Traversing the empty halls, I can't help but see a certain dance that plays whenever I look at a certain something. From faraway, a tower stood among the city, a building so tall it scratches the clouds, bright yet carrying so little significant to me. Just like a certain ice tower, I can't help but think of it as I see the winter. Knowing that something bad will happen in the future, I can't gelp but appreciate the things before me...
(When was the last time Sis took me there? 5 years? If I remember correctly, Tower Fordodeva is somewhere south. Hmm, maybe I should memorize more but... Currently, I need to simply just keep those stored away for future reference).
I thought to myself as I decided to fill in the new notebook Yoo-Ah got me. Dividing each parts with a bookmark, I start writing stuff I remember vividly and things I personally learn. So far, I've simply written a page or two on each category except for spells, that remains empty for no incantation pops up yet. Seeing the page fills up with text and pictures I scribbled I feel the satisfaction of progression.
(I can see why May love to fill out her works everytime, seeing a blank paper filled up by something is surprisingly satisfying).
Writing the notes in mostly Owlian language, I look back and see Yoo-Ah carrying my new bag with the gifts inside while Juha who carries most of the bulk with multiple boxes on her back. Walking closer to them, I ask,
"Um, you're still fine right? We're getting close to the exit."
"Worry not, Sova, this much is nothing compared to the boulders we soldiers train with."
"Hum! Hum! Yeah! This is nothing, I may not look much but I'm strong, Sova! Inherited from me pops!"
I nod along Yoo-Ah's words seeing how he could send Yoo-Gisa on his knees, though maybe that's just normal body reaction.
"By the way! What are you writing!? What language is that- Heh, your drawing is funny."
(It is?)
Yoo-Ah peeks at my notes and before I could answer, Juha walks to my side saying:
"That's Owlian language, some of the new refugee still speak that tongue. Though don't expect the owlians born here to know."
(Woah, Juha knows Owlian?)
"Wait, what!? They don't know their own language!?"
Yoo-Ah shouts in shock as she almost drops my bags and Juha shakes her head replying:
"It's not their language when they are not born there but I suppose you're right. Still... You suck at drawing, Sova."
"H-Huh? Really!? I thought this looks close enough."
Juha moves the gifts to carry it with only one arm before she then takes my pen and points at the page which is currently at the weapon category.
(I wonder who those gifts are from? And why is there so many? I mean I haven't been here for too long).
As I rummage around the one bag I'm carrying, the Silencer badge is right there.
"This is suppose to be the War-God's spear is it not?"
"Ha-huheh? Y-Yea."
A bit shocked by Juha's sudden intrusion I pull the bag back and she points at my drawings saying:
"Yet that looks like some broken toothpick. It needs to have symmetry on its tip, the twin blades from what I seen, it's design to cut through flesh than pierce like most spears do, so it has a more jagged tip and clean edges with a bit of blades. And the rod, try to use a ruler or you can hold your breath as you draw the line and don't lift the pen away or else it looks broken."
Juha as if controlling the ink, my old drawings warped as the other smudges of ink come together before she then add additions to the spear from the shape and blacken some parts to give more depth that it starts to look a lot like the spear now.
"Woah! Juha, you're really good at drawing."
Juha gives back the pen and carry the gifts with both hands replying:
"Hmph! It's nothing much, my skills are still considered beginner. Just keep trying and you'll see results."
"Okay! Still, I can't believe you can control the ink written on paper like that. It's so cool!"
"Hmph! It's simply because you use cheap ink so it hasn't dried yet. More like, where do you even get such a shabby ink? Look at all the smudges on the other pages and probably the next page as well. Start with a pencil to draw the drafts and rough sketch before using a pen."
"Ooh~! Still, qi is so awesome... If only I can still use it."
"Don't be discouraged, Sova! You still have many you can do!"
"Y-Yea..."
Yoo-Ah tried to encourage me and I nod trying to do my best. Juha then takes another look at my notes and continue saying:
"Not discrediting your bad handwriting, but you need to know the layout of your sentences and paragraph. Just like our language, Owlian uses a vertical spacing between paragraph and sentences. For one, make sure the important bits are bigger than the explanation."
"Woah, um... Okay? I'm surprised you know Owlian language."
Juha uses using her left hand moves her fingers among the paper and soon the writing and smudges starts to rearrange and change sizes. My thin handwriting becomes more thick and organized around the picture as I wonder the extent of this water bending.
"I can only speak the basics, and my knowledge on its alphabet and symbols is more amateur. Like, I know the writing on your head band is Owlian but I can't read it. Still, if you wish to know if your notes are good, just either let someone read it out of context or yourself the next day, you'll see the errors and try to correct it. That method has helped me more than once when writing my reports."
"Okay, thanks for the advice, Juha!"
"Hmph! This is simply a necessity! You should've known about this! Adventurers have to record and document their findings too you know. And there is only so much your personal staff can help with outside the guild."
"I hate to agree but she's right! Even if you don't write a journal, the guild will be needing you documenting your adventures! Especially Owlian Adventurers like you who can't use the advanced forms of Zerian communication. Extensive reports and better yet pictures of your journey would be mandatory for your rewards! So, for Owlians having a handwriting that can be read is a necessity! Better yet, organized documents!"
"I see... This Adventurer business is more deeper than I thought. Owlian do have the short end of the stick."
"Hum! Hum! Don't think so, Sova! It may be true that the procedure is harder but it also proves that your evidence and alibi is harder to disprove since it doesn't involve magic! In fact, many recognized sites and relics are found from Owlian reports and records! Being materialistic has its own perks!"
"Oh? I see..."
Following her advice I start to write more on the information and advice section as my pool of knowledge seems to grow...
(But writing can do so much until I actually start to do it. Just because many believe so, doesn't mean it's true is what May always say. That's why we always has many trials involving our lesson. Learning math is much more simpler when applied in daily life).
Adding a bit of sign bubble to those I'm not absolutely sure that says,
{Need of testing!}
As we head out of the building, we are greeted by the empty snow fields once again, looking at the vast city outside again I realize that,
(We must be quite high up the hill to see those city like that).
"Woah, gramps garden view sure is a sight to see everytime! Oh! I can see the bazar, but I can't see the idol tower!"
"Winter... It is sad that the snow covered most of the city's colour. This town was suppose to be the blue light among the green scenery."
"Oh?"
(Now that she says that, most of the colour from the walls to the ground, there's blue everywhere).
"Oh yeah! Can't wait for spring to come- hachoo! Brr! Maybe I shouldn't walk outside too long with only my sleepwear."
"Oh, right! Let's quickly get in then."
Yoo-Ah watching over the now bustling city, starts to puff her cheeks saying:
"Urrrgh! I know she told you to rest, but I was planning on bringing you out! Many stores are opening again with the lockdown lifting and with the help of Hwang-So gramps giving their supplies back, so let's enjoy ourselves!"
Juha walks past me and looks back at Yoo-Ah saying:
"You can do that later, even if you did go out now, I doubt the stores that just open have their stocks shelved yet. It's better we do it after our visit to the party. So, I suppose this is when people reserve their spots for their desired places. Though, I say this is the perfect opportunity to teach you some etiquette!"
"Eeeh!? I need no teachings! You can give that to, Sova! But I guess I'll be teaching her as well!"
"Fool, it is one thing to know what to do, but this is no ordinary party!"
"Boo~! So much trouble for such a simple activity, if we're just going in for the food, better we just pack it up and bring it home then."
"How rude can you be! Of course you can't bring it home, it's an eat while you can policy."
"They'll probably throw the leftovers anyways! This why noble parties are so wasteful!"
Seeing the two stopped and argue, I get behind Yoo-Ah and give her a bit push to get inside saying:
"Um, let's at least get back to our room first. Though I don't mind learning lessons, why not just think of it as time replacement since I need to recover more."
"Well, I suppose her advice for reserving some spots is viable! I need to contact someone!"
We starts moving and finally went inside when Juha asks:
"Oh? Do you have a place in mind?"
"Hum! Hum! Of course! There's so many place I want Sova to visit! From clothing stores, cafes, hobby stores, recreational facilities and so much more!"
"Wow, there's so many stuff to do. I'm amazed."
"You should be! How else are they suppose to entertain the millions of people living here."
Juha replies before she walks beside us and continue saying:
"Plus this is the centre hub of our kingdom beside our capital, where many foreigners visit of course they have to pull their attention... Though I can't really say that when there hasn't been any normal foreigners other than those Owlian refugee since the war ended."
"Huh? So the refugee only arrive 8 years ago?"
(So, this city hasn't been able to attract their intended foreigners for so long?)
Juha shakes her head saying:
"No, that is when they arrive at our kingdom. It says their exodus here starts even longer from the north more than 20 years ago. It has become quite an international crisis no country can resolve. Even Heaven has their hands full because they're the one taking the large bulk all over the divine realms-"
"Aaah! Enough about that! Stop talking those stupid and boring stuff! Hey, Sova!"
"Y-Yes?"
A bit shocked by Yoo-Ah's interference, she then looks at me with sparkling eyes asking:
"Do you like ice skating!?"
"Ice... Skating? What in the world is that?"
(Skating... That's a new word I haven't heard before).
"Hum! Hum! Perfect then! It's better to show you than explain! We can do that after you recovered! Oh, I can't wait to show you my moves!"
"Moves? Huh? Wait, people play on ice? Weird but I'm curious to see."
(I always wonder what do people do in winter to pass time. So do they like eat the ice or throw ice ag each other?)
"Oh yeah, your place has no winter so this is perfect! Let me show you out the Yang Lake! With the monster gone, they started turning that place to a huge skating ring!"
Juha looks indifferent as she folds her arms replying:
"Hmph, how dull. That lake houses one of many unique winter fishes that is fun to catch. Rather than those boring skating rings they should have make fishing ponds instead."
"Boo~! Who the hell wants to fish in that kind of weather! You should move and exercise to keep your body warm! Rather than just sitting around freezing your ass off!
"Hmph! At least it is much more peaceful and safe than what you're doing! When you fish you train your mind and learn what it means to have peace."
"Are you some kind of old man!?"
"W-Wait a second, what do you mean, safe? Is ice skating dangerous?"
"Ah, don't worry about that, Sova! If safety is your concern, even her fishing ponds could make the ice collapse too you know! Ice skating is much more safe!"
"Huh? The Ice could... Collapse?"
(What kind of fun does this kingdom do!?)
As the two continue to bicker about which is best, before we knew it, we have somehow arrive back at our room. The entire building has been so quiet and empty it makes me wonder if we are the only residence here. Yoo-Ah bumping into the door quickly tried opens it up but her aim with the card is terrible as she isn't turning away from Juha. I take her card and help open the door saying:
"There we go, thanks for bringing it here."
Yoo-Ah and Juha drops the bags down on the bed saying:
"No problem!"
"Think nothing of it."
As they both seem to argue between fishing and Skating, I start taking a look at the bags of gifts given to me. Seeing them argue reminds me of when May and Nicole would argue between playing inside or outside. Before I could hold it they both turn to me shouting:
" "Sova!" "
"Y-Yea?"
"Which do you prefer?"
"Yeah, What do you want to do!? Skating or fishing!?"
Knowing how I deal with the two I simply reply:
"Why not both? I haven't done any of those, so I can't really judge when I haven't tried any of it."
"Hooh! Just you wait then! I'll show you how skating is more fun!"
"Hmph! I'll make make you appreciate the joy of reeling a fish and show you the ropes like I promised!"
"That's great, by the way do any of you want to help open up my gifts? Or tell me what they are. This are all foreign stuff, like what does some of these stuff do?"
I rummage inside one of the bags and pull out a wrapped up gift with the shape of something that cane out of someone's hallucinations. Putting that thing aside, I pull out a small box wrapped in a cute wrapping and bow. Yoo-Ah seeing that immediately takes it away shouting:
"Noo! Oh hell no! Throw that in the trash!"
Yoo-Ah throws the small box across the room as it hits the wall and lands on her bed. Panicked by her sudden outrage I can't help but yell,
"Yoo-Ah! What was that about!"
"No! I know what that is! And I'm not going to let you get married!"
"M-Married? Huh?"
Juha picks up the cute gift, examines it before saying:
"Yeah, this is definitely the necklace of proposals."
"Huh? Is there something I'm missing here?"
"Don't think too much about it, Sova!"
"Yes, I agree, you're still to young and naive to accept a gift like this. You may be an adult but you are still too young for marriage. The prince sure is bad at hiding his attention."
"Prince? Prince!?"
Juha nods and drops puts the box on Yoo-Ah's table replying:
"Right, you don't know this but most of this gift is actually from Zenon."
"Zenon?"
(That lightning guy? And prince? Wait... Zenon's a prince? And people already knew about that yet he still insist on hiding it?)
"Wait, that masked guy accompanied by those group of crimson guards!? Hell no! I'm happy Sova's getting recognition but not this kind of fame! And here I thought he is a decent adventurer!"
Yoo-Ah angrily shouts as she rummage around the bags before her face gets more angrier and throwing most of the gifts away in a feat of rage shouting:
"Ureee! What the hell!? Why is it all gifts of proposals! I'm not handing Sova away, even if he's a prince! Hurrah!"
*Crash*
Yoo-Ah grabs the entire bag and throw it into the window and scatters before she realize:
"Ah right, the window is still shut."
(Harsh!)
"Hmph! How barbaric! Even if you don't like it doesn't mean you should just throw the stuff around."
(Yea!)
"Oh, yeah! What about you then!?"
"I would simply return it all back and politely give an answer. And if he didn't get the message and tries again without making any effort, then I will throw it all away in the trash infront of my house so he can see it clearly. This works wonderfully on all the guys."
(That so cruel!)
Yoo-Ah scratches her chin and nods replying:
"Hum! Hum! I guess that's appropriate! I like it!"
(Oof, I can only imagine what it feels like to ask a girl out as a guy here... And I can only imagine what they'll do to me now... Wouldn't it be worse from what Juha said back then?)
I pick up the gifts that scatter one by one saying:
"A-Anyways! I'm still grateful someone cares. But aren't you two very savage with how you treat their gifts? He must have paid a fortune and a lot of effort must be put into making-"
*Grab*
"Hmm!!?"
Yoo-Ah grabs my face as she forces me to look up as I still try to take the gifts before she shouts:
"Sova! You really are that type of girl! BUT Listen! I can't blame you for not knowing if you really haven't met many guys yet, AND!!! You need to be clear with your message or he will not stop! And sooner or later he will be some sort of stalker following you around and keep trying till the end of time! Buggering you like fruit bugs!
I mean! Who the hell proposes to a girl he just met! And even so, he must have done that because he only cares about your looks! Or unless he's been stalking you the entire time, or even worse! He might have a malicious intent!"
(But, didn't she ask me to marry her as well when we barely know each other? Is this what they call double standards? Or is this how the girls here express their affection? Might be the latter all her actions considered).
My eyes wander away to see Juha nodding along and I sigh replying:
"Haah, O-Okay... But where did you learn all this? Oh! Is it your experience as a dating master? You really are amazing! Maybe I could learn a lot more about men from you, Yoo-Ah!"
(A bit unorthodox but maybe I could learn a lot about men from females as well. To hear from both sides... Right, I haven't done the kabedon).
*STAB*
As if I'm hearing things, I felt like Yoo-Ah has been irreparably damages as she lets me go. Holding close to her hear as she fell to my bed saying:
"Yeah... I guess so... Your b-big sis will... Help..."
"Hahaha, music to my ears. If I remember, your sister was asked by a lot of guys back at the academy. And even more so at her law institute."
"Yeah! That's right! Come to think of it, you are the same age as my Sister... Huh..."
"Yes, though we were merely acquaintances."
Juha smiles and grabs something from inside the bags she carry before saying:
"Actually there is one gift you could accept from him, Sova."
"Huh?"
Juha hands me a very fancy scroll of sort with a very intricate crest mark onto the blue seal. And even more intriguing is my name written below the seal in such a very nice handwriting. And below my name is the writer's name too making the entire scroll look like being engrave by golden inscription.
{Golae Yeon-Seyong}
"What is this? And who?"
"Sigh... Why bother wearing a mask if he is this open? Anyways, That's is a invitation card from the 2nd prince. It's for tommorow's 4th princess's party. It seems I don't need to pull some strings after all."
"Oh?"
I lift the scroll up to the light as I could see the writing gleam and shine. Yoo-Ah bounces back up beside me saying:
"Woah! Yup! Take it, Sova! This way, you could invite me as your personal staff! My Sis got one before for graduating as Valedictorian in her college early and we could roam around the palace!"
"Wait, really?"
Juha nods again replying:
"Yes, from the seal alone every noble knows it makes you a guest of honour. Especially when it's written by members of the royal family. They are the only ones authorized to use that seal and forgery of any kind is punishable by death and generational execution."
(What the fudge is that!? Generational execution? Does that mean your kid gets punished as well? Scary!)
Juha summons out the same scroll from her watch and present me the same thing but with a different sender and recipient saying:
"I have mine as well before the princess personally invited me in person."
"Woah! Neat!"
As I put the scroll down I realize...
"By the way, what is the party for anyway? Is it someone's birthday?"
"Birthday? What is that?"
"Is it that Owlian thing!?"
(Here I thought they said with many Owlians here, they celebrate birthdays here too).
"So what is it for then?"
Yoo-Ah revitalized from whatever damage she took gets back up shouting:
"Who cares, Sova! Nobles party all the time for any occasion! It could just be that the princess grows her finger nails perfectly this time or something!"
"Prff!"
Juha holds her breath as she then let's it out saying:
"Haha, though that may be possible, but not this occasion."
(Wait, so it happened?)
"This time they're actually celebrating not only the 4th princess's success on finishing her grand art piece while also congratulating the prince for whatever he secretly did, though everyone already knows what it is."
"Oh! So it's celebrating two people! How nice! Their parents must be very loving of them for throwing parties for that."
Juha takes a sit at my bed, shaking her head replying:
"Not really, this is suppose to be only the princess's big event but it seems she's been sidelined once again."
"Oh, that's sad to hear."
"Don't worry, I'll keep her company while you enjoy your royal dish."
Yoo-Ah lays down with her arms wide saying:
"Royal dish huh? I tasted them once and wanted to try it again. The after taste stays for hours from all kinds of flavour... I did ask Uncle Yi-Il to make some since he has the permit but FOR SOME REASON, we can't cook royal food outside the palace-Urrmph!"
Yoo-Ah's eyes glares at Juha and annoyed by her eyes, she throws my pillow to cover her face replying:
"Don't blame me! I have nothing to do with such stupid rule! If you have complains, tell it to the legislative assembly and royal family for making and approving it! With your status as the daughter of a hero and your sister being part of the law department, I'm sure they'll give your complains some thought!"
(Woah, dishes so delicious that you can only serve in certain places huh? Now, I'm really curious to try! No wonder Juha thinks this is some sort of gift by itself).
Realizing that we are all resting in my bed, I stand asking:
"So, what do I do with this? Do I open it?"
"No!"
Juha quickly shouts before saying:
"As for the invitation, make sure you don't open the seal okay? It is actually meant for the people at the palace gate to unseal it."
"Oh! More foreign customs."
"Though even if you did, they would call upon the writer to verify. Knowing they know who they write it to, I'm sure they'll hear the call. But enough of that!"
Juha stands folding her arms saying:
"Remember, the party is tomorrow! So start preparing now! Ready the items you need, and clothes you wish to wear! We will be departing early morning!"
"Early morning!? I thought the party starts at night!?"
"Getting to the capital takes time, and we will be staying there as well. The public transports will still be closed since the party stops late at night."
"Eh!? We'll be staying!? But where!? Hmm, do I have anyone to ask for a place to stay?"
Yoo-Ah hugs my pillow as she wonders when Juha shakes her head saying:
"Don't worry, you'll be staying at my family's estate. I'm the one who invited you so I will be the one to provide a place to stay."
"Woah! Really!? Thanks!"
"Yea, thanks a lot!"
(This trip and accident might really be a really wonderful journey! It's so nice experiencing all these luxury one after another. It's almost a surprise I'm an Owlian...)
As that idea popped from my head, I look outside the window, beyond the myriad snow covered city basked by the golden dusk. Seeing blue walls protecting city, I wonder...
(I never really see things from what it feels from my own kin huh? I really am blessed. Or maybe this is simply the benefit of being recognized?)
I lay upon my soft bed and try to make sure I enjoy and savour each and every feeling of it.
"Hoy! Get up, Sova! Don't just lay there!"
Yoo-Ah pulls me up and continue shouting:
"Let's prepare our clothes!"
Letting myself get drag along, I notice the lingering smell of tea still on my face and clothes and realize...
(I need to take another shower).
Seeing Yoo-Ah grabbing an empty case and stuffing clothes and items inside without order baffled Juha while I simply take one set and head-
*Grab*
"Where are you going!? We should prepare quick so we can just grab and leave tommorow!"
Yoo-Ah pulls my shirt and I look back when she continue saying:
"Oh! And here's a good tip, just wear the clothes you wanna wear for tommorow when you sleep! That way we can just get up and go!"
"Of course not! Your hair will be messy and your attire will be wrinkled as well! What kind of way is that!"
Juha scorn her in anger for her lazy method and I nod along remembering that May tried the same thing before getting scolded by Aunt.
"Eh!? Don't tell me you agree with her! This is an irregular schedule after all! With some steam and conditioner we'll be back in top shape!"
"Haah, that mouth of yours..."
Juha seemingly exhausted sits down while Yoo-Ah proceeds to stuff in more clothes as I wonder,
(Why is she putting in so many clothes when we're just going for a day? And... Didn't know she had that many clothes to wear).
But as to not get distracted I turn again saying:
"Um, I'm going to take a shower. You did spit at me and now I smell weird and sticky all over."
Yoo-Ah's eyes wander about before she tightens her grip shouting:
"Hold it! No, we're going to the baths! I haven't bath as well so let's take it together!"
"It's not gonna be crowded like last time right?"
"Hmm? Ah! Well, I guess having the bath to yourself is pretty nice! So, nope, I doubt anybody is bathing this hour! Hum! Hum!"
"Hmph! I guess you're still pretty shy around strangers huh? How innocent, when was the last time I am that shy? I can only wonder what will happen if you're in the barracks."
With Yoo-Ah pulling me down as she grabs my clothes I turn to Juha asking:
"Huh? Do all of you shower together everyday?"
Juha nods replying:
"Of course while male and female showers are separate, being a soldier means everyone have to shower early together for some flexible schedule. They even start making everyone shower like that at the military academy. Honestly, tradition can be a bitch sometimes."
"Hum! Hum! I guess that shows how better it is to have personal freedom like adventurers! Okay, I'm done now let's go!"
Yoo-Ah nudge me away as I let myself get push by her to our destination. As I remember her words I decided to ask,
"Say what do you both think about mixed bathing?"
*Grab*
Yoo-Ah stops me and spin me to face her shouting:
"Huh!? Sova! I didn't know you would be that daring!"
"My... Did that Yoo-Gisa hit you in the head or something?"
"No, no, no! It's just that do you know if you head south of Heaven there this place called Eclipse Empire. Just like you here, they have extensive loves for baths and they do some mixed bathing too."
"How preposterous! Do they have no shame! Even family members separate eventually!"
"Hum! Hum! I agree! What kind of people do that kind of things! Wait, have you ever do that, Sova!?"
"What!? No, of course not! I just heard of it from a friend."
(Wait, since I'm a guy in a girl's bath... Does that make me a pervert or does it counts as mixed bathing now?)
"The world sure is a big place... Though I'm happy to hear there are many culture of bathing elsewhere."
"Now, I'm more curious what Jin-Yeon Unnie founds out there! Oh, tell us more, Sova! Like do you find anything as a Silencer!?"
"Well... You see, Heaven has this underground places..."
*************************************
"Die! Sword King!"
"Perish! You cursed invader!"
"Haaah! For Ri! For my father!"
"[Endless Heaven and silent fury technique combined, transcendence path: enlightened paradise]."
*CLEAVE*
A heavy swing cuts open a path to the heavens, pushing away the snowing clouds as the sun sets on the red field. Clad from head to toe in relics and armour so sophisticated and valuable not even the wearer's skin could be seen. Surrounding him is the cries and roar of struggle. Countless bodies pile and limbs torn everywhere as no land has not been thread by blood and fire.
"Hmm... I doubt these are the enemies I'm suppose to be wary about. Hwaaa~"
Bored out of his mind as he has just killed all 3 of the enemy's grand commander with a single swing and their supreme commander with another before them. Before a week has passed the battle is already over, he looks below the cliffs on where he stand as his soldiers is now chasing after the routing enemies and killing them in droves as chaos ensues over the opponent's side.
Seeing the enemies trampling their own allies and ignoring their leader's order or just outright killing their commander just for an attempt to escape or appease the enemies. It is a sore sight to see as he wonder if he would experience the same thing if he didn't ally himself with them.
"Like they said, True Martial Artist and Regular Martial Artist sure are different. What was I doing in my life? It seems not even the Divider King who separates the north and south puts up a challenge now."
Ignoring his surrounding that gets calmer as his honour guards, bodyguards, and royal guards cuts down or capture the remaining people at their HQ for the king to enter their tent. Empty, abandoned, and set ablaze as the snow thaws around it for sand to appear. The dead litters the ground as he remembers the bombardment that commenced before his landing, the sight of dead servants and devastated furniture probably belonging to the commanders didn't make it out unscathed.
Resting at the enemy commander's seat, he looked at the clear sky he created from his swing and spotted the flying vehicle he use to drop here with his guards as someone comes out of it. Carrying the emblem of a sword in a tomb on his cape. It is his deputy and second in command of this grand army, Sujin-Hak.
"Hail Sword King! It seems we are victorious once again!"
"Hoh? Not stuttering anymore?"
"Heh, c'mon man, even I could learn with enough mistakes. If you can already call me properly, I'll be ashamed if I couldn't..."
"Commander Hak."
"My king!"
"Pfff..."
" "Hahahaha!" "
The both share their laughter as they see the makeshift tent burning around them slowly tones down. Looking at the enemy's utilities they notice they still use the old traditional drawn maps as oppose to the more advanced motion capture maps employed by most advanced and developed nations. Complete with terrain, army, city, and river blocks it looks like a collection of toys. It is hard to believe Geom's R&D progressed so far in just a few years. Hak kneels down to close the eyes belonging to one the dead saying:
"Oh, how pitiful. And yet, even outnumbered 4 - 1 we are invincible!"
"That's simply because they are all mostly conscripts and lack training. Do you see the protection they wear? Last I check, cotton clothes don't make good armour unless they're weave with magic or they just wear those to survive the winter. Then again...
We did only gave them 3 months to prepare so it's impressive they armed that much people, with most of them lacking winter gear but still good enough. Simply cutting the head of the chain and they all tumble down so quickly. But enough of that talk, is our guest here yet? By this point we have conquered most of Ri, half Sanjo along with Gwang. This petty coalition they put up consisting of remnants of the kingdoms we conquered barely does anything!"
"My, My Sword King, you sounded pretty haughty there. Then again, this is their last line of defense, proceed further and the only one waiting us is the kings of these lands waiting at the capital."
"Yeah... Ri is putting its last resistance as with this battle we have now captured the last city to close the lid for their escape. We have isolated the king of Ri and his relatives from any foreign nation..."
Burying his kingdom's treasured sword into the ground, he push it further within asking:
"Tch, what am I even doing now? I avenged my parents, successfully cleanse my kingdom of its corruption, killed the enemies that exploited us and brought prosperity to my people. But honestly I'm at a lost now. Following their commands only leaves many more regrets and remorse now. Especially invading our distant neighbours, true I have no sympathy or care for them since they took in the exploitation of my land and people but..."
Hak picks up one of the reserve weapon on their HQ saying:
"Only their higher echelon reap the rewards while those ignorant paid the price, especially their ignorant king. Si-Hyun, I know we may have overstepped the line like them but we can't back down now that we have made a deal with them. And my King..."
Hak throws the weapon away and brushes the sand and snow off the king's body as he looks at the aftermath saying:
"You're just too tired to see around you. Did you forget the privilege of the victor? we could name our newly acquired land. Get your mind out of the negativity and cheer up. Oh! I remember! That brown waterfall coming out of a cave that we pass to get here, we can call that the endless diarrhea."
"Pff, alright, then..."
Seeing his best friend's attempt on lightening the mood with childish activity, he nods and turn to look at the mountains surrounding this plains and cliffs saying:
"I'll name that round sand mountain range, the great cleavage."
"Pff, hahahaha!"
Smacking him in the shoulders as Hak then replies,
"Get your head out of the gutter, man. How about a proper name. Like this cliffs could be the King's landing after your daring attempt."
"That's actually pretty cool."
As Hak remembers about the King's status he propose about,
"And hey, you're still unmarried, so how about hunting for a spouse? You are still in your early thirties. Not young but relatively young."
Hak nudging the king to head outside the tent. He pulls his sword out and follow along replying:
"Yeah, you're right. I think I need some rest. I should go find a hobby other than sword training- hm?"
As the two friends had their fun and exit, a black whirlwind distorts the space infront of them. The air and view at the edge of the cliff bends when someone appears as black feathers fall and scatter from the black gale. Alarmed only for a while before they saw the symbol of a bird eating its wings from his chest plate and cape, they realize quickly who he is affiliated with.
Clad with thick bundles of black feathers huddled on his collar, he wears a full jet-black armour from head to toe just like the king but much advanced than anyone here has ever seen, making him look alien to the eyes that see. Among the tainted white snow and sand, he is sticks out like a crow amidst a flock of pigeons when blue marks shines on his armour.
He is then followed by more people wearing the same yet tone down version of his gear as they all land at the edge of these cliffs with gun-swords at the ready. From his presence alone, the king who is considered peerless and unmatched in the peninsula suddenly feels dwarfed by these new group.
Their leader who is the only one carrying a string of gun-swords on his left hand that shortens as it gets closer to the fingers tightly grasping it, with the common tongue, he bows down saying:
"Greetings, or more appropriately, Hail, Sword King is how your kingdom greets their king is it not? We are sent here by the Empress."
Unphased by these events since he had already experienced it countless time when he met the Empress simply sighs before replying:
"Perfect timing, you must be the special guest to lead us right?"
The man in black shakes his head and walk closer as the king soon realize this man is taller than him. Staring down at him with the glowing blue radiance he answers,
"No... He... Is in Silla as we speak and will soon take over your role as commander. I hope there will be no hard feelings."
"Sigh..."
Looking up at the new "reinforcement" the king sighs before replying:
"Not at all! These army barely had people from Geom by this point other than my honour guards. So I'm relieved of my duties huh? Fine by me, and you... Whoever your name is, good luck. Come, commander Hak. Let's finally get our deserved vacation. I wanna see what Geom is right now in snow and the reconstruction with my own eyes."
"R-Right away, Sir! Um, the list of commanders and officers of note will be at our HQ. May the spirits bless you. W-Wait up, my King! You can't return just yet! You're the one who must do the task of-"
Ever the so carefree spirit, the sword king has left the army behind. The black guards accompanying the new leader baffled by his cooperation looks at the fleeing king and soon praise the Empress for probably making him so cooperative.
"So, Kokkan, who is this commander anyway? Heard you know him personally. I mean that Silencer popped out of nowhere and from what I see, he is the strangest out of all the things the Empress pulls out of her giant ass. You don't need me to tell this but they's a big difference between individual might and the ability to command an army."
One of his guard, opens her helmet to ask as she looks directly at the carnage left by the sword king. The other guards curiously lean closer before their leader nods replying:
"You're not the first one I hear saying such things, but don't worry that's why I'm here... And yes, I suppose it's gonna be a reunion after some time. Though it's only been a few weeks since I last saw... Him."
The group in black who is his new honour guard soon express their shock a bit. the one they called the Black Crown is a man who rarely show emotion and yet here they could clearly tell he is smiling even under his helmet from his tone alone.
And they can only wonder why...
"Is he gay?"
"Humu, humu, that would make a lot of sense."
*Smack* *Pow*
"Ow!"
"Oof, what the hell!?"
Two of the guards comments with their mother tongue only to be smacked by the girl in anger. Her blue eyes and black hair indicating her homeland burns with fury as she stares at the one who mocks their leader shouting:
"Shut up! Like hell he is! Watch what you're saying!"
"Aw~ afraid someone's gonna steal your crush? And losing to a guy of all people."
Another guard comments as he hide behind another to mock comes under fire as the girl shouts:
"Wha! Shut it! No, I'm not!"
Their leader seeing the new team he assembled joke around lets them relieve their stress and fatigue after travelling and fighting for so long. Ignoring their slander as he simply wonder,
"How... He is doing?"