"So that's what happened?" Kon murmured, peeking out from under Yun Che's robe.
"Yup," Yun Che confirmed as he leaped effortlessly from tree to tree, his gaze fixed on the anomaly flickering on his radar. "I left that day so she wouldn't have to keep up the charade. But I didn't expect her to still hold onto the certificate."
"Seems like that cookie might actually care about you," Kon mused. "I mean, why else keep it? She could've just destroyed it if she didn't want anything to do with you."
Yun Che gave a small, wry smile. "Not me, really. She cared for the original Yun Che, the guy who should've been here, who she was supposed to marry. His soul tried to fuse with mine, but the System obliterated it, leaving me his memories and items: the Sky Poison Pearl, Mirror of Samsara, and his divine medicine knowledge. The System removed his memories, kept me whole—just me in this body, with his legacy."
"Poor guy," Kon said with a sympathetic sigh. "Got wiped out and left his whole life behind."
Yun Che nodded thoughtfully, silent as he continued through the trees.
"I know. The guy had it rough," Yun Che admitted, his voice softened with a rare touch of empathy. "It's even worse that I ended up vaporizing his soul after his devastating second life. The least I can do now is live the life he wanted, even if it means dealing with that icy wife of his—and probably a few more frosty encounters down the line." He chuckled, recalling all the future "popsicles" he was bound to meet, thanks to his inside knowledge.
Kon snickered. "Yeah, sucks to be you."
"Yup, sucks to be me," Yun Che said with a smirk.
"So, where exactly are we headed?" Kon asked, noting how Yun Che had been quick to dash off. "You seemed pretty eager to leave that cookie behind."
"Honestly, I was grateful for the system notification. Saved me from a tough conversation back there," Yun Che sighed, glancing down at the message again. "She was starting to poke around, getting too close to figuring out who I really am. If I told her, she'd probably freeze me solid just for laughs—or to make sure I wasn't lying." He sighed again, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes as he read through the details of the notification.
--------------------
[Ding, Side Quest Activated]
[Hundreds of Anomalies have been detected 150km from your current position. Investigate.]
XP: 250,000
SP: 35,000
Reward: None
------------------------
"Hundreds of anomalies?" Kon's voice dripped with surprise.
"Check your radar," Yun Che replied, picking up speed.
Kon pulled up his own display and immediately his eyes went wide. "Heh!? You're right—there's hundreds of them, chasing down multiple dots. Looks like some small group of cultivators getting hunted. But still, why does this feel like a matter of their own squabbles?"
"Anomalies usually mean these things aren't human," Yun Che said, his tone sharpening as he focused. "The system wouldn't waste time on petty conflicts, but a side quest with a target this big? Something's up. I could ignore it, but I'm knocking out every side quest I can find."
With that, Yun Che pushed forward, speeding towards the rendezvous point as the radar flashed urgently, the unknown entities closing in on their targets.
-----------------------------
In the distance, the chaotic scene unfolded with a surreal intensity. A dense wave of hollows, both grounded and airborne, bore down upon a small group of mounted knights escorting a single, regal carriage. The carriage, constructed from platinum-gold with intricate and foreign designs, stood out as an artifact of elegance amidst the chaos. Its ornate craftsmanship hinted at an origin beyond the Profound Sky Continent, emphasizing the strangeness of this encounter.
The knights, clad in military-style uniforms, were no less striking. Their attire—a deep purplish navy-blue jacket adorned with golden epaulets, fringes, and intricate braiding—spoke of a highly organized and formalized force. Dark gloves completed their ensemble, adding an air of precision and discipline. Yet their uniforms were alien in this land, an anomaly that further deepened the mystery surrounding their presence.
The group fought valiantly against the relentless hollows. The captain, wielding a finely crafted blade, shouted orders above the cacophony of battle. His sword slashed cleanly through one of the hollows lunging at them, though the effort seemed futile against the sheer number of foes.
"Damnit! These white mask beasts are too much!" he roared as his men fell back, hastily erecting a shimmering barrier to buy precious seconds. The knights unleashed bursts of fireballs and other offensive arts, but their attacks were woefully inadequate against the larger hollows, whose mask-like faces deflected or absorbed the assaults with ease.
One knight, his uniform bloodied and torn, staggered alongside his comrades. "Escort the princess! Don't let them get close!" he shouted, his voice hoarse with desperation.
The captain echoed the command. "Protect the carriage at all costs! Don't let these beasts lay a finger on her!"
Another knight, panting heavily, glanced over his shoulder at the towering Menos Grande among the hollow swarm. "They'll catch up at this rate! We've already lost five men to them!"
"These things are relentless!" cried another, his arm visibly trembling as he raised his weapon.
"What do they want with us?!" a heavily injured knight yelled in exasperation, his voice cracking with fear.
Inside the ornate carriage, the atmosphere was fraught with tension and despair. A young woman, her aura both regal and sorrowful, huddled against the richly upholstered interior. The masked princess, dressed in an elaborate pink gown with layers of fine fabric that flowed like waves, clutched the edges of her large bonnet hat in trembling gloved hands. Her arms were thoroughly bandaged. Her face was obscured by a delicate yet mysterious mask, which only heightened the aura of fragility surrounding her.
The hollows' relentless pursuit seemed unnaturally drawn to her presence, their maddened fervor echoing with every thundering step and shrieking howl. Despite the barrier and the knights' valiant efforts, their numbers dwindled alarmingly, each casualty weighing heavier on the princess's conscience.
"Princess! Keep your head down!" one of her attendants urged, pulling her close in a protective embrace.
Tears streaked beneath the mask, her voice breaking as guilt poured out in trembling sobs. "I am sorry… I am sorry… I am sorry… Everyone died because of me… Please.... leave me to my fate and save yourselves!"
The large pink dress, so immaculate before, was now crumpled and wrinkled from her desperate movements, a stark contrast to the carnage outside. Her words cut through the air, a plea as much as a lamentation.
"Princess! Get it together! Saving you is our top priority!" the second attendant shouted, trying to shake her from her spiraling despair.
The knights outside shared the sentiment, their voices echoing with defiant resolve despite the dire situation. They fought not just for duty but out of unwavering loyalty to their princess, determined to protect her no matter the cost. Yet, within the carriage, the masked princess's heart ached, torn between her desire to survive and the unbearable guilt of seeing her protectors fall one by one.
"Captain Bellous! at this rate, they'll catch up soon enough!" One of the knights shouted.
The captain, his face grim and determined, scanned the battlefield with sharp eyes. The open plains offered no cover, and the relentless onslaught of hollows only increased. They needed a strategy, a lifeline—anything to buy time or create distance from the beasts. His gaze locked on the forest in the distance, its dense canopy a haven compared to the exposed terrain.
With urgency in his voice, he shouted, "The forest… enter the forest! The trees will slow them down!"
The knights exchanged wary glances, hesitation flashing across their faces. The forest was dark and unfamiliar, its shadows menacing in their own right. Yet, the captain's tone brooked no argument.
"Stop hesitating! Go!" he barked, spurring his horse forward. His command was absolute, a desperate gamble for survival.
The men rallied, their loyalty outweighing their fear. With a collective shout, they turned their horses toward the looming forest. The knights riding in formation shielded the carriage as best they could, their bodies forming a protective barrier against the incoming hollows.
"Keep moving! Don't look back!" the captain roared, leading the charge into the dense woods.
The forest loomed closer, its towering trees and underbrush promising to hinder the hollows' pursuit. But even as they approached the treeline, the creatures' relentless howls echoed behind them, a chilling reminder that their respite would only be temporary.
-------------------
Yun Che arrived at a vantage point overlooking the chaotic battlefield, his movements precise and deliberate. He slung his HDR Sniper Rifle into position and, with a sharp twist, removed the silencer. "Guess I won't need this anymore," he muttered, his voice calm despite the rising tension.
Drawing one of his Seele Schneiders, he activated its glowing blade, the energy humming faintly in the air. With a swift slash, he carved a large, flat surface from a nearby rock, creating a stable platform. Setting the sniper rifle down, he deployed its bipod stand to secure his aim.
"Che... what did they do to piss off that many hollows?" Kon asked, his tone equal parts incredulous and impressed as he took in the overwhelming swarm converging on the convoy below. The situation was spiraling out of control, and even with the treeline in sight, the group wouldn't make it at this rate—especially with the Menoses improving their cero aim.
"No idea," Yun Che replied, his focus on adjusting the sniper scope. The glow of the rifle's barrel reflected in his sharp eyes as he loaded the magazine with precision. "Kon, take out the Menoses. A clean shot through their masks should do the trick. Leave the smaller ones to me."
Kon leapt into action, his confidence unwavering. "Piercing their heads? Easy. Watch Kon-sama work his magic."
Yun Che exhaled, steadying his breath as he aligned the scope. His target was clear—maximum damage, piercing through as many hollows as possible with each shot. "Let's hope they make it to the forest," he muttered, his finger tightening on the trigger.
"Yosha!" Kon shouted, his voice brimming with confidence as he transformed into a streak of golden light, shooting straight toward the towering Menoses. His power, now far surpassing the Spirit and Earth Profound Realm, allowed him to pierce their masks with ease. The first Menos collapsed as his light pierced through its mask, shattering it effortlessly.
One after another, the massive creatures fell under Kon's relentless assault. His golden streak weaved between them, each piercing strike precise and devastating. Explosions followed as he released powerful fireball bombs, each blast creating fiery shockwaves around the Menoses. The soldiers below could only stare in awe, their disbelief growing with every monster felled by the brilliant light.
"What... is that? A divine being?" one soldier whispered, watching as Kon's fireballs, now akin to large bombs, destabilized even the largest of the creatures. The Menoses struggled to retaliate against his speed and strength.
Yun Che, observing from his vantage point, couldn't help but nod in approval. "Not bad, little bastard grown stronger," he muttered, his eyes tracking the chaotic battlefield. However, something gnawed at his curiosity as he turned his gaze toward the carriage. Its luxurious design and foreign aesthetic, combined with the ornate clothing of the knights, stood out starkly against the typical Blue Wind Empire styles.
"Hmmm… a carriage like that… it reminds me of Little Yue's," he murmured to himself. "A princess, maybe? But from another empire? What are they doing here, in the Blue Wind Empire? And that crest…" He squinted, studying the unfamiliar emblem adorning the carriage. "Not one I recognize. Could they be from somewhere beyond the Profound Sky Continent?"
Pushing the thoughts aside, Yun Che flipped the safety off his HDR Sniper Rifle, the click sharp and resolute. "Whoever they are… they're being chased by thousands of hollows. That's reason enough to give them cover fire." He steadied his aim, his finger hovering over the trigger, ready to unleash his own storm of destruction.
As the knights galloped toward the forest, their exhaustion was palpable. Their swords swung tirelessly at the smaller hollows that managed to close the gap, but it was clear they were reaching their limits. Captain Bellous barked orders to maintain formation and keep the carriage at the center of their defense. The masked princess sat silently inside, her trembling hands clasped together as her attendants tried to calm her.
Suddenly, the first thunderous boom echoed across the battlefield. The soldiers froze momentarily, their ears ringing from the sound.
"What was that?!" one of the knights shouted, glancing around wildly.
Before they could identify the source, a distant hollow's mask exploded, the creature dissolving into ash. Another boom followed, and another hollow collapsed, its terrifying charge cut short.
"This…" Captain Bellous shouted, his sharp eyes scanning the hill in the distance. The faint glow of aqua light confirmed it. "There! On top of that hill!"
The soldiers' spirits surged. "Someone killing them from a distance? He's killing them from there? That's impossible!" one soldier exclaimed as another hollow crumbled into nothingness.
As the booms continued, the soldiers saw hollow after hollow obliterated in rapid succession. Each shot landed with precision, striking the masks of the creatures no matter how far or fast they moved. Even the Menoses—towering and terrifying—began to fall as glowing bullets pierced through their masks with frightening efficiency.
The soldiers could hardly believe their eyes. "Those things… they're being annihilated!" one knight said, slack-jawed as three hollows fell simultaneously to a single glowing bullet.
Captain Bellous didn't waste the opportunity. "Keep moving! The forest is our goal!" he bellowed, spurring his horse forward while the others redoubled their efforts. "Whoever they are. They're giving us a chance—don't squander it!"
Inside the carriage, the masked princess winced with each deafening boom that rang out across the battlefield. Her attendants huddled close, shielding her as best they could, though their expressions were now a mixture of fear and awe. The green-haired princess, her emerald locks spilling over her shoulders, couldn't ignore the pull of her heightened senses. Something—someone—was out there.
Suddenly, her turmoiled heart began to settle, as if a soothing presence wrapped around her soul. It wasn't anything visible, yet she could feel it deeply, a resonance within her very being. Her energy seemed to harmonize with something—an essence so pure, it quelled the chaos swirling within her.
She had felt this before. In her dreams, there had been fleeting moments where she had sensed a presence—gentle, serene, and unyieldingly calming—dancing with her as though their spirits were entwined. Those dreams had been her solace, a fragment of peace amidst her struggles. Now, that same feeling was back, as vivid and as radiant as ever.
The masked princess clutched her chest, her breathing steadying as the turmoil dissipated like mist under sunlight. This is it, she thought, the reason I left the safety of my Empire. The reason I braved this foreign land.
Her resolve grew firm. Whatever this presence was—this harmonizing, calming force—it was what she had been seeking all along.
She slowly leaned toward the small window, her masked face peeking out as her senses honed in on a distant figure. Her sharp eyes, enhanced by her unique ability, discerned a man standing atop a cliff. His stance was steady, his silhouette strong and commanding. He wore clothing unlike anything she had ever seen—foreign, functional, and strangely modern. Yet it wasn't his appearance alone that captivated her.
"That man…" she whispered, her voice tinged with wonder. "Who is he? Such powerful energy and presence... Yet so calming and pure."
Her words drew her attendants' attention, but before they could respond, another thunderous boom echoed, causing them to flinch. Outside, the soldiers shouted in shock as another hollow crumbled to dust, its mask shattered with pinpoint precision.
Yun Che, oblivious to the princess's gaze, ejected another hot casing from his HDR Sniper Rifle. The metallic clink of the shell hitting the ground was lost in the chaos, immediately followed by the satisfying click of a fresh round sliding into place.
The next shot rang out, louder than the last. The unsuppressed rifle barked with a deafening roar, reverberating across the valley. Another hollow fell, its towering form disintegrating as the bullet pierced its mask with unerring accuracy. The recoil barely phased him, his body steady and trained, as if this kind of high-stakes combat was second nature.
Each shot felt like a lifeline to the convoy, a shield that kept death at bay. The green-haired princess continued to watch, her breath catching as she felt the waves of energy emanating from the man. It was unlike anything she had encountered before—powerful yet tranquil, a stark contrast to the chaotic destruction he unleashed upon the hollows.
Meanwhile, outside, Captain Bellous and his men were spurred on by the expert's relentless barrage. Another hollow crumbled as a glowing bullet pierced through three masks in a single line, the sheer force of the shot obliterating the creatures with ease.
"Whoever this expert is, his accuracy is beyond anything I've ever witnessed!" Captain Bellous shouted, his awe clear in his voice. "Keep moving! Don't let his efforts be in vain!"
The soldiers, reinvigorated by the display of power, fought with renewed determination, their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that someone was watching over them. Yet, even as they reached the edge of the forest, their eyes kept drifting toward the cliff, where the figure remained steadfast, unleashing destruction upon their pursuers with surgical precision.
As Yun Che ejected another casing from the HDR Sniper Rifle and wincing about the recoil, he peered through the scope and spotted the royal convoy disappearing into the safety of the forest. The soldiers, battered but alive, managed to push through the relentless tide of hollows. The carriage vanished into the shadows of the tree line, marking the end of his responsibility to cover them.
Kon's fiery bombardment above and Yun Che's sniper precision had cleared the way, ensuring their survival. Yet, as the convoy escaped, something else emerged in his view—a fresh wave of hollows, their numbers swelling to the thousands. Menos Grandes loomed among them, their towering forms casting ominous shadows over the battlefield.
Yun Che narrowed his eyes, realizing the HDR Sniper Rifle wouldn't be enough against this overwhelming horde. He exhaled slowly, letting the smoking rifle hang on its bipod. "Well, that was fun while it lasted."
As the convoy pushed past the danger zone, Yun Che's mind raced. He had been keeping his power in check, limiting himself to just covering the convoy from afar, but now it was time to unleash his full strength. The danger zone had been marked by the system, and now that they were safely beyond it, the time had come for him to go all out.
"Dude, they passed the tree line border. Get back here!" Yun Che called out to Kon, who was still fighting the smaller hollows.
Kon flitted towards him and the hollows began chasing him. As Yun Che scanned the horizon, his mind honed in on the thousands of hollows that were still relentlessly pursuing the convoy. There was no time to waste.
With a single motion, Yun Che materialize his eight-point glowing aqua spirit bow, a weapon he hadn't used in some time. It had been forged during the Azure Dragon's test, a symbol of his power that he used to wipe out large number of targets. This was that moment.
"Now, it's been a while since I stacked up kills with this," Yun Che murmured, drawing the Ginrei Kojaku that he never used since the Azure Dragon skirmish. He aimed and shot three glowing arrows, which streaked through the air and instantly decimated a handful of hollows. Without missing a beat, he pulled another set of arrows and loosed them, filling the sky with a barrage of deadly projectiles that tore through the advancing beasts. Hundreds of hollows fell in a matter of seconds, their bodies crumpling to the ground as their twisted forms were obliterated.
Kon winced as several of the arrows veered too close for comfort, and before he could complain, he was hit by one of the stray projectiles.
"Teme! You hit me on purpose!" Kon yelled, his voice indignant as he rubbed his fur-covered head.
"Shut up! No one asked you to be in the line of fire!" Yun Che barked back, his focus unwavering as he drew another round of arrows from his quiver.
With a swift pull of the string, the next volley of arrows shot forth, filling the air like a deadly storm. The barrage was so intense that it seemed to sweep away the hollows with ease, as though the beasts were nothing more than insects caught in a bug spray.
"Look, the beasts…" one of the men in the convoy exclaimed, pointing as the glowing aqua light on the hill illuminated the scene. His voice carried awe and disbelief. While they had struggled to deal with a dozen or so of the masked beasts, this mysterious expert was wiping out thousands in mere moments.
Captain Bellous' eyes widened as he caught sight of the dazzling light. "Who is that expert?" he shouted, clearly in awe of the one man who was single-handedly turning the tide of the battle.
As the glowing arrows continued to fly like a rain of destruction, the soldiers on horseback could only watch in stunned silence as the mass of hollows seemed to evaporate before their eyes.
"More of them coming!" one of the soldiers shouted urgently, spotting fresh waves of hollows emerging from the distance, undeterred by the carnage already strewn across the battlefield.
Yun Che glanced over his shoulder at the approaching storm. The fight wasn't over yet, and as long as there were enemies to eliminate, he wasn't about to slow down. His Ginrei Kojaku hummed with energy, ready to unleash another round of destruction.
"I wonder who that person is, to be able to draw so many of these things to them." The thought lingered in his mind, but for now, his attention was solely on the task at hand—protecting them and clearing the path ahead.
"Litch Regen!" Yun Che called out as he shot to the heavens, ensuring his arrows rained down relentlessly without pause. The hollows, some in the air, others on the ground, were all caught in the torrent of arrows. There was no escape. In a matter of seconds, the beasts crumbled into dust, their forms disintegrating under the sheer force of the attack.
The sky was filled with a dazzling cascade of glowing arrows, falling like a divine judgment from the heavens. Each arrow, imbued with his energy, descended like a storm, cutting down the thousands of hollows with deadly precision.
Captain Bellous watched in utter disbelief as the massacre unfolded before his eyes. He dropped his sword, unable to comprehend what he was witnessing. "Impossible… Hundreds of them vaporized…" His voice trembled in awe. The enemy that had seemed like an insurmountable threat moments ago had been obliterated as if they were nothing more than insects.
"An expert! A powerful expert!" One of the soldiers shouted, his voice full of reverence. "He covers us from the distance!" The realization spread like wildfire among the remaining men: they were no longer alone, and their savior had struck from afar, wielding power beyond their understanding.
The masked princess, still inside the carriage, had been trembling in fear when she heard the chaos outside. But as the dust settled and the eerie silence filled the air, she slowly raised her head. Her eyes widened as she recalled the figure of the mysterious expert, whose power had swept through the battlefield like a storm. Her heart raced as she remembered the aura, the energy she had felt that night when he had first saved her from despair, though at the time, she hadn't been able to make sense of it.
"He… saved us?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.
Captain Bellous, now standing outside with his soldiers, turned toward the princess. He could see the wonder in her eyes and immediately nodded. "We have to find him. We must thank him. Without his help, we would have surely perished."
He signaled his remaining soldiers to prepare as he mounted his horse, galloping towards the hill where the mysterious expert had unleashed the volley of arrows. The aura of the glowing weapons still lingered in the air, a testament to the power that had just been unleashed.
"Let's go," Captain Bellous urged, his voice filled with gratitude. "We owe him everything. Let's find him and show our thanks."
As the group made their way toward the hill, the masked princess watched from the carriage, her heart racing with anticipation. She had felt the connection to that energy, a pure and calming aura that resonated with her own. She had been searching for this power, and now, she might finally get the chance to meet the person behind it.
The mysterious expert, whose arrows had fallen from the heavens like a divine retribution, had saved them all. The question that remained now was: who was he?
--------------------
As the two stood by from the aftermath of the battle moments before, Kon couldn't help but look back at the desolation Yun Che had left behind. Thousands of glowing arrows had rained down like divine retribution, annihilating the hollows with pinpoint precision.
"Sugoi! You should've used that from the start!" Kon exclaimed, his voice brimming with awe.
Yun Che smirked, casually slinging the Ginrei Kojaku over his shoulder. "And risk my arrows raining down on those people? No sir. The only reason I used it was because they moved past the danger zone. Should be safe to let loose then. Besides…" He grinned mischievously, "I owe them for gathering up almost two thousand targets. Perfect for stacking kills on my Ginrei Kojaku."
==============
[Ding…]
[Ding... Ginrei Kojaku Kill Count: 37,788/100,000]
==============
"A solid 3000 plus kills. Still needs a lot, but hey, not too shabby in my opinion," Yun Che added, his smirk widening as he admired the progress on his weapon before storing his Ginrei Kojaku.
Kon shook his head, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Bastard… That's the only reason you helped them, huh?"
"Come on, give me some credit." Yun Che shrugged. "You took down a dozen Menos and saved them from getting obliterated by Cero attacks. I'd say we made a pretty good team."
Kon puffed out his chest proudly. "Fine. Kon-sama is strong enough to take down a dozen of those tall freaks! But seriously, why didn't you just use that big thing?" He gestured at the HDR Sniper Rifle strapped to Yun Che's back.
Yun Che glanced at the weapon and explained, "This thing is effective within 1500 meters, tops. Beyond that, it can't pierce their thick masks reliably. Those hollows were over 3000 meters away. That's why I needed you to handle the Menos while I took care of the smaller pests chasing those people."
Kon huffed, clearly reluctant to admit it, but the satisfaction in his expression was unmistakable. As Yun Che slung the HDR Sniper Rifle over his shoulder and turned to leave, Kon leapt onto his perch on Yun Che's shoulder. Despite the rifle's deafening boom and intense recoil, its piercing power had exceeded expectations, and Kon couldn't deny its effectiveness. Thanks to Yun Che's formidable physique, he wielded the weapon with ease, handling its raw power like it was second nature.
"Alright, let's get out of here. I'm starving," Yun Che announced.
With that, the duo disappeared from the area, leaving behind a battlefield strewn with shattered masks and vanquished foes. Above the desolation, the quiet sky seemed to whisper gratitude to the enigmatic savior who'd come and gone like a fleeting shadow.
----------------
As they arrived at the mysterious location, the remnants of a battle lay silent under the dimming sky. The ground was littered with remains of strange creatures slowly vaporizing into smaller particles, their bodies still faintly glowing from the energy of the arrows that had obliterated them. The flat, cleanly sliced rock stood as the only marker of the mysterious expert's presence.
The captain scanned the area, his voice sharp with urgency. "Did you find him?"
One of the soldiers, battered and weary, shook his head. "No, Captain. Whoever he was, he's long gone."
Before further questions could be raised, the soft rumble of wheels announced the arrival of the platinum-gold carriage atop the hill. The captain immediately turned, rushing to meet the masked princess. Her hands trembled slightly, clutching the edges of her ornate robes, her masked face betraying only the faintest hints of fear.
"Princess! We're saved!" Captain Bellous's voice carried both relief and awe. "An expert eliminated the beasts. If you had seen it—countless glowing arrows filled the sky, each finding its mark perfectly. Even the massive ones that towered over buildings didn't stand a chance."
The masked princess took a shaky breath, her voice soft but clear. "Really? He saved us…? Thank you… whoever you are. Thank you…"
Her attendants rushed to console her as she steadied herself. With Captain Bellous's guidance, she stepped out of the carriage, her gloved hand in his for support. As her eyes scanned the kneeling soldiers around her, she began to notice the gaps in their ranks.
"I… I don't see Sir Hallous," she whispered. Her voice quivered. "I don't see Sir Douglas… or Sir Luka…"
The realization hit her like a blow. Her hands rose to cover her masked face as grief overtook her. These were not just knights—they were her protectors, her guardians. They had given their lives to shield her from harm.
A mournful silence fell over the group, the weight of their loss pressing down on everyone present.
"I am sorry, everyone suffered because of me. Everyone followed my whims to come to this realm. Just for the sake of fulfilling a pure feeling that led me here. Everyone fell to protect me. If I stayed in the palace. Everyone could still be alive." The masked princess begins to cry and supported by her attendants.
The moment the princess removed her hat, a gust of wind carried her teal hair, framing her soft face as two furry ears twitched slightly atop her head. The soldiers froze in stunned silence, their gazes locked on her trembling figure. Holding her large bonnet hat in front of her with both shaking gloved hands, she faced them, her voice laced with despair.
"Why… why did you choose to protect me? All of you could have saved yourselves!" Her words cracked as her emotions spilled over. "Why would you risk everything for someone like me—a lowly mixed blood, cursed upon this world?"
Her pink dress fluttered in the wind, a stark contrast to the sorrowful weight in her voice. She looked at the ground, unable to meet their eyes, her tears glistening as they fell. "The only reason I am alive is because of my spiritual powers… and my title as the Empire's princess. If not for that, I'd be no different from the other beastfolk, scorned and discarded like I was nothing."
Captain Bellous stepped forward, his voice resolute. "Princess, don't speak such words! To call yourself a curse—it's absurd! If blame must be placed, then it falls solely on me as your captain. I failed to protect you properly. Please, execute me for my failure!"
"No, execute me!" another soldier shouted, his face full of anguish.
"Princess, my failure is unforgivable as well. Please, let me bear the punishment!" cried yet another soldier.
"Stop it!" The princess's voice rang out, sharp yet choked with pain. She clenched her hands against the bonnet she held, tears streaming freely now. "Please… I didn't mean for any of this. I don't want anyone else to die for me. I don't deserve this protection, not when so many lives have been lost because of me."
Her voice cracked further, a raw cry escaping as she continued. "We left with two dozen men… two dozen brave knights who believed in me. Now only a handful of you are left. All this for what? To fulfill my selfish desire to find the source of that pure aura… that mysterious presence that came to this realm two years ago!"
The soldiers were silent, their guilt mixing with her anguish, none daring to speak again. The weight of her confession hung heavy in the air, each word cutting through the soldiers' loyalty and their shared grief. The princess, trembling yet determined, stood as a heartbreaking image of a leader weighed down by loss and the cruel judgment of the world.
"Princess! Don't say things like that!" Captain Bellous declared, his voice filled with conviction. He knelt before her, placing his hand over his heart. "We pledged to protect you, and we will honor that pledge until the end of our lives."
The other soldiers, despite their exhaustion and injuries, followed their captain's lead, kneeling in unison. Their collective vow echoed with unwavering loyalty. "Your Highness, we are your shield and sword. Do not doubt our devotion."
The princess clutched the bonnet in her hands, her teal hair framing her tear-streaked face. "But... those creatures came for me," she murmured, her voice shaking. "So many lives were lost because of me…"
She raised her head, her glistening eyes filled with a mix of guilt and determination. "But I cannot lose hope. I have to stay strong—for my father, for the Empire. One day, beastmen will live alongside humans, and we will flourish. I must believe in that future."
Captain Bellous rose to his feet, his expression resolute. "Your Highness, the men who fell did so with honor. They died protecting what they believed in—you. Don't let their sacrifice go to waste. I, as Captain Bellous of the Bellous family, vow not only to protect you but to ensure that our people come to see the true you. One day, Your Highness, the resentment will fade, and they will know your worth."
Moved by his words, the princess pressed her gloved hands to her chest, her heart aching with gratitude. "Captain… thank you. Thank you, all of you…"
Her attendants stepped forward to offer her comfort, holding her gently as she collected herself. Yet her mind wandered back to the figure she had seen—the man who had stood on this very spot, radiating an aura of pure, untainted energy. The memory of him stirred something deep within her.
"That man…" she whispered, her voice tinged with reverence. "Did you find him?"
The princess approached the flat, sliced rock, her steps slow and deliberate as her gloved fingers brushed against its surface. "So, he was here," she murmured, her tone filled with awe. "I didn't imagine it… He saved us."
Clasping her hands together, she closed her eyes, silently thanking the mysterious man. She tried desperately to hold onto the memory of his silhouette, refusing to let it slip from her mind.
The captain stepped forward, holding out an unfamiliar object. "We didn't find him, Princess," he said solemnly, "but we did find this."
In his hand was a strange, slender mysterious object—an otherworldly object that radiated an almost imperceptible hum of energy. It was the Seele Schneider, the tool Yun Che had used to carve the flat surface of the rock for his rifle.
The masked princess gazed at the unusual weapon in his hands, her attention drawn to the glowing five-point pentagram etched on its surface. Its light pulsed faintly, as though alive with a power she couldn't comprehend. "This crest… Could this be the mark of the man who saved us?" she wondered aloud.
Captain Bellous turned to his soldiers, his voice sharp and commanding. "Does anyone recognize this symbol? Any kingdom or empire associated with such a crest?"
One of the soldiers stepped forward hesitantly. "Not as far as I recall, Captain. I've never seen anything like it. And… it's glowing. That alone is beyond anything known to us."
The princess studied the weapon further, her curiosity outweighing her caution. Tentatively, she grasped it with both hands. The moment her fingers fully encircled it, the Seele Schneider reacted. A glowing blue blade materialized from the weapon, humming with energy and radiating a faint but palpable heat.
Gasps of astonishment rippled through the group. Her attendants stumbled back in surprise, while the soldiers instinctively raised their weapons, standing on guard as if the weapon itself posed a threat. Captain Bellous stared, his hand hovering near his own blade as he evaluated the sudden transformation.
The princess, startled, quickly released the weapon, and it clattered to the ground. The moment it left her hands, the blade dissipated, and the Seele Schneider returned to its dormant state.
The group stood frozen, the silence thick with tension.
"What… what is this thing?" Captain Bellous finally asked, his voice heavy with unease.
"We don't know, Captain," another soldier replied, swallowing hard. "It… it's unlike anything I've ever seen."
One brave soldier edged closer and, with great care, prodded the weapon with his sword. The Seele Schneider lay inert, its pentagram still faintly glowing but otherwise unmoving. Emboldened, Captain Bellous stepped forward, steeling himself as he bent to pick up the strange artifact. He held it cautiously, half expecting it to activate again—but nothing happened. It remained dormant in his grip.
"It's selective," he muttered. "It responded to Her Highness, but not to me."
The masked princess's teal ears twitched faintly as she observed the weapon. "A weapon with a will of its own," she murmured. "Or perhaps… it chooses who may wield it."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. This weapon, left behind by the enigmatic man, was clearly no ordinary artifact. Its origins, its power, and its purpose were mysteries yet to be unraveled.
"Please, give it to me," the masked princess requested gently, her voice steady but firm.
Captain Bellous hesitated, his instincts screaming against it. "Princess, it's dangerous. We don't know what it might do—"
"I insist," she interrupted, bowing slightly in deference but with unwavering resolve. "Please."
Reluctantly, Captain Bellous nodded, handing the strange weapon over. The moment it touched her hands, the Seele Schneider reacted again, bursting into a glowing blue blade of energy. The soldiers gasped in alarm, but the princess remained calm, her teal ears twitching slightly as she studied the weapon.
"This… this thing responds to her energy," Captain Bellous remarked, awe and concern mixing in his tone as he watched the glowing blade pulse faintly in sync with her spiritual power.
The masked princess lifted the weapon carefully, feeling its weightless hum in her grip. She extended her senses, realizing the weapon was channeling her spiritual energy to sustain itself. Curious, she willed her energy to withdraw. The blade flickered and then vanished, the weapon returning to its dormant state.
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, whispering among themselves about the mysterious power the princess seemed to possess. Captain Bellous, however, stepped closer, his voice full of respect but tinged with worry. "Your Highness, it reacts to you… but that only makes it more dangerous."
The princess held the Seele Schneider close to her chest, as if seeking solace in its energy. "It is safe in my hands, Captain. You can rest assured of that." Her voice was calm but resolute, leaving no room for argument.
Her fingers brushed the glowing pentagram, and she felt it again—the faint but undeniable echo of the man's energy. It was pure, calming, and oddly familiar, much like the aura she had sensed on that fateful night. It made her wonder: if just a fragment of his presence in this weapon could bring such serenity, what would meeting him in person be like?
She glanced back at the sliced rock where he had once stood, her heart heavy with gratitude and curiosity. Who are you? she thought, clutching the weapon tighter. Why did you save us?
For now, she vowed to keep the weapon close. Perhaps it was more than just a relic—it might be the key to uncovering the truth about the enigmatic savior who had intervened when all hope seemed lost.
"Is he nearby?" The masked princess asked, her voice tinged with hope as she glanced toward the horizon.
Captain Bellous shook his head solemnly. "He is long gone now, Your Highness. Likely vanished as quickly as he appeared."
Disappointment flickered in her eyes, but she quickly masked it. Turning to her escort, Captain Bellous issued his orders. "Prepare the formation to return to the Empire. Whoever he was, we owe him a great debt. For now, we need to get Her Highness to safety before more of those… things arrive."
"What were those creatures?" a soldier asked, his voice shaking slightly as he tightened the bandage on his wounded arm.
"They were like nothing I've ever seen before," another chimed in, grimacing. "White-masked beasts, but with a shape that… resembled humans, if you could even call them that."
"They were terrifying," said one of the surviving scouts, his expression grim. "The smaller ones moved like predators, but the bigger ones… they were massive. Like living buildings, and they had beams that could destroy entire squads with one blast."
Captain Bellous furrowed his brow, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "And they were drawn to Her Highness's spiritual aura?"
"Yes, sir," the injured scout confirmed. "The stronger her aura flared, the more they converged on us. If not for the expert's intervention, we wouldn't have survived."
"We can't risk staying here any longer." Bellous turned to his men. "Set up the teleportation formation immediately. We need to leave before more of those monsters appear."
His soldiers snapped to action, some limping from injuries but determined nonetheless. They began unpacking the teleportation array equipment and preparing the formation. For days, they had struggled to establish a connection to the Empire due to the contaminated air and chaotic energy in the region. This open clearing, now free of the beasts, provided their first real opportunity to make contact.
The masked princess watched them work, her heart heavy. She glanced at the Seele Schneider in her hands, the glowing blade now dormant. She felt a faint sense of security knowing she carried a piece of the man's energy with her, but her curiosity burned brighter.
Who was he? she wondered again. And why does his presence feel so… familiar?
As the formation powered up and the air around them shimmered with the promise of escape, she held the weapon close, silently vowing to uncover the truth behind her savior's identity.
The masked princess clutched the Seele Schneider close to her chest, its smooth, otherworldly surface cool against her gloves. Beneath her mask, she closed her eyes, drawing in a deep, calming breath. Her mind painted a vivid picture of the man who had saved her—a lone figure, shrouded in mystery, watching over her from afar. His aura had been unlike anything she had ever encountered: vast, powerful, yet soothing, like a gentle tide calming the storms within her.
The scent lingered in her memory—a fragrance as pure and vibrant as blooming flowers carried on a spring breeze. It was the scent of life, of tranquility, of hope. She had never known such a thing in her homeland, where strength often came with cruelty and power was tainted by greed. Yet this man—this savior—radiated something different. Something that gave her the strength she had long thought lost.
She held the Seele Schneider tighter, feeling a connection to him through the strange weapon. It had answered only to her, as though recognizing the shared resonance of their spiritual energies. She had searched her realm tirelessly for someone like him, someone who could understand the power she bore. No one had ever come close. Until now.
Beneath her mask, a faint smile curled her lips, though tears glistened in her eyes. "The man had a black hair, powerful and majestic, yet so pure and calming. Pale and plain. A trustworthy feeling. A warmth I never imagined possible. Who are you?"
Her voice was soft, carried only by the wind as if hoping it might reach him somehow. "My savior… is it possible for us to meet again?"
The teleportation formation began to hum, its glow spreading across the clearing as her soldiers prepared to leave this dangerous territory. But even as the shimmering portal surrounded her, her thoughts remained on him—this fleeting figure who had appeared when she needed him most and vanished before she could even offer her thanks.
In her heart, she made a quiet vow.
I will find you. No matter how far, no matter how long it takes. The one who gave me the courage to dream again…To believe again when no one else does.... I will find you.
-------------------
As Yun Che soared through the air back toward the Heavenly Sword Villa, the questions swirling in his mind refused to settle.
"Hmm... who were those people?" Yun Che muttered aloud, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Kon, perched comfortably on his shoulder, stretched lazily before chiming in. "Don't know… but did you notice how they were dressed? Definitely not like the people around here. They looked almost like Libra—what do you call them? Europeans, right?"
Yun Che furrowed his brow, Kon's observation striking a chord. It was true. Their attire was starkly different from the Wuxia-inspired garb of the Profound Sky Continent. Their clothing was extravagant and formal, as if plucked straight from a medieval European court.
"Yeah, now that you mention it... Could there be another hidden realm like the Sanctuary of Huan Xuyi? Somewhere out there, with a culture completely isolated from the Profound Sky Continent?" Yun Che speculated.
Kon scratched his plushy chin. "Maybe? But if there is, the system hasn't said anything about it. Could be some empire the system thinks isn't worth mentioning. Or..." He trailed off, his small brows furrowing. "Secret Realm like before?"
Yun Che sighed, brushing off the gnawing curiosity. "No idea, Kon. Neighboring empire, secret realm, or whatever. It's not like I can investigate everything. For now, let's just get back. Big day tomorrow, and man, I'm starving."
Despite his dismissal, Yun Che couldn't shake the odd sensation lingering in his chest. That brief encounter had left an imprint on him—a resonance in his Spirit Force when he'd been near that carriage.
He glanced at Kon, who was now fiddling with his radar, and thought back to the fleeting moment. Who was inside that carriage? There was something there—something familiar yet distant, like an echo from a dream.
And then there was that nagging feeling, creeping at the back of his mind. It wasn't just curiosity; it was as if he'd forgotten something. Something important.
Eh, whatever it is, it'll come to me later, Yun Che thought, shaking his head as he pushed forward. For now, he needed food and rest. Tomorrow was going to be another long day, and he couldn't afford to waste energy chasing ghosts.