There's an eerie silence over the countless crowds on the road. I was expecting someone to say something but they lower their heads as to not see them eye to eye. It is early noon in the last week of the year. With only the sound of a burning kiln, grinding wheels, and campfires. With groans of the weak and sickly, I try not to look either.
With a crowd watching, hiding and whispering from behind their tents. I could see despair and fear etched on their faces as all hope seems lost. Even worse still there are even children, elderly and sick people out there. Worry grasp my heart as I can only wonder what awaits us. We reach some sort of halt in our road as a fence of steel and stone blocks our way. The soldiers above seeing Soo-Li's face quickly open the barricade and soldiers come out pointing their guns at the refugees as to push them away.
We enter a barricade and some soldiers approach us. We look down to see a face of relief and joy when one of them, presumably the captain seems to come forth wearing a cape, a full helmet that covers his face and a fancy curved sword on his waist saying:
"Thank Hanwa for the familiar face. Haven't seen you in a while, Soo-Li. It's a pleasant surprise, after everything that happened..."
He opens his visor to show a guy in his late thirties, he looks at where we sit and continue saying:
"I know I shouldn't say this when you just arrived but you better leave as soon as possible. Most of the diners and market in the city are not even open."
The captain looks up to speak to Soo-Li and he nods saying:
"Don't worry, we're just here to drop someone."
"Oh?"
He jumps down and Yoo-Ah drops the box to him. He places it down before helping Yoo-Ah down when the soldier shouts,
"Yoo-ah!? Thank the Goddesses! And with those clothes, did you accept the guild's summons?"
She nods replying:
"That's right, and I brought someone with me to help as well."
"Oh! Some more helping hand is always welcome. Who is it?"
I jump down beside Yoo-Ah which surprise the soldiers and the other soldiers soon encircle us and point their guns at me shouting:
"An owlian!?"
"Step back!"
"Show your permit!"
Yoo-Ah stands infront and raises her arm to shield me shouting:
"Hold it! She doesn't have one, that's why she has my vouch!"
The captain raises his hand as to stop them and come forward shaking his head replying:
"Yoo-Ah... But you're still going to need one more person. Wait, Soo-Li are you-"
"Hell no! It's someone else."
Yoo-Sui moves to the driver seat saying:
"It's me I'm vouching for her. She is going to be an adventurer under my little sister's guidance. Take this as proof."
Yoo-Sui throws something that shines for a moment and the guard catch it replying:
"Oh! To think the Yoo Sisters would... Alright then. If both of you trust her then she's clear to go. Just make sure you follow me to make her the permit first to avoid complications okay, Yoo-Ah?"
"You don't need to tell me that, Gija-Ssi!"
He picks his ear replying:
"Loud as always."
He fans his hand and the soldiers surrounding us disperse pull their weapons away and disperse. The captain soon shouts,
"Open the gates!"
More soldiers come out from the building to form a line as the Owlian crowds start to gather around the barricade. They start shouting threats and point their guns at the crowd when the blue walls split apart.
(What's happening here? Is this what they call martial law?)
A purple gate appears from inside, from top to bottom the gate split apart until it opens to the grand sight. With my items on my shoulder, I enter the gate alongside Yoo-Ah and the captain, looking back seeing Yoo-Sui waving her hands. Yoo-Ah quickly waves back and I follow along when the gate finally closes.
(Alright, no turning back).
*************************************
We enter inside when two more people wearing the same clothes as the captain come forward with soldiers behind them. The soldiers quickly point their guns at me and Yoo-Ah tries to shield me again. The two captains make their way and someone wearing a more identifiable armour walk to us, an old man in his very late age as his white beard and hair reach his stomach. Wearing a fancier uniform than the rest with green trims around, he bears a cape and doesn't wear his uniform like the rest as he folds his sleeves to his elbow and wears shorts with sandals.
(This is the first time I saw anyone wear their soldier uniform like that).
With a huge cigar different from the one Libing uses, he finally gets close enough as his figure towers over the captain. Even in his old age, he stands tall like a magnificent pillar while he looks down. The captain close to us clasp his hand shouting:
"C-Captain Gija, reporting in! I'm here to let two people enter. One is a native to this country and the other has the vouch from the Yoo Sisters, Sir!"
His Red eyes turn to orange as the gem at the tip of his cigar shines yellow, before replying:
"Report received. You can administer her temporary permit in the office."
He answers back tired and soon looks at us saying:
"Sigh... I was wondering who they let open the gates for. But this is good for me. Mind if I talk to them while I'm still here."
"Wait, governor! We haven't-"
"It's fine. I wouldn't mistake her for anyone. And you think anyone could leave a scratch on me nowadays?"
(Governor? Wait...)
He walks over the guard as he pats his shoulder. His figure easily towers over both of us as I realize he has the same height as Sis Rubeca.
"If it isn't little Yoo-Ah. Oh, you have grown up since I last saw you."
"Gramps! I can't believe they station you here! But I suppose it's nice to see that old face..."
He stroked his long beard with a smile replying:
"Really? That's good to hear. But for your other question, that's just how dangerous the situation is right now with those refugees and the monster threat. And I suppose that Owlian beside you is your new friend?"
She gets behind me and holds both my shoulders to push me forward shouting:
"That's right! Sova, go introduce yourself."
Closer than ever before, I look up to him before I clasp my hand and bow my head down saying:
"Oh, um, greetings! My name is Sova Anmao."
He pulls out his cigar replying:
"I'm surprised you speak our tongue, Sova-Ssi. And with such an accent as well..."
He clasps his hand replying:
"I'm currently the Governor of the Sulla province, Jade Bone Sangeo Hwang-So. Nice to meet you, little one."
(Jade Bone? What is that supposed to mean? Wait, Governor!? So he's the that Yoo-Ah yelled back then? The one who causes what happens outside?)
As I finish my greetings, Yoo-Ah pokes her head from my shoulders asking:
"Gramps! Since you're a governor now. Tell me, is all this your..."
Hwang-So shakes his head replying:
"I'm surprised you would think like that, Yoo-Ah but no. I still at least hold a bit of respect to those Owlians after all. To be honest, I'm nothing but a dragon straw for people too afraid to put their lips in."
She comes out and bows her head down saying:
"I'm sorry..."
Hwang-So extends his huge scarred hands and pats her head saying:
"It's okay, I understand where you're coming from. But I need to continue my work elsewhere. Sorry that our meeting is so brief, usually I would bring you and your family to the finest restaurant and treat you to a huge meal."
(So she trusts him like that? Then again, she trusts me. Now I'm a bit worried and questioning my position and predicament...)
Yoo-Ah perks up replying:
"It's okay, Gramps! When we finish this crisis we can have the biggest dinner ever! Plus since I'm bigger now I can eat three times more!"
"Hohoho! I'll keep you on that word. And better stay inside as much as you can alright? And As for you Sova-Ssi..."
He looks at me and smiles saying:
"If both Sui and Ah vouch for you, I'm looking forward to what you can contribute. Good luck."
"T-Thank you!"
He turns around and walks away shouting:
"Do your checking and return to stations!"
(Governor... Shouldn't he be in some mansion or palace doing his work? I mean that's what most lords do in the sector or city. Maybe the Lords in the peninsula work in the outskirts? Or maybe it's because of that monster threat?)
The soldiers salute and disperse. When the General enters the walls and disappear, some soldier walk to us and the captain looks back at us saying:
"Well, that was tense... Alright, you two, mind handing the items you have for screening?"
"Right! Here you go!"
Yoo-Ah hands her box and I hand him my bag, shovel and pull out my sword behind the cape which shocks the captain and the guards. They hesitate for a while before taking it and bow their head down to leave. The two guards who are female then starts patting my body from my shoulders to my pockets.
(Please don't pat the wrong place).
She stops at the eye of my feet and gives a sign to the captain and he nods saying:
"Sorry for that, we need to follow the rules after all. Follow me to create your temporary permit."
He gestures us to come with him and we follow suit. Yoo-Ah walks beside me saying:
"Sorry that the first impression of the city is like this."
"It's fine. I mean it is in a troubling time after all."
We walk ahead as I realize the grand sight I'm seeing is a mighty barricade of first defence lines, a beautiful fountain that doesn't spurt any water, closed stalls, a large number of soldiers patrolling in and out of the barricade, and maintaining numerous large war vehicles as this is the first time I see one in real life. Reaching a small building and he lets us in. The cold sensation blasts out from the room ad I wonder why it's so cold all of a sudden. We enter and the colder sensation only gets worse.
The room is similar to the workroom Libing had. But unlike the one where we help built and unbox, this place is more... Formal? And empty. With only a few tables and multiple chairs, he walks to the library of files and pulls one to place it down on one of the tables in the room. He pulls the chair out for both me and me and Yoo-Ah before taking a seat for himself.
"Thank you..."
I reply softly and take a sit while Yoo-Ah leans beside me as to look at what's on the paper asking:
"I know you may be able to speak but do you know how to read?"
"Huh? Of course."
"Phew, great!"
As I take the pen jabbed on one of those weird things and realize,
"Wait, are you saying some people can speak but can't write?"
"Yeah, even people who are born here can only write their names."
"Really!?"
I look at her with shock and then the captain when he also nods. I look back at her when she smiles replying:
"Yeah, it's thanks to how hard writing it is too but either way! Now I do not need to worry about writing things for you!"
"R-Right..."
(The only difference between runician and The twin peninsula language is that the twin peninsula language always makes you add two lines before and after sentences so that you can draw a line along with them, along with their words having no simplified versions. Now I'm kinda afraid of my talents... Wait, maybe I can use this talent to work? What do they call those people who help with translating things? It's on the tip of my tongue but I just can't put my fingers on it).
Looking at the papers, I start to write the things listed like name, age, residence, DOB, and POB...
(I never really know what the place I was born into...)
I look at the captain asking:
"Say what do you fill in if you don't know the place you're born in?"
"What!? Sova, you..."
Yoo-Ah shouts with grief and even the captain looks at me with pity replying:
"O-Oh... I'm sorry for hearing that. Do you at least know the country?"
"Yea?"
"Then you can put that in."
I continue to write it and see gender... I move between crossing male or female before sighing and cross the male.
(No turning back... Make this a lesson Sova).
I look below and the paper instructs me to write, parents if I'm below 17...
"Um, what if you don't know your parent's name?"
"Sniff, Sova..."
Yoo-Ah looks at me with pity and tears in her eyes while the captain grits his teeth and furrows his brows replying:
"Do you at least have any guardian or relatives that take care of you?"
"Oh yea, yes I do."
"Phew, good. You can put that in."
"I see."
"Looks like we need to reevaluate and change some words there."
The captain commented while I write in Aunt's name and continue filling in more and realize,
(I can't believe how much I didn't know about myself! I mean, I don't even my own parent's name! At least I know my family name).
Ending with a signature, I just write my name and realize how different my writing is from the printed letters in term of size and thickness. I double-check and nod when I drop the pen, Yoo-Ah showed up to look at the paper saying:
"Woah, you sure can write but your handwriting sucks!"
"You don't need to remind me..."
Yoo-Ah takes the pen and signs beside my name when she grabs the file asking:
"Do you need to fill out more?"
"No."
"Alright, I'm handing it out."
She hands over the file to him and he reads it and looks shocked as he asks,
"You're living in Heaven?"
"Yea? Why?"
"Sorry, just a bit surprised is all. Thank you for your time, you two can wait here while I make your ID."
He walks out of the room and we are left alone-
"Sova!"
Yoo-Ah pounce and hugs me tight shouting:
"I didn't know your situation is complicated! But, don't worry! I'll help you get the most money so you can save up!"
"Uh, thanks?"
Yoo-Ah takes a step back shouting:
"Sova!"
"Y-Yes?"
Shocked by her raise in voice, she stares at me for a while before saying:
"I wanna ask you something but I think that can wait till we reach the guild."
"Oh, okay?"
Bewildered by her behaviour I relax and lean back wondering what to do when I see Yoo-Ah doing the same as she lays her face down at the table. Trying to lift the mood, I ask,
"Say, how is it usually in the city? Do guards walk around like that all the time?"
Yoo-Ah gets back up with a smile replying:
"Of course not! When we enter that street, we would usually be greeted by a central fountain that displays huge recreations and the street filled to the brim by people and stalls selling nice smelling food, kids playing around and a lot more open stalls that sells all kind of items! You just have to see it yourself to feel the magic!"
"Magic huh?"
I tilt my head answering back when Yoo-Ah gasp replying:
"I mean! You just have to see it to feel the... Real... Thing- Aaah! It's just supposed to be amazing alright! Then there's this nice old man who owns the bakery stall and will give us extras, foreign musicians coming from the airport. And I haven't even gotten to how the city is split into two sections!"
"Yeah! Like right now, we're on the lower level of the city, and if we finally- Aaah! I don't want to spoil it so you better just follow me and watch!"
"O-Okay?"
*************************************
Time seems to went by as I finally received the Id card. Made from silver material it has a nice smooth design that makes it looks very fancy with my name and all the information I put in except for the parent's name.
"So this is my ID huh? It looks nice."
"Really? Wait till you get your adventurers licence then! It's much much more awesome than that and you can use it permanently everywhere as your ID so you don't need to worry about getting new licenses every time you go to another country like Hunters do!"
Yoo-Ah replied loudly as we exit the cold room alongside the captain who will escort us. I nod to her explanation replying:
"I-I see..."
Awaiting us is two soldiers holding our stuff, unlike the other soldiers they have qi exuding their body and wear a different variant than what all the captain wear with one having purple trim and the other gold along with a long red cape. The captain seeing the two puts his hand on his sword and close his visor as if he's preparing for battle. The two soldiers unlike the others don't wear helmets but tall semi-transparent black caps with some hanging noodles, they throw our stuff to the ground when one of them laughs saying:
"Haha, there's your stuff, nothing wrong there. Hurry and get them out of this barricade, Samnite."
The other giggles and both of them are about to leave when,
"Hold it right there! You two check your stuff if anything is missing."
"Huh?"
"No way!"
Yoo-Ah quickly opens her box and rummage around when she pulls out a retractable handle shouting:
"My gem is missing!"
Shocked by her I look at my stuff which is still normal and intact until I realize the bladeless sword they put in my bag is different altogether. I pull it out and realize even though it's gold, it's much heavier alongside it no longer having the colourful gems that form the phoenix crest. Most blatantly of all, when I pull the sword out from its already different sheathe, it's a normal sword. And there's isn't any decor or anything in the guard.
"This isn't my sword! There's even a blade in it!"
The two of them shrug their head off and went ahead when the captain shouts,
"Get back here you spoiled brats!"
This stops them but the one with the golden crest in his uniform turns around and with my heightened sense look at him pulling out the same retractable baton as Yoo-Ah.
(Hold on, don't tell me he's).
*clang*
"Gija-Ssi!"
The captain falls on his back as a hole appears in his armour.
(Hey... Hey... Hey!)
"Watch what you're saying to Gods you mortals."
I was stunned by their heinous action, Yoo-Ah runs to hold the captain in her arms saying:
"Gija-Ssi! Hang in there!"
When she glares at them, her look of anger soon turns to shock shouting:
"That's my magic gem!"
Yoo-Ah shouts as I look at the baton he holds with a beautiful lapiz on the handle. Soldiers that are inside the building quickly storm out to immediately stops when they saw the two. Soldiers who come from inside the walls and patrolling quickly gather but soon back away again when they saw the two. I look at them shouting:
"What's wrong with you two!"
*clang*
He fires a shot at me but I easily dodge-
"Argh!"
A soldier behind me got shot by the attack meant for me. I look back to check on him when I sense another shot coming and pull the sword and cut the attack. My attack slice through the magic blast which snaps the sword in half...
(What is this thing made of? I even imbued it with my power just in case and it still breaks? Or maybe my power doesn't add enchantment like qi and the weapons I used until now is just that durable? Or maybe that's just how powerful his attack is).
"Oh?"
The two soldiers show a bit of surprise when he fires off another round and I use the remaining blade and smash his attack before dashing behind them trying to disarm the two, they try to turn around in panic but too late-
*bang* *bang* *bang*
Shots fire from above the walls and I quickly back away to dodge...
(Weird, are bullets so slow? The one used by the one in the phoenix Sector and even the rat-kin invasion shoots much faster).
The one with purple trim leans forward, summoning a elegant thin sword saying:
"Haha! You're pretty fast for an Owlian. Shame that a pretty lady like you to be an Owlian."
"Just give us back the items!"
"Give you back!? That sword was clearly too opulent for a lowly thing that's barely human to have! You must have stolen it and we are going to give it back to its proper owner! That being, US Deities of this world of course! You should be grateful we even replace it with another golden sword for compensation!"
"That's right! He's just to kind! As for this Gem? Well, in a time of great need the citizen of this mighty kingdom shall sacrifice their greatest assets for the Heavens as tribute so we may use it to protect them."
(This person!)
Rage boils to my core as I was ready to summon my weapon when,
*smash*
Something lands on the ground between me and the two jerks. Multiple heads wearing caps rolled over from his feet as I see the person who just areived. Wearing a multi-layered mix of lamellar and plate armour with the whale crest. Clad in an almighty suffocating presence similar to when I face powerful foes, he picks up the gun-glaive that he plunged deep to the ground shouting:
"Enough!"
His voice echoed loudly that it feels like my ears are going to explode. The two brushes off the dust in their cape looks at him saying:
"Colonel! Perfect timing, seize that sub-human and send it to trial! I expect it to be executed and its possessions to be sent to us by tomorrow!"
The golden trim ordered and the Colonel with his glaring red eyes look back at him which shuts him up and makes him drop on his knees. He walks up to them shouting:
"What do YOU think you're doing to my Men! Your own citizens!"
He shouts deafeningly to the two which cause the other to fall as well.
"I've recently found multiple corpses of dead owlian women streaming down the city rivers, surpluses of possession that need no magic to operate at your private storages..."
He smashes his halberd to the ground that causes the entire ground shook and he continues shouting:
"And NOW! I found you killing the soldiers that's suppose to keep the city safe from this recent monster outbreak!?"
"Don't you dare speak like that to me! Your family is still one rank below us!"
He took in a deep breath before raising his halberd to the sky saying:
"You really are beyond redemption. Your father would cut your tongue if he hears that. And do you know what happens to fallen Gods?"
The golden trim soldier raise his sword as to block and the purple trim soldier does the same with his baton saying:
"W-Wait! If you kill us now! You'll ruin the bloodline inheritance!"
(Bloodline inheritance? What's that?)
"That's right! This country will be ruined without our family-"
*slash*
The Colonel severs both their raised hands as their arms flew with their weapons.
"Huh? Uuu, aaah! Aaah!"
"My arm! Aaaargh!"
As they look at their severed limbs they squeal and scream, flailing around as he looks down on then with disgust saying:
"I would understand trying to follow the Theocracy but you're willing to break your own vows for a few minutes so you could satisfy your lust and greed!? At least your siblings are honest and true to their radical ideas, not hypocrites like you! No wonder his descendants never had her blessings!"
(That sounds a bit worrying... Wait, he knows about blessings? Or is this another different blessing?)
He walks to Yoo-Ah and kneels to look at the injured captain.
"P-Please save him!"
Yoo-Ah shouts at him and he nods replying:
"Of course, hold him still."
He holds his wound and the captain's body shine. The blood seems to stop flowing and his trembling body calms down. He then walks to the other injured and does the same before shouting:
"Bring them to the medical facility! As for those two, leave them! I'll handle them personally! And if I find anyone who tries to heal them, I will cut off your heads immediately! Now move it!"
"Yes, we obey!"
The soldiers yell and comply as they scatter and bring them inside. Wondering if the situation is over, I walk to him saying:
"Um, t-thank you."
He looks at me and points his the tip of his glaive barrel at me replying:
"No need, cause as for you, you shall be held accountable for trying to harm the bloodline descendants and be sentenced to prison."
"What!?"