With a grand amount of patience, I decided to finally give in to give this local a piece of my mind. She's clearly delusional on what the hell is actually going on. Though following her would mean I'd have a clear idea on what this city can offer. Why has this place avoided detection from the United Democratic Republic? So far walking around this village isn't going to cut it but since she's taking me to someone with much more knowledge of the place, I could have a clearer range of where to go. As I stomped over the loose dirt ground, I could feel the stares of uncertainty, smell of a familiar fear, and aura of someone that clearly doesn't belong. In their eyes, I am the bad guy. The bruises all over my exposed areas only solidified their fear.
With a strong determination and smile, Olley dragged me into another portion of their district. This place was filled with different huts that looked like they were selling wildlife products. Some creature's species looked familiar while others I've seen before on different planets. Many others were unrecognizable. Others were chopped off into segments so even that I still wouldn't recognize them. Well it's either them or us. Before we could travel any further to Olley's destination, she said she would grab a few pieces from the market. Her feet moved as quickly as before, picking out different kinds of cuts and talking to several other inhabitants of the area. I knew that she was unlike any of the other people. Something about her made her stand out amongst her peers. Voices, whispers, and obvious retorts were another part of my job that I always observed. Right now was nothing that deviented on it.
Olley: Hey, you feeling okay?
Arc: I'm completely fine. I just want this to be over with. I have places to be and directives to follow.
Olley: You need some sort of fun, y'know that.
Arc: Take a look around you, Olley.
Olley: Why? I already know this place like the back of my hand.
Arc: That's not what I'm talking about. Can't you he-
Olley: I know, Arc. I can hear it too.
Arc: Then you should leave me then.
Olley: Why would I do that?
Arc: Because I'm the bad guy.
Olley: And whoever said that?
Arc: You said you could hear it.
Olley: Geez, you're no fun. Smile a bit will you? You're a new planet right? Isn't it supposed to be fun that you get to hang out with someone as cool as me?
Arc: …
Olley: Okay, fine. You're not the bad guy, Arc. These people don't even know you. Why should you care? You're a soldier, you said it yourself right? Besides, look! I have some Acolian cuts! These things are always being sold out! Lucky you!
Arc: Lucky?
Olley: Anyway, let's keep going. These people don't like things that aren't from the village. Though don't mind them, all these people do is gossip anyway. Let's go shall we?
We continued on to what I'll call a hunter's market then in front of a small metal plated hut. Unlike the other huts I've seen so far, this one used partly metal materials. It's roof was covered with metal boards while the exterior walls were still made from crudely cut wood. Olley's eyes sparkled even in the dark but I think that's just one of the features of being a Plauxian. She seemed pretty excited to bring me to her parents. Though I didn't know what to make of it. Was this some kind of elaborate trap? This does feel a bit suspicious. I'm just suddenly letting a local take me to their kind. I don't know anything about the types of people that live in this area of Plaux. To me, these people could be my death and I just unknowingly walked into it. My eyes began surging from fear. Before I could hide it, Olley caught a whiff of it and started to get excited. This girl is just filled with curiosity.
Olley: WOAH! You can change your eyes too! Are you sure you're not Plauxian?
Arc: This is what it looks like when I'm about to do some magic. Forgive me because if you do anything funny, I'm going to blow this district apart with the winds of a thousand hurricanes by accident.
Olley: A bit over dramatic aren't you? You know that kind of stuff is embarrassing to say. It's like you're acting like some kind of weirdo.
Arc: Nevermind…
Olley: Oooh! Can you change that color at will instead of just blue? And does it have any optical changing properties?
Arc: I don't need to answer any of that.
Olley: Hmph! I take you to my parents and this is the thanks I get.
Arc: I don't see a good reason to tell you. Besides, I didn't even ask for this. All you did was drag me into your business.
Olley: Geez, just get in already…
She opened the door in an annoying manner then went in. I followed her into the small hut that had a bunch of small furniture and cramped walls. I guess this is what it's like living in a small house. There weren't a lot of rooms built probably because of the small total size of the place. As I walked a few more inches in, we were already in the living room and dining room. There didn't seem to be a distinction between those mentioned as well as the kitchen. Everything was cramped in the main room except what I'm assuming to be the bathroom or bedrooms. Weapons were also littered on the walls of the place, primitive ones at that. Bows, shields with coats, spears, and quivers filled with arrows. The table wasn't sturdy looking either so it made me hesitant to place something on it.
This place was clearly a wreck! Does Olley live in this kind of place? Do most of everyone live in these kinds of places? Olley entered another room to take someone out of it. It was a much older Plauxian female. She had long hair that seemed to change color. I guess that's a feature of a Plaxian too. One of their body attributes tends to change appearance in random intervals. She wasn't wearing garbs like Olley but normal tribal looking garments. It seemed to be a long robe with various colors to symbolize something. Though I had no clue because I wasn't clued into what type of things they seem offensive or not. Her features were quite similar to Olley's except for the changing eye color. She was also much taller than Olley, at around the same height Terra would be. Her eyes were much more sleepy looking compared to the energetic one to her right. Posture more refined which matched what she wore.
Older lady: Oh my, who's this captivating young man you brought Olley? He doesn't seem to be a Plauxian.
Olley: This is Arc! The 24th Arc, he's an Adamian that father said was bad luck.
Older lady: Scary hehehe. I thought for sure that you finally made some sense and started to settle down.
Olley: Don't say those things! You'll just embarrass me. Besides, that stuff is just boring. Anyway! Arc! This is my mother! You can call her mom too if you want.
Arc: Mom?
Mom: Oh my, it does feel quite different when a stranger says it. But I guess it should be fine for now. My name is Kirstine. I'm Olley's mother.
Arc: Where did you get your name from? Kirstine crystals?
Mom: Oh, so you're already aware of our naming culture! That's a surprise. An Adamian that knows something about Plauxian culture. I've had a fascination with crystals since I was a child, I still do. Oh but what brings you here Adamian? Did we do something wrong?
Olley: He's here to eat dinner with us! I invited him here! Plus I brought some extra stuff! We can have a good meal tonight!
Mom: Oh my, did my daughter drag you here?
Olley: Mom! Stop asking questions!
Arc: She did. I was supposed to do something but she wouldn't leave me alone. She insisted so much on showing me as if I were a shiny object.
Mom: Olley! How many times have I told you not to bother strangers like that. Plus, he's an Adamian. You know the stories of those people.
Arc: Those people? What's that supposed to mean?
Mom: Oh it means that your people are always here because of something wrong. It's usually a bad omen in the galaxy if an Adamian arrives in your city or planet. Be it a political thing or simply a disaster coming.
Arc: I guess that's true… Does that scare you?
Mom: Your species does have a reputation for always coming when something terrible is about to come.
Olley: I'm not scared! Arc, he's my friend now after all.
Mom: Olley! You can't just do things that way.
Arc: So… Are you scared then?
Mom: I'm not scared of you… I'm scared of what's to come. I've heard stories of what happened in Itopa. That planet's capital is barely even recognizable now.
Arc: Itopa… I've heard of the class that happened there.
Mom: So forgive me if I sounded rude. I didn't mean anything bad about it. It just means that trouble is coming to us isn't it? I'm already worried about Olley running off into cave mines alone and finding Moliaths or Uans.
Olley: I can take care of myself mom! I did keep up with him when he was running around! My legs are much faster!
Mom: You're such a cute and ignorant child you know that. It breaks my heart whenever you do something so strange. My cute child hehehehe.
Olley: Mom! Quit it already. We get it! Can we not talk about these things. I don't like it when things get too political in the village. It's suffocating enough being the only girl my age in the village.
Mom: Alright, dear. Sorry for bringing those ideas up, Arc.
Arc: But she is right though. It does feel like we are nothing but trouble whenever we visit a planet or city. Olley, you should just follow your mother's advice. Stay away from my affairs or it'll be trouble.
Olley: Arc! You're such a big dummy you know.
Mom: Now, now, calm down dear. He's already expressed things clearly. We don't want you to get hurt honey. Now, come and help me make dinner for all of us.
Arc: All of us? I have to leave
Olley: Arc!
Mom: Of course! It's not everyday that you make something for an Adamian.
Arc: But what about your husband? Won't he be surprised that there's an Adamian in the house?
Her expression turned a bit dark then made a pained smile. She moved Olley towards the kitchen then came to me. Kirstine held her arms with a sorrowful aura. Seems like I've stepped on something that I shouldn't have. Maybe I should just move out of the way now. I'm not good at these things anyway. Soldiers need not to interact with the locals. As I got ready to step out of the door, Kirstine's hand grabbed my arm. Strange creatures they are. Why are things so complicated? I wish I knew the answer.
Mom: Her father… Well, he never returned. Has Olley mentioned anything about him?
Arc: Nothing substantial. My condolences. I think it's best that I just leave. I have no right to intrude into your lives.
Mom: Please, stay. I'm sorry for bringing this mood. We're completely fine. There's no need for you to storm off.
Arc: I see…
Mom: She's much like her father when he was young. Sometimes I forget that I have a daughter. I wonder what it's like for you guys. Everything about Adamians is shrouded in mystery after all.
Arc: I wish I knew too…
Mom: I guess not even one of the most powerful creatures in the galaxies can escape these kinds of troubles huh.
Arc: Yeah… I'm sorry, I don't wish to divulge anything about the Platform to non humans.
Mom: Understandable. Now, feel free to make yourself at home. I have to go help my little tomboy now.
Olley: Mom! That's embarrassing! You can't say those things about your daughter! I have feminine qualities too you know!
Mom: Sure you do honey hehehe.
They both went on to take some things from the cabinets to prepare for dinner. I didn't know where to stay but I didn't want to sit on those feeble looking chairs. There was only one option for me to go and that was the roof. There seemed to be a makeshift ladder on the side, I'm heading upwards. I took it until it led me to a hatch on the roof. As I opened it, I was greeted with some cold winds. Guess this will do until I'm done here. What was I even doing here? I told myself that I wouldn't involve myself with the locals. Something is probably wrong with me. Nitra and Nex, I hope they're doing fine without me. I'll be sure to hear their signals when the Platform beacon comes up. Until then, I need to find a way back to Talos. The only things I have on me are just a couple of things. A metal ball, an information dock, some gadgets, and my pellets. It's best that I take inventory of these things so I don't miss out on anything advantageous. I think it's good as any to check in. I clicked the ear communicator on my ear again. A small tune began to play then eventually another voice on the other side.
Eliza: Arc?
Arc: Yeah, it's me…
Eliza: Are you okay? You don't seem like yourself.
Arc: How would you know what I would be?
Eliza: You wouldn't sound so defeated. Where is that high and mighty tone that you have?
Arc: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Eliza: Well if that's the case then why did you ring me up?
Arc: I just wanted to check in if any of the others had contacted you. Maybe a sign that they made it back to Talos.
Eliza: So you're worried about them huh.
Arc: Of course I would be!
Eliza: Calm down, Arc. I was just making a small joke.
Arc: Their lives aren't a joke, Eliza.
Eliza: I know, calm down already. You forget that I'm not your CO. I'm your friend. Take a breather.
Arc: … I'm sorry. I'm just… Annoyed.
Eliza: I understand that you're upset that you're still apart from your team but you need to calm down. Pushing your frustration on me isn't going to work. So calm down, Arc
Arc: I will… It's just hard!
Eliza: Why don't you walk me through this? Sounds like you wanted to call to find someone to talk to.
Arc: I didn't! I wanted to know if they're safe!
Eliza: Arc, you're not fooling me. I've been a mother for more than a decade of my life. I know when a child is throwing a tantrum.
Arc: I'm not throwing a tantrum!
Eliza: Arc, please. Lower your guard. Please? For me?
Arc: … Damn it…
Eliza: I'm not a therapist, Arc. But I am willing to listen, though don't expect good answers either.
Arc: What's a therapist?
Eliza: What? Nevermind that, just tell me what's bugging you?
Arc: No…
Eliza: No?
Arc: No… I can't… That's not what a soldier does… This is none of your concern anymore…
Before I could hear her say anything else, I clicked off the communicator. I wanted to know if they were still missing in action and that's all. There's no reason for me to express anything else. A real soldier needs to move forward despite the pain. All I could do was clutch my fists and curl my knees. This place gives me a bad feeling. Nothing makes sense anymore. Eliza does not need to get involved in the affairs of soldiers. In fact, it is simply for the best that she doesn't know anything about the people on the ground, especially us.
The night was fully in full swing. It was beginning to be darker out here. If it weren't for my contacts, I'd have a harder time seeing the area. It has special programming to make everything clear as day for me. Though I'm not sure how Plauxians deal with this darkness. They seem to have torches while other districts already have lights. I started to hold on to the metal ball because I had nothing else to do, I could start to feel something strange about it. If only things were easy. I could certainly feel something on the metal ball but nothing like other elements I can manipulate. However, as soon as I concentrated on it, the feeling just suddenly vanished. Frustration started to slowly build again. I needed to calm down a bit. Being angered about it won't do me any good but it sure is annoying. Maybe I'm getting tired again, I was dragged here by the winds for hours after all. Laying down on this rooftop felt a bit nostalgic of the times I was on the Platform. Back then, the stars were pretty common to see through a window. Now I have to look up to see them. Strange…
Olley: Hey! Whatcha up to?
Arc: You're here now huh… You're annoying aren't you? Don't you have to help out your mother in cooking or something. Just let me rest here for a bit. This night cycle is going to be a long one.
Olley: Is it night? I wouldn't know.
Arc: What do you mean? Of course it would be night. The sky is clearly dark.
Olley: Hm? Really? I wouldn't know.
Arc: What do you mean you wouldn't know?
Olley: My eyes are always adjusting to the setting. To me, it's always daytime. That's why I don't sleep often. It's hard to think that it's night or a time to rest.
Arc: Is that a Plauxian thing?
Olley: Not exactly, I think it's just the adaptation ability we have. Each Plauxian has a different thing about them that changes. Depending on your body part, it gives you a special adapting property. My mother's hair doesn't age or get cut easily. It also protects her head from the heat.
Arc: What about you?
Olley: My eyes are perfect! They don't see the dark. Maybe that's why my dad would always bring me to the mines. He'd always be lost trying to find his way out hahahaha!
Arc: What kind of dad brings his daughter to the mines?
Olley: The one that wants to find crystals for his wife. It seems like I'm the only one with these kinds of eyes. Everyone else has common things like limbs. Some are even more unique like tongue or lungs. Though I wouldn't know what those things do. People generally keep to themselves in this village.
Arc: Plauxians sure have a strange evolutionary adaptation compared to other planets. The ones in Modus grew exoskeletons to survive. It keeps them warm and helps them climb the harsh terrain. Wonder how long those take to grow.
Olley: You sure are interesting, Arc. Everyone else here is pretty boring. You're also a softie!
Arc: I'm far from a softie.
Olley: If you weren't then why are you here? A softie would get dragged into these things. But you really are interesting. Someone like me couldn't even comprehend the omega cool things that you've probably done.
Arc: Not really... I guess it's just the part of being an Adamian. You have to travel to places like these. You don't have a choice. It has nothing to do with being soft either.
Olley: Still It would be cool to travel. I've only been within these walls all my life. Though secretly I've been sneaking out sometimes hehehe.
Arc: Guess it's different for you. Some lives are too good to be true. Ever heard the saying that the pastures are always greener on the other side? Not everything is what it seems.
Olley: Still, I'd like to go out of these walls someday. Even to other districts. Or maybe outside the planet.
Arc: I'm sure with your abilities you could probably escape somehow.
Olley: It's not that easy for us. We're not allowed to leave our districts for too long. Personally, I wished I was living outside Hyer. Live in the woods. Or the restricted area filled with hunters.
Arc: Why?
Olley: Why so curious now? Aren't you just going to leave anyway?
Arc: Nevermind then…
Olley: You're so cute, Arc hahahaha! Well, dinner is going to be finished soon. We better get back down or mother will come up herself. Maybe I'll tell you some other time.
Arc: Why not tell me more about these houses first? It doesn't seem likely that a city would build walls that high to be primitive like this.
Olley: We just don't build often because our materials are scarce. If this district could build better housing we would. Besides, this area of the district doesn't have any kind of land taxes or anything.
Arc: You know about taxes?
Olley: Well, of course we do. We're not that primitive. The districts depend on the cultures and era to preserve the Plauxian way of life.
Arc: What?
Olley: It means that each part of the district has to live in a certain era to preserve our culture. This district is to preserve the hunting era of Plauxians. That's why we don't have a lot of things to advance our technology in our era.
Arc: That's quite strange. Don't you think that's limiting people?
Olley: For people like us, then yes. But the people in the capitol are enjoying themselves. They're scared that us people will forget where we came from. Honestly this feels like a prison. But that's just me. Some people don't think so.
Arc: Don't you think your house is cramped?
Olley: Of course it's cramped! You'd be dumb to think it wasn't. But what can we do about it? Father hasn't returned yet to make renovations.
Arc: I see…
Dinner was a bit awkward because the meat had this strange fishy taste to it. I knew that eating local food would be interesting but this is out of nowhere. The look of it was clearly something like a wild game. However, the texture was clearly fish. It didn't seem to bother both of the girls so I tried my best to consume it. Olley left the table to do something. She seemed to be in a rush. It even made the table feel like it was going to fall apart as she lifted her plates. How unsturdy built was this thing?! The bowls were so crude that it made it hard to scoop the food. There were spoons but it was still difficult. After dinner, I said my goodbyes to Olley's mother then started to walk off. There wasn't anything I could talk about because my head was still filled with so much trouble. All I could think was leaving and getting started on my new mission directives.
Mom: Wait, Arc. Before you go take this with you. I feel like everyone in the village or districts will know that trouble is coming if they see your outfit. I wouldn't want to cause a major panic.
Arc: Does it really stand out?
Mom: Well the stories usually include the things that Adamians wear. Your people seem to have the same kinds of clothes. It might not be much but it should at least disguise you from suspicion.
She held out a red short leather style open coat with different pockets and straps. It also had short sleeves to make sure that the person still had some kind of mobility. I wore it to cover parts of my uniform, it wasn't half as heavy as I thought. The coat was also quite cool. Despite not knowing a thing about me, they still manage to think of me as someone good. I wished I could protect them, I always do. Yet, things never go that way. Holding the garments that she gave me, my guilt and pain started to surface. It's always the same.
Arc: I'm sorry for not having anything in return. Thank you for your hospitality.
Mom: It's quite alright. That thing was just collecting dust anyway. No one was going to wear it anyway. It's best if I give it to someone who might need it. It is going to get a bit cold after all.
Arc: Thanks. Wait, where's Olley?
Mom: She hasn't returned yet. I think she said she wanted to run off somewhere important. My child is always like that. I'm sorry she didn't see you off. I'll be sure to give her a good scolding when she returns.
Arc: You seem to be a good mother.
Mom: I wish I could say that to myself. It's hard being a parent. Most of the time, you don't know whether what you're doing is the right thing or not.
Arc: Is it really?
Mom: Of course… We're still children in the end.
Arc: I see. Thanks again for your hospitality.
Mom: Good luck.
Arc: Adam be with us.
I continued on to walk into the night. Though it wasn't long till something happened. When I meant something happened I meant that Olley was already next to me. I thought we told her not to get involved in my matters. My steps were slow as she matched my pace. What was this girl thinking? There's nothing stopping her from getting herself into massive trouble. We walked further and further to the walls. I have to aim for the first terraces or level of the walls then make my way up. First things first was to scale this wall but what do I do with this nuisance? Olley had already started to get ready to sprint as she tied her hair up and checked her utility belt. Something was telling about her. Her eyes looked the same as somebody that I knew. Nex… If only he knew that he looked as determined as her. Those eyes of hers told me everything.
Olley: So? What do you think of my mother?
Arc: She's nice. Though I wonder where all of that went.
Olley: What's that supposed to mean!?
Arc: Nothing.
Olley: I've decided!
Arc: Decided what?
Olley: On my best friend.
Arc: What?
Olley: You need someone, don't you?
Arc: Me?
Olley: Yes, you!
Arc: And what came to this conclusion.
Olley: I just know. I've decided that I'm going to be your best friend! Like it or not, you're going to love me so much that it'll be hard to live without me! Mwahahaha!
Arc: You're sincerely delusional. Go back to your mother already.
Olley: Like it or not, I'm going! See you!
With a giant smile, everything about her told me that she didn't care if she loses an arm. This was the type of person that wasn't going to take a no for an answer. Though it's not going to be my fault. Something told me that I couldn't get rid of her, she was her own person with her own thing going on. I modified my boots and hers then ran towards the wall's direction. She flashed a bigger grin then kept accelerating. Moments later on, we got to the side of the wall and she stopped. Amatuer! I started to scale the walls like some kind of normal terrain. How is she going to follow me now? However, I looked behind me to see a split second of Olley! She jumped! Planted her feet to make her landing a bit more dramatic as I finally managed to get to the first platform of the wall.
Olley: This magic stuff is pretty cool! What else can those mods do?
I ignored that question then continued on. There were some guards patrolling some of the platforms but they seemed to be asleep. Guess nothing happens on this side of the wall. They wouldn't think that someone would scale the walls like this. The guards started to approach so I planted another air mine to boost us up. It's initial burst surprised Olley that it made her belly up for a while but I grabbed her leg to throw her up onto the next platform. She let out a small shriek as she floated faster going up. I made it up to see that she was already looking at the view from up here.
Olley: Wow! The village lights look really pretty from up here. The last time I was this high up to see anything, I was on top of the ancient tree.
I placed another air mine to reach the third platform, this time it had a couple of guards on active duty. We both stepped on the boost to get us to reach the ledge to the third platform. I jumped on the first guard then Olley did the same. With a quick hit to their jaws, we knocked both of them out. So she knew how to fight. Though it shouldn't be a big surprise to me since she lives in the hunter era. She landed a clean hit too. Not a lot of people can successfully knock someone out like that without proper training. The last high platform was coming and this would get us a clear view of the next district. This should be a good real vantage point of what I should expect. This concrete was mostly filled with dirt compared to the other materials. I should be able to manipulate it. My hand touched the walls and it didn't seem to be that different from dirt. Different but the same? I'm not quite sure. After a couple seconds, I bursted us to the top of the wall. There were a bunch of guards that saw us and came at us with primitive weapons.
Guard: Stop right there! You're in violation of trespassing without a border visa! You two are coming with us!
Olley: I don't think so. Bleh!
Guard: Why you little brat!
The two guards rushed us but as they approached, I threw a swift hook kick to break the spear! It seemed to shock him then with my other leg I threw a fast roundhouse knocking him out. Olley just straight up shot a dart at the guy. They fell quite easily. These must be the guards for this district. Olley gave me a thumbs up as she excitedly ran down by the wall's edge. There weren't any railings for these walls so it was quite dangerous for untrained people. However, it didn't seem like that at all for Olley. The guards seemed primitive but looking around the area felt strange. Some of the bridge artillery were quite advanced. Plasma harpoons for anti air vehicles? Motion turrets? All of it was hidden in the outposts nearby. I wasn't sure how long the night cycle was but it shouldn't be as long as the day's. I walked up to Olley while she was mesmerized by the flashing lights of the city district in front of her. To her, it was like some kind of new planet. To me, it was just another fight.
Olley: The wind is pretty cold here huh? But I guess that's what it's like when you're so high up the wall. This is my first time up here. It's definitely not like a Moliath overlooking a forest. This view is something.
Arc: Olley… This is my last warning. I'm asking you one last time. As some sort of courtesy for your mother's hospitality. If you follow, then I can't be held responsible for what happens. I've tolerated your company for a while because it was just in your district but this is different now. You already know what my people do. It's going to be dangerous and leaving your mother alone like that would be a shame. Take it from someone who doesn't even know his parents.
Olley: You're funny, Arc. But you don't know me, Arc.
Her face hadn't even moved away from the view of the city. Their lights were so mesmerizing that even I couldn't help taking another look. So they were right, the districts are different from each other's era. This was no other city or planet that has done this. It shows that this planet has been held together by someone that doesn't want anyone else to know. I moved around to take another look till I saw the inner circle. It's lights were completely different. Dimmer and darker compared to the ones around it. Strange. Olley tapped the side of where she was sitting indicating me to sit. I did so.
Arc: You're right… I don't.
Olley: But I think that's a good thing. I'll go with you whether you like it or not. I have my own reasons. I've been confined there for too long. I'm sure my dad would've taken this chance if he was in my shoes. If I get into trouble then just leave me. It's always been me wanting to go on adventures anyway. But I wasn't lying when I said, I wanted to be your friend.
Arc: Why?
Olley: Curious now?
Arc: … Yes…
Olley: I like honesty, Arc. I want to be your friend. No, I want to be your best friend! Don't you think that's a cool line?
Arc: Er…
Olley: Come on! That was cool. That's all the reasons I have to give. I think you're interesting and I want to be with interesting people. There's nothing wrong with that right?
Arc: But me? It's dangerous.
Olley: Since when did Adamians think about danger? I thought you were all tough.
Arc: I'm not talking about me. We don't want to endanger the locals as much as possible.
Olley: Why does that sound like an omega lie?
Arc: It's not!
Olley: Hahaha! I'm just teasing, Arc. But I just want to be out. I know you'll probably vanish somewhere but I'm fine with that. Best friends don't need to talk all the time to be friends.
Arc: I'm not your best friend! Stop pushing this friendship on me!
Olley: Like it or not, I already think you are. Take it or leave it. You basically busted me out.
She started to put on her goggles revealing a scar on her forehead. I kept quiet as I took a look at it. Was she running from something? Personally, I'd want to do things my way. However, if she wants to play like this then I shouldn't complain. I could use her for bait for some skirmishes and she wouldn't mind. I never want to trust a local. It's a bad habit. If this is her deathwish then so be it. I have my objectives to follow. If only Nex was here. The next city looked like it was about to enter it's new era. Though it didn't look like much. It's houses were modeled with bricks along with other materials. Much more advanced than the hunter era of Plaux. Though it was enough to impress this girl. Her lenses glimmered at the science of everything. I stood on the edge to take a breather from it all. It was like watching progress throughout the century of this planet.
Arc: You're pretty annoying, you know that. This is basically an invitation to trouble.
Olley: I know. But I'm the one in charge of what I want to do. So where to first? I know you're a busy body. Give the word captain!
Arc: I need to find the scientist. He should be in the capital, so we need to keep moving districts. From there, we can decide.
Olley: Roger that captain!
She saluted me then jumped! That's some crazy girl, without any other thought I followed suit. The air started to fill in my lungs. As I turned to her in mid air, all she was doing was laughing. She didn't even know if I had something that would help us in the fall, but she jumped anyway. It was nothing short of a leap of faith. Something started to buzz in my head. The feeling was somewhat similar to deja vu. I reached out my hand to her. This feeling… It felt just like her. Wasn't it? I wouldn't remember would I? My hand touched hers then I blasted the ground with an air modification again. We landed softly this time but it did make a lot of noise. Maybe I just wanted to show off there. I wasn't quite sure myself. Touching on the ground, Olley felt a bit wobbly as she tried to balance.
Olley: Golly! Magic sure does look destructive.
Arc: Destructive magic is easy because you can just throw it out. It takes more skill doing micro skills like air mines that are used to boost your squad. Making air mines that don't explode and kill your class is important. Magicians that only invest in destructive skills are usually the lowest class.
Olley: Cool! Now, you're sharing!
Arc: Shut it. Just give me an idea on where to look. I need directions to the capital city.
Olley: Why don't we ask the police or security! They usually have an idea on where to look!
Arc: That sounds like a good idea if you want to fight a city.
Olley: I can take care of myself you know!
Arc: That's not what I meant. You can't just take every fight you meet. It's annoying to deal with, sometimes the best thing to do would be under the radar. I might be a magician but our bodies are still fragile as any other person. Protective magic isn't a commodity..
Olley: That's strange. Well either way we don't really have a choice.
Arc: What makes you say that?
Olley: Everyone's here already.
Arc: Huh?
Olley pointed towards the swarm of guards that were now approaching us with medieval equipment like short bows, crossbows, iron shields, and knightly armor. Seeing this is really weird for me now. They all formed ranks against us, pointing crossbows at a distance. Olley was just smiling without a care in the world.
Olley: See?
Arc: What do you mean "see"?
Full coated guard: Stop right there. You are in clear violation of border procedures. Come with us quietly and we won't fire.
Arc: Can they really stop us though?
Olley: You said it's best that we don't fight after all. This is our chance to get better info!
Fully Coated Guard: Stop talking! Come quietly!
Arc: This sucks!
Olley: This was your idea, you know that right?
We held out our hands to the guards as they approached. They cuffed us in iron cuffs that seemed way too old for the timeline. Everyone was also stinky for some reason. I guess this was the start of another strange adventure. Though strangely enough this is something that would actually happen in classes. Usually it would be our team that would be captured on purpose. Nothing out of the ordinary. Olley was cuffed a bit then we made our way towards the station.