"Here you go, have a nice meal."
"Ah, Ah! To think I would see the Star Child so close, I'm eternally grateful!"
As I participate in the relief efforts toward the capital, I decided to help with the cleaning effort of the city and finally able to see and visit my own kin for once... The Owlians.
"Here you go, careful when you eat."
"Thank you... Thank you so much!"
"Here you go elder, please chew slowly."
"Ah, you're very polite, Star Child. I wish my grandkid was here..."
"Here you go, please share among yourselves now. Since you're quite the big family I asked for some extra."
"Ah... Sniff... Sniff... Thank you. Please, say thank you kids."
"Thank you big Unnie!"
"You're the best Noona! Thank you!"
Receving thanks as they bow down everytime they received some relief packages in their make-shift tents, I truly wonder if they are really all from the city. If this is how they are, I wonder how the refugees that came here are like?
"Big bro Sova, that should be all in this side. Thanks for helping out."
"No problem, Daniel."
No problem at all sicne I wish to see my own kin once and fix my mistakes. Proposing to visit the idol tower to Yoo-Sui I was met with hesitation at first before I start explaining my reason and she relent hesitates and agrees in the end. Now Daniel accompanied and guide me along the way of the idol stadium turn refugee camp.
"Sova! You truly have the heart of Gold! Rather than resting, you chose to aid those less fortunate!"
"Mm... Yea..."
Yoo-Ah who's now accompanying me around my travels helps as well providing and actually cooking the relief rations for the refugees.
"This... Is this really rations? This taste like some expensive food."
"The hell? This taste better than my own cooked meal!"
"This is more delicious than Eomma's cooking. You can learn from this."
"Abeoji, can I please have more?"
"Don't be greedy, Haseo. Let's just mix this with the rations we saved up last night."
"I suppose the idol tower is trying to cheer us up. We truly can't repay back this kindness... Hard to believe that foreigners are doing more than our own goverment."
A bit of mixed message but it seems Yoo-Ah's effort paid off. I guess she did help out with how she cooked with that huge industrial bakery.
"Hum! Hum! I guess next would be..."
"Oh, Yoo-Ah Noona? Um, we actually finished with sharing food. Thank you so much, we can return to Mo- mhm, Xiwang Noona back at the tower."
"Huh? Did you learn how to speak Hwansea Daniel?"
Surprised by Daniel's growth, Daniel smile and raise both his ok ndex and middle finger shouting:
"Hehe, yup! The idols are very kind!"
Yoo-Ah hearing him perk up and lean closer to Daniel saying:
"Oh! The black medal holder right!? I wish to meet her again as well!"
Both Daniel and cock our head faster than a spring towards Yoo-Ah and reply,
"What? Why?"
"Huh? Why? Yoo-Ah Noona, Lady Xuyin is not a person you should meet!"
"Aw, don't act so negatively! Why do you hate her so much? I'm not one to judge someone base of their attitude but their actions! After all, Isn't all her actions so far prove to be positive and beneficial for everyone?
As far as I see she never made any mistakes so far. Hum! Hum! I guess you have to have that much talent to run the idol industry!"
"That's..."
"Seriously! I don't understand why you even hate her when she's proven time and time again that she's doing the right thing!?"
Daniel is left agasp as he can't refute Yoo-Ah, she in all sense of her word is right. It was Moriz who save all these owlians and is even providing everyone with their necessary needs and more. Most importantly, he is the one who saved Daniel from the wilds and provided him everything till now. Plus, it was also thanks to him that I was able to do all this and actually talk with Sis Yuwei.
*Nudge*
"Um... Star Child Unnie..."
Feeling someone pulling at my cloak, I turn around to see a group of kids looking at me with sparkles in their eyes.
"Is it true? You're super strong despite not being a martial artist?"
"I saw you lift all those boulders, pillars, and ruined debris that takes multiple machines. How can you be so strong without qi?"
"I saw you block a cannon ball with your bare hands and even grab the strike of the mountain cracker back during your promotion quest! Is that really real!?"
Flooded by kids full of curiosity around me, one of them eventually come forth asking:
"Can you please teach us how!? If I have your strength Noona nim, I could finally be able to help my parents by being an adventurer like you!"
Hearing his reason reminds me of myself and I can't help but smile replying:
"That's not something that can happen immediately. Strength is built through experience and hardwork. This... Noona also had to go through trials before I can get this strong."
"Star Noona! Can you show your strength? Lift me up!"
"Huh?"
"Hey! We're supposed to ask that together."
I tilt my head wondering what they meant before they gather to shout:
" "Please show us your strength!" "
The boy who ask first lift his arms as if he anticipate me to lift him up and a bit worried, confused, with a mixed of not wanting to let them down, I comply. I crouch stretching my right arm out and say:
"Hold on."
The kids hearing that rush and climb atop in a rush as I wonder what's the big idea with this. Seeing 4 kids clinging and hugging my arm before I realize they're all less than half my size...
(It doesn't feel good to compsre your height with kids).
Seeing them awaiting with bathed breathe I nod saying:
"Hold tight now."
"Woah!", "Waah!", "Wow!", "Yay!"
Slowly I stand lifting my right arm high to the sky which cause them to be amaze while I'm still stuck wondering what's amazing and say:
"You know there are much more people taller than me right?"
"Hahaha!", "Higher! Higher!", "Uwooh! I can't believe a girl can be so strong!", "Hey, let me climb up too!"
It seems the kids doesn't seem to listen as the other ones try to climb on me and reach the top...
(I've seen Jin-Ae climbing Cheo a lot but do kids just love to climb people?)
"Hey now you brats! Don't disturb the Star Child. And get down!"
"Eep! It's Old Chicken! Run!"
Hearing their plight I kneel down to help then out as they scurry away. The old man who called then out is elder in his 80's, with hunched back, full white chicken hair, sunken eyes, and prostetic limbs. He slowly drag his feet over to us with a cane saying:
"Sorry about that, Star Child nim. Those kids are not bad kids, just overactive."
"Oh, it's fine. Seeing them happy makes me happy too."
(And seeing them being so happy despite their circumstance is impressive).
Yoo-Ah peeking out from my shoulder looks at the elder and shouts:
"Wait! I know you, you're the chicken head that serves with dad! Where have you been!? Ever since Juha said the police got disbanded I can only wondered what happened to you!?"
"Hehe... This old bones has been getting fired left and right after the Military Law. Like your old man said, I'm not cut for normal jobs. But, I'm surprised someone still think about me. Young Yoo-Ah sure have grown."
"Hum! Hum! Of course! I won't forget any of Dad's friends! Here have some Carna candy!"
Yoo-Ah proudly proclaims as she gives a thumbs up and hand over some yellow sweets.
(I suppose thumbs up works like that. Have she been making that gestures lately? And is it me or does Yoo-Ah somehow gives candy to all the elders she knows?)
The elder smile taking some with a tearful smile saying:
"Thank you... Hah... I know they don't make this anymore so you must've been hand making them, I can't express my gratefulness."
"Worry not! I'm just making it to save on the costs! Oh right! Sorry, Chicken sarge but I just remembered we have one more place we need to visit next!"
"W-We do?"
(And Chicken sarge?)
The chicken sarge bob his head replying:
"Hoho, then don't let me hold you down. Good luck out there, young Yoo-Ah, and Star Child please don't let her down."
I could sense some threat beneath his words as a purple glare glint from his sunken eyes. I nod along saying:
"S-Sure, I will never let her down!"
(What's with Yoo-Ah being surrounded by all these overprotective elders?)
He nods, satisfied with my answer when Daniel steps in saying:
"Hey, now elder, don't frighten Sova! And take some rest, isn't your back been acting up as of late? Come and leave the kids to me."
Speaking in Owlian, the chicken sarge looks at Daniel with a smile replying:
"Ah, Daniel. You're much more of my caretaker than my caretaker. But don't forget you're still a kid too, so don't act older than you are. Go play with those your age."
"Sadly, none of the kids like what I want so it's hard to fit in."
Daniel supports the elder as he then looks back at me saying:
"Sorry but I'll be separating first, since you have somehwere you gotta go, good luck out there Sova b- mhm, Sova Sis!"
Seeing the two going further, I look back at Yoo-Ah asking:
"So, where do we need to go?"
Yoo-Ah puts her hand on her waist and nods shouting:
"Hum! Hum! The guild of course! We need to officially accept the yearly defense Quest!"
"Oh?"
"And you need to be the one to take the request, so let's go!"
With Yoo-Ah leading the way, I take another good look at the shelter. While they may have been struggling, I can still see hope and light in their eyes and smiles.
(I suppose Moriz really is a kind person).
I follow Yoo-Ah along and walk away as I see soem kids and folks waving goodbye. I wave back with a singling feeling this might all be my fault to begin with...
(Will I be able to make a correct decision one day?)
***********************************
"Look, it's the new Hero of this generation.", "Ah... A monster invasion after a vacation. This kingdom's calendar can be cruel. Can't they send in the marines... Ah right.", "Hard to belive it's been a month since she just joined but she's already close to being a Pioneer. We might have another legend being born.", "We may have lost one of the 3 but I suppose that just emboldened the remaining two. Zenon is not slouching off either, wanna bet who's gonna be promoted to Pioneer first?", "Hey, I actually speak to her before she even start and I knew she'd be special.", "You mean how that Jade bone trash you down? Sure.", "Did those vagrants tried to break in again? Damn, those relief team need to start renovating the abandoned sections of the city for them.", "Oh? Someone has sorted the items at the storage already? Mighty kind of em, especially since it's still holiday.", "Must've been that little bundle of sunshine Yoo-Ah, she's been so eager to help the Star Child as she's still in coma. Let's go treat her for some premium fish.", "Hah, can't let that girl outshine us, lets get the work done."
(Oh? Yoo-Ah did?)
Contrary to what I thought, it seems the city has slowly start to become more lively. As proof, the guild that was like a ghost house is now filled to the brim with both staffs and adventurers alike from every corner. Hearing Yoo-Ah's deed, I decided to say,
"Say, Yoo-Ah do you perhaps have something I can help or do?"
"Eh?"
"I've been hearing how you've been pushing yourself since I'm still asleep."
"Hum!? That's a bit sudden! Hmm... What do I want?!"
Yoo-Ah who's writing and stamping papers for me at the other side of the table after she asked to sign some parts looks baffled by my question. And just making sure, I continue to say,
"Just saying, I don't want a joke answer like asking for marriage."
"That was never a joke! Huuuummmm!!!"
(Wait, it's not? And wait, do they let same sex marriage here? Even so, I still don't swing that way- wait! I'm not a girl!)
Deep in our own thoughts, she continues to stamp away when something seems to click.
"Aha!"
She shove the papers in some folder before shouting:
"Let's go on a tour!"
"A tour?"
"That's right! Since you're definitely going to travel far to defend the whole eastern shores, lets take this chance to sightsee throughout the Kingdom and Republic! And if we're lucky, the shores beyond the dividing mountain!"
"H-Huh? Wait, really?"
"Yup! It even says right here in the Quest, we'll be deployed throughout the whole eastern shores!"
Yoo-Ah slaps the folder before she then lifts it up and continue shouting:
"And since we're already using physical copy thanks to you being an Owlian, we'll be getting special access throughout your Adventurer badge!"
"Woah, didn't know it could work like that."
I look at the badge I've been wearing ever since I start volunteering. As I look close at it, I realize it's actually more complex and even more colorful than when I receive it.
"Say, did my badge changed?"
"Yup! Yup! Since you're a proper Adventurer now, you get to wear a better badge! I heard the Guild Master's the one who personally upgraded it too! I think he did it when he visit the kingdom during the Civil War."
"Oh? Wait, is the badge like some sort of magic tool?"
"You bet it is! How do you think it can change shape and even act as a passport or ID?"
"I-I see..."
"Hum! Now that's decided, you better not take back on those words! Especially now when Unnie is not holding me back!"
Yoo-Ah slams the folders inside of the shelves behind her as she shouts and I can't belp but ask,
"Wait, you're serious about that?"
"Of course I am! Get your act together!"
Yoo-Ah shakes me when I notice a familiar figure comes in with a depressed atmosphere carrying a heavy bag.
"Haah... How can they call that a vacation? Uuuh..."
Bai-Sumi one of Yoo-Ah's colleague comes close and when she sees us, she takes a deep brathe and straighten her back before strutting over confidently towards Yoo-Ah saying:
"Afternoon, Yoo-Ah. You seem to be as lively as ever. I could use all that youth energy right now."
Acting professional as she reach behind the table and greeting Yoo-Ah, she prepares her table by flipping the placard and opening her line before Yoo-Ah rush toward the front of her table shouting:
"Sumi-Ssi! I'm finally getting to go on an international trip!"
"Really now? Didn't Yoo-Sui Ssi always stop you whenever we have an overseas buseniss?"
"Not this time! Cause now I'll be following Sova along!"
(Now that I think about it, why did she change her mind to let her?)
"Hey now, you're not talking about following her around some dangerous place right?"
"Course not! Even I know my limits!"
"Well that's good."
"B-But, wouldn't it be dangerous going around during the monster invasion?"
Yoo-Ah rushes to get closer to me and holds my shoulders shouting:
"We'll be doing it after the invasion of course! They never said they'll take the privilege away immediately after the invasion is done, and besides if someone asks, just say you're going on a sweep and cleaning!"
"Hah, didn't think you would try to exploit a rule yourself."
Sumi comments and I agree with her saying:
"Yea... Is that really okay?"
"Oh it'll be fine. You have someone stronger than a High Rank Hunter accompanying you."
"Uwaah! Who is it- ah! It's you again, Ae-Ri Unnie! How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me!"
Ae-Ri, one of Yoo-Ah friends back when she works here comes to visit. She look at me with a look of amazement saying:
"Haha, that would be never. Good afternoon Yoo-Ah and Sova Ssi..."
"Oh! Good afternoon!"
"H-Hello."
"And good afternoon to you too, Bai-Sumi Ssi."
"Ae-Ri... Nim"
Both seem to exchange some quick sharp glance at each other before Ae-Ri walks over to me saying:
"But even more amazing is that it seems you're quite right about Sova. To think she became a proper Adventurer so quickly and a Hero now too, it seems my first impression on you backfired. It may be late but congrats on your promotion."
"O-Oh, thanks."
"Well, I'm just here to greet our new hero of the Kingdom. Better not forget about me now, okay Sova Nim? I'll always be there to help out if you need anything from the storage okay?"
"S-Sure?"
"Pff, the hell did you ever did to her to leave an impression? She'll forget you faster than your conversation with your barber."
Sumi brushes the curls on her hair when Ae-Ri smirks puffing her chest up replying:
"Hmph, like you're any different. If you don't know, I actually showed Sova Ssi some advice to boost her womanly charm."
(Huh? She did? Oh wait, is she talking about the importance of breast sizes back then?)
Ae-Ri takes a sharp glance toward Sumi again and she does the same.
"(Slut)", "(Bitch)"
I could hear them softly click their tongue before Ae-Ri walks away waving her hands, saying:
"Well, either way, I can't let you outshine me, Sunshine. Call me if you need me like always."
Blending in with the crowd, Sumi squeeze her plackard tightly before looking at Yoo-Ah who's been watching with obliviousness written all over her face. Sumi sighs saying:
"Haah... How I wish I can still be as innocent as you, Yoo-Ah."
"Whatever do you mean, Sumi Ssi? Unlike Ae-Ri, you and me, we never had any boyfriend! So, we're both still fresh and pure!"
*Stab* *Crash*
"Ugh! Ah... That compliment only works for young ones like you. Keep on going on, Yoo-Ah."
Stumbling over behind the table, Sumi cheers her on which Yoo-Ah takes it in strides shouting:
"Will do! Come now, Sova, let's go to your room and prepare for the upcoming Invasion!"
(What just happened? Could it be that's what a war of words is?)
Yoo-Ah drags me away to the back leading to Hwang-So's private residence when she curiously tucks at me shoulder asking:
"By the way Sova, you're very cute yourself, do you ever date someone?"
"Huh?"
(Wait, I'm sure I told her about that before when we're eating with Granny Kim-Yoo... Oh wait, she was cooking).
And talking about her reminds me of that small conversation of how the capital won't go anywhere.
(That sentence aged like milk).
Exiting the guild and into Hwang-So private garden I look over the city that's starting to get lively. Remembering my time with May I feel warm in my cheeks replying:
"That's... Um... I do."
"Huuuh!??!? WHO IS IT!? Is it Oppa!? Don't tell me it's Oppa! I'm gonna fucking murder him!"
"C-Calm down Yoo-Ah-"
"How can I be calm when my friend is being deceived-"
"It's not him! I mean when do I even have the time for that?"
"Oh?"
I pull Yoo-Ah forward and hold her still before saying:
"I can assure you it's definitely not him."
"O-Oh? Then... Who is it!? And when!? And how?!"
Yoo-Ah forcefully tried to push ny arms away as she shouts but I try to ignord that question and continue on replying:
"Well, it's someone you don't know."
As I open the door into the main residence, Yoo-Ah sprint ahead of me and halts my path shouting:
"Huummm! Ureee! Here I thought I was getting to know you more but the torrent just keep getting deeper! Tell me, Sova! Aren't we friends!"
"Well, yes, but it's not like you know that person."
"Huumm...!!!"
Yoo-Ah leans ever so close glaring at me as she expects an answer while I'm... Wait...
(I didn't feel that much trouble telling a stranger like elder Kim-Yoo, so why should I be so hold back?)
"Hoho? What's this? I thought you two would be the best of friends. Pretty dating after waking from your coma."
Prince Yeon-Seyong or Zenon who showed up from one of the corridors enters the the lobby alone with casual wear, leaning over the monster statue he scracthes his messy hair and curiously asks:
"So, who is it? I wish to know too, Sova."
(Oh? I just realize but he's been dropping the formality).
"Hey, it's not polite to eavesdrop over someone's conversation! Especially between girls!"
"Prfft! Yoo-Ah Ssi, I would be deaf if I can't hear you shouting over the top of your lungs. I've been hearing you from my room since you entered the garden."
"Either way, you should've have feign ignorance at least, Prince Yeon-Seyong Nim. Did you forget all about proper etiquette after not attending any events?"
Another surprise guest enters, Juha who's in her usual Officer Uniform joins the scene by coming down from the second floor.
"What the! The hell are you doing here, Major?"
"It's Colonel now, Prince. I've got some hefty promotions since the Civil War and my accomplishments. And besides, with my house getting destroyed at the capital, Supreme Commander Hwang-So and Elder Kim-Yoo has graciously allowed me to stay at this Villa. This also helps out as now I'm the representative for the Belluga family in the new capital while my brother is learning statescraft at home."
(Huh? Did she got promoted? Juha seems to be climbing up the world).
Juha reaches the lobby and stares up at Zenon with a grin replying:
"But most importantly, what about you, Prince Yeon-Seyong nim? Why are you staying here? Isn't the Old Imperial Palace now operational for the new royal family? I hope you're not staying here for any malicious intent?"
Zenon sneaks a peek at ny firections before he scoff at Juha and folds his arms replying:
"You conceited officer, how dare you considered such blasphemy. Hmph! I'm simply living close to my work place is all. Nothing personal at all, and what's so weird for a prince to be living in the capital of the kingdom?"
He brushes Juha aside and walks to me changing the subject by asking:
"Either way, I'm still curious. Who is the one you liked, Sova?"
"Yeah! Tell us!"
"That's..."
"I thought from how Sova keeps avoiding accepting your feelings made it obvious? She does have a loved one and it's her childhood friend."
" "Eeeeeh!?" "
Both of them gawk in shock by the revelation and drive her to a croner shouting:
"Really!? Damn that lucky bastard!"
"Hold on now! How do YOU know that!?"
Juha now being cornered by the two shakes her head replying:
"I learned it during our dinner with Elder Kim-Yoo back then. Ah right, you're not there whe she talk."
"Hrrghhh!"
Yoo-Ah grips my arms shouting:
"How could you tell her but not me! Ureee! Tell me his description!"
Zenon on the other hand seems to be conflicted when Juha steps in saying:
"Come now, you shouldn't be prying over someone's love life like that. She is still from the outside-"
"Her name is Maya Taiyin, I usually call her May. She's the first friend that's my age."
"Huh?"
"Eh!?"
"Her?"
"I've known her ever since my parents died and she's been by my side since a month ago. This is why I venture outside. To find her."
"That's..."
"Sova..."
"Huh..."
The three of them looks at me with a mixed of pity and confusion before I continue saying:
"She's the one I love dearly and would do anything to get back! So... I never get to answer all your request for marriege seriously so here's my answer... I refuse!"
Zenon points his finger at me softly muttering:
"Wait, her? Sova you..."
"That's right! It may sound unbelievable but the truth is, I'm a man-"
"No! Stop it, Sova! It's not even funny anymore! Sheesh..."
Juha hangs her head in bewilderment and soon she seems disappointed saying:
"Sigh... Whatever pleases you, if you need some help I'll be at the second floor. My office will have my name on it."
Juha leaves first when I notice Zenon pumping jis fist whispering:
"(Yes! I still have a chance!)"
"No you don't, and don't think about it."
"Dammit! Shot down so quickly! Anyways, I heard you formally accepted the defense quest so see you during the gathering at Mohyusig."
I reply back quickly which Zenon reply with a curious answer.
"Sovaaa! Huummmm!!!"
Yoo-Ah jumps to embrace me as she then rubs her cheeks on mine saying:
"Oh you got me worried for nothing! Hum! Hum!"
(It really is hopeless to prove that point but maybe... Hm?)
"I just realized this, Zenon... But where's the Crimson Guards that follows you all the time?"
Zenon who's happily humming as he walks away stops and turn around replying:
"Oh them? Yeah long story short, the Crimson Guards are no longer exclusive for the royal family no more. Most of them are stationed at the western border."
"Wait, what?"
"With how Elder Won-Yok abuse his authority to bring them about anywhere it's about damn time we just ditch the old system honestly. Time's changing for all of us and if we intend to survive, we better start adapting..."
Zenon looks at his hands and clench it as he seems determined for something.
"Honestly, I wish I could spar with you again but I'm sure you'll need all that energy for the incoming quest. Since we're coming from the same Generation of recruits, let's stick together. When will you leave for the Checkpoint?"
"Checkpoint? I just realize this but where do we actually need to go, Yoo-Ah? Do we just head straight to where the quest is?"
"Hum! Hum! Nope! I guess I haven't said it, but we're going to meet up with the Hunters at Mohyusig!"
"Hunters..."
(And Mohyusig...)