Though darkness is all I see, I could still feel the cold wind rushing pass my skin, my hair, and face while I felt myself being carried like a sack. My heightened hearing senses picks up the sound of the frolicking streets, flying ships, and short catchy tunes. Wondering if we're getting close to the tower, my nose picked up the scent of food everywhere Moriz carries me. From sweet grilled meat with cheese-
(Wait, you can eat meat with cheese?)
And then, the smell of something savoury as in soup and eggs... Dipped by some sort of confectionaries-
*Gurgle* *Gurgle* *Gurgle*
"Woah, I can definitely hear that. You hungry huh?"
Hearing a lady's voice, I deducted that he changed his form as he jumps out and lessen my tense body replying:
"Yea... Da Shifu."
"Well, have no worry, I'll bring you some meals when we arrive at the tower. After that you can prepare for the night before we leave."
"Oh? You're more reasonable than I thought for someone who dragged someone away without pants... Da Shifu..."
(Okay, that is getting annoying. And maybe I don't feel it when I wear this back at Ptelophy's underground place but it is so... Breezy!)
"Hehehe, bro, you're wearing a Hospital Gown. That dress wasn't meant to have pants, I guess some hospitals or medical wards do but... Anyways, that place I bust you out is more like a giant palace."
(Bro? Feels nice, nobody called me that before...)
"How did you get in then? The front door? And when, Da Shifu?"
"Yes, and no. I sneaked in through the front door is true but I jump to your room from the gardens and through your room window. As for when... I suppose I just learn about your location yesterday. So, since I got a lot of time in hand, I took my time searching around the palace and learn about the architecture and their infrastructure so where's the best way to break in. Also learning their guards rotation, alarms, supporting neighbours, reinforcement rallies and range, communication supports, who is in charge, effects on the whole city, and history.
That's why it's late by now. If I have to say, from all I learn so far from Geom, to Silla... It is how the people of the Northern Peninsula plan and build their cities are pretty interesting for a Sec Governor like me. Anyways, we're almost there."
(And I think I just heard about a robbery and something very dangerous... And he did all that in a day and succeeded!? How is that even possible?)
"C-Can you at least provide me with pants for this gown when I get there?"
"Heh, punishment for not following your teachings! No pants!"
"Wait what!? That's ridiculous!"
"Hmm... I'll make you wear a dress-"
"Sorry, Da Shifu!"
"Heh! No pants it is then. I'll be the one to prepare your clothes anyways. So look forward to it."
"Can't I at least have some shirt? Da Shifu?"
"Hmm... Sureeee..."
"Thank you, Da Shifu."
(And I don't like his gesture... Even if I can't see it I don't like it!)
*************************************
"Change back!"
*Pong*
"Ugh!"
Feeling my body slamming on a glass wall, I finally open my eyes to see someone looking at the mirror. It's none other than Daniel and their... Lil Sis, Dinner. Looking around, I till can't see anyone and wonder,
(Hmm? Where is the others?)
Moriz soon lands beside me as I realize again he reverted back to a guy, saying:
"Alright! We've arrived. Time to order you something, to eat. Want something?"
Moriz opens the glass wall as I realize we're in a balcony.
(Weird, this wasn't here when I was last here?)
I follow him inside and nod saying:
"Hmm, something fulfilling would be best, Da Shifu. I mean I don't really know the names of the food here."
"Alright then! Might as well, order some meal for the gathering as well!"
"Yeah!"
"Rawr!"
As Moriz takes a sit at the long sofa, Daniel comes to me saying:
"Welcome, Sova bro! Glad to see you again. Are you okay now?"
"Wuuur..."
I nod replying:
"Yea, I'm fine now thanks to Moriz... Da Shifu I suppose."
"(Good save...)"
I could hear Moriz softly whisper to me as he turns to look at us. Daniel then drags me along saying:
"Well, come with us! Moriz big bro said he's inviting a friend over! So I trained to play the game he told me about!"
"Oh?"
"Moriz big bro, I'll go borrow the pod again okay?"
"Sure! But wake him up when I told you okay?"
"Okay, thank you!"
Letting him drag me along, he brought me to some huge opened metal pod with some sort of transparent glass that we can use to see what's inside when we close it. If I have to be honest, this thing looks a like some weird bed.
"What is this? Wait, are we playing with this?"
"Yup! Big bro told me this is one of the gaming pod! One of the lastest invention from the Aologi Empire before the war started. It lets you connect your mind into an artificial world!"
"Oh! That's actually very interesting! So it can make you experience something you never have?"
"That's right! It's amazing you gotta try it! To think my homeland created this, it's insane!"
"Oh! Okay, okay, so how do you use it?"
Feeling excited by the product and what I can do with it,
"Oh, oh! Let me show you Sova Bro!"
Daniel went behind me and push me closer to the pod saying:
"First, lay down inside."
"Okay..."
Following his instruction, I slowly get in the pod and lay down as I realize how comfy the stuffing inside the pod as I seem to sink in the feeling...
"Yea, this does make me feel going to a better place."
"No, don't sleep in it yet! Well, I suppose I sometime sleep in it but that's not the point! Then you gotta wear this..."
Daniel pulls out some sort of weird glasses made of steel but unlike normal glasses, this thing has no lenses. Following along since he probably knows what he's doing, I take the glasses and wear it when he pushes me down saying:
"Okay, you're ready! Now lie down and let the game begin!"
*Click*
*************************************
Sucked into darkness, I see panels showing so many stuff I can't really focus when everything just seems to went pass me and disappear. I look around only seeing total darkness when,
"Sova bro! Can you hear me!?"
Hearing Daniel's voice I look around replying:
"Yea! Where are you! And where am I!? What's happening!?"
"Don't worry! You're going in now!"
"Huh?"
*Pop*
The entire world of darkness seems to flash bright changing into an open fields as far as the eyes can see. Clear blue skies with no signs of clouds, and seas of grass...
"Woah..."
Amazed by something so unreal, surprised by how something so amazing is not... Magic. I kneel down feeling the grass at my feet, I touch it with my hand and gasping with how much real so many things is. I could smell the soil and the wind.
"Is this really science?"
(Maybe it's not so bad to get involved with him).
"Hehe! Amazing huh? Try moving."
"Okay."
I start taking a stance and unleash a few combos! The fluid motion and all that's happening is hard to believe we're in some sort of... Game? This is a game? I thought it was cards and board games.
(But my movements seems more sluggish and slower for some reason still...)
"It's amazing!"
"Hehe! Then it's time..."
Suddenly myriad pillars light fell down from the skies. And from those lights, soldiers wearing thin armour appear carrying cheap weapons and soon enough forming into a square infront of me.
(Here he said there would be nothing dangerous!)
"Don't worry Sova bro! Those are actually your allies!"
"Really!?"
"On the game, we'll be commanding those soldiers!"
(Commanding?)
*Ting*
A card appear showing some sort of picture of the soldier with no face taking a stance. Wondering what that is I wave my hand at it wondering what reaction I get. As my hand touched the card, it starts to shine and I back away panicking.
"W-What did I do!? Did I break it?"
"Hahaha! Sova Bro, you really are worse than me in tech. No, what you did is selected your soldiers. It is the first step of playing this game."
"This will be a tutorial by me! Since you probably can't use the widgets I'll be your tutorial guide!"
"Oh? You sound pretty experienced for someone who supposedly still learning."
"Heh, not at all! Now, this game is similar to real life in commanding. Your troops can hear you as you direct them with the map. But first, we gotta spawn your map! Say map!"
"Map?"
*Bling*
"Woah!"
Appearing before me is a panel similar to the ones I see in the silver armour. It shows where I am with a star and also one giant block with a sword and shield symbol Infront of me... Is that the soldiers?
"Great! Now, you can do a simple command by pressing that giant block infront of you and press anywhere in the map, much preferably just a short distance."
"O-Okay?"
(This is so complex...)
Pressing the block infront of me, I see the soldiers lining up shines bright.
"You see, the soldiers shining bright? That's an indicator you chose that unit! Now press the map."
Following his instruction, I press beside me and soon the soldier starts moving on their own as they line up beside me. Seeing droves of these soldiers with no faces reminds me a lot about the time Sis Yuwei gave me a company lead...
"Soldiers, rush infront and take a winged shield stance!"
"Huh!?"
"Hoo ah!"
The soldiers following my command runs towards me to form a /\ formation with me at its centre.
"Amazing!"
(So this is what those heroes see when their soldiers form to protect like in the books?)
"Woah, Sova Bro when did you learn you can make them take formation? And you even use voice commands!"
"I don't, I thought seeing how I can command them like real life, I thought maybe this is possible."
"Great! You're learning quick! I should explain about voice command and formations."
"Oh?"
"Just like you guess, Voice Command is something you can shout to your soldiers and they'll listen to you. But remember, you can only command so far your voice reach you, just like in real life. That's why many new commander decided to stay back and command with their map panels!"
"I see..."
"But as for formation, that's what makes this great! Unlike in real life, you just need to make sure you have the image in your head and the games will help direct the soldiers for you! No need for them to train and all!"
"Oh!"
(This game is so neat! The people in the Empire had it pretty nice before the war huh?)
"Great, I thinks that's all you need to know for now. Log out, and eat the dinner."
"Oh, it's here? And how...?"
"Just say "system - log out"."
"System."
*Pling*
Seeing a panel appear again, I ignore the other display and say,
"Log out."
*************************************
*Psssh*
Hearing the sound of air coming out I open my eyes only to see darkness when I open the glasses he gave me to see both him and Dinner side by side trying to hide their excitement.
"Welcome back, Sova bro. How is it? Amazing right!?"
I nod saying:
"Yup! It's just phenomenal!"
I get up and look around seeing Moriz still sitting at the sofa when I notice another person. A man in his early twenties with short messy brown hair, wearing huge tracksuit which does little to hide his jacked up body. Even though I sense no qi from him, I can tell he's very powerful...
(Where did Moriz found him? And even though Moriz is just a few years older than me he sure don't look strange around people that age).
As he notice me, he picks up one the snacks at the glass table asking:
"Hoh? Here I thought you said this was a boys gathering?"
Moriz leans back till he bend his back to look back at me upsidedown replying:
"Heh, don't be fooled, he may look like the cutest idols we've seen but she got balls hanging down her crotch."
*Crash*
"R-Really!? Sorry, did I misheard that?"
So surprised, he fell of the couch in such a fashion when Moriz return sitting normally saying:
"Heh, just kidding. You can just think of her just wanting to be called a guy."
"I-I'm not! Um... Da Shifu!"
I crawl out of the pod shouting back but the guy emerge from below the table like the undead crawling out of the grave replying:
"O-Oh...! Those girls... Alright then, no harm done."
"Hey! I'm a boy okay! What he said is true!"
"Hoho? Okay, okay whatever you say... Boy...?"
"Urgh!"
I quickly rush to Moriz when he turns around asking:
"Did you enjoy it? Get the feeling?"
Not being able to lie about that experience, I nod replying:
"Yea, it is very amazing. So, where's the dinner, Da Shifu?"
"Right, it's at the corner of the table. The ones still at the bag."
Moriz points to the corner where is a huge transparent bag filled with small lunchboxes inside...
"Thank you, Da shifu."
"No problem~ So quickly eat up! Your new clothes is already in the bathroom too."
"I see... Thank again, Da Shifu! I'll quickly prepare."
"Aw~ what's wrong? You acting all meek? Shy around strangers?"
(No, I'm annoyed by you).
Even though I may not the look at him, his action still does speak that he care. Moriz grabs my hand and pulls me close as he forcefully make me sit beside him before I could move. He place his arm around my shoulders saying:
"Oh, don't worry. For the record, he's shy around girls."
"No I'm not! I have sisters and servants I speak with!"
"Bra, your sis and servants don't count."
Moriz answers his reply quickly and before he could answer as he raise his finger Moriz shakes his head saying:
"Nor is your mom, or other female family members. The fact I have to point it out is already depressing."
"Oh..."
(Well, I suppose that's understandable if what Juha said is true how families tend to make their daughters avoid contact with guys).
He lowers his hand in defeat when Moriz uses his magic and levitates one of the box inside the bag saying:
"Either way, introduce yourself you two. Break the ice."
"Oh, okay then, let me start, Da-Shifu! I'm Sova Anmao. Nice to meet you."
"O-Oh? Sounds familiar..."
As I introduce myself, he scratches the back of his head and look away replying:
"I-I'm Belluga Jin-Cheo. P-Pleased to meet a lady like you."
(Wait... That sounds... Familiar...)
As the box arrive I grab it and put it down asking:
"Say, are you perhaps related to Jin-Juha Ssi?"
"Huh!? D-Do you know my Sister, Sova Ssi!?"
He approach close to me leaning at the table as I realize he's probably the same height as Moriz. I back away nodding and replying:
"Yea, even though we just met recently. She helps me around a lot since I'm a foreigner here. Like she helped me cook, guide me around the city, teach me about the land and history... And some customs for women here as well."
(Ah... Bit conflicted following those though).
"R-Really? That annoying clam of my sister? She wouldn't even help me get some soap, let alone helping to cook you meals. You sure you didn't mistaken her?"
I put down the lunchbox and look up remembering...
"No, I mean I only know one girl name Juha. Brown hair like you, twin tails, a jade bone, and have a sharp tongue? Are you a jade bone?"
"Ah, no I'm a black bone but... You really do know my sister huh? Weird..."
(Black bone? I guess he really is a war hero!? I can tell he's powerful but he sure doesn't exude the same intimidating aura as the others I met... And weird coincidence meeting Juha's brother here of all places... And if he's here doesn't that mean he travelled here as well? Or is he already here? And to even meet him at all is a huge coincidence, quite a small world).
He backs away slowly and takes a sit again. Before he looks at me asking:
"Just making sure, did she ever tell you anything about her brother? I mean me?"
"Oh, yea, she did. An idol fan, a total shut in. A shame to the family... Sorry I didn't mean to say that."
Cheo waves his hand around replying:
"Nah, it's fine, I come terms with it. So she made a new friend? And someone much younger than her too... I'm impressed. And here I thought she has the same communication problem with me and the friends she made was only those back at the academy."
(That's a bit rude to say. And sad to hear).
He leans back as I slowly take my lunchbox to eat, realizing that it's filled with something similar to those fish and chips but instead of fish it's some shell creature, I gobble it down while he stares back at me. Ignoring his gaze as I start eating, he points at me asking:
"By the way, Moriz, where did you find her? Isn't she wearing a hospital gown? Is she sick? Can she even come here?"
"Ah! Worry not, Cheo. And remember, he. As for his situation, he had some minor wounds left but I already helped fasten the healing, besides he's the one who agreed to come here, I'm just following his ,bargain."
"What!? Da Shifu, that's not- mmph!"
Moriz holds my cheekful mouth to stoo me from speaking saying:
"Hey, no talk during eating."
"Tch, so you can even use healing qi? You people from Heaven are hiding lots of techniques from your client if someone as young as you can use it."
"Hey, some of you learn how to do it as well. As for me, I'm just that talented."
"That cuts a bit deep for someone older to hear that. And realizing that I'm the oldest one here as well, I feel a bit more nervous."
Cheo takes a glass of drink as he says that and Moriz shakes his head replying:
"Nah, it's okay. You took time to come out of your room and freelance job. Besides, the game we're about to play is for people of all ages."
(Oh yea, she did say he stayed in his room since then...)
"Alright then, and can you please not touch a lady too much Moriz? You two may be foreigners but I hope you can follow the customs here."
Moriz lets me go and wipes his hand replying:
"Don't worry, but I guess if you are so adamant."
Cheo looks at me as I clean my mouth asking:
"Hey, Sova Ssi?"
"Yea?"
"I know my sister may have a sharp tongue like you said, but she is a really kind person. So help take care of her yea? She can be pretty impatient too."
"Sure!"
(I agree she is nice... Though I still need to tell her something and I wonder what will you do to me...)
"Good, is there any more people coming, Moriz?"
(Oh is there more? And how we meet... I guess it's more of an order).
"Oh, none just just gotta wait for Sova here to finish."
I look at Moriz surprised asking:
"Really!? What about Kitten?"
"Ah, he told me he doesn't want to, he's just not fun sometimes. Said he just gonna stick with his cart and cook. Though if I have to be honest, he's quite a good cook. He even earn a thousand Wu a day selling his okonomiyaki."
"Woah!"
(Last time I bought his meal it only cost a few coins, how much did he sell a day making those?)
"Wait, I just realize but where does he get his ingredients?"
I ask while I continue to eat when Moriz smiles happily:
"Well, he bought it of course, he may not look like it, he can communicate fine with people he met. Charismatic and earnest is the word I think when he's not grumpy or around me. Plus his good looks attract the ladies and gave him some discounts when shopping at the bazar with the grannies."
"Oh! I see... A bit shame, I thought he would be here since it's boys gathering after all."
"Heh, note taken. I'm gonna have a lot of fun telling him after all this. Still, hurry up and finish your meal and wash up! We still gotta go somewhere after this!"
"Right!"
I quickly finish the meal and rush towards the other lunchboxes and gobble them all down as I almost forgot how hungry I am talking and playing that game has push my mind aside. As I gulp the last fries and chips, I clean my mouth and push aside the lunch boxes. Seeing both Moriz and Cheo talking about something and stops as they saw me finish, I look at Cheo asking:
"I just notice this but I thought your sister said you never leave your room since?"
"Oh? Curious huh? Simply put I leap through the window. I just had to have some few servants keep it a secret for me, mostly my private servants. How do you think I kept this kind of body in such a lazy environment? As for why I left, well, I got tired of serving with the military and decided to pose as a masked vigilante crushing villains terrorizing the kingdom."
"Real cool costume fella."
"Shut it, I only had my idol sets around and my unique military garb could easily get me exposed."
Connecting two and two together, I realize,
"Wait, don't tell... You met Moriz when he broken through the border!? Or tried to catch him when he's still rampaging around the countryside?"
"Good deduction, ever heard of the Night Lancer?"
(Sounds cool but...)
"No, I just arrived here a recently. Is that something everyone knows?"
"Nah, it's more of an urban legend you won't hear much and understandable if you came here early. Plus, I became less active when that monster drove all the bandits away... And most of all... Since he already took care of it already as well."
Cheo looks at Moriz as I remember how he handed me its head and nod saying:
"Yea, Da Shifu is very strong- wait! Da Shifu, you're in danger and exposed!"
"Prrfff! You just realized that now, Sova? Cute."
Moriz who is already clowe pats my head as I try to brush his hands away.
"Urrgh!"
"Don't worry Sova Ssi. I am not aftering him anymore. I can tell if he's a danger or not and I deem him not."
"Why?"
I ask back curious when Cheo simply sighs and take another drink saying:
"He's stronger than any warrior this kingdom can offer, heck not anyone in this peninsula could give him a challenge. And if he really want to, I doubt the peninsula would even appear at the map by now."
(He's that strong!? This guy!? Well, Sis Yuwei did say he is and my fight with him ended in a flash but I thought... Wait isn't he part of the Super Star ranking? I wonder what ranking is he? I mean that Oars guy easily beat both me and Sis Fei with no effort and he is part of the Super Stars).
Cheo refills his drink again as I wonder what cup is he in now when he starts saying:
"The one I'm more worried is the people. The higher up should've known the monsters are dead but they still keep the Martial Law in place. I don't like where this is going."
(Well, isn't there one more monster king monster around Moriz talked about?)
Moriz press my head before I could respond anything saying:
"Okay, enough of the serious chat. We're here to have fun. Sova, go take a shower and change already."
"Ah right! Well, excuse me then!"
Cheo's face reddened a bit as he hears that and drink his cup nodding silently.
*************************************
Even after shower, steam pours out of the bathing glass door as I wonder what is with this place. It's even more luxurious than the one at the guild. Sure the bathtub is not as big but the fact this is a bathroom for one already has a tub that could fit around more than 50 people of Moriz' size is ridiculous!
Taking the soft, thick, fur towel, that would put my old sleeping blanket to shame as I realize I can use this towel for sleep than shower. I look at the expensive decorated mirror that seems to be fused to the black marbled wall... I look down seeing the exotic dark wood that sheem with the yellow lights.
"How decadent can people be with these decors? Anyways, the clothes are a bit of surprise."
Like he said, Moriz prepared me a shirt but not just any shirt. A smooth shirt with long sleeves and ends that reach half my thighs. But I suppose he can be forgiven, he said he won't bring me any pants but he prepared me neat and comfy looking shorts- wait...
"It's a bit too tiny and tight... A mini tight short? Oh wait! This is one of those things Sis Yuwei like to wear under, the short spats!"
(For once... I am actually given man clothing. After so long... I get to wear a man's wear. I think I may have misunderstood him).
He prepared me some knee socks as well and a scarf.
(How considerate, those will keep me warm).
Wearing everything and being surprised by how loose and comfy they are, I realize the spats is big enough to not show any bulge.
"This is very nice... I wonder if I can keep it."
I rush out with my towel still on my shoulders and my headband worn in my arms saying:
"Looks like I was wrong about you, Moriz Da shifu!"
"Huh? About what?"
It seems he is shutting the glass walls to the balcony when Moriz looks back at me as everyone in the room does the same. Cheo and Daniel blush a little seeing me while Moriz grin saying:
"Yup, fits like you to a T."
"Thanks! Can I keep it? Da Shifu?"
Moriz for once looks at me shocked as if something doesn't seem right as he asks:
"R-Really? You're happy with that? O-Okay, sure I guess. I mean I was planning on giving it to you anyway."
"Alright! Thanks! It would be great if you have anymore, I'll even pay for it, Da shifu!"
"Heh, sorry, no, that is it."
"Okay then... Da Shifu..."
I wipe my hair as I sit at the couch where everyone gathers asking:
"So what are you guys talking about while I shower?"
"O-Oh! Nothing much, Sova bro! Just getting to know Cheo bro here. He speaks Owlian too."
Daniel answers back and surprise a bit by the info, I look at Cheo asking:
"You do?" In Owlian.
He nods taking another cup to drink, he replies:
"Yeah, I learned it a decade ago when I was still in the army, and when many Owlian Refugees are still coming to the Southern Frontiers. And since our kingdom are founded by Owlians, my dad told me to learn some as well."
"Woah! Neat!"
"Oh, its nothing much."
Finish drying my hair enough, I look at Moriz asking:
"Say, Da Shifu, do you have any hair tie?"
"Hoh, sorry, no. I usually let my long hairs flow. I can ask for one if you want?"
"I see... Thanks, that would be nice."
Seeing Moriz pulling out a black card, Cheo looks at him confused asking:
"What are you talking about? Your hair is medium at best. I mean look at the short shave at your sides."
Hearing him, I realize he probably doesn't know about Moriz' transformation. As I push my hair behind the couch so I don't sit at it, I wear my headband asking:
"So where will we be going? And will we really be playing that pod?"
I point at the iron pod where I got sucked in and Cheo nods saying:
"Heh, not really. That is usually for the masses to play with. At the big leagues, where we're gonna have some tournament. We'll use something that'll entertain everyone you'll see it later when we get there.
And it seems they gotta at least keep the folks entertained. As for our location... Why not you tell him Moriz nim?"
Moriz who seems to finish fiddling with the card puts it back and smiling excitingly saying:
"We'll be having our battle here in the tower! Or more like an extension of the tower. There's actually a huge abandoned airport turned stadium behind the tower. And the entering fee is free."
"Woah, really that place!? I guess they really want to please the crowd. And I guess you got our disguise ready?"
"Sure do! Told them to bring it alongside his hair tie."
"Wait disguise!? Why do we need that, Da Shifu!?"
Moriz wrap his arms around me shoulders and brings his face close saying:
"Sova, if you can't tell. All of us here are pretty much wanted or infamous. And recently, you!"
"Me?"
"Yeah, haven't you heard. They said your promotion shook the whole peninsula saying the second Jin-Yeon is coming."
"Wait, I succeed!? I got promoted? Even after I fainted, Da Shifu!?"
"Sure do! You took down the golem after all! And that Guardian attack you too. The fact you survived all that, is proof you're good enough."
(Haha... I guess, I didn't let you down Yoo-Ah. And I suppose I failed to fulfill Jana's requirements... Ah I'll figure those out later when I return. For now...)
"Thanks for letting me know... Da Shifu."
"No problem!"
That's when I realize Cheo somehow sits beside me without me noticing asking:
"Wait, I knew that name sounds familiar. You're that Sova Anmao! The Wanderer who got a promotion quest as soon as she joined and even got recommended by Jin-Yeon nim!"
I nod quitely as he backs away saying:
"Heh, you really do know how to gather some unique people, Moriz. And sorry this may come as rude but I really can't picture you fighting those Hunters. I heard you took out around 4 High Rank Hunters including the Moonlight Swordsman."
"It's fine."
(Well, I did defeat the Moonlight Swordsman and the leader figure is High Rank but he is killed by the Silver Wolf-Kin... So who's the other two?)
"Wait a second... Where did you find her- I mean him, Moriz?"
Moriz grins replying:
"I think it's the new governor's palace? Or is it the adventurers guild inner castle."
"Sigh... I'm just gonna pretend I didn't hear that."
(Me too... So I've been unconscious at the guild huh? Kinda explain how Ji-Hyun and Clara was there, but who's that guy then?)
"Are you someone amazing, Sova Bro?"
Daniel appear leaning at the couch behind me, I shake my head replying:
"Hmm? Me? I don't think I am."
Moriz pats my back saying:
"Don't be so humble buddy! Do you know how rare it is to find a proper Martial Artist here? Let alone a proper Adventurer?"
"Okay then... Da shifu."
(Yeah, I guess Yoo-Ah said Adventurers is already rare. And Pioneers are just... Something almost not there).
"Anyways, before we leave, what about Dinner Big bro?"
"Ah, don't worry. She'll be fine here, you filled her water bottle right?"
"Of course! Cleaned and served!"
Daniel salutes wit ha huge smile while Moriz messes his hair saying:
"Good kid!"
"You know, Moriz. I'm not here to talk but even with a mask, I think many soldiers still recognize your figure and that unique green eyes of yours. Do you have a contingency plan?"
"Hehe, have no worries! How do you think I got in the city in the first place?"
Cheo looks at him with a pitiful look saying:
"Through the sewers? And swimming up the river?"
Moriz smiles painfully replying:
"Well, I tried and succeed. But seeing a girl and a grown ass man dumping right above me and her shit plopping above my head as I swim kinda breaks me a little."
"Oh..."
(That would actually be horrifying to see... Or experience. I mean I went pass a sewer once but the smell is just so nauseous. And does that mean he swim up past...)
"Urp!"
I try to hold back my urge to vomit when Moriz and jumps away to an open space saying:
"But that's not the point. I found another way after interrogating some adventurers and nobles for some back door shenanigans and luckily I got this medallion from some junior of mine at school back then too."
Moriz prod at the medallion at his chest as he says that, I wonder if it is one of those rare magical artifacts Nicole told me about. Moriz lift the medallion above saying:
"This thing let's her transform into wearing a pretty cute outfit, like in an instant it died her hair pink, change her clothes to some cute blue dress and she wields some cute wand with wings and-"
"Wait... If from what I know so far. Don't tell me it let's you-"
"Yup! Turned me into a lady without my succubus roommate and it also gives me unknown powers that doesn't derives from the usual magic."
Cheo looks at him shocked asking:
"I'm sorry what roommate? And what is that last part again?"
(Yea, succubus? What's that?)
"Watch! Let's go Scarlet Angel, like usual! We'll be doing some more action! Do it right or you'll be riding my FIST again!"
The gem on the medallion shines bright red as he takes a flamboyant pose which looks unbefitting his large figure as he then shouts,
"Oh, shining love! Chasing my crimson destiny! And igniting your sparkling love! Scarlet Angel, change!"
(I just realize but this is actually the first time I saw him transformed!)
A bright crimson light blinds me as from those blinding vision, I could see a visible white silhouette of Moriz. Seeing his figure change to female and his hair extends the light becomes even more brighter as I am forced to close my eyes. Hearing some sparkling sounds and popping echoes, I wonder if he's over when I open my eyes once again. Like the first time I saw his female form, I see pink hair, dress and all.
(If I have to be honest, his female figure reminds me of Sis Yuwei, but taller. Heck I think the only thing different is only his head).
Moriz makes another flamboyant pose which suits him well with his female figure as he would then say:
"Haha! Truly astounding as always!"
Cheo who is still rubbing his eyes in pain shouts:
"My eeeeyes! What the fuck is that!? Whose voice is that!?"
"Me? Oh, kind warrior of qi, let me introduce myself. I'm the guardian angel! The scarlet leader! Aria Pink!"
Moriz takes an even more flamboyant pose as he seems to enjoy the situation and lean forward resting his arm. She winks and continue saying:
"Well, from the pallet, it should've been crimson or red but either way, that's what my junior and this alien artifact proclaim... Not before I trample upon her dreams, driven her friends to the ground and hear the lament of their artifacts. And as my spoils, I took upon their leader's alien jig ma thingy. In my defense she initiated the assault, isn't that true?"
"..."
"..."
Wondering who's he talking to he continue asking:
"You want some more FISTING little angel boy? Answer back."
The medal on his collar shakes when he leans... Her head closer saying:
"That's what I thought..."
She walks off to take a sit with her new dress beside me, with grace she brush her long hair that flows like river saying:
"Though I feel terrible, how it's been more than a year since I last saw her. She was pitiful without without this transformation. I may have fabricate my goals, but my intentions are pure. Hoh, how my tongue was influenced by those vixens at the girls wing as well. Anyways, I told her if she wish it back then she better improve upon herself on all aspects. Like I did while I was still Wang Xuyin... Or is it Wang Xu Yin? Either way, I shall return it to her next time we cross ways."
While Daniel helps the blinded Cheo, I look up at Moriz saying:
"For someone who helped those in need you know just how to ruined another... Da Shifu."
"Oh silly, Sova. Nothing ever goes as planned for anybody, and especially your precious Sister. And as for the previous owner. I never really ask for her name and just called her Ms. Garbage... But worry not, for with my social net, I'll find her in no time, and return in to her..."
Moriz grasp his medal as he speaks before he grasp it with so much force I can feel it from here as he says,
"Hopefully she learned her lesson and doesn't turn into some psychopathic stalker bitch that sneak into my room and steal my stuff especially my underwear and sometime lick my meals and sandals in secret for 2 years."
"Da Shifu, That's... A very specific wish."
I replied a bit scared of the person he... She speaks off. Cheo who finally recovers look at Moriz, pointing at him saying:
"Y-You! Moriz, is that you!?"
Moriz ever so elegantly cross her long legs and look back at him resting her hands at her knees replying:
"Why of course, Jin-Cheo Nim. It is none other than I, Moriz Chenghu. But in this form, it would be best you call me by, Wang Xuyin."
"Damn, even your speech changed. It's disgusting... Sova, you're not a changeling as well right?"
Cheo looks at me scared and I tilt my head asking:
"Sorry, but what's that?"
"Thank the seas then. And right, you're an Owlian so no worries there..."
Cheo decides to take the corner seat as he stares at us both. And looks away whispering:
"So much for gathering of the boys."
"Now that everyone is set! Pack up your belongings, we're going to leave as soon we got our disguise. Which to be honest is just masks and a hair dye for you Sova. Your blonde hair is pretty rare here."
"Oh, I see... Da Shifu. Wait, how hard is it to remove?"
"Oh, it's just a simple wash will do. Don't worry."
"I see, okay then. This is actually my first time dying my hair, Da Shifu."
(Come to think of it, ever since I saw Sis Fei or Sis Yuwei's hair, I always wanna try making my hair more colourful).
"Worry not, Sova, I'll help you out."
"Thanks, Da Shifu!"
Daniel who's already on standby petting Dinner stands saying:
"By the way Big... Bro..?"
"Yes, Daniel?"
"Just saying but since we are entering some sort of tournament, won't our enemies be strong? Like one of the best?"
(Oh yea, he's right).
"Huhu, calm your nerves, Daniel. The game we're about to play doesn't rely on individual strength but pure tactic, strategy, and preparation. Even worse yet, unlike most of Zerians ever know, these battle involves no magic, so every units are geared for Ancient Owlian War."
(Wait, soldiers with no magic?)
"Our enemies are strong but they have yet seen what they're about to face. Sure the two of you may be taken out like trash but... For one, we have one of the heroes that defended this kingdom from one of the greatest coalition this peninsula have ever faced.
His achievement at the war gave him the title of the Singing Waves for all who faced him seems to drown under his unstoppable assault, no fortress or cities could stand his unrelenting assault. And as for me? Well, I learned from one of the best minds the Confederation could gave me. And for clarity..."
(Saying me and Daniel would be taken out that easily hurts but true since I never really played it at all but... Donut rabbits do I still wanna try!)
Moriz wraps his arm around my shoulders again as I wonder how many times has he done it by this point before saying:
"I learn more than a trick or two from your Sister, Yuwei. Maybe you could learn as well from me."
"I guess... Da Shifu?"
(I mean I never really saw her in action that much but I suppose she like to take risks from the battle I've seen her in).
Daniel rush to Moriz replying:
"Hoh! You're very confident big bro! Very well, I'll place my trust in you like always! We'll support you the best we can!"
"Support huh? If you two will help us out we'll gladly help out. Da Shifu."
I agree with Daniel as I grab some of the remaining meals at the table to eat when Moriz nods with satisfied smile replying:
"Truly wonderful! Since you all have come to help, I shall gracefully reward you with-"
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Sorry for disturbing you, Lord Wang Xuyin. But we have the items you need."
Moriz stands looking down on us thanks to her height saying:
"Coming! I'll be the one to take this one."
As she went and open the door, I could see the staff being amazed at her height as she is forced to look up at her. The staff hands her a box and bow down saying:
"That's your items. Please excuse me and call us again if you need anything."
"Of course, thank you for your service."
Moriz closes the door and lift the box up saying:
"Well, check it out and pick your favourite. We'll begin soon!"