*crackle* *crackle* *crackle*
Raising my bloodied hands, I look upwards at hope. Drench in red I raise my hand holding a shining sword amidst the bleak darkness ahead as 6 wings flutter at my back which cannot fly yet. The golden sun watches from the falling from the crimson skies, ashen clouds showering burning rocks upon the cracking soil that warps at the single touch. The earth run red with naught but death and the stench of rot as bones litter the wastelands.
At my back are living beings, mould of endless potential. Clay of the future and infinite possibility. As my caller have given me a chance, a mission to guide these lives towards a better life, of freedom from Armageddon.
A liberation shall come forth under the name of a new city, of my beloved wife's name...
"Aolia, shall be the new birth of all Civilization. May you grow wonderfully for the next [Filter] event. My time is short, so forgive me if this is all I can do."
*************************************
"Rrrgh..."
Emerging from the darkness, I felt warmth and softness in my arms. My heavy eyes refuse to open as I wonder what time did I sleep yesterday? Smelling a very nice scent so close to me, feeling the cold winds blew, hearing the curtains flutter and someone breathing closely to my face. I embrace it closer, feeling their warm breath among the cold abode, I forcefully open my weary to see what or who...
Her long smooth black hair brush against my arms, her chest squeezes between us while our legs crossed a bit... With hopeful dark brown eyes that seems to shine gold beneath the creeping sun, she look at me with those eyes as I can only mutter...
"Good morning, Yoo-Ah..."
(Woah, I just realize this but Yoo-Ah bigger than most I know off when they squeeze like those...)
"Oh, morning!"
(Hmmm...?)
" "WAIT!!!" "
We both exclaim in surprise as I let her go shouting:
"Wah! Sorry! I did it again!"
(And what the fudge am I thinking!?)
Rather than moving away she grabs the collar of my hospital gown and sit atop of my stomach shouting:
"Sova! You're awake! You're okay! Thank the gods!"
She then proceeds to wrap her arms beneath my armpit to hug as my head plunge between her brest and continue shouting:
"Ooh! I'm so worried when we found you so badly hurt! And the matter got worse since you're an Owlian we thought you might get crippled and comatose forever!"
"Um, Yoo-Ah?"
"I'm so sorry! I made you join the adventurers guild and put you in that much danger! Stupid me! Stupid me! And because I underestimate those Hunters and told you not to worry, you got hurt so badly! Waaah, I'm sorry!"
She backs away and let's me go a bit. Before I could say anything, she lie down beside me and wraps her arms around my body, burrowing her face at my chest as she proceeds to cry buckets...
(Well... The one that almost killed me was a Guardian- well, he did killed me. Truth be told, she was wrong that the Hunters wasn't much of a threat than a nuisance. But I got to see their perseverance and cunning. If I was a normal Owlian or Zerian I would've been dead 3 times over with what they set up...
And I suppose she really like hugs which I really don't mind! Hugs and head pats for the win! Though I miss May's hugs).
I pat her head and her back replying:
"Hey, its okay. I mean the moment I became an adventurer I am bound to face such dangers-"
"B-But it's still my responsibility to minimize that danger! Stupid me! I'm sorry, I'm such a bad personal staff! Waaah!"
Letting her cry it out, I continue to support her and caress her head as she slowly calms down and stops bawling.
"Sniff, sniff..."
"You okay now? In the end, I did survive. So thanks for worrying me..."
"No problem... After how much you helped me out, we're the best of friends now after all..."
(Hoh? That's sweet to hear... But what did I help her with? More like she's the one helping me all the time... And I can't really feel nice calling you a best friend when I still have secrets I'm hiding from you, like there's so many close call she almost made contact with it... Wait, did she manage to touch it in my sleep?)
Ignoring my concerns since I'll tell her one day, I decided to ask another thing I worried since yesterday:
"Say... Have you been waiting for me? Ever since I fell unconscious?"
Yoo-Ah push my chest to get up as I let her go replying:
"Sniff, yup! I've been waiting outside the room all this time!"
"I see... Thanks."
(Okay... Now I feel real bad for yesterday... More like I'm surprised she didn't notice anyone entering. She must be asleep or exhausted).
Yoo-Ah replies wiping her face as I see her light make-up becomes a mess. Wondering what to do, I see a towel beside me and hand it over saying:
"Here, your face is a mess. I think you should wash it off first. And maybe get a rest, here share my bed."
"Hehe! Sure!"
I make some space and she sits beside me as we both rest on the edge. Seeing Yoo-Ah slowly gain her composure, I decided to ask:
"So... Did I pull you again and hug you in my sleep?"
(I think this the second time already).
"Yup! But, it's only for a little while, I suppose it's my fault for poking at your face trying to get a reaction..."
"Ah, well, that's just one bad habit of mine... Sorry."
Yoo-Ah shakes her head replying:
"Well, not for me it's not! Here, more hugs! Hum!"
Yoo-Ah lunge and wrap her arms around my neck and feeling really bad for what I did yesterday while she's here being worried. I wonder if I should tell her I was already fine as I pretend to not know about what happen and asks:
"So... Mind telling me about what happened while I was unconscious?"
"Oh! Oh! Um! Where do I even begin!?"
"What about my promotion? I suppose I fail since I got knocked unconscious?"
Yoo-Ah back away grabbing ny shoulders shouting:
"Definitely not! In fact! Congratulations! You're now a prim and proper Adventurer! Like most veterans in here!"
"Oh! Really?"
"Hum! Hum!"
Yoo-Ah nods excitingly before saying:
"Sure, the video stops when that Guardian shows up and drop kick you. I don't know what happened but in the end the guild leader approved of your promotion! So it is all swell! If I have to say why, it's definitely how you survived against all those odds!"
"I see?"
"Oh! Right! I have to tell everyone that you're awake! Plus they even lefts gifts to you! There!"
Yoo-Ah gets off the bed and rush to one of the curtains in the room, dragging it away I see a few presents placed at the table. Mostly snacks and health kits, and there's even a huge backpack, with a bottle and a shovel with a ribbon wrap on it.
"How nice."
(That bag and shovel must be from Ye-Hua since she blew up my stuff).
"Yup! Oh, and I suppose that bag beside you is a new one. I didn't see that until this morning, someone left you some clothes, scarf and some weird coloured canisters... Either way, they are very nice! Considering you lost most of your gear at the promotion quest, wonder if it's from granny Ra?"
"Huh?"
Yoo-Ah points to the side and I follow her direction, realizing that's the bag where Moriz packs the clothes I wear yesterday. He even help me clean my hair which is surprisingly easy and he gave me the hair die too. Yoo-Ah then continue saying:
"Oh! And you even got visitors while you're unconscious! From Juha who's usually guarding outside, fellow staff members and shop owners I introduce you too, and then there's fellow adventurers like San-Min and his group, Zenon and his party, and even Jin-Yeon Unnie came by to visit!
You may be here for a short while but it seems you got yourself a huge following!"
"Isn't that thanks to you for introducing me to all of them? I can only wonder who I'll meet if I never met you."
(Wait... If I never met her, wouldn't that mean I'll be meeting Moriz sooner or later since he was wondering outside in his bandit ways? Now that's a horrific thing to imagine after what he did).
"Aaw~ you! Oh! Do you feel thirsty? Hungry? There's some fruits to your side you can eat to fill yourself a bit and water... Ah!"
Yoo-Ah rush behind the table of gifts and hearing the sound of pouring water she runs back to me with a tray with a glass of water and kettle. She hands me the glass saying:
"Here! Drink up! It's warmed up! Good for starting the winter morning!"
"Thanks."
As I take it from her, she turns to the door grabbing her staff hat saying:
"I'll go call the others! And..."
Yoo-Ah wears her barrett and turns around with a huge smile saying:
"Welcome home adventurer~! We'll definitely hold a party after this for your promotion! Now please excuse me!"
Yoo-Ah runs put of the room shouting at the corridor of the building as I take a sip of the warm water. Feeling the hot steam and clear contrast to the coldness around, I feel my body warms up as I feel the water stream across my chest. Maybe it's from the water, or maybe from hearing her words, either way...
"I'm glad to be back... Most of all alive."
*************************************
*Crack* *Crack*
I stretch my body and hearing the air leaving my bones, I look out of the window to see a sun clouded by clouds. Yet below, colourful garden of violet, lavenders, and other brilliant coloured plants lay about.
"Just like Moriz said, through the Gardens..."
(Maybe I should ask where I am right now? I mean he did say this is the Adventurers Guild).
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Sova, are you awake?"
Hearing a familiar voice I turn around replying:
"Juha? Please, come in."
Seeing the door slide open, Juha enters saying:
"Glad to see you're all fine now."
I move my arms replying:
"Yea! All fine now!"
(Thanks to Moriz speeding up my recovery).
"Thank the Gods then. When we recovered you, you were in a pretty bad shape... I'm sorry I can't do much."
"Ah, no it's fine! I'm just happy that you came to visit! Thanks for worrying."
Juha's face reddened and she turns around folding her arms shouting:
"Me? Worried!? You're dreaming! I'm just doing my job, Dumbass! Still..."
Juha looks at the gifts and looks back a bit saddened saying:
"I... I haven't gotten you a get-well gift yet."
"Oh?"
"Say... I was wondering, do you wish to follow me on a party?"
"Wait, what?"
"You remember the girl back then? At the guild when you stopped two Martial Artist?"
"I mean, are you serious? Me? Here I'm afraid I might embarrass you "
"Hmph! Dumbass, I'm only asking you to come because of the food. Seeing how you're happy with some junk food, maybe... It would be great if you have something better."
"Ah! Well..."
(Hmm? I didn't know liking junk food is seen as a pity... Still, two parties in a row? I'm living quite a life!)
"And besides! You'll only be standing beside me to eat, so there's nothing be embarrass about! And as a proper adventurer now you have no need to fear people looking at you with disdain."
"If you put it that way, sure! But seriously, I'm just happy you visited. I heard from Yoo-Ah you came to visit back when I was still unconscious as well."
"Hmph! You think too much! Well, it's a deal then. It's a food made by the Royal Chefs so prepare to get your jaws drop."
"Sure! But when though?"
"Hmm... In around 2 more days, she will held the party at the capital city. So we can leave tommorow."
"Wait, I'll be going to the capital city?"
(Here I'm just following the flow but I didn't know I'll be going places... And in the next day Moriz would drag me back again... When was the last time I even had a schedule?)
"Yes, she is a princess after all. Do not worry, you can wear the clothes I bought you previously or you could just come in with your adventurer outfit which is fine either way. And, I also heard many of her siblings and cousins or should I say the royal family will come as well so like I said, stick very close to me, alright?"
"Sure! Thanks!"
(Wait... Since this might be it... Let's try it! Tell her the truth! Might as well since I'm at some healing ward! Accept my consequences, and even if she thinks I'm joking at least I told her the truth!)
"Um, Juha?"
Juha ignores me and walks to one of the seats leaned on the table and rest. Placing her black cap down she cross her legs saying:
"Hold it! And since you're much better now, I shall take my time to watch over you closely now."
"Wait, what?"
"I realize watching you from afar seems to be a big mistake and cheating my responsibility. And many things could obfuscate my views, so this time I'll be keeping a close eyes on you like the first time we met. I'll be staying here in the guild as well and follow you along with your quest as a... Companion of sorts."
"Hold up! What's with that all of a sudden!?"
Juha grins replying:
"What? Don't like my company? So much for being happy with my visit."
"No! That's not what I meant."
"Then I see no problem, it's not breaking the rules as well. So what is it that you want to ask?"
"Ugh..."
Feeling a bit defeated I take a sit at the bed saying:
"Juha, I need to tell you something, since we're close now?"
Juha pulls her head back as if looking down on me before waving her hand replying:
"Hmm? Acceptable, go on."
"This might anger you and I'm ready to accept your fury and take responsibility, but in the end please don't be angry."
"What's with that attitude!? If you are my friend you should be committed to your will! So spit it!"
Juha yells back in fury clenching her fist yet her eyes seem curious. I nod saying:
"Right, well here goes... To tell you the truth, I'm actually a ma-"
*SLAM*
The doors slides open loudly before I could finish. Looking at who, I see a man whose head almost hit the door's ceiling as he need to kneel a bit. With his ling hair tied up like a horse's tail, wearing the same uniform as Juha but with a white trim and a long coat over his shoulders like a cape. It's none other than,
"Colonel Angae Song-Iseon, sir! Good afternoon!"
Juha stands up saluting him and as he enters alongside his partner Ri-Mi, he fans her away saying:
"Greet taken, Lieutenant Jin-Juha, mind leaving the two of us alone?"
"Um, sir?"
"Do I need to repeat myself? I'm sure I told you my orders before this right?"
"Yes, we obey!"
Juha grabs her cap and quietly leaves when the Colonel turns to Ri-Mi who seems to be salivating over my gifts saying:
"Ri-Mi, make sure no one disturbs us."
Ri-Mi wipes the drool of her face and salutes replying:
"A-Ah! Right away sir!"
*Slam*
Rushing out the room and shutting the door, the Colonel slowly approaches me and grabs a chair saying:
"Sorry for the... Unpleasant entry."
"O-Oh, its fine."
He drags it at the end of the bed and sit, leaning forward to rest his arms at the bed's foot rest saying:
"Good, now we are a bit late in our reports. But first, let me apologize."
"Sorry what?"
"Unless you forgot, you are a Diplomat from a foreign country. Albeit with illegal entry but all is still the same."
"Um..."
"Sorry, what I meant to say was, do you wish to change your living quarters and move to an embassy at the capital? We could provide you with a private residence or room and much better service, and nourishment for someone of high society. There we could have our diplomatic mission and negotiations as well with no disturbance."
"I'm sorry, but that's a bit... Well, let's just say I prefer the office at the town hall is fine. And... I think I still prefer living in here."
"I see... If that is your wish, I suppose we could refurbish the room we usually use for our diplomatic speak."
"That would be great!"
(I really don't know where this is going but this conversation sounds super serious! Get it together, Sova! I need to act the part like I trained!)
"And also... We plan on giving you a Visa for your identification but I think that won't be necessary."
"Huh? Oh you mean my Adventurer ID?"
(Yoo-Ah said I can use that in place for my passport).
"That could work but for more formal means, use this."
Iseon pulls out a familiar medallion with the Phoenix Insignia.
"Is that...!"
He hands it over to me saying:
"A certain crimson rat-kin gave this to me alongside something else."
I grab it and look at it closer, seeing the same marks and the shield shape, I lift it up replying:
"Oh, Really? Thanks!"
(Nice the Silencer Medallion and...)
"Wait, what's the other thing?"
Iseon lowers his head as he looks at the medallion, he then glares at me as he looks up saying:
"An armour, I kept it in my personal residence along with the maintenance tools. You can tell me whenever if you wish to equip it."
"Neat!"
(That means I got myself some better protection... I wonder if I could ask him to keep that?)
He sighs and leans back saying:
"Also I took the liberty of becoming the diplomat for this kingdom to speak with the phoenix sector's representative... Like I've been doing these last few days. And now that you've been officially deployed here. Just know that the Phoenix Sector have an embassy office here in this kingdom now."
"O-Oh! O-Okay..."
(Wait, what am I suppose to say? I mean...)
"So... Anything else you wish to say?"
"That's suppose to be my question! The Chancellor and head of Foreign Affairs of your Segmentum as of now has made you the de facto voice of your country. So do you have something you need? Or what your country wish to discuss?
I've left you free doing whatever you want since it's our fault you got here and we have no space to speak about it. But now that you have a proper office. I hope you do your job properly to justify yourself being here, Miss Ambassador."
"R-Right?"
(What the hell is that? But I suddenly feel I got a huge responsibility...)
"Or should I just call you, Miss Silencer?"
"Oh... So you know."
(Is that good or bad?)
"Sigh... To think you're actually the same as me. What is going on in Heaven? I thought there is suppose to be one?"
"So, you ARE a silencer?"
I ask back when the Colonel glares back replying:
"No, I don't even have the same abilities. Don't talk nonsense! I am the Guardian of Silla."
"O-Okay?"
(Wait, this is actually the first time I met a Silencer! He doesn't seem so different than any human I met. Maybe it's the magic side of things?)
Iseon sighs again as if he's just exhausted asking:
"You really have nothing to talk about? Or no mission yet to discuss? Then again, you've been in comatose for the past few days."
"True, don't worry, Colonel! I'll tell you when I receive any message from the Chancellor or anybody back at home."
(Oh wait... Can I ask him for help with that mission?)
"You better be! The embassy room or office is equipped with the communication tools as well so you can call home whenever you want with just a click of a button... Which is that big red one in the middle, you'll know it when you see it. So use this room as you please or preferably visit there everyday for reports, and here..."
Iseon hands me a badge that is engraved with the silhouette of a leaping whale. The same badge that he use to open the door to this room.
"Oh? Another proof of something?"
"That's right, this is your diplomatic identification "inside" this kingdom. Please keep it close and safe. Show the people at the reception this everytime you visit here and when you wish to open the door to your office. Or better yet when someone wishes to cause trouble or deny you."
(Well that would be grate, but... So far those experience have been...)
"O...kay? What if they still refuse...?"
"And when they still refuse to cooperate with you, open the whale insignia and press the button."
"Woah!"
Following his words I flip the whale to see a blue button inside, in midst of my amazement Iseon continue saying:
"That badge has been outfitted for Owlian use so if anyone's causing you trouble just press the button and I or someone close to me will come deal with your enemies. Though I doubt you'll be using it with most of the Ring Nobles under my rule. As... Per... Your..."
(Ring Nobles?)
He took a deep breathe before letting it out to say,
"Chancellor's agreement for her help with pacifying the arrogant nobles the last week, bringing them under my Angeo banner."
The Colonel seems to try his best to not say it but since this is something Ptelophy sets up, I suppose I should cooperate for now since I understand nothing.
"Okay, okay, thanks!"
"No... Problem... With most of their influence under my thumb, the Martial Law will soon be lifted and internal conflicts will be reduced. And In time we'll find you a better building to lend too."
"No, the office is fine. And really? It'll be lifted?"
"Yes, I..."
Iseon glares holes at me before saying:
"Receive news there are no more Monster threat. You could say she helped me control the situation it as well."
"Really!? That's great news! I'll get to see the city in its true form! And no more soldiers annoying me I guess."
"True, I suppose we'll let our properties grow according to our needs. Cause as of now, Silla is a Shadow to The Phoenix Sector. I hope we have a prospering cooperation."
"Oh?"
(Wait so we're allies? Well, I suppose that's good right!?)
"Glad to be working together! Call upon me if you need anything!"
"I'll do just that."
Following my training to entertain the 3 diplomats back then, I stand and lend my hand out for a shake and Iseon nods to stand and shake my hand back. As we part our hands and hearing his good news reminds me of something else,
"Say, what about the Owlians? The one that got kicked out of the city?"
Angeo smiles for once saying:
"Oh? Them? Don't worry, they'll be welcomed back with my help. Those refugees that overcrowd the cities, caused troubles and needed "special" support will be sent to your Sector with the Chancellor's approval and assistance. We've already started transporting them a few days ago by sea and air."
Filled with joy and jubilation by the news, I can't help but smile replying:
"Really? Neat! I guess everyone wins!"
(Heh! It seems Ptelophy seems to be a pretty good person! I should really thank Ptelophy and Sis for their huge support for these people. Then again Sis is building the Sector up so there's definitely place for them!)
He turns around and continue saying:
"Yeah, everyone wins indeed. And one more thing, I will give Lieutenant Jin-Juha my contact so just tell her if you wish to meet me for something else or when I wish to call upon you beside the use of that Internal ID, since our only ways of contact must be direct talk."
"Weird requirements but okay, thanks!"
As the Colonel leaves, I remember something and hold his arm to stop. He turn his head around asking:
"What is it?"
"Say, can you help me keep something... Well, let's just say it's not for the public to know."
The colonel pull his arm away replying:
"I'm sorry but I prefer not keeping illegal items at my residence."
"Ah, figures... Thanks for giving me an answer."
Before he opens the door, he looks back at me with a worried expression asking:
"Just for the record, what is the item and where do you keep it now?"
"Ah, it's an retractable Owlian Steel spear I bury it in the crossroad between Meondosi, Meonbich, and Meon... Something."
The Colonel almost grips the door handle but stops as I see his hand twitch replying:
"Fucking... Fine, I'll dig up that weapon of yours and keep it safe with your armour."
"Really!? Thank you so much! I'm sorry to inconvenient you. Don't worry I made a sign at the dig place and it's near the road sign. Hopefully the snow didn't bury it."
"Sigh, right... Now I know a bit why you entered illegally. And do you have more similar request?"
I shake my head replying:
"Nope, that's all!"
(Since my other weapon is safe with the Armoury Gramps... Come to think of it, what happened to that new spear? I wonder if it's with him?)
Iseon nods satisfied and finally opening the door to leave. Juha enters soon after with a worried look asking:
"Sova, what did you talk about with the Colonel?"
Still feeling happy, but before I could respond Ri-Mi enters the room holding Juha's hand saying:
"She's a visitor from Heaven. And do me us a favour and don't pry any deeper please, Lieutenant. She is not a threat to your I.D.B's "Peace" So continue doing Colonel's order and watch over her."
"Yes Ma'am!"
Juha salutes and when Ri-Mi smiles and leaves again. She looks at me with even more doubtful eyes and sigh asking:
"I can trust you right?"
Following along, and trusting the people at home, I nod saying:
"Yea! You can trust me and the Colonel! Just know that good days are about to come!"
"Sigh, a bit hard to disagree when you're that confident and happy saying it. Say, do you want to walk around for a change of pace? I doubt you get to move much in your sleep."
Juha leers at me while looking to the side as if she doesn't mean what she said but I play along replying:
"I can leave? Then sure! Oh and do you know Yoo-Ah is planning for my promotion success?"
"Oh?"
"Come celebrate together! It'll also be the party before the one you'll bring me with too!"
"Hmph! I suppose that twerp knows how to have fun at least. I guess I should also say, congrats on your promotion as well."
"Thanks! Now lead the way! And where are we anyways?"
Juha nods along replying:
"Ah right, we're actually at the personal residence of the new Governor, Lord Hwang-So. It's a house connected from the back of the Adventurers Guild. I guess we could thank that twerp for it. I'm still surprised she knows people."
"Oh, neat! Gotta thank her after this too then. And by the way where is she now?"
As we both leaves, I look back at the item he gives me and wonder where do I even put those stuff? Either way, I guess I should relax a bit... I look at Juha looking at me a bit more suspicious.
(Right, there's still how I got cut mid sentence... Should I tell her again?)
"Ah right, Juha. About what I was about to said..."
"Yes..."
Juha feels like she's leaning forth as she brings her ears closer. Her face deadly serious I said,
"I'm actually a man."