"Everyone! It is with great pleasure to announce, Wenju is once more back to our grasp! Brother... I have avenged you! Let us celebrate!"
" "WENJU!" "
Raising his glass, Kagan addresses everyone with jubilation and spirit despite the wounds he have suffered. After returning to the city battered, bruised, and in the gates of death, he would've died by the swords of 2 King's blade if it wasn't for my ceasefire. Despite missing limbs, an eye, and ear, he is chugging down barrels with elder Baek while Heon sits on his shoulder wearing excessive amounts of jewerly from who knows where.
(I'm glad that my actions saved his life but I still can't feel relieve knowing that I still did that from my own selfishness... Also, did they divided the spoils already?)
I look to my side seeing Harun following close behind me, her expression seems to be much softer and lax compared to before, maybe its from reclaiming her homeland back but something tells me there's something more as she keeps stealing glances.
"I'm not planning on doing anything bad... But I suppose the path I wish to take does involve sacrifices."
"As I've been tasked to watch over you, I do mind what you wish to do on this mountains. But I suppose you did just help us reclaim our capital so I guess I will make sure not to be too harsh upon my judgement."
"So you're still going to be watching me? But better than nothing I guess?"
Harun turns her gaze away back toward Kagan who is now dancing despite with half his limbs missing. It looked weird but the passion is there just like when those Idols dance at the stadium.
"You said, you wish to have conversation with those 4 prisoners right? Speak as you wish, I'll be waiting out here. Also, the high priestess said she is willing to talk tommorow. If the Ancients trusts you, I suppose I can do so a tiny bit."
"Oh! That seems like great news. Alright then, enjoy the party."
(Ah... Right... Wait, when will they visit? Or contact them? But, No matter).
It is a moment of celebration, the dark clouds hanging above have disperse (thanks to my magic and that eclish man's attack). The sea of stars shine brightly beneath two dull moons and this reclaimed city. Atop the ruins, families and friends have been united. The sight of parents reuninted with their children, husbands embracing their wives, and friends lifting mugs and each other towards the sky for a toast with bright cheers and jubilation. As much as I want to chug down mugs of this foreign drinks and munch upon more foreign meals, I excuse myself by bringing in a huge bucket for myself and descend the ruined palace.
While the entire surface have been completely obliterated, the underground is still intact. The passages leading out of wenju have been blocked and sealed but the utilities inside are still perserved, such as the undergound dungeons. With a mix of water plumbing and sleucing, they have turned what it supposedly a sewer into a prison with bars where they could rise the water level inside each cell to their liking. Fortunately, most of the cells inside are empty, even after the occupation, those people from Geom don't seem to take any prisoner... Except for one special cage that have just been recently been occupied.
"Hehe, would you look at who's joining us on this pitiful parade?"
The mighty giant with one eye, the leader of the cyclops mercenary corps of Wodansen, Kahao sits hunched over thanks to the size of the cage. Yet, despite the small space, he seems amuse seeing his accomplices joining him in his new mission, he nudges at the bamboo hat warrior wearing an expensive robe that has been not only torned, but soiled by all kinds of dirt and dust. He is the one whose sword I have broke, a young boy hugging his knees like someone who've been bullied out of his house.
After forgetting about the warriors who tried to stop me at the gates of the throne room, we only found them during the cleaning process and I decided to let them go at the condition that their leader would stay and help me out since that is better than dying by the warrior's hands.
(I still don't know his name and I'm starting to wonder if he really is the leader? Also, everyone seem to look pretty young... Right, look young).
"Neigh..."
The beast-kin girl at the other side of this special cage looks at the pity party happening sighs. Neizhexue, another leader of her own mercenary corp lays down with all four legs folded to meditate...?
(I wonder what kind of beast-kin she is? Still have no clue. I mean, a full four legged body and another human half, does that mean she has 2 spine? Or just one really long one? And I still haven't got to see her face since she refuses to open her helmet).
"Sniff... Uwee..."
Neizhexue look at the last pitiful captor who is also hugging her knees bawling her eyes out, but instead of arms she has wings, and instead of a normal human legs, she has thin bird-like legs as well. With all her limbs resembling a bird but her torso and head, she is Xiayan, another leader of a mercenary group of bird-kins like herself.
Watching over the allies I have gathered, I decided to raise their spirit a bit.
Click
With the sound of the door being opened, the other inmates all look at me. Chomping and clamping down upon a massive meat, I watch over the my new allies and give them the bucket of food and drinks.
"Mhm, I brought you some food. They're delicious. Supposedly, local specialty."
I said as I lick some remains around my lips and can't help but be amazed how my fingers turn orange by the sauce. The first to react is Kahao leaning over, saying:
"Well, don't mind me then! Low lander food always interests me."
Despite his huge stature, he only takes a small leg for himself. Seeing him eat is like seeing someone eating something from a toothpick. It doesn't seem fulfilling. The bamboo hatted boy takes one of the empty bowls of his previous meal and scoops to drink silently. Neizhexue slowly rises and does the same while grabbing a few plates of food.
"Uweeeh..."
Xiayan seems to still be in distraught, though I can't blame her considering what I did. Bringing a portion for her, I kneel and give her a meal saying:
"Hey, look, if it really is that bad here I'll move you all to a better place soon. If things go well, Sis will probably let us rest at the jade palace back home... Assuming she forgives me, if not I guess I have to ask my... Master for some refuge."
"Hm?"
"Huh?"
"Uweh???"
Seemingly caught off guard by my statement, Neizhexue, the bamboo hat, and Xiayan looks at me daze as if wondering what I meant.
(Ah, right, I haven't actually introduce myself to the three).
Popping in a meal into Xiayan's gaping mouth, I slowly stand dusting the hems of my dress saying:
"Mhm, I guess I never properly introduce myself to the three of you... I'm Sova Anmao, a Silencer working directly under the Empress Yuwei Zihuang. I hope, you'll follow me diligently, and just to be clear, I'm a man."
"Wha!?"
"Huh...???"
"Mmmm!?!?"
(Aaah... Feels good to know they don't doubt me anymore. I dub you the good ring for now).
I present the ring to them and they seem to be surprised for different reasons.
"W-Wait, y-you're working directly for the Empress? T-Then-"
"Ah, well this is an indepent action Sis doesn't really know about. I mean for all I know she probably thinks I'm still dead... Or maybe not."
"S-Sis? So I wasn't hearing things."
The bamboo hatted captain finally speaks but I cut his sentence with my own answer, walking to the door where I could get a good look towards everyone I continue saying:
"I guess I only told this to Kahao but, all of you will be following me to conquer the Republic. I hope we will get along well."
"Y-You... Why did you have to bound me! Youdumbstupidexcuseofadumbhusband!!! You could've just tell me that!"
Xiayan kicks her meal in a desperate dash to grab the shawl of my dress, with bawling eyes and tears she shakes with her strong grip of her talons and I could only answer with,
"Sorry, but I guess it's a spur of a moment thing-"
"My life is not just some object you can just take like some weekday sale you stupid Hubby...!!!"
*grab*
"Uwweehh!!!"
Xiayan shakes me down more before Neizhexue drags Xiayan, forcefully tearing her talons away before saying:
"Shouldn't you be happy that you're moving to Central rather than out of the city? And for our new employer, I suspect you for being a greater deity from your accent but I didn't expect you to be at the top."
"Uwe? Oh..."
While Xiayan is opening her eyes wide as if she realizes something, I take the opportunity asking:
"Accent? Wait, can you explain more?"
"Hmph, either way, while you like to call yourself Sova, I hope you don't mind us calling you Suowa now would you?"
Neizhexue seems to ignore my question and answer with another question, leaving my curiosity aside I shake my head replying:
"Not at all. But now you'll be more willing to cooperate, right? I was hoping to see your face and know that bamboo hat's name."
I look back at the bamboo hat captain as he finishes his drink. Qiping the liquir from his mouth with his sleeves, he folds his legs saying:
"I'm Kim-Midu. Captain of the Twilight Sword company. Your strength is true, so I will follow you."
"Mm... What about you, Neizhexue?"
"Neigh..."
Neizhexue scoffs at me, folding her arms she looks down from her high standing, saying:
"Shouldn't you be showing your true face first?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'll only show my face when someone is willing to lower their masks first."
"Um, I think you might misunderstand, but this is my real face. I admit I may look a bit more feminine since young but I'm not wearing or changing anything now."
I pinch my own cheeks as to show I'm not wearing anything when Neizhexue sighs, folding her arms and looking away, replying:
"You think I wouldn't know you can transfigure your own face? You can definitely change and morph your body can't you?"
Hearing her speak, I'm reminded of all the transformation I did fighting those 3 and nod replying:
"Yea, but not all of it. Hm...!"
As if trying to get it out, I try to remember the sensation again before feeling my hair... Bubbling? When I open my eyes, my hair have turn raven black like when Harun casted the die.
"No way! Hrrrrgh!!!"
Clenhing my fists. I try to change again but the only thing I'm feeling is nothing...
"Um, Lord Suowa, what are you doing? Do you need to use the restroom?"
Kim-Midu asks, concerned apparant on his face but I quickly brush it off replying:
"What? No, I'm wondering if I can shorten my hair. Now that I think of it, I guess you can say, this appearance is more of a curse..."
(Now that I think about it, when was the last time I had to use the bathroom? Wait, WHEN was the last time I had to use the closet? No, no, no! Brush that aside from now!)
"Mhm! If you really don't want to show your face so be it. As long as you cooperate. Now, as for what-"
*crash* *Boom*
"Hey! Who are you!?"
"Are you another invader!?"
"Mighty brave of you to come here with just the both of you?"
"You think we're going to let you ruin this momentous occasion! To arms!"
Hearing quite the concerning ruckus happening above, I can't help but turn around.
"Hm? I hear quite the ruckus. Did Empress strike back already?"
Kahao ponders, but his idea was immediately shot down when Xiayan says:
"Are you sure that's possible when our new employer single handedly repel one of the black ships? They probably need to regroup and plan ahead, and even if they decided to strike again, the main super black ship is still under repairs from... Him and The Supreme Commander's Dispute."
Xiayan peeks at ne from behind her knees and I scrath my cheeks feeling ashamed of my action replyjng:
"Ahaha... Sorry about that, I didn't know our sparring could lead to such destruction. I though they said they only need a few weeks to fix that?"
"Foolish hubby! It took the old regime's fortune and the Empress' 3 more grueling years to finish remodeling that old relic! You think fixing that thing that has been split in half can be done in weeks? Well... Maybe if she use that wiz kid but I don't see it operating soon when he is on another frontier!"
(Hubby? Is that how the crane family calls their husbands?)
*rumble* *clammer*
"Oy, lowlander, drop your weapons, then we'll talk."
"Hah don't make such empty promises Elder Baek, you southern fools think we'll listen to your drivel after what you souther nobles did to our people!?"
"Bahahaha! Come now, Minji, a little bit of deceit always go a long way."
"Woah, is it finally time I get to unleash Pagoja?"
*murmur*
Hearing the situation worsen with some familiar voice, I walk away leaving the 4 behind saying:
"I'll release you when we're done with this city. Now let's see who is our surprise visitor."
Slowly I ascend the stairs, the sound of dispute and the roars of the livid and furious reaches their peaks as when I hear the surface erupted with battlecries. But amidst the chaos, I could pick up a familiar voice of a certain hero and princess.
"Quite different from the reception you told us we will get, Gisa Ssi. Mayne we should've brought that exile?"
"And cause them to shoot on sight instead? This is still within my calculation. Don't make any sudden movement."
(Gisa? Yoo-Gisa? And princess Mi-Ok?)
"This hatred persist before, what did those from the upper crust do anyways to warrant such hate?"
"Sadly I don't have spies in the fringes of the Kingdom, especially on that Guardian Traitor's old home. This is related to that traitor's father."
Hearing their voices, my foot stops, remembering my last conversation I had with both Gisa and Mi-Ok, I I decided to put on the mask for a new impression. I can't help but smile knowing I'm going to meet someone I know and my heart feels elated.
"To think you would show up now of all times. Always late to the party don't you Esteemed Hero?"
"Huh?"
"Hwo's there?"
"Ooh! Gwishin nim!"
"Gwishin?"
" "GWISHIN!!! GWISHIN!!!" "
" "WENJU!!!" "
A sonorous war cry echo across the whole ruined city, shaking the grounds, the warriors surrounding us cry for battle. Raising their mugs and clammorong their weapons. With fleeting steps, I surprise them by landing behind both Gisa and Mi-Ok. The two quickly takes a step back and before Mi-Ok reaches inside her sleeves, Gisa grabs her hand as to stop her. As the audience around settles down, I start asking:
"You know Yoo-Gisa Ssi, for someone who seems to know a lot of things, why are you always so late?"
"You... Who are you?"
As I'm waiting for him to ask that, I remove-
"Gwishin nim! Wait...! This is my time to shine! Let me do something I'm practicing for our debut! Please! Please! Please!"
(He practices something else other than the sling?)
Heon bumps bumps and stops me from removing my mask, clinging close like a child begging his mother for a toy, I reluctantly nod and let him.
"Yes!"
Heon draws a line in the ground with his feet, Heon points at himself shouting:
"Hahaha! You're looking at the man who will conquer the Republic! The big Hyung, Han Heon!"
"Han...? That can't be..."
Heon's smile creeps wider seeing Gisa who seem to be taken aback hearing his name before Heon then open his arms wide as to present me shouting:
"And before you, is the New Peak of the mountains! The God Slayer, and the second in command of my Fam,
Gwishin nim!"
" "GWISHIN!!! WENJU!!!" "
The other warriors chimes in with loud war cry, banging their weapons together.
"You better show some respect and bow the fuck down!"
(Wait, why is he practicing doing that? Are we actually going to do that now all the time? Also, shouldn't the vice leader be introducing the leader?)
Still, seeing him do that reminds me of the old tomes of what servants do to their lords. Patting his head, I ruffle his hair saying:
"Okay, that's enough, Heon. Let me talk to him."
"Dark spawn, you know those peolple?"
Walking close behind me, Harun asks with the King's Gaze watching closely behind his guards. I nod saying:
"Yea... This should be short."
I hand Heon to Harun and walk closer eubbing my ring. Wondering what the ring would urge me to say, Feeling a small vibration I start by saying:
"If you're looking for allies, you come to the wrong place, Yoo-Gisa Ssi."
Gisa looks at me now as he is certain about something, biting his bottom lips for a while he finally says:
"And why is that? You... You should know that we need to combine our strength if we wish to drive these invaders away right?"
The ring finally seem to resonate and compells me replying with,
"That is true, but a incompetent ally is worse than a competent enemy."
(Wait, what!? Explain!!!)
I seem to have struck a cord as I see Gisa clenches his hands with anger that it shakes. And I'm surprised by my own words as well when Gisa shouts:
"What do you mean by that!?"
"Then tell me, what have you changed? O Great Hero?"
Gisa seems to be at a loss for words, stabbed with ice cold daggers by what I said. Despite the praise and honorable title I call him, the sarcasm and attitude I never knew I could spit from my mouth makes my spine tingle.
"You're a failure. That is what you are."
"Hey, rivers don't split thrice. Watch your words or explain!"
"You dare threaten us, lowlander!"
"Hraaagh!"
The warriors around us clang and clamor their weapons in fury by Mi-Ok's attempt to defend Gisa, but I raise my hand as to stop them shouting:
"That's enough... If he won't, why don't you answer my question, princess? WHAT has changed? The north is still conquered, the south is devestated, and the mountains are falling to ruins... Until I came."
I gesture with my hand as if drawing a bow towards Gisa before saying:
"The best way to describe his existence would be, like a bow string. I admit I don't know much or anything, and I admit even I can tell the peninsula have changed, but nothing's different as the string you pull always snaps right back."
I release the imaginary arrow at Gisa and he seems to take my word deeply as he staggers, with eyes shaken and his face pale, he seems to realize something. I too seem to comprehend my own words as well. Despite what Gisa tries to do, this whole peninsula is still in shambles, a single person can only do so much. As I thought about my own words, I can't help but harkon that could this be what my deepest thought be? My gut instinct?
With that realization, like vomit it makes me spew even harsher words,
"If you know so much, why must the Guardian, the Colonel die? Why must the Owlians suffer even more? Or let's speak of the recent events. The Archduke Monster King Vessel, can't you predict that? Or where were you!? Oh, wait you probably can't and someone had to sacrifice their lives for it, fixing this God forsaken land, I can only imagine how much of the whole continent- nay the whole southern frontier would be lost. You have been given a miracle everyone could only dream and what did you do with it?"
Both Gisa and Mi-Ok, and not only them, the King Kagan and Harun seem to react at my words differently.
"I know not what your plan is but it clearly isn't working. Now go away, unlike you I know my limits-"
"That is why! Why... We need your help, you... You're the only one so far to be the one to make the Phoenix suffer their first defeat. You're the one who have changed fate! Is it wrong of me to ask for a better future for the ones we love!?"
This is the first time I hear his voice crack as he went to his knees which not only surprises me but Mi-Ok as well, he buries his head down shouting:
"I care not what you call me, you could even be the leader, all I ask is to please ask you to help this peninsula! I need... We all need your aid!"
Hearing his plea filled with all his heart, I decided to stop listening to the ring. Nodding, I turn my back to him saying:
"If... If you're so willing to prove yourself, Hero... Then I have a request."
"Whatever you say, I'll listen."
Not realizing how he is so willing to listen to me now, I decided to push him to one right direction at least.
"Your sister, Yoo-Sui, is a traitor of the highest degree. Get rid of her and I'll consider our cooperation."
"!?!!?"
"Wha!?"
Not even giving the two chance to ask, I continue saying:
"Why would I want an ally who can't differentiate a friend from a foe? Of course, I'm not so cruel as to ask you to kill your own family. Seal her, or imprison her and isolate with heavy surveillance, it is your choice. Or you could use that information to your advantage and strike her when she's at her most vurnerable. Until you get that done, get out of my sight, you're ruining the festivities."
I gesture the warriors to make way, and they all swiftly split apart. Hearing and seeing Gisa grab Mi-Ok and leap away, I see Heon now looks at me with his ruby eyes sparkling brighter than the stars. Like a kid who has seen his hero at a live stage, he comes to me giddy, shouting:
"T-That's awesome, Gwishin nim! You, you really might be ready for the our comeback!"
(What does he mean by that?)
Harun looks at me with worry and suspicion alongside Kagan who is being carried by some warriors. Harun sharpens her gaze as she says:
"I'm starting to worry if what you said back at the palace might be an act."
"I can assure you what I said to those Oghranje are true... Talking about them, when am I suppose to meet them again?"
Kagan shakes his head replying:
"Worry not, they will be the one to find you. Just make sure to be ready for reception."
"That's going to be quite the pickle."
*************************************
"You better have quite the fortunate excuse for running away, Kokkan-kun."
Deep inside a palace of white, hiding behind towering stack of bowls and plates like a fortress, a lady rests her weary self upon a dream-like garden behind her. Even with her face hidden behind the stacks of wares, her livid anguish is clear to all. The enigmatic ruler of the Phoenix Sector, Yuwei Zihuang speaks in her mother's native tongue without even giving a glance at the visitor as if she knew who have arrived.
"Of course, make sure our conversation comes out of the other ear, ArchDuke Dae-Song Ssi."
Warning the person sitting across her in their home language, a man in his late 60's with long hair reaching his knees nods as he awaits for her next wish and ponder why even asking when they speak a language he doesn't understand. It has been a few weeks since their conquest come to a grinding halt with the excuse of reorganisation and replanning. It seems everyone knows she's using it as an excuse to mourn for her brother's death.
Kokkan, a man of few words simply takes out a piece of gear and plays it,
(("Jaya? Is that you?"
" "W-Who are you!? How did you know my name?" "))
The slouching Empress ears perk as she heard a familiar voice and rises from her seat. Her disheveled tri-colour hair regains their luster like a rekindling ember.
(("Don't you remember, it's me, Sova. We met at the underground hospital remember? Ah, now I remember, you must be that slime girl that tried to escape right before Ptelophy caught you... I never actually get to know your name. As for you... I don't remember you..."))
Yuwei, as if pulled by an unknown presence, walks closer to Kokkan. Stepping over the flowers and pushing aside the thorns, she takes away the device from Kokkan's hand without a second thought.
While the person in question has slightly different features, his face and demeanor don't change.
"There are multiple reports and recording. Unless that thing takes his form, we can safely assume... He is alive... Though I suppose I should leave the decision to you, Yuwei-Sama."
Clutching the device close, she stares at the boy through the projection, saying:
"Personally, I believe this is him, but I'll still verify just in case. More importantly, where is he now?"
"Still in the recently liberated Wenju... While I may be the last one to speak this, are you simply going to let him off after causing us such a setback? While you know him personally, many harbors not such a favourable impression especially after our duel. And let's not speak of the lives the people of Geom lost in that defeat. While yes, thanks to the commander's swift retreat, many are spared most of the rear army have been devestated."
"Playing as the Snake's advocate, Kokkan-kun? Worry not... If he really is the real Sova, I can pinpoint his next moves in general. If this wind favors me, our strategy will remain the same, and I can stop revising and replan our next emdevour. In fact, we shall now begin the conquest of the Western Peninsula. The ships inside the Jaguar under-city is already in place, inform Fleet Admiral Ivankovich to take your orders."
Kokkan brows furrow from her words, with dissatisfaction apparent on his expression. Kokkan comments:
"From the way you speak, I might mistaken you not minding losing all our year long hard work in the north. And don't you think it is a bit foolhardy to stake so many of our crucial plans on a single person? The real question would be, why would we continue the western conquest if we're going to lose the north? And you should know how I feel on receiving rewards from defeat."
"Loosen your shoulders, Kokkan-kun. Lest I remind you why we're here in the north. And we have already achieve half of what we need here. If all goes to plan, Sova will unknowingly offer our desire in a silver platter."
"And what makes you think so? I hope you don't forget we spent the last month replanning because your so called "foolproof" plan almost went in smokes."
Curious Kokkan asks, and Yuwei's mouth twitch but continues to smile at the sparkling ocean of stars above the fluttering petals.
"I admit that is all faults on my part, and I'll take full responsibility. And for my excuse, it's simply because this is all such new things to me... In a language, you can understand Kokkan it would be pulling a Mythical Character you never knew you could even acquire from that old gachapon in Yamihara."
"That... Still..."
"But most of all, the reason I trust him so much to fulfill my wish is simply... Because he is such a good kid."
"That answers nothing... And a very poor choice of words considering Sova literally committed treason in all sense of the word."
"Well, if that won't convince you, then simply believe in me. Just like you always have... Of course, any misunderstanding you have is not my responsibility."
"Sigh... I'll take my leave then. I do believe this will desolve me of my punishments."
"Yes, you're excused. The Chancellors will be pleased as well."
Kokkan, regretting many of his choices, turns and walks away. As his black feather cloak flutters, Archduke Dae-Song, who is sitting awkwardly at the side listening, feels like a fisherman who can't even catch a fish with a wide net as the words flew over him in a sea of incomprehensible sounds. Like a ghost in his own house, present but unseen, curious to the relationship of those in the Empress' inner circle. And while he understand nothing he did heard Sova's name mentioned multiple time and met once at one of his worst blunder.
Remembering the sight of that little... Girl? Smashing his prized axe to dust and demanding with a cracked voice, he can't help but be glad he listened to his guts and follow her along. But, one thing he is curious is the Empress' fixation on this one individual. While history has proven an individual CAN single-handedly change the course of history, like the Supreme God Rucina himself as the most known example here, most of the time it is very unlikely even in this land where Gods walk among mortals... Nobody doesn't hold such sway even if they are Rucina's descendants or a monster born with a fate to swathe nations.