Our guests have found themselves aboard the ship with a new set of problems it seems. With Seyong staring down at them with a smirk clear from even behind his mask, the Hunters seem quite nervous and I can't help but step forth saying:
"Um, please don't mind Se-non's taunts."
I try to smile and calm the sutuation but the Hunter's attitude doesn't seem to get any better when someone else shouts:
"Hum! While I still don't like how you all tried to hurt, Sova. We'll see how you'll act now!"
(Yoo-Ah you're not helping! But... They're just worried for me. Fuuuh...)
Understanding my friend's worries, I answer back the moonlight swordsman' apology with,
"Um, she's right, while what you did back then are very questionable, I still believe what you do now will be more important. I'll accept your apology..."
Seeing their face soften, I try to put a stern face and continue saying:
"But remember that I'll never forget what you did back then."
The Hunters looked at me apologetically and I then continue extend my hand out saying:
"So, let's start over and try to get along. I'm Sova Anmao, can I know yours? I never get to know it back at the promotion exam."
The moonlight swordsman still carrying the beastkin raise his free hand and tilt his head as if he's wondering what to do next before he drops her down and clasp his hand and bow down saying:
"My name's Chu-Son, I'm a Mid-Rank Hunter."
(Ah right, shaking hands is an Owlian custom. But is it really that foreign? Or is it more of an Aologi thing?)
"Don't just drop someone like that! Humph!"
Rising from below, the white furred beat-kin with black ring patterns put her arms behind her head and relax her stance. Kicking the ground as if dissapointied answering:
"Ei, name'es just Ei. Low rank."
"Haah, didn't I teach you more manners."
"Akk!"
Coming from behind her, The older beast-kin walk past her and force her head down as she does the same saying:
"My name's Hye-Eun, I'm a mid-rank."
Compared to Ei, her sister Hye-Eun has a long hair she tied to a large braid. She seems to be more well mannered as the largest guy introduces himself last while rubbing his stomach with furrowed brow saying:
"Name's Hye-Bin, low-rank."
(Huh? With their fighting prowess I thought they would all be mid and high rank. Is the quality of hunters better than what Yoo-Ah explained?)
I pull my hand back as no one seems to know what a handshake is or doesn't want to and nod along to their introductions.
"It's good to know your name. Oh, and-"
"And I'm Zenon and she's... Sova's private staff, Yoo-Ah Ssi."
Zenon scoffs at the Hunters with some towels he pulls from his back and says:
"Try not to dirty my ship."
With his help introducing both himself and Yoo-Ah, I can't help but be irritated by his actions that seems to be the opposite of what he said.
(Is he mad and not happy doing my request? Then he shouldn't have said it's fine!)
Expecting Yoo-Ah to try not to rise the tension even more, my worries are unfounded as Yoo-Ah seem to be quietly watching them from afar. The Hunters seemingly not knowing what to do when given kind gestures while hearing stinging remarks, I decided to maybe lighten the mood saying:
"Um, make yourself comfortable."
Seeing them quietly separate and sit at the sides, throwing down their gears on the deck, it was a quiet respite as the water level below keeps rising. Ei peeks through the deck's fence as she then says:
"(I guess those nobles do have some purpose besides being big dumb poo poo heads, so this is what the people at the low lands had to deal with...)"
"(And that big dumb poo poo head had just save all of us. How many times have I told you to watch your words!)"
"Aah...! Not too hard!"
Seeing Ei getting roughly head patted by Hye-Eun, I feel a longing wonder...
(How long has it been since I got head pats myself? And wait, seeing she adress Zenon, doesn't that mean she knows Zenon's identity? Why bother calling him by Zenon then!?)
Seeing the sun reach its peak, noon arrives with a light hail upon the rising tide. Seeing the guest finally settle in, I decided to approach one of them.
"Hum? What're you doing Sova?"
Ignoring Yoo-Ah's question, I walk over to Chu-Son who's looking over at the tip of the bridge and I remember what Tarkus said back then. How they seem to be learning from the same master and...
(I wonder if he has a different name like the Guildmaster? since Tarkus doesn't seem from the Rucina Frontier).
"Chu-Son Ssi."
"Y-Yes?"
"Huh?"
While the two sisters rest near the bridge, Chu-Son and Hye-Bin rest at the tip of the deck. They seem cautious from my approach as I then asks:
"Um, how's your wound?"
Chu-Son rubs where I pierced him with a weak smile saying:
"Numbed. But I guess that's the price I have to pay."
"Then... Let me be blunt here."
I walk closer, bending over to match his level while he sits, as my hair slips pass my shoulder, I look him straight in the eyes with a firm resolve asking:
"Why did you accept such horrific orders? Are you really that desperate for money? Or is it fame? The latter makes even less sense considering you're simply pushing down the ladder. I'm more curious about what Se-Non said, you should've no problem with money with your rank do you not?"
"Wow, blunt? That's straight up... Savage."
I hear Ei comment while Hye-Bin seems defensive as he back away, Chu-Son on the otherhand grasp his wounds replying:
"At first I thought it wasn't personal like I said back when we dueled but... At death's door I realized something... I lied, I hunt for legitimacy."
"Legitimacy?"
He nods at what I repeat and shuts his eyes replying:
"If I could somehow beat you, the star child and successor of the Storm Ruler, then maybe... I could make my master acknowledge me once more. I was terribly stupid."
Yoo-Ah catches up and hides behind me shouting:
"That's right! Ladder kicking is the lowest of the low!"
Hearing him speak reminds me of what Tarkus said back when he paid a short visit.
"Yea, the first thing Tarkus said is you got left behind when he visit us."
"Wait, what did you say!?"
Chu-Son jumps on his feet suddenly, stomping his feet as he stands infront of me which startles Yoo-Ah. Wondering if I said some rude words, I straightened ny posture and lower my head saying:
"Sorry-"
"No! Did you say he visit you?"
Realizing he's much taller than me, I look up at him replying:
"Y-Yea?"
"Don't lie! That jerk would've never approach you unless you can boost his ego! Besides, I doubt you're his type either. Your reputation as a star rookie and backed up by the Storm Ruler wouldn't even garner his passing interest."
"No way, but he seems so nice to-"
"To some kids? Yes. That's just his act. You have to at least be connected to a royal family the same level of the Greater Gods to at least make him hear an excuse!"
(Greater Gods? Is it like Rucina's descendants? Is that what they call them here? Well he's not wrong I am connected to all that. But I think he's more interested or in league with Sis Rubeca with the way he dress).
"That sounds terrible."
I commented upon his comment and maybe it's the lack of enthusiasm or shock in my voice but I notice a reaction from him. Chu-Son backs away sighing.
"Haah, sorry I brought the mood down. But thank you again, for setting me straight I suppose. Words won't mean much now but..."
Seyong straighten his posture and bow down shouting:
"I'll definitely prove my conviction!"
I nod at his resolve and soon remember something important.
"Oh, since we're going to work together, can you tell me what you do best?"
"Ah, yes, of course, let's start with me. Since you fought me before, I specialize in frontline combat. I usually take on the role of the crown."
Chu-Son points at himself with confidence as he proclaim his role but I can't help but mutter:
"Crown?"
I tilt my head confused and Yoo-Ah seem to share the sentiment as she seem bewildered as well. Chu-Son nods as if he understands and continue saying:
"I'm the one in charge of dishing out damage and usually the one to deliver the killing blow as well. In game terms, I'm the DPS."
"DPS? Well, ignoring that I think I get what you do. Seeing how heavy your attack is compared to others, I can relate."
Hye-Bin holds his chest in pain as I talk and before I could ask if he's okay, he stand puffing his chest out shouting:
"I'm the Siren of the party. My main job is to make sure our prey keep targeting me by any means necessary."
"Siren? But you're a guy-"
"Shut it! I know that's a stupid name! And the history for Hunter roles is stupid overall! I mean who names their roles after the first Hunters?"
"I-I see..."
Curious about his comment as Sis nor the archives I read ever tell about that, I'm piqued by something else.
"But how do you actually make monster target you? I thought they usually attack indiscriminately or the weakest."
Brushing his nose, Hye-Bin gives a confident smile as he then pinch the tip of his nose replying:
"Heh, well there are many ways like controlling its field of view or by forcing its attention by attacking certain parts and something precious to it. But my specialty is using some scents that trigger reactions, there are many ways."
"Oooh! Amazing!"
"Hehe..."
Hye-Bin scracthes his nose at my praise when,
"So you're finally admitting your parents work? Maybe you should use all you learn and improve their parfume sales."
Hye-Eun seems to take a jab at Hye-Bin which he adamantly denied shouting:
"There's no way I would return to that hell hole! I would rather get trapped inside a Carnivorous plant than stay cooped up at that nose torture chamber!"
"Eeh~ but that just proves you have a good nose. Besides, all the girls at the guild rely on you for their cosmetics and beauty products for Hunters. You should just embrace your true role and be our cash cow!"
Ei joins in the conversation as well making a weird hand gesture by rubbing her thumb and index.
(Huh? Do Hunters use different products? I mean, I guess seeing how much you stink after getting your body drench with their guts, I guess normal soap usually don't wash the smell away... I wonder if I can ask him for some knowing how much I keep getting splashed by monster mucus?)
In the midst of my thought, Hye-Bin's face boils with anger at her comments shouting:
"So you finally revealed your true colours you waste of precious oxygen!"
"Eep!"
At the sight of him cracking his knuckles Ei jumps back to hide behind her sister with, curling up her tail. Maybe it's because I rarely meet beast-kin but I always enjoy the sight of their tail wearing their emotion.
"Cool your temper, only I'm allowed to be angry at my ship."
Seyong joins in as well and the whole crew gathers at one place. His words seem to cause the Hunters to quiet down before Seyong folds his arm and look down at everyone with his height as he then continue saying:
"Since you all started your discussion early, let's get this clear. Adventurers like us have no roles, we're usually independent with all our multitide of knowledge... But as for reference, you can pretty much tell from back at the promotion exam. I'm a mage and Sova's a warrior, or in your Hunter terms, I'm the Crown and he-er role is close to your Siren."
Seyong points at me as I wonder why did he change his tone all of a sudden,
"Hum! Don't forget about me! I'll be the support of the party! I may not be at the frontlines, but you can always expect full support from me! Since I've been at the port half my life, you can bet I-"
"Hmph! Don't try to chime in so casually when you can't even provide a decent role. Just stay back at the ship and document everything."
"Urree! You're really asking for an ass whopping!"
(Yea! What's wrong with him! But that should be the last resort!)
"Um... I guess I should also tell my role."
Hye-Eun chimes in pat the folded black bow at her waist saying:
"I'm the Stalker of the party. Pretty much your trap master. My little sister Ei is the same but she specilize more in being a ranger."
"Heh, just so you know, I'm better at traps than my Unnie!"
With everyone finish introducing and telling their roles, Seyong nods satisfied saying:
"Mm, we'll arrive at Mohyusig soon. Grab hold of something as we descend."
Yoo-Ah extends her hand as if she's trying to hold me but halts as if she's petrified, with reddened face she moves back but I extend my hands instead to hold her.
"Wha-wha!? Huumm???"
"Why hesitate now? Hold tight."
I tighten my hug with both arm plant my feet to the ground, with my Rat martial art technique I hear her holding back her voice.
"Ah right, you did say a guy shouldn't hold a girl so casually. I'm sorry, but can we please stay like this just for this drop?"
I softly plead which cause Yoo-Ah's face to brighten even further as she struggle between shaking and nodding her head.
"Huumm...!?"
"Heh, you two seem close."
Seyong jokingly said and I tilt my head replying:
"Aren't we suppose to?"
"Hum!?"
Yoo-Ah seem shocked by my answer but Seyong cuts our chatter short as he shouts:
"Descending!"
(Wait, why do we need to hold when we're not doing it before-)
*Zoom*
With his signal, the ship descend rapidly reducing out alevation. The sight of clear snowing skies are rapidly changing to a thick white forest, crashing past trees and destroying the areas around for an opening.
"Uwaaah!!!"
"Hold me tight, Ei!"
"Why is your stupid claws failing now!?"
The Hunters huddle close as the two sisters cling close to Hye-Bin while Chu-Son calmly stay in position as similar to me, he simply adjust his balance and centre of gravity to stay in place before,
*Crash*
"Alright you lot, we're walking from here."
"What's with that whole deal!? You didn't crash your ship when we went to your place!?"
"You think I want to? Someone seem to get a bright idea to place a powerful barier around the city that would extinguish any magic in the area. I sensed it just now and better for us to cradh now than crash later."
"Wha!?"
"Really!?"
"Something like that exist!?"
"I thought those kind of stuff only exist in history books."
Seeing the Hunters reaction, I can't help but be worried asking:
"We won't be expecting any conflict right?"
Seyong inspect the rope he throws down before before he shakes his head head replying:
"Who knows? We'll be meeting with the new Guildmasters. So let's hope they don't induce some headache. Hoop!"
Seyong descends with the rope and lands upon the muddy water sinking his feet from his landing. His gear seem to deem as he walk further while the other Hunters followed suit with their own style.
"Woah, it really is some anti magic stuff. I can feel my mahic being drained."
Chu-Son follows Seyong with the rope while Ei and Hye-Eun jump in unison to the nearest tree carrying Hye-Bin and dropping him when close to the ground while they then land on his shoulders. Holding Yoo-Ah in my arms, she nudge me saying:
"Are you not going down Sova?"
"Oh, sorry I'm just getting ready."
"Hum!?"
I lift Yoo-Ah with my arms before surfing down the tree as if my feet's stuck on the log and land at the murky land. As my feet sink to my knees, I finally let Yoo-Ah go which she shouts in concern asking:
"S-Sova you okay!? I almost forgot you weight over a hundred. Hey! We need help pulling hi-er out!"
(I just realize but I never did tell them to keep my gender a secret to cause those stutters but I doubt that's important).
"Don't worry, just give me your hand, Yoo-Ah."
"Hum?"
I hold her hand and easily pull myself out with my techniques by adjusting my weight counter and pull myself back up. But maybe because of my heavy load, my feet keep singking if I don't focus or if I step into a much softer surface.
(I wonder if the port will be similar? If so, this could be dangerous).
Seyong walks to my side saying:
"I don't know how heavy you are but I suggest you drop all your equipment at the ship. Don't worry, it won't sink since it's build to prevent that."
"I-I see, sorry about that."
"What is it that makes it heavy anyway?"
Seyong ask intrigued and I pull out the War-God's spear which has adjusted to my shape. Holding it in my hands, my body submerge further where my spear points as I ask:
"Remeber this?"
"Ah, yes, alright, since it's too heavy for me to lift you can put it back yourself."
"Um... Sorry."
***********************************
Thanks to some setback because of my overweight, I can't help but feel a bit guilty as we at least finally have the city at the end of the forest.
"Hehe, didn't think you would be so heavy you would sink. I mean even Hye-Bin and Zenon Ssi doesn't seem affected with their size, so..."
Ei who seem to be getting close to me after the set backs for some light chatter leans closer asking:
"(Since we're both girls why don't we share our weight ye? You tell yours and I'll tell mine)."
"Huh? I-I mean..."
"(Hehe, I guess that's a bit shocking but don't worry. So I'll start, I'm actually around 42, and I'm doing my best to keep lean...) but Chu-Son just can't stop tempting me with his special kebabs! He's evil I tell you! Tempting woman with such greasy foods!"
"Huh...?"
(42 and that's still fat? I mean Ei seem to be lighter and shorter than both me and Yoo-Ah but...)
"What!? Don't look at me like that! I'll let you know! I'm still quite fit okay!?"
Ei seem to misunderstood as I'm probably wearing an unsuited expression. I try to calm down replying:
"Sorry, I was thinking something else. As for mine, it's around 130 kg something or more last I check."
"Huh!?"
Something seem to shatter and drag all their ears as all of them turn to listen or glance at my direction.
"Hum! You're suppose to be quiet about that! Sheesh, I'm surprise you can say that out loud!"
As both her and Yoo-Ah try to pull me out of the mud, I realize,
"Maybe I've gotten heavier."
"There's no way a few kilo would sink you like that. I mean Hye-Bin-"
*Slip* *Splash*
"Uwak!"
Ei's hand slip as she falls over and got drench in mud. Seyong seeing our pitiful state shakes his head saying:
"How did we even finish that promotion exam?"
*krrk*
"Hm?"
Feeling something wrap around ny torso, I found myself getting fling over and lifted from the mud. In but a moment, Hye-Eun jumps down holding a rope over a tree to pull me out of the mud saying:
"Luckily, the tree's are sturdy enough so why don't you just traverse from up there? Seeing how you navigate the forest at the promotion exam, you seem more than capable."
"Ah right! Alright, I can do that. Let's hope the branches won't snap."
Removing the rope around my chest, I grab hold of the tree and test its durability. Swinging back and forth, I jump from one branch to another and nod along saying:
"Alright, I'm okay now! Thanks for the help everyone."
"Hum! Like I said, I'm the support!"
"Sigh, you barely did a thing, alright let's just get out of here quick."
Seyong comments as he then head on and swinging from the rope that carry me up is Hye-Eun move by my side saying:
"Seems we'll both be scouting ahead then. Keep up, Star Child."
Hye-Eun jumps ahead and I follow suit holdinh the logs instead of the branches as she then asks:
"So, how does it feel like to be under a famous Pioneer?"
"Huh? Well... I mean..."
(I'm not actually learning under her but... From the few times we did meet and talk I guess).
"She's what I wonder what an aunt in the family would be like."
"Heeh, I guess it's true that teachers and disciples are like family. Honestly speaking, I thought strong people like them would be some unique existence us mortals could only imagine like those Gods at High Heaven. But I guess no natter how strong you become, you're still normal in one way or another."
"Is that so?"
Hearing her say that reminds me of what Jin-Yeon said that night. That to be human is to be weak or something among those lines...
(I still have no idea what she meant).
"Heh, seeing you, I think you'll soon be just like her. Well, it seems the city's on sight."
Hearing Hye-Eun say that, I look ahead past the leaves and saw the ruins of what remains of the first city I encountered. While the roads are flooded, the broken walls are left mostly untended while small outposts are built atop the roofs of tall buildings where I see few individuals are patrolling and observing the area.
"Ah..."
Feeling guilty that such situation happened because of my arrival, Hye-Eun hangs over a branch shouting:
"The city's in sight! But the roads are flooded. Luckily there's someone in station out there so this will be quick!"
"Oh! Alright, let's speed up!"
Hye-Bin shouts as he speeds up and Chu-Son follows him shouting:
"Don't run ahead!"
Yoo-Ah who seem discontent with staying close to Seyong looks up at me saying:
"Sova! Let's quickly head over as well!"
"O-Oh?"
I barely responded to her yey Yoo-Ah rush ahead as well and Ei follow suit shouting:
"H-Hey! Don't leave me alone! And carry me you dingus!"
I nod along and follow along when I found a fallen log and land at it.
*Crack*
The log sunken a bit as well as caving eight where I jump as we finally exit the forest.
"Haha, I can only wonder how heavy you really are."
Hye-Eun lands right beside me as the others cathes up outside the forest. Standing near the familiar road that's flooded up to our waist, Hye-Eun raises a colourful stick and wave it around which cause the people at the outposts to scramble. The water voursing from the broken wall starts to freeze and make road.
Amaze by such magical wonder, we slowly walk out way over the flood that seems to slowly rise.
"Hold me up now, Hye-Bin Ssi! Don't let me go!"
"So you're using honorifics when it benefits you huh? Why am I not surprised."
Hye-Bin and Ei walk past us as he then looks at me saying:
"Sorry, Star Child but as much as I wish to help I don't think I'm confident enough to lift you up. I'll be going first."
Chu-Son and Hye-Eun follows up saying:
"Don't worry Star Child, we'll throw you a rope when we arrive."
*Splash*
"Hum! Ah, who care anymore, push forward, Sova!"
Yoo-Ah comes leaping from behind to catch me and I hold her arms that's wrapping around my shoulders saying:
"Sure, I guess being close to you like this is more comfortable."
"Hum! Hooah!"
Yoo-Ah nods along but Seyong who's going last pinching Yoo-Ah up by the collar as to barely touch her says:
"That's enough of you two. Sigh, I'll bring her along so hurry up, Sova. By this point, I think it's faster if you just swim, is she sticks to you longer you teo might just drown, so leave her to me."
"Hey! Let me go!"
I look back at Seyong as I agree with him and nod saying:
"Alright then- hm?"
*Whip*
Wondering what's with all the surprises today, I heard a sharp cut from the ruined city.
*Swoosh* *Zoom*
Hearing the clear crisp sound of the winds being cut, I spotted a silhouette zipping across the building and soon.
*Boom* *Plat*
"Uwaaah!"
*Splash*
Something fly straight past the people at the outpost with such speed and power it push them away and even blows the outposts away into the waters. Everyone turns to look but its shadow is already gone by the time they twist their heads. I raise my hand in anticipation and even bend my knee to block but it's too late as Seyong could barely react when it open its talons and swoop in.
*Swoosh* *Crunch*
"Woah!"
" "Sova!" "
*Boom*
"Ack!"
"Woah!"
Both Seyong and Yoo-Ah shout in terror as I'm being lift off the ground and out if the water before the wind could catch up to it and blew them both into the water. Seeing Seyong actually pushing Yoo-Ah up so that he's the only one that fell lessen my worry as I then see my assailant.
With sharp black talons decorated by many accesories, she punctures into my robe and gripping my arm like I'm some kind of toy, her beautiful feather adorned with so many colours flutter as she flaps her huge wings. Lifting me to reveal her familiar black uniform and up to see her face, her emerald eyes shine when she smiles, her messy blonde hair flutter to cover most her face before she says:
"I found you~!"
Hearing her speak in Runician, I can't help but mutter...
"Gangyi?"