It's a beautiful evening, with countless glimmering stars painting the sky, a village with a sense of home, a tranquil forest with only the winds to shake the leaves and the crackling warmth of flames to light the path.
"This should be a great place to stay for the night..."
Bringing in the abandoned chopped wood to light up the fireplace, I take the bowl of rice, a plate of vegetables and meat to eat dinner with...
"Sorry for stealing and let's eat, chomp!"
Remembering what happened after they escape, I try to stop following them and use the main road but the only thing waiting for me is nothing but more roads and heavy forests around with no signs to tell where I am. And with the time flowing by it reaches the end of noon. With a rumbling stomach, I decided to retreat and settle here since there are many supplies to use. And hearing her reaction back confirms that SOMETHING is lurking in this forest driving them all away. And the most disturbing signs is definitely the humongous amount of monster corpses being left alone near the walls I enter and corpses of monsters littered all over the town.
After placing alarms around the place and making emergency escape paths, I picked a small house with many openings to escape. Not after using the mansion in the middle of the city to wash myself and getting some clothes to wear. I can still feel the burning sensation as of now and seeing the fireplace only makes me uncomfortable.
Chowing down my meal, I can't help but clench my spoon whispering:
"I hate this..."
The wooden spoon inevitably breaks from my grip and I sigh from my blunder. I throw the spoon the fireplace and grab another one. Finishing my meal, I start to think as I seat near the fire.
"I found a settlement... But... What now? I have no one to contact or provide help and they probably think I'm the so-called "Vessel of the Dark Gods" sigh..."
Looking out the window, I stare at the countless stars and wonder...
"So do I follow their trails again? They might be moving to a city. But what if the whole cities are full of beast-kin like them? Won't they all turn hostile?"
I drag a chair and take a sit as I watch and ponder my next action and realize another thing.
"What if this so-called vessel of the Dark Gods is a ghost? That's why I can't hear its steps and my alarm would probably be rendered useless but all I know is that spirits hate me so let's not hope they're not the tainted ones... Sigh..."
(Stranded with no help, no connections. But luckily I have my skills and weapons to keep. And how I now know where I am and the language they speak I just need to keep on trying!)
I nod firmly and close the window, cleaning out the dish, the house, and putting out the flames. I brush the bed off the excessive amount of fur before diving in.
(Now that I'm used to sleeping in the comfy bed back at home, beds like this now feels so stiff... No, just be grateful I have a place to sleep in. Good night... Let's follow their trail and hopefully find a city to stay in... But what about money? I doubt they would let me stay in the inn for free? Aaaah! I'll think about that tomorrow! Good night, for real this time!)
*************************************
"..."
"..."
It was silence when I regain my conscience. These serene and calm moments hurts my ears when I open my eyes.
"Haah!"
I got up scratching my head and wonder how long was I asleep? With only the sunlight pouring from window cracks giving me light, I open the window and the bright sun flashes before my eyes forcing me to cover it.
"Good morning, I suppose."
Rubbing my eyes and greeting myself, I decided to clean the house one last time as a form of thank you.
*creak*
"Thank you for the hospitality..."
Exiting the house I clasp my hands to the house I stayed in before moving. I decided to went to the the mansion I use yesterday in this abandoned town which is just a few houses down where I'm staying to prepare for the day. With only the sound of rustling trees, leaves crunching under my feet, and the cool breeze. I went down some stairs and go through the stone and entering a large road meant for vehicles before arriving at the mansion.
(Vehicles... I wonder why didn't they use it? I mean they bring the animals since I could see their trails but the carriage is left behind and there's even a motorcycle in the storage room. How rushed are they?)
Since I already scout around the area, I enter through the kitchen window and make myself some breakfast.
"Feels weird and heavy to just barge in someone's house and use their kitchen and bathroom... I feel so guilty! But I can't be picky! Let's eat!"
Making a simple sandwich and a mug of water, as I eat I went upstairs to where the lord's room is supposed to be. Or I think its the lord's room, I mean I don't know how this place works.
"I mean from the design of their homes, unlike back home the people here use more wood than stones for their houses and their roofs are shaped more like cones. Even this large mansion is made from wood and cones, I wonder if it's more to the technological differences?"
I finish my meal and chug the last drop of water, I place the empty mug on the table near the bathroom and enter inside the bathroom to clean myself. Luckily the place is complete with shampoo, soap and many more ointments that the palace has. Grabbing a new towel and using their clothes. (The easy to wear ones and not a skirt) I soon realize this is a girl's room from the selection of wear, the make-up on her table and the ribbon but her items are what I need. Tying my hair up using her ribbon, I replaced all my clothes from top to bottom, wearing a simple buttoned shirt, jeans, gloves and boots. And let's not forget the undergarments which I pick on the other rooms since the ones here all belong to girls... I look at myself in the owner's mirror and felt a bit happy about my new attire. Grabbing a new belt I modified to hold my bladeless sword and retractable spear.
"Perfect! I look like a proper hunter now! If only I have an armour..."
I pick up a cloak and some money... My hands stop before I could grab the sack of gold and I clench my fist before shaking my head saying:
"I'm sorry but I just can't... I already took so much! I'll earn money on my own! And repay them hopefully!"
I quickly set off with the bag of supplies and extra clothing and clasp my hand at the empty house as I exit shouting:
"Thank you for your hospitality! I'm setting off! Now to prepare for supplies. Ah! The guilt! I suppose Saya's right... I'm a hypocrite. I'm still a burglar in the end."
*************************************
As the sky turns gold once more I can't help to think that time seems to move faster right now. Is it because I've been doing a lot of stuff that I didn't bother with the time?
"No! That's just saying I'm lazy! I need to be more diligent right now!"
Walking alone on the large uneven stone road with only taking a break when the colour of the sky changes, I wondered how far have I travelled since then? I can't see the town anymore... Then again, calling it a town is a bit understatement, that place is more akin to a city with mansions, inns, bars and other stuff I notice were there.
"Then how dangerous are the so-called vessel if it made an entire town run away like that?"
And just like before, no matter how far I travelled it seems I still can't hear any signs of beasts or monsters nearby. As I walk along, I could see rivers, mountains and hills beyond the trees, and many more nature's beauty. Noticing that I didn't even get this far back then, I continue along the road as luck seems to smile on me once more. Beyond me is a bridge crossing over a river to pass by with a sign that shows there's an uneven ground ahead.
"Oh! If there's a bridge does that mean there's a settlement nearby? I guess this is a good time to take a break as well. I may not be hungry or thirsty but keeping my eating schedule in check is still important is what Sis said."
I speed up to get close to the bridge, arriving with the sound of the calm streams. I take a seat near the road light with a head that points where I'm heading and lean on the pillar of the bridge. I open my bag and check the inside to confirm one more time...
"I carry at least enough food to last me for a few days. I hope I can find another settlement by then."
As I eat, I look at the golden sky and realize its already been a few days since I got stranded.
"I wonder if Sis and Saya are doing well? They are alive, right? There's no way they could die if I survive... I wonder how is Sis Yuwei doing running her Sector? Or how is Shifu, Yimu, Abe and Yui doing? Did they succeed in their mission? Or how is Ptelophy, Yuria or Kanami doing in the mansion? Or La and Rana managing their diner? Or... How is May, Aunt and Sis Rubeca doing wherever they are? I just hope they're all doing well."
*chomp* *chomp*
I finish my meal and stretch my body before drinking my bottle empty and then fill my bottle with the clear river stream below.
(The streams here are pretty nice to look but they quite pale to the rivers back at the forest I train back then. The waters there are just dazzling).
"Alright, let's move on."
I pack up and march onward, arriving at the uneven road I start to walk closer and take in the view beyond... I crouch down to stop my shaking legs and examine the sight. If I keep going forward the road will split with a sign in the middle probably showing where it heads. And the forest also ends with the river where everything over it is a vast plains of long weeds and plains.
"Finally a new place! And that sign!"
I rush ahead till I reach the split and read the sign.
[Mohyusig]
That is where I came from, that must be the name of the town...
(Kinda weird to name a town like that).
[Meonbich] >
To the right is a city which translates to distant light...
"Is it a port with a large lighthouse or something? That would be pretty sweet."
< [Meondosi]
To my left is the Distant city...
"I wonder if I'm in a distant land or province or something to name their cities like that? Well, which way should I go?"
I look to the right and left which looks the same. Grabbing my retractable spear and deciding to do that falling stick trick.
"Let's see where fate will take me."
I crouch and pinch the tip of my spear, I place the pummel to the ground and let it go. And fate tells me to go...
*drop*
"... Left! Alright! Left it is! Adventure awaits!"
I jump up with excitement and point to where the spear face.
"But wait..."
I look at the spear and realize once again...
"Isn't my spear made out of an illegal ore? Will they let me in if I bring it? Even if they don't see it, touching it indirectly is enough to cause someone to notice the effects. Uh... I already have my soul weapon but with the spear, I could easily deal with magic foes... Ah! No choice! I have to hide this thing if I want to play it safe! I mean just bringing this thing close to a room with magic will immediately get noticed!"
I grab the spear and went behind the sign and into the long weeds. Using the shovel I bring I nod happily to myself with how Sis is right how useful a shovel is.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
I whisper to myself as I dig on the dirt, after digging as deep as a leg, I drop the spear inside hoping that it will stay there. Burying the ground and making a sign in case I don't lose it, I breathe a sigh of relief and point at the left shouting once more,
"Adventure awaits!"
(Though I kinda feel like a criminal now...)
*************************************
"The roads feel so lonely... Especially when the ones I usually walk by are so crowded in the city. It's a new experience and I guess that kinda make sense with places with distant in their names. This must be the countryside like where I train with Sis back then."
I take in the fresh air and enjoy the view of the flowing sea of green to the side as I walk below the golden sky above. Hoping for at least some checkpoint or a place to rest for the night, luck doesn't seem to smile on me as nothing seems to appear on the road.
(I suppose who would want to sell in such a desolate place like this? Or maybe it has something to do with those people who run away telling them that this area is dangerous? If so... Will I be able to get to the city? I mean do they just let strangers inside without any proof of identity and the like? Ah, hold on, is that what those passports and Visa was? Proof of identity?)
Dusk soon comes and the road light lits up with each of them having a fair distant each to leave a tiny black spot on the road. Picking up the pace, I move hastily but still reach nowhere as the moon soon rise and stars shine on the night sky.
"I suppose it's time for a break."
I take a seat near the road light again and open the bag. Taking a bite of my rations, I look up at the lights and notice there isn't even a single bug flying near. Usually, wasn't there suppose to be bugs flying over the light? Even my lantern get swarm back then when I leave my window open. Finishing my meal, and taking a gulp of my bottle, I start to wonder where to sleep...
(Now that I think about it, isn't this how vagrants live? With no home and just keep moving on the roads?)
I lay close to the lights and sleep using my bag as a pillow... It's dangerous in the open like this but since I can't find a make-shift tent back there this will do.
"Good night..."
I close my eyes and hope to have a brighter day.
*************************************
*drip* *drip*
"Uh..."
Feeling soft taps of water dripping down my nose I wipe it off and try to continue sleep but,
(Don't tell me).
I quickly open my eyes to be greeted with not the sun but the dim night sky. Not knowing how long I sleep,
*crackle* *crackle* *BOOM!*
Rain soon pours down heavily accompanied by the raging gale. I quickly open my bag to grab the cloak and wear it on while also bringing the bag under it. My quick reaction kinda saves me since not much of the rain managed to get me, but I'm still quite soaked none the less. Standing beneath the soft light, I wonder if I should keep moving on...
"No, I have to move. This is not a place I can use anymore."
Urging myself to move, I force march to my destination and to make sure that I don't walk where I came from I follow where the head of the road light is pointing.
*splash* *splash*
Even though the cloak cover and shield most of my body from the rain it still leaves a few parts of my body wet like my face and pants but that's should be better than my whole body.
"I wonder how those vagrants handle living like this? Or am I just used to living the city life? Wait didn't they say there's an adventurers guild? From their name do adventurers live by moving like this all the time? I can't imagine it."
I keep moving on as the weight of the water press on my shoulders and the gale blows to my side while thunders rage above.
"If it was me before the training, I think I would break down crying to go home around now..."
I halt my steps with my own words and look down as my vision starts to get blurry... Water drips down my chin as I can't tell if it's rain or my tears.
"Damn nuggets, I'm- hic, I'm not that weak!"
I force my feet to move forward but,
"Ah!"
*splash*
I tumbled down and trip from an uneven road. Soaked from head to toe.
*smash*
I slam my fist to the road and get up shouting:
"You got to be kidding me! To lose my balance just because of... Hic..."
*crackle* *crackle* *boom*
On my knees, the storm keeps going on while I was left speechless by my actions. Slowly I get up and wipe my face to at least see the road. Taking one step at a time, I locked my arms and slowly move forward.
(If I can at least get to a city and settle in someplace. That would be a mission complete as I wait for the others to find me... They can, right?)
Among the golden glow and darkness, a single ray of white light appear. Like the firefly that yearns for light, I follow along and soon found myself infront of a tavern with a white lantern that shines on a board that reads,
[Hapu Inn]
*knock* *knock* *knock*
I walk to the door which provides a roof and knock on the double door. Realizing that if it were open, wouldn't the door be unlocked? And would they let me stay if I don't have any money? I lean near the door and slowly slide down to take sit. Borrowing their front place and roof probably just for the night, I pull my legs in to hug my legs and keep the remaining warmth.
*click* *creek*
When I was about to close my eyes, a light shines on the road and I could hear someone saying:
"Anyone there?"
Speaking the northern tongue I look up to see a girl my age wearing a simple robe. She looks at me and panics as she shouts:
"Oh no! Sis! Please prepare a room for one!"
She gives me a hand with a smile saying:
"Quickly, come inside."
I take her hand and she pulls me into the building. Unlike the cold, wet and harsh outside, the place here is warm and comfy.
"Hey, you okay?"
She looks at me worried and I nod slowly replying:
"Yea, thank you but I don't have any money-"
"We can deal with that later! Quickly follow me!"
She speaks energetically and pulls me to a room before I could respond.
"Remove your wet clothes or you'll get a cold! I'll go get some towel!"
She speaks loudly and went away, wondering if I finally found a place to rest, I follow her words and remove my cloak along with my shirt and boots.
*slam*
Looking to see her slamming the door open, she throws the towel at my face and covers my sight before shouting:
"Use that! Let me see if I have any spare clothes... (You seem to be the same size as me)."
*slam*
She whispers at the and as I heard the door shuts. I quickly use the towel and let the situation sink in... I am getting actual help? Untying my hairband and removing my headband, I wipe my hair and body dry, hanging the towel on my shoulders as I open my bag to check if anything got soaked. I place it on the empty table and pull out my items one by one and all the items are still okay.
(Thank goodness).
*slam*
"Here, use this!"
She throws in a robe similar to her and I manage to grab it replying:
"T-Thank you."
"You're welcome! Wear it and meet us outside the room!"
*slam*
She shouts back and shut the door again.
(She's very energetic).
Removing my belt, I change all my wet garb and wear the robe she gives me. Following her word I went outside immediately after I finish. As I enter the open hall, I was greeted by two people who seems to be the daughter and her sister. From their black hair and yellowish skin, they don't look so different.
"What did I tell you about throwing things to the customers?"
"But-"
"No buts, young lady! Aren't you a receptionist? You'll lose your job with such an attitude!"
Seeing the girl being scolded by who seems to be her sister behind the bar stand. I walk close to them and bow down saying:
"Um, thank you so much!"
"Oh? Please, you don't need to bow. We gotta help each other in such a troubling time and storm, else we can't be called an inn."
The older one answers back with a smile while the younger ones point at me shouting:
"That's right!"
*smack*
"Ow!"
"Manners!"
"Uuuu!"
The older pulls out a stick to slap her hands which cause her to back away.
(Still, they're so nice to an Owlian like me...)
A bit confused and worried along with suspiciousness filling my heart, I can't help but also ask,
"But, why would you help an Owlian like me?"
(Unlike back at home where I have friends or the turtle sector where I know they don't treat us so different, or that I'm wearing my armour to fool anyone).
The young girl glares at me and folds her arms shouting:
"Goddammit! That new governor's stupid policy!"
"Huh?"
*smack*
"Ayaak!"
"Watch your language, Yoo-Ah."
"But-"
"Hmm?"
"Nothing, please forgive me!"
The little girl cowers behind an empty chair when the older one looks at me saying:
"I suppose you just got here, yes?"
I nod replying:
"Uh, yea...?"
"Then just know not everyone in this kingdom is like the people in the city alright? We don't follow the government's new policy to lick the boots of those pompous Libera followers."
(Huh?)
Confused, wondering if we're on the same page, I walk close to her asking:
"Um, hold on... Are you saying..."
(Kingdom? Does that mean...)
"That the people here don't discriminate against Owlians?"
"Hell no!"
The girl shouted from behind me and The elder lady responds with a glare.
"Eep!"
She continues to hide again when she sighs and pours me a hot cup of brown drink saying:
"Here take a seat and have something to warm you up. Sorry for her rude behaviour, it seems I'm still lacking as a parent..."
I shake my head replying:
"Oh, no, it's fine. I like her energy."
She tilts her head replying:
"That so?"
And continue to brush her apron and bow elegantly saying:
"Still, welcome to Hapu Inn weary traveller, the checkpoint from Meondosi to Meonbich and Mohyusig. To be honest we won't be open for the next 2 hours but please feel to order something up. It's on the house. Think of it as early breakfast."
She hands me one of those slim solid paper that I saw back when I went to that stall in the secret district. As I take it I muster up to say,
"I-If you don't mind, can I at least repay by helping you work here for a day? I work at a diner before, I can serve, clean dishes and mop the place if you don't mind! I just can't accept all of this for free!"
(I don't want the guilt of stealing the items I wear to grow even more... Wait, didn't I take the free items from Sis and the others for granted? Doesn't that sound like I'm extorting from my friends? Aaaah!)
"If you ask with a face like that I can't help but feel worried."
I pull back thinking,
(Eh? I guess I am easy to read?)
But she shakes her head saying:
"But since you're offering help, it would be rude to refuse you. So, pleased to be working with you. Even if it's just for a day."
"A-Aah! Um, please to be working with you as well! Right, um, my name is Sova Anmao. Pleased to meet you."
(When speaking in Hwansea, my name still sounds the same. Which is nice).
*crash*
The younger girl swoops in to sit beside me and rest her elbow infront of me shouting:
"Anmao? So you have a family name? Interesting! My name is Yoo-Aaack!"
Yoo-Aaack's got hand chopped in the head and pushed away when the older one bows her head down again saying:
"Haha, sorry, it seems I hit at the wrong moment. She's Yoo-Ah and I'm Yoo-Sui. Please don't hesitate to ask for help. Especially for Yoo-Ah."
"That's right!"
(Yoo? I always wondered but how do people at the Twin Peninsula handle their names?)
"Thank you, and about that, since I never really been here for long, I don't know much about how the food looks like here."
"Than that's perfect, order some and I'll help you out as you will learn more as well."
(Thank goodness, it seems I've landed somewhere lucky. Though something she said still bugs me... So there might be people from the Theocracy here? Well I doubt they would cause any troubles unless they're like the Templars back at my previous mission. While some people here treat Owlians not so great, maybe I should use this chance to learn more about this place. One step at a time, maybe I can work somewhere else when I'm done here so I can save up and go home. It's better to take an initiative than wait to do nothing after all).