3.21. Magic Emsemble

Black circles and sunken cheeks. A melancholic expression hung on his face, hazy eyes peered over the horizon.

Leaving against the very top of the pagoda's spire, he swept his gaze across the entire city of Rika Nation. All the buildings look tiny from his vantage, but each had its distinct shape to them.

'This is the world Rika built.'

Unfathomable, was what he would describe it. The Rika Kobayashi he knew was someone who had an unconquerable will in pursuit of her ideals. Her unusual disposition that didn't fit in with regular society, to do things outside the norm, to perseverance despite the many failures.

'What did she have to go through for all this..'

Shiro doubted that he, in Rika's shoes, would've been able to survive through the darkest moments of history. The Last Era in which Hero Rika stood at the forefront of humanity, protecting the people and ushering in a new wave of hope.

'And what the hell am I doing..'

The guilt he felt for not being there for her. The desperation of wanting to know more about what had happened during the time he wasn't by her side.

A chilly breeze blew. Silver hair fluttered, ears twitching. Linzy snuggled up to Shiro's arm in concern.

He raised his hand and caressed her head.

'I need to know what happened. What message did she leave behind? The mystery behind this academy she built and where she is now truly..'

Shiro believed that she was still alive, somewhere.

He looked towards the east, at the deep black depth of the Black Ravine that seemed to stretch on forever. The plains beyond the crack in the continent where a second city had been built to act as an intermediary port for those that wish to cross over to the other side.

In the deepest depths of this massive dungeon lies a secret. There was no doubt that what Shiro needed to know can be found inside somewhere.

"Shiro," Sequencee's voice rang.

"..."

"I've just talked to Sir Aaron. I apologize for causing the misunderstanding."

"..."

Shiro tore his eyes away from the ravine and faced him. His loose brown hair swayed in the wind, foreign blue eyes. He was a person that existed in this world solely. Much like the side characters he read or seen in manga or anime, he was that supporting character, fated to accompany him on his journey; the key to unlocking the answers he had to Rika's past.

And just as in any story, he was also someone that led to conflicts, doubts, and pains. Causing dilemma to drive emotions and suspense forward to an invisible audience. Shiro didn't know how to think of him except cliche. If he were a girl, maybe things would've been more heart wrenching.

Linzy hissed, Shiro held her by the waist to keep her in place.

"You won't need to go through those training anymore."

"Did you assume I was mad with you?"

"???"

'Without needing me to go to him, he took initiative. That's how it is for a story.. an omnipotent side character who'd help me to balance everything.'

Linzy tightened her arms around Shiro's.

"Just because I'm no longer in a party doesn't mean we can't work together as a party. I simply want to not be bound by your schedule. Think of me as someone you can come to if you need any help instead of a close aide."

'Yeah. These kinds of roles exist too. Characters that give way to others.'

"If you want to add someone to your party to fill in the spot of a mage, then I have a recommendation, though, it might be.. somewhat dangerous."

'Should I be expecting this?'

"Will you be alright with that?"

"I'm fine. So, what's his name?"

"It's a girl. Reese Rine, third year student, first class enforcer course, the top student in the academy by ranking."

"..."

'Shit. I knew it.'

"She might not be around as often because she'll have to travel to other regions to finish her semester's practical training. Either way, I think she's a good fit for someone who's good at espionage and escape. If you're alright with it, I can introduce you to her next time."

"What kind of person.. is she?"

"You'll know when you meet her.." Sequencee looked tired when he said that.

Shiro felt a bad premonition.

"That's all I wanted to tell you. Your turn."

"My turn.. huh?" Shiro muttered, gazing overhead at the pastry-white clouds billowing in the sky.

"If you have nothing, I won't force it."

"Sequencee. Why did you suddenly change your mind? I mean, to stop trying to kill your father, something likt that."

"If you grew up in a human village, but that village got burned down by bandits, do you go and kill His Imperial Majesty if you knew you knew he was your father?"

"So that's the reasoning?"

"Yeah."

"If demons are so similar to humans, I wonder why peace can't be achieved."

"I wonder about that myself.." Sequencee muttered.

Shiro settled into his memories, "From the world I came from, wars have ended, the human race benefited from it. A lot of the technology Rika brought to this world was because of the inventions of those in our world in times of peace."

"Is that so?"

"Sequencee. Frankly, I didn't mean to get mad earlier. Sorry."

"It's alright. I need to talk to Risa and Evelyn later likewise."

'For a second I thought he'd say something along the lines of they're worried, so I should go and tell them that I'm alright.'

"I'll still need your help, even if you're no longer in our party."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Would you believe me if I told you that Rika was still alive?"

There was a short pause.

"I think Reese would be a better person to give an answer on this topic."

"What? Why?"

"She's actually part of a cult that worships Hero Rika."

'I called a flag..'