Encore 33 — New Beginnings (VI)

Siesta slammed her desk, frustrated.

She was taking it better than the others thought she would. Knowing the strict Siesta Shiba, they believed that she would destroy the entire room but it was merely her poor desk.

It was regularly replaced, anyway, due to how frequently she broke it.

"Who would have guessed?"

Siesta gritted her teeth.

"Wait, Commander, you didn't know?"

Yusaka asked her.

"No. It does make sense though. You know how I was the youngest person ever to join the Secret Force?"

"At 12, yes."

Morisa answered.

"That was when my brother was born. The first time I met him was after the Ethereal Impact. I don't know what he was like or what he was. To think he was Alpha... The one who killed my—no, our mother..."

Isla could not understand how she felt. Her brother was the very one who killed her mother. Siesta may hate him but Isla could not. Not before hearing the truth and purpose directly from Kazuya's mouth.

"I'm going to have to talk with my father..."

She mumbled under her breath.

"Have you told this to anyone?"

"No, the archangel told us not to tell anyone."

"He shouldn't mind us telling you."

Siesta looked over at Isla.

"Putting this matter aside, let's start with your matter. You want to enlist Isla as a cadet, right?"

Morisa nodded.

"That can be easily done but everyone wants to enter the Ironhide Squad. Isla getting in will be impossible if she doesn't prove her worth. Wait, where's Gunma?"

The woman had just noticed the absence of one member.

"Kazuya Shiba injured him. He'll be in the hospital for a while."

Siesta smiled while muttering, 'That boy.'

"That just makes it even better. Two spaces will be open on the squad. Cadet Isla."

"Y-yes!"

Isla straightened herself as if she were already in the military.

"Good attitude. Prove your worth and make yourself indispensable within two months. On August 30th, there will be two selections for the Ironhide Squad. Only the two best cadets will be able to get in. If you want to pursue Ka—Alpha, then your only chance will be in this squad. Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

Isla shouted.

She was determined. Though it would take time, she would have to do it. For her sake and Kazuya's.

·———·

It's been three days since I got to the village and I've been a great help to the residents, which I am happy about. During tasks, I'm always attempting to implement training, though, the only thing that's worked is imbuing mana into a blade.

I'm actually happy since it feels like I'm growing stronger every time I train. There's no proof but it's an instinct.

"Hey, pussy, give me your lunch!"

The men would abuse me occasionally. I don't particularly mind but it is annoying sometimes.

The bald man snatched my lunch from me and laughed alongside the others beside him.

Well, this is the second day without lunch.

They pushed me and laughed.

"Hahaha! Why are you even here, you pussy?!"

I fell off of my seat and others began staring at me.

Sure, sometimes they go too far but I can't set them straight since they live here, can I?

"Nama! What are you doing?!"

"Geh... Arthur..."

Arthur marched toward the bald man, Nama, and his group.

"This isn't the way of our village. We don't disrespect people, especially guests."

Nama, for the first time, looked conflicted as he faced the temporary chief.

"We don't take in dirty pussies."

"We don't take in wild beasts or dangerous rogues. Father is always kind and so is everyone else. So, what is your problem?"

Arthur glared at the man.

Nama flicked his head around while clicking his tongue. He walked away with his group.

The young man sighed before turning to me with a smile.

"Are you alright?"

He reached his hand out. I grabbed it and he pulled me up.

"Yeah."

I smiled back.

We sat down next to each other. Arthur had a downcast look with a soft smile.

"You're kind, Kazuya."

"Hm?"

"I mean, if it was me, I would've taught them a lesson with magic."

He said.

"You're a mage too?"

"Yes. Me and my father. Nama is usually well-behaved and kind, I don't know why he acts so differently when someone else enters the village. I'd like to know why you don't retaliate?"

"Well, usually, I would, but after you let me stay here for a little while, it would be an insult to both you and the villagers if I fought and won against Nama and his group."

When I looked over at Arthur, he smiled and chuckled. I raised an eyebrow and nervously watched him giggle. He even shed a tear.

"Uh... What's funny?"

I asked him.

"No, it's just that... you're kind. Too kind."

"Is that a problem?"

"Honestly, I thought you were a murderer when I first invited you but you're quite the opposite."

"Why would you invite me into the village, if you thought I was a murderer?"

Yeah, I don't understand Arthur. He's... unique, to say the least.

"You're the one who asked. You seemed like you needed help."

He's too kindhearted. If I was a cold-hearted killer, then nobody would be alive, I guess.

"So, since I helped you, do me a favour."

He said.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Could you... be my friend?"

It was a simple question. It was a yes or no question. Yet, I couldn't help to smile. It reminded me of a certain someone.

"If you're willing to be the friend of a vagabond?"

I joked with him.

Arthur put his arm out like he was ready to arm wrestle, and I shook his hand as we both grinned at each other.

"I think I've dealt with worse."

The auburn-haired boy replied.

Even as I left my friends, I made a new one. Good things can also come from bad, I guess.

·———·

Meanwhile, elsewhere, a woman stood in the middle of the battlefield. Dead bodies lay still around her as she was the only one left standing. There was only one other still alive.

"N-no... Please! Don't! Why are you even killing us?! Aren't you also huma—"

The woman pierced through the chest of the man. He died in the next instant. She retracted her hand and laughed, unbothered that she was practically dressed in blood.

Her hair was purple-black and long. It did not go past her hips. Her eyes were narrow and crimson. She was dressed in black robes with golden bracelets and a necklace. From her back, two raven wings flapped. Around her head was a black laurel wreath.

"Ah... It's been too long."

She muttered.

The woman stared up at the sky with an alluring look.

"That village. Yes. That was the next target."

The woman peered at the bloody battlefield before smirking.

"For those who know the truth, they die. However, I have yet to come across someone with enough power to trouble me. I simply want one worthy opponent."

She said.

A golden apple appeared in her hand. She brought it to her eyesight and analysed it.

"The fairest... I still have not found them."