"I've been ignoring it but, a lord has their limits. So call me Lord Jaya, got it?"
I nod along as to avoid conflict replying:
"Yes, Lord Jaya... So, do you know where we are?"
She smiles at me and dives face-first at my pillow replying:
"Mmph!"
"I can't hear you."
She gets up and starts smelling me before she smiles saying:
"Nope! Since I don't even know which part of the city this is. All I know is that we're in Rucina city."
(Well, that didn't help much...)
"Hey, you smell super nice, what kind of soap or shampoo did you use? I could still smell a scent that seems to be weeks old."
"Hmm? Me? I don't know, I just use something my best friend gives me or what's in the bathroom."
"Really now?"
Jaya folds my pillow before she lays down resting her head as I offer her a fruit answering:
"Yup, you want some? There are no seeds so just chew and swallow it."
"Hmm? It's not from the floor right?"
"No, if you're so worried, you can take the one on the table then. It's all peeled so you just gotta eat it."
Jaya sits with her legs crossed and takes a fruit. We both enjoy the light meal together as we chat together to keep each other company. As I started with talking about qi, I soon realize how the concept of qi doesn't seem to exist at her frontier at all and how she explains her whole deal is this thing called Prana.
"I see, so each frontier seems to be pretty neat."
"You bet it is!"
As I take another bite and soon remembered something I learn with Nicole.
"Hold on, I think I heard that power before. It's a new way the Tenjarah people fight the invaders during the World Invasion right? Are you saying the frontier north of here is where those legendary Tenjarah people lived?"
Jaya looks at me surprised, nodding at my answer replying:
"Hoh? It seems you know something at least. But what you say is not really right. The practice of Prana has been established long before the World Invasion in our frontier as a way to stay healthy and for longevity. Along with the improvement of health and prosperity as well. It was so common that normal people can do it. It was only during the World Invasion that those Tenjarah people decided to use Prana as a way of violence and defeat the Invaders.
Sure it may save our people but it desecrates the whole teaching of our ancestors who created it for the sole purpose of helping people and create everlasting peace. Not hurt them... It created such a tainted history in our record and many people who know of the old times frown upon that period since we built our Empire for the sake of peace. Though the newer generation now probably don't care about it since it's already so long ago... Like me."
*nom*
She takes another bite before she leans on the wall with my pillow and continues saying:
"But, that was like more than 2000 years ago, so now Prana is back to being a technique to help people and so much more. The whole concept of Prana of this time is just so different from back then that you wonder if it's still the same."
"Something like that happened? I never knew... It seems there's still more to learn of the world out there. I mean, sorry if I'm disrespecting but imagine how cool it is to bend the 5 elements and even gravity when your enemies thought you lost your magic? That surprise those Tenjarah people did is epic!" I wonder if this is what Ptelophy meant by unique power holders? Please tell me more, Lord Jaya!"
I lean close to her as I plead. Jaya takes the last fruit and eats it with a huge grin and chubby cheeks replying:
"Well, I guess it's true when you said it like that. I mean their counteroffensive is the main reason the people stood up to those invaders."
She then sits ahead to look at me in a straight line and continue saying:
"If a servant like yourself plead like that, this benevolent Lord shall grant you wisdom. So praise me everlasting."
"Yea, sure! You're very amazing! You're cute! And super smart!"
Jaya strokes her chin and nods with an even more satisfying smile saying:
"That's right, that's right. I'm super cute!"
I try to keep her happy when I realize something,
"Say, lord Jaya, can you teach me Prana? You know how to use it right?"
"Of course I do! Let me tell you that I have mastered many forms and even master all 3 elements... But teaching you teach huh?"
"That's right! I'm very curious about it. I mean just like qi, it's an alternative to the normal magic right? Please, can you teach me? I'll try my best to not give up so easily!"
"Well, I guess I could but it's not really that hard really. There's just one problem but you don't need to concern yourself with that."
I tilt my head asking:
"And that is?"
"Well, Owlians can't seem to use it."
"Huh? W-What do you mean?"
Baffled by her sudden revelation, she continues explaining:
"I don't know why, but only Zerian could use Prana. Unlike the qi you told me where even Owlians could use it, Prana only seems to be usable by Zerians. I mean Owlians could memorize the scripts and chant along with the forms and style but they're not gonna produce anything."
"B-But I'm an Owlian, so I can't learn it?"
Caught off guard, Jaya looks at me asking:
"Y-You are? But then how did you get her light? Owlians are not supposed to receive her light you know? I thought maybe you're sealing off your magic."
I scratch the back of my head as I try to remember what lead me to this before saying:
"Well that's a bit complicated and I still don't really understand it myself. But, I was born an Owlian and only found out I have her light recently."
"Ah! So that's why you learn qi... And now I understand why they kept you here or why my powers don't work with you. Just like me, you really are a huge anomaly. An Owlian with Libera's light. What kind of sick joke is that?"
(A sick joke huh? I heard that a lot).
"I guess that's quite a letdown."
I continue to eat the fruits and look at my toes when Jaya pats my shoulder saying:
"Hey, don't get discouraged! You still got qi, don't you?"
I look back at her cheerful face and remember what Ptelophy told me replying:
"They told me I can't cultivate anymore though."
Jaya's face freezes up before letting me go and fold her arms saying:
"Well, at least you're alive so that's good news. Don't dwell on that stuff!"
"Hahaha."
I can't help but laugh and continue saying:
"For someone who complains about the food and how dull the place is, you seem to be pretty bright."
"Hey, what do you mean by that? An insult to royalty means death you know? Even to nobles like you."
She replies with a glare as she points at me but I just rub it off saying:
"Yeah, yeah sure. So can you get off the bed? I'm wanna take a nap."
"What! How dare you order me!? And I already confiscated this bed so it's mine now. Go sleep on the floor!"
"But I was just sleeping there- oh, I know, why not just share the bed? You can have the blanket."
(I mean the bed is still half the size of the king's bed at my room. So it fits more than 2 people and the pillow is as long as the bed which is neat).
Jaya looks away replying:
"I guess that's fine. As a generous Lord sharing the same bed with their servants is a sign of deep trust and kinship so you better be grateful!"
"Sure, sure."
(Or maybe I could just move her to those other rooms outside or I could just change rooms but this is fine).
I quickly lay on the bed and turn my back at her saying:
"I don't know what time is it but good night."
"W-Wait, you're going to sleep already? Then at least... Can you turn the lights off?"
I look back at her asking:
"Huh? You can turn off the lights?"
"Yeah, just say something like control, sleep mode. That's what they told me to do in my room. Heretical as it may be, I can't be picky."
"Really? Control, sleep mode."
[Sleep mode activated, enjoy your rest].
Most of the lights turned off leaving only some glowing green lines and few lights turned on in the corners.
"Amazing! Well, good night, for real this time."
(Maybe I should ask Sis to add this in my room alongside the toilet).
I lay down and close my eyes when I feel her back leaning against mine as if she's trying to get as close as possible before saying:
"Yeah, have a nice rest..."
I leave this moment with a smile as my conscious drift away slowly...
*************************************
"Hey..."
A girl's voice enters my ears...
"Hey, wake up..."
Her words echo in the darkness...
"Hey! Wake up! WAKE... UP!
An unfamiliar voice shouts as my conscious forcefully return as I feel my body shake. My mind hazy and unsteady, trying to stop whoever is disturbing my sleep I open my eyes and see a familiar red glow...
"Hey! Hey! Are you awake? Answer me!"
"Y-Yes, I'm... Fuwaa~ awake..."
Force to reply, I stretch my hand out to yawn as I rub my eyes. Blinking once or twice to adjust my sight. I then look at where the voice comes from and is greeted by Sutra hugging me as I feel her large chest squeezing my back. Seeing Sutra with fear on her face, worry starts to become the first thing in my mind as she points ahead asking:
"Servant, what is that!"
Blinking once more, I slowly turn to look and see a familiar moving writing on the walls saying,
[Alert! Alert! Containment breach detected! All unarmed personnel are advised to stay in your rooms!]
(Wait, since she's been here longer than me, shouldn't she know more of this?)
"Oh, that? I don't know, since I just got here. And... Well... It's not like I can do anything. I'm going back to sleep."
I point at the writing with my thumb saying what I know. Before I try to sleep again. But Jaya refuses to let me rest as she hugs me tighter and stops me from even laying down as I feel her pressing her chin on my back shouting:
"No, get up! What is that? What came out!?"
Before she turns me around and grabs the collar of my shirt, shaking me violently. Annoyed by her antics, I pull her hand away easily that it shocks her before replying:
"Who knows, maybe that girl oozing black liquid? I'm sure somebody or that thing will take care of it. And shouldn't you be more knowledgeable than me?"
I let her go and try to lay down again when she hugs me from the front this time to stop me from moving before asking:
"Why are you acting so calm!?"
*pong*
"Uwaaah!"
Jaya lets me go and falls off the bed by jumping behind me in surprise when I finally lay down. Since I was already facing the glass wall at this point, I could see a familiar black ooze covering the glass and the familiar little girl coming out of it. She looks at me again with worry in her face as she seems to say something and gesturing me to come out. She bangs on the glass shouting something before looking at her shoulder and become terrified. She runs away by covering herself with those black goo and bouncing away.
(That actually looks fun).
Someone soon comes but thanks to the black sludge she left behind I can't seem to make out who it is. The figure stops for a while before I could see it's wearing multiple white robes...
(Oh, is it Ptelophy?)
She walks out of the window's view and someone soon opens the door to my room. Even with all those black sludge outside, her white robe doesn't appear to have any stains. Her black helm covers her face but not her glowing mismatch eyes. She looks at Jaya who's cowering on the corner with my blanket before saying:
"It seems you found yourself a company."
Jaya who's been cowering in the corner twitch and stops shaking when she heard her voice. Slowly Jaya lifts her head up until their eyes meet. Jaya, who just now is terrified and shaking vigorously freeze still like a statue. When Ptelophy starts to gets closer, she hastily crawls away and hides behind me hissing at her by peeking from my shoulder. Ptelophy shakes her head and takes a sit on the chair before she puts more of those peeled fruits on the table saying:
"Forgive me for the disturbance. She's still new and we haven't found a proper containment measure for her just yet."
"I-I see... Since you're here, is it my time to leave?"
Ptelophy nods replying:
"Yes, it seems nothing much is wrong with you for now. We can leave right now if you wish. I hope the lack of activities and irregular company doesn't disturb you. Maybe I should've have asked what you wished last time before I leave."
I shake my head replying:
"Oh, no, it's okay. I actually had fun. Why don't you deal with the trouble outside first? I can wait."
"I see, thank you for your patience..."
Ptelophy looks at Jaya who's been peeking at our conversation saying:
"Follow me."
"Yes ma'am."
Jaya's response was quick and so is her move as she quickly gets close to Ptelophy. But before she could leave the bed, I halt Jaya by holding her shoulder and look at Ptelophy saying:
"Um, I know this may be asking much but do you mind giving her a better room to stay? It will really help her out."
"Servant..."
Jaya looks at me with tears in her eyes when Ptelophy moves her head back and stare down at us. The glow in her helm eyes disappear and she nods saying:
"Very well, I'll try something out."
"Thanks!"
I reply back when Jaya jumps at me and hugs me tightly as she digs my head between her chest shouting:
"Oh, thank you so much! I don't know who you really are to make even that demon to comply but thank you so much, Sova!"
(Oh, she called my name. And how much did you suffer that changing room makes you like this? Well for me a room without a washroom is a nightmare honestly but she has that...)
She lets me go and walks to Ptelophy with excitement on her steps and a smile on her face. As they leave, Jaya waves back at me before exiting the room. As I wave back I wonder,
(Why is it so awkward when I'm with Ptelophy? It's like she's too serious...)
I lay down once more and close my eyes. I wonder what comes next along with this weird situation.
*************************************
It was a lonely night like always, only the starts that are basking its light and the warm light liquor as a company. The room which just finished being cleaned and prepared yesterday will finally be used tomorrow by two new recruits.
(Three, counting my disciple).
Sitting alone in that room with only a light liquor in his hand is Libing. Enjoying the night by himself while dreaming what the future without the Empire he was born with would look like. With only the small gaps of the window bringing moonlight to the room, many parts of the place are still covered in shades but that's just simply not a problem to him.
With both his feet on the table and the bottle in his hand, Libing was in a lack of a better term, having a private time... Soon, he dreamed of the time he could just travel around the world with his family and show them the wonders outside their homes. That there are more than meets the eyes and that this world is not so bad as they think. But that dream is still a long way to come in this day and age. And just as he was about to rest his eyes...
*knock* *knock* *knock*
There was a knock on the door. It was already dead at night so not many people come to his mind as to who it could be of who's working this late. But still, he responds saying:
"Come in."
A crisp deep and heavy voice came back replying:
"Thank you."
With a click of the knob, the door opens and a silhouette of something menacing enters. The red sphere on the forehead makes it look like a giant red eye glowing brightly in this blue light and black exterior, while the design on the helm makes it looks like long fangs on his helm curving to form a small beak that's pointing down. Its long crest branching flows with his every silent step. His whole appearance shrouded in shadows while his slick red cape waves with every move and beautiful drawn runes on his body that fits his motif. Best of all for me, gleaming with the moonlight is the ridiculously beautifully decorated sword on his right waist which shows he's perhaps left-handed.
(Is he a General? or perhaps a Marshal?)
Is what Libing thought but his armour looks too flashy and excessive for combat. With small mechanical wings on its shoulder, helm and pauldrons, multiple-scale plating on his body and limbs leaving no opening at all. It makes you wonder how does he even move. But contrary to his malevolent looks, he walks quietly with only slight actions as he sits properly at the opposite end of the long table. It even makes you wonder again if the armour is real as it didn't make any noise as well.
This man clad in such armour is of average height and without any magic inside, he is an Owlian who definitely masters qi to a ridiculous degree. For even Libing knows that the Empress wouldn't give such intricate armour to just anyone...
(So who is he? Shouldn't he knows of someone important like him if he stays here? And I don't remember anyone with that kind of armour even on the walls and armoury).
As Libing begins to form questions in his head, the man before him moves his hand forward, the sharp fingers in his gauntlets make it feel as if he's pulling some strings before he starts saying:
"I came here immediately from Ptelophy's instruction. She told me that you will explain more about my new mission so that I don't get left behind, Head of Affairs."
His ever deep voice leaves a deep impression on Libing as he responds by tilting his head asking:
"Ptelophy? Is she one of those Chancellor under Michael?"
"That seems to be the case."
He nods subtly as Libing takes a sip from his gourd. Slowly he gets up as he searches his memory and wonders,
(Who is he? And if he's allowed in here that means he is not an enemy- Pff, I'm thinking too hard. I think the answer is simple).
Libing grabs a reserve glass from the drinking shelf beside the fridge and walks close to him, getting a better look at him and realize how detailed and beautiful the golden trim and marking on the armour he wears. He nods and places the gourd and glass saying:
"Hey, I think you or she got the wrong guy buddy. But, let's just have a toast while you're here, what do you say?"
Libing rests his hand on his shoulder when he brushes it off and stands up replying:
"Sadly I'm not of drinking age, Shifu."
"Shifu?"
(Hold on... There are only two people I know off who calls me that. It couldn't be Yimu since he already fell asleep and he's not even capable of pulling this off if he could. That means...)
Libing backs in shock shouting:
"Sova!?"
*************************************
Seeing Libing thrown off his high horse, I nod and open my helm as I feel my back tingle. Thanks to Ptelophy making this coronet hair design, I was able to wear my helmet despite my very long hair...
(Maybe I should ask Yuria to learn this. It feels weird to have so many parts being folded and tied up but it kinda feels like wearing a hat or some sort).
"That's right. What do you think? Awesome isn't it? I even changed my voice thanks to Sis' help! What do you think!?"
I let my caged up excitement burst out as I ask him with a huge smile. Libing takes a sit on the sofa beside the door replying:
"Yeah, I guess it is. Though now it makes sense. Armour like that would make a good look for a diplomatic mission and intimidation. To be honest, you look like a Saturday morning cartoon villain."
He nods with approval and a weak smile before he continues saying:
"Man, you really had me there. Nice work Spassy. With that looks and attitude, you're gonna do great!"
He gives me a thumbs up and I nod saying:
"Thanks! Hehe, I wonder what the others will think when I show them this?"
Libing stops me and shakes his head as he takes back his gourd saying:
"I suggest you don't, Spassy. Like I said, with looks like that, you're gonna do great... Only during missions. You're lucky it's me or else you're gonna be treated coldly or people will be scared shitless when you arrive and even more if you carry your medallion. Especially the soldiers that guard the palace outside."
"I-I see... I guess that's fine... Oh yeah, where is my medallion?"
He taps on his stomach with confidence as he leans on me saying:
"It's safe with me, I'll give it back when you're done on a mission."
Before he walks away and sits back on his usual place. I take a sit once again and look around the place. Seeing some new stuff that wasn't there when I help unpack. Libing takes a gulp from the gourd asking:
"What are you doing this late? Aren't supposed to be sleeping? And I don't know, recovering?"
I scratch my head saying:
"Well, I had plenty of rest back at that place so I'm wide awake now. And I'm too excited to see this armour! I mean, did you see how awesome this is!? I just can't wait to use it when Ptelophy showed it to me! I'm so excited and wide awake it's troubling! I can even customize my own voice, isn't it amazing!"
Libing shakes his head replying:
"And this is why I don't show my son presents in the night. Oh, I know, if you've got so many energy to spare why not help me out with something?"
"Hmm? Will it involve wearing this?"
"Of course! And it's pretty close too. Well, this will be good training for those new recruits."
Libing gesture me to follow him as he leaves the room. I follow suit asking:
"Training?"
"Yup, you don't mind right?"
"Well, I guess if it's some friendly spar. I guess I won't mind. So about the explanation of the mission?"
"I can tell you about that tomorrow with a new recruit."
"New recruit? Who is it? Who is it?"
"Well, you can just wait till tomorrow, Spassy."
(I wonder who it could be?)
I wear my helmet once again replying:
"Okay then! Lead me to it."
Libbing slows down asking:
"Just to make sure, you won't regret it? I mean you could wake up late tomorrow you know?"
"Yea! I'm too excited to fall asleep now anyway!"
Libing pumps his arm up saying:
"Nice! Let's go then. And congrats on getting released."
"Yea, though I have no idea what that meant."
*************************************
As we exit the building, the cold night winds blew our way while the bright night sky lightens our path. Libing's footsteps leave crunching noises with every step upon the dried-up grass while mine remains light and steady. Taking my time enjoying the evening stroll, I start a conversation saying:
"Say, Libing. Thanks."
He looks my way tilting his head asking:
"Huh? For what?"
"Ptelophy told me that it was thanks to you that my mission was a "great success" or something..."
"Oh, that... Ah, it's fine. That repercussions actually works in our favour. Those jaguar diplomats are all amateurs, they committed so many blatant mistakes that all the fingers in my body can't count. So the only thing I need to do after their long exposition is just showing a single recording and both the dragons and jaguars all shut up. Though, that's a given since their best diplomats are all sent to pacify the expending mantis sector. And they didn't expect us at all with us being in isolation."
Libing stroke his chin and smile triumphantly at his own deeds when he looks at me and nod saying:
"Sorry, let me sum it all up. While you were recovering for a week in the ward. We proclaim your existence to the entire city and now thanks to the international scandal those jaguars committed... The dragons would not dip their toes in the business between the jaguars and ours anymore."
"I don't really understand the results but proclaiming me to the city? Does that mean the whole city knows my face now!?"
I can't help but grab my cheeks as I wonder what will happen now.
(The future for me will be weird and embarrassing!)
"What!? No, no, no, no. We just told them we have a Silencer now and that he's working as a diplomat rather than a warrior like the dragons. So don't worry, your face hasn't been shown yet... Especially since you've changed, appearance-wise. We haven't got your photo, revise your bio-data, your citizenship verifications and all that bureaucratic stuff. And now you're adjusting to a new voice too, so that's a bit of a problem as well..."
"I-I see... Well, I still don't understand that grand stuff but that's a relieve I guess."
As we're having a light conversation, we ended up on the walls that guard this palace. When one of the soldiers guarding the gates saw us, he dashes to us shouting:
"Oh! Sir Libing! What are you doing here? And by the way, thanks for helping out the office workers, they're ever so grateful."
We halted our talks and Libing stroke his long beard and reply to the guard saying:
"Oh please, think nothing of it. I'm just doing it for myself."
The soldier pats his back replying:
"Don't act so humble, you drunk dork! Thanks to you my brother were able to get some proper sleep, so what do you need here? Does it involve that evil-looking bro?"
(Wait, they were worked that hard? Maybe I should ask Sis about her work ethics. I mean even I'm not worked that hard that I can't get a proper sleep... Maybe the last mission counts as an unbalanced sleep but that's special).
Libing nods saying:
"Yu, tell your commander... I got the initiation tool for those new recruits."
They both look at me with an evil grin before holding each other shoulders, bumping their fist together saying:
"Hehe, you got it, bro."
The soldier runs off telling the other guard when they both nods with a smile and they both continue to tell the patrolling guards while the one that speaks to Libing rushed deep inside the walls. Libing continues to walk ahead to the walls when I follow him asking:
"So, what's happening? Isn't it bad to be so noisy this late?"
"Ah, don't worry. It's all happening inside the walls so it won't make too much noise. Come, let's hurry to meet the commander. These soldiers deserve some break and fun once in a while."
No matter how many times I see it, the walls to this palace are big, like ridiculously huge. Even though it may be puny compared to the walls of this city, these walls are already the same size as those walls in those fortresses I see. In fact, the walls are as big as a whole neighbourhood section with multiple floors of more sections on top to form a giant blockade and cannons lined up inside, it's quite ridiculous when I first heard it.
When I enter the first gate and arrive at some sort of opening with a large open stadium that let the moonlight enter. It's really to miss this whole thing when Sis flew inside without looking down on the walls. I guess with a wall this thick where even people could live inside, it's really easy to understand that those hordes of monsters back then couldn't even breakthrough.
I could see the soldiers running around with smiles in their faces as they sortie up with spears, swords and shields while some even carry rifles and those floating platform flying from one floor to the other. I could easily count hundreds running around from the three floors above when Libing stops and we stand in the middle of all the things happening. When a shadow looms over me, I look up seeing someone jumping down from high above. Great winds blow our way when the person lands with a huge gust of wind that could blow any normal person away.
Wearing a full-plate armour he walks to us and clasps his hand saying:
"Welcome Libing and welcome also Lord Phoenix! I, General Tan greets you!"
(Lord Phoenix? I guess I do look like some lord with this armour).
Libing and I clasp our hand and bow down before Libing continues saying:
"Sorry for visiting so suddenly this late but I got you what you want. This spassy is strong enough to take on True Martial Arts Experts head-on if what Abe said is true during his mission. So, he could easily do what you want easily."
"Hoh~! Really? I'll reward you with what you want-"
Libing raises his hand as to stop him from speaking saying:
"Oh don't worry, this is just charity work. In fact, he's doing this solely because he got the energy to spare. You can call him Lord Silencer."
"Really!? You're that rumoured Silencer the Empress brought in? No wonder I sense no magic from you, I can't express my thanks enough. Thank you, Lord Silencer."
I nod saying:
"No problem, General Tan. I'm having the time of day myself."
"Hah! Wonderful! Still, I'm surprised you manage to get the Silencer of all people to cooperate."
"Oh, he works under me. So think of this as joint cooperation."
The general nods with a smile saying:
"Got it. Well then, your role is simple Lord Silencer. Simply defeat any soldiers that come out of that gate. You got me?"
He points at the gate on the end of the road I'm taking where the second gate that will lead to the last gate is located. I nod saying:
"Yes, sir! You can leave it to me."
"Great now follow us. We're going to make your entrance dramatic as well."
Libing and the General decided to walk behind me and jump to the second floor where there seems to be a long panel that acts as a stand of some sort. Libing drinks from his gourd as he waits for me to jump. The place they're standing is around 5 meters tall, I gather up my courage and I wonder if I could do it, I crouch down and put as much strength into my leg as I jump. The result is more than I can expect.
I jumped way past them and ended up on the 4th floor, touching the ceiling as I realize there's a large transparent thing blocking the opening. Trying my best to not look down while I descend, counting the floors as I pass each until when I reach the second one, I brace myself and look down. I felt my inside sunk in when I found how close I am and...
*crash*
Even with such a large force, the walls floor I land doesn't seem to shake as I barely drop near the two. Libing drinks from his gourd saying:
"Pssh, show off."
"I didn't mean to do that."
General Tan pats Libing's shoulder and shakes his head replying:
"Hey, it's fine. It just shows how good the reveal will be."
"I still can't believe you manage to arrange all this with just mere mention, the soldiers really want to do this huh?"
"Of course! I mean didn't you hear how they talk about the new recruits? The waves the Empress new recruiter bring with his method is extraordinary. The fresh eggs here will surpass and replace us in no time."
Libing stroke his beard once again replying with a subtle,
"I see..."
General Tan gives me a hand to help me stand and I accept it as he pulls me up, he gives me the biggest smile his aged face could give saying:
"Thanks a lot again. You remember how I told you to beat the soldiers that will soon show up right?"
I nod replying:
"Yes, is there something more?"
He lets me go and looks down at the open field of dirt saying:
"Simply, when they arrive, just jump down like what you did just now. But don't jump into the roof this time okay? Hahaha!"
I nod and smile behind my helm saying:
"Hmph, okay then. This is all happening so fast I don't know how I feel or what's happening right now. Adrenaline is somehow pumping in my head like never before!"
I shout aloud as I felt my adrenaline pumping continuously for some reason.
"Don't worry about that, and just in case. Don't start fighting or jump until I told you okay? Now stand behind us."
"Sure!"
I walk behind them and Libing looks at the sword in my waist asking:
"Say, what's with that sword? If I remember correctly, aren't you a long weapon user?"
"Hmm? Oh, this? It's just a decoration. It doesn't even have any a blade inside, see?"
I pull the sword out revealing a sword with no blade inside. Libing look at me surprised saying:
"Neat."
"General! The new recruits have defeated captain Jirou and are now getting close to the second gate."
One of the soldiers using the floating panel fly close to the General as he reported. The General nods as he folds his arm replying:
"Already? How's their performance?"
"Exemplary, they already mastered the way to use the wall doors against us. And is even ready to sacrifice some of them behind to cut us off. In fact, they manage to hijack the control room and lock us in here."
"Heh, this will be fun. Get ready, Lord Silencer."
"Yea!"
As I shout, the gate ahead of us opens as steam arises. Clouding the entire place in thick fog, but everything soon becomes clear when the holes in the wall suck it all up. The moon is perfectly above us as I can see it clearly between the stars above me, and showing up on the limelight is a group of more than hundreds of soldiers carrying a different type of weapon standing ready on the stadium.
Their heavy breathing, and wearing only their pyjamas accompanied by a bare minimum of armour that protects their vital spots. The youthful soldiers may seem tired and beaten up with bruises clearly seen as some doesn't seem to wear any shirts. But their eyes are the eyes of someone filled with determination and unyielding spirit...
(Looking at them, really makes me want to train with Sis Rubeca again and get beat up and stand no matter how many times I fall... Maybe I should go ask Sis or Ptelophy for tough training).
General Tan walks forward into the stage while floating soldiers carrying rifles and fully equipped soldier with a long spear and large shields surround them in discipline formation. One of the soldiers that seem to be the leading figure walks forth. A boy a few years older than me with his distinctive blonde hair points his wooden blade at General Tan shouting:
"This is it, General! When I take you out, your uprising is over!"
(Hold on, what?)
He shouts in runician as he takes a stance and the soldiers behind him ready themselves. The soldiers on the opposite side ready themselves as well and tighten their formation.
"Even if you're our seniors and masters for this past week, we won't let your own greed and selfishness ruin the already suffering citizens outside! Think this through! Do you think you could survive the Empress' wrath even if you manage to take this district!?"
(Wait what??? Uprising? What have I got myself into? This is some sort of prank right?)
Libing calms me down by patting my shoulder saying:
"Don't worry, it's just a play and we're acting as the bad guys. They even got approval from the Empress too, so no worries."
I nod saying:
"I see... So Sis Yuwei- Wait, what?"
Before Libing could answer back, General Tan raises his hand with a malevolent smile shouting:
"So what!? You would never understand the suffering we went through! The Empress is a fraud who doesn't understand her own people and slaughtered her own family! What makes you think she's any better to rule! I could just put a kid on a throne and everything would still be the same!"
"Don't kid yourself! Have you ever meet the Empress! I may not be able to understand others but if you met her, you would know that she's more competent than any of the Emperors and Empresses before!"
He raises his sword high and swings it forth shouting:
"This is his final defence, he has no place to go! For the Emperor's firstborn, charge! Show them the true flames of Righteousness!"
The floating soldiers up above begins shooting down on the soldiers below but the mages on their group quickly form a large barrier causing the bullets and magic spells to bounce off. The ground soldiers quickly lock into a melee as they start a dogfight. But the new soldiers seem to gain the upper hand and winning through the organized soldiers line thanks to their somehow superior skills and the extra floating soldiers behind them who flew below the barrier shooting from behind their allies.
"Um... No one is dying right?"
I ask as I look at the falling bodies, General Tan shakes his head and looks at me saying:
"Oh, it's fine. Most of the soldiers you see below you are actually just dolls. That's why they're wearing their full-body armour to hide it. The only real soldiers are the floating ones and they're using rubber bullets. Even the new recruits are only using non-lethal weapons, case in point no one will die here, just becoming friends with pain."
"I see..."
As I see the new soldiers quickly gaining ground and breaking through the puppet's formation easily. General Tan walks forth, stretching his arm forward as his cape flutter shouting:
"Hahaha! Impressive, but let me tell you something, little boy!"
The blonde soldier leading them delivers a mighty strike knocking down 3 puppets at once when he looks at General Tan shouting:
"Shut up, and get down here!"
General Tan ignores him and continues shouting:
"I admit that I'm not worthy enough to lead. But there's a reason why I'm confident enough. For I am but a pawn to someone else."
The blonde soldier looks at him surprised when the puppets start to back off and make way. General Tan raise both his arm and look at the moon shouting:
"This is a man that could rival even the Supreme Marshals! Come out, Lord Silencer! Heed the call of your servant!"
"That's your cue, Spassy, jump."
(I really can't help but think they're too into it. But what the hell!)
I crouch a little to get into a stance and jump from where I stand. Controlling my power this time. I didn't jump to high or far as I try to land. My stomp shatters the mages' barrier causing them to fell as they scream while my landing blows away many puppets and new recruits who are already weak to stand.
I walk closer to the blonde soldier while the huge dust that I kicked up still in the air. I try to control the new power inside of me as purple sparks appear around me. Feeling the unknown power surging from inside, I see another soldier wielding a shield and spear with his eyes covered by his long black bangs walk beside the blonde soldier. He tilts his helmet up to reveal his golden eyes saying:
"Silencer? Aren't those that mythical warriors whose power is so strong they must seal it completely or people around them would collapse from his might?"
Another soldier with red hair holding a great sword walks beside him saying:
"Heh, is he though? I can't sense any magic nor qi from him."
"Your stupidity never ceases to amaze me Da-Ge, if the sight of him shattering the barrier of Brother Zhixuan's mage squad with his brute force isn't enough to convince you you'll never be cured put of your stupidity."
A short boy with messy brown hair walks forth mocking the red-haired soldier as he pokes him with a rifle longer than his body. The red hair glares back shouting:
"What did you say!?"
"Enough, both of you!"
An older man with long smooth black hair and crystal blue eyes scold both of them as he readies a long mace with a crystal embedded in the middle. The blonde soldier looks at probably his friends that gathered behind him and raise his hand as if he's handing his out his sword.
"Hahaha, even in this chaotic mess you guys still find time to fool around. Well then brothers, this will be one of the fights of our lifetime!"
He presses two fingers on the edge near the crossguard. Pulling his fingers up and cutting it in the process, blood trickles down on the blade as the wooden sword soon shines bright blinding the whole area.
(Wait, how did he bleed? That's a wooden sword, right? I mean, not even splinters do that).
When the light fades I saw him already mid-air launching a downward strike at me with his new long curve blade. With a red feather below the grip and distinctive design of a phoenix on the blade's body, I can't help but shake my head and summon forth my halberd and dash up preparing to intercept him as he shouts:
"So, let's Win This!"
(I guess this is a good time as any to warm up after a long rest).
*************************************
(Extra Bite) Platinum Phoenix Armour.
Reaching my hand out as I see the silver segmented steel engulfing my arm whole and soon my whole body except my head. I look into the mirror as my excitement burst out shouting:
"This is amazing! This is wonderful! Thank you so much Ptelophy! This armour is so cool and amazing! I can't tell you how happy I am! I can't wait to show this to Sis Fei and everyone!"
The armour I'm wearing looks like something akin to the heroes of legend wear. With detailed black markings, a beautiful extending red cape with the purple rising Phoenix emblem, a black wing decor on my shoulder that's not too big to be a hindrance, the waist guard also have some black sash hanging with a purple marking and emblem, and even the armour seems to be multi-layered and a mix of a triangular scaled lamellar that makes this even cooler!
(This is a man's dream!)
"You should thank the Empress really. She's the one who provided the armour. In fact, I'm surprised you're able to wear it since it can only be worn by-"
I ignore her explanation as I continue to appreciate and admire the armour. Moving around as to feel if I'm compatible enough which I am!
"-are you listening to me?"
"Of course! Of course!"
Ptelophy nods replying:
"Good, cause the Empress has a new mission for you already."
"Wait what? Well, I guess that's fine since I get to use this armour!"
"I'm glad to see you're motivated, Sawyer."
"Um, I don't know how you know my real name but can you please just call me Sova? I'm not used to be called by my old name."
Ptelophy looks at me for a while before she nods once replying:
"Very well... Sova."
"So, what does Sis need me for?"
"It seems, with your previous mission being a "Great Success" she decided to hand you another mission regarding our neighbours."
"I see...?"
"You may find Sir Libing for further explanation. As for your studies, it'll be delayed until you finished your mission. I hope you wouldn't mind."
I shake my head with a smile as I feel my excitement bursting uncontrollably replying:
"Not at all! Oh, I can't wait! Oh right, Sis told me that she could change my voice. Can I really change it?"
"Oh, that function. Yes, it's already installed within you. Wear your helmet and set it all up."
"Really? Hold on..."
I feel the armour tickling my back as it soon swallows my head whole. When the darkness fade and light pours forth giving me a vision and colour. What I see in the mirror just excites me even more. A very cool looking helmet that has wings on its side as decor but small enough to not be a hindrance, a long branching crest that's made of dreadlocks and feathers, detailed etching of runes written in runician, and a glowing red sphere just a bit above the middle of eyes.
(This armour look so much more amazing with the helmet on! It's fudging awesome! Like what is those runes all over the armour that kinda glows when I wear my helmet which is ridiculously so badass! Is what May would say).
Soon a small panel appear with some kind of moving lines that says,
[Please adjust your voice.]
"Yes! It's finally time!"
What came out from my mouth is not the female voice but clearly a man's voice. I try speaking and testing with the tool Sis gave me and soon realize...
(Science is incredible! Can't wait to see what the others will think... Hmm, since she told me to meet Libing, I guess I could visit him... What time is it anyway?)
"Oh, before you leave, Sova."
I look at her replying:
"Yes?"
"You should go thank, Sir Libing right now for finishing your mess."
Walking closer, I tilt my head asking:
"Now? And my mess? What did I do? Is it because I'm sick?"
"Oh, not that. Don't you remember? During your mission that some soldiers died in that border?"
"Oh right! My head was filled with something else that I almost forgot... Maybe I wanted to forget since that day was so bloody. Very well, thank you for telling me this Ptelophy, I'll do my best so that won't happen again."
"That would be in our interest as well. Their death has helped us in our dreams."
(As I exit her office I can't help but wonder... What has become of me? And those people's death... I rarely heard death ever since living here but that is usually a topic I tend to avoid... But are they usually "used" like this? Ah, what am I thinking? This is too much for me, I need to cleanse my mind for comfort).