Among the walls of fire, among the lines of spears, between death and silence, a hero clad in armour darker than the night stands between me and my goals. My ever so ambiguous goals of life in this chaotic time. Cheers erected from the walls and silence emanated from my side.
Kiusan who see me take a different stance responds in kind as he ready for another clash. Like the flowing stream I dash forward and he does the same as he wishes to bash me with his shield but with a single knee, I kick his shield up and left him open for my sword and spear. As if my body remembers every bit of my dreams, it moves accordingly as I let my instincts take over and start to learn for myself. When strikes cross, he thrust his spear perfectly at where my spear and sword would intertwine, stopping them both. With enough time, he swings his shield down and pushes my weapons down that is if I didn't dissipate my sword first and make it reappear to strike but his mastery of the shield prevails once again as he lifts his shield to block it and counters back with his tail from below. Using my feet I kick his tail away and use the force to lift myself off the ground once again, this time higher and farther. Seeing my position, he holds his spear with both hands as he straps his shield to his wrist and sends out qi blast and waves at me.
Using the same technique as last time, I feel myself split apart as countless mirrors of myself appear dodging each blast and soon with my halberd I send out my waves with my mirrors above. Raining him down with endless barrages of purple lights as the entire tunnel lights up in purple and huge flash explodes the ground beneath with a huge shock. Thinking this might be over, one of the mirrors shatter as Kiusan jumps out of the rubble of dust unscathed.
(This is going to be longer than I thought).
As if Kiusan is flying, he walks on air and snipes each mirror with his qi blasts, stabs, and slashes. His quick movement and unparalleled reflexes make him seems invincible as no attack can get past his shield. Trying to change the tide, I start to direct the mirrors at him and...
*shatter* *shatter* *shatter*
My mirrors break apart one by one at a fast pace when he strikes with his spear and something soon manifest from behind Kiusan. A giant deity-like being form behind him and soon merge with Kiusan like a possession. Wondering the absurdity of what's going on in this small expedition, Kiusan exploded in green light. Not wanting to give him another chance, I charge with what remains of the mirror and conjure spells that popped in my head.
"Time for my counter-attack!
[Eral Viglan]
[Trua Trorie]
[Trea Dfuaga]"
Countless magic circles appear around him and blast off a powerful light that seems to light the entire darkness into the morning sky. Thinking it's over, that's when Kiusan appears once more, ever so resilient and refusing to be defeated, he burst forth in a green flash that could match mine and before I knew it all the mirrors I had have disappeared leaving the both of us charging to each other. The sight of his black armour and green spear seems to burn to my eyes as we get close, I try my best to push him away with more magic circles but whatever comes his way, he deflects and parries it all. My halberd's hammer soon smashes to his shield and bounces back while my sword clashes with his spear and stuck as we lean close trying to push each other away. and our exchange continues as sparks of purple and green exploded everywhere I see and I can no longer see anything but him and the endless light around us.
(What the hell is happening!? Who is he? To come out of nowhere and... More like what's with me!?)
"Hey, do you think this is my full extent?"
(You're saying after that huge deity-thing possess you it's not your full power!?)
Shouting such, his green spear seems to merge with him as the green light leaves trails on his black armour. He readies himself for a huge attack pulling his spear back and pushing his shield forth as all my attacks are being bounced off by that one shield. Realizing that normal attacks are not going to fly, I gather my power as well. Moving back to gain some distance, a huge magic circle lines up in front me like that time for my finishing move. His green light condenses while waves upon waves of purple light gather around my weapon. Immobilize by our technique we expel our burden by releasing our technique.
"[Ezurgent, Iztroann's Enganre!]"
"Endless heaven calamity technique, Armageddon path: Final Destination!"
We charge, with Kiusan's green light growing more bright and dense as he gets closer and my power growing stronger and thicker with each circle I pass. But unlike him, I shoot off my power in the form of a spear of light and dodge away. Like before he took my attack head-on and everything just seems to burst and explode as I am blinded by the light once again. Knowing how he keeps blocking my attacks, I move and ready my halberd and sword for another clash. And just as I suspected, he comes out unscathed, but this time with his entire armour covered in green scars and light.
(What is he made of?)
Taking the initiative, I jump and launch a downward strike where he blocked it once again with his shield, and continuing with my sword and a stomp before he pushes me away with his shield forward before continuing with a clean thrust with his spear and I respond with swinging my halberd to push myself away once again and gain some distance, unable to break his defence. Our clash continues, moving from one point to the other, pouncing and jumping as we try to gain the advantage towards each other with each clash, I could tell he's not smiling anymore. But...
(This feeling of fighting someone so much stronger than me, like the time with Sis Rubeca during training... It feels so familiar...)
I feel my heart beating faster as if my head is on fire, my arms heavy yet so free, my body stings but I never felt so alive. Learning his moves with every clash, learning every motion with each battle, the sight of the tip of my blade going ever nearer to the target never felt so... Exhilarating!
(Yes, the feeling of progress and achievement! And the sensation of adrenaline pumping over my head, as I know I'm reaching there soon and I realize this now... I need to get this battle over quick!)
Wondering what's going in my head, I let my body fully take over. As I feel my feet digging through the ground, I cast magic circles after magic circles and spread them around to fire off magic blasts, limiting his movements. To my surprise, he doesn't take them on anymore and starts dodging them with insane speed while he closes our distance. Cornering him to fight in a close battle, making sure the tip of his spear is way past my neck I hold my halberd like a short weapon and get close as well. I unleash combos that pop in my head and my attacks starts to connect and I also start to see his moves. Unlike Sis Rubeca he fights closer than her, faster than her, yet less precise and the only trouble I have with him is his shield. Using the short gap between us, I caught his shield between my halberd's blade and handle as I slowly pull his shield down little by little as I keep his spear busy and his tail locked with my constant magic attack. His move unlike before has stagger and his strength starts to deplete as well. Stuck in a battle of strength, attrition, and tug as we try to outcompete with our strength. Gritting my teeth as the tide of battle stays the same.
"Sova I think that's enough."
"Hmm?"
Hearing Saya's voice Kiusan seems surprised as well. Loosening my strength, Kiusan takes this chance to strike with his spear and make some distance between us and look at where the voice comes from. I see another dent on my armour before looking behind me and see Saya opening her helm, with a frown on her face she folds her arm saying:
"Battle's over, they lost."
"Huh? But-"
"But what? Look around you, both of you devastated the entire settlement that there's nothing left."
Hearing her words I look around seeing craters everywhere, the vegetations gone and holes in the walls make this tunnel look like those yellow food. Nothing can be seen in sight but the trails of fire and destruction. Kiusan who see all this quickly tries to look for something when Sangong appears with soldiers behind him shouting:
"Calm down there, Great Hero from long ago. While you were busy destroying your own home, we took our time escorting your people out. And since there's no more home for you to protect, why not stop fighting?"
Seeing another group appearing behind the soldiers, they're the people from inside the base. It seems they've made it around safely. Kiusan who realize his mistakes agrees to our demand, vanishing his spear and shield along with his armour. Only to reveal a body full of black and blues from our duel as his hand, feet, and feet is also bloodied and its skin peeling off...
(He was fighting that hard?)
"I admit my defeat. I'm sorry everyone..."
Falling to his knees, he clenches his chest as dirt brush his peeled fingers. Kiusan is now nothing more than a shadow from our previous battle. In response, Sangong shakes his head saying:
"That's that, but..."
He throws something to both me and him, while Kiusan catches it easily it was a bit hard for me as I stumble a little with both my hands full before he continues saying:
"Take it and recover, we're still kin after all and accompany me to explain something. I doubt your group are the raider clans am I right? Why don't we talk for a while? So I can get some clear picture. Deputy, take a company and scout ahead. I had a feeling you'll find something... Interesting."
"Yes, we obey!"
Sangong orders her and walks back to the group as they make way. With tired eyes Kiusan looks at me for a while before he drinks the bottle Sangong throws at him and follow his steps while his wound heals rapidly. Surrounded by the refugees, the soldier dispersed and follow either deputy and Sangong while they try to line up. For now the conflict is is finally over, I take a huge breathe in and out as I disperse my halberd and scatter the sword before putting it in the hilt...
(When did that sword become a weapon? I'm pretty sure it was a decoration...)
Finally holding the bottle Sangong give to me properly that I realize it's a potion bottle...
(This isn't gonna work on me).
As I ponder what to do with the bottle, I put it in my bag when Saya approaches me spanking my back shouting:
"Great job! Or not! Still, either you're lucky or not we need to continue... Um, there's nothing wrong with your body right?"
I move my hand up and down and feeling only slight cramps I nod saying:
"I guess I'm okay-"
"Hold on!"
Saya pulls me away from the soldier's view before saying:
"Open your helm, I need to check."
Saya orders seriously as she tries to pull something out of her back. Hearing the worry in her tone I can't help but remember the time in the train and follow her words and open my helm. Saya holds both my cheeks and turns my head around before saying:
"No open wounds but there sure is a lot of dried-up and crystalized blood... What about your arms?"
(Crystalized?)
I retract my gauntlets along with a bit of my armour as well and show her my arms which Saya takes attentive care before she nods saying:
"Alright, it seems there doesn't seem to be any wounds. I want to check your whole body too but..."
I shake my head and smile saying:
"Don't worry, and thanks for worrying about me."
Saya looks at me for a while before she walks away saying:
"Hmph! This is just part of my job. Don't think too much. But since you lost some blood you better rest, I'm more surprised you aren't dead yet."
"Well, it does feel icky and sticky coupled with my clothes and hair soaking it."
"That's not what people think when they lost blood Sova- You know what, just try to avoid any battles for now. You can clean yourself when we finish the mission and return. How oh so lucky~ for us to encounter such a foe so early."
Saya shouts loudly in a sarcastic tone before I wear my helm and parts of my armour back on, I stand up feeling a strain on my body, I nod replying:
"Okay, let's regroup with the others."
(Weird, I'm not shaken with losing a lot of blood).
I move my fingers and my hands while travelling. Walking beside Saya, and regrouping with the other soldiers, we see Mitsuru looking at the refugees. Approaching her, I call her out when she looks at me and wave back saying:
"Oh, Sova! That battle was intense, you rock!"
(Rock... I guess they are durable).
"Thanks... So, what are you doing?"
"Well, I'm watching over the refugees. Helping out with keeping them in line or so."
"I-I see..."
"By the way, I think you should go find the General. He's looking for you. Ask the soldiers for direction."
"Oh? Okay?"
(Why does he need me for?)
"Well, I'm gonna wait here then."
Saya excuses herself as she stays beside Mitsuru. Even though there are many people here, the place doesn't seem to be any smaller. I feel like the tunnel seems bigger than I thought it would. When I leave them behind, I could see soldiers are patrolling while helping the sick and wounded. Approaching one of them, I quickly ask:
"Excuse me but do you know where General Sangong is?"
The one I approach jumped in shock before he shakes heavily and clasps his hand shouting:
"Y-Yes! Just head along and you'll find him!"
"I see, thanks."
"No need for thanks! I'm merely doing my duty! Now please excuse me, my lord!"
After answering me, he quickly left. Following his instruction, I continue onwards and seeing many soldiers gathering around, thinking about what's happening. I approach them and they all make way to reveal Sangong and Kiusan sitting on one of the abandoned crates.
"Ah, perfect timing. Come, sit over here, Lord Suowa."
Sangong pats on the crate beside him as he says that. Following his instruction, I take a seat beside him asking:
"So, why do you need me?"
Sangong raises a finger replying:
"For saying great job and thanks for your hard work."
He then raises another finger and continues saying:
"Secondly, it seems I'm right that they're not our targets."
"And what do you mean? Or like why do you have to tell me this?"
"Sheesh, aren't you a battle maniac?"
"More like I have no idea what we're even doing here. All I know is that I'm supposedly here to capture some individuals."
Sangong stayed silent for a while before he looks down replying:
"Right, you're not there during the um..."
Before he gets his spirit back saying:
"Well then, Kiusan was it? Let's just say we'll bring your clan to the new cities built by the empress. For your information, it's near the coast as well. And... You're lucky the one you met is my army and the crusaders, who knows what will happen if you encounter the one you told me about. Maybe the one they'll take will not be your resource but your lives instead."
"What?"
(There's another army beside ours? Hold on... How many armies did Nanny say we have? And how do you count armies anyway?)
I tilt my head wondering as I ask and Kiusan lean forward asking:
"What do you mean? Are you telling me there's another army out there ravaging in the walls?"
Sangong nods replying:
"Yup! The moment she saw the room is filled with rat-kin she immediately ignored us and stormed off to the walls pursuing the escapees while devastating everything in her way, like no survivors at all unless ordered to. Can't she show any restraint? These people in the walls are already suffering from the Crusade's forcefully taking their supplies and now they gotta deal with her...
Though I must say her knowledge in urban and underground battle even exceeds the greatest Rat-kin Diggers that I know. She even manages to outrun a rat-kin clan in the walls, imagine that... Gosh! Look at the talkative me. And I doubt that's something you need to know now. Just follow my soldiers back to the base, then talk to my strategist, he will help with your transportation."
"I see, thank you."
"No problem, now who... Ah, captain Weiyang."
"Yes, General!"
(How did he know who? They're all wearing helms!)
"Escort the refugees to the base and bring that man to Kaiji."
"Yes, we obey!"
The captain walks to Kiusan before saying:
"Please, follow me."
Kiusan gets on his feet as he seems to have fully recovered replying:
"Yes, please help inform my clan."
"Yes, we obey!"
They both walk away and disappear in the darkness. With a single gesture, all the soldier surrounding us scatter leaving only the both of us. Wondering what he was about to do he wrap his hand around my back saying:
"So~ let's just start by saying ain't you a powerful guy? Even I would have a hard time fighting him if given the chance."
"I'm not so powerful, and besides I'm not strong enough to beat him."
"Pfff, being stronger than your opponent doesn't mean beating them... Though I guess that's the goal, metaphorically speaking it's not."
"So, I heard you call me here General, so what do you need of me? Did you perhaps found the targets?"
"Well, we are taking the shortcut but yeah. Sheesh, don't you know how to relax?"
"I'll have my vacation when I capture them, the faster I catch them the longer my vacation will be."
"Ah~ that sounds nice. I guess since you're here don't you wanna ask anything while we're still waiting for the scouts?"
A spark ignites in my head as a question popped in my head. Nodding to his suggestion, I look at him asking:
"So mind telling me your plan for this whole operation? Until we finally reach the targets anyway."
Sangong wraps his hand tightly as he pulls me closer and using the hand he wraps around me to slap his forehead.
"Ah, I guess that's essential, right, sorry!"
Seeing him smile cheerfully in this dim area, he throws a gem to the ground and starts saying:
"Right now, we're in the outer layer of the wall. Since this is a 2 prong assault led by me and Commandant Yong, we're here to stabilize the borders made by the beelining General Irina, the person I told you about that stormed off to capture the targets first."
(What's beelining? And General Irina? She's here?)
He starts pointing down on the floor as he explains and I wonder if I'm supposed to look at something... Wanting to quickly remove the misunderstanding, I pull his hand away and give some distance replying:
"Are you supposed to show me something? I can't see anything."
"Huh? I can still see it... Well um, there's supposed to be a holographic map of our plan so- wait, is it broken?"
Sangong lets me go and approach the thing he throws and seems to can't find it in this dim darkness among the tall leaves and vines... Realizing he's not gonna find it, I decided to help him and luckily found it in one go. I hand it over to him saying:
"Sorry to say this but I can't see magic projection from tools, so if you want to show me something, you have to use something real."
(This resulted in me looking at the blank board in the huge streets once and I'm confused by what people are looking at).
"Oh? Well, thanks anyway. So to simplify the recap, we're now trying to catch up with and reinforce General Irina while also occupying all the southeastern wall. We do that by capturing their capital which is always in the centre of their region before we spread out which will be easy as picking a cherry."
(What's a cherry? If he says that, it must be easy to pick a cherry huh?)
"I see, so where do we head next?"
"Well, we leave that to the scouts to return..."
He gets close again and hands me a glass bottle asking:
"So want some drink?"
Taking it, I look at the bottle which doesn't have any plaster asking:
"Oh, thanks, what is it?"
"Oh, it's my favourite, I'm sure you'll love it."
"Okay?"
Easily popping the cap, I open my visor a bit before taking a chug-
"Prrrfff!"
(This is alcohol! And it burns! Ah, my nose!)
"Man what a waste. What's wrong? Did it go bad? I better ask someone to check the rest-"
"Ahack! No, It's just I'm not even old enough to drink it yet. And I don't dislike alcoholic drinks, I just prefer not to drink if I can."
(The last time I drink I think was around 3 years ago when Nicole brought his family's own brewed wine which is pretty delicious and sweet but before I realize it I was knocked out cold. Waking up and realize I'm lying down on Nicole, I can't remember what happened and Nicole won't even tell me what happened. Plus the head-splitting headache, the sticky clothes, horrendous smell, and piled up unknown embarrassments, it's not a good experience... Hmm? The burns getting milder).
"I see... I thought there's no age restriction of alcohol in the Confederation? Besides that, how old are you anyway?"
"I'm 16."
"Really!? You're 16 and you got a voice as deep as that? That's fucking hilarious-"
(It's weird!?)
"Ahem, I mean, 16... Yeah... Ahem, right! You must be talented! You're just like him but one year older back then. I guess he must be 18 by now if he survived fighting Taiga... Say, you a reincarnated?"
(Reincarnated? Oh! Those people who retain old memories right? I heard a lot of them when I was reading stories of the Confederation... And who is he comparing me to? And Taiga?)
"No, I doubt I am. I can't even remember much of my childhood at all."
"Ah! You're a genius then. Very nice! Those cheat-asses always mistook their experience for granted."
"What about you, General? Are you a reincarnated?"
Since he brought up the topic I can't help but ask since I'm curious. Waiting for him to answer, even behind the mask I could tell he's smiling. But it feels different since the air has gone cold.
"Me? Well..."
The mood becomes tenser when,
"Of course not! If I am I wouldn't be fighting in the front lines like this! Well, talk's over, you can wait until the scouts return then. I'm gonna go check the refugee escort progress, Chao Chao."
Everything returned normal when he replied and leave with a wave of his hand.
"I-I see..."
(And Chao Chao? I feel like I offended him somehow. Does he have a personal grudge against them?)
With the bottle still in my hand, I look down at the velvet liquid inside among the dimly lit tunnels. Using this short rest, I take out the pictures Libing gave me and look at it once more...
(Reincarnated and other worlds... I wonder what the other world is like? Like what kind of world did Rana lives in if she is what she claims to be? A world where people just get along with each other? A world without violence? A world filled with people with no magic? A world without monsters and where no one has to bear arms? Is it possibly a world made out of sweets and their race is name from candy brands? And... Why or when do I react to them?)
Walking through the dark tunnels, I try to find Saya and Mitsuru while hearing the loud march of the people behind...
(Who should I give this bottle?)
Seeing a soldier patrolling alone in the edge of a branching tunnel, I approach him and tap his shoulder saying:
"Hey."
"Uwaah! W-Who?!"
Caught in surprise, the soldier jolts as he points the spear at me. From the voice, he's a she...
(Or maybe he's like me? But I wonder if my situation is normal?)
Seeing who I am, the soldier quickly disarms herself and kneel till her head slam the ground shouting:
"I'm sorry!"
(What?)
I pull her up easily and hand the bottle to her saying:
"Here, you can have it."
"H-Huh?"
Surprised by my offer, hesitate for a while before I ask:
"You don't want it?"
"N-No! I'll take it. Thank you, Lord Silencer!"
"You're welcome."
As I prepare to leave she grabs my hand saying:
"P-Please hold on, forgive me lord Silencer but can I please follow you?"
With her weapons, on one hand, she grasps me tightly with the other as I see her knees shaking.
"I guess, yes?"
"Thank you so much! I'll follow you close!"
"Right..."
Wondering what she is doing as I wonder why. I continue to wander off while always sticking to the soldier crowd and bright place so that I wouldn't get lost. Trying to find Mitsuru and Saya I look at the soldier walking beside me asking:
"Hey, have you seen a tall lady with samurai armour?"
"H-Huh? U-Um no..."
"I see... Say, why are you following me anyway? Aren't you paroling just now?"
"Huh? N-No, I... I was lost... Please forgive me!"
"Wait, l-lost?"
(Please don't tell me!)
I approach one of the groups of soldiers and hold one of them saying:
"Hey-"
My hand phase through the group and soon the darkness dawn while the group of people around disappears...
(Schnitzels! Not again!)
The soldier approaches me and holds my hand again saying:
"U-Um... What happened?"
Facing the truth, I look at her saying:
"We're lost."
"Huh!? O-Oh..."
Her grip becomes weak when she nods and softly saying:
"Okay..."
(I thought this only happens in the reliquary? So it can happen on the walls too? How do people even live here then? Or like how did the scouts- oh, how are they doing now? Did they got lost like us?)
Filled with thoughts, I try to reassure her by holding her shoulders saying:
"Just follow me, I'm sure we'll be fine. I mean... I'm a Silencer after all."
Trying to calm her down with empty bravado, she grabs my hand tighter and since we're the same height, she looks at my face to face replying:
"Y-Yeah, you're right! With a Silencer, there's nothing we can't survive!"
Regaining her spirit back a little, she calms herself down yet still clinging close. Being barely able to see in the darkness, I just realize how the armour I have now doesn't have any map in one of its panels. Wondering I can traverse it I decided by saying:
"Let's just meander back and retrace our steps."
"Y-Yes!"
Going first with uncertainty within, I can only hope for the best while asking:
"Say, may I know your name? My name's Suowa Anmao."
"Eh? O-Oh! This lowly one is called Chenlin."
"Ok then, let's get through this together okay?"
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Suowa!"
It was darkness wherever we went, with only the help of my heightened sense of hearing that I was able to determine where we going or if there's a dead-end beyond. Hearing echoes of little critters roaming the ceilings above I can only wonder where have I ended up?
*************************************
I don't know how long we've been here but right now, we're taking a break. It feels arriving and finding that settlement is much faster than where we got stuck now. With Chenlin close to me, she takes sips of the alcohol I gave her while I quietly watch her in the darkness, resting my body and picking up sounds with my heightened hearing...
(Since we didn't suffer any of this illusion stuff when we arrive, does that mean someone casts a spell? And since it works on me it's not magic but spiritual? I'm starting to question what do Zerians call magic and not?)
Also, I wonder if it's okay to drink alcohol when we're lost? Like, doesn't she carry any supplies with her? Chenlin has been quiet this whole time. Trying to break the silence, I start by asking:
"So, how long have you decided to fight?"
"Eh? Oh, you mean joining the army right? Um..."
Surprised by my sudden question, Chenlin scratch the back of her head replying:
"Honestly, only for a few months. So I can only fight in teams to form the wall and stand my ground. Though I'm sure someone as strong as you Lord Silencer must've trained since you can stand right?"
"Me? I've only been training for a year."
"What? You can fight like that in just a year!? You're amazing!"
Chenlin jumps over shouting with vigour. I shake my head replying:
"Can't say I am. Most of those are using my instincts, so I doubt I have control over it."
"That's still amazing!"
Something stabs me when she says that and I can't help but reply saying:
"What's so amazing if you can't succeed with it!?"
(After all, what's the point of a golden scissor if you can't even cut paper with it? Might as well stick with a rusty scissor that can do the trick).
"Ah... Well... I'm sure the time will come."
Chenlin replies softly as she slinks back, this time gulping the drink in silence...
(Ah... It seems the accumulation of my failures are piling up on me...)
"Sorry for lashing out."
"O-Oh! It's fine... I understand what you mean. But that's just how life is, a big pile of failures until you can finally grasp that one success."
Staring at her in the darkness I can't help but nod along replying:
"Yea, you're right. Thanks for that."
(I may have many failures, but that doesn't mean I need to discredit my successes no matter how small they are).
"Hehe, no problem! I'm just glad you're sharing me your troubles! I guess in the end, no matter how powerful we get, we're all still living with problems."
"Yea..."
Wondering if she could see in this darkness since no one bothered lighting up a fire. Well, not like I didn't know how but I'm just afraid it might burn the vegetation around and surround us at worst. Since we're all rest up and talking, I guess we could-
"Say, Lord Suowa... Do you have a hobby?"
(That's out of the blue!)
Seeing how it's my turn being surprised, I shake my head thinking the same answer:
"No, I don't have any. But I guess I'm planning to take one."
Chenlin gets close replying:
"Really!? T-Then what if I recommend you learn sewing! My family runs a textile shop you see! I can teach you lots of stuff about textiles!"
(Sewing... Like Sis Rubeca? I guess I don't mind since with sewing I can prolong the use of my clothes. Still, a textile shop? I wonder how that works? I never found one in my district? Ah right, I wonder what clothes in the city of art will be like? Must be pretty extravagant).
"Really? I did learn a little so I can fix the holes and tears."
I smile behind my helm while I answer back and she approaches ever closer replying:
"Hehe, that's a good start! But you gotta learn more! Like expanding your clothes so you can adjust the appropriate size when you grow up! Or your siblings won't get angry with hand-me-downs since you can help them better clothes!"
"Oh? I guess that's true..."
(Hand-me-downs... I heard that's an activity you do with siblings, though I never experience it since Sis Rubeca couldn't give us hand-me-downs with our size difference being just ridiculously huge. Though maybe Aunt Palka gives Sis Rubeca her clothes since they don't differ in height- never mind, I doubt Sis Rubeca's slim body would fit Aunt's huge clothes...
It's hard to believe it's only been along 5 years since we've met her that day. So I doubt I get to see more of Sis Rubeca's clothes... More like what kind of clothes does she wear back then? Or now? Rana told me she was part of the Aologi army's something about the police, so does she wears the same clothes as Coraline? Or Ezurus?
I rarely see her walk around other than in her basic hunter gear too and the time in Central when she wears that hanfu is a rare sight).
Chenlin gets even closer and continues saying:
"And not only that, you could even make your own dress, clothes and even your own toys! I mean, to be honest, I hate those silk clothes and would never weave them if those nobles wouldn't pay a high price for it! I prefer the texture of cotton. It's not smooth like silk but it is more comfy and soft! And cheap! Plus it feels like you're walking on your pyjamas all the time!"
"I-I really can't tell the difference."
(I mean I don't know the material this robe I wear right now. Or my distributed clothes are made off).
She wraps her hand around me and pulls me close shouting:
"Well, you should! Cause it can really save you a lot! You would be surprised by how much money people could spend on clothes. So better start learning if you want to live efficiently and do the basics! I could even teach you too! Hahaha!"
(Where did all this energy come from? She was pretty timid- don't tell me...)
I turn around and it seems my suspicions were correct. Even if she doesn't show me her face, everyone can easily tell, she's drunk... I wonder if I shouldn't have given her the alcohol? More like isn't drinking alcohol when you're lost a bad idea? Or drinking during a mission a huge mistake?
Taking the initiative, I support her with my shoulder and continue walking ahead. It seems the more we travel deeper the more the illusion becomes annoying. I may not be able to realize it at first but it seems even though I'm seeing things, all I need to do is follow my ears since both my eyes and nose have been compromised now. I could smell things that shouldn't be there, like the scent of old wood and oranges.
Using the echoes once again to determine where to go, I started seeing things. Unlike the previous one where I see a group of soldiers, now... All I see is home, bright as day and clean road inside the palace. Phasing through the walls, passing the hallways, into the hall of mirrors and windows. I start to think are they really trying to trick us? But in the end, I can't help but feel burnt out. I mean I know I'm not tired but... I'm just not motivated... Is it because I came to hurt someone?
"Nah, I mean they don't specifically say hurt so I can still talk this out. Just like the book said, defeat your opponents before they even raise their sword with deception or sabotage."
"Talk what out, My Lord~?"
"Oh, nothing."
"I see! You know, you're surprisingly approachable behind that scary armour and weird voice. Seriously, I feel like that glowing red orb feels like an evil eyes glaring at me!"
"I think you need to learn some restrain."
"Haha, sorry~! Oh and by the way, don't tell my capt that I got drunk on mission okay? Thanks!"
"Hoh boy..."
Snuggling up close and hugging my neck with one arm as she says that. She seems to be very... Honest now as she throws the empty bottle away while chatting. To my surprise, her spear and shield are attached to her shoulders like how my previous spear was attached to my back waist. I guess one of the perks of soul weapons is you don't need to carry it but summoning do take time, is that why they carry backup weapons just in case? Should I carry backup weapons too? I mean this sword has no blade and weaving one takes time too...
(Weird, for someone like me who doesn't like violence but here I am talking about weapons- Ah! What's wrong with me!? I'm starting to question a lot! Focus on the thing ahead first!)
Wrecking my head for no reason, I push those thoughts away to the corner of my mind and continue forward. Following my steps, I soon found a huge opening. Wondering if this is the right place, I march forth until my whole view change and I found myself back at where we first started. With a bit of light and stars in artificial stars in the sky, we arrive at a train station but unlike before there are no soldiers or the camp HQ we built nor the remains of any inhabitants. Instead, only heavy vegetations and the ruins that's left. That's when I realize the number on the gate is different...
(We got lost didn't we?)
I try to let Chenlin go but she still latches on when I forcefully remove her hand saying:
"Chenlin, get serious!"
"But..."
"We're on a mission now, I admit it's my fault for giving you alcohol but at least drink some water... You have one right?"
"Well, this armour is already pretty heavy even when they tell us that an exoskeleton or something is supporting us. Plus, we're assault squad so we don't bring anything but our spear and shield since we're like the cleanup and fighting crew, we bring things that will end the battle like some grenades or something, and a butt load of other assault equipment, yeah~!"
"I-I see... Hold on!"
(Now I remember!)
I let Chenlin sit on the stairs and open my bag to pull out a water bottle. Since I don't want Since I don't feel thirsty, I decided to give it to her saying:
"Here, drink up."
"E-Eh? T-Thanks..."
She grabs my bottle and opens her helm and for once I get to see her directly. A girl in her mid-twenties with long black hair she tied up, and maybe it was the dim room but she has quite a beautiful pair of platinum eyes...
(Platinum, that's a very rare colour to see. I mean most people have main colours like red, blue, green, yellow and uncommonly the mixed colour like pink, purple, brown and orange...)
"*gulp* *gulp* pwaah! That's refreshing! What's wrong? Something on my face?"
Chenlin asks back as she tries to wipe her mouth. I shake my head replying:
"Sorry, your eyes just entrance me."
"Heeh~? Is the Lord Silencer hitting on me? Though I guess I don't mind if I could at least see your face."
"Hitting? Um, I wouldn't hurt you. I'm just praising your eyes."
"Hehe, well, thanks!"
"So, are you not drunk anymore?"
She shrinks and cowers softly replying:
"Yeah, I'm much better now and... Sorry for my attitude..."
"It's fine, I'm at fault as well... Though is still a bigger problem now."
Chenlin looks around at the ceiling and walls before saying:
"Yeah... If they can even trap a Silencer like you, I wonder how powerful this wizard could be?"
(I doubt that's the point. But...)
"Say, what is a Silencer to you?"
I lean on the stair's fence and ask out of curiosity when she smiles replying:
"A miracle worker."
"Excuse me?"
(A champion, a diplomat and now a miracle worker? I'm so confused!)
"I see..."
"What is it? Am I wrong?"
"Oh, no, not at all, I just want to know how people view Silencers is all."
"Oh~, well if that's the case it's not so good. If you're not so easy-going like that, I would definitely not act like this. Didn't any of them tell you of this?"
"Not yet, let's just say the moment I become one, I've been... Busy."
"Ah~! Alrighty then. I think I can walk by myself now. Let's get a move on."
"Yes."
Chenlin equips her spear and shield as she wears her helmet back with thought. Handing me my bottle saying:
"Here, thanks for sharing."
I receive it and put it back in my bag replying:
"No problem."
For some reason, I could tell she's smiling behind her helm even in this darkness when she bumps me with her shield saying:
"I feel like we're gonna encounter something. Like something big is awaiting us at the end of the road."
"I see, so you know where it is?"
"There."
She points her spear at the gate beyond where we enter. I stretch my hand and feet to warm up before replying with,
"Lead the way then."
(Where did she get all the confidence? Isn't she pretty scared when I first met her? Maybe she's still drunk?)
Accompanying each other side by side, we continue our journey in this dark place. Entering the entrance, we found ourselves in the same looking tunnels as before, filled with vegetations, critters and no more illusions.
(So she really can see in the dark huh? Is it her armour?)
As we walk together, she starts to complain about how tough the first few weeks being trained. And she asks back how I train. And when I told her that I was being beaten up black and blue every day and taught something new when I figure something out by myself, else I have to survive in the forest alone. She quickly shuts up replying:
"Ah... Sorry, and here I thought being part of the assault team training was tough. I guess the higher your position the harder the training. Pretty reasonable. Else, it wouldn't be so special huh?"
"I can't comment on that."
(I mean, I feel a bit cheating with how I somehow got this position... By coincidence or someone's whim no less).
"Heh~ pretty humble ain't ya?"
"Me? Not at all, I always like to show what I can do whenever I learn something."
(Except if it's dangerous).
"Really like what?"
I pump my fist replying:
"Like being able to do multiplication of 7, 8 and 9, like around 2 years ago!"
Even in the dark and her face hidden behind her helm, I can again tell she's smiling behind that visor.
"Riiiight..."
With a sarcastic tone, she replies before looking ahead.
"Hey, what's with that tone? You must admit that is amazing."
"I learn how to help my family with the cashier when I was 12. So I learn how to count more than thousands by then too and learn how to use quadratic since I need to make sure the result doesn't differentiate since my lil sis sometimes lost the checks."
"Q-Quada- what? What in the world is that?"
My mind was blown by what she said, and my body leans back before I knew it as I ask.
"Pfff, hahahaha! Oh! Sheesh, ain't you adorable? Sigh, for a silencer you sure don't look scary. Hehe, I guess even the most prestigious have their struggles as well.
"Ah!"
(Right, I'm supposed to be scary! Ah! I just make a fool of myself!)
I walk ahead of her replying:
"Forget that, I-I mean I definitely know how to count more than 10 multiplications!"
"Sure~! Say how old are you anyway?"
"Me? I'm 16."
Chenlin walks beside me and leans forward replying:
"Pfff really!? Then you better call me Miss then. I thought you're in your late thirties with a voice like that."
"Is it that weird?"
"Yeah! Young boys like you should have a smoother voice. For someone 16 you sound like a grizzled old man. You sure you ain't lying? Since, Martial Artist tends to look younger than their supposed to, just in case you don't know. It's fine, just be honest."
"Urgh... Well, I am 16, I just thought it was cool since that's how a man supposed to sound like- I mean, the grizzled old man voice is great! And yeah, of course, I know!"
"Sure~"
Smirking behind her helm, Chenlin replies jokingly when I could finally see light at the end of the tunnel. It seems she was right when she said something huge is awaiting us in the end. Exiting the tunnel and walking into the light what greeted us is just... Astounding. I don't know how thick and long the walls we're in but what awaits us beyond is a great ravine separating a bustling gigantic city in two.
Bustling streets filled with people walking around visible from here, tall buildings and towers of humongous size, moving trains and all kinds of transports, huge aqueducts connecting to massive agricultural fields that connects the city that makes and making it look like the city has floating rivers, massive housing complexes and industry stretching as far as the eye can see and those are all things I can catch from where I stand and most of my vision blocked by those aqueducts and towering buildings. Who knows what can be seen from the other side. It makes it so hard to believe if we really are in the wall if not for the fact that we're now in some huge under well with the ceiling beyond open for the ashen clouds to rain. Wondering where we ended up in, even Chenlin is caught by surprise by what she sees.
I kneel down and try to grasp the distance with my hearing and...
"Something huge huh?"
I ask her one more time just to confirm and she falls to her butt laughing before replying:
"Hahaha, well this is beyond huge."
Chenlin falls drops her weapon and fall on her butt as she takes in the view while sitting down. Realizing that we're high above, and that the city we see is far beyond my hearing could take, I step back and try to find a path. Finding out that we're high above, standing on some stone terrace with stairs leading down, I tap her shoulders and point at the stairs saying:
"Either way, let's keep moving. And probably for the best that we avoid being seen."
(Since I doubt the one who cast the illusion are here or that people who live so close with it would treat invaders like us nicely).
"Heh, the one who won't spot us are people who refuse to look or believe we exist. But yeah, I doubt going back to that illusion maze is a good idea..."
Chenlin offers me her hand and I grab it to help her stand. She grabs her weapon and leans on the edge to look at the city below and I can't imagine how horrible it feels.
(I don't know why but why does every time I look from high places I got the urge to just jump? It's horrifying).
I hurry down the stairs saying:
"Come on, we shouldn't waste our time here."
"Okay."
Chenlin gets up and follows behind me as I descend. Holding the walls beside me since there's no fence, I make sure not to like beside me and focusing on the terrace below us.
"Hey, hey, I think something is coming our way."
Chenlin taps my shoulder as she says that and I can't help but hear something cutting the winds and slowly look beside me. And just like she's said, I could see people flying here with magic tools on their legs and back and I can't help but sigh and wonder,
(Should I just said no when they ask my help? This is gonna be a long journey before I finish).