"Pwaaah! Nothing beats a hot bath in winter! Though I gotta make sure to dry up or I'm gonna catch a cold."
After escorting her to the baths and laundry room, Abe led me out via a secret path I never know was there. A tunnel underneath the lounge of the dorms. And the way down needs to be open by some intricate puzzle too...
(Where did she learn all that?)
And the secret passage is more like a sewage or hot crimson stream with a small road to the side with some pipes strap to the walls. With barely any souls beside the two of us, the steam can still be seen rising giving this place a mystifying shade of red.
(So this is where the bath water is coming from. But where does it lead too? And I suppose this is how she manage to sneak in? Then when I escorted out front is useless?)
With no bright lights leading the path ahead but the glow from underneath the crimson stream, the whole corridor is dyed red from under our feet. Abe still drying her hair with some wind magic that blows the steam away looks back asking:
"So, you're not gonna ask how I knew this place or where we are?"
"After everything, not really. Probably some secret base or whatever. Still, it would be nice if I could contact you directly."
"Aw, that's pretty sweet, well you can with this."
Abe pulls out and throw something which I catch easily.
"Isn't this my Silencer Medallion?"
"Yup! Got in from your recovering room. You're gonna need that."
"Thanks, I also need to pack up the stuff there back to my original room too."
(Like that other medallion the Colonel gave me).
"Hehe, looks like you're easily getting used to this place, that's good. And boy you sure are lucky to know how to speak their language."
"Yea, I can only imagine what would happen if I got stranded in a place where I can't communicate."
"I doubt that, there's still the common tongue after all. The only way that's gonna happen is when you got lost beyond the map. But I suppose not everyone actually learn the common tongue."
"True enough. So, how do I contact you with this?"
"I written my number on it so you can use that to call me later."
"Oh?"
I inspect the medal more and notice some written numbers scribbled near the switch Rana implemented back then.
"Nice!"
(Oh, I wonder if the switch still works?)
"Since you got my number you better invite me to some fine dining alright?"
"Sure! But I guess I can't really call you publicly huh?"
"You got that right, plus I learned that Beast-kin like me are seen as some kind of demon race or something, and boy I can only imagine if they catch a hint of some red rat crawling underneath. There would be a mob rushing down here.
We were lucky that Adventurer chick is pretty open minded. Or else I would had to flee the city and contacting you would be so much harder."
"Really!? That's quite sad to hear."
"That's just the product of what happens when you grow with such a discriminatory society, people just started looking for something else to hate when they ran out of things to detest rather than stopping. It's a sad development."
"That's... Looks like Owlians are not the only one taking the flak."
"You got that right! Heck, even Owlians are pretty racist or not worse!"
Abe answers loudly before she looks above whispering,
(Hmm, I wonder what ever happened to my army? I hope they're doing alright under the new regime as national guards).
Hearing her I started to remember that Abe must know more about stuff back home. Trying to past time as we travel I ask,
"Say, Abe can you tell me more about the place you're born- oh! Wait, never mind!"
(Right, I doubt anything good can be heard in a country embroiled in war).
"It's fine. I'm literally nothing special compared to the other refugee... Hold up! I am special! I mean, who else is a talented, young and cute general like myself, hehe!"
"General huh? Does that mean you lead an army before?"
Seeing her this past few times I can't help but feel doubtful, Abe's lips twitch to a smile replying:
"Hey, what's with that question? Did you doubt me? Of course I do! I command around 23 divisions which consists of 280 thousand troops not counting the armoured and special divisions. Wait, that would bolster my numbers to 32 divisions with around 358 thousand soldiers. Anyways! To sum it up, I'm a pretty big deal!"
"Woah! I can only imagine what it feels to look at so many."
"Hehe! Let me tell you, it's an amazing feeling standing atop the stage to address them."
"Hmm, say how do the Empire treat rat-kins like you? Can you like walk around publicly and live normally?"
Abe ponders a while, rubbing her chin before replying:
"Ah, that, well... I suppose in terms of normal, I guess they do live "normal" lives. As you know or maybe you actually don't, since you spent your life NOT in the Empire. The Eastern Aologi Empire is a country specifically for Humans. Well, human Owlians."
"Wait, what?"
(Only human Owlians? But I'm pretty sure there are Owlians that are not human).
"Special creatures like us live in a special zones hidden from the eyes of many and only a selective few within the government knows of our existence, and so does many other mythical and other races alike.
The only one that was able to roam free was the Zerians who live like some kind of secret magic society similar to those secret evil cults or fantasy wizarding school from my past life. Then there also those short human looking races like the Krats or what I prefer calling Beardless Dwarves and all look like children even when they are adults, I mean none of them have the bodies of adults too it is ridiculous I tell you! Especially so when they send me a company made out of them! It makes it feel like I'm throwing children at the meat grinder."
"Cults? Krats? And Dwarves huh? Don't even know what dwarves are but I guess the more you know...?"
"And not only them, there's the Mudars which are basically vampires without their red eyes who all have these weird steel plates growing on their back it's weird!"
"Wonder what Mudar look like? Vampires without red eyes and steel plates growing on their back? Wait what about you, Abe? Do they call you a rat-kin there?"
"Me? Naw! Our kind are called the Verman. Wanna know some big twist? My kind are not actually rats but possums! Many who saw us will definitely mistake us for rat-kin for our hairless tail but our ears are different colour than our hair!"
"Huh?"
Looking much closely, maybe it's because it's dark but I really can't tell the difference at all even with my extensive knowledge of colours.
"I can't blame them for mistaking me the first time and you probably can't see in the dark but blood red and crimson are different colour! Do you know how much I hate it when people treat me like rats, it's hideously rude! We have a totally different needs!"
Abe stomps the ground furious as she complains and I can only reply with a measley,
"Uh... I-I see..."
(So she's not a rat-kin? And... What the fudge is a possum anyway? I think I need to learn more about sub human biology next chance I got).
Calming down a bit, Abe toggles her glasses saying:
"Anyways, we lived in the vast mountain trees of the Gunnwake mountain range. Most of us never really descent from the trees, we eat, shit, and took our baths above as well since there's a natural river that leads to multiple waterfalls on the cliff side and mountain tunnels! Even the delegates from the Empire would just land above the mountains too."
"Woah, a tree dweller, and multiple waterfalls? Is that even possible!?"
"Yup! It sure is, sometimes reality can be stranger than fiction after all. And mother nature has so many to prove that fact... If I actually ever get to experience it!"
*Slam*
Abe hits the walls beside her as she stops casting her magic and worried for her I asks:
"Um... Is your hand okay? Now I'm more curious to go back home and see what happened for people to be so... Furious. Or at least see those other races."
Abe pulls her hand back and ponder before replying:
"Nah, don't bother, most if not all special zones have been disbanded and now all those races have now either ran away from the empire or establish their own nation or colonies. Last I check the existing borders of the States doesn't have any Zones in their area. Kinda sad to see a nation that spans their influence to more than half the known world now hold only a hundredth of what they own.
If you asked me, I'm more curious to know and see how they're doing, or ask how does it feel to reap the seeds they sow now? They never get the message that we shouldn't force and impose our ideals and virtues on those who doesn't share them. Honestly the hypocrisy and irony I experienced dealing with them could give me lead poisoning ten times over and turn me into a statue. Hope they're happy with their "Utopia" drench in the blood of Billions."
Abe speaks very indignantly as she watches the red stream below us. Seeing the regret and killing intent in Abe's eyes, I try to stop this conversation by saying:
"Ah... I see... Um..."
(I just hope May get to wherever she goes safe. Or hopefully she can just come back home).
*Clap*
As if that whole thing is a charade, with a single clap Abe returns with a smile saying:
"Anyways! Back then, before the war broke out. We are what the people call myths and legends, creatures you only hear in tales and fiction depending on where you live. It was only revealed during the civil war that creatures like us exist and before long we were told to choose sides and fight for a cause. Preserving the status quo with the Imperialist or fight for freedom and a new country with the Nationalists."
Feeling a bit awkward by her change I try to ignore and continue on replying:
"Woah, I never knew... I suppose Owlians are not so different. That's a hard thing to swallow..."
My hands feels numb even when I clench my fists and my face boils with fury knowing such things. Hoping what Abe said may be falls but all the things I hear and see made her words more believable, after all she is someone who experience it all.
"You better learn fast then! I suppose nobody knew the prosecuted would be the prosecutor as well. Anyways, as for me...
Our special zone has already became a desolate no man's land. I was born when they turn that place into a wasteland and shot down more than half of the trees from the mountains turning it to a land of burned spikes and the ones that are left have been cut down for the war effort, I had to survive on my own and boy was I scared shitless thinking I was reincarnated in some third world dumpster fire. But I guess the tail, ears and natural crimson hair proves otherwise."
"Third world dumpster? Is that some kind of special place to throw trash?"
"Pfff hahaha! Hmmm... Well I guess you could say that. After all that's where the useless people get delegated. Anyways, luck seem to fall on me one day, when I saw some soldiers, I thought I could leave this shit out of luck 2 by showing my self and they will do the honour of finishing me off, but that passing imperialist officer actually adopted me and took me in. I learned a lot from him, history, language, stuff I couldn't finish back at my old school, and some important life lessons.
Soon enough I took his position and started fighting as well. I guess my origins is no different than many of the orphans of the special zone. You'll hear endless tales of the same stuff if you ask any survivors my age. But it was the journey that makes me special!"
Feeling more calm hearing her take, I sigh replying:
"Fuuh, the journey huh? Haha, you really must be interesting."
"Of course I am! And I could say the same to you. Not only is your background an absolute enigma even trying to figure out your current situation is a mess."
"I don't think it's that complicated."
"Well, maybe for the one owning it but can you try explaining it to one of your roommates there?"
Taking a few turns and corners, as the light from the water dims while I try to compile and summarize events that happen to me I soon realize,
"Uh... Now that you say that, I guess it is hard to explain."
"See! Even you can't understand. And there's also your connections, I mean how the hell did you get to receive both the help of the Triad and noble family when their at each other throats."
"I have no idea either. I guess I just take things for granted most of the time knowing nothing of why."
"Heeeh~ Ignorance sure is bliss. Though I suppose you're more confusing than interesting but to each their own."
Abe looks down at her self that doesn't reflect well at the crimson water. Placing both hands behind her head as she takes bigger steps she asks:
"Say, Sova do you have anything you wanna do after you finish whatever you wanna do? Basically, got any future plans?"
"Huh? That came out of nowhere, but. I suppose... Not really."
"Heeh~ to think someone as young as you can get that lost. Though I couldn't blame ya. So do you at least have anything you wanna be at least?"
"At first maybe I wanna try making history, be the hero everyone admired like the tales shared to me. But then misfortune happens and trying to just keeping a family together seems so out of reach..."
"Hey, nothing wrong with being ambitious. Youngster gotta be like that! That's the thing keeping kids alive back then too!"
(That's... is there no good news after the war? Still, she speaks like she knows a lot but I wonder how old is Abe? I mean she is the youngest general but how old is she really?)
"Heck, before I know how the world worked, I was dreaming to be one of the best police officer thinking how cool it would be to be able to be a able to beat those Yakuza or criminals and make news so my parents can be proud, boy was I a tomboy way back then... Now, I kinda miss my Ma's curry katsu and my old family."
(Curry katsu huh? Don't know what curry is but I'm pretty sure Uncle Soba has a ton of those katsu and I never get tired of their crunchiness. Maybe I should ask her next time if she wants to tag along... I wonder how Uncle Soba and the others there are doing?)
Hearing her, it reminds me of what I wanna do now so I quickly respond saying:
"Spending so long so far away from each other, now I realize maybe I just wanna live with my family in peace."
"Hahaha! That's nice! A nice peaceful retirement is it? It ain't half bad at all. More like that's what all the officers I met wanted. I could do that with little Yui."
"Yui? I wonder how's she doing back at the palace?"
"Oh, worry not, I contact her every night. It seems your servant and her became friends (probably because there's not much people in there). She's learning a lot from her and fatten up too from eating a ton. And I heard they're spending a lot of time at the office. She also tells me she and your servant is making friends with some of the palace wall guards."
"Oh! That's great to hear. I've been from place to place I just realize I don't get to stay long at the palace nowadays."
"You make yourself sound busy but if I were you I could easily deal with that."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you gotta learn how to manage your time, Sova. Learn to schedule and organize your activities. Do that and I'm sure you'll have more time than you can imagine. Take it from me, I won many battle with brutal speed and precision while still having time to go on a booze trip."
"Time management huh? I could really use that, can you teach me?"
Abe tilts her head till her glassed almost slide off asking:
"Eh? Wait, you're telling me you don't know about that the entire time?"
"Well, no. The only time related stuff I learn is how to count them. But this is the first time I heard of utilizing time, it sounds like magic!"
Abe uses her tail to toggle her glasses while she folds her arm replying:
"Hoho! Well then, come closer. Let this big sis teach you the basics! Plus, since we're probably sticking to each other for tonight wanna join me when I call back?"
"Really!? Yes, please!"
(Since she's an Owlian I can actually use it!)
*************************************
"I see... Making this... Schedules could really be important, I should've brought my new notebook."
"Pfff, never knew you're that big of a nerd to carry notes around."
"Hey! Notes are important okay! I learn many of my biology and history lesson that way!"
"Right, right, I suppose most of my artillery crew do bring pens and papers to fire or just their pen to scribble on their hands. Anyways we've arrived."
"Oh, finally! I Was wondering if we gotten lost with how everything looks the same down here."
"I live most of my life in a environment similar to this, there's no way I could get lost! It's like instincts!"
After some time going through the same corridor over and over again Abe finally stops at the end that leads up a stairwell.
*Creek*
As if the door haven't been opened for a long time, we emerged put of an empty room from the echoes I receive.
*Click*
As if holding a torch, Abe lights up a small ember that brighten up the area. I could see this as some kind of dirt room with only a wooden pillar as a support and the sides stacked by empty crates from the echo.
"Much better!"
"Wait, why didn't you light a torch down there?"
"Cause it's already bright down there- ah right, you don't have a strong night vision. But if I heard correctly you got some super good hearing no?"
"Well, yea but I would prefer using my eyes."
"Then there's no problem! Onwards! We're basically under a cellar now. Going up!"
Following her, we ended up in a narrow ladder, covered by dirt, dust, and grime, before she opens up the ceiling.
(I'm more surprised the waterway is more cleaned than this place. And how does she know that when this place look like it hasn't even been visited for a long time... Maybe I should've asked).
"Come on."
Abe who came out first extend her hand and I took it as she helps me out. Ending up on some hallway with paper paintings, I could see lanterns lighting up the way from behind the thin veneer of colourful arts.
"Woah, this place is pretty."
(And the way the place is litten up gives this place a mystical vibe to it).
"Yeah, we got the same reaction when I first sneaked in... Now I wonder where the Colonel would be? Let's just go to his office."
"Wait, this is his private residence right?"
"Yup! More specifically one of the villa he owns. Your armour is here too."
"Ah! I heard that from the Colonel."
"Then no need for me to explain, we spent almost 2 hours under there so let's not waste any more time."
"O-Okay..."
Following behind Abe, I took my time observing the pictures beside us. From pictures of nature, landscapes, animals, and even the big cities, the option displayed here are very varied.
Remembering what Juha said that this place is more about vocals I wonder if the Colonel is more of a visual person? The clean wooden floor that even gives off a reflection from the soft orange glow, the painting litten up by lantern from the back, the quiet and cold atmosphere from the winter outside...
(I wish I could just rest up now, the cold makes just wanna lie down and sleep).
Before long, we ended up at a double gate and Abe just bust in shouting:
"Excuse~ me! Coming in!"
"Not so loud, Abe."
"It's no big deal! And hey, this might be the first time you call my name."
"You've finally arrived."
Hearing a familiar voice we turn to see a tall man coming out from one of the rooms. Adorning layers of luxurious robes with complex patterns and designs in each, I can only imagine what the paintings on his back will look like...
(Do nobles wear this even in their house? No wonder Juha don't like them. I can only imagine the effort to wear one... It's kinda similar to the thick robes Sis Yuwei wear for the Empress garb).
"Ah, Song boy! You sure do look fine tonight."
"I told you not to call me that. And Song isn't my name."
(It's not!? Then what's with Song-Iseon? Didn't they say it's an honorary name?)
"Then you better start calling me, Abe too. Calling me by my full name is just silly!"
(It is!? Then again, no one calls me by my full name).
"It's called being polite, and what's so silly about your name?"
"Boo~ wait, that's actually a compliment... Ah, whatever! Anyways, I brought the one you asked for, see ya! Take good care of the Empress' Precious now. I'll be around here anyways to enjoy the mansion."
Abe waves goodbye and enters back from whence we came. Seeing the Colonel a bit annoyed but keeping it in, I bow my head and clasp my hand saying:
"U-Um, good evening Colonel Angeo Song-Iseon."
"Good evening to you too, Sova Ssi. It may be uncouth of me to ask your help when I just told you about it this afternoon but follow me, I'll brief you as we walk."
"No, i-it's fine!"
(Right, he did just say that this morning... And seeing how he asked this late I wonder how long will this take or will I be able to get back in time?)
"I won't be beating around the bush since you probably want to return quick, your job is pretty simple. Just accompany me to where I'm about to go, you don't have to speak if you don't want to and this will only take a little while."
"Oh, that's easy then..."
Looking around, noticing that the place is still filled with the paper wall with painting, I notice something else and asks,
"Say, where is Ri-Mi Ssi? Isn't she usually with you?"
"Oh? Her? She won't be following me on this mission. You need not worry, just the two of us is enough, we'll be meeting with some important people you see, well at least for me."
"Meeting huh? I guess you'll be the one to speak?"
"That's right, and if need be I suppose you could give them a bit of a show."
"A-A show? I'm sorry but I don't think I know any tricks of sorts I can use to entertain some guests."
(Is this perhaps something I need to learn for a job?)
Iseon stops which prompts me to halt as well when he looks back at me replying:
"Sigh... Sorry, let me be more direct, what I mean is I need you to prove them you're a Silencer."
I hit my palm as I realize what kind of things I'm suppose to do replying:
"Ah! I see! You want me to preform magic, right?"
"Sigh... Yes."
"Then, no problem! I've done this before!"
I give him a thumbs up and he looks a bit confused and worried. Rubbing his temple before continuing forward saying:
"Very well... Gear up, and be prepared to move."
"Sure!"
Iseon leads me a bit further down the hallway before we stopped at a certain double room. Iseon opens the door for me and says,
"That messenger told me some special case, so we'll be using somewhere close instead for the designation. Also your armour is inside."
"Thank you so much for the consideration. And don't worry it'll only take a while."
Going in, the Colonel led me in a room different than the others. Unlike the previous small corridors, this place is a huge open space with only some machines at the centre and at the middle of the piles of devices is a familiar armour. From the platinum design, one giant orb at the face like an eye, the slick purple cape with the phoenix emblem, and
"Is it me or did they upgrade it?"
The armour seems to thicken and added another layer, the scales are lessen as they seem to integrate on the gaps.
"Either way... So, how do I turn this thing on? Usually it should have open when I got close."
I decided to grab the medallion and place it at the right shoulder.
*Voooom*
The red orb shines and opens up for me to enter,
"Nice."
Taking a step in, the armour close by it self with the sound of steel. Feeling like my spine got tickled, the armour closed and compared to before, when my vision returns I was greeted by panels and a tiny map.
*Crack* *crack* *kling* *kling*
I could feel my body fused with the metal as more light appear at the slim gaps to form a purple lines at the armour. Taking a deep breathe in and out I say,
"Awesome as always!"
Instead of my voice, a deep crisp voice comes out instead.
"And the voice changer is working, nice! No one can mistake me for a girl now."
Moving my arms and finger, my leg and feet, my neck and twisting my body. It felt like I'm not wearing an armour at all.
(I wish I have a mirror to see how cool I am now, the armour definitely change from when it was inactive! I should thank Sis and Ptelophy for giving me this awesome armour).
Thinking back of what I told the Colonel this morning I start looking around and realize it's not here.
"Yea, I guess he hasn't dig it out yet."
I exit the room to greet the Colonel waiting outside as he seems a bit shocked seeing me. I breathe in and out as the armour seems to move to my whims.
"Sorry for the wait, Colonel I am done."
"Y-Your voice."
"Yea, it changed. It's one of the Armour's functions, I much prefer my voice like this."
"I-I see, I suppose hiding your identity is a part of it. (An artifact or technology to change someone's voice? Is that even possible?)"
Iseon looks a bit troubled and worried but I got close and stare at him and as the room brightens up from a red light as I say,
"Lead the way, Colonel."
"R-Right."
He turns his back and go back to where we came, following his steps I start asking:
"So you haven't dig my spear out yet, right?"
"That's true, I'm planning on searching for it tommorow."
"Very well then. And mind telling me one more thing?"
"And what would that be?"
Seeing his reputation and title I wish to know how...
"Tell me, Colonel, how does it feel to be a Hero of the people? The Guardian of Silla?"
Iseon twitch a little as I see his sleeves flutter. It was silence with the echo of his footsteps before he replies with:
"Hmph, I suppose that voice suits your armour."
"I know right! It's awesome!"
"Yeah... I didn't met you much but I can tell you are her. And for your question... It feels horrible."
"Huh? Wait, really?"
"Don't believe me? it's better if you watch it then."
(Is that so... Well, at least that's one hero's take. Let's start getting to know him).
"Colonel, then at least let me tell you, I'm actually a man."
"Right, of course."
"I really am!"
"Understood, Sova Ssi. I'll take that into account."
"As long as you understand..."
(Donuts with rabbit cakes! Is my words not working even when I change my voice?)
"By the way, where are we heading? Is it out of this city?"
"Contrary to your worries, no. I already set up the meeting here."
"Ah great then, I was worried I need to went out and all that... But wait, here, where?"
"At my own private villa of course."
"Huh?"
*Clack*
The Colonel stops at one of the paper walls and with a wave of his hand, the walls slides open as ai see layers upon layers move around until we are greeted with a double door made of steel.
(So they're hiding rooms behind the paper walls? I feel like this place will be confusing to live in).
"Well then, shall we?"
*************************************
(Today's what Juha suppose can call a special day. After all, it is the first time I heard her actually going on a party... It is quite rare, no, a weird event since she didn't attend her post graduation part back at the academy. I'm now curious to see her new friends... Ah, friends, when was the last time she made friends instead of acquaintances?)
An old man with balding head and long white beard which tell his long age but burly body that can be seen through the full armour he wears proves otherwise. He's now waiting alongside other guests with his precious granddaughter alongside him as his only escort for he was in a hurry to arrive in secret. He ponders at his oldest granddaughter after the events that transpired so recently.
"Gramps, can you please stop staring?"
"Sorry, Juha but your actions are just so inconceivable. I mean if you're trying to lie at least make it more believable. I won't get mad if you overslept it is the holidays after all. The word party is strange around you."
Juha noticing the mocking tone and unconvinced attitude her grandfather has glares back replying:
"Aren't you suppose to be happy your granddaughter made more friends?"
"I-I am, Juha! Trust gramps! Maybe you could introduce us? Just making sure it's not a man right?"
"What a preposterous question, gramps!"
"Pwahahaha! Geez Hwa-Jin, if you act like that, your granddaughter would really never get married."
Sitting a bit distance from Hwa-Jin is another elderly man with all his hair turn white. Behind him are armed guard wearing a mix of mystical full plate with thick colourful lamellar on top as they carry spears and shield surrounding him.
"That's rich coming from you Son-Jungrip. Why don't you say that after you let go of your own granddaughter, I heard she's turning 28 next year."
*Slam*
"Never!"
The impact of his fist sends shock of wind that shakes the drinks prepared for them and a mark as if the table isn't made of such powerful material, it would have shatter from where he strike.
"She's too pure for this world! All the man that approach her now only lust after her body and our family! They'll definitely cheat on her after they get bored and exploit our name for their greed."
"It is a hard sell when she is having... Mental problems."
"If a man can't love her for all she is, then they won't have her. I don't care if he's a peasant or not anymore."
"Sigh... If only my eldest grandson isn't such a failure now."
Son-Jungrip shakes his head as he rests his elbow on the table, hiding his face on him hands replying:
"No, it's fine. He's not the only one scarred after the war. I feel like we failed as elders for making such young children like them to fight back then."
Hwa-Jin can't help but sigh and sympathize with him and feels sorry as well. After all Son-Jungrip is in part responsible as to why his granddaughter is like "that", and he's probably burdening himself to find a suitable suitor for her, as for Hwa-Jin his eldest grandson is suppose to marry her for his upright attitude and achievement but, remembering such event gives Hwa-Jin headaches.
Just like many of us, they had lost sons, daughters, families, and friends at the Coalition war that ended 8 years ago, tragedies befell the people of this nation no matter who you are, from the black boned king to the lowest beggar on the streets everyone was affected. Even after 8 years, the scars and countless sacrifice never healed.
Seeing the room's changing for the worse, Juha nudge at her grandfather asking:
"Gramps, I know this is urgent but is it really true as to why we're invited here?"
"Oh it's true alright, take it from me, Jin-Juha Ssi."
Answering her is the last guest in the room, a lady in her late thirties with short messy black hair. Wearing a blue uniform with black trims and medallions hanging her her large chest, she is accompanied by a single escort like Hwa-Jin. But everyone could tell her escort is not someone to be messed with from his towering figure and aura he exudes while he holds a weapon that seem to came out of a myth.
"Deok-Hye Ssi, do you have something to say to us?"
Son-jungrip eyes sharpen at her as he asks and Deokhye simpky respond by putting her feet up the table saying:
"You know by this point, how the Colonel is don't you? All I can say this won't be a good thing with how he likes to bring down news."
"Is that how you act infront of your elders?!"
"I have no respect for failures like you call yourself."
*Slam*
"I dare you to say that again, you pirate bitch!"
As the mark on the table deepens, the guards around him starts to gather to face her.
"Enough!"
Seeing the rising tension between the two, Hwa-Jin steps in by releasing his battle cry that grab their attention. Slinking back to his sit he says,
"You should know by now Deok-Hye Ssi have no manners by this point. And I would appreciate if you could make things more understandable, Deok-Hye Ssi. It is a bad habit to not finish your sentences."
"Right~ Elder. UndErStoOd!"
Deok-Hye respond sarcasticly as she clasp her hands with her feet still at the table.
"Tch!"
Son-Jungrip pulls back as his guards pulls back as well.
"Enough with the quarrel, unless you forgot we still have somebody else the sword is reserve to. It will only end up as a lost for all of us of HE gets to profit of it."
Following his words, everyone stares at the double steel gate door to the room.
Seeing the dire on their faces, Juha clench her hands hoping that what Sova said this morning is true...
( "I'm actually a man, can't you see how flat my chest is?" )
"Prfff..."
Juha quickly covers the smile she can't help but crack and taking the attention of everyone.
(Dammit! Did those alcohol sauce doing this?)
Cursing herself for remembering something so stupid. The first to respond was her grandfather asking:
"W-What is it Juha? D-Did I say something weird?"
"Forgive me gramps for the bad timing. It's just that I remembered something a hilarious."
"Hahahahaha!"
Hearing such answer, Deok-Hye lowered her legs and laugh along replying:
"To be remembering something funny and laughing at times like this, you got nerves of steel lady."
Deok-Hye leans over as to look at Juha closer and continue saying:
"I like that- NO, I LoVe that! We need people like you rather than the doom and gloom old folks who I can't tell apart aside from the armour they wear-"
"Pshh, murmurmur."
The escort behind her leans to whisper her something before she turns around asking:
"Huh? Its not?"
The escort nods and she shrugs her shoulder replying:
"Eh, whatever! Smile, relax, and brighten up~! That's what the idol is saying too yeah?"
"Forgive me, but I would prefer not to talk about them, Deok-Hye Nim."
"Hoh? Okay, then."
Son-Jungrip sips the now cold drinks and takes in the cold air and let it out in a single breathe saying:
"Fuuuh! I can at least agree on one thing. Still, I wonder how long will that young upstart make us wait?"
*Click* *clang*
"Speak of the Heavens."
Deok-Hye turn her head to where the sound is and Juha remembered another horrid memory saying:
"And they shall arrive."
Deok-Hye ignoring the sound looks back at Juha shouting:
"Haha! That's it! Say, Jin-Juha Nim. Why don't you quit that boring internal defense bureau and join my fleet instead? With your skills you could easily be a Commander in strength and with a couple of beatings you could amass enough to be a Captain. You're wasting your talent doing desk jobs!"
Hwa-Jin visibly angered by her attempts tried to say something when another voice comes first saying:
"Take you recruitment fair later, Deok-Hye. Cause I'm the one making proposals for you all."
Taken by the owner of the voice, they turn to see 2 notable figures coming in the thick steel doors. One is one of the most recognize face in the peninsula who both north and south, revered and feared for his deeds and achievement against the coalition, Angeo Song-Iseon.
His growth and skills now are all but speculation and theories but anybody who saw him can tell that he has far surpass his past self back during the war.
*Psssh* *gleam*
With a glaring red eye that brightens the room a little more red, a warrior clad in garish platinum armour as his purple cape flutters from a wind God knows where. As if hiding his power and might, his figure alone makes the guard behind Deok-Hye pale in comparison as he exudes an eerie and sinister energy surrounding him.
(To think there would be 2 child of the abyss in the same room... This is not funny).
Hwa-Jin thought to himself of the incident involving those children before realizing the most worrying piece. The emblem bestowed upon the purple cape, depicting a phoenix rising from the ashes. A mythical creature not many in the peninsula nor around the Confederation know, which symbolize his allegiance. The symbol is one thing but with the armour everyone can easily tell,
"He must be someone important in Heaven, hmph!"
Deok-Hye scoffs at the notion as she places her feet up again asking:
"So, what do the so called Warden of Silla needs from his prisoners? You already swayed most of my captains to your side, I doubt there's much to take from me anymore."
The Colonel nods his head replying:
"Yes, let's talk about that, cause as for now... Let me introduce a representative from our ally."
He present his arn to the one beside him and continue saying:
"He is the Silencer of the Phoenix Sector, as for his name... You can call him, Sir Silencer."
(Sir Silencer? Even I can tell that's a bit uncreative).
Juha ponders as the Silencer twitch hearing that before Iseon turns his attention to the two elder, Son-Jungrip visibly worried as his guards shield him and Hwa-Jin pushing Juha behind him.
"Why so cautious, Elder Hwa-Jin and Elder Son-Jungrip?"
"You think we don't know about your actions?! You are now the leader of those Ring Nobles and pretty much have the support of the entire Kingdom's Army. I thought you are much better than to join those spoiled Brats!"
Son-Jungrip yell in anger while Iseon sighs, tucking his hands inside his sleeves replying:
"That is true, but don't mistaken me for joining them when I subjugated them under my boots. And I will cut to the chase here, I want the navy to join my side as well."
Placing his hands near the sword on his belt, Hwa-Jin asks,
"And what are you planning by doing that, Song-Iseon!? Don't tell me you're planning on..."
"A coup, yes. But with the entire military on my side, it will be a peaceful takeover. Especially with the unpopular king who's now the puppets of the Olden nobility. They will have no choice but to back down."
"Hahaha! Man, this is why I like working with you, Iseon. Never a man with so many words. If you want some help doing something so fun, you should've just come to me. I'll even do it for free."
*Smash*
"Watch what's coming out of your mouth, Deok-Hye! Don't forget who you swore your allegiance too!"
Son-Jungrip hits the same place again as the cracks deepen and Iseon shakes his head. Hwa-Jin ponders for a moment, closing his eyes and remembering the place he governs before saying:
"I think you forget one simple fact, Song-Iseon. Even if you sway the higher ups, do you think the people will just do as you say?"
Juha visibly shock by her grandfather's question tries to speak but couldn't muster a word, and Son-Jungrip belittled by Hwa-Jin felt defeated as he tries to rebuke him but before he could say anything Iseon smiles replying:
"So, I take it you are interested?"
"..."
"Tell me, Angeo Song-Iseon. I'm sure being a Governor means you know the 3 common essentials everyone alive care about right? Especially in this troubling times?"
Hwa-Jin folds his arms and look Iseon with doubt at the eyes saying:
"Thanks to the Coalition War, many of our fields have been ravaged and devastated and even after 8 years, not even half of the cultivated lands are usable. While converting military ports and constructing as many docks to accommodate food can can only do so much as pirates still run rampant and only grows thanks to our neighbouring kingdom's neglect and fall. Not counting the massive influx of Owlians that illegally trespassing our kingdom feeding of the already barren lands."
Iseon walks closer to the table replying:
"That is not a problem thanks to our allies, if there's one thing the Phoenix knows other than medicine it's food. Feeding the people will be easy as long as we can protect the supply route, we won't have much trouble in land but we do need support from the sea since that's where the food will come from."
The doubt in Hwa-Jin starts to clear as he continues asking:
"Then what about the people who has been living here for generations displaced by the war and many more from the Owlian Influx? The Ring Nobles and Olden Nobility tried to simply drive them off the cities and ally with some local Theocracy priests but it doesn't change the fact they are still in this kingdom. And those displaced can only watch as the nobles take their lands instead of giving them back while they raise the price of housing and now not only do we have many homeless Owlians but many locals as well. Can your ally provide the people with roofs on their heads and help them return to their homes?"
"Simple enough, remember Deok-Hye's comment on how I recruited most of her officers? I have been using their fleet to transport those same Owlians refugee that is roaming the kingdom somewhere else. And as for proof, you can simply watch my territory which is far stable from all of you. And, with the ring nobles crushed under my thumb, I already task them to return the lands through peaceful or forceful negotiations."
Hwa-Jin release his arms and continue asking:
"It may be redundant now, but after all that, can you protect those people?"
"Like you said, a redundant question when I have the entire army under my thumb and if they refuse to comply and behave... I have more ways than one to make them follow my orders. And if that's not enough, the Phoenix are willing to send some of their forces and they will be under the Silencer's or my command."
Hwa-Jin being assured by his answers, and knowing what kind of person Iseon is he can't help but trust him. Hwa-Jin taking in the cold air and let it out replies,
"Fuuuh... Very well, you will have the Belluga Family's entire Armada by your side."
"Hwa-Jin! What are you doing-"
"I'm asking you what are YOU doing, Son-Jungrip!? Our people are suffering and with help right infront of us how could we not take it!"
"But what is the point of it if we throw away our dignity, Hwa-Jin!"
Hwa-Jin glares at Son-Jungrip shouting:
"Dignity be damned! Tell me, old friend. Do you dare walk down the alley and say that to the hiding starving mother holding her dying child!? Can you say that to one of the family who sacrifice their childrens to the war without being repaid for it? Tell me!"
"Urgh!"
"Gramps..."
Juha now being the new heir to the main family can only agree as she knows the dire state the people are in right now. Son-Jungrip on the other hand angry at Hwa-Jin's retort shouts back!
"Hwa-Jin... Have you no loyalty or peace of mind!? Don't you ever wonder if those Allies have any ulterior motives? Think of the long term, Hwa-Jin! Are you willing to trusts those foreigners when they are the ones who cause this to us!? And now you're gonna allow foreign troops get inside the kingdom? Are you mad?! If that's the case you should've just let the west conquered us!"
"..."
"Worry not, Respected Elders."
The companion Iseon brought who has been quiet all this time chimes in. Taking everyone's attention with his echoing deep voice. The Silencer pump his chest as to show his resolve and continue saying:
"I can assure you, the Empress is not so petty and weak that she can't control her people. A stranger's word may not be valuable to you but if she is truly what you fear, I doubt the Colonel, the hero who protect this kingdom would work alongside us right? I may not know him long but I know he's a man willing to do what is right. Even if he's hated."
His deep voice echo across the ears of the listeners, shattering the doubt Hwa-Jin has as he knows what he meant. Taking a step back, he bows his head saying:
"Forgive me, Colonel. I just had to say something."
"It's fine."
Iseon shakes his head and pulls his hand out of his sleeves, his empty hands now holds folded documents and begin to say,
"Looks like if I can't convince you by helping your people maybe this will change your mind."
Iseon hands out the files on the table and as each escort take the documents and hand it to their masters, taking out the panels inside, upon reading and watching the files for a while shock and terror filled the face of the elders while a terrified smile crack from Deok-Hye's face.
"Now I only need the navy to expedite the process and move on to another problem coming our way, very soon."
"Is this real, Song-Iseon? Do you realize what you just shared to us?"
"Hahaha... This is a bit too much for a joke."
"Damn them! Have they not learn any lesson!?"
"Gramps, this is..."
Iseon nods and move back saying:
"Just for context, the Olden Nobility already knows this. They are willing to just lay down their arms and hand over our capital in defeat."
"But this..."
"Do you perhaps want to see it yourself? Is the pictures and recording not enough? It's clear what their intentions are. The Coalition is getting ready for round 2. And this time, they're coming in quick with massive firepower."
Son-Jungrip gritting his teeth slouches in defeat as he rests his back.
"This time, they will also have support from the foreign forces as well. Albeit, different from our ally."
"Then there's no way in hell we'll surrender! Those soft teeth bastards seem to not understand who they're dealing with! I hate to admit this is real but at least I know you're not one to lie Song-Iseon...
Very well unlike those cowards at the capital, I'll fight! You have the Changkkochi armada at your disposal!"
Iseon nods approvingly as he turn toward the last guest, Deok-Hye rests her arms behind her head and lay back saying:
"You already have half of my fleet anyways. The remaining Gaoli Armada will fight by your side, not like I have much loyalty to the current king anyways. Still, we're probably not gonna see most of the action like last time since we're just gonna guard the east coast and ocean. I guess the unlucky one will be Sangeo's Armada stationed on the thousand rivers in the capital."
"You're much worried than usual Deok-Hye but thank you all for your cooperation! I shall relay to you the strategy for our people. We will begin militarizing our nation as soon as possible, with the martial law's effect still in place we already have our troops and supplies stationed where we wanted, so it'll be quick.
And worry not, the one doing the push and fight in the frontlines will be our Allies and the mercenary they hired. The entire Military of Silla is to garrison and provide support to the rear lines so that the enemy won't disrupt our logistics and supply chain, that is all for the summary!"
"Hmph, that sounds a bit too good to be true, Song-Iseon. There must be a catch here."
Deok-Hye asks and Iseon nods saying:
"Of course! This is the last news I'm about to tell you all. In exchange for the cooperation and collosal support we'll be receiving, they want us to unite the entire Peninsula."
"Wait..."
"Song-Iseon... You don't mean..."
"And to do that, we will take the first step by forging an alliance with the Kingdom of Geom!"
*BOOM*
"What the!"
"Huh!?"
"Woah!"
As if the Gods heard the declaration, it is signalled by the sound of crashing thunder, the eruption of violence, and the roars of burning flames. Emerging from the fog of madness, two figures charge in and landed at the centre of it all.
"Don't believe in the Colonel's lies Elder Hwa-Jin! In the end of it all, the entire Peninsula will simply become the Phoenix Sector's Puppet!"
"Yoo-Gisa! He's here!"
A young man's voice call out to one of the assailant as the dusts clear. Shining beneath the clear moonlight, a young man wearing a full body armour with the head of a three horned beast similar in style to the Silencer. Notably is his long tattered blue scarf and carrying a thin blade twice longer than his body and emitting an aura that could squash a normal person to the ground, the young man ready his blade above his shoulder and take a stance at where the red orb shines. Even as he hide his face behind his armour, everyone could tell the erupting fury behind his mask.
"Sova Anmao! You Ashen Demon of Heaven! Never again will your cursed power ruin this timeline! Prepare to be strike down where you stand!"