After about 5 minutes of sitting in the dark with only the moonlight to see by, I have officially become bored. Although I'm not as hyperactive as my father, I always found it difficult to patiently sit around while doing nothing. In order to curb my boredom, I decide to check up on some things I've been curious about. Summoning my Spirit Plate so no one can see it (internally), I glance at all of my real Titles and Skills.
Name: Shin Okamoto
Race: Human
Level: 1
First Title: Paranoid
Skills:
-> Delusion Lv.1
-> Reflex Lv.1
-> Outsider Lv.2
----<> Transgress 0/1
-> Guarded Lv.1
-> Permit Lv. 1
----<> Entitle
Second Title: Maverick
Skills:
-> Misanthrope Lv.1
-> Subjugate Lv.1
-> Lone Wolf Lv.1
-> Domain Lv.1
Third Title: Survivalist
Skills:
-> Unmarred Lv.1
-> Liberated Lv.1
-> Stalk Lv.1
-> CQB Lv.1
-> *Locked*
Divine Protection: N/A
{My First skill to reach Level 2 is the Outsider Skill. How did it get raised? I never got notified when it got raised either.} [Shin]
When I was still inside my soul looking over my Titles, I learned that my Delusion Skill could reveal a Skill's information. However, either because the Skill level is low or due to other restrictions, I could only investigate 5 of my skills at that point in time.
{Lets see if I can use that skill now.} [Shin]
Using the Delusion Skill, I inspect the Outsider Skill. Suddenly, a voice echoes in my head.
Outsider Skill: The Possessor of this skill resides outside of the system; Immune to deity observation and control. Cannot obtain divine protections.|
{Hmm…so this is probably why Emmaline's procedure didn't work on me. As for why the skill level increased, I still have no idea. Could it be time related? I've been summoned into a realm that is influenced by the Goddess so maybe the level goes up as time passes? Although the Delusion Skill is quite useful, the limited information I receive from it at its current level is not enough to form a solid conclusion. In fact, it actually raises more questions than it answers.} [Shin]
Turning my attention away from the Skill information, I focus on the new subskill that revealed itself.
{Transgress? What exactly does that mean?} [Shin]
Transgress Active Skill: Enables the interference of Divine Powers. Currently limited to once a week.|
{So, I would be able to interfere with a God's powers once a week? That seems a little ridiculous. How much can I interfere though, could it be completely, or would the interference be for a specific amount of time? As with the other definition, I'm left with more questions than answers.} [Shin]
After spending some more time inspecting skills, I leave my Spirit Board which returns my senses to my physical body. Stretching my back to remove some kinks, I do a quick look around and see Gabby and Alex (who is now awake) both sitting on the ground on the opposite side of the gate picking grass and talking to each other. Ignoring those two for the time being, I glance at the stars in the sky, and look towards the east. The moons which were barely visible when I summoned my Spirit Plate, have risen a third of the way into the sky.
{Hmm… So about 2 hours has passed since I inspected my Spirit Plate. Of course, if time and planet/moon rotation is similar to earth. For all I know, we could have 5 hours of sunlight a day. I regret that I didn't pack a watch in my backpack.} [Shin]
While thinking this, I notice something different about the environment. Using the Delusion Skill, I scan around the area and see that there seems to be 2 people concealing themselves atop the walls. Since they are not moving, I presume that they are watching the gates with us or watching one of the people here. Although the distance is great, I use the Skill again and I'm able to see their names.
Name: Seisyll. Race: Human. Title: Greater Scout|
Name: Sechnall. Race: Human. Title: Warlock|
{Hmm…where have I seen those names before…? Oh, right, they were with Parker in the armory. What are they doing here? Considering they still haven't moved or approached us, they have to be monitoring us. Or maybe me?} [Shin]
Acting as if I don't know he's there, I slowly get up and stretch before going to the other side of the gate to see Gabby and Alex. Approaching them, I hear a fragment of their conversation.
"I didn't hear that. Are you sure you heard something?" [Alex]
"Yeah, at least I think." [Gabby]
Calling out to them, I ask what's going on. In return, I'm shushed.
{Rude} [Shin]
I focus my hearing and listen intently for what they appeared to have heard. Not hearing anything after a couple minutes, I decide to break the silence.
"Why did you shush me? Did you hear something?" [Shin]
"I think I heard something like a yell earlier, I'm not sure though. It's the first sound from outside the walls I've heard all night. Gabby said she didn't hear anything, but I've always had better hearing than her, I think she's deaf." [Alex]
"I'm not deaf! I just have selective hearing, especially when it comes to things you talk about. Don't exaggerate." [Gabby]
"I see, make sure to listen to any sounds you hear. I hate to leave you at a time like this, but could you hold down the fort while I take a break, I'm going to go see the other group in the guardhouse and then come back here for some shut eye. I'll be gone for about 20 minutes at most." [Shin]
"You're just going to leave us? What if something happens?" [Gabby}
"It'll only be for 20 minutes I have something to talk about with the others. When the group on Ward rotation passes by, tell them to stay until I return." [Shin]
"Ignore her, we'll be fine. If anything happens, I'll shout out." [Alex]
"Good, then I'll leave it to you two." [Shin]
Leaving those two behind, I head towards the guardhouse while pretending to be oblivious of the two people on the wall. Sure enough, their gaze, which should be focused on the gate if that was their priority, follows me towards the guard house instead.
{I guess they are after me then. I don't know why they are stalking me though; I haven't done anything strange enough to be watched over.} [Shin]
Ignoring their gaze, I walk up to the guard house and knock on the sturdy wooden door. After a couple seconds, the sliding panel at eye level opens up and I'm met with Bode's stare.
"Hey, Bode, I want to come in for a bit, can I?" [Shin]
"What's the password?" [Bode]
{Password?} [Shin]
"What do you mean password? We never set one." [Shin]
"That's the correct password, you may enter." [Bode]
"Umm…. Okay?" [Shin]
After hearing the sound of a bolt unlatching, the door opens, and I'm met with a dimly lit interior. A candle can be seen burning on the wall further within, the small orange flame flickering and casting dancing shadows around the room. I feel a strange gust of wind blow past me from behind and enter the building.
What was that? It felt kind of weird.
Activating my Delusion Skill, I see that the breeze that entered was no mere gust of wind. Before I can focus on its effects, Bode calls out to me.
"Are you entering, captain?" [Bode]
"Ah, Yes. I apologize for the delay." [Shin]
As soon as my feet cross the door frame, Bode shuts the door and latches the bolt, locking us inside. Seeing the puzzled expression on my face, Bode points further inside.
"The others are in the main room; we should head to them if you have any questions. Follow me." [Bode]
"After you then." [Shin]
{He seems to be on edge for some reason. I wonder why he's so rigid. Did he sense that wind as well?} [Shin]
Bode grabs the candle that was hanging on the wall before heading down the hall. Following behind him, we pass 5 open doorways that dot both sides of the hallway. A brief look inside each room reveals 3 offices, a closet, and a room of cots, respectively. Looking at the cots, I start fantasizing about hopping into bed, pulling up the covers to my chin, and slowly letting the sleep take over.
{Damn, I could really go for a nap right around now.} [Shin]
Shaking away my beautiful fantasy, I hurry after Bode.
When I arrive at the end of the hallway, a sturdy steel door guards what I believe to be the opening mechanism for the gate. A close inspection reveals that there are no handles on this side of the door, meaning it only opens from the inside. As if confirming my suspicions, Bode bangs loudly on the door. First three times, then another two after an interval.
{They have a password for the door? Why are they so worried? I'm glad that they're taking their job seriously but, come on. This is a little ridiculous.} [Shin]
Finishing the entry code, Bode yells through the door.
"It's Bode, I'm back. The person you sensed was Shin so I let him in. Could you let us in?" [Bode]
A firm yet muffled voice answers back through the door.
"You didn't finish the password. What is the code word?" [Unknown]
Bode looks to me and gives me an awkward smile before turning to the door and saying the password.
"Initium Noctis" [Bode]
Apparently satisfied with his answer, a metallic unlocking sound can be heard through the door which then opens.