*Pantera*
Niam's message came later than usual. And even though I hadn't sensed his Mana in a serious situation, the Mana on the scroll was so controlling that I knew that Niam was on the other side of the scroll. ‚Did something complicate his journey? I need to ask him.'
‚He knows.' I said, sure he would understand.
It took some time for a response to come. I waited for a few minutes.
‚Although I hag a grudge against you for our night together, I need to admit that it helped me out. I met your brother Asem. I told him about what happened. He let me cross the northern border.'
I didn't think he would mention our night. It was something that could've potentially hurt someone's pride. But in Niam's case, something he regretted having done was turned into an opportunity. ‚Impressive.'
I didn't mind Asem knowing about the night. I only wished he wouldn't tell the others, especially Valsahar.
‚I don't regret it. It was enjoyable, Niam. I know that we would have a special relationship from the start. And thanks to you, I shook off my pursuers. Omar even helped me.'
‚It's more like he didn't give you much of a choice.' He replied, ignoring the first part of my message.
‚You're right. He didn't leave me a choice. I couldn't fight a loyal soldier that followed the right orders.'
‚Enough small talk now. What happened?'
Niam wouldn't get led by me twice. If I wanted to continue our relationship, I had to give him a proper answer.
‚I won't bore you with the small details, but I allied myself with Piranha School. And after a few weeks there, we grew and expanded our influence in Central Superio. The European Union wanted us as allies, so they sent a few troops. Haru was one of them. He, being the leader of these troops, tried to bargain a covenant. We declined, and a kid named Johan Kaiser challenged me to a „battle of royal blood". I beat him, then the others, including Haru. But the others were in Haru's way. He ordered them to stand back so he could fight me alone. In that battle, Haru, the Union's Light, went trough an evolution. His rapidly decreasing Mana reserves were filling up every few minutes. Coincidentally, the number of times his cores refilled matched the number of his comrades. I was cut several times. Many of my bones were broken. I even thought that my hands were already cut off, and I was hallucinating the entire fight. But when I was about to die, my second Mana-Core formed. There was no victor in that battle. The damage I took was equally dealt back. I was brought back to the shelter. I don't know what Haru did after that.' I spilled.
‚That somehow doesn't explain how he knows that I'm still alive.' He replied.
‚A girl from TV, Haru, and I referenced you in the conversations pre and mid fight. Haru isn't that stupid. And he probably has proof by now.'
‚The surprise factor is gone then. What a shame…'
A minute of silence followed.
‚Niam, what did you talk about with Asem? Did he mention our father?'
'Goodbye, Pantera. It was a pleasure catching up.'
'Wait! Niam!' I wrote back as fast as I could.
I didn't get a response after that. 'Left me hanging... I guess he wanted to get back at me. I brought this onto myself really.'
Our night together at the inn was still vivid. Even though I was intoxicated, the memories were as clear as day. There were very few days where Niam wasn't on my mind. It wasn't because of the relief I felt that night, it was because of his unique character. Niam was truly a different individual.
***
"Yo." I greeted Mul-Soo.
"Did something happen? You look different, not like you usually do. Like really, really different. I think I've never seen that face before." He said back.
"I talked with Niam over the communication scroll. He didn't say it, but I'm pretty sure he is in old Japan now."
"That's good. But that doesn't explain your expression."
"Ha..." I breathed out. "Just have a lot to think about is all. Never mind me. Has anyone from the Lands tried to get into contact?"
"I fear so... It's the Nordic Alliance. They offered some serious credits and whatnot. An elite group called the Valks are at their bridge. One of them is a man that was here once before. His name is Geir. Geir was stationed in Central Superio back when Niam was here too. Niam managed to defeat him, but was injured badly himself. Now he and his comrades are back. Do you think they're here for revenge?"
"I don't think so. I told you about the declaration of war, didn't I? In less than 2 years, the first battle will be fought at the Union and Alliance border. First, the Union came to us, seeking 'help'. Now the Alliance try the same. This island is a strategic point after all. Those who control it can influence the other Lands' moves."
"What do you want our men to say to them?" Mul-Soo asked.
"Tell them to ask their leader to come alone. If they comply, we will talk in peace. Make it clear that it is a promise."
"Will do. I will send out Mete right away."
***
After I formed my second Mana-Core, many Bearers in Piranha School followed. I set an example and opened their eyes to the path of Mana. The Fire-Bearers, our strongest assets, were the first to awaken. Surprisingly, non-combatants like Liz managed to awaken as well. Her "healing" got more affective, managing to help the wounded in no time, even curing small illnesses such as colds.
Everybody who could, trained. Those who couldn't looked after the shelter's infrastructure and were responsible for small tasks. Different divisions of Bearers were formed. There were the scouts, the defence line, and the first front. The first front's responsibility was to engage hostiles immediately after hearing about their presence and nature. I was in the first front too, leading it. I engaged Haru and his comrades with them guarding my back. And even though they wanted to fight beside me, I didn't let them. The risk of losing valued troops was too high. And in the end, I alone was enough to deal with the Union's troops.
Kaito's value to Piranha School was immense too. He was the youngest Bearer with 2 Mana-Cores. His Salan ability evolved too. He was able to spew out water from his pores, creating a protective barrier around himself, even being able to breath while it covered his face. But being responsible and indebted to Kaito, I didn't let him join the first front.
Mul-Soo and Kaito had connected immediately after getting to know each other. Both being Bearers that had a water related ability even allowed them to train. Mul-Soo would create as much water as he could while Kaito tried to control it. 'It's safe to say that their training worked.'
"Pantera, our guest arrived." Kaito announced.
I made my way to the shelter's entry. A crowd had gathered around the supposed leader of the Valks. After squeezing my way through the crowd, I was able to see the tall, wheat-blonde haired and orange eyed woman. The Mana around her gave off a calm energy, lowering unexperienced troops' guards.
Mete stood behind her, holding spear of a quality so great that it put most weapons that were ever crafted to shame.
"I am Pantera. You wanted to talk, let's talk." I said.
The woman with leather clothing and a fur cape opened her mouth to speak. "I am Hilda Elden, leader of the Valks elite troop. I come in peace. I want to make a deal with you that will benefit us all. And I heard you were recently attacked by the Union's Light."
"Where did you hear that from?" I asked, surprised by her level of intel.
"Do not think of yourselves as the rulers of this island. There are so many more Bearers in our Land than all of you combined. But I am not here to scare you away. You see, we share that event. I once faced the Union's Light too, but unlike you, I lost all of my men."