Thanks to Yoo-Ah and Juha's help, I manage to get myself a proper breakfast. With glittering black rice, sparkling brown crusted meat, neatly thin cut vegetable and fruits mixed with foreign sauce and a pinch of salt... A pretty balanced meal and a tasty looking one to boot!
"Thanks again for helping me, I'm surprised all of you know how make dishes like this. Is it mandatory here for everyone to learn how to cook?"
(With meals like this, they could open a restaurant).
I asked Yoo-Ah who's eating across our table. With a full mouth she nods replying:
"Ohosh! Sheshaying fof fif shumone a *gulp* fish and you'll feed him a day. Teach someone how to fish and you'll feed them for a lifetime!"
"As tasteless as she is, what she says is true. No one is exempt from this, even the royal family must abide by that rule."
Juha nods along her comment and adds some more info. Impressed by their skills, I can only feel down as I'm the only one tasked with washing the rice and cooked it with their magic tool.
(Which is very convenient since not even the tool uncle Soba uses only take 5 minutes to cook!)
With Juha cooking the meat and Yoo-Ah preparing the fruits and vegetables. I lool at my food again and back at them saying:
"You two could easily open a restaurant with this skills. I'm kinda jealous you can make this meals on the fly."
"Henu jush goffa wun! Dash *gulp* right! We could take some time for you to learn show to cook!"
"Really? You will?"
"Of cush!"
Yoo-Ah replies back with her mouth full again and Juha shakes her head as she eats her meal quietly. I nod joyfully replying:
"Thanks! Now thanks for the food and let's eat! Yum!"
I take a mouthful and savour the taste. Seeing the two eating quietly, I feel a sense of relief knowing that the two might just get along well since they're still willing to cook together.
*************************************
As we finished our meal, Yoo-Ah helps me with finding information for the plant gathering when I could see people gathering around a huge blank panel. With the archive near the entertainment area, I can't help but wonder why they're looking at the moving screen with worry and shock.
(What's showing in the panel that shock them?)
I wonder while waiting for Yoo-Ah. I could see Juha walking to the crowd. I tap Yoo-Ah's shoulder asking:
"Say, what are they watching? Mind if I go take a look?"
"Huh? Oh sure! Geez, just come back soon!"
Yoo-Ah agrees while swiping the blank board beside the shelves. I walk to the crows seeing Juha biting her thumb over her gloves. I then look at where everyone's eyes are glued to see a lady speaking or commenting in a loud voice as the sound of anguish and explosions are muffling her voice. Behind her though is a burning fortress... No, from the high angle the panel is showing, with the amount of walls, towers, and the great canyon gates that is tores open as if something just smash through it.
It's akin to ruins now as a sea of flames washes over the lands and buildings. Soldiers wearing a different uniform than the ones along with civilians here are seen marching past the camera helping each other. They are either injured or carrying someone away while vehicles rushes back and forth.
(What is going on? Where is that?)
From the torn down walls, a trail of dust kicks off as silhouettes soon appear of a massive giant slowly growing bigger and bigger as it gets closer to the last walls of the canyon. The people seeing the thing behind them starts to rush ahead, in panic and chaos ensues. The lady speaking on the panel is being shoved around as the image becomes hectic while people run away. it seems there's someone behind the panel as a hand appear to help the lady when everything becomes darker. A great shadow looms over them and when it looks up a massive flying monster of steel hovers ahead making the yells and shouts even louder. And it all ends there when the panel starts to reflect all of us watching the panel...
Everyone looks at it with regret and frown as whispers broke out saying,
"Hey, isn't the Jo Fortress from our northern neighbour?", "If it falls, then it won't be long before the country fell", "And do you see that thing? What is that? A new Arcane Puppet?", "Don't be ridiculous! That's more akin to those Owlian Ships. But I don't remember them looking like animals", "Tch, the Geom kingdom is definitely getting their retribution! But isn't this going too far?", "Who knows, we keep turning a blind eye whenever their neighbours do atrocious things. If this is truly unjust the people from Heaven would've sent someone to interfere like they always do."
The people gathering around disperse as they continue speculating and talk to each other till I see Juha still staring at the blank screen alone. I approach her asking:
"Um, you okay?"
She leers her sharp gaze at me and walks to the archive section replying:
"Better than ever."
She speaks in a angry tone while I follow along wondering if I made the right decision to stay-
(No! Don't regret it!)
As we arrive to see Yoo-Ah compiling a few papers she looks at me shouting:
"There you are! Here! This is all you need! Ready to go?"
She slams the papers to one of the empty tables along with the adventurer badge and I take it saying:
"Thanks, but it seems I'll read it somewhere else or during the mission. It seems I've been called by the Colonel."
"Eeeh!? Well, I suppose if it's not dangerous. It's not right!?"
Yoo-Ah looks at Juha while she quietly shakes her head. Yoo-Ah nods and continue saying:
"Well, anyways, just come back here when you're done with your mission. Good luck, Adventurer!"
She salutes and wave and I nod saying:
"Alright thanks! I'll be back as soon as possible."
I grab the papers and keep it in my bag. Wearing my badge, I follow Juha and look at her asking:
"So where is he waiting?"
She walks ahead of me replying:
"The central palace, just follow me."
"What? O-Okay..."
(What did I brought to myself).
*************************************
Closing my eyes, grasping the steel like my depends on it. I tried to stay still when I hear Juha's voice asking:
"What's wrong with you? Can't believe the one grabbing the attention of the storm walker is afraid of heights... Pathetic."
Even with my eyes closed I can't help but picture her smirking as she says that. I frown as I remember her dragging me inside replying:
"I already told you I'm afraid. It reminds me of bad things."
"Tch, we're almost there, so get your ass up."
*Psssh*
"Please mind the gap."
The sound of a familiar lady is heard as the door opens. I try opening my eyes but I see Juha grabbing me by the collar of my shirt and throwing me out of the vehicle...
(Am I really that light that people can just carry me around... I wonder if it'll change once I get more build up).
Feeling the blood returning to my limbs, I try to break away the curling position I'm in when I realize there's already someone infront of me. Slowly looking up from his boots, I could see him wearing the uniform with white trims, until I see his face, he's none other than Colonel Angeo looking down on me with confusion and doubt.
"I brought her as you ordered, sir!"
I could hear Juha behind me while I slowly try to stand. He points down at me and look back and forth between us asking:
"Really? This is her? Sigh, I'm sorry what?"
"Oh, it seems she's afraid of heights, sir!"
"Really now?"
He answers back looking at me full of doubt and sigh before continue saying:
"Just get up and follow me."
"Yes, sir!"
Juha responded as she helps me up whispering:
"Get yourself together! Not many get to make the Colonel waiting so march!"
"R-Right!"
She shove me as I realize it seems there are many people watching. Feeling the awkward ness washing over me I can't help but feel how hard it is without anyone by my side...
(Now that I think about it, I never actually travel alone huh? Well, let's make this an experience then!)
I clap my cheeks to get myself together and follow along Juha who's waiting for me at the giant gate leading to the building. As I enter what greeted me was a luxurious hall filled with people. Compared to the guild, I could barely see the decors as people are everywhere. People in suits, robes, military uniforms, etc. The colonel is easily spot on since he's the only one with the unique uniform and colour scheme, plus his height is cut above the rest. Also with the people around stealing glances at him as they seem to whisper about who he is.
"Kept me waiting long enough you two."
"Forgive me, sir!"
"I-I'm sorry."
"This will be quick, so cooperate and you can do whatever you're doing after that."
He turns around and walk away as I nod replying:
"O-Okay..."
I follow him while looking at the area around and Juha watching behind me. Unlike the guild, this place has more facilities and utilities than decor. In fact, the whole place here is just one open space with a visible second floor, open roof and pillars around. People come in and go from the doors at each end. When I look at the Colonel, he turns to look back at me with doubt before he suddenly speed up. Not knowing why, I follow along his steps, going around multiple crowds and silently dashing ahead as I doubt any of them realize we even went past them. He looks shocked as he turn around to see me and nod in satisfaction. He slows down to get beside me, smiling ear to ear he giggles before saying:
"Heh, you're fast, I don't know why I'm doubting you. Here I thought Juha brought the wrong person again."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
(Again? So she brought a wrong person before? That's weird and it seems she makes mistakes as well).
Thanks to his height, he looks down on me with replying:
"Heh, a mixed martial artist, afraid of heights? That's the funniest thing I heard so far."
"Hey! I'm sure each of us have our own fears!"
"True, since you're able to keep up, we've arrived. With that speed, I doubt most soldiers here can catch you, and with how you're not even gasping I doubt that was your full speed."
"Huh?"
We've arrived at a desolate place with no one around. An empty corridor with doors, pillars and windows lining up as far as the eyes can see while soft sunlight enter giving this place a cozy feeling. The Colonel open one of the doors close to us and gesture me to go in. I enter and realize,
"Oh, where did Juha go?"
I look back and seeing the crowd at the distance. The Colonel push me inside saying:
"Don't worry about her, she'll get here eventually or wait us out. Like I said, this'll be quick."
"Okay..."
I enter seeing the girl he called before.... What's her name again? A familiar girl comes out from the door at the end with some weird item on her head that covers her ears, she salutes shouting:
"Colonel!"
"Ri-Mi, is it set yet?"
"Of course! Just need to give it a call!"
"Perfect, before we begin..."
The Colonel pull take a magic bag and pulls something huge put and throw it to me. I could see the phoenix emblem as it falls to my hands,
"Oh, its the cape from my armour."
The Colonel looks at me saying:
"I see, well it seems you're telling the truth. We also found parts of those modern armour along with ship wreckage like you said.... Sigh, well we didn't find any signs of life though."
"I see..."
(Then where did those kids and the others gone?)
"But we can talk about that later. Now, do you know how to use the telepathy crystal right?"
"What's that?"
"Are you sure you're a diplomat?"
He tilts his head in confusion and I nod replying:
"Uh, yea! Though I only meet people face to face."
(From all my mission at least).
"Sigh, just inject your magic to it okay?"
"Magic? Wait..."
(Could it be...)
"Colonel Angae-Ssi. You actually thought I'm a Zerian?"
"What are you talking about? Aren't you using a seal? (And I doubt those xenophobes would employ one either)."
I hear him murmur quietly in the end, I shake my head and assure him replying:
"Actually, I'm an Owlian. I can't use magic at all."
"Huh? What games are you playing, Kid. I ain't got time for this!"
"I'm serious! What makes you think I'm a Zerian? There's a reason I chose to use qi."
The Colonel looks at me with irritated and pull out a hand-sized box which shock the girl.
"C-C-Colonel! What are you doing!?"
"Hmph, I had enough of doing long ways, here catch and hold the thing inside."
He throws the small box at me and I follow his instruction and open it to see a beautiful necklace.
"Don't worry, it won't hurt you."
"Well if this proof I'm one..."
Like he ordered, I pick up the necklace and soon light shines and runes entangle my body like those scrolls back then do. It slowly crawls inside but when it touches my skin it vanish and scatter like usual...
(Why did I even agree so quickly).
The Colonel squint his eyes and sigh saying:
"Goddammit, fine... Wait here! I'll be back shortly. Just put that necklace back and leave it there! (I think there should be some here...)"
He stomps out of the room slamming the door. I look at the girl and she bows quickly saying:
"Um, hello..."
Wondering what to do, I look around the enclosed room with no window but a single door at the end. The room only has a set of table and sofa. I take a seat at one of the Sofa and put the necklace back inside asking:
"Um, the name's Sova Anmao, can I know yours?"
She franticlly turns around replying:
"Y-Yes! It's Ri-Mi! Just Ri-Mi!"
"I see... Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too!"
"Oh! Um, pleasure to meet you too!"
She salutes before looking around and run to go inside where the door was.
(Okay, I suppose it's not as bad as with Ptelophy).
Wondering what to do while I wait, I fold the cape and tuck it in my bag when I remember the papers Yoo-Ah gave me and decided to... Read...
"When did I begin to be the one to actually read things? Back then, I wouldn't touch the books even till it collect dust if May didn't ask me to study or if it's not about heroes..."
(Well, count out those economic heroes cause I can't really understand their achievements. Like helping people out of mortgage? Whatever that mean).
I take out the papers and start learning when Ri-Mi comes out again with a tray, filled by snacks and drinks. She place it on the table saying:
"Please enjoy."
"Oh, thanks."
Seeing her take a sit across me, I take a cup with a light brown drink and take a sip as I read it...
"Woah, what's this? It's nice."
"T-That's milk tea! The Colonel really like those."
"I see..."
Taking sips and eating the snacks in between, I follow the bookmarks already on the papers and skip the history. Knowing that the plants I'm about to take is actually a uncommon plant that grows in places with high concentration of magic and is actually pretty invasive as it can even grow inside trees and corpses...
(I remember studying biology with May but I don't remember herbs being like THIS. Can it be still called herbs?)
And that the only thing I need to collect is actually the stems and remove the leaves and roots as they are poisonous. Knowing enough, I recheck the equipments I have and wonder if this is enough? 8 sets... How much is that anyway? Will my bag be enough? I don't have enough money to buy more...
(I'm pretty under supplied. I wonder if I should take another quest that's more simple that doesn't involve me bringing items... Then again, this is only temporary. I won't be here for long since I'll be going elsewhere when I hunt that monster down).
*Slam*
"Alright!"
The door slams open as the Colonel walks in carrying some device with Juha behind following him.
(Oh there she is).
"C-Colonel! Welcome back!"
"Yes, now open the door back there."
"Of course!"
Ri-Mi opens the door and the Colonel quickly went inside while,
"There you are! What did you think you're doing!?"
Juha yells at me infuriated and all I can do is shake my head replying:
"Sorry, I didn't mean to leave you behind."
"What do you mean-"
"That's enough, Juha."
Colonel Angae cuts her off as she suck her lips and fold her arms saying:
"Hmph! Don't do that again!"
"R-Right!"
I shout back and the Colonel approach me saying:
"I got the long coms transmitter, you better make this worth it."
"Yes!"
"Colonel, I finished plugging and setting it up!"
"Good, now follow me. Sigh, I just hope they pick it up."
The Colonel gestures me and I quickly follow along. Entering deeper, the room is a small but long room where they seem to keep the refreshments and the huge device set-up at the edge of the room. The Colonel starts to press some buttons, rotate it and even flick some switches as I wonder what kind of tool is that.
"Like this right?"
He starts wearing some weird item on his head that covers his ears and keep operating with the tool before he looks at me and hand me the item saying:
"Wear it, you'll be using this to speak."
"Huh? O-Okay..."
I take the item from his hand as I wonder how to use it, the Colonel watch me for a while as I try to wear it and he quickly snatch the item and quickly help me wear it by shoving it in my head saying:
"Don't waste my time!
"T-Thanks..."
(Hmm, maybe I should learn how to use those tools... And since he's making me use it does that mean Owlian can also communicate far away like Zerians?)
I could hear the sound of crackling and hissing noises.
(Is that from the item?)
When the Colonel starts tinkering and tweaking the tool, the loud noise calms down and turns to a smooth sound. He looks at me again asking:
"Ready?"
I nod and he flicks a switch when a loud ring is heard. I look around and realize again it's from the item on my head.
*Click*
"Yes... This is the imperial phoenix line, how may I help you? (More like how did they get this number?)"
(That voice...)
A familiar man's voice answers back as I panic about the first time I hear their voice... I grasp the item to tuck it in closer asking:
"Shifu, is that you?"
*Crash*
"Prrfff!!! Wait... Sova? Hol on... This is the Shilla line right? Mhm, yep it is. More like where the hell did you get this?"
"Um, Shifu?"
"Anyways, what are you doing there, Sova? I was wondering where you've gone since you never returned after your previous mission- Oh? What's that lil one? She arrived but we're not here? Well ain't that inconvenient."
Ignoring his confusion, I quickly answer back:
"That's a bit of a long story. But Shifu, I need permission to please stay."
"Stay? Spassy, listen if you're lost we'll just send a transport to get ya back. And if you get help I suppose we can send gifts as thanks. Why would you want to stay? That place is a hot mess right now."
"Well, I... I need to... (fix something I kinda cause)."
I whisper quietly at the end to avoid the Colonel hearing but Shifu seems to nonchalantly reply:
"What's that? Anyways luckily we have some connections there so the transport will arrive in-"
*Slam*
"What the!? Who're you?"
"Shifu!?"
A loud bang is heard from his side, panicked I call him out but no one responded. Wondering what to do someone replies,
"Saw- mhm, Sova... This is Ptelophy."
"Oh? Ptelophy?"
A familiar voice answers from the other side as I wonder,
(Where did she come from?)
"About your request to stay, I'll permit it."
"Really!?"
"Yes, that's because we also need you to do something there if you wish to stay."
"Oh?"
"Hmm, I'll can't tell you what to do since there are others listening beside you."
"Huh?"
(Hold on... She talks like she knows everything, I wonder...)
"I'll send someone else to tell you in private, she should arrive there in a few days. Don't worry she's someone you know."
She continues to explain normally until I ask,
"Someone I know? Um, Ptelophy did you know all of that is going to happen? The ship, me ending up in this country and all?"
"..."
"..."
"... Yes, to every bit of detail."
"I see..."
(Feels weird to be right for once).
"You don't sound so surprised. Though you ending up within a city and having the help of the Guardian of Silla is unexpected. Honestly, I thought you would ended up stranded in the cold and freezing your testicles off while eating those white barks. Living your life like those jjji. Hehe..."
(What's a jjji?)
"(Hey, don't sit on the table, and don't twirl the cable with your fingers like that, Chancellor!)"
Surprised by Ptelophy's giggle while I hear Shifu's voice. I wad a bit stunned by her words when she continue saying:
"Don't worry, the kids, Fei and Saya are safe. They're back at the palace while the kids and the priest are already at the Theocracy of course. Leaving the details aside, just rest up for now and await until she arrives."
"Ptelophy! I need more explanation-"
"You can ask about the messenger about it, I gave her a note to explain. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm returning the phone back to Sir Libing. But before that, I suppose I need to introduce myself since The Great Hero of Silla is listening and helping.
Greetings to one of the Guardians of the Northern Peninsula. I'm one of the State Chancellors of the Phoenix Segementum and ruler of 8 Sectors, Ptelophy Baal. As a gift for visiting listen well cause I'm going to say this once..."
(Ba-al? Feels she never introduce her family name... Still that's sounds pretty cool...)
I peek to see Colonel Angae
"Sometimes your enemy is the most unlikely of people so why not give your old friends a visit? I heard you've been gone for years. Also there's your family, how's your sister doing? Your uncle? Aunt? Niece? Last I heard they've been in Gosea lately do you know that? Do me a favour by taking care of that visitor would you? And I might give you more assistance. Anyways, here..."
*Clack*
Hearing her I look at the Colonel who's grinding his teeth. Before I could know what happen next Shifu asks:
"Hello? Sova?"
"Y-Yes!"
*Slam*
Hearing a loud bang, I see Colonel Angae storm out of the room with a bitter face and Ri-Mi soon follow after him.
"You there?"
Shifu asks when I quickly answers:
"O-Of course, Shifu."
"Okay great, well I can't really say anything anymore. So I suppose you won't be returning soon... But I'm sure you'll be okay there with how strong you are. But! Still, be careful out there alright?"
"Okay, Shifu!"
"Take care of yourself, spassy. See ya whenever. May the spirit bless you."
"May the spirit bless you too."
*Click* *bzzzz*
Wondering what to do now with the Colonel gone, I remove the thing on my head and put it down. Looking back the room is now empty as I wonder what to do with the tools and machine. Walking out seeing Juha enjoying the tea and snacks Ri-Mi gave me she, when she looks at me her eyes widened as her face looks at me like how Nicole looks at me when I discover his secret... Which is to say, not a good impression. With crumbs on her cheeks, she glares at me saying:
"W-What? Can't waste any perfectly good food. *Gulp* I didn't eat your share so hurry up and let's do your job. Though I'll just be watching."
"Okay..."
(Didn't know she was that kind of person...)
I take a sit across her and eat the snacks Ri-Mi gave while she glares knives at me... Focusing on the food, it taste different than the one Yoo-Ah bought but it's still very delicious. Sipping the tea I look at the opened exit wondering,
(Seeing the Colonel storm off like that, it seems this country really is in trouble or he's just too busy... I just hope killing that monster will help. Then again who'll Ptelophy send to me? Or what does she wants me to do? Either way, I suppose this is a start?)