With the sun rising behind our backs, Yoo-Ah waves us goodbye shouting:
"Good luck, Sova! Happy adventuring! And make sure to eat properly! It's important!"
I wave back from the window as I then look back at my company. Across my side is Juha in her full uniform, crossing her legs and folding her hands as she looks outside and across me...
"Ye-Hua, you bought some extra Olanum sauce right?"
"Course not! We gotta save as much penny as possible so I whip up some home-made mayonnaise."
"Bleh! Who would eat that!"
*Pinch*
"Don't be such a picky eater, San-Min. Look even that narcissistic bitch is eating her food properly."
Ye-Hua would look like a normal girl on a trip wearing long sweater and short skirt, but what makes her different is her abundant amount of accessories she wears, from head to toe and going so far as to pin some to the edge of her skirt and shirt. On her side is a someone I hope not to meet. Never seeing him wearing anything but his full armour, he seems to be wearing a different set as his armour now looks a bit similar to mine in design but lacking details. From the futuristic look and layers his armour is... Pretty cool.
Our eyes meet and he glares at me before Ye-Hua pulls his ear to make him face her as she berates him. And to my side sitting near the window is a girl that screams she's of noble blood. From her expensive robe and half armour she's wearing...
(Wait, Jana's not gonna actually follow us inside the dungeon right?)
"What's with that face, of course I'll follow. Fufufu, the ancient world will be amazed by my entry."
*Fwip*
Jana opens her fan and hides her smug as she proclaims.
(I don't know where Zenon found them but...)
Looking at the one across Juha is a masked man with blonde hair. Resting his head upon this hands as he looks outside the windows, I wonder if they really are the same person. And accompanying him is a lady in her mid years wearing something easy to move with a double edge swords at her hips.
"Alright! If you insist on being such a picky eater then let's settle this on the other side! Loser has to do what the winner tells."
Pulling my attention back to the two across me, Ye-Hua slaps a deck of card with a cool artwork on its back and San-Min places his deck beside her as well replying:
"Bring it! I'll show you how much stronger I become. 3 bouts rule."
(Hmm? What are they playing? I thought the card games they have are that Hanafuda cards... And I wonder where Moriz is?)
As the 2 leaves for the other car, Jana sighs saying:
"Well, I'll be following them. And I too wish to duel."
She pulls out a deck from inside her sleeves as she follows them and I can only wonder.
(Now I too wish I could play).
"I wonder if I still have my deck at home?"
"Heeh, I didn't think you'll be interested in a children's card game."
"Shut it, my Lil Sis and Big Brother shoved their decks to my face and I can't say no to their gifts."
Being alone, I transition to sit beside Juha. Zenon cast me a glance and the purple eyes behind his mask glow asking:
"I'll get to the point, Sova Ssi. Wanna form a party with me?"
"Party? Sorry, but I don't like parties. The one you held is pretty constraining if it wasn't for the food."
"Not that party you air head, I'm talking about being an explorer group."
"Oh?"
"If not, at least do want to form a temporary one at least. I know our promotion quest may seem extreme where everyone's fighting alone but it's not so out here. Just look at Ye-Hua's group, there's safety in numbers."
"Oh, I see, then sure!"
Zenon pumps his fist toward the lady behind him saying:
"Target, captured."
She nods in approval as Juha seemingly let it go on. As I look at him closer, Zenon tilts his head asking:
"What is it, Sova Ssi?"
"Oh, just wondering if you really are Prince Yeon-Seyong Ssi."
"Heh."
He opens his mask to reveal a familiar face before smiling widely showing his black teeth replying:
"Of course, I am. Just like you I too can die my hair. What? My looks may be different but I still act the same."
"I don't think that's the case."
The lady behind him and Juha nods in unison and Zenon shakes his head replying:
"Come now. Hey, since we're a party let's get to know each other better. What about you, Sova Ssi? Got any interesting past you wish to tell?"
"Eh?"
"Hold it, prince. It's best you don't try to pry her past. She's under the I.D.B's watch."
"Eeh? I did hear that Song-Iseon Hyung is the one putting you with her. Quite a bummer, well at least got any favourite food?"
"I like sweets! And recently with Yoo-Ah I've grown to like bread. What about you, Zenon?"
"Me? I prefer something I can chew and put this black bones to use so I like ribs. Or at least meat with many bones on them."
"Woah, you can eat the bones?"
"Of course! It's customary in Silla to eat the bones. To not do so is very rude, especially the nobles. Commoners get leniency since they're not usually born with strong teeth."
"I see..."
I start taking out my notes as I jolt down what he said and Zenon leans closer asking:
"What's that? You're writing a journal or something?"
"Mhm! Since I'm out of my home I wish to write and draw what I see. It is simply amazing how much things are so different just outside the city."
"Hahaha! You do have am adventurers heart, keep that up!"
"Yea!"
"And what language you writing?"
Knowing where the conversation is going I reply with,
"It's a mix of many but mostly the common tongue."
"Oh! I can see it now, man I too have quite a bad handwriting. Do you know how many tries I made making that letter of invitation for you?"
"Oh! Really!? Hehe, I guess I'm not alone."
"(Point up!)"
Zenon pumps his fist again as leans back while Juha looks at us saying:
"Don't be happy, you dumbass! Especially you, Prince."
"Now, now, since you like sweets, wanna drink something nice?"
"Really!? Thanks, though you don't mind if you pick me the drinks right?"
"Not at all, you heard her. Go get us something fresh. Oh, what about you, Jin-Juha Ssi?"
"I'll take some tea."
The lady behind him bows and leave through a different path as it's only the three of us now. Zenon extends his arms saying:
"Haah, nothing like a good day to spend vacation on adventuring. Sometimes I wish I could just go back and not bother with politics then I wouldn't have to worry so much."
"Don't say something so crude, Prince. You've taken your actions and now it's your responsibility. I prefer your quasi refined self over the delinquent rowdy rouser."
"Aw, sorry Juha but I'm set on one person right now."
"Don't misunderstand you nincompoop!"
"Say, do you two know each other long?"
Zenon shrugs his shoulders with a crude smile replying:
"Long? I suppose, we've known each other for 5 years ever since in Highschool."
Juha sighs and looks away saying:
"And now I wish we didn't have."
"Now, now, at least I'm not as bad as those people at the Student Assembly."
"You're really hitting it close."
Now more than curious, I look at Zenon asking:
"This may sound rude since I can't tell you about myself but can you tell me about yours?"
As if he has gotten what he wants, Zenon smirks raising his leg saying:
"Of course! Of course! Like I said, we gotta know each other better! I'll gladly start my life story if you don't mind."
"I think, a summary would suffice."
"Hmph! Listen to her, you prince."
He nods and continue saying:
"My story is pretty common for someone who live in the slums. Believe it or not I was a bastard child, my father assaulted one of his servants and she got pregnant but instead of aborting me away my Ma kept me. So she ran away to avoid being killed or worse and we spent many years being hunted down while living in the shadows."
"Really? That's rough."
"Weird, that's not on the I.D.B files."
"Course not, there's no way they would be brazen enough to disgrace one of the founding family with a public file. You gotta at least get into Elder Choi-Min's abyss lockers to get those. Anyways, it was there I learn how to fight and met many of my current retainers and vassals. Many of the people there are Owlians since I don't know about Heaven but there are only two kinds of Owlians in this kingdom, Rich fat feline assholes, or slum dwelling thugs. Other than that, they're all foreigners or they just got their citizenship, I can attest to that."
"Fat feline assholes? Are the Owlians here tiger Beast-kin? I thought it was from the fish sector?"
"You gotta stop taking things literally."
"Sorry..."
"Still, I heard from master Jin-Yeon that... Oh yeah! Talking about her, I met her there too. She was still in the military and hold the title of one of the heroes of the Coalition and a General too. She was sent there since there was a huge riot at our province and a huge conflict is brewing. Even the gangs got involve and so was I in the upcoming Sunday Rebellion."
"Woah... You had it rough, I never knew."
(Compared to him, my life was already quite blessed).
"Oh come now, I'm sure you have stories to tell as well. Though I'll refrain since Juha's still here."
"Hmph! The way you said it makes it seems like you'll ask later."
"Duh, of course."
*Grip*
Juha's tries to hold her anger as she grasps her hands and I try yo change the subject asking:
"Oh, what about Juha? How do you met her?"
Juha leers at him as he notice her gaze and smirks replying:
"Yeah, like I said, we met at school. The sibling conflict has ended when I became the successor and my Uncle became the regent for a while. Then I realize I needed to attend school for well... Forming connections. My territory ain't gonna survive on my own especially with my siblings still trying to kill me too."
"Oh... So far I never really heard anything good from school. I thought that's where we go to learn and make friends and better ourselves?"
"Oh yeah, we do, I learn about how dumb some nobles will do to retain their pride and power. Ah, I miss those days where I can just drag their ears to the ground before slapping them in the face to be done with it. And I also learn the Owlian beliefs of,
"If there's a problem we can always throw money to solve it,"
That's what they say right? That's when I started my business and entrepreneurship. Uncle Hon-Kwon loves my new sweet stand and dental plan."
(Yea, maybe I shouldn't go to school).
"But you haven't told me where you met her?"
"Hmph! We met during the opening ceremony."
Juha chimes in folding her arms before continuing,
"Every noble in school knows about the infamous disciples of Jin-Yeon. Especially the ruffian known as the raging lightning bolt."
"Hey, don't think you're out of the equation of nicknames, Queen of hearbreaks."
"Huh? What is that-"
*Slam*
Juha's face burns red as she slams the table shouting:
"Shut your yap! Either way, he is a delinquent and a bad influence to everyone around."
"Says the girl who actually keep missing out on class compared to me who has perfect attendence and better score."
*Crack*
Juha's snaps something when the lady finally returns with our drinks. Zenon and I got some pink drink while Juha receives her tea...
(Wait, it can't be...)
"Thanks, let me have a drink."
*Gulp*
Taking a giant swig, though the flavour is more deep than the one I had back then there's no doubt about it, it's the same rosen syrup Saya and I had back at the Jaguar Sector.
"Woah! Did you get to Indara frontier? Amazing!"
"(Point up), Ahem, nah, it's an unusual cultivated plant from the north so I thought why not procure one when it's on sale. I remember you saying having a pink drink so why not have one with a regional taste?"
*Gulp*
"Woah, thanks. I'm surprised you remember."
Seyong takes a sip with a huge grin, before continuing from where she left saying:
"But my first impression of her was not great either. I saw her as nothing but a leech who is riding upon the names of her family. If you don't know, her Grandfather, some of his retainers, her father, and brother are all heroes of the Coalition and hold tremendous clout in all aspect of power not only in this kingdom but the whole peninsula and even in Heaven, there's only so many who can challenge their authority.
They are what people nowadays calls the family of heroes. Just with their names around crime in the land and seas just lowers throughout the past 5 years after the Coalition war in the peninsula. But of course the brighter a star shine the darker the shadow, the only remaining criminal organization are the worst of the worst."
"That's wonderful and horrible. But is it true?"
"Of course, my grandfather, father, and their retainers has enemies inside and outside with the exception of my brother who everyone ignores. My grandfather especially can't forgive the traitors that contributed to my father's death. And another recent example is your promotion exam, Jin-Yeon nim's enemies really pulled all their strings to set that one up."
"I see... That's sad to hear."
(So she lost her father huh?)
"But don't think too badly, Sova. You fell for the same trap I saw her as. The manifestation of the corruption and decadence created from nepotism and favouritism. And her stuck up attitude and terrible language just reinforce that idea in my head. I received reports she called you a Gogijalu when you first met yes?"
"Huh? Oh yea, she did. What does that even mean?"
(And where does he hear that? Is he like Moriz with spies?)
Juha's face grows even more red as she pulls me back to lean at my seat shouting:
"Shut up! I admit I was wrong! But I have changed my attitude towards you! You're not just a walking sack of flesh anymore. You're more than that... Dammit, what did you make me say?!"
"Hahaha! No wonder you have a hard time finding friends. I'm more impressed Sova stick with that first impression."
*Sip*
*Gulp*
They both seem to calm down as they take a drink. Zenon puts his empty cup down saying:
"But I also realize one unpopular lesson from the Owlians retainers I have is that, your children doesn't carry the sins of their parents."
(I feel like I heard that phrase multiple times now).
"Maybe my Ma also think the same when she decided not to abort me. And Jin-Juha Ssi sure as hell prove that she is working hard individually when I observe her."
"Oh?"
Zenon leans back spreading his legs and arm saying:
"Just look at her, she could easily just join the navy or army and live a life of luxury by piggy backing her family's savings and reputation for generations. But instead she work her ass off to branch away and carve her own path. By being part of somewhere completely different and where her family influence can't reach, the Intelligence department or in her case, the Internal Defense Bureau.
She clawed her way up from a blue bone non-commissioned officer to jade lieutenant, and her hardworking and honest attitude is a favourite of Elder Choi-Min nim. She is quite a rare talent for someone from Nobility. And she even become a senior recently too before you arrive.
I guess after she became a Senior Agent, destiny calls when a certain Colonel suddenly needs help looking out for someone and Elder Choi-Min nim happen to have someone in reserve."
"Sigh... And just like him I too see the somewhat speckle of gem from the pile of shit that he is. Though I'll leave it to him to guess which part."
"Heh, I'll just consider all the part as speckled gems. After all, even shit can be fertilizer for the crops you eat."
"You two really have history huh? Hmm... What about your sister then?"
"Sister?"
"She meant Ye-Ri."
"Oh! Her! Ah, well, just to clarify none of the current princes and princesses are related by blood. But you could think of her as... A... Those girls that hangs beside the important figures. Decorations, Jin-Juha's decoration.
Honestly, I'm still wondering how she even gor elected as a princess when there's still more worthy candidates like Jin-Juha Ssi for example."
Juha sips her tea again before looking beyond the window upon the distancing capital city replying:
"Simply no one wants to be in between the battle of you and the Senior Princess. Ye-Ri just happen to be on the list and her lack of influence doesn't allow her to refuse the demand."
"Now that's just sad... Wait, whatever happen to Junior Prince In-Cho? He suddenly vanish when he tried to take jab at me and imploded soon after but I never seen him again."
"Since you're senior prince I suppose you do have access to that information. He pretty much fled the country when you assimilate and confiscated his vassals and retainer's wealth. His last destination is supposedly our new Dutchdom. He became a vassal towards her."
"Bummer, she just had to be a puppet to those soft teeth bastards. And that coward prince dares to serve under her? I wonder if I should invest more to the incoming unification before we end our Military Law?"
"I think we shouldn't do anything at all until we fixed all our internal problems and solve the food crisis before doing anything so drastic as unifying."
"Haah, can't some shadow organization just pop up when I need one?"
Juha twitch at his words but shakes her head replying:
"Don't be stupid, Prince!"
"Hey, come now, every man dreams to be part of some secret group."
(Comparing my life to them, my childhood seem pretty peaceful. I wonder if I should be happy it is?)
"Aaah~! It's nice to just say whatever I want."
The prince stretches as he lays back looking at the lady waiting beside him, Juha hearing him takes a sip asking:
"Then for old time sake, let's just be honest and let me ask you, what do you plan to do with, Sova?"
"Huh? Wait, what are you asking?"
Surprised by Juha's question, I turn to her for an answer but Zenon leans forward with a skip and a huge smile replying:
"Duh, I couldn't make it more obvious! Of course I wanna make her my wife and if it makes you happier, my only wife."
"Eeeh!?"
Ignoring my shock and the surprised lady beside Zenon as well, Juha sighs crossing her legs asking:
"Owlian is one thing but a foreigner to boot?"
"Hey, we're already suffering from a declining population thanks to that war and the aftermath. We don't have time or luxury to worry about such things. Besides, who doesn't want a cute wife that is not only good at cooking but can also defend herself? I couldn't care less if she's flatter than the plains or as tall as the mountains."
"C-Cute? Hold up! I think that's impossible!"
I try to to think of some way to stop him but Zenon shakes his head replying:
"Of course it's impossible now. But as time passes I'm sure that word will change as we get to know each other better."
"That's not it! After all...!"
Juha as if she knows where I'm heading with this quickly turns around before I say,
"I'm a man!"
The prince look at me dumbfounded and I continue saying:
"I don't care if you believe me or not but it's true! That's why we can't-"
"Bwahahaha! The hell!? Ah~ I wish I met you sooner. I can't believe you of all people would make friends with a weirdo like her especially during an assignment, Jin-Juha Ssi."
"Shut it!"
"Say, Sova."
"H-Huh?"
The prince leans ever closer as our nose almost touch asking:
"What if I don't believe it?"
"Wha?"
His purple eyes glows seems to pierce my sould as he then asks:
"Are you going to show proof? Are you going to let me see it? And if you really are a man, you have no problem having a bath together right? Let's deepen our bond as brother in arms with some skinship like in the army."
I pull back and push him away shouting:
"W-What!? No! Of course not! I mean..."
(Wait... If I keep making this going on... I... I really need to put my foot down!)
"If... If that's what it takes to prove it then, yes... Yes, I will take a bath with you!"
The prince face reddens a little as he leans ever more closer as our forehead almost touch before,
"Bwahahaha! My goddess! This is just too hilarious!"
He arch back to his sit and continue saying:
"But heh, this is the first time I see a girl rejecting someone by trying adamantly to prove she's a man- Hahahaha, I like you more now."
I hide my face between my thighs as I lean over and try to curl into a ball.
(Rrrgh! I hate myself! I should really think of a better way to counter that argument!)
"I'm having too much fun conversing with you two. And I can at least appreciate the direct rejection, Sova."
"Huh? What do you mean? Am I not suppose to say it directly?"
"Well, maybe on some occasions. But usually girls with good looks like you are the worst snakes of all. Especially in our kingdom, toying with the hearts of desperate boys and leaving them hanging, it couldn't get any lower. Especially when girls hold special powers here in the kingdom if you know what I mean."
"Oh, you mean their chest size?"
"Yup! The queen is one example, man I just can't get enough joy when Lady Xuyin showed up infront of her. That face when she realize her greatest assets are useless. I would pay a fortune for them to meet again."
"O-Oh..."
(When did that happen?)
I slowly come out of my shell as I asks:
"Still, why are you two so hostile to each other back at the party? You don't seem to hate each other that much."
"Heh, it's a matter of politics, don't worry about it. Just know some of those words are not genuine."
"S-Some?"
"Some. Or in her case, few are."
"Hmph!"
"I see... Oh then what about, Yoo-Ah's sister? Yoo-Sui Unnie?"
*Pop*
Zenon hits his palm as he just realize something and says:
"Hoh? Oh yeah, she is her sister! Wow hard to believe those two are related. More like hard to believe those 3 are related at all."
"Sigh, you can say that again."
"What is she that different? I don't think she's that different."
"Heh, we're talking about Miss Valedictorian here. She never misses class, achieve perfect scores every time, never gets into trouble, respected by both students and teacher (but that may have to do with being the daughter of one of the heroes of the Coalition), and instead of vacation she spends her time taking extracurricular activities and to obtain more prestige and achievements she joins in every competition and contests on international level."
"That sounds amazing!"
(I doubt even I can do such things even if I did go to school).
"Hmph! I have to admit she deserve that title if not for one reason. After all it's not a title given to the best in the kingdom but the entire realm. When it comes to thesis and written tests nobody can beat her period. I also heard she is suppose to work in the field of law as a judge in training under the tutelage of none other than one of the Gods of Justice from Heaven! It is literally a Heaven sent opportunity... No pun intended.
Back then it could just end with her and her little sister taking the chance but her brother suddenly shows a lot of promise one day."
"Ah, yes, he dueled both the current kingdom's strongest warriors, Lord Gum-Soo and Elder Won-Yok and win. Most surprisingly he also fought one of the Grand Masters from Heaven and came up on top too, gaining the title of the strongest in the Peninsula."
(Strongest huh? I suppose I have much to prepare).
"Yes, now with both her little brother and sister also having dreams to achieve and the situation back then force her to either sacrifice one of the 3, she gave up herself to support them instead. What a fucking shame!"
"I think that's pretty honourable to give up your dreams for your siblings."
(Just like Aunt Palka left her country with her family just for me who isn't even her real child and she's doing it for my mom if my memory serves me right).
"Hmph! You truly are ignorant despite coming from Heaven. I guess it may not mean much to you since you're not politically literate for a noble. But I'm sure you know the Ansei A Jusei yes? The Ruling Deities of Heaven?"
(I'm not a noble but...)
"Yea!"
"Then you should also know that there are 5 Deities that took over the Sovereign of life and death that is the mythical Rucina, yes?"
"Yea..."
"One of those 5 Deities, the Deity of law or the Heart of Jade is the one responsible for governing the laws of the entire Confederation, the mother of nations."
"Yea...?"
(Mother of nations?)
"Then to put it on simpler terms, the Deities of Justice are the one literally below the position of The Heart of Jade. They are the gods responsible for writing and changing the rules, constitution, and regulation of all laws in the Confederation before handing it to the Heart of Jade! Be it Civil, Common, religion, military or even nature itself!"
"Wait, what!? They can do that!?"
Zenon leans back playing with his mask saying:
"Hahaha! Wow, I can't believe we're actually teaching someone from Heaven. But yes, oversimplifying it, they are the rule makers here and some notable case is they are able to change the gravity of an entire continent to be twice as strong or the landscape and biome of it too to suit certain races and other special minorities if they deem it fit."
"I have no clue of what you just said but I should really study more about the Ansei A jusei when I return. And here I thought the God of War was the biggest deal."
"Well everyone has their perks and quirks."
"I see..."
"Hmph! Looks like you get it now, So now let's just say if she does accept that position. There's a chance in the future that she might become one of the Ansei A Jusei in the future. Imagine that? Compared to a Void Explorer or some 8 Star chef doesn't seem amazing now huh?"
"Wait, you're saying Yoo-Sui Unnie could become one of those deities!"
(Wow, my head gets a blur on what she would look like. Maybe because I never seen them either).
"Yeah! Even coming close to it is enough achievement to etch your name in multiple textbooks and other literature for the future to come. Now do you see how much of a waste it is?"
"Wow... I guess that just show she cares her family more."
"Hmph! I say she's just a fucking moron who couldn't see the bigger picture. Why can't she just fucking use her influence to help them afterwards? It all just doesn't make any sense! She wasted that Valedictorian title!"
"Hey, Jin-Juha settle down there. It's not fair to compare her like that when she's not a governor or even a noble. If you ignore her dad being someone scary and her mom being a maniac she's just a boring dweeb with no friends."
"That is a sad truth to swallow."
(And wait, mom? I haven't heard anything about their mother but Maniac doesn't seem to be a good first word to hear about her).
Juha and Zenon looks away as they accept that but I still am confused why they say she's socially awkward. As Zenon asks for a refill, he continue saying:
"And one thing I know is that commoners value family over your country most of the time. Kinda ironic how nobles have more influential families but hey, that Valedictorian title is not gonna go away so I'm sure she'll have more than enough opportunity in the future. In the meantime, we have our own current problems to deal with than worrying about some past possibilities am I right?"
"Hmph!"
Talking about Yoo-Sui now I'm curious about...
"Then, what about Yoo-Gisa? The brother in question?"
The two look at me with furrowed brow, asking:
"What about that traitor? I said enough."
"Hmph! I have nothing to say for someone I know nothing about."
"I heard that you and him are disciples of Jin-Yeon Ssi."
"Yeah that's about it, he doesn't say much and he always does things his way. Unlike me who was scouted, he barges in asking to be her disciple."
"I-I see..."
(I guess the Colonel was right about how no one will join his side).
"If he had just run away nobody would cared but he just had to scam everyone too. Ruining not only master's reputation and future in the kingdom but also I feel even worse what kind punishment his family will get in his place. It was just luck his sisters are in good relation with some very scary people."
"S-Sorry for asking."
(Juha did say something of sort when talking about school here).
Zenon pats my head replying:
"Nah, don't be. I'm sure you're just curious about the one waiting for you up north. Though if I have to admit is that he's strong, very strong so try not to move stray far from us okay?"
"Yea!"
Zenon moves back rubbing his stomach saying:
"Still, I thought we were talking about me? Why did it become about somebody else?"
"Don't be so pretentious, prince."
"Awww... Alright, alright, let's lessen the tension. Hey, Sova do you wanna know how we can tell if someone's our friend or not?"
"Huh? You can do that?"
"Yeah, it's customary here especially back at school."
"Now, I'm curious. What is it?"
Zenon pulls out a puffed up bag with the writing,
[Pong Chops]
And place it on the table, Juha seeing this looks away while I ask:
"Hmm? What is that?"
"You never seen one? It's potato chips."
"Potato chips!? Like the chips on those fish and chips? Ooh! I want one!"
"Hehe, have you been living in a cave or something?"
"More like underground."
"Sorry I asked, mhm anyways right now we're trying to see if you have friends, Sova. So here open it up."
Zenon hands me the bag but as I take it I ask,
"Eh? B-But how?"
"You see the protruding part here? Grab that and grab the opposite end of it."
"L-Like this?"
I do as he instructed and he nods saying:
"Yup, watch your strength and gently pull it apart."
*Rip*
*Slam*
As the sound of tearing the bag open, so is the door to the next car does as well. From the shadows, Ye-Hua walks to me saying:
"Oh, sweet let me have some. Thanks!"
And from her side, Jana swipes in and takes a handful saying:
"Interesting choice, I'll be needing these, a thousand gratitudes."
As they both leave, soon Zenon too reach his hand inside saying:
"What I told you? I'll be taking some too."
And seeing how where this is going I look at Juha who seems to be restraining herself but I look at her saying:
"You want some too?"
Juha reluctantly agree and takes a piece saying:
"Hmph! Don't misunderstand, these just happen to be my favourite flavour."
As I take on to bite as well, I taste the light salt flavour alongside a bit of spiciness as well saying:
"I see, so this is a magic item that can summon allies? Amazing!"
"Puhahaha! I suppose it is magic. Now, you want some more?"
"Yea!"
"Good and the next step would be speaking informally."
"Speaking informally? I don't understand."
"Hmm? Aren't you speaking very politely, Sova? As friends it's normal to speak informally to each other!"
"Oh, I never knew. Am I, Juha?"
"Hmph! Yes, but I have no qualms with that. I prefer if you keep speaking like so, any more informal and your words would be unintelligible."
"Oh..."
(Maybe I should learn a bit more about language here as well).
*************************************
*Please mind the gap*
Hearing the voice of the lady in the box once more, we started packing up and leave together. Even as the cold winds blew, the sun shines brighter than ever while the land of sand is slowly covered in white beyond the windows.
(Woah, it's my first time seeing a dessert, and now there's snow upon the dessert as well... This is so neat!)
"Hey, Sova Ssi, don tally we gotta keep moving."
"O-Oh, sorry!"
Carrying the heavy bags and Malia, I walk alongside Zenon and San-Min's group. San-Min in particular is keeping a watch on me with his glare only for his ears to be pulled by Ye-Hua saying:
"Watch the road when you're walking, dummy."
"Ow, Ow, Ow! Okay, let me go!"
*Slap*
"For a mage you have a strong physique."
"It's simply the artefacts and my magic."
"Cut it you two, don't show any tardiness now. We're back from where we started."
As we rush out of the landing area and enter the empty lobby, Zenon expresses his joy as we have arrived at the private station of the Silla Royal family at the tip of the dividing mountain which is now under the rule of Geom...
Flying above the streets and wall is the banner of a leaping whale, Silla, and the sword embraced by a circling phoenix, Geom.
"Looks like you're all finally here. I've been waiting."
"Oh! Lady Xuyin! You really did came!"
"Huh?"
Surprised by a familiar voice I turn to see Moriz in his female form greeting us from above. As I see his female form's large chest resting on the glass fence, I can only wonder if he really is comfortable having such body? But didn't they said he lived like that when he entered the female only place?
(Should I also be worried that I didn't notice a giant 2 meter tall lady at all?)
I look to my side to see San-Min in trance as his face is beat red and Ye-Hua and Jana responding with smacking him from the back of his head.
"Ack! What was that for! Shit, everything is so jumbled up! (Who even is she!?)"
Moriz descends alone from the stairs saying:
"It seems the main party has arrived. What a pleasure to see all 3 promising rookies gather up at one place. Since some of you don't know who I am let me introduce myself."
Moriz walks close to us and gracefully bows down saying:
"I'm Wang Xuyin. Nice to meet you."
Ye-Hua grabs San-Min's collar and pull him down along with her to bow shouting:
"H-Hello! I'm Ye-Hua, a new Adventurer!"
"H-Hey! Um, I'm... Ryu San-Min. Nice to meet you."
Jana the last one to speak opens her fan and tries to hide her hostile smile saying:
"I'm Si-Jana, pleasure making acquaintance."
Zenon approach beside her saying:
"Thanks a lot for coming, Lady Xuyin. As agreed we won't disappoint you."
"Oh, worry not, my mind won't wander when someone like Sova is about."
"A bit sad that my invitation is only accepted because of someone else. Still, aren't you happy someone you know will be here too?"
The three turn their eyes on me and I can only nod saying:
"Um, right! Wait, if you're here what about Daniel and Dinner?"
"Oh, I let my new assistant handle the chores. Kitten is among the entourage now as well."
"Neat!"
"Fufu, good luck out there. I'll be watching with great interest over here."
"Thank you! Having a sponsor is great! But before we leave, drop your stuff and get ready! This station will be our base of operations. The dungeon is literally right outside gather back at this lobby in 1 hour!"
Zenon commands as he then throws his bags up to the second floor and continue saying:
"I guess this is a bit of a surprise but thanks to lady Xuyin your rooms have been sponsored and is located on the first floor. Choose whichever you wish since this entire station os under our use now."
"That's a bit surprising. I didn't hear any of this."
Ye-Hua exclaims in surprise but Zenon easily answers with a snap and says,
"That's because this is all impromptu. If Lady Xuyin is not here we wouldn't be doing this and head straight to the dungeon and set our camps just outside their doorsteps. Now, enjoy! Cause I sure as hell would! Huup!"
Zenon jumps up to the second floor and the lady companion bows down before following him to the stairs. San-Min rubbing the back of his head looking at Moriz walks to the nearest couch to place their stuff while Ye-Hua and Jana looks cautiously at Moriz... More specifically at his female form's chest as they look at theirs and grind their teeth following San-Min.
"See? Told you I followed you here."
Moriz approached me as he look at Juha asking:
"How nice of her to follow you everywhere. Maybe I should get more cute assistants."
I try to change to subject by saying:
"Can we look around?"
"Sure! I rented out this abandoned station for that purpose. Now come, let me show you around some stuff when I was waiting for you."
He then leans over to my ear saying:
"(Besides, I promise you I'll make you meet Yuwei. From what I heard, she's close. Very close)."
"R-Really!?"
Moriz turns to look up the tall ceiling and I follow his gaze wondering if she is close. He then grabs my shoulder and drags me along when I look at San-Min and his group. Their voice akin to silent winds maybe because of some magic but it still sounded loud thanks to my acute hearing...
"Dammit, this timeline is all messed up, the seer with the lady of the lake said nothing of today's event or even what Yoo-Gisa Hyung is doing- urgh!"
San-Min grabs his head in panic but Jana smacks him replying:
"Calm down, you nincompoop! The fact that there's another Silencer that night is already alarming. From this point forward, we can't rely on pur future memories anymore nor what that nosy bitch wil say anymore."
"Sigh... I already died once in my old world and once in the future you said. But Jana's right, this time we can only rely on our combined experience. This dungeon is our last chance to gain enough power to stop this Peninsula's destruction. We can't rely on our allies either so it's all up to us."
San-Min nods and looks at Jana saying:
"And this is another chance to change the future as well. Let's save your sister Jana. We'll get her back from that Evil Empress!"
Jana folded her fans and nods saying:
"Thank you... But our best chance now is to use all deviations to our advantage."
Jana looks at me and Moriz and the two follow her gaze and nods. Before long Moriz brought me out of the building as I am meet by an unknown view. Seas of sand and snow, sands of hills and mountain and a soft hail of snow while the sun shines bright. It is a chaotic weather and a bizarre but beautiful scene. From where I stand, I could see the public road and station the public use as the sound gathers at a certain place. And from there my eyes are drawn towards what made this called the Dividing Kingdom.
The twin sister mountain of... Of... I forgot what Yoo-Ah said but it's still impressive.
"You can see the civilian station up there and to your left you'll see the dungeon."
Surprised by his words I quickly turn left and follow what he said. As our station is near the foot of the mountain, the so called dungeon is a giant open chasm right at the climb where sands are falling in. Literally a few minutes walk after we descend this platform. But from how the entrance looks, I had to guess...
"Yep, something blew the entrance open."
Moriz explains as he then push me to the side while Juha follows behind.
"During the invasion by Geom this entire place was a war field. The initial push started with a barrage of shells from the skies that crush our enemies. This place has become the grave of hundred of thousand unfortunate souls. There's a reason why they let us borrow a public station you know."
"I-I see!"
"And not only that, this is not like any normal dungeon procedure too. Usually there would be tons of national guards or international guild members setting up barriers and tapes preventing people from entering or to check and identify us. But when the Dungeon entrance is literally right beside a public station and the situation of Geom right now, I doubt they have the luxury of sending in any troops or allow any foreign interventions. Yuwei, that sly bitch set this up from her ass I bet."
"Sis..."
"Miss her?"
"Mhm! Since I got time, I'm gonna go prepare!"
"Oh, I thought we can hang out more?"
"We can do that when we return to Silla. Thanks, Mor- Xuyin!"
"Heh, alrighty, I'm gonna go check up on those 3 new people."
*Vwoom*
Before Moriz could enter, ships flew across the tall mountains above, a mighty armada cast a huge shadow across the station as it slowly descend from the biggest to the smallest. On their wings they bear the mark of a red fish biting down a coin. Moriz sighs saying:
"Well, look who arrived."
(Right they Yoo-Ah did say Hunters woul come along as well).
Seeing Hunters leave the ships with giant crates and heavy machinary, I observe them for a while. Most of them are low rank with some mid rank and very few High rank from the armour and aura they exude. Probably from hearing the loud noise the ships created, San-Min and his group barge outside asking:
"What is that?!"
"Tch! Those Hunters are here."
"Have they no tact?"
Zenon soon follows after with his aide covering his eyes from the sun he gaze at the group of hunters saying:
"Well, look at all those tools. Are they planning a excavation?"
Everyone inside has appear outside to see the commotion and soon, standing out from the rest of the group of Hunters is probably their leader. Unlike the others who is busy creating a base, she took on a small vehicle similar to what they describe a bike without wheels and drive towards us.
*Vrooom*
Her engines roar louder as she gets closer with a dust storm following her trail. Flying a few meters above us she jumps out of her vehicle before it stops close from crashing at the mountain.
*Crash*
As the dust strom she brought subsides, her crimson scale armour gleams beneath the scorching sun. Standing the same height as Moriz she carries a giant foldable cannon on her back as her thick armour makes looks similar to those pagodas from the spirit church, leaving no gaps to her body. Placing one hand on her waist she raised another pointing at us with a slouch posture shouting:
"Suup! We greet from the expanding sun! I'm leader of the Crimson Carps Hunter Band..."
*Click* *Click*
Her helmet open similar to my armour to reveal a lady in her late twenties with Red hair and a thick sunglasses hiding her eyes.
(Sunglasses inside helmet? Is that really safe?)
Her pointing gesture turn to a handshake towards Moriz as she then says:
"High Rank, Miria Hongyu."
With broken Hwansea she clasp her hand and bows down while Moriz smirks foes the same replying:
"I'm Wang Xuyin... Call me an entrepreneur."
"Entrepreneur, you? You a funny girl!"
Something yellow glows beneath the thick shades of black and gaze down at the me and the others as she scoffs saying:
"Well beats low backwater rubble. Catch ya later! I got a treasure to bring home!"
She jumps and grabs her vehicle that moves on its own. She easily pulls herself up with one hand and wears her helmet back driving away...
(Is that someone from Heaven?)
"Fucking rich stuck up bitch! Just you watch! We'll get that treasure before you!"
"She can at least speak with her mother tongue. Alright, let's fuck her up."
Ye-Hua angrily shouts stomping her feet and Jana glares at the distancing Hunter while San-Min pinch between his eyes whispering:
"(Dammit, it's not even the same hunter group- no... Calm down, don't trust the future anymore)."
Zenon seeing her shakes his head before Punching both his hands together saying:
"Well! More reason to rub the treasure up at her face! But rushing won't do much, let's prepare and depart immediately!"
Zenon heads inside first followed by San-Min and his group. I stayed outside looking at the Hunters organizing themselves and wonder...
(Where is Yoo-Gisa?)