A chaotic melee ensues this massive throne room as blood spills through the fountains and country folks fought each other, turning the pristine clear stream to a blood river. The Crimson Guards and the Black robe mages are few compared to the hundreds of marines pouring in from all sides drowning them in steel and hails of bullets from soldiers crouching in the ceilings, for as one falls ten more will take their place. But the crimson guards make it up in their quality of equipment and training, for even as some guards and shamans perish amidst the onslaught, the marines haven't made a dent from their encirclement except for spots where notable figures are fighting. Even the place I open has alread been closed again while I'm being pushed back by Zenon, Juha, and...
"Haaah!"
*Pang*
"Yoo-Ah..."
Yoo-Ah with a firm grip over her sword strikes with a simple but fast downward slash, I easily parried it and push her back with a single swing that she has to drag her feet to stop.
If I have to compare her, she would be at the level of peak regular martial artist disciple, still much weaker than Juha and way, way, weaker than Zenon... In fact, Zenon's been the one who's been fighting me while also supporting both Yoo-Ah and Juha while helping any Crimson Guards that he can.
(Heh, when did I get to measure someone when I'm still at her level just a year ago... I'm still green).
In the midst of my thought, Zenon jumps wielding a staff coated by layers of frenzied lightning and slams his weapon down,
*Boom*
As if a huge thunder bolt just rain at my face, I realize he uses the same grand slam I did.
(Did he copied my technique? I mean, I know it's not mine but...)
Seeing him smirk and twirling his staff for another strike, I take this more seriously as I know Juha and Yoo-Ah is safe with him. I coat my halberd and fight back swinging harder with all my might. My strikes with the help of the new armour amplified as I seem to have gain more muscles and speed thanks to the armour acting like those exo-suits I remembered long ago.
*Clank* *Crack* *Crunch*
Compared to the spar, the strike I land is much stronger, bending and shattering his staff in two. Zenon doesn't panic as he dodges by a hair's breathe while it cuts his cheek and he strikes back again with both broken piece of the staff.
To my left foot and my right arm, I parry them easily thanks to the armour's benefit which let me see with the extra eyes on my arms and legs, giving me a 360 degree sphere view.
(Weird, I thought seeing with extra eyes will be hard but I'm getting very used to it. It just feels nostalgic).
But before I could strike back, Juha and Yoo-Ah reentered the battle and started swinging again. While Yoo-Ah's attack have no elemental boon, Juha's strike leaves behind a thin ice on my weapon which lets her parry my attacks more easily by making it slip on her slick baton.
And again before I could strike back, Zenon emerge wielding one of the swords of a fallen Crimson guard to strike making a weird three-way sword play that leaves very little room I can attack... Well, there's a lot of opportunity to attack both Juha and Yoo-Ah but if I did I'm afraid that I would accidentally kill them.
"Block this!"
Zenon shouts as he then unleashes another massive attack. A giant lightning bolt zaps his sword with enough might that it destroys the ceiling and zaps any marines that get caught in the way. The crimson sword turns purple before he swings it down. I block it with my Owlian steel that easily saps and repel all his magic away but...
*Chink*
Slowly but surely my Owlian spear is being chipped away at the edges, not from magic but simply from the strength of his strikes. His lightning may done nothing but his physical feat pushes me back again as I realize I've been cornered.
(Zenon is ridiculous, I'm suppose to be stronger with the armour now but his physical strength still beats me? Didn't he have a hard time lifting the War God's spear before? Did he get stronger? Is he faking it? Or does it have something to do with the spear?)
In the midst of my thought, my back hits a pillar, Zenon lowers his sword shouting:
"Sova! You're still in there aren't you!"
"Huh? What dumb question is that? Of course I am."
"I'm talking about the body you possessed you malefic armour!"
He points his sword at me and continue shouting:
"I can tell you're holding yourself back. You have all the opportunity to strike down either both of them yet you pull your hand back everytime so that I can intervene."
"Well..."
"Is this truly what you want!?"
"Of course-"
"Bullshit!"
Yoo-Ah cuts in as she stands beside Zenon, readying her blade again before saying:
"You can tell me the real reason why when we rip you off that accursed armour! I admit our time spent may be short but I can tell it's genuine! Don't worry, Sova. We'll save you!"
"Heh, hahaha..."
I can't help but laugh at the absurdity of their twisted gander. But I suppose that's just the result when my whole look is deceptive... Though I can't say I don't enjoy my time here.
"You and your massive misunderstandings can go burn in a fire. I'll show you the real me, I'm not the one you know!"
I retract the spear and keep it away as I wield the halberd with both hands. Gathering my mysterious powers towards the blade, I start to remember the technique I'm quite fond of using recently, the silver tiger god and calamity dragon technique combined. I pull my halberd above my shoulders and take a wrath stance which cause the three to take a step back. Gripping my weapon and gathering my power I ready myself for a consecutive skills.
Starting with a massive squall to open a path and separate the three, I rain of heavy impalements from above to distance and segregate before...
[Silver tiger God and calamity dragon technique combined: Splitting Heaven!]
An almighty swings that turns anything it cuts into ash, purposefully missing all three.
(They're right, I can't help but hold back my attacks since I didn't want to kill the marines nor the Crimson Guards... But that's hypocrite of me when I already took so many lives. Death is already prevalent here and I still can't fight seriously, is it because I know this place more?)
Even if my attacks missed, my onslaught seems to be too much for all of them. Juha's baton has split in half when I appear infront of her. She tries to subdue me with her hands and grapple me to the ground by using her whole body to bring me down but, I simply raise her whole with one arm and knock her out with the blunt shaft beneath the axe before throwing her away.
Zenon who blocked most of the skills I use to protect the two and the Crimson Guards suffered massive damage. He's pretty much topless and bleeding from many cuts on his body, his arms are filled with gashes and black cracks that reach to his shoulders when he fell on his knees. He looks up to the open ceiling when Yoo-Ah jumps from his back and tries to use this opportunity to strike.
Swiftly I twirl my halberd for momentum and spin, I pummel her stomach before spinning once for another momentum to punch her on the chin. Yoo-Ah's eyes went white for a second before she grits her teeth and stomps her feet to the ground. With firm form, strong grip, and sheer willpower, Yoo-Ah fights on, she swings Juha's sword but I easily parry her sword away with my backhand and grab her by the back of her head and push her down, locking her arm I being all my weight to her back whispering:
"Please stop... I don't want to hurt you."
*Grip*
"How can I when you say that, Sova!"
Something ignited inside Yoo-Ah when her eyes glow gold and lift me with power that seemingly came from nowhere before blowing me away from her golden shine.
(Even though I can't feel magic, I can definitely feel that).
Gaining newfound strength, she strikes back with unprecedented speed that I could barely keep up. But that's it, while she has power and speed, she lacks skill and technique. Yoo-Ah's sword burst gold as it expands into a longsword. She swings her sword and I guard it with my halberd, only to be drag to the side as I realize blocking was a mistake as I then redirect her sword back.
*Cleave*
With a single cut, she cleaves across multiple pillars behind me and starts to bleed from her nose. Now I know I have to stop her quick. But seeing the crumbling throne room, I notice...
"This battle is our complete victory."
The conflict by this point has shifted our way. The Colonel facing against Cheo results in him trashing Cheo with his [Origin] powers as everytime Cheo would counter back Iseon would somehow make him miss by a mile hurting their own crimson guards while landing critical blows that sunk his chest and render his left arm limp while black cracks appear on his wounds.
"Haha, when did the gap become so big? I'm pretty sure the last time we fought was just a few weeks ago."
"Unlike you who's simply preserving and maintaining your strength. I have reached new heights and acquire the powers even the Heavens feared."
"Ah, cut that bull crap, Iseon. You sound like some B movie villain- cough! COUGH!!!"
Cheo's words was cut short when he starts coughing an unhealthy amount of blood to the floor.
The Chancellor and Hon-Kwon who's supporting and commanding the troops on their side but they seem to be occupied by some invisible enemies that's attacking them in group while soldiers from above rain hellfire upon them and the surrounding mages in the back.
Hwang-So and Juha's grampa Hwa-Jin ended with Hwang-So down on his knees with a giant gash across his torso. Barely standing with the help of his spear, Hwa-Jin stands victorious but battered and bruised with a massive scar across his face blinding his left eye as I hear,
"In such a closed environment and the King and Queen being so close, many of you can't use your powers in full. That is the moment your fate is decided. As the fleet admiral of the entire navy, you should've sacrificed a few to open a room."
"Cough! Cough! Enough with the bullshit talk, So Hyung. What're you waiting for!?"
Hwa-Jin sheathes his sword and turn around saying:
"Hmph, don't be so foolish. The people loves you too much for you to die unceremoniously."
Deok-Hye with her subordinate from back then cornered Princess Mi-Ok who's wielding a broken sword and Ri-Mi's uncle who's breathing has become erratic. Deok-Hye's crew prevents the Crimson Guards alongside the non-combatants to leave the room as they collapse the ceiling above, sealing the entrances.
"Don't worry, Lord Silencer! We got it covered here too!"
Deok-Hye waves her arms and shouts my way while I'm parrying Yoo-Ah attacks. Lastly...
"Strike when she attacks, Gum-Soo! The opportunity is small but that's the only chance when she materialized. Haah!"
Won-Yok seems to cut the air when I notice he's covering Gum-Soo's back against an array of invisible creatures that's floating and leaving only trails of faint shadows and glint at certain angles while,
"Easier said then done, Won-Yok! I can tell she's someone who's seen worse than us combined. Her moves are all from experience not training."
Abe seems to have them dancing at the palm of her hand, she now wields two pistols while attaching the knife to her tail and both her naked feet. The way she moves reminds me a lot of those circus tricks that makes you move all 4 limbs at once or in her case, 5.
Standing back to back they cut down those invisible creatures while trying to stop Abe's barrage of owlian bullets.
Black pellets shot through the barrels of her dingy pistols that both of them is force to block with the medals in their chest or take her strike with their thick muscles.
"Huuup... Haaah..."
I focus all six eyes towards Yoo-Ah and when she strikes one more time, I use all my strength to parry so the strength weakens a bit and redirect her blade down.
*Snap*
The tip of her blade cuts the floor and bent before snapping in twine. I use this chance to lift my halberd high and to strike her on the back of the neck where she will be forced to sleep.
*Glint*
"Hm?"
Sensing a massive murderous rage coming from above, I lift my halberd instead to block whatever attack is coming my way.
*Clash*
From the open ceiling Zenon created, our blades struck and I notice the long blue scarf spiraling around him as he wields a glorious long sword with a shining purple blade. His sword and armour may be different but there's no mistaking it,
"Yoo-Gisa!"
"Sooooovaaaaa...!"
He shouts pushing his blade to the bottom of the axe, forcing my halberd to redirect my swing before he summons forth another blue longsword to decapitate me but I pull my Owlian spear and block his strike.
*Snap*
His strike breaks the Owlian spear in half, pushing me away. With this small leeway, he uses this chance to hold Yoo-Ah and stops her golden glow saying:
"Don't worry, I'm here."
"Stupid... Oppa?"
"Yeah, your stupid Oppa's here. And he brought with him ample reinforcement."
As soon as he says that, I notice powerful aura's coming from all directions. The oppressiveness they give reminds me a lot of the White robe female guard Sis Hua brings but...
(There's no doubt about it, they're much stronger! Where did all these strong people come from!?)
The first to arrive is a lady in silver armour riding a white winged monster in contrast with her long jet black hair and crimson eyes, with her lance she charges forward opening a path for the people riding behind her to jump down and unleash their offensive.
"With me!"
The lady shouts leading up front trampling away any marines that stands in her way. One of the ones that drop off is the lance person from the raid that night, turning himself into a monster with black skin and green outlines his body summons forth hundreds of spikes and javelins across the field impaling all the marines.
"Finally, it's my time to shine-"
"Back off! This is my stage!"
The other one is a girl I never met, with a very eye-catching hair of black and white, she wields a staff that has a flail at the tip that can expands and shrink at moments notice, including the spikes. She unleashes a massive shockwave with each strike that explodes upon impact, flinging the soldiers around her like in a pinball machine.
Landing near the throne are a group of 4, A lady in green wearing mask but can't hide her green hair lands to her knees and starts praying and soon I notice the dead bodies and wounds both the Crimson Guards, Marines, and black mages suffer starts to heal, even the dead ones twitch. Those that the spearman impaled starts to move as well as the pillars and spikes he raise crumbles as I hear her say:
"Please remember these people are just misguided and desperate. Don't actually kill them you numb nuts."
(Wait, she can revive people that easily!? I thought it was suppose to be a special technique of the Theocracy... And I'm gonna borrow numb nuts as an insult next time).
The two is none other than San-Min and his pet lizard which he then summons forth a golden sword and golden limes appear in his body like the last time we meet but.
"Awaken, Kiko!"
San-Min shouts as the lizard then gets engulfed in golden light and a golden pillar shines upon them. It grew and grew until something pushes from the inside and emerges with a giant,
"ROAAAARRR!!!"
The lizard has somehow turn into one of those mythical dragons.
(Wow... Seriously, where did all these people come from?)
San-Min jumps atop its head as he is now wearing a golden armour with a giant golden great sword in his arms.
(He looks like one of those Dragon Family's Dragon tamer I only saw in those picture books).
Deok-Hyeo who sees this sheathes her sword saying:
"Nope, we're outta here- huh? Hey, what the hell are you guys doing!?"
Deok-Hye shouts when I notice as soon as the wounded heal, they all fall asleep. The sight of people just falling down in droves like a puppet with its strings cut is a bizarre sight. Behind the green girl is the little girl I saw Yoo-Gisa carry when he kidnapped me. San-Min raises his sword atop his dragon shouting:
"Hye-Ri, those invisible creatures!"
"Mm!"
She nods and raises her arms, red light gathers to form a bow as she then looks at where Gum-Soo and Won-Yok battles Abe.
*BWOOOOOM*
With a large halo above her, pillars of light launches and branches out in thousands as it pierces the invisible creatures around them, it then continues on piercing through the ones among the crowded soldiers and even the ones among the crowd and ones the Chancellor and Hon-Kwon's. Each end ignores, bounce, or just bend to hit those creatures like it had a mind of its own.
(You gotta be kidding me).
Before long, 8 of those beams comes towards Abe which she fight back by erecting a barrier and bounce it all off but it just turns around and bounce again when,
*Slash* *Slash* *Slash* *Boom*
Gum-Soo who uses their appearances to grab ahold of the King's sword, cuts open Abe's barrier along with her into pieces as the beams then overwhelms her in a huge explosion.
"Abeee!"
I shouted but she reappears from behind one of the pillar wiping the sweat off her forehead and point towards them complaining:
"Okay! My powers may be cheating but that is just bullshit!"
One of my eyes wander to see Hwa-Jin who's face and wounds heal upon touching the barrier the green girl emits but doesn't fell sleep. He moves his arms and see Hwang-So who's healing from his wounds standing back up and starts raising his sword again. Sadly, Cheo and Zenon who's been hit with [Origin] doesn't recover.
"Hey, focus your eyes to me."
Yoo-Gisa speaks as he help pours qi to heal Yoo-Ah so that the bleeding stops. Yoo-Ah shaked her head and clap her cheeks loudly saying:
"Alright! Time for round two!"
Yoo-Gisa sighs looking at her saying:
"Normally I would disagree but..."
He hands her his purple long sword and continue saying:
"Just make sure to stay beside me."
"Hum! Hum! Oppa, one more thing! Sova's trapped inside that insidious armour, help her out of there! Do that and I'll forgive your misdeeds!"
"Haah, how important is she that you're willing to go so far?"
"It's destiny! I just knew when I first met her!"
"Right... But seeing you awakened to our family's power, I guess we have a better chance now. With Sariya's sanctuary you'll be able to use your power prolonged, so give it all you got!"
"Hum! Hum! Charge!"
Yoo-Ah rushes first followed by her brother but the one to first arrive is of course Yoo-Gisa swinging the blue sword which parry and lock our blades as I hear him say,
"A fake like you, I need not use my trump card."
"I'm no fake! I'm the real deal!"
I gather my power and try to shatter his blade to dust but Yoo-Gisa redirect my blade upwards letting Yoo-Ah through for a strike that actually connects, the blade Yoo-Gisa gave her easily cuts a part of the torso and blinding one of the eyes. Yoo-Gisa seeing this opportunity jabs something towards the open flesh and pulls Yoo-Ah back.
As I wonder what's happening, I notice the armour doesn't regenerate like the last time.
"Heh, so a Monster King Vessel huh? What rank I may not know but..."
Yoo-Gisa takes a new stance as he push his left foot forward while raising his longsword to his right shoulder with the tip pointing forward shouting:
"This is way easier than fighting that primordial!"
Breaking the speed of sound, Yoo-Gisa vanish and appears right where my instincts tell me where is. I raise my halberd to my back before swinging forward but,
*Slash*
His long sword elongated and curve, cutting through the eye to my arms when his sword starts burning with blue flame. Using this chance I strike back but Yoo-Gisa parries again and again while our clash change places with each bout.
I jump from pillars, ceiling, and slide over people to mess his perception and launch some counter attack but Yoo-Gisa parries each attack and strike back cutting one eye each time. His strikes are faster than Kokkan and stronger than any I've ever seen.
*Slash*
His sword cut through a part of my outer layer as I strike back by an upward strike but he dodge aside with from an impossible angle to counter with an elbow and knee combo to my hand crushing my right arm.
"Hrgh!"
He then kicks me with the same leg he knees and point the tip of his blade at my chest as I'm being fling over...
(This is beyond any realm I've ever seen before... I wonder what level is he now?)
Yoo-Gisa thrust his sword and rush forward piercing a layer of my armour and plunge me away. The force of his strike shatters the eyes and plates on the torso before he then summons a third sword with a green blade and slashes me while mid-air.
(Wait...)
I grab his arm and tried to pull his sword out shouting:
"I'm not going to let you destroy this armour!"
I dig my feet to the floor and somehow stop his rush but... Yoo-Ah appears jumping from his back with a glowing blue sword while her body is covered by a golden aura, striking down at my arm. Force to let him go, Yoo-Gisa plunge both blade and pulls them out from opposite direction before standing beside Yoo-Ah.
*Crack* *Crack* *Shatter*
"Nooo!"
*Boom*
The armour explodes in such a grand fashion the entire throne room shines according to the 3 coloured blade the 2 siblings held. Wondering if any of my clothes held up, my knees gives in and I fell but Yoo-Ah catches me with a passionate embrace. As we crash to the ground she shouts:
"We did it!"
" "Yeaaah!!!" "
The crimson guards cheer while the marines who are still awake looks dejected, Abe seeing the situation turn tail gesture to retreat shouting:
"The Silencer got beat, retreat!"
"W-Wait...!"
I reach my hand out but my hand lowers by itself as I realize how numb my body feels now.
*Clang* *Clang*
The Medallion in my chest fall near me but when I try to reach it, my arms just won't move as I see Soldiers dessert in mass while Iseon, Deok-Hye, and Hwa-Jin watched the rear. Abe slowly sneaks out following her call to run away and jump out from where I entered. Those that is still awake runs away while those that fell unconscious are being drag and tied up by magic. I on the other hand, weakend and held within Yoo-Ah's arms looks at the giant entrance from whence I enter, noticing the setting sun across the horizon I acknowledged the situation.
(We failed...)
"Haha, we... Won. Yeah...!"
I hear Yoo-Gisa cheer before turning toward the rest of the group. Hwang-So, Hon-Kwon, and Won-Yok led the remaining crimson guards to chase the retreating foes, leaving the rest behind as everyone sheathes their weapons and transform back to clean up the mess. Cheo and Zenon was quickly carried away alongside those that fell unconscious.
"Gisa Oppa, the rest who fought outside are on their way here as we speak. We've driven them off the palace."
The lady in her steed rides down to deliver the news before Yoo-Gisa's party gather together to meet the remainder. Since the King, Queen, and princess Ri-Mi were carried away the girl in green bows down saying:
"Sorry, it seems I can't control my power just yet-"
"Don't sweat it! So it really is true?! A girl that could revive the dead just like that, I thought you were just ripping me off, Gisa!
Princess Mi-Ok who didn't fell asleep steps forward to speak with them before Yoo-Gisa nods saying:
"I thought with all the prophetic things I told you about you would've believed me. But more importantly, I think I have some explaining to do to the ones behind you, Mi-Ok."
Gisa walks toward Gum-Soo, Won-Yok, and Yoo-Sui who remained here and went on his knees shouting:
"I'm back, master!"
Gum-Soo, folds his arms replying:
"You chose quite a bleak time to return but a good one none the less."
"I have no words to say but I done all that for my own selfishness."
"Hmm?"
His party who's watching from the sidelines stares closely while I feel Yoo-Ah's grip on me tighter and I realize she's unconsious and is holding me from reflex.
"Should I move her away?"
I reconsider as I feel bad to disturb her when she's hugging me with such tranquil and pleasant smile.
"I'll gladly pay for my crimes but this time... I won't be following the path my memories from the future tells me! I'll be fighting for what I believe is right and true! This time, I won't fight in the Goddess' name but my own. So please..."
Yoo-Gisa kowtow to them shouting:
"I am speaking this with all my heart! This is my true wish! Please! Help me set this peninsula free!"
Gum-Soo will happily chuckle saying:
"Looks like you finally grown some balls to put your conviction to something, a bit late but better than never. But just because you've grown as a person doesn't mean you're free of your past deeds, make amends as you said."
Yoo-Sui who's looking down at Yoo-Gisa with disdained hides her face saying:
"Right..."
Mi-Ok the senior princess claps her hands and nods cheerfully shouting:
"Like hell you can pay all that~! But I suppose you're pretty sincere so I'll forgive just a tiny tinny bit of the debt. After all, you're the man who stole my heart only to trample all over them, so I expected at least that much."
Won-Yok who's contemplating with a heavy face looks at Yoo-Sui before saying:
"Don't say that to us but those who you hurt... But I doubt you can do that when most of them are under Song-Iseon Ssi's banner. I just hope you make the right choice in the coming storm."
Yoo-Gisa grips his hand's before wiping a single tear replying:
"Right... Of course, thank you."
(By the danish liver sandwich what the hell is going on!? Am I even suppose to be here?)
Mi-Ok walks to Yoo-Gisa and helps him up saying:
"Come stand now, why don't you introduce us to these people you bring? I mean if we're following your words to repay us, I guess each and every one of them is now our vassals! Ooh~ I can just smell the opportunity- Hmm? Wait... Aren't you the princess of Sanjo, Sanjo Hyo-Hana?"
The lady in silver armour unmount and clasp her hand replying:
"Yes, I'm the only princess of Sanjo, Sanjo Hyo-Hana. But, I can't call myself that when..."
She glares at me and continue saying:
"My kingdom has fallen to the hands of the Phoenix and lose their crown."
Mi-Ok looks at me and then smile gleefully as I feel the same spine chilling sensation as she then says:
"I suppose we'll be accepting an exile then! What about the others? And I did hear there are more on the way... Hmm, most of their equipments are the stolen treasures, I hope you all will be paying them all back~!"
"You're right, Hyung, this girl is off her bonkers."
The spear guy comments as she then looks at him when I notice Yoo-Sui is now standing behind us. She crouch down and takes the medallion and keeps it in her robe...
"What are you-"
"I'm never letting you go... Not now... Not ever..."
I try to speak but Yoo-Ah's sleep talk interrupts me.
(The reason why she's so attached to me will always be a mystery).
Yoo-Ah talks in her sleep when Yoo-Sui approach and rips us apart, holding Yoo-Ah in one hand and me on the other saying:
"It seems you failed."
"Uh..."
"Listen, this isn't over yet!"
Yoo-Gisa shouts gaining our attention as he then stands near the throne as some podium and continue saying:
"Things may be different, but the enemies are still the same and some new ones has entered the picture as well! While the Goddess have shown all her cards to me, the Phoenix still haven't shown theirs! The previous God of War, the Primordial Being, and their Elite Eclish Forces haven't made any moves as of yet!"
(Then what about the previous God of War showing up in that game tournament? Or Kokkan leading his forces up north during the siege of Ri? Are they not Eclish?)
Yoo-Gisa looks at me who's being carried by Yoo-Sui saying:
"And of course, we have the real Silencer to worry as well."
"I-I am the real one!"
"(You look real pathetic)."
I hear Yoo-Sui murmur very softly and I notice everyone looking at me either with pity or sympathy.
"Can we really defeat them? That real Silencer you speak and the previous God of war?"
The Chancellor asks and Yoo-Gisa immediately answer,
"Of course not, even in a hundred years I won't even come close to even nicking his cloak but the Heavens are not as unified as they seem. Currently, war rages on between those we cannot fathom above the clouds, so all we need to do is make ourselves not worth the trouble but also beneficial."
"Do explain more, Yoo-Gisa Ssi. How can we be beneficial when you wish to defy the Goddess of the lake who's part of Heaven?"
(Wait, is he actually not with the Goddess anymore?)
I wonder when Yoo-Gisa points up towards the broken ceiling and into the golden snow replying:
"Simple, we just have to convince Heaven we're the ones they should be supporting."
"Hmm... I suppose we'll need to wait until everyone's here before we continue this conversation. But more importantly, what are we going to do with her?"
Everyone's looks at me as Yoo-Sui drags me closer saying:
"What else? Lock her up. Not counting her deeds here, she'd pretty much an illegal immigrant and a criminal trying to overthrow the King of this kingdom. The answer is simply give her the worst public execution."
"H-Huh!? W-Wait, you can't be serious!"
I try to struggle but the numbness and my exhausted body leaves me pretty much helpless. But to my surprise, Mi-Ok the senior princess approaches us and pats my head and pull my cheeks saying:
"Aw~ come now Yoo-Sui Ajooma! Everyone here can tell she's just a poor sob who just got exploited and used like a tool. I think execution is a bit too much. Eternal servitude is the most optimal solution! But I think we can still contemplate about that when the Owlians are still angry and anxious for an answer."
The princess pats her back as she gives a solution and Yoo-Sui shakes her head replying:
"Even in this time you try to recruit helpless people to your entourage. Then again, Heaven did legalize slavery just recently."
"Even better then~! Of course, you are more than welcome too!"
"You should know a judge like me shouldn't lean on any party."
"And yet, here you are as the head of this faction, royal advisor."
"Sigh... Either way, I think locking her up at the royal dungeon is the safest option... Is there no Crimson Guards around?"
"Not counting those that're unconscious, none. But since everything's kinda over why don't we all just rest and convene at a later time? Its been a tiring day after all."
Mi-Ok looks at the sleeping Yoo-Ah and Yoo-Sui nods saying:
"Yes, I think that's best when the King has fallen asleep as well. I think I have more to speak with our man of the hour."
She walks over to Yoo-Gisa and softly whisper:
"(Now I understand why Yuwei said truths with you will only lead to greater misunderstandings)."
She faces over to the confused Yoo-Gisa saying:
"Now, you can sleep, Sova... As for you, Gisa. Your first act of recompense, can you help me knock... Her out?"
"Huh! O-Oh, yes, Noona!"
Yoo-Sui lifts me up with one arm as I see Yoo-Gisa coming closer replying:
"Huh? What are you-"
*Chop*
*************************************
*Splash* *Splash* *Crash*
"... Huh, haven't seen this in a while."
(I wonder if I can visit this place if I overexert myself?)
A single white beach surrounded by crystal clear ocean, at the centre is our resting spot and a place where I can turn the TV on.
*Click*
Trying to get use of Mary's hanging bed, I take my time and watch the screen and realize...
(Should I continue training in my dreams? I know I'm just training the mind but...)
As the blur starts to lessen, I start to see the show. A familiar face comes to greet me as she's tending to my body, applying salves, wrapping bandages and many more, It's none other than Ji-Hyun. That's when I notice princess Mi-Ok behind her very enthusiastic to see me alongside Prince Yeon-Seyong who looks like a mummy with both his arms up and body full of bandages that only his purple eyes are visible. They're accompanied by an entourage of Crimson guards as they watch but Ji-Hyun scolded them especially the prince before she drive them away from this place.
(It's kinda sad I can't really hear what they're saying... Should I roleplay again? But they already left).
Looking around the snack table I notice the note Mary left me and start reading it again...
"[Origin] I may bot understand it at all but the fact I can use it like it's my second nature is... Weird. Just like when using qi it feels a bit odd but... I simply can't comprehend."
I look back at the TV and notice something moving at the corner when no one's here. A thick pink tail poke out and I wonder,
"Abe? I really need to talk to her again since she's the one who set up the plan around my idea."
Soon enough, a little kid popped out from the darkest corner of this dungeon and walk to me with her crimson eyes glowing in this darkness... Her black hair that's a mix of brown and that buck teeth she shows when she smiles...
"Saya!?"
(Wow, now that I think about it Abe doesn't have a buck tooth. So, she really is a opossum or what she calls herself).
She walks closer to me and examine my body by opening my eyes and tapping some places and I can only wonder what she's doing when I notice another figure coming from behind her. Her long scarf flutter wrapping around her as she approach wearing the cracked mask...
"Rana!? Why are those two here?"
Rana prosthetic right arm open as a needle appear abd she soon starts to bring it closer-
"Aw fudge no!"
*************************************
*Grab*
I woke up grabbing her prosthetic arm and squeezing it with all my might as I notice I'm leaving my hand mark when both of them looks shocked,
"Eh? I thought you said he's completely unconscious."
"Hey don't blame this on me! You checked him too!"
I slowly get up pushing her needle back replying:
"Long time no see, Rana and Saya. Mind if I ask what you're doing?"
"Heh, I suppose this may look totally suspicious but I can assure you... Yeah, it's very suspicious."
Saya tries to convince me and pulls back her words. But I'm more interested in Saya who disappeared and only appear now...
"You know, you could show up whenever you want but why now? And at least make a proper greeting."
"Haah, well sorry about that, Sawyer. But I have my own circumstances as well, especially with her."
Saya calls me by my real name and looks toward Rana as she toggles her mask saying:
"I suppose since you're awake we can explain but can you please let me go."
"Fuuh, right."
Letting her go, Rana's prosthetic arm closes back before she says:
"Our mission is simple, watch over you and collect anything that's interesting."
I rub my eyes and get a quick look around as I notice this is stone room with only one way out, which is the door and the only light source is a simple candle at the sight of my bed. I start to think and ask,
"From who?"
"The spirit church, duh."
Saya answers back as she sits at the empty chair beside me before continue saying:
"At first we thought you were just some interesting fellow connected with the Origin of the Aologi Civil War, that bastard Taiga, and the scheming Phantom Phoenix, but when we dig deeper I suppose your value just sky rocket."
"What? Sorry, but what does that have to do with this?"
"Well, turns out you can not only control the Monster King virus but also have Libera's light too. Rana really did the right choice trying to recruit you back then."
"Uh... Wait, ah... Why can't I put the words together!?"
We've been speaking in the common tongue but my head doesn't work properly.
Saya pats my head saying:
"Nah, don't think too hard about just know you're now our VIP. So much so, the Spirit Saint said and I quote here..."
Saya pulls out a familiar scroll she take back then and pulls out another scroll made of wood saying:
"Mhm, that Lake Goddess can go kill her self if she wish to help. Just leave it to the people who cares about her and take Rana with you to fulfill your duty."
"Uh..."
At a short for words for every answer I get, I soon realize,
"Wait, the Goddess of the lake? The same one-"
"Yeah, the same one all those heroes upstairs are dying to kill and your precious Sis is preparing to fight. Priorities for each people are just weird right now. Can we go back home at the Turquoise Turtle Capital and enjoy life now that all bad links have been severed?"
"No, so Sova, will you let us?"
"Right... Haah! Fine I'm still confused and all that but you still haven't answered why you wish to inject me with whatever that was!"
Saya looks at Rana and goes,
"Huh? Oh, that? Pssh, well didn't we said you can control the Monster King Virus? We wish to take a sample of your blood and study it. Maybe if we're lucky we could heal incurable diseases like the same one cause by the Monster King Virus, the Swine Bloat."
"I never heard of that... And I don't trust this when you suddenly disappeared to appear again suspiciously like this asking for my blood."
(Wait, didn't Sis said something I'll be a prime target if people know I can control the Monster King Virus?)
Saya folds her arms with a frown replying:
"When you say it like that, yes I do sound like some of those "We're from the same school back then" scams you hear there and again but fine. Let's make a trade."
"Uh... I know we've just been separated for a week or less but why do you feel so different?"
Saya press both her arms at my bed as she leans her face closer replying:
"I suppose that's because I don't really need to act so much. But I do still consider you my precious junior. So, what do you say? Just think of this as we're trying to have a amicable relationship with you since we didn't just strap you down and take your blood."
"Sigh... No! I don't like injections."
"Are you serious?"
Saya covers her face before she then continue saying:
"You fought Monsters, dive into the darkest caves, clash against one of the Templars from the Theocracy, fought Heroes from the future, and many more things no normal person would do and here you're afraid of injections!? BE SERIOUS YOU DUMB DUMB!!!"
Says grind my head with her small hand and tail as she crawls to my upper body and I easily stop and remove her saying:
"Well, it's just the thought that I'm letting something sharp just jab in me and seeing my blood getting drains is just nightmare fuel!"
Saya gets around as my hands phase through her and some magic surround me as I feel my head getting drilled by her fingers as she shouts:
"So is getting yourself mortally wounded in every battle and do you not see hoe your body contort and heal it self!? Some small blood injection is just nothing compared to getting beheaded!"
"Heh, I guess I like seeing you act mad."
"Don't be happy about that, idiot! Anyways, hurry up and tell us your demands!"
Saya lets me go and back away as I then just ask...
"Then can you give me something to call you?"
"Huh?"
"Like those coms device or how you people call with magic in those glass panels. I guess I wish to be in contact! Who knows maybe when I realize what I wish to ask I can just call you to ask."
"Heh, that's quite demanding for someone in hiding, but knowing how things always twists with you I suppose we can take a shot..."
Saya smiles as she then pulls out a thin black pin that looks like a clip from the caps of a pen as she then attach it to my headband and continue saying:
"There, it's one of the latest spy gadgets from your homeland. All you gotta do is press the tip of the clip together to call us. But then again, we'll be pretty close so if you're that skilled like that Moriz guy I'm you'll notice where we are."
I could barely tell any difference without touching and I remembered,
"Oh... And one more thing, I'm sorry the gift you gave me broke Rana."
Rana shakes her head and giggle replying:
"Haha, it's fine. I kinda forgot I did gave you that too. But with that, time for extraction."
Rana's prostetic arm opens again and I back away shouting:
"W-Wait, wait, wait! Is there no other way then blood?"
Rana walks closer replying:
"Well, we could cut off your flesh if that's okay-"
"Of course not! If you want samples, does my hair not count?"
Rana creeps ever more closer as she crawls through the bed saying:
"If that's all it takes do you think we would want your blood? Come, Sawyer you're not someone who goes back on your words right?"
"Eep!"
"Geez, don't worry I lace it with some anesthetic so it won't hurt."
"Urmgh!"
My back forces to the wall as I shut my eyes and clench my teeth but,
"There all done."
"Huh?"
"Like I said, just a sample."
I open my eyes and see a small vial the size of the tip of a finger before her prostetic arm shuts.
"Doesn't hurt does it? Compared to all your battles this is nothing."
"Um..."
Saya climbs to my side to gives me head pats and head rubs as she says:
"Hehe! There, good boy~ you want some candy?"
"Urgh, sure."
"Wow, that's just a joke. We got no food with us now so drink some cold water beside you. Well then, cheers!"
Abe jumps to the darkness and before Rana leaves I ask,
"So, you went to the Idol Tower?"
Rana turns around replying:
"Please don't speak anything about idols right now. Those Towers are bringing back horrid memories."
"Come now~ you're the cutest back then. Literally since you got rank 1 in the idol popularity."
Saya appear back hugging Rana but she shakes her off replying:
"Shut it! Those were simply easy times since we were not main stream yet. Now those new generation idols put those in the past to shame. Sigh... Let's just leave."
Rana walks away dragging Saya along into the darkness as I wonder what kind of magic do they used.
*Bang* *Bang* *Slide*
Just in time as I see light shine through a small hole in the door and a gaze towards me.
*Click* *Creak*
The door slides open as I notice its actually a thick slab steel layered by wood. A group of people I know enters alongside some I don't. It's Yoo-Gisa alongside Yoo-Ah, the Chancellor, and Princess Mi-Ok.
Yoo-Ah tries rushing over but Yoo-Gisa grabs her by the collar and pull her back saying:
"Not yet, Yoo-Ah. She's still dangerous-"
"Dangerous my ass! With all of you here I doubt she can do anything! Besides, she's hurt and not controlled by that disgusting armour no more!"
(Disgusting? I really do have different taste).
Yoo-Ah stands stern between us replying:
"I'm happy you think highly of me now but that's still a no. At least until this interrogation is done."
"Urrgh...! Fine, just don't you dare hurt her!"
"Sigh..."
"Just drop it, Gisa~ we have more important things to discuss. With her!"
Mi-Ok interrupts and Yoo-Gisa looks at me as his eyes sharpen replying:
"You're right, let's get to the chase, since you're close to the Empress of the Phoenix Sector, you probably know something about what she intends to do here right?"
"Of course! I mean..."
(Wait, should I actually say that?)
"Then spill it, tell us everything you know!"
"Uh..."
(Hearing what everyone says about how I should always be honest, should I wing it? Smudge some soy sauce and bacons, let's do it!)
"Then let me start by saying, there's a traitor among your group."
"???"
"Hoh~?"
"Huh!?"
"..."
Everyone gives a different reaction and I then continue saying:
"And that person is your elder sister-"
*Smack*
"Ow!"
"Don't bullshit me!"
Yoo-Gisa slaps me across my face that I tumble off the bed and realize,
(Maybe I made a mistake).