Leaving the Magnificent City. (Part 4)

The clash soon begins with a bang, fireballs, rain from the sky, while silent blades flew in between, lighting the dim open space. I could see many wielding the sword clad in thin white light as they approach me. Summoning my halberd I twirl it with one hand deflecting the incoming projectiles while ignoring the elements which prove to be the correct choice as they don't seem to do anything but lit the entire place I'm standing in a huge pillar and walls of flames blinding me from the place.

(If a huge discharge of lightning won't do a thing to this armour, what could a few fireballs do?)

Since probably all of them are qi users, I sense where they are and hold my halberd with both hands, taking a wrath stance...

(Hold on... Then again... They attack first so...)

[Almighty roaring tiger technique, Fury Path: Wrathful Tiger Claw!]

With a single swing six huge waves blast off, extinguishing the fire and hitting more than my fingers could count as it not only decapitate my foes but also leave behind humongous claw marks on the walls and holes on the higher floors.

"H-He's a Master from the tiger family! Make a group of 9 and form the Platinum Claw Restriction Formation!"

I could hear someone shouting from behind the group and see someone different from the rest as he seems to wear a cape and a star-shaped white mask. The group since to reorganize and gather infront of me like a blockade. Remembering the technique I use back in the walls I grab my halberd with both hands again thinking,

(What was it again? Dragon and tiger...)

They soon encroach slowly as I still try to remember and when I close my eyes it soon hit my head like a brick,

(Right!)

[Immortal calamity dragon technique and silver tiger god technique combined, Armageddon path: apocalypse squall!]

Purple light gathers on my weapon and surges with bright purple flash, I swing the weapon and,

*boom* *crash* *quake* *crack* *smash* *shatter*

Caught in bright purple light, it all soon dims down and now I could see the night sky while the turquoise petals that bloom falls in. Everything infront of me seems to be eviscerated beyond recognition similar to the ones back in the wall. Bodies lay dead at my feet as their blood colour the debris and wooden floor red while most of the thing ahead of me that is still intact is filled with holes like cheese. Looking back I could see the entire huge window behind me is completely shattered but the walls remain, this place now kinda like those miniature torn down building.

*boom*

A debris infront of me flings away as someone emerges from the wreckage. Missing an arm, leg, and part of his sides he tries to move but soon falls to his knees shortly after. I walk over the debris lightened only by the moonlight, he turns to look at me as his mask fall off showing someone who's only a few years older than me.

"W-What kind of technique did you just use? You... You realize you just destroyed a combined company of the elite clans in two- no, the first was merely testing the waters... Heh, I should have just ordered a retreat when I saw that medal- urgh ah..."

He soon stops moving as he breathes his last... I took a breathe in and let it out as if I'm throwing away all the stress of taking the life of another. Feeling something piercing my brain, I soon sense a group approaching from the side.

*slam*

"What's happening here!?"

The door opens with another group of people with a sharp mask and cape entering in masse. At the centre is a female from her shape hiding her face behind the same star-shape white mask and black clothing that failed to hide her light blue hair. The group that enter gasp in shock when the girl saw the body below me shouting:

"Brother! You!"

I turn to them with my weapon ready when one of the ones beside her grabs one of her arms shouting:

"My Lady! That is not someone we can defeat! Let's retreat now!"

"Shut it! He killed my brother and he will pay!"

"M-My lady, we have acquired the boy! Let's get out of here-"

"Oh, you're not going anywhere! And you'll be the one to pay the reparations for this damage of course! Sorry I'm a bit late, Sova."

"Huh?"

A figure lands atop the tallest rubble with an unconscious boy on her shoulders and an elegant black spear on hand. She is none other than Sis Fei.

"What!?"

"Tch! Form a defensive formation around the lady! Bring her out of this place alive even if it costs you your lives!"

"YES WE OBEY!"

The group disperse around the masked girl. Sis Fei then fly around them leaving behind a trail of purple light which soon form to become a huge barrier that traps them and the both of us. She lands beside me and drops the boy on the ground, brushing her hands off saying:

"Ah~! I earn quite a lot today! Now's your turn, Sova. Finish them off."

"What? But aren't they retreating-"

"They already killed a bunch of students and innocents getting here and who knows how much more as they infiltrate this place for god knows whatever justifications they have. Even I don't have the resources to fix this and do you think they deserve mercy?"

"That's... Let me try something."

As I slowly approach, they move back slowly until their backs are pressed against the barrier Sis makes. While the front forms up to stop me the rear quickly turn around and try to break the barrier. I my halberd at them and release a huge purple wave that blowes away all dust and pebbles saying:

"I'm giving you one last chance, surrender now and stop resisting!"

When they heard me most of them still keeps moving and won't answer back as they tighten their grip and take a stance.

"Sova, that won't work-"

"I know... It's just more of a habit now."

"Damn..."

Sis replies sounding surprises as I raise my halberd and ready myself for the same technique that devastated this building. Power surges from my body while purple light gathers to my weapon. Before I could swing my halberd, I can feel something approaching from above and glance at what it is. Something forms above the barrier and my instincts shout inside of me, to send my attack above instead.

[Immortal calamity dragon technique and silver tiger god technique combined, Armageddon path: apocalypse squall!]

Swinging my attack upwards, someone burst forth from a weird arrangement of shapes shouting:

"[Heavenly dragon technique and Gemini wolf technique combine, glory path: Heaven's Road!]"

And slice through the barrier like paper and our attack clash. The entire scene burst forth in a brilliant mix of gold and purple light. The newcomer didn't stop there and tries to approach where Sis Fei is and I dash back following his enormous qi that I'm starting to realize. I swing my halberd and it seems Sis Fei is also assisting me by thrusting her spear at him but the assailant easily blocks both our attacks with one hand each and blows us away easily with a simple shove.

*crash* *smash*

When the light clears I could see him making some distance from us. Holding the unconscious boy on his shoulder he seems to be a few years older than me. Wearing an adventurous sort of gear with a long white overcoat, black spec goggles darker than his jet black hair, and on his hand is a short sword from the Eclipse Empire while the longer one is still sheathed on his loose velvet belt. I quickly got up and ready my weapon for another clash as he does the same by lowering the boy and taking a low stance with his short blade.

"Heh, I'm getting excited, you might be the most promising first year."

(Huh?)

He dashes ahead and I do the same, maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me but I could see 3 more after images and 12 more of his blades coming at me. Trusting my instincts I follow my mind and parry all 12 attacks which make my head spin and push me back as I wonder how does after images even deal hits? Aren't they illusions? Or is this magic?

I decided to went full instinct and fight with letting my inner self loose. Starting from the defensive I soon gain the edge, since his weapon is short and using the length of my weapon to my advantage, and keeping my distance, I quickly went on the offensive instead. Without using magic, I could see him parry my attack with a smile as if he's enjoying this. A new technique pop in my head and I thrust and swing my halberd up to attack but he easily dodges again. Gaining momentum for the next new technique, I gather my power on my halberd and swing it down thinking,

[Calamity dragon and silver tiger God technique combined, armageddon path: Endless Twilight]

Ash pours out of the purple light that gathers around me and clashes against his sword which starts to shine gold. For once, my attack pushed him back but still does no damage since he managed to parry and redirect the attack down which cuts and decimate the debris and wooden floor below us to ash and dust.

"Hahaha! I knew that technique looked familiar! No wonder I didn't recognize it at first, it's incomplete and didn't even finish the first step in the first movement... Well, understandable since you're pretty young and with your Sect crushed. Still, I didn't know the Calamity dragon and Silver Tiger God technique had any successor."

"What? You know?"

(I mean, even I don't know, I'm using it since it pretty much sounds cool and strong... Wait, movement? So there's more to the technique I'm using? Wait how does he know I'm young? I'm pretty sure this armour hides all my appearance... Still, he's right I'm using only instincts so maybe there's more I can learn and improve!)

He gives a bright smile replying:

"More than you know, after all..."

He sheath his short sword and continues saying:

"I'm the one who killed the last Grandmaster of that technique and ended his ancestor's thousand years old legacy. And since you're his last disciple, let's end this with the same technique that ended it all."

"Huh?"

He grabs the longer sword and softly says:

"From Eternity, hear me..."

Golden pillars burst from the ground and circle around him to form some sort of golden cyclone. And even then those light doesn't seem to affect anything as I could still see the turquoise petals falling and phasing through.

"Wait-"

"Flow-"

With his single word time seems to stand still and all things stop moving, my eyes can't seem to follow and before I knew it all starts to move and he appears with all his golden pillars gone. Appearing infront of me with his back turned he sheathes his blade whispering:

"Eternal Dawn."

*click*

*SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH*

*BOOM*

Everything from the debris, wooden floor, walls, petals, and even the stars seems to be diced and in those that got cut emits a bright golden shine. Turning this grim night to a new dawn... My conscious seems to fade as darkness seeps into my eyes. Wondering what just happened it seems my mind just fade...

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"-and man, do you know how many times I keep saying to myself there's a cute girl inside that armour? Well, I'm always right about that and my instincts never fail me but... Why is it that the worst villains always get the cutest daughters! Or sisters!? It's just unfair how many times I had to feel guilty every time I killed someone that turns out to be their dad or brother! And all I'm left with is just saying, "Yeah, he may be doing a bad thing but I'm sure he's a good person," to the victims I accidentally meet. Do you know how much pain and guilt I feel talking or even looking at them!?"

Hearing someone whispering yet yelling within that whisper my conscious soon returns.

"Are you seriously complaining about that? To me?"

"Well yeah, aren't you a councillor too, Qi-Jie? Oh and, it's usually that I have a hard time forming a relationship with them. I mean who in their right mind would want to date their father's/ or brother killer? Do you have any advice for that Qi-Jie?"

"Dammit, do you know how much shit and trouble you're in now, you perverted dragon!"

"Ah~ It's fine. You're just overreacting. I already said I'll take responsibility for what happen last night, so why are you still so worried about it? Money ain't a problem for me and I can use my companions to help with the damages. And hey, I haven't killed or hurt anyone (who's not a villain), so I'm as good as a free bird can be."

Hearing someone arguing, I open my eyes to see the same guy who puts me in this state and I move as far away as possible.

"Oh, look you woke her up."

"Me!? You're the one who's yelling!"

"Ah, screw you! Mhm! So, hey, you're awake. How are you? Feeling sick or hurt anywhere?"

Looking around it seems I'm in some kind of clinic, the cold air, the smell of medicine and the soft bed. I look at my hands and arms before looking back at the lady talking to me who seems to be the nurse and nod replying:

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"Oh, good, I wouldn't know what would happen if another person lost their life. Considering you have no heartbeat but still breathing and your brain is still reacting. It's like your body is flowing blood, but not through your heart pumps but something else-Ugh!"

The nurse's face got push aside by him as he continues saying;

"Qi-Jie don't explain stuff the patient won't understand! This is why you're not so popular with the students! Cause you talk gibberish all the time."

"Popular!? This school will get a huge hit on its reputation because of you! Not after Moriz has done so much to get us so far!"

The nurse pushes his hands away and covers her face in pain when the person who was my enemy yesterday leans back on his chair saying:

"Calm down, Qi-Jie."

He then looks at me saying:

"And you calm down as well. I'm not going to hurt you. So, um, first of all, sorry I kinda like just come and beat you up and no hard feelings okay? I'm just sorry! Please forgive me!"

He bows down till his head touch his knees as he begs for forgiveness. Confused a bit by his excessive words, I lean back replying:

"Um... Sure?"

"Thanks!"

He jolts back up with a bright smile and I look around again, seeing the morning sun shining through the open window that shows the seas bound by the great city walls, I can't help but ask,

"How long was I out?"

The nurse looks at the tiny clock strap on her arms replying:

"Around 8 hours. You had a proper good night rest. And your body shows no sign of abnormally except for no heartbeat, so you can probably be discharged today."

"I see...?"

(Wait, people wear clocks in their hands? And clocks are that small? The smallest one I see is Sis Yuwei's pocket watch. And... It's already morning huh?)

Feeling the calming sea breeze blowing into the room, I soon realize,

"Say, where's Sis Fei?"

"Hmm? Sis? Do you mean Lil Fei? Well, Ors?"

The nurse looks at him and he shrugs his shoulders replying:

"I don't know what your relationship is with her but she said she needs to do some personal business for a moment so... Well, she's somewhere in the school at least."

"I see..."

My heart seems to sink as I can't help but think or hoping she would at least wait here until I was awake...

"Oh, look! Now you make her sad!"

"Can you please not keep blaming me for everything bad that happens! A bomb blew off on the other side of the planet and it is still somehow my fault? You keep acting like my girlfriend so why don't you just be one?"

"Keep dreaming you pervert! And do even know our age difference?"

"Around 40 years? Big deal. I had a 2000-year-old mythical beast as a girlfriend. What makes a 50-year-old like you any different? You still look like you're in your twenties."

"O-Oh? Well... Wait! So you only care about my looks!?"

"Goddammit Qi-Jie, stop downgrading what I said all the time! Maybe I should also add you sure don't act like one. And if that was my intention, how do you think I still have a long term relationship till now?"

"Haha..."

*slap*

I clap both my cheeks to get myself in check and feeling the burn I start to become fully awake. Seeing their shenanigans I can't help but laugh and wonder how close they are to talk like that.

"H-Hey, you don't need to hurt yourself feeling down. Listen, Fei just told "ME" that she has private business."

He looks at me worried as he said that and I unconsciously reply with,

"What?"

He then drags his chair close to me saying:

"That can easily be translated to I'm going to the bathroom and do something else entirely when talking to guys. So, well, you being a girl probably already know that "a moment" means around 3 hours or somewhere more or maybe that's just me. So just wait, I'm sure she will return soon."

"Not all girls are like that!"

"Yeah, I know! But look at the time!"

"It's probably just a rare occurrence after what happen last night!"

"It doesn't change she's not following her words."

"Wait what?"

Seeing them argue again, I ask again getting more confused than before and he continues explaining:

"Yeah, just be patient okay? She said that like 2 hours ago. So 1 hour more to go or maybe more. But look here, I had to lie to one of my girlfriends by telling her to finish one day early since she takes a whole day to change in her humongous clothing palace, so this is nothing. Say, you hungry? Want something to eat?"

(Huh?)

Thinking that something like that is even possible my brain tries to rack up any possible explanation as to why and I can only answer:

"Yes, please."

He pats my head saying:

"There we go! Let me go grab something at the cafeteria or maybe there are some leftovers from last night-"

"No you don't, I'll prepare her a proper and healthy meal. You go grab the stuff you broke."

He stands and exits the room saying:

"Ah right, I diced her armour to a bazillion pieces let me go take it now. It should be fixed."

(Wait, how do you even fix that? And...)

Talking about Sis Fei...

(Where's Saya? Isn't she on the train? Could she still be there? It seems there are things I need to do).

In the middle of my thought, the nurse place something infront of me and I can't help but ask,

"What is this?"

She drags what seems to be a weirdly long and shaped table to the bed and answers,

"It's a table, never seen it before?"

"N-No, more like, you can eat in bed? Wouldn't it become dirty and sticky and you have to wash it?"

"Pff! Hahaha! No, no! It's okay. This is a bed table you can eat this while still lying on the bed. After all, patients are usually weak so having this kind of table helps a lot."

"What sorcery is this?"

She pats my head saying:

"Just enjoy the meal okay?"

"Yea, thank you!"

"Oh, aren't you just adorable~! Push the table away when you're done okay? I need to check on the other patients and stock on some more items."

She pinches my cheeks before leaving the room. As I look at my meal of simple porridge with eggs and sliced meat. I soon realize something else that hit my head like a brick...

(If they treat me, that means they must have like examine my body right? And they probably look... Down there).

I soon hang my head down with the realization and notice something more.

(And... Even with Sis Fei stopping them or something they probably still need to check so... The fact that they still call me a girl...)

"Fudge... Did I... Did Mary finally get rid of it?"

I look left and right and seeing the situation clear, I make a quick check and make a sigh of relief that it's still there... And another brick soon strikes again.

(Wait if I still have it, does that mean the girls in this sector have it too!? They still call me a girl after all! I mean I saw nothing down there when Yuria or Mitsuru when I accidentally saw them? Or maybe there's always something wrong with me? Ah scone it!)

"Relax, stop thinking, I feel this keeps happening all the time and I keep overthinking this and overreacting to that. Why did I care again? Oh right, Sis' reputation- but if it can't be helped then so be it! And I feel like I'm forgetting something else that's important for today. Like I'm supposed to do something... Or go somewhere... Hmm..."

*chomp*

Taking bites trying to remember, I can't help but taste the bland taste of the food I'm having. Seeing how I can't savour any of the taste I finish the food as soon as possible. Hearing the door open I hear wheels turning and the dragon-guy shows up dragging my armour in a red cart.

"Say, Sova is it?"

Unlike before he speaks to me in Owlian tongue. Surprised and seeing how he is probably the first Zerian I met who speak the Owlian language, I reply in kind saying:

"Oh, you know me?"

"Nah, just called you by the name in that headband."

"Oh? That's a first, people usually don't notice even though it's pretty clear to see."

Seeing he brings the armour plunging butt-first in a weird position on the cart, he drops the handle and sit back on his chair replying:

"Well, that's simply because most people here don't speak Owlian and even more people can't even read or write it. Even the Super Stars who are Owlians don't speak Owlian or just know very little of it."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah, it's kinda a unique or dying language now. With most diplomats who speak it getting laid down as of late too. Most Owlians your generation don't even speak of it when they are born outside the Aologi Empire, especially after the civil war begins 20-something years ago, so I'm a bit surprised you could respond."

(Isn't that a very disturbing truth to suddenly bring up? Then again most people I meet don't even speak Owlian. I thought it was normal since they're Zerian.).

"Oh, sorry I don't mean to discourage you. Here, I asked the help of the science engineering club and magic craft club along with the artisan club to rebuild your armour. It may be a bit weaker since we don't have the resource to fully rebuild it. But it still has the same engine, specs and built but just lacking some few things like the all-elemental resistant runes. So, please, if you give me more time, I could get the artisan to-"

"No, it's okay. Thank you... Say, where do you learn how to speak it?"

"Huh? Well, I have an Owlian girlfriend you see, and some circumstances force me to learn it or die so yeah. Nothing special."

(Really? That's not special?)

He toggles his black spec goggles which I just realize makes only his lower half of his head visible thanks to his long jet-black hair. He tightens the grip on the band before asking:

"So you're probably wondering what happen last night right?"

"Well, I suppose?"

"Hahaha! What's with that reaction? It's like you don't care. Wait, are you not part of the school?"

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound uncaring. And yes. I only visited this place twice including last night only when Sis Fei accompanies me. Still, is Sis Qiyue and Sis Cole okay? Or the other students? I heard from Sis and that nurse some students died from the attack last night."

"Ah! Well don't worry about that, I contacted my connections to deal with that. Some of them will live, probably. As for the Super Stars, they're all okay. I mean half of them just straight deck it out when it all begins."

"I see... And if you wouldn't mind, may I ask why do you wear that? Can you even see in that? Or more importantly, who are you?"

*smack*

"Pff, oh! Right!"

He smacks his forehead as he said that and then stands up. Walking to the open window, he looks up to the blue sky replying:

"Right, since you're not part of the school I guess you wouldn't recognize me. Then again, I thought since you learn that technique you would have recognized your master's killer... But I guess it's more appropriate that I introduce myself."

He turns around and bows down with a smile saying:

"My name's Oars Jinlong or you can call me Ors like everyone here. I'm a newly fresh graduate of this school. Pleased to meet you, my lady, may I know yours?"

(So he attends school at the same time as Sis Yuwei and Moriz?)

"Oh, the name's Sova Anmao. Nice to meet you too."

"Kinda a weird to hear nice to meet you after all that had happened. And since you know Fei, I'm kinda like her senior and from the same year as her sister Yuwei. So please, call me big bro-"

*slam*

"Ors big bro! Where have you been!"

"Oh, you're awake little bro."

Hearing someone slamming the door open the door and yelling in runician. I look at the source to see the same boy who got carried around yesterday wearing the thin dress I wear back at the underground lab Ptelophy brings me... Looking at my clothes I too am wearing the same clothes as him. He comes in stomping his thin sandals shouting:

"Do you realize the damage this all cost? And what the hell are you doing letting the blue dragon princess go? And reviving her brother as well!?"

"Hey, I did that because she is under my curse so that's why I had to fix it and take responsibility for all this. And as for why I'm here I finally trace back where my stolen medallion is supposed to go while stopping Diaochen. Killing two birds with one stone I suppose."

(Medallion? Ah, right!)

I look at the armour and realize, the medallion is gone. Could it got chopped up as well!?

"And as for the reviving technique, don't tell me you have a connection with the heretical Jiangshe Order?"

The person that just enter continued to argue when Oars replies,

"Hell no! I said revive, not reanimate. I mean did you see any of the students becoming zombies? Course not. It's all proper okay, can't you trust your big brother a bit more?"

"Says the guy who keeps cancelling our guys night because of some date. What happened to bros before hoes?"

He turns around scratching his head replying:

"Alright, that's my fault and I won't ask you to understand but for now just please, don't yell. There's a patient here."

As he points at me the guy's red eyes seems to grows more bright as he replies saying:

"Really? You're still trying to hit on girls even at this time! You're the worst!"

(Why do I feel like he's going to argue with most people he meets?)

"Hey! I already had more than enough as of now! Even I know my limits! (somewhat)"

He folds his arm and turns his back away shouting:

"Enough!"

Seeing them turning their back on each other, it was silence for a moment when Ors looks back at his little brother saying:

"Hey, lil bro... I'm back now for a while and look at you! All tall and grown-up. And you even manage to become one of the Super Stars! I'm proud of you lil bro."

"Yeah... Glad to have you back... And thanks for helping me."

"No problem!"

Seeing him patting his little brother which is a head shorter than him, I wonder if this is a good time to ask, I pull at Ors sleeves asking:

"Um, do you know where my medallion is? Did it got diced up like my armour?"

He looks at my hand which is still holding his sleeves and reply saying:

"Sova, don't do that, you're lucky I can control my self. If not I would be jumping on you already. A lady gotta know who and when to do cute things you know?"

"Huh?"

He pulls his arm away forcefully and cough once replying:

"Ahem! Anyways, to answer your question. No, your medallion is made from a Deity's Soul, my mortal blade won't leave a scratch on it. As for where it is, it's with Fei now so she will give it to you when she returns."

"I see... Thanks!"

"No problem."

He answers back with a smile and his so-called little brother who is watching seems to be annoyed and pull him away saying:

"Come with me brother!"

"Woah, slow down there. Well, have a good rest okay."

He waves me goodbye and exits along with his little brother. Left alone once more, I try moving my arms and body. Seeing that nothing is wrong, I turn and get off the bed. My naked feet touches the smooth wooden floor, stretching my legs forward and arms up it seems,

"I'm can move but it feels weird to not be able to wash and prepare for the morning."

Walking past the armour, I approach the window and see what seems to be the open space where we partied last night. With the high platform still there, tables and other items being left behind. Feeling the ocean breeze brushing my skin, I look at the clear azure sky and can't help but smile.

(It was always so dark, and gloomy back at home near the end of the year. This place is pretty nice).

I take in the fresh air into my lungs and let it out as I can't believe that this place was a battle zone just last night. Looking around I could see the place where I seem to fight last night as the building is only half-built and is filled with precise cuts. Looking closer I could see a little girl and who seems to be her sister since she looks like an older version of her using a staff twice their height gathering what seems to be dust and turning them into materials as she rebuilt the building from brick to brick and window to window...

"Sorry, and good luck."

(Oh, right, it seems that there seems to be more to the technique I use... Steps? Movements? I never heard such a thing from Sis. I wonder if Mary could teach me that? Then again, she told me she will only be teaching me magic. Maybe next time I sleep I should go visit her, seems like a good time).

But for now, I wonder what I should do as I wait? I hold my head to feel my headband and wonder if it got destroyed and fixed as well? Since the ropes that tie my hair is gone. I hold my hair and let it slip my fingers as I see it reach my sides...

(I don't remember it being that short. Could I perhaps getting better control?)

Hearing the sound of waves crashing, the ocean breeze and the moan of the sick probably from the neighbouring room, I try to remember what happened that night until I was reminded by that noble person.

"That's right! I'm supposed to go to the Theocracy today! And how do I even go there!?"

Taking a step back, I rest on the bed as I wonder what to do next.

(Now that I think about it, I never actually went a week without actually not fighting huh? I would somehow end up in the wrong place where conflict is happening or that something comes at me...)

"I wonder if it's a coincidence, planned, or maybe I'm just that unlucky?"

As I let all the events sink in, that's when my body finally catch up and realize the burden I've been putting it through. Laying down I covered myself in the blanket thinking,

(Well, I doubt I'll go there alone so I'm sure someone will come to inform me when I need to go. For now, I should get some proper rest, the day is clear and this no one will disturb me now-)

*slam*

(I spoke too soon).

I turn my head to look at the visitor and saw a large pink tail waving around with a tattered ribbon tied to it. With her ruby red eyes, she stands on the chair to look down on me with her small stature saying:

"Well did you enjoy the party last night, Sova?"

Saya folds her arms and asks while all I could say that sums up my feelings now is,

"I think?"

"Answer with yes and no, you dum dum. By the way, I got another guest with me."

"Oh?"

Another person enters, seeing her silhouette behind the thin veil, a horn pokes out from her forehead and soon her emotion is shown with lines over her blank face.

"La?"

"I'm surprised you still remember my name. Good to see you're doing fine, Sova."

"Ah, good to see you too! Didn't think I would see you two together..."

"Well, we just met up on the way."

Saya still standing on the chair tries to look down on La but proves to be futile as La seems to be taller than her even with the chair. I then realize something and ask,

"So why are you here, La? More like they let you in?"

"Our diner has connections and authority in this school's cafeteria so we are allowed to come and go. And I got something for you as well."

"For me?"

(It just hit me but... How did she know I'm here?)

La pulls up the casket she carries and places it on the night table beside me. As she opens the cap, the aroma of something delicious quickly enters my nose. My doubts are quickly blown away as I can't but say,

"That smells nice!"

"I know right? Our diner is one of the best in this country after all. You must feel a bit unhappy with the hospital food, but don't worry this will satisfy your pallet!"

La pulls out a cute lunchbox and petals fall following its trail. I could still see the steam coming out of the box. La curls one of her fingers and pulls in the bed table before placing it down as I see the meal in full glory. It appears to be perfectly cooked meat laced with some sauce and roast to perfection...

(Who cares how she knows! And I don't know what this is but it looks so good!)

"I-I can eat this?"

"Yeah, just eat slowly so you don't burn your tongue."

"Thanks! And do you two want a taste? Feels a bit sad both of you are just watching."

La shakes her head replying:

"Oh, I'm the one who cooked so I already taste it of course."

While Saya finally takes a sit replying:

"No thanks. I already ate."

"Alright then, let's eat!"

As I wonder what food is this while I chow it down I start to wonder,

"Say, La, how is Rana doing?"

"Oh? Well, Grand Master is still in Central. But that is usual for her."

"I see, hope she stays safe as well. Then again, she is stronger than me, I'm sure she'll be fine."

"True."

"Tch!"

Saya clicks her tongue when she hears my explanation. Getting the rest and meal I need, I soon finish the food and felt the after taste...

"So good!"

La nods and takes the lunchbox from me saying:

"That's pretty quick and I got something else for you."

"Oh? More meals?"

La shakes her head replying:

"Sadly, no. I hope you still remember this."

From the void that is the basket, she grabs what's inside and slowly pull it out. Lights flicker and the room quickly turn dim even with the sun shining over the window, the thing slowly reveals itself. With a form darker than despair, she holds one of the most dangerous weapons. The so-called, retractable spear made from mixing one of the hardest alloy and Owlian Steel.

"Oh, it's my weapon! You fixed it already?"

"Yup! Though it makes me a bit sad you didn't even call us once with that device we gave you."

"Device?"

"You know, the button we installed in the medal."

"You did what!?"

Saya yells out loudly and I ignore her shock and continue replying:

"Ah! I almost totally forgot! Sorry, I'll try pressing it next time! When I'm free. Though I guess this would be the first time I had direct voice communication..."

"Sure! We'll gladly make your first time the best! And It'll be nice to hear your voice once in a while."

"Hold on! What did you do to that medal, you homunculus!"

Saya stands on her chair to grasp La's collar but she easily pushes her away replying:

"Sheesh, it's just an emergency communication device. Nothing drastic, I dare say it's an improvement."

"I know you put something else in there!"

"You should put more trust with the people you work with, especially when you're in her "party" now."

"Then at least tell me what she's planning no?"

"Nope!"

"Why?"

La makes the biggest grin replying:

"Cause we don't trust you~"

*sigh*

Saya slouches as her body seems to be crush by the weight of work when she whispers,

"No wonder she mostly uses homunculus for workers."

Seeing that they finished arguing, I look at Saya asking:

"Saya, are we really going today? Like what he said?"

Saya's ears perk up hearing my question and she soon gets up to sit properly before answering:

"Yup, though the details and confirmation when we're going are still obscured since that Fei girl is asking for something with both the Empress and the Chancellor."

"Sis is? I wonder what it could be?"

"That would be a permit to travel along with you."

A familiar voice answers back when I look at the source, I can't help but shout,

"Sis!?"

Sis Fei enters the room quietly and looks at both La and Fei before she pulls out

"That also includes renewing our passport but since we ain't got time for that, I procure some International Officials Visa for both me and that Bihai."

"Oh? Alright- wait, 2? For you and Saya? Then what about me? And wait, you're coming with us, Sis!?"

"That's right! It will be our first adventure together! Oh, and for your question, Sis told me that you have her light so that'd already a free pass for you to the Theocracy. No worries there."

Saya's expression seems to turn sour after hearing her and I could hear her whisper,

(Great, more people to babysit).

While hiding her face and La seeing the situation bows her head down with grace saying:

"Well, since I have finished what I came here to do, I shall take my leave. Please, excuse me."

She walks past Saya and stops to bow at Sis Fei once more before leaving. Sis Fei walks to me looking at my weapon before saying:

"Good to see you okay, and did she leave that to you?"

I raise the weapon which makes Sis backs away before replying:

"Oh? This? This is actually my old weapon. I even use this to save you back then. But It broke and I ask her to fix it when I was on my way to the school."

Sis shakes her head and smiles saying:

"Not only now I only know you have Libera's light, then connections with those reap-offs and probably more from the look of things. It seems you've grown enough to keep secrets."

"Secrets? I'm pretty sure Saya and Sis Yuwei already know about it. Still, you'll be coming with us?"

"Sure am. And I'll back you up every step of the way."

"I see, with you by our side, I'm sure we can make this through!"

(Problem is... Nicole said that he would still be training, I wonder if he would help? But then again, I'm sure he will! Or what if he doesn't? I guess I'll have the answer when I visit him... I wonder if I should start making countermeasures? And back-ups?)

"So, Sis, when do we leave?"

"Sis walks to the window saying:

"Right about..."

Before she turns around to continue saying:

"Now."

"N-Now? H-Hold on then."

Shocked by her answer, I quickly prepare and jump on my armour. As it opens, I am forced to lay down with the position Ors brings it in. Darkness looms when the visors shut and I could feel my spine tingle, but unlike usual where it immediately returns the view, multiple panels and writings pops up and drags around the darkness as it filled my entire sight before displaying words in runician saying,

[Installation complete]

[Adjust voice settings?]

And the view returns, the movements I can make are static at first but soon returns to usual as I stand and attach my new weapon on my back waist and check on the bladeless sword ob my waist before saying:

"Alright, Sis I'm ready to go. I heard my medal is with you?"

The voice I make is still the same when I start editing it, Sis pulls out my medal which has lost the phoenix Emblem and replaced by a white plate saying:

"Here, it seems they can't restore the paint-job yet but it still has the same functions."

"Oh? Did it break as well? I thought he said he can't even leave a scratch on it?"

My voice starts to change as I began to adjust to my thoughts and Sis pauses for a while before pulling my arm and forcefully place it on my hand saying:

"The core and shape are intact but not the add-ons like the art and the buttons attach to it."

(Buttons? Wait, doesn't that mean I won't be able to contact them then? I kinda feel bad breaking my words before I even get to do it).

"Okay, Sis, thanks for keeping it safe."

My voice fully adjusted to the previous deep voice while I attach the medal to my left shoulder, Sis pats my shoulder and walks past me saying:

"No problem. Follow me, we're going to the neighbouring harbour."

"Alright. But Sis what do we do about supplies? I didn't get time to prepare any food nor water before going to this school, did you bring any? Or do we bring any money? I am completely Renniless. Or we don't even know how long we'll be there, what do we do about clothes?"

Sis stops and pauses again before replying:

"We're going on a trip so we can buy food and other commodities on the boat or maybe in checkpoints or we can even eat when we arrive at the Theocracy since it's a 15 hour trip if we really are going on the boat Sis told me about. As for money, I have plenty and I'm sure your Bihai friend brought with her too."

She looks at Saya before she stands and looks at me saying:

"I did bring some with me but don't expect much."

Hearing her answer I nod and they left first as I begin to wonder,

(Why do I feel like something is wrong? And wait, 15 hours? Then what time did Nicole even come here? He told me he still lives in the Theocracy and it only took him around an hour to arrive! Could he actually be using teleportation? Isn't that very hard and expensive? So many things I still don't know about).