Yuso normally navigated through the woodlands of Adonai easily; this time was no different. However, the redheaded man had only visited the village called Furusato once—his first and only experience of the village wasn't very superlative. It was shameful, being shoved through his own transportational pentagram, relocating Yuso somewhere far. What's more, he wasn't in control of his own power; the man named Lord Phoenix manipulated his Shirugeto, sending the redhead farther than anticipated.
He previously found Furusato through the help of an outstretched barrier, practically reaching the skies. Now, Yuso had no assistance, leaving him momentarily lost.
"I can't say I'm favorable of my current pace," Yuso mumbled, his demonic eyes looking outward, defining a mental image of the forest ahead of him. "I've already been impeded by a few ants—Master would oppose my unhurried movement."
That wasn't all on Yuso's mind. Freedom was. He put his master in his mind as an incentive to work harder, hastening his pace. All he had to do was procure a green, emerald-like ring.
Yuso dashed through the trees at a rapid pace, his body exceeding the speed of High-Class warriors. For a few moments, Yuso thought of his potential encounter with the rogue—how it would most likely be met with battle; he might even face his rogue partners.
With a shake of his head, the redhead dismissed the complex thought, focusing on the task at hand. It shouldn't be too laborious, as the green-ringed man struggled with the scum followers of Lord Phoenix, and even they quickly transformed into mere test dummies upon fighting Yuso.
In the distance, Yuso could visibly see the mountain ranges. Good—that meant he was heading East.
In a matter of minutes, Yuso saw a small town located on the outskirts of the forest. With a mental dilemma brewing, the redhead swiftly averted his path, directing himself toward the small mass of buildings.
'Perhaps I could get word from locals. Even the smallest bit of information would benefit me greatly.'
Elegantly, Yuso landed at the front of the small town, his black kimono swaying and his red hair falling gently. Analyzing the view, the redhead quickly zoomed his eyes in on a small sign, prompting himself to read what was inscribed.
'Welcome to Tani.'
"How quaint." Yuso mocked, craning his head upward.
No walls bordered the town; the buildings were shaped squarely. Definitely not a village, Yuso affirmed. Although it wasn't grandiose, the redhead ambled into Tani without a second thought.
It didn't take long for Yuso to be disgusted with the sight of the townsmen—the thick clouds of smoke hovering over themselves was abhorrent.
Eventually, Yuso halted outside a building with a hole in the front wall, rubble still lying lifelessly on the ground. A fight must've occurred between the civilians.
"Hey, you look familiar." An unfamiliar voice called out.
Yuso shifted his body to the side, eyeing the new person on his left. It was a middle-aged man, scruffy beard. His hands were wrapped around his belt, his elbows angled.
The man continued to observe Yuso, his eyes narrow.
Yuso parted his lips to speak, "I have no time for recognition. Tell me, have you seen any rogues in cloaks passing by?"
His voice was demanding, his eyes glowering. The man was immediately startled by Yuso's eyes, staring into the crimson-red pentagram substituting for his iris.
"I've heard of you… you're the demon that terrorizes this nation!" The man bellowed, his eyes strained.
Yuso grew irritated. "I believe I asked you a question," his eyes flashed threateningly. "Have you seen a rogue in a cloak as of late?"
The man's mind spiraled, his eyes catching the swirling motion of Yuso's Shirugeto. He had no clue as to what it indicated, but he desperately wanted to avoid finding out. In submission, the man crawled to the back of his mind, reaching for any memories of rogues in cloaks—of anyone suspicious in a cloak!
Then it hit him.
"Yes! Yes! There was a rogue in a cloak heading to the mountains!" The man answered, appeasing Yuso slightly.
Luckily for the guy, he encountered the rogue—with a kick to the face. He was drunk and supposedly fought a brat in armor, mistaking him for a village warrior scavenging the area. Boy, he was both glad and upset that he was hammered at that moment.
Yuso squinted his eyes. "The mountains, huh..?"
The man nodded in a rapid succession. "Yes! You'll find them over there!"
Yuso became annoyed with the townsman. "Your information is beneficial, but your way of addressing me prior to this was mildly impermissible."
The man blinked. "What does that mean—ARGH!"
In the blink of an eye, a stone spike protruded out of a newly formed pentagram, impaling the man through the chest gruesomely. Yuso, who had his fist clenched, smirked.
"Your existence is terrorizing to this land—consider yourself saved." Yuso claimed, his body vanishing in a brilliant light of crimson.
*VRRMRRRM*
As Yuso disappeared, the man dropped to the ground, his blood pooling around his body, the metallic liquid soon pouring from his mouth. People shrieked as they watched the man die, slowly and agonizingly.
For the second time that week, Tani felt attacked.
XXX
Back in the village of Buraun, Commander Haishi tapped his arm repeatedly, the white-haired Kaminari Nozomu stood before him.
Haishi felt no fear or apprehension when staring down a Tansu vessel, growing accustomed to Nozomu's nature quite easily. Hell, Principal Manabu from the academy has been living in their village for years. And supposedly, they're friends.
However, that wasn't the topic at hand.
"You wish to be dispatched when Tanjo is found?" Haishi asked, his eyebrow knitting.
Nozomu's stolid countenance never faltered. "He's under my supervision—I want to be the one to bring him home."
Haishi ceased his tapping, tilting his head to the side lazily. There had to be an ulterior motive, the commander deduced.
"Are you sure our warriors can't do it? We are sending our best in the unit." Haishi quizzed, his voice monotone.
Nozomu appeared annoyed. "I was formally invited back to the barracks; isn't it my decision to return?"
"Not to the unit of your choice, Nozomu. I get you're strong, but we have professionals—"
Nozomu interrupted Haishi immediately. "Tanjo is stronger than you think, chief."
Haishi straightened himself. "What do you mean?"
"He's only sixteen, but soon that kid will manage to subdue any troop you send his way—you need to send me." Nozomu clarified, terse.
Haishi took several moments to respond, his mind washing through potential ways to respond. With a sigh of frustration, Haishi conceded.
"Fine, but you won't be released as of now. But this also means that you need to stay active after aligning yourself with us again—the council fellows won't appreciate your inconsistent loyalty." Haishi responded, retracting his arms to his sides, placing his hands on his hips.
For the briefest of moments, a small arc of lightning raced across Nozomu's clenched fist.
"Understood."
XXX
Another chapter down! Yuso is finally making progress, on his way to find the green-ringed rogue! But, Doryoku was never in Tani, so who did the man guide Yuso to? And will Nozomu really go after Tanjo? Stay tuned for more!
Have a Great Day!
Peace - Cr1ticalz_