"How is the temperature control system?", "Stable", "Hey, I need someone with stronger earth magic", "We've receive reports of an attack on one of the transport group, send in a small detachment of two", "Haah! Fuck, my arms are killing me after swinging that much!", "Water stock?", "Fully refilled", "Hey, what kind of magic item is down there?", "Hopefully not a weapon, we don't need such stuff when the Aologi Civil war just ended recently", "Damn, the monster here ain't worth shit. It's mostly Dudeji pests and cave insects! Not only are they fucking annoying but their materials sucks, at least give us something worth it for killing such bothersome monsters", "If they are I doubt they would be consider pests anymore. They would be hunt to extinction by us", "Repellent?", "Still on the works", "Any contacts from those who fell through the shafts and pit?", "Only half and rescuers will be sent after we deliver the wounded to the surface", "Shit, damn those Dudeji. It seems we shoul've recruited less Low ranks for this one."
Hearing the conversation across the new base as I walk to the Ruin gate. I ascend the steep way when I notice something.
"Woah, is that the 3D map thingy?"
"Oh? At least you know this thing. Yup, it is essential for everyone who travels and explore in groups."
As I went ahead first to the Ruin gate, Miria is already waiting with her entourage who doesn't seem to keen on me but lets it slide. After the reorganizing and moving about this place has become quite empty with only around 50 people or less left within a place that could fit a thousand or more.
"Wha! What is this!?"
Zenon rushes in like lightning as he speaks in Hwansea and moves so quick leaving behind a trail of light, circling around the giant table that displays the 3D map Miria sighs saying:
"As expected of backwater scrubs. Oh, Sova since this thing is made by Owlians, you can see it as well."
Zenon stops beside me curious and satisfied saying:
"Hehe, discovering new things is always great! I should definitely get one!"
Juha and Jana that arrives soon looks at it with surprised as well. Juha especially stare at it with full intrigued asking:
"To think such utility could be possible. Heaven truly is quite beyond reach."
"..."
Jana keeps silence as she observes the moving terrain and objects inside.
*Clap*
"Alright! Since we're speaking different languages, let's agree to speak with the common tongue for now yes? You all understand that right?"
Miria ask in the common tongue and Zenon along with the other nod in agreement. Miria nods to their responds and continue saying:
"All the figures have gathered, let me start with debriefing so far."
Miria pulls and extend a stick from the table and points at the entrance located far up saying:
"Currently I have 5 expeditions each led by a High Rank Hunter. At first it was 2 to the right and left as one remains backup. This is the structure when we scan from above and..."
She then inserts something to the table and the entire place changes entirely as the caverns, holes, and other geological changes takes place all over half of the map from the entrance to be more detailed and precise. I could even see notes scatter around saying stuff like,
[END], [HLW], [NST], [TXC], and etc.
Jana nods and then inserts a shard saying:
"Then as per agreement with Sova, here is our map."
The entire map then extend making the quarter above from the entrance more expanse and branch out from the table and even phase through the people standing around causing them to back away while Zenon is playing with it by moving his hand through it. Most of the place we map are the hidden holes,
"Is this what Ye-Hua has been drawing?"
(And wait, seeing Jana insert it like that does she know this device?)
"Woah! It seems some of you are civilized. You even map the place beneath the cave lakes and rivers? Look, there's even hidden opening beneath it. How did you do so?"
"Though your magic sonar can scan hundreds of Km from the surface, it can't read pass water. We have Sova hear with super echolocation that can map out the entire 3km around him in detail."
"Oh? Hehe, say Sova boy, why don't you just work for me then? I'll gladly pay you in Yuan if you wish."
"Um, sorry."
"Hahaha! So quickly but either way..."
Miria then points at the middle of the dungeon that looks like a massive round opening that branches into 4 erratic path with one that leads a clean curve down. It zooms in closer where I see 2 red arrow heads and 1 blue arrow head.
"This is currently where we are are. As of now we have my team and the back up team sent here alongside our new allies the adventurers. Our other 2 expeditions are being called back to assist with the making of the safe path to this second base and escape route."
She points at the giant Ruin Gate that has been cleaned. The dirty gate is filled with dirt, mould, and other stuff has been washed of any grime and filth. It reveals to be a colourful and beautiful gate with elegant scriptures, detailed painting with missing parts, and the gleam and shine it gives when light touches its surface. From afar it may seem big, but from up close, this gate has become ginormous. I feel even 3 trains stack to each other can still fit through and have space to spare. Cables, platform, and stairs are being use by the Hunters who are placing Stage Lights and other illuminating objects just to shine to this place.
"So now, our objective is clear. That big fuck off gate!"
Miria then puts the stick down, touching the moving terrain and open her arms wide as I see countless panels pop up and she points at one saying:
"Judging by the scriptures and the scan we did to determine the date and other references we have about this place, we can safely theorize this place is none other than one of the fallen prehistoric Ancient Civilization dating back during the times of Rucina's conquest 3800 years ago or longer."
(3800 years ago, that was even before the Calendar was made or the Liberation Era).
"Rucina's conquest huh? That would make sense."
"I'm surprised we could still find something so old. The archeologist would love to see this."
"Here I was hoping we could find something much more mysterious and unrelated like the World Hunters recently founding that Mega Continent."
The 3 other hunters here express their opinions while Zenon eyes can't seem to hold them selves as he is reading every panel that pops up saying:
"Woah, my Goddess, what is all this information? This is all so new! Becoming an Adventurer is definitely one of the best decisions I ever make!"
Juha on the other hand is pondering and saying:
"More than 3800 years ago? Then that would mean before the Liberation Era is it not? Or even before it. To think something so old could last so long against nature. If the technology we have now is so fragile how far have they gone in the past?"
Jana on the other hand simply remain quiet as she rest her chin at the tip of her fan reading the panels that pops up like Zenon. Miria shakes her head saying:
"I suppose if you know the missing Millennia I guess you're not that of a scrub anymore. Well, being able to notice and draw conclusion is great and all but we like to preserve as many historic sites and excavation as to not anger the international historians. So problem is now we have no way to know how to open this bitch!
My decoding team is trying their best but the only thing we can figure after our short 4 hour rest is that we need a key to open this gate. And I'm sure all of you can sense that the artefact is resting deep within it."
As we all fall silent and the sound of falling water echo around.
*Fwip*
Jana open her fan and then points at me saying:
"Sova, your spear."
"Huh?"
"Jab it inside the bottom where the two gates meet. There's a small opening your spear could fit in."
"What?"
"Just do it!"
"O-Okay."
The others look at us with bathed breath while hearing Jana's sudden command I follow her instruction and extend my spear to its full extent before plunging it at the bottom gap between the entrances. As we wait for something to happen, Miria looks at Jana asking:
"So, what do you base-"
*Grumble* *Shake*
The entire earth shake while the spear in my hand vibrates along. Expending and enlarging before it becomes so large it twist and turns as I'm force to let go.
*Clang* *Clang* *Click* *Click* *Clack* *Screech*
The spear stops spinning as the giant gate soon opens to a grand set of stairs leading downwards. Lights turns on from the ceiling beyond the door to reveal some sort of ancient structure of sorts.
(I definitely have to write and draw this! And I guess I could draw Jana as well).
As I pull out my note and starts scribbling, Jana folds her fan saying:
"What first caught my intention was the shape of Malia, for a spear its not fit to be weapon nor does it have the shape of a blade, in fact it resembles more of a key from ancient times. Then when I was researching about Malia, I notice the forger of that spear belongs to a very unique family that has been passing on one blueprint through each generation before the world invasion or even longer. Though each blueprint may be different as they wither and fade and must be made anew but it has one common theme and that is the shape.
But most clenching evidence is the Previous War God's history when he founded his mythical Armour he wore while still in service, it's said to come from some dungeon in the Kingdom of Geom. Me, and my companions has taken the liberty to explore that place as well and honestly speaking this ruin actually look the same as the one opened by the Previous War-God.
And piecing together the similarities of both dungeon and how the previous God of War's actions I read in the reports I can't help but wishing to try when we have the literal War God's Spear with us. A bent key is still a key that still usable if the tip is firm. That is the short summary of my analysis."
Everyone seems to ignore the opened gate and even me as I stop writing to listen. Miria who asked the question holds her head as she is about to fell down but regains her balance as she says:
"Previous War God? Having his spear? Heh, hahahaha! Alright! Alright! I suppose I should've expected much from adventurers the Tiger Family picked. Here I thought you're all hired muscles with no brains but one of you sure has the smart. You all have earned my respect, backwater scrubs don't suit you no more."
Miria grabs her giant cannon/blade and place it on her back as she wears her helmet again saying:
"I also though you're all just a bunch of green horns with no experience from the reports but I guess there's a reason why all of you gotten an early promotion. Very well!
Since it's thanks to you adventurers that we've been smooth sailing so far. If you can keep this up till we finish, I don't mind giving you the artefact even if we found it."
"Lady Miria! What are you saying!?"
"Yeah! My brother died here! There's no way we're handing out the artefact-"
"SILENCE! This is my decision! And your loss will be compensated by the contract you have signed with blood. Besides, I said if they can keep this up and there's still half way down the line so I'm expecting much.
And since the deal's still on though gather all you need and follow us down when you're ready! We're diving first! First and Second Group, move out! Operation Staff, keep us informed like usual!"
" "We obey!" "
Seeing Miria and her group leave, I continue writing and drawing as to not forget before I see Zenon approach Jana saying:
"Hahaha! That was amazing! Say, why don't I just hire you to work for my group? We could need someone like you."
Jana lets out a smug replying:
"That was just basic remembering and theorizing. And besides, there's no way I could lend a hand to you. The world is just not ready yet for my Absolute and Brilliant Brain power! Fwahahahaha!"
"Sigh... As arrogant as you may sound, I suppose you deserve the credit for now."
"That's it! Keep the compliments coming!"
"Yea! You're very amazing, Jana! I wonder if you can help me with my math problem!"
"Hohoho, that's but a simple request! Huhehuhehuhehuhe!"
Her laughter becomes ever more erratic as she keeps going on but I decided to play along as I finish writing and ask,
"So, how do I take the spear back?"
"..."
Her laughter stops and she hides her mouth replying:
"I honestly haven't think that far, I mean if we're going by how the Previous God of War does it he would just pull it back out since the spear fit his enourmous size. Don't worry it still stays open after you pull it out since the previous War God did that."
"I see..."
I grab the spear with both my hands as it is the same width as me but slowly pull it back out while I remember what Gramps said about the spear reshaping to my size.
"Wait, you're not actually gonna..."
*Shake* *Shake* *Shake*
Slowly the spear moves with my might as I start with crouching down and pull it up using my back and arms. It slowly pulls out as I could finally see the blade and exert more force before it finally,
*Pop*
Thanks to the size difference and even with my strength physics have rules as the edge of the spear goes down pulling me along and,
"Woaaah!"
*Smash*
Smash through the tents as it barely hits one of the Hunters guarding it. He gets off his ass shouting:
"Hey! What the fuck was that for!? You just destroyed one of our resting camp!"
Just like I thought, the spear soon shakes and shrinks to the previous size, I hastily rush shouting:
"Sorry!"
"Heh, I have a feeling Sova would be the type of bride to carry her groom."
Zenon starts moving his arms and shoulders to stretch.
"You can say that again. Well, I have restock with what I need and since we didn't use any of our rations to eat we're still stocked and ready to go."
Juha says as she carries my bag and hands it to me. Jana on the other hand acts a bit odd as she closes her eyes contemplating something before she stares down the endless stairs. I check my gears and seeing everything's in place including my Adventurer badge attach on the shoulders of my new cloak, I wonder...
(We spend most of the time in doors without the sun. I wonder if I made the right purchase?)
"Well, come now let's go!"
Zenon ever so eager urge us to descend as he heads down first I reply with,
"Alright!"
*************************************
*Clack* *Clack*
Compared to the caves above the structure on these stairs going forward has been very stable. No, the structure is very intact. No broken stairways, functioning infrastructure and lighting, and even utilities like the so called escalators. It feels like someone's been maintaining this place but not constantly but that wouldn't explain the mouldy and old delapidated door above.
"Sova, sense any traps? Or see any hollow surface?"
"I do but none are traps. They're mostly the sockets where the lights are placed."
Zenon ask as he is walking with his hands against the wall. Juha on the other hand is intrigue by the writing on the walls and enjoying the walk. Jana on the other hand has regain her vigour as she is probably hung up on her success she carries her nose high while walking close to me. Having nothing to do but just walking down for the past...
"Say, how long have been walking down so far?"
I ask Juha and she looks at her watch replying:
"Around an hour or so."
"That long already? Wow."
"Not wow! What idiot decided it's a good idea to make their people walk hours on stairs? This is stupid!"
Jana complains as she then taps my shoulder with her fan saying:
"Hey, my feet is still numb. Compared to you three warriors, I'm more of an scholar so carry me on your back, Sova."
"Um... I suppose if you're that tired."
"I knew you wouldn't refuse, now kneel down."
Taken a bit back by her sudden request, as I sit on the stairs below her, Zenon shakes his head at Jana asking:
"What's with you? You act like some spoiled princess or something. I doubt scholars make such childish requests. Don't your parents teach you as well?"
"So what? My parents are fucking dead when my oldest cousin usurp the throne. Besides, aren't you a prince now as well? Don't act so mighty just because you're just some pretender."
(Pretender?)
Jana answers back with no remorse as she then points at herself with her fan saying:
"And I don't care what my ancestors says, I have needs. Now, lift me up!"
She hugs me from the back tightly shouting:
"Up I say!"
"Sigh... Okay."
I hold her thighs as she then leans her head over happily to my shoulders and Zenon even behind his masks shows how dumbfounded as he says:
"Woah, you're an actual princess? This has turn into one royal party huh?"
Exhaustion swept across Juha as she holds her forehead saying:
"Sigh... What is going on in this peninsula? I feel the rest we have doesn't do much."
"Well it's getting fucked I say, anyways! Onwards! At least while the south is in peace let's enjoy the view."
Juha looks up the ceiling as she then walks ahead saying:
"Right... The sooner we finish the sooner we can actually sleep."
Zenon walks back beside me asking:
"So, which kingdom you from? One of the kingdoms felled by Geom? Since I'm a pretender and you're a runaway I'm sure you can forgive my discourtesy."
(If I remember, Jana's full name is... Geom Si-Jana... Wait a second...)
"Figure that one yourself. All I can say you're pretty close about me from the North."
"Hoho, I suppose I did hear a lot news about how there are many runaway Royalty going down south for shelter. Then again, there are none with Silla which is a bummer."
"How is that a bummer! Be grateful we need not worry about international problems, Prince!"
Juha shouts from below while still being in eyesight Zenon walks down pass her saying:
"But you gotta admit that at least some of us dream of becoming the saviour of a falling kingdom like in the movies, games, and books."
"Sigh... Oh, I see something."
Seeing the two walk ahead while Juha is still in view, Jana gets comfy as she snuggles on my back whispering:
"We're getting close."
"Huh?"
Descending slowly since I'm carrying Jana on my back, I use my echolocation and notice we have finally reach the end.
"Oh, you're right! Hold me tighter, I'm going to speed up a bit."
Jana follows my word and embrace me harder before I skip some steps before jumping down saying:
"We've finally arrived!"
As I shout, I could see massive building and, abandoned architecture. Dark buildings and cannals hanging on the cavern walls, hollow windows, pointy roofs, dull paints and writings, and the empty roads as far as the eyes can see. It's like seeing the end of times, an era where living beings are absent for not even mould or any living being are present... That is until we arrive.
Looking left, and right, I see giant beams of light being set up by some hunters as they try to brighten the entire place while Zenon are inspecting the city from high up while speaking with his coms. Juha who is waiting near the entrance shows a gentle smile saying:
"I never knew someone like me would one day see something like this in person. It's quite an interesting experience and I have to thank you, Sova."
Hearing her gratitude in Hwansea I answer in the same language saying:
"No problem!"
Juha's stern face returns as she return speaking with the common tongue saying:
"Even though this is my job I have experience more than what the people in my kingdom have seen so I just have to thank you. It is nothing personal, okay!? Hmph!"
Juha folds her arms and look away and I can only nod saying:
"Sure I guess..."
(I can never understand her sometimes).
I look back asking:
"Say, do you want to go down now? I see a chair to sit-"
"No! Your back is nice and your long soft and smooth hair is even nicer to lean on. I'm jealous how did you get it to get so long yet so firm?"
Jana hugs me tights as she replies and I continue with,
"I never do anything, but is your handwriting good?"
"Of course I am! I'm the best between my sibling!"
"Nice, I was planning on drawing and writing the experience here. So it would be nice if you could help."
"Hohoho! If so, you should've asked sooner! I'll write you the best literature experience you've ever seen it'll melts your eyes!"
"Isn't that bad?"
"It's a metaphor for something good, idiot! Now where's that note you've been writing on!"
"I-I see um, in furthest bag pocket, in your stomach area there. Write it in common tongue for explanations okay?"
"Oh! Hahaha, leave it to me!"
Feeling my bag rustle and the sound of scribbling, I let her do her thing when I hear,
"Heh, your handwriting sucks."
"I hear that a lot."
"And you have quite a weird way organizing your sentences amidst your drawings. Worry not, I got this!"
"Alright, thanks."
"Sigh... Sova, you shouldn't really help her that much."
"Well, at least since everyone is helping each other and me a lot, I could do this much."
"You're just spoiling her by now."
"Hey, Sova, take a look at this sketch, I say this is the best!"
"Huh?"
Jana moves the note forward as she shows me and I could see her work. Seeing my words side by side with her, I wonder if we're really using the same pen as her writing is so elegant and thick while her drawings look like ink paintings compared to my crooked landscapes.
(I suppose scholars have beautiful handwritings huh? I wonder if I can ask her or someone to help me with my writing skills?)
As I continue to read, I notice Jana's pointing at the end of a sentence,
(This city is occupied but they're one of ours but always be ready for battle).
"Huh?"
I look at Jana as she is still smiling at me asking:
"So, how is it? Amazing ain't it?"
"Uh, yea?"
I tilt my head confused as I then try to use echolocation-
"!?!?!????!"
(Hold up! Is Jana part of these people!? What the hell is going on!?)
Hidden behind the walls of the buildings, I sense people that was not there before. Their numbers keeps popping up as it soon reaches the hundreds and they outnumber us 3 : 1.
"Hey, Sova! Glad you finally made it!"
Hearing I familiar voice I turn around seeing Miria accompanied by some Mid-Rank Hunters as she then looks at Jana saying:
"Ah, you brought the genius with you too. perfect we need her help, we already found the vault containing the Artefact."
"Hehehe, I suppose I can't refuse the need of someone when I'm such a genius. Huhehuhehuhe."
Jana's nose seem to get longer as she puts my note back saying:
"Alright, Sova, onwards! Lead the way, oh honorable Miria."
"Sweet talk won't do much to me when you're not sincere. Follow us."
Following behind Miria's group, Juha follows after while Zenon is still busy talking to his coms while surveying the ancient city. As we walk through the empty streets, compared to the other cities I've been. The Aesthetics and artistic Phoenix, the Round and shores of the Turquoise turtle, and the Ocean oriented themes of Silla... This place looks a lot like if someone raises houses from the ground and walls as the patterns all point down to where it rise from. I sneak a peak at the insides as I see the hollow and empty cities and wonder,
"If this is supposed to be abandoned shouldn't there be any furniture and other things inside?"
"I know right!? This place is hollow as fuck as if it's just built to be sone sort of decoration. And the dust you see piling on the floor shows how long its been since anybody even visits."
Miria then points up at the pitch darkness saying:
"And since we could breathe easily means there's definitely somewhere air could come in, but what's amazing is how it is able to prevent any moulding and vegetations, maybe we could use this back at my Sector since we're so close to the shores. Nothing's wrong from learning from what succeeds."
"I see..."
"But seeing this construction really does remind me of the Fish Sector. It looks a lot like an ancient version of our districts. A much less advanced and solid version."
"Really!?"
"Well it's not that surprising when the fish family originates from the ocean channel between Rucina's and Indara frontier."
"Indara? That's quite the revelation. But I wonder if the myth you hear is different in Heaven than here?"
Juha asks as she follows me looking inside the buildings. Miria shakes her head replying:
"I don't know what they spread around in the peninsula but from where I came from, my parents always tell me of a Myth about our ancestor. It is when Rucina found our Founding Mother who is said to be a water spirit, that's why many of the fish family descendants are masters of water and can breathe underwater too. Simply put, we're mermaids."
" "You can breathe underwater!?" "
(And what is a mermaid!?)
Both me and Juha ask in shock and the hunters beside her looks at us funny replying:
"Is it so surprising? Not discreet the honour of my Master's family, if we look at the other 13 great families that doesn't seem so great compared to the mysterious Phoenix family that is granted flight and immunity to fire, the Horse family which is made up of the legendary race of centaurs with infinite endurance or the Crane which is Mostly Harpies with the ability to control people with their voice, and the most famous is the Dragon and Tiger families who can transform into their second phase."
"S-Second form!? This is the first I heard of it!"
(Wait... Haven't I seen one before back when I was escaping with Rana? That Special Rank hunter transform into some sort of Dragonite or something. Then there's the time I join Sis Fei on her party and met that rank one I forgot her name who has wings for arms and bird legs).
"Why are you surprised, Sova? Aren't you from the tiger- ah right, you're isolated. Anyways, it means they get to unleash a second form which quadruple their power output for a small cost. I've only seen it once when the that Infamous Teenager what's his name again? Oh yes, Moriz fought with a Supreme Grandmaster from his family."
*Twitch*
I can't help but react hearing his name as she then continue saying:
"He is one good example as one of the strongest Youngster in the entire Confederation alongside Dawn Dragon and Ashen Rain. During his battle, I saw him transform into some sort of Were-tiger with charcoal skin and green stripes while spikes and other magical properties take over. It was quite a sight as his presence paralyzed everyone weaker than him, including the Supreme Grandmaster himself. Since you're very promising I'm sure you'll meet him and with your looks I'm sure he would try to hit on you."
"I-I see..."
(Moriz can transform? I should really ask him when I get the chance!)
"Centaurs, Harpies, Mermaids, and Were Tigers. Then there's the Phoenix you once said alongside the Crane, Cow and many more creatures I never heard of. I truly am exploring the unknown as I travel with you."
Juha speaks as she nods along trying to process the information.
"Oh yea, the Wolf Family can also Transform into a Werewolf too.. I suppose everyone in the 13 great family can transform. Like the Phoenix turning into a spirit of fire or the Rabbit and Rat family consisting of beast-kin that can become full beasts."
(Now I really need to ask Sis about this if she can transform too).
"Then what about you, Miria? I heard you call yourself a mermaid. What is that?"
"You don't know? You really should brush up with your biology, but simply put we're half fish and half human. I can turn my lower half into a fish tail."
"You can!?"
"Yes, but if I do that now I won't be able to move. But I can show you this."
Miria leans her smooth neck closer, wondering what's going on her neck starts to move and I see it open up like fins.
"!!!?!?"
"Hahaha!"
Not only me but Juha is shock as well before Miria backs away saying:
"Haah, shocking unsuspecting people like them never gets old!"
"M-Miria, that's amazing! Does this mean all fish family can do what you did?"
I ask enthusiastically as the burning passion of my adventurous self has been lit aflame. Miria toggles her sunglasses replying:
"Yes, I mean we're born with our mermaid form and we only gain our legs when we're 2, so unlike other kids we need longer time learn how to walk."
"Woah, I'm learning so many things! Jana, please help me write it."
"I suppose I can't say not when you're asking so nicely."
"Thanks, your handwriting is nice, and I especially like those ink drawings you made. You should really teach me how to draw like that."
"Hoho? Someone sees the true value of my skills? Very well then!"
As travel and speak along the way, my echolocation picks up more people along the way, now not only from walls but streets, buildings, and even above the darkest ceilings.
(I really can't relax knowing an attack is coming but...)
I look back at Jana who's writing and she hands me the note again as I see her write,
(Their numbers are increasing but worry not, they are preparing to defend against someone strong. We are now nothing more than bystanders, and I will try to act normal as to not provoke them).
Jana pats my head whispering:
"Calm down, your face is easy to read."
Before long we have arrived at some sort of temple at the centre of this abandoned city. Hunters are working around setting up some devices and lights while mighty pillars and statues surround us all with its timeless splendour. I never seen the figures that's been carved nor have I seen the materials that is use to built such structures but one thing is for sure, this place is important. Even more eye catching what's at the centre of the temple, with even more hunters gathering around as they set up some perimeter, we ascend to see an altar with a glorious throne behind it. Looking at it from here, this place looks a lot like a throne room.
"I'm more surprised by this place. Everything is still intact, pristine even. It's like the Dudeji never been here when there's record of them digging nest deeper than this."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying there's two theory for this. One is that either this place is surrounded by some sort layer that is impossible to dig or..."
She looks at the throne saying:
"There's something here that's scaring or preventing the monsters from even touching this place."
"Please don't scare me."
"But what if she's right? What if someone's already here?"
"Huh? Where did that voice come from?"
Hearing an unknown voice echo throughout the empty city, everyone felt something from above as they look upon the endless darkness. Appearing like a shooting star, a glint appear alongside a blue tail.
*Crash*
Smashing though the altar roof and standing upon the throne, even if his lower face is covered I won't mistake his face nor his looks. Wearing a different armour that seems more powerful and futuristic than his previous one, he now resembles something akin to a magical creatures as blue lines flows his thick black wear. His Long Sword has change as well to be sharper and the patterns becomes more detailed and beautiful.
"Yoo-Gisa..."
I forcefully drop Jana down as I pull out my spear as he walks a few step forward before being stop by a group of Hunters shouting:
"Stop right there!"
"Who do you think you are!? This dungeon belongs to us!"
"Don't think just because you're Special rank means you have special privilege."
"Lady Miria, your orders!"
Miria standing behind them raise her arms and when she is about to move her hands the shadowy people that's been hiding appears. Like the raging wind they move so quickly the wall of hunters vanish alongside Miria who has been kick off the Temple.
"Miria!"
I shouted but those Hunters have now been replaces by people in similar blue robes.
(Wait, they're from the Ohgranye or is it Ogranhe?)
They circle around Yoo-Gisa as I hear dozens pours in when I hear Yoo-Gisa disappointingly says,
"Didn't I tell you to remain at the south? You're taunting death aren't you?"
*Smash* *Slash*
As he says that, once again from the darkness above two figures jumps in and blows away the group while I shield Juha from the pressure. I recognized two of those newcomers, one is a magician wearing artefacts from head to toe, and the other is a knight wielding dual swords.
"Ye-Hua and San-Min Ssi. Are you hear to stop me?"
(Schnitzel! There's no way I can take on the three of them!)
The people in blue robes gather around the Temple in a kite shape when Jana walks and stand behind them.
"Yup! Sorry, Sova Ssi but we'll at least let you pass for Babysitting Jana. I'm surprised anyone can handle her Spoiled nature."
"And don't forget we have to thank you for opening the gate normally with that spear. Now, Jana let's finally-"
"[Pierce]."
*PIERCE*
" "Huh?" "
Not only was I left surprised the opposition is left baffled as well when blood starts to flow from the gaping hole in Ye-Hua's stomach and the ground close to her.
"Ja...na?"
*Thud*
"Ye-Hua!"
"JANAAA!!!"
My mind is left blank as I see what transpired before me. While San-Min is trying to aid the fallen Ye-Hua, Yoo-Gisa doesn't hesitate to swing his sword but Jana is fast enough to block saying:
"[Perfect Flowing Parry]."
Catching the tip of his long sword with her fan, his strike flows to her side toward San-Min which he barely manage to block as he bent his swords and is blown crashing to a pillar before landing out of the Temple. Ye-Hua then holds her left hand towards Yoo-Gisa's stomach as his sword is still in full swing saying:
"You should've known by now, nobody can beat me in a duel of weapons, [Heaven Breaking Pierce!]"
Before even a split second, Energy gathers at the tip of her left palm and blast Yoo-Gisa away as her attacks seems to phase through his instantaneous guard.
*PIERCE* *Smash* *Smash* *Smash* *Smash* *Smash* *Crash*
Propelled right across countless buildings till the end of the city and thrust deeper into the ground where I can't even see the bottom. Yoo-Gisa has been defeated...
*Thud*
The shock with her technique push Ye-Hua's weak body onto me. I was kneeling down before I knew it and is holding her within my arms. Ye-Hua's eyes has lost her light as she looks up at me, her lips moves yet no words comes out. She clutches my hand before she simply lets go as I see black cracks spread from the hole in her stomach.
I can't seem to bring my mouth to say anything. My body simply freeze and my whole existence is paralyzed as I'm still trying to process everything. I could hear San-Min's struggling and shouting:
"Dammit! What is going on!? This isn't what is suppose to happen! Ye-Hua!"
And from my back, I heard sounds of explosions and lightning strikes while Juha walks infront of me shaking my shoulders shouting:
"Sova! Snap out of it, we have to get out of here- no way..."
"Good work, Si-Hye. Now on to the next step."
Hearing a familiar deep voice, something begins to get suck out of Ye-Hua's corpse as I follow the trail of essence over my shoulders to see a familiar set of armour. Akin to what heroes of legend would wear and detailed black marking, a beautiful crimson cape extends to show the purple rising phoenix upon its splendour amongst its silver plates.
The Platinum Phoenix Armour
(My armour...)
"Hraaagh!"
I grab my spear and swing it back as hard as I can but he easily grabs it by the shaft with one hand saying:
"Hey there, Mr Silencer. Care for a little chat?"