Chapter 32

Clifford heaves a deep sigh, sitting atop a tall tree within the mansion, he gaze at the number of people gathered at the place in search of safety. It reminded him of those news he’d watch about events unfolding in some warring countries. Except this time, he was a part of it, though in another world.

“How sad. It’s almost no different from where I came from.”

The words tasted bitter in his tongue, having compared his old home to a place that he still considers a land of fantasy and dreams. But it was getting harder to think that way, considering all the things that had happened to him.

Helpless babes clinging to their mothers, crying children in search or their family, held by some stranger trying to help. All of them, covered in dirt and disheveled.

He winced at the familiar scenery of despair that she only saw on television. Experiencing it first hand brought a heavier weight in his chest, making it hard to breathe because of that twisting and squeezing inside of it.

“But I heard the hero’s world was far better than ours.”

Hallor, together with Galford, move closer to the branch where he was sitting. Seems they caught him murmuring to himself.

With how things were there, he didn’t blame the youngster for dreaming that it would happen, too.

“In a sense, yes. Thats because our time is way ahead of yours. We had to endure hundreds of wars and changes just to get to where we are now.”

Clifford raised his hands in a lecturing manner.

Though he wasn’t that verse with their history, he knew of that teed-bit of truth. Of course, he omitted the fact there are places that stayed the same, not wanting to break the youth’s dream.

“Then it means someday, we too will achieve such a place.”

Hallor’s face brightened, his lips forming into a smile when he turned to his mentor.

Galford’s expression remained stoic, unlike the youngster, it seems the guy could see through his lies, being of near the same age as he was.

“It’s hard to tell, since from where I come from, magic and super human skills were none existent.”

Clifford chuckled as he said what was playing in his mind.

As things were so different, he was sure these will affect how events would unfold in there. And with something so unpredictable, he could not think how this’ll influence certain situations.

“How come the heroes know about it?”

Galford frowned, finally having interest.

Clifford couldn’t blame the fellow’s curiosity, considering they easily adjust with that world, along with being well versed against the actual denizens.

“Our knowledge comes from games and books.”

He waved a hand, showing a piece of scroll he got while they were doing rounds. With many people lacking education there, this was the easiest way for him to explain this.

“Your land is truly amazing.”

Hallor’s eyes seem to twinkle while listening.

“Not really.”

Clifford waved it off.

His conscience would not accept the praise, since he did not consider such a thing at all. He found the comparison funny, cause no matter how far ahead they were, some things didn’t change.

“Wait, if you don’t have magic, how do you use it for games and why do you have books about it?”

Galford frowned, scratching his head in confusion.

“It’s complicated. But we’ve got something akin to magic, which is technology. Also, there are many individuals in my world who have very creative and playful imaginations.”

Clifford laugh it off.

His brain did not have the strength to think at that point. He found it challenging to describe the details to someone unaware of the advancements they had. He knew he needed a proper way to explain things.

“What is technology?”

Hallor’s eyes grew once more, twinkling at the mention of such an unfamiliar word.

Clifford froze from the slip of his tongue. But then an idea came to mind.

“Think of it as a different kind of magic.”

He lifted a finger in a lecturing manner. Though of course, that was explainable and didn’t need any special traits.

“That would explain why all the summoned heroes are so wise.”

Galford nodded with a satisfied smile.

The men then exchange their thoughts about it, elated by acquiring such knowledge.

Before he can join in, two system window pops out in front of his face, once stated, ‘Warning, world settings corrupted!’ On the other, it showed a yellow-colored exclamation point somewhere in the map where he was, with the message, ‘Left eye detected.’

“My, it seems it’s my lucky day.”

Clifford grinned, his gaze immediately scouring through the masses to search where his missing body part could be. His glee disappearing upon glimpsing of the events unfolding in front of them.

Every single refugee in there was twisting, screeching, with many rolling on the ground in sheer agony. Even the kids wailed with such intensity, it ran in his head.

What truly got his attention was the purple aura scattering everywhere, seeping into the tents and people.

“Something’s happening to the camp.”

Galford move forward to get a better view. His face turning straight upon the sight of tormented villagers and echoes of screams.

“Sir Clifford, what’s wrong with them?”

Hallor grab hold of his sword, hands shaking from the unsightly horror they were witnessing.

“I’m not sure either. But I think it is best if we observe first.”

Clifford’s brow furrowed.

Unlike the other two, he can see the blinking red exclamation points on each individual. They also had those red, circular prohibition signs on them.

Before he can shift modes to check on what was going on. A loud boom rippled through the air.

All of them grabbed on to the trunk when the earth trembled. It came from the front of the mansion, which now had a giant fog of dirt and debris rising from it.

They immediately jumped to the highest part of the tree to get a better vantage point, since the smog prove to thick even for him.

It took them a good while before everything finally subsided. But all of them gape in shock upon glimpsing at the culprits.

“Aren’t those the young heroes?”

Galford frowned, recognizing the lot.

There were five of them, but what got them surprise was the hooded fellow who stood in front of the group.

The person’s body twisted in an odd fashion from the growth of some inhuman parts. There were tentacles sprouting out on its back, along with spikes and claws growing out from certain areas.

Clifford’s face crumpled, his brow almost touching each other upon seeing the yellow exclamation blinking atop the person. What got him bothered was the individual who seem to have his left eye released a purple miasma.

It seems this was causing the incident they had now.

Before they could act, the young heroes charge straight at the hooded stranger. Weapons drawn out for an attack. They clashed, resulting in a fight, with the youngsters throwing every single spell and skills they had at their opponent, all the while the unknown being swung its mandibles and claws in retaliation.

Even with their numbers, the enemy proved too much for the young heroes. As it seems, the creature was far stronger than them, besides the lack of unison and teamwork between them.

“Shouldn’t we help them?”

Though still shaking, Hallor itched to jump in the fray.

“I would love to, but I’d rather avoid any attention, since I’m supposed to be dead. It’s best we wait for our chance to assist.”

Clifford also wanted to do the same, but the presence of a certain man there got him wary, remembering the warrior’s connection to the kingdom.

“As you wish, sir.”

Galford grabbed hold of their young companion’s shoulder to calm him down. Unlike the youth, they understood the need to be careful.

“Better ready your masks. We may have to move.”

So with that, all three readied themselves, covering their faces with those items he created solely for keeping their discretion and hiding their presence.

With how fast things were progressing, it was the only precaution Clifford could think of. From the looks of it, they needed to act soon, else they end up being too late.