Gathering Beneath the Storm. (Part 3)

Crumbling skies, scattering clouds, and the obscuring sun. I reach my hand out from below the purple tree. And soon a rain, a lullaby plays softly and I close my eyes.

I try to convince myself to get up and prepare for the day. Yet I can't help but be reminded of what happened last night.

*************************************

After the incident, I somehow found Ptelophy waiting for me as I enter the palace. She had the face of someone who knew this would happen and prepare for it when she says:

"Welcome back, Sova and please don't be disheartened. The Empress has already predicted that you'll break it every use so she has prepared some special procedures. You can leave it to me and it'll be like when you first received it."

"No! This... I don't deserve this. I don't deserve these wonderful gifts. I keep breaking or losing many of my stuff ever since but I never really think too much of it until now. I'm sorry but... Can you please just keep the armour away from me? If not just help me keep it."

"Sova, you don't need to feel bad. Breaking an armour during battles is the same as expecting sugar to be sweet or salt to be salty. Expecting it not to break is just wishful thinking most people have now taken for granted with-"

"But this time I got swept away by my excitement and went ahead and broke it my self! I didn't go to some mission or any important event! Just some accident and my own amusement! And I ended up hurting people too despite my creed of talking it out first. I know it was a sparring match and an arranged event but... This all feels so wrong!"

I slam my fist at the pillar put of sheer spite and anger. Realizing the destruction I made, I tried to leave when Ptelophy holds my shoulder and stops me saying:

"Sova think of it like this, it's better to use the gift that is given then let it collect dust no? And it's normal to make mistakes. For failure is always the mother of success."

As I let Ptelophy's words sink in. I close my eyes and release the armour. Feeling my naked feet touch the ground, I looked at my toes for I have no courage to look at her in the eyes no more replying:

"Forgive me Ptelophy but can you let me think about this for a while?"

Heeding my request, she nods and lets me go. Whisking the armour away with a single touch, she turns around saying:

"Very well, come to me when you're done reflecting. I'll be at my office."

"Thank you... For cheering me up as well."

I said my thanks to Ptelophy as she walks away. Before she turns at the corner, she stops and looks back at me replying:

"Don't think too much of it, Sova. And have a nice rest."

*************************************

The soft taps of droplets sting as the dawn never seem to rise. Before I knew it the morning sun has risen while I found myself still lying on the garden...

"Hmm? Sova?"

A familiar voice enters my ears as a shadow looms over my head. Beautiful was her flowing purple hair, even beneath the clouded sun. For she's none other than Sis Fei, probably after finishing her morning training. Drenched and wet was her body that her sun-kissed skin glistens in every part. Warm was her hand when she holds my sulking cheeks.

"It really is you! When did you get back? Hey, what's wrong? You seem to be down in the dumps. Come on, let's go inside, you don't want to get sick again do you?"

I close my eyes, thinking for an answer to say to her when Sis just grabs me and drag me inside. Worried and surprise to see me, Sis Fei holds me close in her arms before resting my head on her toned thighs, patting and stroking my head for a while before saying:

"Seriously, what's wrong? I never really seen you this down before. C'mon, won't you tell me~?"

Sis Fei with a smile leans down as I feel her chest beneath her drenched tank top pressing down on my face as she tries to make an answer out of me with her usual tease. Usually, I would feel my face burn and flustered as something rise up with her heavy smell of sweat enter my nose, but... I get up, pushing her away and shake my head saying:

"Sorry Sis, it's just... I'm now thinking... About myself I guess."

"Huh?"

Sis understandably confused by my reaction tilt her head in surprise as if she was expecting something else. Now even more worried, Sis holds my forehead before asking:

"Thinking about yourself? What's wrong? Did you do something?"

*sigh*

I let out a sigh and nod at her question. Remembering what I did last night, I look at her saying:

"Yea, I received a new armour from Sis Yuwei recently and in the very same night, I immediately broke it without reaching even half a day!"

"Woah, that's pretty crazy. But is that all?"

Sis Fei backs away in shock as she responds. I lay down, curling up into a ball as I feel my spirit breaking before saying:

"Not only did I break the armour, but I also ended up hurting someone and disregard my own self-belief in the process. It makes me wonder if I deserve receiving more gifts if I keep breaking them and now I can't even follow my own beliefs when I get swept up by my emotion... I'm really quite pathetic now... I'm sorry."

Sis Fei lays down infront of me and gives a comforting hug as I felt my body getting wet from her sweat as I too feel her warmth, the warmth of a person precious to me. When she pats my head again, I close my eyes in her comfort.

"There, there... There, there..."

Sis Fei consoles me a bit longer in her arms when drowsiness finally strikes me. The fatigue I felt from last night and the lack of sleep after staying awake for so long starts to weigh on me and push my conscious further away. In the embrace of the warm phoenix's wings...

"Thank you, Sis..."

I said my thanks to her when I seem to drift away to the void.

*************************************

*crackle* *crackle* *boom*

When the thunder strikes, the armies of rain comes crashing down on anyone below. Leaving no allies or foes unscathed in the brutal slaughter for all shall be drenched in its wake.

But not to the people inside a certain black room. Soldiers clad in some really alien-looking futuristic armour that looks so fictional. With white lines all over their body as some sort of border between the limbs. And when I look closer they are all wearing different sort of helmet, Exo armour, and... Unique looking Guns that I don't have a word but alien-looking!? With only the inner black armour being the same. From a helmet with one shining oval and two thick black lines in it along with plated armour reinforce by two plates, then an upside-down rounded crescent as its eyes and a plated armour with many pockets that keep a lot of shapes, then there's the one with no huge white shapes but a white line that determines his visor, the shape of the helmet and his thick armour that's filled with more black layers outside and many, many more that give each soldier some sort of individuality. They all line up in blocks that leave the middle with a + open space.

Viewing this from high above, like a bird soaring through all of them in this large open space with thick black mirrors that can help you barely see the outside world filled with blinking lights and long rectangular skyscrapers. Everything was quiet and serene as the soldiers all seem to be statues with the only thing telling they're alive is the slight moves they make when they breathe. That's when a giant door splits in half and two of those unique soldiers with complete grey helmets went inside with another black armoured soldier. Unlike the others, the one being dragged on his feet wears a more notable gear than the rest, with small square steel horns protruding back, thicker plating armour that's more solid in his knees, elbows, and shoulders. Coupled with the fact that unlike the soldiers with white lines, he has none. The two soldiers stop when they reach the middle of the + open space and throw him ahead.

Wondering what's happening or what's going on or why am I even having these visions. I could hear a voice from the ground. At the top of where the soldiers stand, the ground opens up and floats as the event before my eyes leave me in awe. When one of the floating floors get close to me, I tried to get on top of it and follow where it went. It all circles and finally stops when it makes a stage of some sort. All the soldiers in the room salute in unison as their act makes a huge clap as I wonder what triggered them to do such a thing. That's until I look to my right.

{Woah!}

I back away immediately from the sudden appearance of someone beside me. From the figure of its armour, I could easily tell it's a she from her larger hips, slim waist and armour with a chest that's going forward. Unlike the others, she wears a hood above her helmet and white armour with black lines. She looks at me as her black lines that determines her eyes seems to stares deep at my soul while my heart beats ever so faster. Wondering what will happen to me, she looks away as her black cape waves somehow in this cold open space, descending down the floating panels that look like stairs. She stands in front of the pure black soldier, looking down on his unconscious body before she stretches her hand forward saying:

"Throw him away."

Speaking in Owlian, the soldier with grey helms salutes her and drag him away again when deep purple lines appear on his armour forming what seems to be a wheel of sword on his back and he clenches his hands to a fist whispering:

"Let the Rebellion begin. Show this zealot fools the right path."

*************************************

Awaken by a weird dream, my conscious returns with the sound of a downpour knocking on the ceiling above. As I wonder what in the world was that? I feel a soft and warm sensation beside me. Slowly opening my eyes, I feel a bit cold as if a wind is blowing to the water on my skin. Turning to the source of the softness, I look beside me seeing Sis Fei sitting sleeping, resting her head on my shoulder. We probably sleep side by side sitting on this empty glass building, I rest my head on hers and enjoy the symphony of the rain a while longer... Embracing Sis Fei close, I feel her warmth once again, like a little furnace is inside of her.

Observing the mostly untended garden outside being drench in rain. I look at the big purple tree Sis Fei is tending as I wonder how did that even get there and what did she say about that tree again? I look back at the napping Sis Fei, seeing her sleeping face, I realize she's actually very... Pretty and beautiful as a part of her slightly curl bangs fall to cover her eyes. I slowly move her bangs away to see her face again and realize how she's right when she says people mistook Sis Yuwei as her mother. Since her face is pretty similar to Sis Yuwei but younger.

(I guess it's no wonder people mistook Sis Yuwei as her mother huh? And with how Sis Yuwei is wearing heavy make-up now, she looks like she's on her early thirties now).

Feeling a chill down my spine, my body shook and freeze. Sis Fei probably sensing my move, moves along her arms at my neck and hugs me as she opens her eyes. As we stare face to face, I smile at her saying:

"Good morning."

Sis Fei pats my head and lets our forehead touch replying:

"Morning, did you have a good rest?"

She backs away and lets me go and I nod replying:

"Yup!"

Sis Fei stands up grabbing her stuff in a bag and wipes her eyes. Stretching for a while before she turns around giving me a hand, yawning before saying:

"Hwaaa...! C'mon, you may have some problems to think off but right now you just got discharged from the ward. So that calls for a celebration! Have you visited your friends yet? Do they know you're out yet? Let's go find them first, okay?"

I nod saying:

"Okay... Thanks for comforting me, Sis."

"Hmph, that's just what family do. By the way, I have something to do, so I'll be separating after you meet your servant."

"Something you need to do?"

Sis pats my head replying:

"Don't worry, I'll join you when I'm ready."

(Now I'm curious... What could Sis be doing this early? Or wait, what time is it anyway? But I guess telling everyone I'm okay first is the right thing to do... I really need to get my emotion in check!)

*************************************

*creak*

"Yes? How can this lowly one help?"

With soft reply, the sound of an old wooden door opens, a servant the same age as me walks out. Her straightened brown hair and orange eyes make me recognize her immediately. She wears a servant outfit while carrying in her arms my folded clothes, she is none other than Yuria. When she looks at me, her eyes open wide as her orange eyes are now much clearer to see.

"Yuria, It's me."

"S-Sova!? Sovaaaaa! Welcome baccck!"

Yuria jumps and hugs me as I accept her affection. With Sis' help, I returned and visit Yuria who's waiting for me in her room which is beside mine. Yuria Pats my head and rubbing her head on my cheeks as she bawls as she seems to be complaining about something. Gaining a bit of confidence from Sis Fei, I smile saying:

"Yes, I'm back."

"Oooh! Congratulation on being discharge!"

"Uh, yea?"

(Seriously, what does discharge even mean?)

"We need to let the other know too! Kokkan and Hanami have been waiting impatiently as of late."

"Really? Then let's go visit them then."

Yuria grabs my hand and leads the way.

(Yea, I can think of that stuff later. I need to visit the other first).

"Sure, sure!"

Yuria replies gleefully in this hallways. Opulent and imperial, grand and magnificent like I remember. We walk through the lightly decorated corridors when Yuria lets me go, I walk beside her asking:

"Where are they anyway?"

"Oh, Ko-chan is usually waiting infront of your door."

(Ko-chan? Oh yea, she calls him that when we first met).

"Kokkan did? I wonder if he's uncomfortable waiting infront of my door like that?"

"Don't worry, he's been training and going somewhere."

"Really? Then how do we find him?"

"Oh, simply find Hanami and we can easily find Ko-chan.

"Really? Is that how it goes?"

Yuria looks away flustered replying:

"F-For me at least. Let's just go, at least I know where Hanami usually hangs around."

"Alright."

Slowly we walk and reach what Yuria calls the crust. As our shadows shorten with each passing window, the light of the sun dims ever so slowly with the grey clouds. Soon after, my ears pick up something... A noise on the ceiling, fast yet so quiet with the unfocused ears. Only when we reach a certain path, our feet grind through the worn-out carpet floors to stop our steps when Yuria runs ahead shouting:

"Hanami! Come out now! Look who's arrived!"

The sound on the ceiling grows louder when I sense someone on top of me descending with a speed of sound. I look up sawing a shadow of a person, where the only distinct thing on the darken ceiling is her slim figure, steel armaments, nets beneath her black garb and a mask with a dark purple flower paint.

I step aside to avoid her when what I saw contradicts with what's infront of me. She charges forth opening her arms wide as she jumps and embraces me shouting:

"Sovaaa! You're back! Congratulation on getting discharge!"

She continues to rub her cheeks on mine as her long black hair brushes my nose thanks to her higher position. I try to nod saying:

"Yea, I'm back..."

She was none other than Hanami with her long black hair, crystal blue eyes and her usual servant robe. It makes me wonder if I'm just seeing things for a while when she tightens her hug saying:

"Oh~! This is the first time I hug you and you're so soft and warm! Ah, this feels nice... Though I can smell a lot of dirt and sweat, did you exercise?"

I shake my head and quickly reply:

"Oh, no! That's just... Well... More importantly, where's Kokkan?"

"Hmm? What's this~? A girl looking for a guy? I smell something fishy~!"

Hanami moves her hand and somehow found all of my tickle spots as she pokes me asking:

"Hey, hey, what did my lil bro do huh? Huh!?"

I try dodging and but her swift pokes somehow made it through as I reply back saying:

"N-Nothing! And stop poking me, it tickles! And like I told you countless times, I'm a guy!"

"Yeah, sure, sure. This is actually pretty fun."

"Okay, Hanami, you can stop. You shouldn't push him too hard when he just got released."

Hanami's finger stops before she could tab my shirt replying:

"O-Oh Yeah... You're right. Sorry."

She backs away and lowers her head while I sigh a breath of relief saying:

"It's okay. So, can you take me to Kokkan?"

"Of course!"

She straightens up immediately before she folds her arms and continues saying:

"Say, since this is still early in the morning, have you had your breakfast yet? And judging from your smell too, have you taken a bath too?"

"Oh yeah! Did you eat before you got released, Sova?"

Seeing how Ptelophy let me wear a simple robe without taking a bath, and how she told me to go in the middle of the night, I shake my head replying:

"Oh, well... Not yet."

To my response, Yuria grabs my shoulders and grips it tightly as she stares at me with sharpened eyes shouting:

"Then let's get you ready for the day! Yuria, you can go grab Ko-chan and we'll meet at the cafeteria for his breakfast."

"Yoshi! See you soon!"

"Huh? Wait... Actually, never mind, I'm fine with that. Okay, then, let's meet on the cafeteria."

*************************************

The bath is empty like usual as even the smallest of droplets seems so loud... I wonder if it's because my hearing has been enhanced? One of the things Sis Rubeca thought me diligently other than my fighting and survival skills is how to use my 5 senses. Especially my ears since that is my strong point. Whereas the method I use to control my qi is similar to the way I control how much I can and want to hear. Though I can't block of sound completely.

I rinse my self with a bucket of water to make sure the soap leaves the body. Taking another scoop of water, I look at it and see my self reflected upon the clear water. Seeing my old self with short hair and no scars inside, I begin my morning reflection when drops of water from my face disrupts my mirror. Ending today's morning reflection with no words, I pour the water on my head and rinse my self one last time.

Brushing my teeth, splashing my face and clapping my cheeks to get my self energized, I finish my bath and stand on my feet. Grabbing my towel above the wall of buckets, I look at the orange bath and begin to wonder why people really like to soak themselves so much? I mean other than the water feeling so hot and unbearable sometimes if you do it too long, it makes your finger very... Wrinkly as well.

I walk close, dipping my fingers into the bath as I don't see my old reflection anymore, I then look ahead at the gathering mist hiding half of the bathroom. Before I could leave a silhouette of someone behind the mist.

(Maybe I'm just seeing things. But just to be safe).

Noticing the signs in the air, I quickly walk away only to be called out:

"Hey, you!"

(How is there another person here!? I didn't see any other clothes when I enter or did I see anyone when I first enter and look around. And if someone's here, doesn't that mean she's been watching me take a bath!? She's been quietly sitting in the mist watching my every move!? Does that mean she saw my... My pp as well!

Hold on, I did learn this palace doesn't separate the occupants since there are not many people and that most if not all the occupants in the palace are currently females... Wait, does that mean, I'm the only male here beside Kokkan? Or maybe Libing and Yimu but I don't know where they sleep- Wait, where do they all even prepare for the day anyway?)

When questions keep forming in my head she calls me out one more time as I hear her moving in the water shouting:

"Yes, you! Hey!"

A women's voice echoes through the quiet bath, her voice stern and rough as if she's shouted daily. I look around pretending as if she's calling someone else and try to walk away.

*splash*

"Hey, don't you leave now! Come, join with me! Thanks to you, I have realized the extent of my abilities and learn to be still as a mountain."

*splash* *splash*

The splashes grew louder as her silhouette grows larger as she's closing in. I walk away replying:

"I-I'm sorry but I need to leave now. I have other places to be."

When the door is right in front of me and my hand is about to reach the handle,

*splash* *tap* *grab*

"Hey, slow down. Haha, you wear your towel like how a male does. That's funny. Then again, what's so shameful for a woman to show her chest to other women right?"

As I felt someone gripping my right shoulder, I look at my side and seeing her slender arms filled with old scars and cut marks as it continues to her wrist, I can't help but look back as I see the trail of scars and cuts leading further until I look up and see her face. A woman in her late twenties, her short black hair that's straighter thanks to the water, her strick crystal blue eyes, and yet that warm smile... I quickly turn away to avoid seeing her naked body and try to push her hand away saying:

"I-I'm really sorry, but I must really leave!"

"Are you afraid of my scars?"

Her voice was weak as her grip weaken as well. I quickly turn around shouting:

"No! No, at all! It's just..."

Before I realize it, I was looking at her whole body and my entire face grew hotter and I turn around again saying:

"It's just, I'm not used to seeing others naked!"

"Ah! Well, sorry for asking that... Since I just realize you have a scar of your own. Ah~! that innocence, I wonder when was it that I was embarrassed about such thing. It's fine. Accompany me for a while will you? Please..."

(Oh, Yuria. Where could you be?)

She grabs both my shoulder and nudge me into the bath. As I slowly enter, removing my towel and placing it on my head. I choose to sit in the corner while crouching to hide my certain parts. She follows suit and sits beside me.

(Too close for comfort! And wait, does that mean she didn't saw my pp? Then again, I was always facing the wall when taking that bath).

When I look at her, I realize the only place the scars haven't reach is her large chest as it seems to float a bit and looks like a large marshmallow thanks to her milk-white skin compared to her scar-full body. Realizing what I did, I quickly look away when I realize something else is rising up.

"Hahaha, no need to be so tense. Just relax and enjoy the bath- blu blu blur..."

She tries to calm me down as it seems she's diving into the bath till it reaches her nose... I wonder who she could be? I don't think I ever saw her here before... I slowly look her way again to see her eyes asking:

"Um... My name's Sova Anmao. May I know yours?"

*splash*

Her shadow looms over me when she gets back up on her feet as her full body is now in full display. When she points at her self replying:

"Oh me? The name's Mitsuru Ume. I just transferred here a few days ago. From my name, I'm sure you already know where I'm from. I hope we can get along."

My entire body feels like it's on fire and I turn my head away so quick that I felt my neck almost break. Showing her my back, I hug my knees tighter replying:

"Y-Yes! Let's try our best and work together."

"Haha, sheesh. Stop being so shy! I could see your ears becoming so red from back here... But to be honest, I'm surprised, I could find a large bath like this in an abandoned palace. To be honest, I begin to wonder if anybody lives here. Well, that is until I met you."

When I hear her dive back in, I could feel her breath close to my ear and continue asking:

"Are you a practitioner? I could feel a lot of hidden muscles from within you."

I nod slowly saying:

"Y-Yea..."

The sound of dripping waters echoes with each drop. The small waves it emits as it hits our body while we relax in the baths for a while longer. When I look back I see Mitsuru back where she enters before, closing her eyes and rest with a huge smile on her face while slouching down as all her body submerges till her neck. I raise up my confidence asking:

"If you wouldn't mind, do you want to accompany me to have breakfast?"

(Hearing her makes me feel kinda sad).

*splash*

"Do I!? Of course! If you wouldn't mind."

She hastily gets up and turns my head around again before she replies back with a loud shout. I shake my head saying:

"Of course not! The more the merrier. Let's go now then, someone's waiting for me and I haven't had my breakfast yet."

"Really? Well, I'm sorry for holding you back... It's rude to make someone not eat. Sorry again."

When I look back preparing to stand, she scratches the back of her head and gets up to leave. I do the same as I hide by facing the wall and wrap my towel while she's not looking. Taking the chance to leave first, I open the door as the steam pours out. I keep facing the walls since waiting for me is Yuria with my clothes, she looks at me saying:

"Oh, it's rare for you to take a long bath. I prepared a noble robe for today since your usual clothes is still in wash."

"Oh, it's okay. Thanks, Yuria."

As I grab the clothes and is about to find a secluded place to wear it,

"Ah~! That felt good!"

"Wawawa- where did you come from!?"

Shouting aloud behind me is none other than Mitsuru and replying in kind is Yuria in shock as she rushes behind me.

"Oh? Another person, am I glad to follow you. The name's Mitsuru Ume, nice to meet you!"

"Ah, where are my manners, this lowly one is called Yuria. Nice to meet you- wait for a second! S-S-S-Sova, what did you do with her in the bath!?"

"N-Nothing!"

I replied back while still looking away and try to run away.

"And where's your towel!? Don't just walk out here wet and naked like that!"

Yuria yells back at Mitsuru when she scoffs her words replying:

"Hah, hold on..."

*pssst*

As she said that, the room starts to heat up and steam seems to pass through me. I turn around to see Mitsuru swallowed by a pillar of white steam, the white vapour soon turns black while two purple dots appear from inside. Horns protrude out first causing Yuria to back away immediately. Her arm now clad in black layered gauntlets, with blue fire decal painted to it. Her sharp fingers crunch to a fist as she reveals the face of a laughing demon similar to Aoi's angry smiling demon mask...

(I wonder if she's connected to them? Or maybe the expression of demons is part of their culture or something. Maybe I should ask jer or someone about this later).

As the black steam subsides, her full form is revealed. Maybe it was just me but her presence quickly turns grim and heavy as with her demonic samurai armour on, she somehow looks so much bigger than before. She walks past me as I realize she's probably the same height as Sis Rubeca.

(Where did all these tall people come from!? Like seriously, I'm now starting to feel insecure about my own size... Am I considered small?)

She turns around, pushing her mask up and opening her visor, she opens the door saying:

"Well, Sova, I'll be waiting outside. So just take your time. You don't mind me calling you without honorifics yeah? Thanks!"

*click*

"Woah, that's horrifying. If the scars weren't enough, you just had to add that... Anyways, I'll be waiting outside as well, Sova."

*click*

I take a rest on the empty room as I put my headband on...

(Yea, maybe this is for the best now. I'll just take my mind off of things as I enjoy the day).

*************************************

"Hoh~! You're very pretty Sova. You look like a princess."

"I'm not so keen on that compliment."

"Huh? Why!?"

Travelling side by side in these empty halls, Mitsuru showers me with a lot of compliments the moment I step out of the room. Yuria seems to crack a smile and look away most of the time, subtly laughing as she coughs each time since she knows.

(I'm starting to wonder if she's really a servant? The more time I spent with her she seems more like a friend... But I guess I don't mind that).

"Ah! I know, with that kinda masculine way of speaking and scars you wanna be called handsome right?"

"I-I guess... Say, I've been curious but... What's with the Eclipse Empire and that demon mask thing? I've seen someone else wear it and starting to wonder if demons have some other meaning in the Eclipse Empire?"

"Ah! Interested huh? Well, that's true. Unlike most countries where they view evil beast or spawns as demons, we view them as saviours you see. Ah, where do I start? Most of our myths and legends centre around major demonic groups and supernatural monsters you see. The famous of which is the 8 headed serpents and his flower tails, the Ryo and Nura family along with the tale of the oni siblings for a few."

"8 headed serpents? Flower tails? And oni siblings? I can't seem to make sense of them at all."

"Hahaha! That's fine. As for this mask, this is the face of one of the 4 brothers, Onirijiki the cruel."

I look at the mask above her face for a while before replying:

"That sounds terrifying when you consider he's smiling all the time."

"True, to sum up, his tale. His journey is about learning to forgive and accept the reality before you. Or that's how I perceive it."

"Then how did he get the monicker of cruel, when his lesson is to forgive?"

Mitsuru smiles and puts the mask on again. Thanks to her height, she looks down on me with that smiling mask before replying:

"Well, that's because he killed all three of his elder brother in the end."

"..."

"..."

Yuria and I can't help but stay silent after her reply.

(I guess Kokkan was right when he said the Eclipse Empire is... Weird).

As our travel continues, I can't help but ask about what Kokkan told me about. Mitsuru nods along commenting some stuff along the way and explains some more as she seems happy to tell more about her birthplace. Soon she speaks how other than the urban or the metropolis area of the Empire, there are still rural areas and villages hidden in the corners of the empire and in the frontiers leading to the blasted south.

"Blasted south? Is that like a path to a new frontier?"

"Probably, many who tried to venture further never return. The farthest they could go was around hundreds of km off the nearest shores before freezing or just disappear. And the recording they got was nothing but a vast ocean of dark blue, massive icebergs and eternal nights where the sun never rises and only a black moon in the sky."

"Woah! That actually sounds horrifying and amazing at the same time... Hold on, freeze? How cold is the south?"

"Oho? You don't know? The entire Eclipse Empire is located in the blasted south. It's so cold that only 50% of the Empire is actually habitable you know. The other 50% is the lands that we manage to map in the extra lands of the blasted south. And the only people living there are usually prisoners, mining sights or just outposts for a minor campaign if you could call it that."

"Really!? That's all news to me!"

"Yea! I thought the Eclipse Empire had that river that produces so much food it can sustain the whole Empire."

"Half of the Empire to be exact, but even that is just what I heard from people. I never really dare travel the blasted south back then since if you don't train to control your body heat enough your fingers would literally fall off within minutes of stepping inside the border."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Yea! What she said! Colds can be scary."

I hold my chin and wonder as I ask,

"Hmm, I wonder if the Confederation has something similar? A place of wonder that's full of dangers?"

"Hmph! Of course, there are!"

Yuria brushes her apron and proclaims loudly as she runs ahead of us.

"Hoh~? Then I guess it's your turn to tell me about your country. I really don't know anything much other than the phoenix Sector where her majesty lives."

"Ehem, well then. This is just the stories I hear from travellers and adventurers back at the orphanage so take it with a grain of salt. Before I arrive here, I heard tales of something called, the Void East."

" "Void east?" "

We both tilt our head in response and Yuria nods excitingly saying:

"That's right! That's right! I don't really understand the complicated stuff about borders and frontiers but many retired soldiers and adventurers tell about the black sea or what they like to call it the Adventurer's End."

"Oh?"

"Why is that?"

"Well, to the east of our continent, there's actually another huge frontier roughly almost the size of ours. It's beaches and the islands all around it are always filled with huge vortexes and natural disasters, so even if they manage to make an outpost, the cost of maintaining it is too high (not that I know what that means), coupled with constant high ranking monsters gathering around the continents, deadly uninhabitable environments, and that'd just the minor news."

"There's something even worst than that?"

"Yeah, it is also said that one of the F.A.B.L.E.D lives in the waters between this continent and there."

"There's a F.A.B.L.E.D living near our continent!?"

Mitsuru jumps back in shock with that name. I can't help but ask:

"Say, what's a fabled?"

Yuria lifts her shoulders replying:

"I don't actually know."

"Then why did you even say that's the worst news?"

"Hey, I'm just remembering what the adventurers back at my village told me okay!"

I retorted back quickly while Yuria replies in kind. Mitsuru walks closer as she calms herself down saying:

"I can explain. If I have to simplify it, they're like the Kings and Queens of the Monster race."

I tilt my head asking:

"Kings and Queens? But isn't there already a King? The Monster King I mean, and his vessels?"

"Oh, that's another topic entirely since those vessels are still being debated to be monsters or aliens. It's just a name that's been used in the past since no one got a better name for it."

"I see... Oh, right!"

I raise my head high as I remember something.

"What's wrong?"

Yuria ask back and I look at her replying:

"I remember there's something called the Monster island and the ba-bartender no... Barbeque treaty!"

"Pfff, hahahaha! Oh! That's a good one!"

Mitsuru pats my back as she laughs at my words. I look at her asking:

"What? Did I get it wrong?"

"Yeah, you totally did! But I think I'm going to use your words when I talk to my comrades back at home later. Barbeque treaty, heh! But yeah, the monster islands that's a name I don't want to remember."

"Hmm? Have you been there before?"

"Yeah, more than once. I got a huge scar on my back thanks to that."

Yuria walks beside Mitsuru asking:

"Um, if you wouldn't mind, can you tell us what's it like in there?"

Mitsuru scratches her hands while looking up saying:

"Hmm... It's a place hostile to living beings. Filled with nothing but heavy jungles and no open fields except the beaches. There are so much living beings everywhere it makes you wonder if the whole island is alive. From giant mountains that could sometimes become monsters, whole caves suddenly becoming stomachs of a creature, rivers as the body of a huge serpent, an unending ravine filled with nests of unspeakable horrors and so many more."

"Such things exist!? Caves that eats people!? Now I'm gonna have nightmares about that..."

Yuria hangs her head in defeat as heard what Mitsuru said and I can't but also ask:

"And people go there every year!? No wonder the ones who manage to survive there become heroes! Wait, if you've been there, then you a hero!? Amazing!"

Mitsuru twitched before she scratches her neck replaying:

"Well... I guess I am... But what you say is true about people going there every year. Since after the yearly invasion stops most monsters in the outer edges of the forest becomes thinner. That's where Hunters and Adventurers start to delve deep into the jungle in search of treasures."

"Treasures? What could possibly be so important that people risk their lives for it?"

"Oh, a lot! From fruits, vegetables, and spices that are exclusive to the island. To rare monsters that hives of unique and powerful materials, and even ores and minerals that can only be found there, there are just so many things to find that could make you so rich you could let you sustain a family for generations. Even the sands on the beaches we land to make outpost can actually be used to make a very powerful glass and ridiculously high-quality salt. Especially the black sands found near the volcanoes, just a gram of those could fetch you hundreds of thousands of Shì."

Yuria seems to regain her spirit as she dances around holding her cheeks, grinning widely as I saw the money sign ln her eyes saying:

"I could live my whole life without working with that kind of cash!"

I shake my head saying:

"Even if that's true, I prefer a more stable income without any risks. I mean, what happens if you get hurt or die? What will your family back home will think?"

Mitsuru folds her arms replying:

"Heh, I guess people have different opinions."

(Still, there's something that's bothering me for a while ever since I got my first paycheck... The problem of money changing).

So, with my curiosity in tow, I nudge at Mitsuru's gauntlet asking:

"By the way, Mitsuru, can I ask something."

"Yeah, go ahead but don't need to ask me for questions. Just ask!"

"O-Okay... So, how much is an shì anyway? I mean that's the unique currency used in the Confederation right? How much is it compared to Riaz?"

"Oh? Right, I did hear that not actually many people get to use that currency. If I have to convert it, one shì would equal to 1460 Riaz."

"Prdfffff! WHAT!? That's like my..."

I started to count with my finger saying:

"1, 2, 3, 4... Um... More than 3 months of my salary! And I only get one coin?"

(And that crepes back at that academy cost like 3!? 3 months of my entire salary! Crepes are EXPENSIVE!!!! Now cakes are so cheap in comparison and I'm starting to feel bad about asking Qiyue and Sis Fei to treat me...)

Before I knew it, I was limping around with my back hunch forward as I drag my feet along while holding my beating heart... Yuria rushes to my side to help me out while Mitsuru grabs my arm to help me stand saying:

"Yeah, that's why I said not many people get to use that currency. Only nobles, royals, tycoons, rich lords, magnates, wealthy foreigners and the privileged few who travel here use that currency. So ironically the common people who live here just don't get to use it... Owlian Capitalism at it's finest really. And do you know what's more ridiculous?"

I try looking up at her replying:

"Don't tell me, there's an even more important currency?"

Mitsuru nodded probably smiling behind her smiling mask saying:

"Yup, it's called Yuan."

I smile softly, closing my eyes saying:

"Good night."

(No wonder Aoi back then could give me like 100 thousand Riaz like nothing. It's basically her pocket change or dimes to her).

"Pfff, hahahaha!"

"Sova! Don't pass out yet! We already arrive at the cafeteria!"

"Oh? Really?"

With Yuria's support, I open my eyes and look at the cafeteria. There I found someone else holding me, it's none other than Kokkan but unlike before he's wearing something more casual.

"You can let me go now Kokkan."

"Yes, Sova."

As he lets me go, I quickly get my senses in check while I breathe out a sigh to calm my self down.

"Okay, I think I'm feeling better now. Sorry for worrying you all, the shock of hearing how rich people deal with money is ridiculous."

Kokkan nods with a smile replying:

"Yes, that is a shock to many people. But you don't have to think much about it. And most of all, welcome back, Sova. Congrats on getting a discharge."

"Thanks, I guess."

I take a sit on one of the large tables and 2 more people sit across me, they are a pair of student and teacher, Libing and Yimu.

"Sup, spassy, good morning."

"Good morning, Sova!"

"Oh, good morning..."

The memories of last night soon resurface when I look at Libing. Libing pulls out a basket full of something hidden behind a wrap and ribbon. As I tilt my head wondering what it is, he continues explaining:

"I want to say sorry, Sova. For last night."

Yimu and Kokkan's face pale for some reason asking:

"S-Shifu, what happened last night?"

"Wait, you're back last night?"

Libing ignores them and stroke his beard as he continues explaining:

"I'm not going to make any excuses and this gift may not be much, but please forgive me!"

Libing stands and jumps back as he bows his head down to the floor.

"Eh? Wait, what do you mean?"

"Yeah! What happened last night!"

Yuria and Yimu ask in surprise while Kokkan walks behind him with his hand on his normal curve sword saying:

"What did you do to him? Spit it out, old man!"

"Yeah, did you take advantage of her, you perverted lolicon!?"

Hanami appears from behind kokkan with a curse-looking blade on her hand demanding for an answer as well. Seeing the dire situation, I quickly stand shouting:

"Everyone, stop! Don't hurt him, please! This is all my fault... Let me explain."

*************************************

"Wait, so the moment you got released. You ended up in a fight and lost? Breaking your new armour in the process as well? Talk about a rough night."

Hanami wipes her blade on her sleeves before hiding it back. Everyone seems to gather around the table as I explain while Hanami and Yuria serve the plates and dish to the table. Yuria then sits beside me and pats my shoulder saying:

"Hey, don't you remember what I said? "It's easy to spot the smallest detail on a bad thing. Yet hard for someone to find even the obvious of good things. So rather than dwell in the foul of your actions I say we look at ourself once again and go forward to be exemplary. But remember, never forget your past or you shall repeat your same mistakes," did you forget all that?"

"Oh, right... Sorry, I guess I did. With so much eventful stuff happening, I guess it's easy to forget what people said..."

(I really need to get a notebook and diary).

"I see... Never thought you're the childish type Sova."

Kokkan commented as he wipes his utensils with a tissue. I nod saying:

"Yea... That's why I need to think more. I need to grow up!"

"Growing huh? That's a good thing to say but not many can do... Mentally I mean."

Mitsuru commented back as she opens her visors.

"True... But who are you?"

Hanami replied back when I realize,

"Right, I guess many of you haven't met each other yet. It's good to greet each other."

I move my hand to present Mitsuru who's sitting beside me saying:

"Let me introduce you, she's Mitsuru Ume, she just arrived here a few days ago."

"Yeah! What she said, nice to meet all of you! Ah, how I miss living beings."

"I see! My name's Hanami, just Hanami. Nice to meet you too!"

Libing brushes his sleeves off before bowing his head saying:

"I guess most of you know me as the head of foreign affairs but just in case, My name's Libing. Nice to meet you."

"M-My name's Yimu! I'm Libing's disciple, nice to meet all of you too!"

Yimu follows his master and bows his head down when Yuria looks around anxious and bows down saying:

"Um, this lonely one is called Yuria. I hope I can help."

And finally Kokkan nods saying:

"The name's Kokkan. Just Kokkan. I'm part of the Auxiliary."

"Same as me then? Hold on, Kokkan? As if the Crown Slayer? I'm surprised you're such a looker."

Kokkan and Hanami look away to avoid eye contact when I look at Mitsuru asking:

"Hmm? Do you know each other? And Crown Slayer?"

"Oh, I thought you Xin's would hear this but I guess the common folk didn't know. He's the most wanted criminal in the entire Eclipse Empire ever since 6 years ago with the designated rank of 6 heads... For none other than the assassination of the crown prince and soon after the princess."

"What!?"

"Really!?"

"The crown prince AND princess!?!?"

"How didn't I know about this!?!?"

(Wait, didn't Kokkan told me he was a criminal back at the train? I didn't think it was that bad).

I look Kokkan who is in pain while Hanami tries to comfort him... I look down at my hands replying:

"You don't need to tell anyone about it if you don't want to Kokkan. It's fine."

Kokkan looks at me with shock before he nods with a smile saying:

"I see, thank you, Sova."

"Yeah, thanks!"

Hanami thank me with a smile as well. I grab my spoon saying:

"Either way, let's enjoy the meal. Let's eat everyone!"

"You're right! Don't want to waste the meal."

"Uhm... Let's eat!"

"Yes! Let's enjoy the meal!"

"Sorry for ruining the mood. Let's enjoy it then. Thanks for the meal."

"Yes, thank you for the meal."

"Thanks for the meal!"

Everyone said their words before we finally enjoy the meal together... Seeing everyone taking the main and side dish to their plates, I can't help but think,

(Having a meal together isn't so bad... It reminds me of my time eating with Aunt, May and Sis Rubeca).

I look around and remember how most of the maids are now transferred to the new capital...

(I didn't get to visit Lin even once. I wonder if she forgot about me already?)

As I take another side dish and remembered something else as well...

(Where's Saya? Or maybe Abe and Chibi? Maybe Nanny Litan, Nanny Yunyun or the twins' Lin and Lan? Ptelophy is probably still in her office but most of all, where's Sis Fei? She told me she's going to be here isn't she?)

"Sova~! I'm back."

Shouting from the entrance is a girl my age. With her golden tan skin and long tied up purple hair, she's none other than Sis Fei.

"Sis Fei! I was just thinking about you!"

"Oh really now, am I late?"

"Not at all, we just started having breakfast, take a seat!"

Since we're sitting with huge gaps between us, I move to the side a little and let Sis sit close to me, side by side. She grabs a plate and takes some side dish saying:

"Sure, since I already had breakfast, I'm just going to eat lightly."

"It's okay. As long as we enjoy it together."

"I see, I see."

"Hmm? She looks familiar... I swear I saw her face before..."

"Yeah... Shifu, a clue please?"

Mitsuru stroke her chin as she looks at Sis Fei with a strained face while Yimu circles his finger on his temple as he tries to remember something. I nod saying:

"Oh, right, I guess there are many people you haven't meet Sis yet. Do you mind introducing yourself as well?"

Sis Fei look back at me with a grin saying:

"I guess that's fine."

Sis Fei place her hand above her chest saying:

"My name's Fei Zihuang. I guess I'm some princess I guess."

"That's right! Hmm...?"

Most of them look at Sis Fei before shouting:

"Oh lordy lord! Forgive me for my insolence!"

"This lowly one have eyes but can't see the mountain! Forgive me!"

"What have I done! Shifu, help!"

Mitsuru, Yimu and Yuria back away in shock as they beg for forgiveness.

Sis Fei fans her hand replying:

"It's fine. Just treat me like normal. The hierarchy will soon disappear anyway if Sis Is doing her job correctly."

"R-Really? T-Then..."

Yimu returns to his seat while Libing smiles at him and start a conversation that ends up with taking his tofu and meat away. Yuria still sits close to me but she holds at my hands whispering:

"Sova, please help..."

I pat her shoulder saying:

"It's fine. I can guarantee that."

Yuria nods slightly before she slowly eats her share. Meanwhile, Mitsuru returns to her seat beside me and starts saying:

"Oh, man. I wonder if this is how her majesty would look like when she's younger?"

"You do know she's only 2 years older than me right?"

"She is!? Woah, I can't really tell since she tries to cover her face a lot either with that dangling pearls or her spirit armour."

Before long Mitsuru seems to calm down and converse normally with Sis. I look around and see Kokkan arguing with Hanami as he shouts:

"Nee-sama, don't take all the spicy meat! Give some to the others as well!"

"I cook this spicy meat for myself! It's mine! It's not like anyone eats this anyway."

"Then, if you don't mind, could you give this kid some extra meat, Hanami?"

Libing jumps in as he asks for a favour from Hanami. Kokkan sighs and gives his meat to Yimu's plate saying:

"Here, next time just cook more okay, nee-sama?"

"Fine~ if I'm in the mood."

"Well chap, what do you say to your benefactors?"

"Thank you so much, big bro Kokkan!"

"No problem."

I can't help but forget my problems as I enjoy the meal with everyone... I look at Yuria and hand her some of my meat as well saying:

"Here Yuria, I know this may not be a nugget of wisdom but it is a nugget of joy, so cheer up."

"Sovaaaa!"

Yuria looks at me with tears in her eyes and put her plate on the table to hug me.

(Yea, I can think of that stuff later. Now, let's just enjoy the meal).

*************************************

As we finished breakfast, everyone seems to go their separate ways. That includes me. Sis Fei told me she wants to do something, Kokkan and Kanami are going somewhere to confirm something, and so the rest follows me and Libing to our new office.

"Ah~! That was a great meal Shifu. We should really eat breakfast with Sova from tomorrow on."

Yimu pats his bloated belly with a huge smile as he walks triumphantly. Libing nods along and hides his hands on his sleeves replying:

"Well that's fine but the Empress will usually send him on a long mission so it's not like we can join him all the time. More like, shouldn't you ask him first Yimu? You criticize me but you sure ask some ridiculous things yourself."

Yimu stops patting his belly and looks at me shouting:

"Ah, right! Sorry for my rudeness but you don't mind right?"

Yimu looks back at me looking for an answer and I nod saying:

"Sure, the more the merrier. Having a large gathering to eat like that is very nice."

Yimu raises his arms high shouting:

"Alright then! Time to work twice as hard!"

"Oh? I've been wondering but what kind of work will you do as Shifu's disciple?"

"I can help you answer that. And it involves you as well Sova. I'll explain it to you when we arrive at the building."

Libing cuts in as we enter the new office that finally has a door installed.

(I'm pretty sure last night there was no door there. I guess the building is still a work in progress).

"I see, what about you Mitsuru? Don't you have any work to do?"

Mitsuru brush the nose of her mask saying:

"Hmph! Don't worry about me. I'm kinda like on a short vacation here before getting transferred somewhere else."

"Oh! I see! By the way, are you a soldier or something?"

"Soldier? Nah! I'm a General!"

Mitsuru proclaims loudly as she places her hand on her waist as she stops walking for a while.

"You are!? Oh, yea, with that kind of armour. It's kinda a given huh? Then again I saw soldiers transforming into mutated and magical beings. Now I'm kinda confused on how to differentiate them."

Mitsuru soon pats my head replying:

"Hahaha! True! I guess it's hard if you can't sense their magic. In the Empress army, most fighters are all dualist but don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine being a pure fighter."

"I don't really understand but thanks!"

"Not only that, but I also got to tell you something."

Mitsuru looks around before she leans toward us saying:

"Just this morning when I check up with those new recruits, I found 4 out of the top 5 candidates to be Generals are all beaten to a pulp. The only one left told me that they were all beaten by the mythical Silencer her majesty recruited a week ago. And the more crazy thing is, he beat them all with only his martial arts and without any magic which is suppose to be his forte.

Crazy isn't it? I'm sure you can reach him as well. So keep training and don't give up."

Mitsuru returns posture and pats me once again before walking forward. I can't help but wonder if she wasn't at the gathering and never saw me before? She is a general yes? How high ranking you must be to join that? And wait so she doesn't know who I am yet? I thought with my story during breakfast she would figure it out.

I look ahead seeing Libing stroking his beard once again before saying:

"Once again, I'm sorry Sova."

I shake my head saying:

"No, it's entirely my fault. I'm the one who still said yes when you warned me."

Yimu walks between us saying:

"Sova, Shifu, I know it may be wrong to but in but please. Let's just admit you're both wrong and let's get along okay? We've already arrived."

We look at him for a while before nodding along saying:

"Yeah, he's right. No point dawdling over spilt milk. Let's say if you need or want to buy anything, just ask me okay?"

"Okay then!"

Libing opens the door and what greeted us is the sight of two rat-kins looking outside the window. One is the elder with long crimson hair and the other is the younger with short black hair. When they turn around the little one hides behind the elder as she wraps her tail around the elder rat-kin leg saying:

"U-Um... W-W-Well comb and goat morning."

The speaks in the common tongue for once and the elder pats the younger shouting:

"Aw~ aren't you a smart girl?"

"Hehehe!"

"Hey, hey what do you think? She can greet people now. Awesome right!? Though it needs more work I'm sure it'll be fine."

It's none other than Abe and Chibi. When Abe looks at me she smiles and drags her feet toward me shouting:

"Soba! Welcome back!"

"Its Sova."

(Maybe I should correct them now in case they got my name wrong).

She pats my shoulders shouting:

"Sova! Congrats on getting discharged!"

"Thanks!"

(Not that I know what that means yet. Hold on...)

"What are you doing here Abe?"

While we greet each other, the others took their time to get in. Libing sits on the end of the table saying:

"Remember when I told you we have a new recruit? Well, say hello to the new girl."

Abe peels Chibi off her leg and carries her like a sack of grains before saluting to me saying:

"Su~p! I'm the new secretary in the foreign affairs division! Yipee!"

"Waaaa!"

She throws Chibi high up before catching her again and placing her down. As Chibi hugs her leg and wraps her tail around Abe's legs once more. Abe pats her head saying:

"And Yui is now my servant. Greet them again Yui."

"U-Um... Hallow..."

"Aw~! You smart!"

"Hehe!"

Abe pats her again making Chibi very happy...

"Wait, Yui? Is that her new name?"

"Yup! Calling her Chibi is a bit... Anyways, she got a new proper name now. So that's all that matters!"

I crouch down to look at Yui in the same height before saying:

"Very well, hello to you too, Yui."

She shyly hides away her face on Abe's legs in response. I stand up again when Libing stroke his beard with a smile saying:

"Alright, it seems now that everyone's here. Let's get down to business."