Bit longer than usual, but would feel weird if I split this chapter in half, so it's the full chapter!
Giliath still appreciates power stones even on days when chapters aren't posted!
*****
I saw a lilac-haired girl in her school uniform with her head cocked in an entire different direction. She almost seemed to be looking...somewhere?
"Sherryl?", I said, calling out to Sherryl again.
"H-Huh?", Sherryl asked as if she was lost in thought. "Oh were you two finally heading out?", Sherryl asked.
"Yeah. Is something wrong?", I decided to ask.
Hearing that, Tio and I saw Sherryl turn her head toward the same spot she was looking at again.
"It's nothing. I thought I saw something.", Sherryl answered, before shaking her head. "Shall we go?", Sherryl urged.
Sherryl's worry didn't go unnoticed, I had picked up a while ago that it seemed we were being tailed, shortly after Lechter left. But I left them to their own devices. Still, it was nice to see Sherryl's senses were sharp. She was able to pick it up before Tio could, or perhaps Tio's senses just need more room to grow?
Either way, I reached my hand out and Tio responded, letting me hold onto her hand again as the three of us exited the Times Department Store.
As we left, back toward the second floor, resting behind one of the large stone pillars that connected all the way to the roof...
Making sure the violet-haired boy and the two girls with him were now out of sight, a sole figure appeared out, who hid behind said pillar. They currently had a calm and calculated look in their eyes, which made it even more terrifying as this person's eyes were curved up into two crescent moons.
It was a man who seemed to be in his twenties, sporting fuschia-colored hair and slim-framed glasses. He was wearing an eastern style blue-indigo suit and dress pants, making him appear stylish. His outfit alone made it seem that he had come from the East.
This man walked out from beside the pillar, silently observing the three people before him as they departed.
Yet to the man's surprise, his gaze was drawn to the violet-haired boy. He suddenly saw a bloody-red flash, and in just a mere second later, the man felt a burning sensation strike against his cheek. It was very fast, and even the man found it hard to see what had just happened.
But the man felt his cheek turn cold, and blood started to seep out as it burned at the same time. A faint scent of iron struck the man's nostrils as he opened his mouth and let his tongue agape, licking a bit of the blood that was now trickling down the side of his cheek.
"I knew that boy wasn't to be underestimated. His periphery is no laughing matter.", The man mused, ignoring the pain his cheek currently had.
"Young Master, shall we give chase? That boy launched an attack at you.", A second figure suddenly appeared with a quick motion, acting just like a ninja. It was too quick to see with the visible eye.
"That was just a welcome message. No need. I assume he has his own reasons to be here in Crossbell City. But seeing the talent that bested Yin next to him, that is a nice touch.", The man mused.
"Understood. We will keep an eye out.", The garbed man responded. He too was wearing eastern-styled garments. These two appeared...to belong to a martial arts family of some sorts?
"Haha, oh my friend, you seem to have it the other way around.", The man replied with a grin.
"Pardon, Young Master?", The second man asked with a doubtful look.
"We are already in the boy's gaze. As long as he's here, there's no use in running away. He'll find you.", The man replied.
"Impossible. That's almost inhumane!", The second man retorted with a shocked look.
Yet as if it reacted to him, the second man suddenly felt a deep sensation strike against his entire body with a low woosh. It wasn't just him. The fuschia-haired man also felt the sensation strike against their bodies. It was as if they had just gotten stripped naked.
"You felt that, didn't you?", The man asked, still sporting his same grin.
"How in Aidios...", The second man uttered.
"Consider it a long-lost gift of the ancient times. A power sought after, but was monopolized by the Erebonian royal family up until a couple centuries ago. Our Lu Family tried to grasp its power for our own as its powers enabled one to carry out the best of the best espionages. Sadly our ancestors failed to retrieve it. I am surprised to see it still here in this era.", The man mused.
"A power lost to ancient times?", The second man mused.
"The Vermillion Eyes. I will warn you only once. Never lie in front of the boy. Otherwise you'll find yourself a one way ticket straight to Gehenna.", The man responded with a serious look.
"I will take that to heart, Young Master Cao. Shall we mobilize Yin?", The second man asked.
"No need. Let her enjoy some time off. Besides, she's still in Erebonia, if I recall.", Cao replied.
The second man replied, and vanished without a thought, acting like a ninja again.
The man named Cao was left alone, and his gaze remained on the entrance that was now empty. The boy and the two girls with him were now long gone.
A smile appeared on Cao's lips.
"Such talent cannot be wasted, even if you have a power that was said to be lost. We will have Sherryl join the Lu Family. Not many can best the lineage of Yin.", Cao mused again, before slowly taking his steps down to the first floor...
Some moments later.
9AM.
Central Square.
Three figures soon left the Times Department Store as did several other folks, joining the large crowd of people going about their daily business. A large ancient bell that was blocked off could be seen in the center of the large square. Some children could be seen playing around in a group closer toward the other end. Most children only visited school on Sundays, which allowed them to play during the rest of the week.
The three figures that walked out were a violet-haired boy sporting a dark grey denim jacket and black pants, a lilac-haired girl who presently wore a one piece black skirt and a beret over her head that was part of a school uniform, and a blue-haired girl who was wearing a one piece blue-white skirt that matched her hair.
The boy was also presently holding hands with the blue-haired girl.
That was me of course, and we had finished up our business inside the department store. I had equipped my dark shades again, making my appearance even more stylish. Thankfully we weren't sticking out like a sore thumb, we just stood off to the side to observe the ongoing crowd of people. It was the middle of rush hour, and unlike other areas, Crossbell City didn't have any transportation systems, as all of the districts were within walking distance.
With that mind, you could imagine how many people were out and about.
But that didn't mean I was idle. Sherryl had every right to be worried a few moments ago. Her senses were sharp. Tio did stay quiet, but I'm sure she felt it too. As we walked out, I activated Vermillion Eyes. Whenever Vermillion Eyes activated, it released a hidden energy that I could target at will, making said target feel stripped, as it allowed me to observe their details. I didn't observe the man in question directly. Instead I sent him a welcome gift.
On the minimap display inside my head, his tiny dot wasn't colored green or red, nor purple or black. it was yellow, signifying that he was neither an ally or foe. It was more of a taunt really, sending him a warning not to mess with me or my friends while I'm in Crossbell City for today. I didn't think I'd catch him lurking around during my short stay.
But he was one of the more fearsome Trailsverse characters whose strength remained in the shadows.
He went by the name Cao Lee, and was the head manager of the Heiyue. Heiyue fought and stood by both sides during the happenings in Zero, Azure and beyond. Just that fact alone was what made Cao a scary figure to deal with. He could become an ally or foe, given enough persuasion. He purely sought after what benefitted him the most. In a way, Heiyue worked like Jaegers, but they weren't swayed by mira. Only what they sought for to keep their influence in check. On the outside, Heiyue was a black market, but deep down, they were a crime syndicate that was on par with the developing mafia here.
And on top of that, Cao Lee himself was of the most influential families that made Heiyue. He belonged to the Lu Family. This Lu Family did not have much influence in western Zemuria, but they held an iron grip over the east. They were more prevalent in Calvard and beyond. It really was a shame I was reincarnated before I could read more of Daybreak.
Down the line, Cao does befriend the SSS to a certain degree, as they would eventually partner up with Yin. Yin was hired by Heiyue to do their dirty work, and guess what?
That was the same Yin Sherryl here defeated in the martial arts tournament.
It was obvious that Cao wanted to recruit Sherryl. But I had no plans to make that happen. My worry was apparent, and Sherryl was quick to notice my gaze.
"Is something wrong, Master?", Sherryl asked with a hint of worry.
"Don't stray from my side today okay, Sherryl? You did well to notice some unwanted attention. I cannot determine if they are a friend or an enemy right now. But if you see a suspicious man approach you while I'm not around, just run.", I uttered with a serious voice.
"A suspicious-looking man? It wouldn't happen to be him, would it?", Sherryl decided to ask, letting her eyes wander back toward the entrance of the department store. She raised her hand, and pointed toward what appeared to be a sole figure walking out with a calm demeanor, and his hands were presently placed behind his back, hidden from view.
I had turned my Vermillion Eyes off a couple moments ago, but I didn't think I would see this man take such a direct approach. He let out a laugh as he approached us three.
"Haha, it is a bit rude to call someone suspicious, is it not?", The man said as he came into view.
"Now that you've brought it up, you look a bit familiar. But I don't recall where exactly...", Sherryl responded, tilting her head.
"I was among the spectators watching you fight a couple years ago during Her Majesty's birthday celebration. It was a splendid match.", The man replied.
"Oh! So you were a spectator watching that huh? I won't lie, that Rixia fellow proved a worthy opponent. She is probably the toughest person I've fought, and I've encountered quite a few this last year or so with Teacher Zin.", Sherryl answered.
"Oh? So you've apprenticed yourself already. It would seem I'm a tad bit too late then.", The man said, letting out a sigh.
"That isn't stopping you though, is it now?", I replied with a grin.
"Very true. Martial artists oftentimes find themselves studying under more than one master. But where are my manners? Now that is most certainly rude of me. I'm Cao Lee. It is a pleasure to meet you three. And especially you, Your Highness.", Cao responded, formally introducing himself to us.
"...", Tio tried to utter, but she just remained mostly deadpan with that empty stare of hers.
"It isn't surprising that you can tell who I am, even if I'm dressed like this. Mister Cao, was it?", I asked. To my surprise, he reached his hand out for a handshake. I responded, and shook Cao's hand, causing him to smile.
"You can just address me as Cao, Your Highness. You've caused quite a stir back in Erebonia you know.", Cao said, releasing his grip.
"You mean the engagement with Alfin? I'm sure it'll cause uncertainty in places, but if it'll promote friendship between our two countries, I'm all for it. Considering your current position, I'm sure you'll take advantage of it.", I mused.
"Haha, oh I most certainly have. Riding on these waves of uncertainty allowed Heiyue to secure its footing here in Crossbell City during that short period alone. That is why I decided to approach you like this, Your Highness. I wanted to express my gratitude. It doesn't have to be now, but will you and your companions drop by the Heiyue office in the harbor to share a cup of tea before the day is over? I'm sure we can use this to have a bout of an information exchange.", Cao Lee asked, which caused me to raise my eyebrows.
"You want to exchange information with me?", I asked.
"Of course. You have a strong footing in both Erebonia and Liberl. And being a man of the east, I can share more eastern views with you. How does that sound, Your Highness?", Cao Lee proposed.
That was a very tempting offer. I know I'm friends with Van and I have been exchanging information with him over the last couple years with how Calvard has been doing, but Van is only one person. Cao Lee has much more of a wide network compared to Van. I don't know how Calvard will develop from here, but it wouldn't hurt to have a simple chat with the man, will it?
And I even told Sherryl to stay away from this guy. He just had to go and show himself, didn't he? Sherryl glanced my way. I could see a hint of worry in her eyes.
"Are you going to accept, Master?", Sherryl asked in doubt.
Yet hearing that alone, I saw Cao's eyes shift upward a bit.
"Now that is something I wasn't expecting to hear. You don't have the air of a master. The contestant that bested Yin is in servitude to you?", Cao asked.
"As a maid, but yes. Sherryl is serving me now. Will that cause a problem?", I said, wanting to make sure.
"Oh, if it's just that, nothing of the sort. Just found it a surprise is all.", Cao replied with a smile.
"Excellent. You can expect our arrival at 5PM for a short visit. And unrelated, but considering you hail from the east, you should know some excellent tea-making techniques?", I wondered.
"Of course. If you so desire it, I shall impart one or two to you.", Cao nodded.
"Tea making?", Sherryl mused, her eyes lit up hearing that.
"I'd appreciate that. We'll be taking our leave then. It was nice to meet you, Cao.", I replied.
"Safe travels, Your Highness.", Cao responded, letting his hands remain behind his back as he saw the three figures vanish into the Central Square.
Cao remained behind, and didn't immediately walk in a particular direction. Instead, he waited until the same second man appeared before him. He turned his figure around to look at the man. He was a subordinate to his own, his right-hand man so to say.
"So, now that you've seen His Highness close like this, how do you take it?", Cao mused as he asked the man.
"That prince has no openings, Young Master. I find it difficult to believe with his young looks.", The man replied.
"Which is why I accepted his welcome gift. He can attack with such swiftness. Even I found it hard to trace that attack. Now do you know why I said it was no use in trying to monitor His Highness?", Cao asked him.
"Yes, Young Master. We will make sure not to enter the prince's vicinity.", The man nodded with a stern look.
"Hahaha!", Cao bellowed, which caused the second man to raise his eyes in doubt. "Now that is where you are wrong again my friend. Let alone this store, His Highness likely has all of Crossbell City under his gaze.", Cao answered with a smirk.
"WHAT!?", The second man exclaimed in shock, not expecting to hear that at all...