"But you have the ability to shapeshift, why don't you sprout wings?" I sigh, and suddenly a breakthrough idea emerges.
Aldo smirks, as if he is an old man mocking a boy who has yet to experience life, "Shapeshifting while many farmers are working will make them associate me with a demon. And what if they report it in an unpredictable way? I am noble now, after all; I can be followed to some extent, so I cannot act recklessly."
"There is a way to solve the problem that many people do not even know about… it is surprisingly effective…" Aldo's voice remains low, speaking in a suggestive manner that piques my curiosity further.
"What is it?" I ask curiously.
Suddenly, Aldo pulls my shoulder, and he jumps up to the bank, facing those three women. Aldo performs an unexpected action that both our side and the enemy do not understand! He will create a historic moment of a daring genius, or fail like a fool "drowning in a place where others have drowned," desperately repeating the foolishness of history?
But looking at the three women before me. The tomboy suddenly raises her guard, steps back, raises her hand, and prepares to fight; she must suspect that Aldo will use a new trick. Meanwhile, the girl in a light pink coat, a white turtleneck, a tweed skirt, and a pearl necklace presents an elegant and refined appearance without revealing any emotions, calmly watching what Aldo will do next. The third girl, with dark skin that seems chocolate-colored, has a robust and smooth complexion along with amber eyes and long black hair, wearing a female monk's outfit, holding a yellow staff topped with a round emerald. She steps back and hides behind the tomboy. Aldo's A-causa finally retracts, revealing his true form.
Just a moment later, he pushes me forward toward the women, making me feel somewhat embarrassed.
"Veritas, it's your turn to shine now. You communicate better than I do, so I trust you will resolve the misunderstanding," Aldo says to me in Vietnamese (Of course, I understand; I am also Vietnamese), taking excessive precautions to ensure those women do not understand.
How could I forget this?
I try to calm myself down, then turn to face them.
"I didn't expect you two to jump up here to face us. I thought you would run away like cowardly little mice…" The elegant girl tilts her head and smiles mysteriously; she is 5 cm taller than Aldo (while Aldo is 8 cm taller than me), "I will get straight to the point: You two must be silent and not let anyone else know about our matter. Or else, I have no other way to dispose of you!" she insists.
"It seems you misunderstand here; we happen to pass through the forest and encounter you, and I haven't heard anything yet," I calmly explain.
The tomboy girl is about to rush forward but is stopped by the elegant girl, who continues, "Is that your excuse? Do you have a legitimate reason for entering the forest?"
"We just happen to pass by while collecting firewood…" I reply.
"But you two don't look like people who need to collect firewood… for instance, an axe, a knife, a rake, or at least some specialized tools," she laughs disdainfully at my pathetic lies.
"Um, actually, we are scholars entering the forest to study the herbaceous plants…" I reply calmly.
"Can I check your ID?" she responds clearly, from her previous answer, she knows I'm lying and just needs one word to indirectly prove I continue to deceive.
Veritas stands in the tense space, feeling the weight of the looks from the three women surrounding him. The girl in the elegant coat, with her calm and powerful demeanor, makes him feel as if he stands before an impenetrable wall. But Veritas is not one to easily succumb; he quickly realizes he needs to take control of the situation.
"You don't need to worry," Veritas begins, clearing his throat to regain his composure. "We just happen to pass through here. We have no intention of causing trouble or interfering in your affairs."
"But," the tomboy girl smirks, "there are secrets in this forest that people like you should not know." She pauses, her gaze sharp as a knife, but Veritas knows he cannot let her control the conversation.
Veritas tells himself, "Stay calm and think carefully. This is not the time to reveal information or weaknesses." He tries to create three different roles in his mind: a scholar, a mediator, and a protector. This way, he will be able to handle the situation skillfully.
"Perhaps we are not the right people to participate in the secrets of this forest," Veritas says, his voice calm, "but our curiosity might lead to deeper insights about the surrounding environment."
The elegant girl looks at him with a scrutinizing gaze. Suddenly, she falls silent, her eyes locking onto him, making Veritas feel as if he is being interrogated. He cannot understand her intentions, but this feeling of being manipulated makes it impossible for him to escape.
"Don't pretend like you don't know," she says, never taking her eyes off him. "Something shady is going on, and you did not stumble in here by accident. It's not that simple."
In that tense moment, Veritas realizes that this girl is not just an ordinary person. She possesses a strong psychological power, the ability to steer the conversation, and it seems she has been watching them for a long time. "Actually," she continues, "we are monitoring a cult. Do you want to know more?"
Suddenly, Veritas's mind spins. He doesn't know what to say at this moment. Her words are full of mystery and carry a strong allure. "What cult?" he asks, unable to resist his curiosity.
"The Sapphic cult," she replies, her eyes still fixed on Veritas. "It is a monotheistic religious movement that believes in the exclusion of men and promotes romantic love between women. It emphasizes education, empowers women, and advocates for a completely different form of family."
Veritas blinks, unable to believe his ears. "So, you are monitoring them for what reason? Is that why you are here?"
"Exactly," she replies. "We are investigating the connection between the activities of this cult and the strange incidents happening in the forest. And surely, you two are not the ordinary people we usually encounter."
The tomboy girl still does not take her eyes off Veritas, as if trying to uncover his secrets. He needs to keep his mind steady and not let emotions take over. "I don't understand why you think we are related to that cult," he says.
"Because," the elegant girl says, "we have seen strange signs from you. A cult like that would not stop at ordinary activities. They would have more complex connections, possibly with people like you."
A sense of anxiety slowly creeps into Veritas's mind. He cannot let this suspicion spread; he must devise a plan. "We can cooperate," he says, making a quick decision. "If you are truly monitoring that cult, perhaps we should learn more about them together."
The elegant girl looks at him, her gaze gradually softening. "Do you think we would trust you so easily?" she asks.
"No," Veritas replies sincerely, "but if we have a common goal, we might find useful clues."
Aldo, who stands beside, finally speaks up. "If we have nothing to hide, then why not give it a try?" His voice is calm, as if he has considered it carefully. "We don't intend to cause trouble. Learning about the cult could be a good way to better understand this forest."
The elegant girl thinks for a long while and then nods. "Alright, but on one condition: you two must keep this meeting a secret. We don't want anyone else to know about it."
"That's not a problem," Veritas says, feeling like he has created a new opportunity. "So what do we do next?"
"I will take you to a safe place," she replies, "where we can discuss the plan further and what we need to do."
The tomboy girl seems not entirely convinced, but the elegant girl's agreement eases the tension in the air. "But if anything happens," she says, "I won't hesitate to attack."
Veritas and Aldo nod, ready for what's to come. They begin to follow the elegant girl through narrow paths in the forest. The group moves quietly, all in a state of alertness.
As they pass through dense canopies, Veritas cannot help but think about what the girl has revealed. The Sapphic cult? There is still so much to examine.
Finally, after a long way, they stop in front of a small cave, hidden by branches. "This is where we will discuss," the elegant girl says, "but be careful. We don't know who else might be watching."
Aldo raises an eyebrow, as if he has some plan in mind. Veritas feels a surge of excitement. "Are we going into the cave?" he asks.
"Yes," she replies, "but before we go in, I want to ensure everything is safe." The girl looks into the distance, as if searching for something.
Veritas senses the tension in the air. Suddenly, Aldo stops, his eyes lighting up decisively. "Wait," he says, "I think we should try a different approach."
The elegant girl turns back, her gaze sharp. "What do you mean?"
Aldo says nothing, quietly pulling a small bomb from his pocket, the light shining on it highlighting its strange shape. "We can't take risks going into the cave without preparation. Let me handle this."
Veritas cannot hold back. "What are you planning to do?"
"It's simple," Aldo says, "if there's anyone in there, we'll know immediately." He throws the bomb into the cave, to everyone's astonishment.
Time seems to stop as the bomb strikes the cave's bottom and explodes with a loud bang, echoing throughout the forest. A blinding light bursts from inside the cave, illuminating the surrounding area. Veritas and the three women stand frozen, no one daring to move.
As the smoke and dust gradually dissipate, a silence envelops the space. Veritas swallows hard, unsure of what will happen next. The elegant girl gasps, her expression incredulous. "What have you done?" she snaps, her voice clearly showing panic.
"We can't take chances," Aldo replies calmly. "Now we know for sure that there's no one in the cave."
Veritas feels a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He does not want to see such chaos and recklessness. "Do you think that was the best way to handle it?" he asks.
"There was no other choice," Aldo answers, his gaze resolute. "Now let's go inside."
Entering the cave, the atmosphere becomes more tense than ever. The rocks inside still bear traces of the explosion. Veritas does not know what awaits them ahead.
"Be careful," the elegant girl whispers, but no one in the group dares to breathe heavily. They move deeper into the cave, the dim light from glowing stones reflecting on the stone walls. A sense of anticipation rises, and Veritas feels his heart pounding.
As they search, an uneasy feeling begins to form in Veritas's mind. What is happening in the darkness? Has the Sapphic cult been here? His mind is overwhelmed with unanswered questions.
Then, suddenly, they hear strange noises echoing from deep within the cave. A sound like soft footsteps, as if someone is approaching. Veritas and the others stop, their gazes directed toward the source of the sound.
"We are not invaders," Aldo says, "but if necessary, we will defend ourselves."
The tension in the air escalates. Veritas feels like everything is happening too fast. This expedition has exceeded what he imagined. Can they uncover the truth without paying a heavy price?
After anxious footsteps, Veritas and his group continue to move deeper into the cave, where the light gradually fades, giving way to encroaching darkness. It feels as if some mysterious force is watching them from the cold stones. Aldo leads the way, walking steadily, while Veritas feels his heart beating faster with each step.
"It seems someone is here," the tomboy girl whispers, her suspicious eyes scanning the surroundings. "But why is there noise without anyone being seen?"
"We need to be cautious," the elegant girl warns, "they might be waiting for the right moment to attack." Fear rises in the air.
The deeper they go into the cave, the dimmer the light becomes. Veritas feels a chill running down his spine, not only from the cold air inside the cave but also from the feeling of being watched. The stone walls around them seem to harbor many secrets.
Suddenly, a shadow flits past the cave's end. "There's someone!" Aldo exclaims, immediately turning to face the danger. Veritas feels sweat trickling down his forehead.
"Wait!" the elegant girl hastily intervenes. "We shouldn't act recklessly. If there really is someone, they might not be an enemy."
"Right," Veritas says, trying to keep his voice calm. "We need to know exactly who they are before deciding."
The noise echoes again, this time clearer. A gentle voice rises from the darkness. "Why have you come here?"
Veritas's group stands in stunned silence, realizing that they are in a dangerous situation. The light from the stones reflects the image of a woman with long hair and bright eyes. She appears mysterious, yet she does not seem dangerous.
"I am Elara," she introduces herself, "from the Sapphic sect. You shouldn't be here."
Veritas realizes the truth of what the elegant girl said earlier. "We just want to understand," he says. "We have no intention of causing harm."
"But you do not belong here," Elara replies, her gaze sharp. "Everyone has their own reasons for coming here. You cannot invade things you do not understand."
"Then let us understand," Aldo says, his voice firm. "What is this sect doing here?"
Elara slowly steps forward, her eyes never leaving them. "Our sect seeks change, a revolution. We believe that this world needs a new direction, where women are empowered and free, where love is not limited by gender."
She pauses, as if waiting for their reaction. Veritas feels a part of him resonate with what she says. "But why hide in these caves? Why not be public?"
"Because," Elara says, her tone serious, "we are oppressed. Those who oppose this system pay the price. That is why we choose this way."
The elegant girl and the tomboy exchange worried glances. "So what are you planning?" the elegant girl asks.
"We are preparing for an uprising," Elara answers. "We will not let the current system continue to control our lives."
"I can understand that," Veritas says, feeling as if a connection is forming between them. "But how can we help?"
"Learn and share our message with others," Elara says, her eyes lighting up. "Only when everyone unites can we create change."
Aldo nods, clearly contemplating this. "We will help, but we need more information. Is there anything else we should know?"
Elara smiles gently. "There is much you do not know. But first, be a part of us."
In that moment, Veritas feels as though he has found a new purpose, a reason to fight and explore. Although everything around remains shrouded in mystery and danger, he knows he has found another path.
"We will follow you," Veritas says, without hesitation. "We will stand with you."
Elara nods, feeling as if they have officially become allies. But another feeling washes over him, one he cannot ignore: is this the right decision?
Suddenly, a noise echoes from deep within the cave. A vague threat, like a sign that something is wrong. "We must go now," Elara says, her voice urgent. "If someone discovers us here, we will be in danger."
Veritas and the women immediately comply. They start moving toward the exit, the tension rising. Will they escape safely and uncover the secrets waiting ahead?
As they step out of the cave, sunlight shines on their faces, bringing life to the worries and doubts that weigh them down. But their journey is just beginning, and Veritas knows that in the darkness, terrifying secrets still await.
After leaving the cave, Veritas, Aldo, and the three girls begin discussing what they have just experienced. "This is truly different," Aldo says, his expression serious. "We cannot simply ignore this."
The elegant girl, who has remained calm throughout the encounter, begins to speak. "We need to know more about the Sapphic sect. What they are doing could greatly impact our future."
Veritas nods, sensing the atmosphere around them changing. "We need to learn about the members, their goals, and what they plan to do in the future."
"But how do we approach them again?" the tomboy asks, her voice anxious.
"Perhaps we should find a way to be accepted into the sect," Aldo suggests. "If they truly want change, maybe we can help."
Veritas thinks about this. Infiltrating the sect could be a big risk, but if it is the only way to understand them better, it might be worth it. "I agree. We need to build trust with them," he says.
"No, let's do something easier and quicker," Aldo turns back to the cave, and after more than an hour, he emerges. Just then, an explosion occurs before Veritas and the three women.
"What did you just do, Aldo?" Veritas asks, bewildered.
"On Earth, if there's an easier way, we should do it…" Aldo replies tersely.
"Are you all still standing there? We should go. There's no one in there anymore."
I seem to understand everything and then wave for the three women to follow.
We return to the city after more than two hours. It is now dusk, the sun is too red. The moon somewhere on the horizon is waiting for every moment to take the sun's place. Aldo, someone I am familiar with, has returned to the hotel earlier. So, it's just me with the three women. I turn back to them and smile.
"There. Now you have witnessed what has happened. We are just doing my mission, so there are no misunderstandings anymore."
The elegant woman smiles, "I understand. If you are still concerned, I apologize, or you and Aldo can come to my VIP room. I will treat you to a lavish meal as an apology. How about it?" she says suggestively, handing me a business card.
I gently take the card. Myeong Chun-hei, that is her name. So Aldo correctly identified this girl's ethnicity. I glance at Chun-hei.
"Veritas?" Chun-hei continues to smile, calling my name with an extended tone.
"Hmm?" I respond, puzzled.
The mysterious smile remains on Chun-hei's lips, "You still haven't answered my question."
"I think I won't have time; Aldo will probably accept this invitation for me... tomorrow evening. As for me, I have a meeting with the partner (I say this to him) in three days," I reply.
"I understand. So, you should inform Aldo," Chun-hei smiles and then leaves with her teammates.
I sigh and return to my room in the hotel. Of course, I report this matter back to Aldo.
"What will she do if I go alone? Are you keeping it a secret from one or two people on the team to go along, or can we hide in some corner or blend in?" Aldo responds.
"Helene, with armor like a character I know, no May, and Auburn, right?" I suggest.
"Fine," Aldo replies.
I nod.
And as expected, this guy focuses on his book and doesn't bother to say another word to me. After more than ten years of studying at the same school as Aldo, I am always impressed by this aspect of him. But he is the person I trust the most, both now and when I am summoned to this place. Fermos has better communication skills, is humorous, but he lacks seriousness and struggles under pressure; Auburn... I feel he is too bland and has "some weaknesses." Then there's Helzard, who is like a worse version of Fermos, vapes, rides a bike to blow off steam, loves to crash into trucks while driving, and hundreds of other things, but he is sincere and listens... when he gets scolded. It's this nerdy Aldo... I look at him, who once proposed the slave uprising back then, looking determined and sharp. It seems as if he is just waiting for the right moment for this "healthy toxic masculinity" to explode.
"So, what do you think about Chun-hei?" I ask.
"Is she the elegant girl?" Aldo replies.
"Yeah, that's right, her name is Chun-hei," I confirm.
"Height about 175 cm or 5'9", full-figured..." Aldo says.
"And a cup H?" Helene adds.
Aldo glances at Helene with indifference, "What does that have to do with Chun-hei's identifying features?"
"Don't you think about the case where she uses a disguise while she brings you down to the basement and examines you like an experiment, no more, no less?" Helene responds, lying on the bed beside Aldo's sitting bed.
"Next time, remember to buy more sausages. Eating a whole baguette is too much."
"Are Germans addicted to eating sausages?" Aldo raises an eyebrow, his face showing no emotion.
"Don't generalize like that; it's just... my family eats a lot, so I do too!" Helene pouts.
Aldo says nothing and returns to me to finish what he was doing.
"Sharp, cunning cat eyes, fair skin, rosy complexion, smooth, strong with long, curled eyelashes. Full lips, with straight, long black hair framing her finely shaped face. High cheekbones. A straight nose."
"Very much like the main female character's girlfriend in those Korean Girl Love series..." he smiles awkwardly and nods.
Helene and I look at him in confusion.
Aldo suddenly looks at me and then at Helene.
"Come on, you two, I'm just joking! Why are you looking at me like that, do you like me?"