"Why can't we just take a faster route? Carriages are so outdated," Joe groaned, leaning against the door with an exaggerated sigh.
"Safety concerns, you idiot," Kris shot back, rolling his eyes.
"Shut up, Joe."
"No you."
Following extensive discussions with the King, it was ultimately determined that they would travel by car rather than by plane, ensuring both safety and discretion. Shun wasn't particularly fond of cars; although they were simpler to construct than planes, their speed and ground-bound nature were limitations he found frustrating. He could probably outrun the vehicle using his Embodiment of the Spider. Yet, he was somewhat taken aback to discover that Silver was capable of driving. However, rather than dwelling on that revelation, he was more concerned about the dynamics among his companions.
Throughout the journey, they engaged in a near-constant barrage of arguments. Shun wondered if this was typical behaviour during their military training; if so, he almost felt pity for the kingdom's armed forces. Judging by Emilia's expressions, though, it appeared that this was merely a lighthearted respite from the rigidity of army life.
In total, there were only five apprentices training to become high-ranking military officials right now. Despite their varying ages, all were young and exuberant, fostering a strong camaraderie. The two boys engaged in a spirited debate were named Kris Etherson and Joe Moran. Though they treated each other as rivals, Emilia insisted they collaborated brilliantly—perhaps even more seamlessly than Shun and Silver did.
Then there was Otto Morphy, the oldest among them and the unofficial captain of the group, recognized as the 38th complete ethereal warrior. Despite his youth, Otto had undergone military training before awakening his ethereal arm. His accomplishments at MEA far surpassed even those of his ethereal abilities.
Alongside Emilia, the other girl in the group is Olivia Skyland, hailing from an aristocratic family. She and Emilia had known each other since childhood. As a complete ethereal warrior ranked 75th, Olivia's skills were also quite impressive.
Ironically, the total number of complete ethereal warriors in the army could barely reach ten. Most of them prioritized personal strength and freedom over loyalty to a cause or military honour. After all, complete ethereal warriors were honoured simply for existing.
Nevertheless, this did not imply the army was weak. Vergil Killer was a force unto himself, possessing the ability to resurrect the dead as his soldiers—an army that was both infinite and formidable.
Shun closed his eyes, attempting to block out the relentless arguments between Kris and Joe. He found it frustrating that Silver, as the driver, left him without anyone to converse with. Though he generally preferred solitude, it felt awkward to remain silent while the others engaged in lively chatter.
The car they occupied was more luxurious than an ordinary vehicle; notably, it lacked a roof—a safety measure, perhaps. Shun struggled to comprehend the King's heightened concern for their safety during the journey, perceiving it as an overreaction. Whatever dangers might arise, he felt confident in his newfound powers, certain he could handle any situation.
Lost in thought, he was jolted back to reality by a sudden deceleration. He peered out the window, puzzled by the interruption. A man stood outside, clad in noble attire that starkly contrasted with the rugged landscape. His hat obscured half his face, exuding an air of danger that immediately set off alarm bells in Shun's mind.
Silver appeared equally tense, scrutinizing the stranger with narrowed eyes.
The man seemed as surprised to see them as they were to encounter him. With a hint of hesitation, he removed his hat and bowed slightly, revealing a strikingly handsome face marred by a horrifying scar on his left cheek.
"I didn't expect to meet anyone on this isolated route," he murmured, though his voice carried clearly to everyone in the car. He turned to face them, a disarming smile gracing his lips. "My name is October. I'm on a journey to Haven. Is that where you all have come from?"
"No."
"Yes."
Silence enveloped the group, broken only by Otto and Shun's simultaneous responses, which unexpectedly contradicted one another. Otto cast a sidelong glance at Shun, his expression cool. In his view, revealing any information to a stranger was unwise. However, Shun couldn't care less, if October was asking for trouble, he would just kill him.
October adjusted his hat, obscuring his scarred face once more. "Ah, so you've come from different places," he surmised. Before anyone could respond, he continued, "That's irrelevant. Just tell me—am I heading in the right direction? I don't have a map with me."
Both Otto and Shun nodded, recognizing the futility of further evasion now that their ruse had been exposed.
"What brings you to Haven?" Olivia Skyland asked, suspicion evident in her tone.
October cleared his throat, a faint smile lurking beneath his hat's brim. "To infiltrate Lordrixis's capital, of course," he replied casually, his tone almost joking. "The Chief has tasked me with gathering intelligence on this kingdom."
With that, he extended his right arm, from which silky white threads unfurled, swiftly coalescing into a longsword.
"Oops! I seem to have revealed something I shouldn't have. Guess I'll have to kill you now."
Before he could make a move, Shun launched himself from the car, a small black dagger in hand. Sensing October's malevolent intent, Shun saw an opportunity—not only to thwart a potential threat but to harvest another seemingly interesting ethereal arm.
October's surprise was palpable as Shun struck. He raised his sword, unleashing a flurry of threads that sought to ensnare Shun.
Yet, the Harvester emitted a mysterious glow, deflecting the threads aside and redirecting them toward October's vulnerable body.
However, with a swift motion, October raised his left arm, now encased in a layer of diamond.
The Harvester collided with his arm, forcing October back, surprise etched across his features. Shun, too, was taken aback. If the thread sword was indeed his ethereal arm, what granted him the ability to encase his arm in diamond?
"Who are you?" Shun demanded, feeling a heightened sense of alarm, more intense than during his confrontation with Dominic. Perhaps his power was not unique.
October adjusted his hat and scrutinized Shun with equal suspicion, shaking his left arm in discomfort. "There wasn't supposed to be an ethereal arm like that…" he murmured, seemingly to himself. "Who are you?"
This time, it was October who charged at Shun. The sword in his hand transformed into a spinning drill. Reacting swiftly, Shun slashed the dagger through the air, the aura halting the drill's momentum.
Seizing the opportunity, Shun thrust the Harvester toward October's heart. Yet, just as the blade made contact, October transformed into a thick layer of mud, ensnaring Shun's hand within its grasp. It was evident now that this man wielded multiple ethereal arms.
Shun yanked his hand free, but October had already vanished without a trace.