*Swoosh*
The billowing winds snuff the last ember to a lonely night where the stars can't shine. It is a sign of a storm, an impending disaster about to come as the moon hides. Despite such terrible skies, light rekindles from below, creating their own sea of lights, like fireflies dancing through the meadows.
"How pretty."
"Huh? Is there something wrong in your head, Gwishin nim? That's the worst weather I've ever seen."
Heon who is braiding his own rope with better fibre at his bed looks at me worried before he focus back on his own sling saying:
"Then again, not like I ever seen what rain at the city is like. If the lower city rained, all of Neul will truly be submerged."
I back away from the window and rest on my bed asking:
"Is your place really that bad?"
Heon nods replying:
"Mm, that's why many vagrants still try to become petals and enjoy the middle class luxury despite the horrendous laws. If not that then there's the other Fams of the middle cities but good luck adjusting to their own ridiculous rules."
Heon fells deep into thought before he grips his unfinished sling and raise his hand up high shouting:
"But that will all soon change! We will unify the Republic from those Warring Hyungs and the flower nobles! My Hyung's dream will be achived and we will get my vengeance. It's killing many fishes with one spear."
"I see..."
(I really wish to ask how he will make the country better but I suppose I can do that after I finish my buseniss here first. Thinking about that...)
*knock* *knock*
"Harun Ssi, can we talk? It's about the operation tommorow."
*Click* *Rumble*
Aa she brought us back to our rooms, that's when I realize there's now a new door. Opening the door connecting both our rooms by sliding the walls apart, Harun respond to my question swiftly as she enters saying:
"Yes, how can I help?"
"Can you tell me about the city more? Wenju I mean. Your... King did say it is a symbol and your birthplace but is that all? It is some sort of fortress as well connecting north and south, is there perhaps some more history?"
"Of course, that city has been here before the Heavens descent and might be related to the ancients. You heard my fa- Lord said it before, those who control Wenju controls the peninsula. No matter where you are, all major road will pass through Wenju... Well, there is many ways to the north with advanced magic like the phoenix flying through or the Libera Church who can just teleport everywhere but Wenju is still the primary way from land."
"Hm? Does that mean you can easily fly across the mountains then? Or what about the sea? This is a peninsula right?"
"Not so, unless you're from Heaven or some other Advanced Nations, us mortals are pretty limited with our options. I'm not going to talk about the problems at sea but just the skies alone, simply put our flying transport can't really breach Wenju's surrounding plateau. Not only are there unpredictable blizzards at certain heights, even in good weather the turbulent winds are deadly for all drivers, the temperature are so cold it could freeze most supplies, and because of such an isolated location there are no permanent checkpoints. Just few of this hazards cause many to stay clear of the heights, and I won't be speaking of the monsters and dangerous nature. Many brave wind walkers died trying to make new checkpoints eachtime for traders and travelers."
*gulp*
It seems Heon has been listening to our conversation as he stops braiding his ropes asking:
"Wait, we're not going to travel through what you're saying right? I mean, Gwishin nim might survive but what about the rest? I mean me especially."
Harun rolls her eyes and sigh at Heon's question replying:
"Of course not, we already have a route for Wenju through a much safer passage in the lower mountains. Unlike the heights, this place is much more safer with permanent checkpoints and even villages we can camp."
"Phew..."
At the sigh of relief from Heon, I can't help but respect and admire the people at this mountain.
(And it also aligns with what Gangyi say about how hard it is to transport something from here back to Heaven).
"Hearing that makes me admire your tenacity for living in such a place. I can only imagine how your predecessors pave the road when no one was there."
Harun seems to agree as I see nod and smile replying:
"I agree, that's why we always respect elders be it from the mountains or from below. Even the people from the south east were once force to live on swamps with no place to land until they come together to build their dams and bridges, or the people of the north who collectively created canals to connect towards the Amdang river."
"It's always nice to hear things from the outside world. But now I'm curious, if that city really is so important, why didn't anybody come to help when the city was invaded?"
Harun's face darken with that question, she looks down replying:
"Why would they help? The Western Kings wanted the city for themselves, the eastern Kingdom is still furious when we refuse their aid during the coalition war, and the Republic being the Republic we have no capital to bargain with them. Let's just say, our predecessor also made many wrong choices back then not knowing the consequences."
Seeing her expression soured, I try to comfort her saying:
"I see, sorry for asking."
"Why do you need to be sorry? You are not to be at fault. This is something from decades ago before I was even born... But more than that, is that what you wish to ask? If so, I do hope you don't ask something so insignificant and take away my precious rest time."
"Hey I saw you smiling there, I know you enjoy some part of it. I seriously can't tell if you're trying to be polite or rude."
"I'm trying to be as forward as possible, dear guest. No need to look at me with such disdain."
I hold my face wondering what expression I'm made replying:
"D-Disdain? Well sorry I guess."
"If there's nothing else, please excuse me, dear guest."
"Hold on, why do you keep calling me dear guest but Heon with his name? I'm sure you heard me introduce myself or should know it no?"
*flinch*
Instead of Harun, the one who flinched is Heon instead.
"I mean don't tell me it's because I'm the dark spawn or vile creature."
"You have graciously answered your own question dear guest. If you would excuse me..."
Harun swiftly turns around and is about to leave but I hastily shout:
"Wait, just one more request."
*freeze*
"Please make it quick. It is getting quite late and we have a big day tommorow."
I carress my own cheek and try to feel my face move for a smile saying:
"A mask, no, give me a disguise if you don't mind..."
*************************************
*click*
"I'm surprised you have this mask."
Fitting perfectly like a snug, this new mask covered my face completely and perfectly fit the shape of my head.
"You meant that praying mask? Of course we do. It is a very common mask sold during spirit festivals in the south. If only you can describe it better rather than signaling like a deaf person that had undergone a lobotomy."
"I may not know what that means but I would really appreciate if you can hold back on your insults."
"I can assure you I still have my training gloves on. Especially for someone who's still asking for a kids toy."
(So this mask is a kid's toy huh, Seyong? Your taste is more youthful than I thought).
Ignoring Harun's venomous tongue, I turn my head left and right, I notice how the only visible part of skin is only my ears as this new mask.
(Not bad, with this I doubt those working for Sis at Wenju will recognize me in case I meet someone I know).
Brushing across my raven black hair as it slips my fingers, despite not really knowing how to take xare of such a long hair, it doesn't seem to lose its luster nor smoothness.
"Gwishin nim! Gwishin nim! We're about to depart- Woah, is that you Gwishin nim? I completely didn't recognize you."
Heon barges back into our tent as he brings news from the Lord and Harun seeing his act shakes her head in dissapointment saying:
"How typical of a brat, listen a young man like you must never barge into a woman's room like that. It is simply beyond rude and disrespectful."
"Aw shut up, privacy are only for the rich. Anyways, Gwishin nim, you have to watch my skills before we leave this canyon. I'm proud to say I have reach a whole new level."
Ever since I taught him to just imagine the sling like a kids dart, Heon have been making strides in improvement. Since he is not Owlian his limits is as far as the skies it seems.
"I see, then let's go see it."
Brushing aside the cover sheet, we are greeted by turbulent winds. The gust from the cloudy skies blows my hair to the side without even being able to settle down...
(I'm suddenly missing home).
Despite the weather, the soldiers or warriors below slowly break down their tents and campfire as the sun rise could barely be seen from such bad forecast.
"Gwishin nim! Over here! Watch this!"
"Um, I don't think this is a good time to show."
"This weak breeze isn't going to stop my killing technique!"
Despite such terrible disadvabtage, Heon slowly spins his sling. He has been training all night and it seems his determination is even more heavy than nature's breathe. With one rock dummy right across him, his eyes locks onto his target like a predator to its prey.
*snap* *boom*
Despite the turbulent current, Heon's shot cut through the gale and shatters stone dummy right where it stood...
(Did I turn him into quite the deadly warrior?)
"You see that Gwishin nim! I have have replicated your power shot! I call this technique... Meteor- No, no, no... It need to have more flare!"
"Well, would you look what you create. There is only so many warriors who could shoot against the winds. Especially not one so young."
Harun walks beside me with her long crimson hair blowing through her face, covering her entire head.
"Hey, you thaught him how to use qi and open his meridians. This falls on the both of us."
It seems she has finished breaking down our tents as I can only wish to bring such magic tools in my next travels. She tucks all the tent rods in her magic bracelet before replying:
"I'm just curious since he has the Sniper God Constitution. A once in a century genius so to speak."
"He's that amazing huh?"
"Normally those people wouldn't reach this far but that kind of genius only grows as much as the strongest warriors he knows. I can only imagine what if he born as one of Heaven's descendent... And since he has you, I can only imagine how he will grow."
"I'm sure he will grow wonderfully. And I feel like I'm falling behind."
"You are no different dark spawn, I never seen your constitution before but it's clearly those that is absolutely at the peak of strength. Then again, you're not human either."
(Huh? So she can see contitutions or whatnot? I never really bothered with it since Sis always tells me effort is more better than talent... But hearing her say that, reminds me of Mary saying she gave me the God killer constitution or something).
I raise my arms and open wide replying:
"Flattery won't get you anything but maybe a hug."
I can see Harun glaring at me through the gaps of her hair replying:
"Take one step further and I will detonate."
(Scary... And detonate? She will explode?)
"Then I'll take it! Praise me, Gwishin nim!"
Heon jumps into my arms as he gives me a big hug. Maybe he lost his fears of me but Heon seems to be much more comfortable with me ever since I taught him how to use a sling. I give him a head pat and look across the horizon as the dim light starts to shine on the grand bastion.
Unlike the devestated ruins I saw from the TV back at the guild, the citadel have been rebuilt and proudly display the flag of countless Swords crossing to form a flower it seems.
(Is that the flag of Geom?)
From my vintage up here, I could see countless armoured transport with cannons strap to their roofs stationed on the walls while countless soldiers patrol the area outside the walls. Our distance makes those transport look like jelly beans and the soldiers half a grain of rice, but despite that the walls of Wenju easily dwarfs them in comparison.
(Those walls alone are probably taller than the flying fortress Kokkan commands).
"Oh, right, you haven't see them from up here right? Hmm... I really wish I could shoot them from up here but I'm not strong enough yet and more importanly I can't really see the targets from this far."
Heon lets me go and crouches beside me to look at Wenju. I pat his head with a smile saying:
"Don't worry, you're a genius so I'm sure you'll reach that level soon enough."
"Hehehe... Ah right, Gwishin they are about to leave, this will be our final checkpoint. Next is Wenju! Hehehe, to think my first campaign would be taking the mightiest bastion of the Peninsula, after this no one will doubt my strength! Those traitors back home will know the true meaning of power!"
"Yea... let's go. Next stop, Wenju."
*************************************
Namju, their home base is located at the eastern fringes of the Ju mountain range, so much so if you looks behind or go to the crimson palace's back door, you are greeted by the vast and seemingly endless ocean. Going from one end to the centre has taken us around one week by foot since the terrain doesn't really support any land transport. But from what Harun says, one week is already considered very quick since it usually takes weeks or months even for the mountain tribes who lives here.
(Maybe I should teach Heon some footwork too? Since this is quite vertical terrain the rat technique would be perfect especially when we will be fighting in the rural areas too).
Marching through tight passages and climbing through steep cliffs, I start teaching Heon the foundation for the rat family techniques. Showing him how and demonstrating its uses and effectiveness, Heon slowly start to grasp how to utilize qi pretty quickly too.
"Woah, this is awesome! So that's why you always look like you're walking on walls."
"I think it's more apt to say crawling. But yea, the rat techniques are a big help when training in the forests too."
This whole new experience is one to be enjoyed for me. This is the first time I ever take a hike and climb mountains... Not counting that time when I'm fighting Jacky.
"Haha! Watch the Ju tribe climb! You all can eat my dust!", "Grrr! Don't let those show off beat us! Seorak tribes, show then what we highlanders can do!", "Hey, I'm bit too big for this squueze did any of you find any bigger passage?", "Then just climb with those using hooks.", "If only we have the jiri earth benders. Wait, isn't the princess traveling our path?", "Aahh... I wanna take a shit. But there's no pits.", "Don't you dare!", "Lock those hooks tightly now, we don't want to lose our warriors because they slip. Imagine how you're going to tell their families.", "Brr! This is not even the heights and it's still so cold.", "Maybe if your tribe would actually wear thicker clothes. Being distinct is important but safety is even more crucial.", "Hey, I wonder who that masked woman the King hired? Is she suppose to be our secret weapon or something?", "You kidding? An Owlian that thin and small? She would probably been blows away by the winds by now.", "You can say that again, and she even brought a little kid, this isn't a game!", "If you people have time to compalin, use that energy to climb faster!", "We, obey, Chief!", "If it's a secret weapon wouldn't the princess fit that role more perfectly. I wonder how she looks like?", "Anyone seen any monsters lately? Not having any games to eat really brings the spirit down.", "I'm pretty sure they should've returned ever since those famous Pioneers defeated the that Monster Champion. What was their name again?", "The Storm whatever she is. I do hope she could use her magic to blow this weather away."
Hearing the warriors tribes below making a ruckus as they travel, I'm starting to wonder from the vibe if we are foing to war or a field trip.
(But then again, this hike isn't so bad. The weather might not be nice but it's still a great experience. And it isn't really that exhausting).
Hearing someone approaching ne from the back I hear,
"I'm surprised how you two don't suffer from any altitude sickness on our travels despite being lowlanders. Those people asking for guides would throw up and pull back on the 2nd day."
Turning around, I look at her curious asking:
"Altitude sickness what's that? Is it like an Owlian sickness like diabetes?"
"Hmph, never mind."
"H-Hey, now I'm worried."
Watching over Heon slowly climb the way I taught him, Harun joins us on our climbs as we both take the gentle slope much higher than the warriors below. Harun follows close beside me as she watches my every moves before asking:
"You seem to know many technique from Heaven, especially from a different family. Isn't using different technique and mixing different qi cause you to deviate? I'm simply asking for the sake of the operations of course."
Harun seems to show interest as she uses rocks as a platform to carry herself but I can only answer:
"I don't know, I could always use different family techniques together before I lose my qi. I mean I could teach you if you want. Sis did say it all starts with how you cultivate."
Harun interest seems to be pique as she leans closer saying:
"If you're offering I won't refuse."
(Am I slowly getting closer?)
As I wonder about that, I keep sensing multiple people watching over us from beyond. Unlike the other warriors beloe us who are busy moving across this rough terrain, those people are sneaking and hiding from us, and their movement are different from the way the ohgranye swims trhough the walls. I wouldn't have notice them if it wasn't for my keen hearing but just to be safe...
"Say, Harun Ssi, are there any warriors who are suppose to be sneaking around and watching us? Are they perhaps the scouts Kagan sent ahead?"
"Of course not! If they're scouts they would be days ahead of us... I see. You might have better use after all, Dark Spawn. Pretend you don't notice them for now."
Harun's response is immediate and unexpected to say the least.
"Huh? Really?"
"Yes, just proceed to do what we're doing for now. I'll tell you our next course of action soon..."
Harun takes out a crystal and starts speaking through it saying:
"Fa- Lord Kagan, it seem the enemies have notice us. I suggest we pick up the pace... Understood."
Harun looks over to me as she keeps climbing before asking:
"How many people do you sense?"
"Around 7 spread across the top passages here at least. And more on the other passages, in total around 20."
Harun nods replying:
"Around 20 across the passages... That's... We obey."
Harun looks at me with a firm grasp of the situation and start saying:
"It seem this will be your chance to show your sincerity, Dark Spawn. Fa- Lord Kagan has given the task of taking care of their scouts to us. We will deal with all 7 of them here first before sweeping the area for more. And when we clear one area, the warriors below will hasten their advance, so let's make this quick."
"Oh? Is it time to show off my skills?"
Heon excitingly shout as he reaches a flat surface. I jump right beside him and start observing the terrain, formulating a path to reach all of those people as swiftly as possible.
"No, let me handle this. I think I should be done in a few minutes..."