Darkness seems to fade as dim lights shine upon the abyss. Opening my eyes, I look upon the window as the sunlight leeks from the curtain. As I look down beside the bed where Yoo-Ah was sleeping it seems she has woke up and left as both the blanket she borrows and the pillow she brings is not there anymore.
(I think last night she said that she's punishing herself by sleeping on the floor for being so selfish but... It kinda makes me feel guilty following her wishes. And isn't she still being selfish with forcing me to agree?)
I turn around on my bed and spread my arms wide thinking,
(Alone... Now that I think back, didn't I end up alone back then when I was still with Sis Rubeca and May? After falling to the Reliquary but luckily Rana showed up to help me).
Unlike outside my back feels laxer as I lay down on the soft bed. I feel fresher, not like the unstable temperature of both cold and hot happening while sleeping outside.
(Now that I have a clearer mind I realize this is not my first time surviving and travelling. I should do my best in this situation and make something good out of it!)
Still, last night she said today's the day we move. Better double-check and prepare for the day. I jump out of the bed and land near the table to check my bag...
(It feels weird saying something belongs to me when I stole it... Scavenge is the proper word right since I take it from an abandoned place?)
I open and recheck as I pull out the clean travel clothes similar to yesterday.
"Maybe I should make time to clean and wash my clothes."
I start to undress from my shirt-
*slam*
"Wake up! Rise and shine you sleepy head!"
Yoo-Ah shouts as I hear her slam the door open. Still in the mid of stripping my shirt and my vision blocked, I turn to where her voice comes from replying:
"Oh, hold on, let me finish remove this-"
"Waah!"
"Oooh!"
"Ah! Don't look you pervert!"
"You're the one who opened the door-"
*pow*
*crash*
"You... Ugh..."
I could hear Soo-Li's shouting back as the sound of her punch seems to echo clearly. Worried I quickly pull my clothes off and I could see Soo-Li knocked out on the floor with a reddened face while Yoo-Ah stands on his body with the same red face.
"Morning I guess? But is he okay?"
"You don't need to worry about that, pervert! And you should take better care so that no man look at your skin!"
"But didn't you open the door without knocking?"
With a red face she grabs Soo-Li and drags him out saying:
"S-Stupid me!"
Slamming the door in the process as she exits. I look at my topless self and stare at the recent new scar I got on my right shoulder going down. I look back at the closed door thinking,
(Right, she still doesn't know that I'm a guy. And that boy too. I doubt I can explain without actually showing anything so I suppose I better make use of this? But how? And I should probably take the initiative to lock my door when I can. Especially when I'm not in a familiar place).
*************************************
After wiping myself and wearing all my clothes, I strap the shovel on my back, strap my belt with my weapon and hold the back of the belt and wonder,
(I hope the spear is still there).
I wear the cloak which is dried up now and head out to meet them. Seeing both Yoo-Ah and Yoo-Sui already waiting near the door, I wave at them saying:
"Good morning! Sorry, I'm late."
"Ah, good morning, Sova. Here have this for breakfast."
Yoo-Sui hands me a toast with butter and egg on top. I take it gladly saying:
"Thank you!"
I approach Yoo-Ah who's now wearing a proper uniform similar to the receptionist of the Hunters with the beret and all. But unlike the Hunters with a feather on top, they have a sword pin attach to it while their uniform is mostly red.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
She bows down repeatedly when I get close enough and I try to stop her saying:
"Please you don't need to."
"B-But I let a guy see your body and make you lose your innocence!"
"It's okay since it's an accident right?"
(Besides, I'm a guy. What's so embarrassing to show my top?)
"No! That's unacceptable! I can't forgive myself!"
Yoo-Ah who's patting Soo-Li's head while he's still knocked out shakes her head saying:
"Yoo-Ah, she said she forgives you. At least calm down for now."
"B-But! I... Uuuh..."
Yoo-Ah shrinks and tries to make her self look smaller as she hides behind the table. While I eat the meal Yoo-Sui looks at the sword ib my belt saying:
"Oh, that's quite the fancy-looking sword, Sova. And is that a shovel?"
"Oh? This? Yes, my Sis told me that a shovel is a modern swiss knife or whatever she calls it during travel. As for the sword, it's more of an ornamental sword see?"
I pull out the sword to show her the bladeless sword and she gasps saying:
"Oh my! That is certainly unique. I guess you're planning to scare your enemies while not planning to hurt them? That's quite cunning."
"Really? Me? Cunning?"
Hearing her I start to remember that book I borrow from Saya... The art of war is won with something but most importantly the use of deception and sabotage.
(Maybe I should try using that when I can).
She nods saying:
"Yes, but be careful, with how expensive that sword looks. You better watch out for thieves."
"I'll keep that in mind."
I hide the sword behind the cloak and wonder again,
(Didn't my instincts once use the sword by making a qi blade out of it? It is similar to the sword Rana borrowed me back then now that I look at it more).
I look back at the collapsed Soo-Li asking:
"So are we going to wait until he wakes up? I kinda feel bad since it's kinda my fault."
"Oh, you don't need to worry. Soo-Li is a tough boy who took after his dad after all. Hold on..."
Yoo-Sui pats his face when he groans and slowly opens his eyes whispering:
"A-Am I in heaven?"
"Of course not, I would be dead otherwise."
"U-eh-uwaah!"
He quickly gets up from her lap pillow and looks around when he saw me his face burst red shouting:
"I-I'm sorry!"
"It's okay. So are we ready to leave?"
While still bowing down he slowly looks up replying:
"Uh... Yes... After bringing Sui-Noona to the farm, I'll help drive you to Meondosi. You'll arrive around late afternoon."
"That late?"
"Well yeah, it's pretty normal after all. And much better than walking on foot which will take you around 8 hours from here. Assuming you don't take any breaks."
(Right, it seems I got used to the high-speed trains that I kinda forgot how slow we travel).
He slowly starts to look up and talk to me face to face when Yoo-Sui looks at him asking:
"If you don't mind, can you please drive them first to their destination? Since they need to work after all. If it's the night they wouldn't be able to do any of what they wanted."
"If you say so. I can do that. Alright you two, pack up and double-check one more time!"
I nod and look at my wear again and make sure that my bag has no opening before replying:
"All check!"
"I'm ready as well!"
"I'm prepared as well."
Both Yoo-Ah and Yoo-Sui responded after me and I wonder with how chaotic it been, I raise my hand asking:
"Just making sure but, do you need any identification to enter the city?"
All three of them looks at me weird when Yoo-Ah folds her arms shouting:
"Of course we do! Why do you ask? Wait, don't tell me..."
I nod to her suspicion replying:
"Just like how I have no money right now. I lost my identification. (Which is my medal). Is there perhaps another way in?"
"That's quite bad..."
Soo-Li scratches his head when Yoo-Ah shouts:
"Then I'll vouch for her! Soo-Li, you too!"
"Like hell, I will! I ain't gonna want any trouble coming back to bite me! Especially after that stunt, do you know how painful it is!?"
He rubs his swollen cheek as he answers back while Yoo-Ah shakes her hands replying:
"But! Fine! I'll apologize as much as you want but please help me out here!"
"Why are you even doing so much for her anyway? Don't you just like met her yesterday? In the end, the answer is no."
He then looks at me and his face reddened even more saying:
"I may have done something sinful and I'll gladly take some more responsibility but that and vouching is a totally different matter!"
Yoo-Sui looking at the predicament holds Soo-Li's shoulder. He looks back at her saying:
"Sui-Noona not you too... No! Even if it's you. My answer won't change!"
(If he is so adamant on vouching, I wonder if it's that precious and risky? If so maybe I should just find my way inside by myself).
Before I could speak, Yoo-Sui shakes her head replying:
"No, I just want to say, how about she uses my name instead? This is the first time I see Yoo-Ah so serious about something. I don't want her enthusiasm to break by something like this."
He looks at her worried before shouting:
"Fine! You two are just too nice! Alright then, let's go! I'll wait outside."
He brushes Yoo-Sui's hands-off and head outside while I can only look at the two of them and bow down saying:
"Thank you so much! I don't know how important this vouching is but I'll make sure I'll repay you two one day. Especially after all that you did with me yesterday too."
"My request would still stay the same, Sova. Just make sure you take care of her okay? She is prone to making troubles after all."
"Sis! But..."
She looks at me and clenches her hand shouting:
"You don't need to worry! You'll pay it all back when you work under my supervision. That's when you become an Adventurer, of course!"
"Thank you again you two."
"Alright, enough thanks. We better start moving. I need to prepare something before we head out."
"Alright, Sis! I'll head out first!"
Yoo-Ah leaves first bringing with her a box with wheels and I follow suit saying:
"Okay, we'll wait outside."
We both leave the inn and I wonder what the city life outside Rucina will be. Not counting the abandoned town I visit. We exit and I found Soo-Li getting on top of a weird-looking bicycle similar to the one in that abandoned town's lord basement. But unlike the one there, this one looks even thicker and the overall shape is pretty cubical especially the wheels, they are huge!
"Alright, hurry it up you two."
"Well give me a hand."
As Soo-Li reach gives a hand to Yoo-Ah gives him the box first before she reaches her hand out, I approach the vehicle asking:
"Say what is this vehicle?"
"Huh? I suppose this is a motorcycle."
"It is! This is a motorcycle?"
(Kokkan actually ride this thing and it's supposed to be great!? Wait I shouldn't judge a book by its cover).
"What you saw one before?"
"No, I heard of a motorcycle but this is a lot more different than what I thought."
"You must be referring to the normal bikes. This one is a special bike used by farmers who need to travel fast, distant, and efficient while carrying our goods. So get up here, you'll be sitting on the trunk with Yoo-Ah."
"Alright."
Following his word, I jump from one wheel and jump in the trunk when I realize Soo-Li is already extending his hand, he pulls his hand back saying:
"Alright, where's Sui-Noona?"
He starts looking around when I answer back saying:
"She said she need to prepare something. Maybe we can wait a little while?"
"Of course! She can take as much time as she needs!"
Coming out of the inn and locking the door, she wears the key that looks like a square like a necklace saying:
"Sorry for the delay."
"No problems at all, Sui-Noona! Come one up."
She approaches us dragging a similar box with wheels but bigger takes Soo-Li helps her up before she seats beside Yoo-Ah saying:
"It's been a while since we actually travel together. I'm sure this trip will be great."
Yoo-Sui smiles at Yoo-Ah and she responds with,
"Yeah, the last time we did was when big bro was still around right?"
They both stay quiet when she says that and the vehicle starts to shake.
*krick* *krick*
*crunch* *crucnh*
*vroom*
As he does something with the handles, the thing shakes more and start to move. We both sit on the crates that are already there. Yoo-Ah holds one of the iron bars in the walls, I do the same and look between the bars. For once being able to see the outside world while in the vehicle feel nice. Seeing the endless sea of green going past me while the sun seems to be left behind. The strong morning breeze flowing to my face...
(It's hard to believe that this country is in chaos with sceneries like this).
Moments pass me by as I wonder how long we've been travelling as the sun starts to go up and we pass through many things. From our first landmark being a branching path that gives way to a beautiful lake at the end of the road, a large road that says it leads to the National Garden of Yujo.
(Oh? Is he perhaps a hero of this country? I wonder what his deeds are?)
"Hey, look at you. I never saw anyone this happy looking at the roadside like this. Are you that excited?"
Yoo-Ah asks and I quickly answer back,
"Of course! Sure I may get stranded, lost alone, but at the end of the day this is the first time I ever go outside and explore the world like this!"
My heart is about to burst in excitement as I wonder what I'm going to see next when Yoo-Ah gets up and sit beside me and see the same view saying:
"S-Stranded? I don't know what you went through but do you want me to give you a tour?"
"Really!?"
As she says that, we pass through an opening and I could see a weird-looking mountain that seems to gather in the middle to make some sort of weird shape while being circled by other mountains far beyond. Maybe it's thanks to being far away but those mountains look like tiny teeth from afar.
(Why didn't I saw any of this when I was travelling through the road? Then again we are pretty high up thank to this vehicle maybe I just lack the height... Now that I say that I feel so short).
"Oh, that mountain, I kinda forget what it's called but it's one of the places where an ancient relic is left by one of the civilizations that once lived here. Maybe it's that nation you told me about which kinda make sense since most of them are filled with warnings and tales of the sea.
And It is said that what you see now is the biggest monument of that civilization and those relics can be found scattered in both the twin peninsula! Oh, and the surrounding of Mohyusig is filled with those animism stones and temples. They are those weird-looking S-shaped monuments and C-shaped rocks with writings on them."
"Oh? Now that you say it, I did saw some on the way when I travel here."
(So that's what those weird rocks are).
"Right! Talking about landmarks, this whole province is called by another name, the land of beginnings! Since not only is this place is protected by many strong people but the major city we're going to is neighbours to the capital and port city of Meonbich! The city will have tons of good stuff and thanks to that this area is of course well-guarded. Coupled with the witch's forest entrance in the city of Mohyusig, this place is the perfect place to start your journey as both Adventurers and Hunters alike. But of course, Adventurers are more prominent here!"
"I see!"
"Ahem, though some crisis and trouble are around, there are still many places we can do our stuff. In fact, the place we're about to go is the perfect place for starters with it holding many of the good items coming from the capital. So it's a good place to stock up before leaving even for Veteran Hunters and Adventurers."
"Oh! That sounds pretty nice."
"You haven't heard the last of it yet, but that's what made the city special in the first place. It's something you must see than listen."
"Now I'm getting excited."
(Now that I think about it Sis never thought me what to bring? Just how and what I need to survive in emergencies... I guess I am a beginner in experience).
I could see Yoo-Sui smiling pleasantly as she sees Yoo-Ah explain all of that. I watch the world moves, feeling the wind blowing on my long hair and how annoying it is, I try to hold it down when I notice Yoo-Ah staring at my chest. Wondering why I tilt my head asking:
"What's wrong? Is there something in my chest?"
"I just... Sova... It's just that I'll be grateful for what I have now."
She looks at Yoo-Sui and continues saying:
"So, Sis... I won't complain about it anymore."
"What are you talking about all of the sudden?"
I ask her and Yoo-Sui nods and follow up with,
"Yeah, you don't need to think so much about it."
"It's... It's one thing to be able to use one! But not being able to use it at all is just too awful!
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
I shake my head at her answer and Yoo-Sui added,
"I think it's better if you don't."
That's when Soo-Li chimes in saying:
"More like why are you girls so obsessed with having big breasts? I thought only the girls in the city are talking about it but don't tell me you too?"
"Breasts?"
I ask back in confusion and he continues saying:
"Yeah, I don't know about you or where you from but all the girls here talk about it like some status symbol or something. All I understand is hearing my big sister complaining about how stiff her shoulders are and giving me more jobs to massage her while I'm supposed to rest."
"Huh? I tilt my head even further as I wonder what is going on."
Yoo-Ah seems to break a nerve in her forehead when she heard him complain when Soo-Li continues asking:
"And are you sure you wanna talk about that when there's a guy around?"
(Make that two guys... Come to think of it, a lot of people I met have pretty big ones like Sis Rubeca is huge thanks to her being taller than 2 meters, Jaya I met is pretty huge back when I saw her in the underground while Sis Yuwei and Fei as well are huge but maybe Sis Fei's looks bigger since she's shorter than Sis Yuwei?
Brrr! Why did I feel a chill down my spine after thinking that?)
"Y-You just don't understand!"
"Well, that's why I'm asking! Don't tell me all of you girls want one now is because the queen, princess and even the previous queen... Um, all the females of the royal family having one? That's just ridiculous!"
"No, it's not! You just don't understand!"
"Sigh... Am I gonna be stuck with you until we arrive?"
"Please calm down Li, I'm sure she's still feeling some responsibility and guilt from this morning."
"I kinda feel you might be wrong for once, Sui-Noona."
As the sun gets brighter and the winds get lighter, it was these calm moments that I get to taste the sky and never felt so alive... Pushing aside the future troubles I knew, and clearing my mind of all the worries my mind soon pick up the thoughts of,
(Oh, I wish I have to travel more and sooner).
*bump*
"Woah!"
The vehicle stumble onto something and I look around wondering what we hit asking:
"W-What was that?"
Soo-Li slowed down and looks back replying:
"Oh? That? It's the Silent Guards."
"We hit a person!?"
"Wha? No! It's just those bumps in the road."
"B-Bumps?"
Yoo-Sui holds my shoulder and points at the black line behind us saying:
"Yeah, look behind you. See that black slump in the middle of the roads, those are the Silent Guards."
I look at where he said and saw the familiar black tall line I saw back when travelling here when I stumble upon some uneven road.
"W-What's with those names?"
Yoo-Sui shakes her head replying:
"Even I don't know, they don't really say the origin of the word in the dictionary."
"So it's really not a person?"
Soo-Li looks back answering:
"Yeah, calm down. Sheesh, with your looks I thought you wouldn't be a hick."
Yoo-Ah stands as to shield me shouting back,
"Hey! Even that is too far and aren't we considered one as well?"
"At least not as uninformed as her. How did she even survive alone for so long? I don't remember there being a 3rd tier province in this peninsula. Well, not counting the Geom kingdom since I don't know what's going on in there."
"You two should really learn how to make up and understand each other's differences. Though I suppose you need to watch your choice of words, Li."
She sends a cold glare at him and he hangs his head replying:
"Yeah... Sorry."
"So what are those bumps built for?"
I try to defuse the situation and Yoo-Sui nods replying:
"Well, since the road is not only built for vehicles, Those bumps were made to limit the speed a vehicle could move. It is for limiting traffic accidents and make sure no one gets hurt. Though some special transports are immune to such bumps."
"I see..."
I clench on the bars as we pass through. Before long, we crossed a bridge and the vehicle stumble on some bumps, with the sign that points forward saying:
^
[Meondosi]
The sea of green soon gives way to a path of rivers and at the end of their path is a gigantic city of proportionate size. With multiple towers and mansions erected upon the blue walls, cannons lined up upon the small gaps in the forts while multiple rivers connect to the city.
"Woah! What's is that?"
From beyond the huge blue walls, I could see a gigantic palace and even more jaw-dropping is the sight of a statue that looks like a humongous whale bigger than the palace jumping above it.
(What kind of magic did they use to build that? Or make it float?)
I could see countless waterways spiralling across the city and there are even ships sailing across from one waterway to the other while some take the flight to survey the skies.
"That is the capital city of this country and the place where the royal family reside. The second biggest city in this peninsula with a population of over 700 million and stretches over thousands of rivers. The aptly named, Sailor's Dream, Janhangang."
Yoo-Ah looks from beside me as she answers and I look at her asking:
"700 million? How much is that? And aren't we headed to Meondosi?"
"That's right, it's just that the great capital city is so big that we can see it from here. Even though this river you see leads to the capital, this road still leads to Meondosi but if you want to continue on your travel, you're going to need another 8 hours of travel from Meondosi with a vehicle before reaching that place."
"Woah...!"
I hold both the bars and poke my head out to see a more clear view of the magnificent sight. Maybe because I've been living in a huge city it's nice to see a city in its entirety from the outside.
"Sigh, finally, if we can see the capital city, we're already at the halfway point."
Soo-Li says in relief as he speeds up.
"Oh? It's still that far?"
"Of course!"
When the view of the pass us by, and we enter some sort of road surrounded by white trees and leaves I start to wonder where we are and take a sit again asking:
"Oh? What place is this? I never saw white trees before."
Yoo-Ah who's sitting beside looks outside replying:
"Oh, those? They're called Winter Weds."
"Winter Weds?"
"I don't know what they are called before but I think the story now is that the trees act like the olden housewives of the kingdom. Where they wouldn't even try coming out of their home since they are afraid of the danger outside and only showed up during the winter when their husband returns from the gruelling Yin War hundreds or more years back. Oh, since those trees are now making leaves, it means snow will be coming soon."
"Ah right, I suppose I should make some extra supply for you Sui-Noona. Knowing my younger siblings they would consume the surplus."
"Oh, why not let them have it? They are still in the middle of their growth spurt. I'll try preparing my necessities when you are so kind as to already give me a place to stay."
"No, definitely let me help you out!"
As I hear their exchange, a word pick my interest as a question seeps out,
(Snow?)
"It snows here?"
"Yeah! Though only the southern parts of this peninsula like this kingdom. The one close to the desert's pass and between us doesn't.
"I see... I wonder what living in winter is like?"
"Wait, you never have winter before?"
"No, I live in a place that is always sunny or rainy."
(Not counting the time I escape with Rana. That Hunter just turned the whole place into a winter wasteland).
"Really! A place that doesn't snow!? Man, I wonder how nice is it to live there."
Yoo-Ah replied bewildered while Soo-Li nods saying:
"Yeah, don't need to worry about crop seasons or storing for food and other winter supplies when food just keeps growing and the weather just changes once for the better."
"Wait, both of you don't like the snow? I thought from what I heard-"
"Yeah, What. You. Heard. Probably all those winter discounts and recreational facilities. Tell you what, we who lives outside the capital hated it. What's even worse is that we can't even go outside to enjoy those during the winter since it's dangerous. And even then, they just had to rub those discounts at our faces knowing we can't even get it!"
Soo-Li cuts me off to express his anger and I can only nod saying:
"I see..."
"Hey, you don't need to discourage her like that!"
Yoo-Ah stand up to shout and Soo-Li just shakes his head replying:
"Hmph, I'm just stating the facts."
"You're being a real big jerk, you know that! Just because you hate it doesn't mean you have to force it down to others!"
"Yeah, yeah, sorry..."
Seeing the two argue I try to jump in and defuse by saying:
"It's okay, Yoo-Ah-Unnie. Maybe he's just trying to warn me and make sure I'm safe."
"Well! At least pick a better word to say it!"
"Sorry for not being so literate, ma'am."
"Ugh, you're the worst!"
Yoo-Ah takes a sit on my right and folds her arm while trying to look away from Soo-Li's direction when we finally left the white tree road. Yoo-Sui who watches it unfolds sigh saying:
"C'mon you two, can you please not fight all the time. If you keep doing it won't be long before I mistook you for couples having their daily bickering."
" "Like hell we are!" "
They answer back in unison before looking at each other and turning away again. Yoo-Sui smiles at their response before she looks ahead saying:
"Oh my, Sova, look ahead, you can see our destination here."
"Oh?"
"Yeah look, we arrived. And it seems it doesn't look good."
"Huh?"
Curious about what he said, I poke my head out to look ahead and saw a huge city surrounded by blue walls. Still so far away as the road ahead spans far the plains. But what awaits us ahead is a road full of tents and tenants similar to the camps back in the home after it was attacked.
Campfires, utilities and tents are spread around inconsistently and sporadically as to make a congregation of slums from the river far beyond till half the streets we're travelling. On top of the walls, soldiers in uniforms of blue with purple decor are lined up with guns resting on their shoulders and cannons pointing at the slums. That's when a shadow looms over us and what awaits us above is a gigantic ship that overshadows the road and the slums as it floats close to the walls.
"This is very troublesome..."
Yoo-Sui hides her frown while Soo-Li looks at the soldiers on top of the wall saying:
"It seems the city finally hits a breaking point."
"I wonder if the Mohyusig refugees have anything to do with this? It seems I did the right thing accepting the call."
(Me and my snappy decisions...)
Yoo-Ah commented and whisper at the end as she looks at the situation.
(What's happening out here? And I wonder what awaits for me next?)