ORDINARY VISAGE-6

Early in the morning Tinti, the woman with big buns came to my room. She gave me a shaggy coat that smelled musty. Looks like this thick coat just came out of the warehouse. If not, how could it emit such a distinctive aroma, right?

I couldn't sleep after that. The sun still hasn't risen out there. I put on the coat Tinti gave me and started boiling water. Cold air ambushed even though they were wearing thick clothes. Some people are already busy doing their morning activities, still holding old-school lanterns. Some of the houses were still dark and quiet. Before long, the boiled water boiled, I quickly extinguished the fire by hitting it with a wet cloth.

"While waiting for the water to be drinkable, isn't it better to drink warm milk?"

I didn't know that Amyas was awake too. He brought two glasses of milk that were still evaporating. He sat beside me, then gave me. "You seem to already know I woke up earlier," I blurted out. He laughed. "I knew all along," he said, "you seem ready to go, don't you think?"

"Well, maybe?"

I sipped the warm milk slowly. I can feel my stomach feel comfortable after drinking it. "Have you said goodbye to your friends yet?"

"Which friend?"

"Shiloh your friend, right?"

I laughed at Amyas's words. I shrugged indifferently. "I don't think I need to say goodbye to anyone."

Amyas was silent. He just smiled faintly. "I've made breakfast. After eating we should hurry up," he said as he stood up, leaving me. "Say goodbye to him. You may be able to see him soon enough."

"I'd rather not see him again."

Amyas sighed. He didn't say anything else and left me. I sighed, then went back into my room to cool off. I don't want to say goodbye to that idiot. I want to leave him alone here. After all, I am no longer important.

—Ordinary Visage—

About fifteen well-built horses had already been prepared. The morning sun had risen with a gentle glow, but it was unable to warm the air that was getting colder. I pulled up my coat and covered my head with the hood. My body felt quite refreshed from drinking the milk from Amyas earlier, plus the cooked vegetable breakfast made me feel good enough. Aqua came in with the same coat, she greeted me brightly, but I just looked at her stupidly. Apparently Aqua was also coming along for this trip. Well, it's no wonder that Aqua is Amyas' closest friend. Meanwhile, Amyas was getting ready to take his sword and shove several things into his gunny sack until they were torn. I just observe while holding my fragile empty hand. I'm just a capital of courage and curiosity for the trip later.

"Want candy?"

Aqua was suddenly beside me. She showed me a round, brown, ginger-scented candy. "I have a lot to share."

"When I need it, I'll ask it directly from you," I said. Aqua didn't listen to me. She nimbly tucked some candy into my coat pocket. I was about to protest, but she quickly cut me off. "You're going to need it. So better have it in your pocket."

I didn't answer anything, just kept silent as I watched Aqua continue to distribute candy to people. I sat on a tree trunk in boredom, doing nothing while waiting when it would be time to leave.

I saw Amyas talking to some big men, he was leading a very stout black horse. Amyas glanced at me, he came to me with his horse.

"Let's go." Amyas held out his hand, hoping I would take it. "You wanted me to sit in front of you, didn't you?" I said sarcastically. Amyas raised an eyebrow, probably surprised by my stupid words. "It's really good how?"

"You go first," I said. Amyas chuckled. "This is not the time to be arguing over trifles, Abby. Come here, let me help you up."

I rolled my eyes, and immediately got on his horse, ignoring Amyas' hand that had been outstretched earlier. I chuckled. "I'm right behind you."

Amyas chuckled, and he nodded. "Okay."

Half of the fifteen horses had already left. I looked back before actually leaving. There was no sign of Shiloh coming to see me. Considering he'd be having a great time in this village made me a little irritated. This friendship seems to have ended here. Shiloh doesn't care about me, and neither do I. I'd better have to give up my departure today. I hope that when I meet Shiloh again, he won't recognize me. Ah no. I don't want to see him again. Let me go without saying goodbye forever.

"What are you looking at?"

I rolled my eyes when I saw Shiloh confidently riding his white horse. He was wearing the same coat as me. Shiloh smiled crisply, one eyebrow raised. "I don't want you to leave without me, you know."

I snatched. "Tch, who are you? Amyas, let's go quickly."

I could hear Amyas chuckling. He immediately rode his horse quickly. I turned my gaze forward. Shiloh was still coming. I don't expect our friendship to be the same as it used to be, but I hope he doesn't get any more stupid. []

We rested in a shady forest after traveling for hours. The horses were tied to every tree, allowed to eat the grass in peace. Some people ate the provisions with gusto, gulping down water until they were empty. I leaned my body against the giant tree trunk while looking at the sky covered with leaves above.

"Bread filled with sweet milk cream. Would you like some?"

Shiloh suddenly sat beside me. He handed me a piece of bread with a smile, while I glanced at him disinterestedly. I was quite full because I had swallowed a few chocolate cake items. "Why are you suddenly being nice to me?"

Shiloh laughed at my words. He shrugged, pulling back the bread he wanted to give me quickly. Indeed, it seems that he has no intention of giving alms even a loaf of bread. "I'm always good, right?"

I chuckled. "Your words are just words without proof."

Shiloh sighed. "Up to you."

We were silent for quite a while. The milk cream bun had already run out into his stomach. I never really believed in Shiloh. This man is reckless. "Why are you going?"

Shiloh cleared her throat, I looked at her lazily, without intending to explain again. "Wouldn't you rather be there?"

"Where?" he said as if he didn't know anything. I kept quiet, feeling it was a waste of time talking to this kind of human. I got up after lounging here, but Shiloh's voice getting serious made me stop moving.

"Wherever you go, I always want to follow you."

I turned around, chuckling at that. "Don't follow me. Freak."

I don't talk to Shiloh anymore, because what makes me more curious now is this journey. I really want to know what I will get later. I saw Amyas and Aqua feeding the horses in silence. I didn't want to disturb the peace, but it was too late. I already fell down with a noise when I wanted to approach them a few more steps.

"Oh my, Abby!"

Amyas immediately ran towards me, followed by Aqua who was tailgating in panic. I raised my hand, signaling I was fine, while holding my sore knee. I glanced around, several people looked at me blankly. I could also see Shiloh already standing and looking at me curiously.

"You're hurt." Amyas looked at my ankle, stroking it gently with a worried look. "Wait here, I'll treat—"

"No. There's no need. It's just a small scratch" I said. I tried hard to refuse, but Aqua was already on standby sitting beside Amyas while holding a box of external medicine on her lap.

I have no other choice but to let Amyas treat my wound. I stifled the pain by biting my lower lip as he dabbed a swab of alcohol over my wound. Amyas then tied up my wound with a cloth, as if I had been seriously injured.

"Thank You."

Amyas smiled at my insincere thanks. He held out his hand so I could stand up. It didn't take long for Shiloh to come. He glanced at me indignantly and cut off the contact just like that.

"We will continue our journey in a bit," said Amyas, stroking the black horse I was riding with him. Shiloh sighed, he leaned against our black horse. "To be honest, I'm still confused, what event will the King hold?"

True, Shiloh's question could represent one of several questions that were in my brain. Amyas smiled again, he looked at Shiloh kindly. "Every year, the King always holds a massive event to awaken pure power. But that power was sealed millions of years ago because magic is too strong and can damage the universe."

"If the magic is so strong, then why would the King want to resurrect it?" my chatterbox Amyas glanced at me. He was silent for a moment, then continued. "That power must be raised by the King first before it is seized by the Northern Society."

"Northern Society?"

"Yes. That power actually belonged to the Goddess of the Northern Society, but because millions of years ago there was a calamity that shook the universe, the King sealed the power with the help of the Sky Realm."

I don't understand.

"I need you to explain a little more," Shiloh said. His brows furrowed. Looks like he got stupid from me.

Amyas licked his dry lips. He took a deep breath, seemingly embarrassed too telling these complicated tales to stupid humans. "As I said earlier," he said, "the King is trying hard to have this power first before the People of the North get ahead of him."

I paused. Doesn't this mean it's the King usurping the power of the Northern Peoples? Exactly who was this King to ask the Heaven Realm for help in sealing that power?

"Sir, we are done."

A group of groups began to get ready after resting. Amyas nodded in response, then reached out to me, helping me onto his black horse. Shiloh held my arm.

"Why?" I said.

Shiloh glared at me. "Just come with me."

I raised an eyebrow and quickly shook his hand away. "Next time if you have time."

Amyas immediately pulled me onto the back of the waiting black horse. Shiloh growled. He gave her a death glare while hissing. "I didn't expect you to be like this."

I answered again. "Who told you to be prejudiced?"

Shiloh sighed. Amyas rode his horse ahead of the others. Shiloh hastily got on his horse so he could keep up with me. He looked at me angrily. "What? Want to fight?"

Shiloh rolled her eyes, then she accelerated her horse ahead of me. Amyas shook his head with a knowing smile. "You two are cute, huh?"

"Sir, please shut up or I'll kick this horse's belly!"

"Yes, Abby. Sorry."

We raced fast, through wilderness forests where tree roots and branches blocked the way. However, Amyas swiftly slashed them all. I swayed to one side, but Amyas held me fast. He did not rebuke anything, only suggested that he hold his clothes without hesitation. Well, I sat behind him, just as usual.

It's getting late. Luckily we armed ourselves with some lanterns and torches. I held the lantern well, while Amyas held the reins steady. Amyas raised his hands in the air, motioning to stop for his flock. There was a rustling sound behind the trees, and the bushes swayed suspiciously around us. Sounds of hissing and hungry roars were heard quietly. Soon, several pairs of red eyes protruded from the gaps in the bush, followed by the appearance of a hideous creature which is very difficult to describe. It was human-like, long and crawling on slimy limbs and limbs, displaying its stinking black bones. His face was disfigured with a jaw that was wide open to the base of the eye. They were dripping blood from their mouths, staring hungrily at us with desperate groans. I was itching to burn them all alive.

Amyas turned quietly to his flock. He then nodded and pulled the horse's reins confidently while whispering softly. "Run."

I don't know what Amyas's plan is to survive this time, but what is clear is that the terrible creature was chasing us with a terrible smile. No one was scared with a deathly pale face, not even Shiloh who was shy. I'm pretty scared, but hopefully I can burn them alive later. That is, if later I too live. []