A Piece of Mind. (Prologue)

"Here stands a new hero for our kingdom, Sova Anmao may you step forth."

Standing upon the throne once more, this time as a saviour of the kingdom compared to the emmisary of war. Watched by all across the kingdom through some combination of magic and science, I can't help but feel tense.

"This ceremony has been overdue but now you shall receive all that you should. May you continue contributing to our kingdom."

The King presents to me a ornamental medal, I bow my head and grab it with both arms saying:

"Thank you."

"Let's welcome a new Star of Silla!"

"Finally! She now lives up to her name, Star Child!", "Sova! Sova! Sova!", "So Owlians do have a chance?", "Hmph! About damn time! This is nothing to congratulate. This is simply the minimal thing they need to do after the shit they drag her in", "Mommy, will she be able to bring daddy back?", "Hmph! No matter how many people they brought, I will never trust that fake crown", "The hero of the north is the one isn't he? We should follow him than those dumb nobles", "Oh yeah, they say he has the same value as the Guardian of Silla. Tch, why must he lose?"

Hearing the public's mixed reception, I turn around to wave my hand as I move out of the view. The sight of a magnificent parade across the streets streching over as far as the eye can see is truly indescribable for someone like me. Small transport boats flying over the market roads fill the air while the panels above the tall buildings display my image which I can't belp but feel embarrassed seeing it...

(I wonder how do those Idols and celebrities swallow such embarrassment? Maybe I shouldn't have follow what Yoo-Sui said and join that... What do they call it again? Photo shoot?)

I try to recall the conversation back as I descend the platform looking at the advertisements...

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

*Click* *Snap* *Snap*

"Yes! Good! Cute!"

*Snap* *Click* *Snap*

"Yes~! Ooh! To think I would get to work with a foreigner with such a different trait. The civil war seems to not fit in my worries no more."

The photographer is a lady in her thirties with unknown gadgets strap all over her body and even some cables that wraps over her messy black hair. She seems to be the exclusive photographer for Miso, but Yoo-Ah somehow convince Miso to lent her for us.

"Oh, precious Yoo-Ah, I never knew you would know someone like her. She may be an amatuer in this but she can learn fast, I'm truly in your debt now! Plus, with an Owlian I finally got an excuse to use Owlian tech as well."

"Hum! Hum! If it means to get more cute girls out in the spotlight, I shall hold nothing back!"

"We truly are one kindred spirit! I knew good things will come when you introduce Miso! The idol industry needs you much more than our current HR."

"I don't know what that is but I'll take the compliment! Hum! Hum!"

Seeing those two happily speaking, I can't help but ask,

"Um... Are we done? It's... It's a bit embrassing when you stare so much to do this... Photo shoot?"

(And I wonder how did Yoo-Ah get to know her?)

The photographer fell on her knees holding her nose as she seems to almost faint. Worried by her reaction, I try to help but...

"Ah... The innocence of a young star, it's so bright!"

"Don't be worried, Sova! Hami Ssi is always like that! And you don't need to be so discouraged, Miso is embarrassed at first as well, but she got used to it, so you'll do great too!"

"I-I see?"

"Hum! Hum! As your private staff, I shall do my best to support you in whatever the case!"

"Hoh? I suppose if you can't be an idol, be the manager instead. Honesty, not a bad move."

"Hum! Hum! You're wrong! I still have my dreams of becoming an idol! It's just that adventuring buseniss is different!"

(Oh, Yoo-Ah... Wonder when can I tell her what Yoo-Sui had in plan? Or even about her bloodline?)

Hami the photographer gives Yoo-Ah a mischievous grin replying:

"Is it though? The only difference I saw is where the knife is coming from. But that's that and this is this. I'm done with the treasure trove, I do hope Precious Miso will let me do this again."

"Hum! Worry not! As long as it's within possibility, I'm sure Miso wouldn't mind!"

"(Ah, it makes me question how such sunshine makes friend with her). Well, see you whenever I can, I have a LOT of pictures to process, Hehuhehue..."

Hearing her creepy laugh as she leaves the room, Yoo-Ah nods with a satisfied smile and pulls out a checklist of stuff.

"Hum! Hum! Since you're quite the special case, I honestly don't know how to proceed forward... But I'll still do my best to help you the best of my ability!"

Seeing Yoo-Ah's honest effort I nod along replying:

"I'll leave it to you then-"

"I suggest you don't."

Barging in without knocking with a different opinion is none other than Yoo-Sui. Yoo-Ah furrow her brows replying:

"What is that suppose to mean!? Sova, needs all the help she needs!"

Yoo-Sui shakes her head and walks closer holding my shoulder saying:

"Sigh, that's where you're wrong my dear Dongsaeng. Sova as a prominent adventurer will soon surpass you more ways than you can imagine. Your time should be used somewhere else than managing something that'll be irrelevant."

"Oh... Hum! Hum! I guess you really do care about Sova now, Sis!"

"Quiet you, anyways, I think it's about time Sova takes HIS next step as a genuine adventurer. (I have another mission for you)."

Hearing her special double speech technique where her lips says something completely different what she speaks, I start to focus more. But it seems Yoo-Ah as always ignores her blatant way to say the truth about me and replies with,

"Hum! Hum! That's right! I suppose all adventuring buseniss was halted during the last 3 weeks but we're now reopening back and this is no better chance to do it!"

"I see... It seems I need to start preparing."

"Yup! But worry not, Sova! We'll let you rest as much as you want since you just finish recovering!"

"Honestly... Your first mission was simply picking up herbs right? Hard to believe your next track record includes Dungeon Diving, War Veteran, and soon enough, National defense. Everyone would have their eyes pop looking at your resume. (Don't slack off... With everything in dissaray we need to double our efforts. What we need to do is, Subjugate the Republic, Assimilate the Dukedom, and soon enough Conquer the Western Kingdoms. It may sound a lot but it'll be over soon)."

Yoo-Sui then look at Yoo-Ah and ponders a while before saying:

"And... Sigh, I suppose I'm in no position to stop you anymore."

"Hum!?"

"Huh?"

"If you wish to follow Sova for the day, you may do so."

*Slam*

"Really!? Where did that come from!? Did you eat something wrong this morning!?"

Yoo-Ah slams the table in excitement as she's been following disregard of her telling her not to.

"Seeing you ignore my orders all the time makes me feel like shouting to someone underwater. So, you better takes things seriously okay?"

(Where did that come from?)

"Hum! Hum! You got it! Yoo-Sui Unnie, you're the best!"

Yoo-Ah jumps to embrace Yoo-Sui as she rubs her cheeks towards her. Yoo-Sui takes it all in saying:

"Say, did you prepared the documents for Sova's participation on the yearly defense?"

"Hum! Hum?! Oh yeah! Alrighty then, please look over Sova a bit Sis! I'm gonna go make the necessary stuff for his redebut! This is gonna be big!"

Yoo-Ah runs out with high spirits and I can only wonder what she is doing when Yoo-Sui shuts the door and turns around saying:

"Haah... Look at her, you better not let her down."

"Yea, I won't dare!"

Yoo-Ah cross her legs and sharpen her eyes replying:

"Hmph! For our first target, the Republic."

*Plop*

Yoo-Sui toss out an evelope she pull out from under her sleeves. As its content spill out, documents, pictures, and notes can be seen scatter through the table.

"The Republic has many soft power thanks to their nepotistic Chaebol controled goverment and massive utilization of cash for their international trade throughout the Baratai Sphere. If you ask any of the people there their motto is something along the lines of,

"If you can ship more goods, why should you have kids?"

Hearing such horrifying proverb, I look at the pictures seeing the weird view of tall estates built atop a lower city as they sprout out giant roads towering above the lower city...

"That's quite a sad proverb."

"And you can guess from the way their capital looks, they bloom from the backs of their so called "free" citizens. Then again, with all that said about having money, their Military is honestly very pathetic. Even as we are now with half of our military slashed by the civil war, we can still easily steamroll them to the ground with sheer numbers alone since our population still quadrupled theirs, especially when they're busy pouring and conscripting their working class to guard their secret port slowly being overrun by Geom. Either quality or quantity, their rule will not last long... But with our military slash in half, we're currently stationing all available troops at the west in case the 7 kings and the Goddess decided to take their chance, we truly don't have any or much to spare for the Republic."

Looking at the reports written below the picture they detail the GDP? Whatever that is, I think I heard Ye-Hua said something about that, then there's population, races, language, majority culture, military, and their ruling system which is...

"A mega corporation? I don't really understand much of what that means or what's written here but from your explanation... Does... Does that mean they're either doing this because they're either desperate or confident?"

"Good assessment for someone like you, we can rule out the first option from the reports of both Geom and our spies. So that only leaves them with being emboldened, most likely they must've been lucky and met a wandering master... And knowing the majority shareholders, they must've smell profit."

Hearing that term I start to remember what stories I read. Tales of heroes stumbling upon a tragedy and helping those in need.

(And didn't that tower master saying something about Moriz being a shareholder? I should learn those terms when I return to the idol tower).

"And seeing how they know we have true martial artists and lost a prominent one at that, they must've employed someone who could easily overpower even experts, knowing those cowards that's the only explanation for now."

"Uhuh... So, what am I suppose to do?"

"Simple enough for now, the yearly mosnter invasion will soon begin. And you'll boost your image by participating in it, and since you're a new adventurer as well, it will be good in your resume."

"I'm sorry, you said that before but what's a resume?"

"Sigh... Just leave that to Yoo-Ah since she's your manager now. And since the Republic will participate as well to defend their fake ports, be careful on what they'll do. And since we're..."

Yoo-Sui lips shut tight before she could speak as she looks at me with contempt before she grits her teeth softly whispering,

"(Allies)."

She squirm as that word leave her mouth and I could only ponder why her face looks as if her stomach seems to twist saying that word before she continue saying,

"Here's an advice, in the world of lies you're about to delve in to, honesty is the your best weapon. And do burn those papers with your magic. And of course, good luck cause as for me... I have many exiles to visit."

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

I for once felt confident ahead as I smile and exit the stage towards the surging crowds.

(Honesty is the best I can do!)

"So, Star child! Is it true that you weight over 100kg!?"

"Huh?"

(How did that get out!?)

"Can you please tell us where you are from!? From your natural blonde hair, are you perhaps from outside this frontier? Where are you born!?"

(Is it really that rare? I'm pretty sure I met multiple with the dame colour as mine).

"I also heard there's rumours you're in a relationship with Yoo-Gisa, is that true?"

(The fudge!? How in the world did that misunderstanding even form!?)

"Um-"

"What about words that you have connections with the black medallion of the idol industry!?"

(Seriously, where did they get all those information?)

"That's-"

"Can you please tell us what's your relation with the Storm Ruler? She never even bat an eye with low ranks let alone a Martial Artist, so how did you do it?"

(Huh? Is Jin-Yeon that picky?)

"There's also rumours that your spear belongs to the legendary War God, is it true!? Does that Giant back at the Stadium be related to you? Could you be related with the Heavens?"

"What?"

(What's with all these questions!?)

"Tell us, what truly happened during the recent royal conference! Is it true you actually fell for those nobles scheme?"

"Star child, Star Child..."

Bombarded endlessly by the waves of people shoving some device up my face I can only stutter as my head can't process it all.

(Save me!)

"Hey! Back away! Hum! Hum!"

From the crowd she pushes them aside and makes way to shield me from the lights. Yoo-Ah arrives with flags on her arm before she gestures them away shouting:

"Sova will be answering questions later! She has important preparations to do for the incoming yearly invasion!"

(Oh, Yoo-Ah! Here to save the day unlike....)

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

"Sis... Fei?"

"Holy shit, things never seem to get boring with you huh, Sova?"

"Shut it, Handsome! Boss will be doing the talking!"

Pushing the gun at Moriz she walks around to get beside him blocking Sis Fei for a while and when she passes Sis Fei dissapears.

"Sova..."

"Woah!"

Whispering close to my ears, Sis Fei now stands where that walking table stands. Holding ny face closely she brushes my bangs and brings her face close saying:

"Look at you, hurting and sacrificing yourself for strangers. Your heart is too big and kind for people like them."

I hold her hands replying:

"I don't mind, after all this is all my fault. I need to-"

"Don't be so ignorant, Sova. None of this is your fault. It's all because of Sis Yuwei!"

Sis Dei squeezes my cheeks and stare right to my eyes as I notice an uneasy force building behind the window of her soul.

"Everything! From the moment she blew our ship, your involvement with the guild, that promotion quest, everything is because of her! Even this Civil War! It all stems from her!"

Not wanting to throw her passion away I stared back replying:

"That is true but it doesn't change I followed along. But seeing where this conversation is headed, you wish to bring me away aren't you?"

Sis slides her hand down to hold my shoulders with a pretty smile replying:

"That's right! Sova, remember what you said back at that beach? No matter where I am or what happened, just send me a message and I'll gladly return to you when you need me or just whenever when you want to see me?"

I closed my eyes to remember and nod saying:

"Yea..."

"Then..."

Sis holds my hands and fell to her knees saying:

"You remember how I'm still afraid? Afraid to move on? I... Now won't you fulfill that wish? Follow me, with you by my side, I don't think I'll ever be afraid."

(She chose such a bleak time!)

"Sis... I know I said that but I can't leave here, not now. So..."

"No... I know what you're going to say, and I won't be part of Sis Yuwei's schemes no more! Why!? Why are you choosing such stupid and dangerous ideas! I can fulfill everything you want! I'll bring you to May immediately if that's what you want and if you wish, I can sneak you in to meet Sis Rubeca! So, why? Why must you stay?"

I look outside at the quiet city replying:

"Because I won't be able to rest easy knowing that I left when I can help."

"Ha... Hahaha..."

I clench my teeth hearing her response as I realize I'm swallowing my words but...

"Sis, I'll follow you wherever you wish. I'll even postpone my search for May so please... Can you please let me stay? Just this once?"

*Grab*

"No! I'll make sure you leave here with me!"

Something seems to crack in her head as she grabs my neck with bloodshot eyes. Her purple eyes radiates a confusing mix of malice and compassion that baffles my senses as a weird aura engulfs her. Tears flow from her bloodshot eyes as she mutters:

"We were so close when we were kids. We promised that we would stay together, we would love each other for eternity. We would live together and find peace..."

(Did we... Wow, now I remembered, she remembers something from so long?)

Her grip tighten as she starts to choke me yet I can't seem to find my strength to resist.

*Crack* *Smack*

Moriz disarms the table lady before pushing Sis Fei away.

"Haah- ugh!"

Grappling me within his arms, he brings his fingers close to my neck saying:

"Hey, now, this precious one is now under my custody. Ain't gonna let you have him."

"Let him go! I... I won't let you take him away! He will be mine, He's mine! Not May, Not Sis Rubeca, and definitely not Sis Yuwei! I've been watching close and you'll kill yourself before long if you keep that attitude, Sova. I must stop you as soon as possible."

Her squad moves to protect Sis Fei as she becomes mad. Still feeling the lingering pain on my neck from hearing her deranged reaction, I simply ask:

"Do you not believe in me?"

"I... I wish I do, but now you're not strong enough. But together, we WILL be."

Sis leans back, shaking and scrathing over her cheeks before slumping down on all fours muttering:

"I'll make you understand, I'll make you remember your words, I'll teach you to follow your promises, I'll show you what it means to love... And I'll make sure you do. If I can't have you, NO ONE WILL."

(What in the world happened to her?)

Feeling a tinge of fear creeping in, I try to make Moriz to release but he tightens his hold whispering:

"(Keep holding on, Sova. I know how to deal with crazy bitches like her)."

"(Don't insult her!)"

*Flick*

"Ack!"

"Ah, shut it, this is all your fault for making her fell. Anyways... Better pull back now, you shouldn't have shown yourself if you wish to take him away. I may not be as scary as the Grand Patriarch, but do you wanna test ME?"

Sis Fei quiets down and stops shaking. Wearing her helmet back, and as her feathers sprouts, she slowly stands. Raising her right arm, she gestures the other team. Even with their masks I can tell they're confused before scurrying away through the walls, floor, ceiling, window, and door.

Sis Fei hugs herself and fell on her knees shaking before she slumps down looking at me saying:

"I'll be watching."

Sis seems to fuse with the ground and dissapear before Moriz looks left and right saying:

"Alright, they're gone... Phew! Well, Sova, congrats you got yourself what the Eclish call a Yandere."

He lets me go and sits back down eating his orange. Seeing his calm demeanor I ask:

"Whatever that was... Have you broken a promise, Moriz?"

"A lot."

"Eh?"

"There's no way anyone can keep to their words, Sova. No one's that perfect. And if you think you can, you're way over your head. That's why we simply do our best and be sure to take full responsibility for the consequences to come."

"That still doesn't excuse how much of a selfish person I am."

I hang my head down, dispirited bu the turn of events but Moriz pats my head saying:

"Ah, you damn brat. I'll help you keep her away for now, but your decisions either that's from foolishness, rash, or guilt, I hope you're ready for what's coming for you."

I hold my headband remembering what Saya gave me replying:

"I will... I just didn't think I'll use it against her. But when the time comes, I'll be ready."

"Hoh? Didn't know you can prepare like that."

"I don't wish to... And I just want to know why she acted like that."

"Here I thought you understand a woman's heart since you spent so much time with them."