Let's hit the road

«Damn, damn, damn, damn! How could I oversleep?

– Good morning, – Hikaro breathed heavily after a long run around the city. – I'm sorry I'm late.

– Here you go, – without even hinting at the guy's lack of punctuality, Sudoshi handed him a large backpack. – Here are supplies for the road. These are your partners and part–time students of mine, – he gestured at two people whom Takigami did not immediately notice. – You already know Mido...

– Hello, – the redhead smiled charmingly, waving his hand in greeting.

And this is Emily Colt. I hope you work out.

«What–oh?!»

– Nice to meet you, – the girl chuckled, holding out her hand to Hikaro.

The guy stood with his mouth open. It really was her. Albeit in combat gloves, a striped bib, completely different dark boots and shorts, and even with a scabbard on her belt, but this is still the same Emily. Alive.

– Uh–huh, – he barely muttered, tugging at the girl's arm slightly. His appearance was so ridiculous that it seemed that saliva would now flow from his mouth.

– And now fifty push–ups for being late, – Sudoshi interrupted. – Fast! – he had to raise his voice to literally wake up the dumbfounded young man.

– Ah, okay, – the guy threw off his backpack.

– Don't take it off, – said the teacher.

Hikaro did not resist and calmly began to do push–ups. Every muscle in his body ached unbearably after yesterday's workout, but still, the punishment was given to him quite easily.

«Emily is alive! She is all right! Now, for sure, no reality has given up to me! Too bad she doesn't know me here, but that's okay. The main thing is that she is alive!»

– All right, it's time to go.

The day was slightly overcast. Today, the color of the light is as similar as possible to the usual daylight. Except slightly yellowish. Sudoshi's team went on a mission.

– I explain the details: officially we have to help the village with the harvest. But you also need to find out who is involved in such a strong activity of creatures in recent times. As you know, the Ehrenrise towers protect us from the breakthrough of unreasonable monsters for several tens of kilometers. This barrier they could pass only under someone's control. Several detachments of kaito and sein had already been sent out to investigate, and it turned out that all the creatures came from Danasawa. There is a possibility that some powerful witch is hiding there.

«Shit yourself. That is, we can now meet some kind of monster at every step? And it doesn't bother anyone but me?»

– But doesn't Danasava belong to the Realm of Living Fire? – Emily asked. – Why can't their kaito deal with this?

– Don't forget that Sunlight and Living Fire are allies in the fight against Moonlight. And at present, the front line is in Living Fire, and our territories do not fall under attack precisely thanks to their help, so we must help them in other matters. Moreover, there is a suspicion that the Moonlight Warriors are involved in this.

– Clear.

The team was still walking through the lands belonging to Ehrenrise, though the city was barely visible even with squinted eyes. All around were wide meadows with almost knee–deep grass, where occasionally there were small flowers with blue petals.

To meet them, Raph Ikimori came out of the forest, leading a detachment of seins who were dragging another torun. Looking contemptuously at Hikaro, he turned to his teacher:

– Good luck on the mission. Moxy and mine might be in the neighborhood. They were instructed to check the neighboring small villages. Please contact them if so.

– Good.

They parted ways.

– They're definitely being controlled by someone, – Sudoshi muttered under his breath. – Toruns always stay in packs.

– I just wanted to ask, – Hikaro interrupted, not hearing Kantake's conclusions. Why don't you use horses?

All three of them looked at him with questioning eyes.

– How do you propose to use them? – Mido asked.

– What? You do not understand? With their help, you can transport goods, as well as overcome huge paths much faster than walking.

– These are rare animals, – the mentor replied. – There are a few of these in Ehrenrise in the royal court, but you are unlikely to find them anywhere else in Sunshine. Previously, people tried to use them on campaigns, but in the wild world they became only bait for monsters. The best labor force remains people and ... others. They are also cheaper. There were attempts to use the so–called cavalry at the front. When fighting against the human kingdoms, the cavalry became a very effective weapon against the enemy infantry seiins, but was completely useless against the kaito. And against monsters, it is useless in all aspects. The tactics are always the same: seins are our shield, which delays the enemy and is ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of the main weapon – kaito.

– That's how it is.

After that, Hikaro heard the whispers of Emily and Mido, who were walking a little behind:

– Looks like he really isn't from Yumegen. I can not believe it. Can he really be chosen?

– Maybe, – the guy intervened, to which Emily replied with a displeased expression:

– As far as I know, eavesdropping is not good.

– So you would have whispered even louder, – he spread his hands.

– We are entering the forest. Watch where you step, – Sudoshi did not interfere in the youthful conversation, but he was obliged to convey important information. However, they ignored his words and went on about their own.

– And if you're wondering, the old prophet himself said I was the chosen one. He felt unusual dreams in me.

– M–yes. With such a chosen skiff, we all.

– What?! – Hikaro did not understand such a radical attitude from Emily, so he wanted to impress her even more. – Look what I can do, – the guy pulled the God of Light from its scabbard. – See?

– Impressive. And what, it doesn't hurt at all?

– Not a drop.

– Surprised. But can you handle this power? – although it didn't seem so, but in fact the girl was just making fun of Hikaro, not trying to hurt his pride.

– Of course. See what else I can do. Master Sudoshi taught me yesterday!

– Then you better not embarrass him.

The guy began to demonstrate his small series of blows on the bushes and trees growing nearby, chopping them apart. It was all pretty easy, but he was too fanatical and could hurt someone on the team.

– Hah, yes, I believe, I believe, – Colt laughed sweetly. – Stop already.

– This is how I will defeat my enemies! In–from so! And no one can resist the flawless Hikaro! – the guy fervently moved and, raising his sword to the sky, put his foot on the stone.

– Bravo! Flawless Hikaro! – Mido enthused, clapping his hands. – Here is the opportunity to show their strength in business. I believe in you!

– Which opportunity? – Takigami asked in bewilderment, to which he received in response three fingers pointing at his feet. Looking down, he saw two huge eyes glowing with scarlet anger. – A–a–a–a!

– R–a–a–a–a! – the roar of the beast sounded much more convincing.

«It wasn't a stone! I stepped on a sleeping bull!»

The wild monster immediately got up. It's good that Hikaro has already managed to take a step back, otherwise he would have flown to the top of one of the huge fir trees. In turn, Sudoshi did not hesitate and teleported to the monster one level in front of his face and at the same moment threw a smoke bomb directly into his eyes, blinding him. Meanwhile, Mido and Emily were already chopping the beast's legs from the back of the knee, while Kantake began to cut his left arm from the inside of the elbow.

«This is not the time to stand still. I need to help them!» Takigami grabbed his sword with both hands and frantically ran at the beast. – Ah–ah–ah! – jumping up with all his strength, he tried to pierce the heart, but nothing came of it. The huge torun not only burned with flames in several places of its body, it was also covered with strong armor, which did not allow even the damned blade to pierce it. Only ... «Joints!» remained unprotected .

– Cut off your right hand! Sudoshi ordered.

The guy immediately set to work, but even though the beast had already fallen to the ground, it was not easy to cope with his hand. He did not allow himself to be calmly killed and tried in every possible way to destroy the offenders. One wave of his hand easily knocked down a huge tree. Sudoshi and the others couldn't help Hikaro, because this creature's limbs regenerate quickly, so they had to constantly chop the same joint.

– I don't know what to do with him! – Takigami tried more to dodge the monster's blows than to attack him. – How can I kill him?

– We need to behead him! – Sudoshi explained during the battle. – Once he loses all his limbs, the armor on his neck will be weakened, and I will be able to pierce it! But it must be done quickly! Try to at least touch the exposed part of his paw with your blade! This should slow him down!

«Understood!»

The attention of the beast was scattered. With his muzzle, he tried to devour Sudoshi, and with his right hand he blindly struck the ground in the hope of crushing Hikaro into a cake.

«If I don't dodge, then he will definitely hit me. In that case... Pull yourself together, Hikaro! You must do it!» – the guy plucked up courage and, firmly holding the blade, raised it above him, closing his eyes. At one point, the monster's paw stumbled upon the blade, and the beast immediately removed it to the side with such a reflex as if it had been electrocuted. Takigami did not hesitate and flew into the monster's joint at speed, delivering quick slashing blows to it. «Chop, chop, chop, chop!» – A–a–a–a!

– Mido!

– Understood!

After exchanging signals, Mido abruptly jumped towards Sudoshi. He touched him and for a couple of seconds they disappeared from sight ... But then, at full speed, they fell from a thirty–meter height with their blades right on the monster's neck! The instructor held the sword steady and filled it with lightning, while Mido delivered slashing blows and blew off the head of the beast.

– Ready, – Betsai summed up fervently, sheathing his swords.

– Excuse me. Hikaro approached the teacher, who seemed to be crouched to the ground from fatigue.

– Try to behave in such a way that you don't have to apologize, – he replied coldly. – Your carelessness could have cost us our lives.

– Sorry one more time.

– Your apologies won't do anything for me. It's time to move on, – he took a small yellow ball from his pocket and threw it up with a swing – the ball flew up much higher than the strength of a tired person's throw would be enough, and left a yellow trail in the sky. – That will give a signal to the seins, and they will come for the meat. Hmm. We need to be in time for sunset. So, you'll have to hurry.

– Sunset? – the girl was surprised. – Really they demanded to start work tomorrow?

– Exactly.

– M–yes. OK.

– Behind me.

Immediately, Sudoshi abruptly rushed forward along the path through the forest. Mido and Emily are behind him. Takigami barely had time to react and ran after him with all his might. In the first seconds, he finally realized that running in this world is much faster than in reality. «And how did I not notice this right away? As the mentor said, this only works with kaito, but now the need for horses has disappeared. So fast... It's fucking cool! All you have to do is react».

All day long their path continued through successive forests and fields. Small villages and people working with the land were sometimes seen in the distance. Sometimes, the cries of toruns were heard, or even some unseen creatures, but no one began to meddle with them. Once the team stopped for a short snack, after which, having regained strength, they rushed on the road even faster. The air was getting cooler, and the orange light was breaking through the clouds more and more. The sun was going down. Sudoshi and the others had already left the forest, and a huge river was spread out before their eyes. It seemed to be a raging sea, the waves of which beat on the stone shore with such force that water splashes painfully hit the face. Only now, by the sea, there is no thick old reed, which could hardly bend from the wind.

– Hurry up and get in!

They reached the ford, where several boats were tied to the shore to travel between the two kingdoms.

– Danasava is behind the first rock, – Sudoshi's voice trembled slightly. He seemed to be afraid of something.

– Well, stand! – there was an angry nasty screech. – Don't touch my boats! – a flabby old man with a huge stick jumped out of a booth nearby. Despite his age, he briskly caught up with the kaito and managed to charge Hikaro, who had not yet had time to sit down, on the head. – Who will pay? Ha?!

– We are in a hurry for the task, you will be given payment later.

– Uh, no! – the indignant grandfather clung to the boat and did not let go. – Five kens for my barrel or I'll send a falcon to Erensrise so that no one else can take my boats, and you'll be to blame, – Grandpa pointed at Kanthak, almost hurting his eye. – You give me dick – and I give you bald!

– Crap! Sudoshi held out five gold coins depicting steel swords. – Get it soon.

– That would be right away, – the old man pushed the boat away and hopped off to his booth, sorting through the coins in his hands. – Then they rob the poor old man. Ugh, damn.

All four grabbed an oar and began to row to the far shore. The crossing was more difficult than usual. The wind got stronger and the waves got heavier. When they reached the middle of the river, it became very bad: you comb a meter – it will throw you back two meters. The sun had already begun to touch the horizon, but Hikaro and the others could no longer determine the end of the sunset, because, out of nowhere, thick fog had gathered around them, due to which, besides, the coast was not even visible.

– Look, there's a girl! Hikaro pointed.

Everyone turned in the direction they indicated. Sudoshi slammed his hand on the boat in displeasure.

– That's what I was afraid of.

The stranger swam closer to Takigami. Immediately, a similar one arrived in time for Mido, and for Sudoshi. All three had brown hair and an unimaginably beautiful face with clear lines of lips and bright blue eyes. Their wavy locks were long enough to cover the nipples of their bare breasts.

– They're sirens! – Emily screamed. – Close your eyes and ears immediately! Only girls and those guys whose hearts are already occupied can resist their songs and beauty.

Sudoshi did this even before Emily's words, however, those two did not listen to her.

– Ha, you're so beautiful. And can I touch them, gee? – Mido was always a bit vulgar, so he didn't want to miss this opportunity. The girl gladly brushed her hair back for him.

– Help me, – the siren turned to Hikaro. – I'm drowning.

– Of course! – he grabbed the temptress by the hand and pulled her onto the boat. – Help me get her out! The enchantress deftly jerked Hikaro's wrist, and with a quiet splash, he fell right into the mermaid's arms.

– Stop! Let her go! That's stupid! – Emily tried to break their arms, but it was too late.

Sirens dragged two guys under water. Several more sailed up to the boat, two of them were with harps and sang to drag Sudoshi as well. The words of their songs are difficult to understand, but the melodiousness of their voices bewitched and captivated like the sweetest and happiest dream. Kantake kept his fingers in his ears as best he could, but the girls accepted the fight and, jumping out of the water, hit the kaito with their tails in the face. Some jumped out, exposing their sharp claws and teeth, but such Emily immediately pierced with a dagger, trying in every possible way to prevent an attack in the direction of Sudoshi.

– Go away! Oh! «Now» Mizuheki! – After getting rid of several sirens, Emily seized the moment to make a small cut on her palm and direct it towards Sudoshi. As soon as she said the name of the skill, a dome of water formed around the teacher. « He will only act for a minute, you need to have time to save these stupid ones, – at this thought the girl jumped into the water. – And where are they? – the sun had not yet set and enlightened the water well enough from places where the fog was less frequent. – Is it blood?» – the girl swam along the scarlet path she noticed deeper and deeper.

– Be patient, my sweet. It will all be over soon, – a nasty voice was heard. It was a siren biting her fangs into Mido's neck.

«Get it, creature!»

Emily crept up behind her while she was busy absorbing her friend's dreams, and stabbed her sword right into her back, causing the siren to yell with a furious, annoying cry as she died:

– R–r–a–a–a!

«Damn, your voice isn't that sweet in the water».

Betsay was unconscious. Emily grabbed it and swam up to the boat.

During this, the sirens tried to break Sudoshi's defenses, to no avail. In addition, the moment he loosened up and opened his eyes, he managed to understand what Emily was up to, and strengthened the defenses around him with the Torap skill, which shocked whoever touched Mizuheki's shield. However, immediately after that, he succumbed to the spell and unconsciously tried to get through to the sweet female embrace. Fortunately, without success.

The siren who pulled Hikaro away did not drag him into the very depths. She couldn't wait to get her fill of fresh dreams. She pressed the guy with his face to his left chest and bit him on the neck.

«So soft. And nice. Is it a pillow? Am I sleeping? No, not a pillow. It's a girl. Breast. Yes, definitely breast. But whose breast is it? Is it important? It's so easy for me. And warm. The eyes are closed. I want to sleep? But it's not a pillow. This is the breast. Too salty breast. Something is stopping me from breathing. Does your chest interfere? No, the chest does not interfere. Emily can't get in my way. Hmm, but it can't be Emily. Emily on the boat Where am I? Water. Too much water. But I don't want to drink anymore. Salty water. Salty boobs. I don't like those boobs. Those aren't Emily's breasts!»

Hikaro came to his senses and began to fend off the siren. It seemed that there was only a short swim left, but the monster dug its teeth into Takigami's leg with all its might and dragged him deeper.

«Here bitch! I haven't suffocated yet, but I'm getting weaker, very weak. Am I losing my dreams? Not! In this world… I must survive!»

The guy twitched even harder, tried to scream, but the water clogged his throat. The siren did not want to let go of her leg, but at one moment the color of the liquid around her lips changed from red to gold, burning the delicate skin of a dangerous creature. She lagged behind the guy with a terrible squeal and slowly plunged into darkness.

With the last of his strength, Hikaro swam out and grabbed onto the boat, coughing up water, drawing air into his lungs.

– I don't know how it happened… but I did it. «What?»

Emily performed CPR on the unconscious Mido.

– Ha, ha, boobs! Ha! What? The guy was clearly confused. Not quite consciously, he fixed his eyes on Emily's breast and reached out for her with his hands. – Shitty!

– Ah! – the girl instantly punched the vulgar in the face, after which she looked towards Takigami. Oh, I thought you were already dead. What is frozen? Let's row already. Who knows how soon they'll be back.

– Faster. Let's swim to the fire, – ordered Sudoshi.

The fog cleared and the moon had already replaced the sun. Everything around was quiet. The inhabitants of Danasava came ashore with torches in order to greet the guests.

– Hello. Sorry for arriving so late, – Kantake bowed.

– Never mind. The main thing is that you wake up on time for work, – a man in a white shirt with rolled up sleeves grinned. He had thick, long, jet–black hair and a moderately long, well–groomed beard. The burnt red skin on the exposed parts of the body stood out brightly. – My name is Segir Yukhlins. This is Dik Embirsky and Ramailo Khmelnis, – all three briskly began to shake hands with everyone, after which they led the guests towards the village. Each of them could be mistaken for a kaito. They fell short of Sudoshi only in height, and even surpassed them in build. Dick was red–haired, with shaved temples, a bushy mustache, and a slight stubble. He wore a brown vest over his shirt. Ramailo, in turn, looked like the most powerful of the trio. His hair is the same as Segir's, but his beard is much smaller. He didn't wear a shirt. Each wears identical black loose pants, crimson boots, a rag belt with a scabbard, and an oversized sword that nearly touched the ground. – How did you get there? No adventure?

– Not without them. We met one torun and a flock of sirens.

– Yes, it happens. Torun also recently ran to us. I ate two cows at once, bitch! Now there is only one left in the whole village, can you imagine? If we had not arrived in time, he would have devoured that one. Of course, we fed people with meat, but are we going to piss with milk?

– I'm sorry for your loss. Ahem, pardon my impudence, but let me know how the villagers were able to lay down a whole torun?

– We, too, are not born with a bastard, – answered Ramailo, laughing merrily.

Kantake chuckled imperceptibly and looked at the trio intently.

– Your clothes and those…chablis.

Everyone stopped abruptly. Mido even grabbed the hilt of his sword, for Dick jumped out in front of his teacher's face and puffed out his muzzle in displeasure, looking from under his forehead.

– It's none of your fucking business, – he narrowed his eyes, grinning pretentiously, and immediately bulged his eyes sharply. –You'd better say if the Ehrenrise's defenses have stopped working, huh? I remember that earlier its power spread to such a distance that even our village did not worry about anything, and now monsters look at you, right?

– Wow, wow, guys, hush, hush, – Khmelnis intervened. – Dik, the kaito are our guests. They came to our yard at our request, so barking like a mad dog is not a good idea.

– Pf, whatever you say. I'm still sure calling them was a bad idea.

– Forgive my dear friend. He threw a hand on Sudoshi's shoulder, which made him feel slightly uncomfortable. He had a hard day today, shall we say.

– Nothing. I understand. Please forgive me for being too interested.

– Yeah.

They arrived at Danasawa. It was a small village with wooden huts. There was no one on the street in the middle of the night. Candles were still burning in some houses. The Sudoshi team was settled in one of these houses.

– I'll drop by to see you in the morning, – Yukhlins said. – We will work in the field. Come on, good night.

– Good night.

«Why did I succumb to the sirens' temptation? Is my heart not busy? Damn, why does your back itch so much?»