Surrounded by ferocious soldiers Quill wasn't flustered. He didn't focus on anyone in particular. He waved his hand and two dozen swords appeared in the air.
Tepo was turning slightly numb. He watched from the sidelines as Quill spoke another sentence:
"How are you going to kill me? All of you target my spell, your weapons getting shattered by superior swords!"
Raising his brows, Tepo focused on the swords hovering in a circle around them. Apparently they were the result of a spell. And once again Quill's words came true.
The soldiers advanced bravely, intending to kill the two criminals. Their eyes were flickering with viciousness, their weapons raised high. A uniform formation of swords and spears shot through the air, glinting mysteriously under the moonlight. Like a group of grim reapers, the soldiers were ready to take lives.
But something odd happened. Involuntarily the soldiers all hit the swords hovering in the air. In their minds they had clearly aimed elsewhere, but somehow everything happened as Quill said.
The second the soldiers' weapons collided with Quill's swords, a majestic force drove into them. The metal appeared to be crying out one last time before exploding into pieces.
Fear gripped the soldiers' hearts. What were they dealing with? What kind of ability was this?
The soldiers grew desperate. Why couldn't Quill throw mountains at them or cause some explosions, at least they could understand what they were dealing with this way. But Quill's abilities were silent and mysterious. How could anyone defend against them?
Even Tepo was apprehensive. It was good that Quill was on his side for now. Even the clever former agent couldn't gleam any clue of how to handle Quill. Maybe it was possible to hold his mouth shut?
Alarmed shouts filled the air. The soldiers gave vent to their growing fear. The captain couldn't belief his own eyes. He was clueless. He could only choose his most desperate strategy: threatening with the name of his superiors.
"Who are you?! Daring to meddle with the Floating Rain City's affairs! Don't you know who our mayor is?! Taren Raunej is a genius at the acolyte rank, highly valued by the provincial lord! Can you endure his anger?!"
Quill chuckled lightly. How often had he heard similar words? Feeling that he had shown off enough, the green-masked man shook his head. It was time to end this.
"It's alright. Let the mayor come.
My swords pierce the hearts of all those who had attacked me."
"No!"
"Ahh!"
"Spare me!"
Under everyone's shocked gazes the swords shot out at incredible speeds. Blood splattered as disgusting sounds spread.
Tepo's eyes widened. He stared as the red liquid in the air, his head spinning. Before he could even react so many lives had been taken.
Swords stuck out of all the soldiers' hearts. Their eyes looked forlorn. Disbelief filled their minds as their lives were ended by the overwhelmingly strong spell.
When even some beasts cried out in sadness, the captain recovered his bearings. His body shaking, he stared at his dead subordinates. A coldness enveloped his body. Death was staring at him.
The captain was overcome with terror. He urged his beast, turning around swiftly.
Tepo averted his eyes. His breath was shallow as he looked at Quill, who just readied his next sentence:
"Your…"
"NO!", interrupted Tepo.
Confused eyes focused on the young man.
"What are you doing? Haven't you killed enough?!"
Quill frowned behind his mask. Was Tepmodus this inexperienced? What did he mean by killed enough?
Noticing that the captain was already gaining some distance, Quill couldn't care for Tepo immediately. He hastily spoke another sentence:
"The captain's own sword pierces his heart."
Among the storms the guard captain didn't hear Quill's demonic voice. He body trembling, his only thought was to flee. This was beyond his pay grade. If the mayor reprimanded him, he would resign on the spot!
But suddenly he felt some movement below him. Before he could take a look, his heart turned cold. Blood flowed from his mouth. His eyes bulged.
Putting his trembling hand to his chest, he recognized his own trusted sword, which had taken his life. Still in disbelief the captain powerlessly dropped from his mount, the corpse carried by the storms towards somewhere unknown.
Back on the cloud Tepo gritted his teeth in anger and disbelief.
"Quill! Was there a need to kill them all?"
Quill was bewildered. His new recruit showed his inexperience with this question, but he didn't flinch at all when looking at the corpses. Was this a result of clearing his first dungeon?
"Young man. Being merciful to your enemies is being cruel to yourself. Why would you defend those who came to kill you?"
"But they were only soldiers! They were only acting on orders! Furthermore, as humans, we should hold together and don't spill our brethren's blood!"
Quill felt incredulous. What was this talk about humans? Was his new recruit one of those who despised other races? Then it might be an interesting show once they arrived at the base.
"Firstly, are you sure about them only following orders? When they arrived, I felt no intention to kill from the guards. Only later did the captain develop killing intent.
Secondly, why are you caring for all of humanity? You are not even a warrior yet. Don't get ahead of yourself! Furthermore, there is no separation between races in most worlds. You should get some experience and learn to differentiate between ally and enemy!"
Tepo opened his mouth but closed it again.
Could it be that even Quill doesn't know about 'outsiders'? Do those crazy monsters not exist in this new life? Or are they hidden too deeply, waiting for the right time? Maybe they are not even a real threat. What could a few insane people do against so many warriors?
The uncertainty threatened to devour Tepo. He hastily calmed himself down again as he carefully asked Quill:
"But what if a serious threat ever emerged? One which threatens all races. Should we be united then, shouldn't we stop fighting among ourselves and face the enemy bravely?"
Quill furrowed his brows. What was going on in Tepmodus' head? Isn't his imagination too vivid?
"This sounds great.", spoke Quill plainly. "But do you think that's possible? Would all enmity vanish this simply?"
Tepo stayed silent. This was probably impossible. Even in his old life a few wealthy individuals remained stubborn. Multiple times fights broke out as refugees raided the old villas.
Sighing, Tepo's thoughts turned towards the mayor. Even until now he never understood what Taren had against him. But slowly the young man also felt like it might be better if the mayor was dead. Otherwise, he would never be able to live in peace. He would always fear for his or his mother's safety.
Watching Tepo's reaction, Quill could tell his words bore some fruit. Ready to move on he changed the topic:
"Young man, if you want to care about humanity you have to become a warrior first. So, are you coming with me?"
Letting out a breath, Tepo nodded his head.
"Yes. If you can help me to grow stronger, I will be at your command."
Hearing Tepo's reply, Quill chuckled:
"Why so serious? We are not an army."
"Whatever. Before we go, can I have one day?"
"Sure. I'm not in a hurry."
"Thanks", spoke Tepo with genuine gratitude.
Quill looked at Tepo's face. With his experience it was easy to guess Tepo's thoughts right now. Thus, he kindly reminded him:
"If you are thinking about saying goodbye to your friends and family, I would advice you to do it outside the city."
"Hmm. You are right.", agreed Tepo. However, he was worried. Could Taren target the others after he traveled elsewhere? Would he stoop so low?
"If it helps, I can tell some people to keep an eye on the city. If you manage to join us, of course."
Tepo's eyes lit up. This was the first time he felt some appreciation for the organization behind Quill. If they kept his word, of course.
"I will do my best!"
"Mhm. I guess then we are done here.
As for you, you should fly north of the city. There is a big inn in the wilderness. It is almost exclusively used by warriors. It should be a save place to meet your family."
Nodding, Tepo kept this advice in mind. From today on he couldn't enter the city anymore. Only when he grew stronger would he come back and let the mayor pay the price.
"Let's meet the day after tomorrow."
"Alright. I have one last question, though."
"Hmm?"
"Do you maybe… have some clothes for me?"
Quill fell silent for a moment before he couldn't hold back his laughter, looking at Tepo's bedraggled figure. With a wave of his hand a white robe flew towards Tepo.
As soon as the young man caught it, a streamlined ship appeared out of nowhere as well. Stopping his laughter, Quill leisurely jumped in.
"Ok then. See you soon, Tepmodus."
"Tepo."
"Ok, Tepo.", chuckled the green-masked man, before shooting into the clouds.
Tepo looked at his back for a few moments before averting his eyes. He didn't know what to think of this encounter, but until now Quill didn't appear to have any bad intentions.
Smiling lightly, Tepo mounted Dassy before also leaving the cloud.
Only the soldier's corpses remained behind.