Venturing the Unknown

The caste system. It's basically a system that decides whether one is up to the society's standards or not, whether one deserves to be respected or ignored, and whether one can be spared a time or none at all. Siegber Nations is a large Empire seperated into many states, and unlike other Kingdoms and Empires out there, this one is quiet, as though no such information can be revealed from the inside to the outside.

I see why the Empire is considered as the 'Sleeping Giant'—according to documentaries and books. It was known for such because over generations, no other countries dare to pick a fight with Siegber, as though they were completely aware that they could never stand a chance.

The Empire has always been silent, they never take part in this world's problems nor were they known for any sorts of achievements, famous landmarks, products, or tourists spots. They trade, of course, but they never allow any other ships or foreign embassies to enter their waters.

However, we're here, currently aboard a ship which is soon entering exactly these waters I have mentioned that no foreign ships should be allowed in. How indeed. Well, I did mention about the caste system.

Siegber Nations is at least known to be an archipelago, lands considered as states that are seperated by gaps of seas. Each of those states are mostly filled with nobles, that in this Empire, 60% are people from nobility while the remaining 40% are from plebeians or usually referred to as commoners.

In other words, once you're a noble of a higher  title, you are respected. Klein has been known as one of the oldest living noble family since both of the last Great Wars led by Denaricus, the Head of the Klein Household around those times. They've been around for hundreds of years now that it's impossible for them not to make connections in every parts of this world. And one of those connections happened to be in Siegber.

With Iyana's own personal connection when she was staying here before, we managed to get into one of Siegber's trading ships—but that's all her connection can help us. It'd be harder to get passed things when we land unto the port. And that's where she'll use the Klein's political power—

"I told you, this is wrong." Narinig kong reklamo ni Iyana, accompanied by another yawn.

Kanina pa nila sinusuri ang mapa na ilang oras din ginuhit ni Andrea dahil sa bawat maling detalye ay kailangan niya itong ulitin. Kaya ang resulta nito ay kanina pa nagbabangayan ang dalawa. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako at nilapag ang cup na naglalaman ng jasmine tea sa lamesa.

Not minding the two who are already throwing their weapons at each other, lumapit na ako sa mahabang mesa kung saan sila gumagawa. We're currently in a private chamber inside the ship. Looking at the small, glass circular window, nasa tubig parin kami. I could literally hear the seagulls gawking and the ocean waves hitting the edges of the ship.

"It doesn't look that bad." I complimented, taking the map off the table.

I must say Andrea did a good job. I've seen maps of other Empires backs in one of those history books in the Academy, and I couldn't tell what's wrong with it. Looking at the map, there are eight nations in Siegber, it's basically an archipelago as I did mention. Two of the lands are trading ports where our ship is currently headed. And there it is, Enchansia.

"Saan tayo—" hindi ko na natuloy ang itatanong ko dahil natamaan ako ng isang dagger sa likuran at bala sa balikat. They both finally stopped and looked at me.

"Let's just discuss this." Sabi ni Iyana na hindi makatingin sa akin.

"So, where are we stopping by again?" Nag-aalangang tanong ni Andrea.

I sighed for the second time as the traces of their weapons disappeared from my body, the blood stopping, and the wounds closing in. Us hitting each other with actual weapons have become a common occurrence these past few weeks, and it's already vexing enough as it is.

"We're stopping by this port," Iyana said pointing at a land called Trading Port of Hana. "It's basically a whole island which sells both common and uncommon goods which is being shipped everywhere in the entire Empire."

"And we're riding another trading ship towards Enchansia." I stated which made her nod in agreement.

"But that's where things are going to get harder. I may have my personal connections, but all of those mostly lie in here and here." Iyana pointed her finger at the Capital State of Siegber and the Military State of Siegber which made me raise an eyebrow.

"You have personal connections in the Capital and the Military?" Andrea asked incredulously.

"Exactly." She smirked, making the latter groan in annoyance. "Our destination is set on Enchansia, which is an independent State." I frowned, which she immediately took notice. "You might ask why it's independent despite being one of Siegber's Nations, but as you both may have already known, 40% of the Empire are commoners, and 25% of those all belong in Enchansia."

"I see." I nodded in understanding. "And the Empire has a caste system which means all those born in nobility will only continue to get richer while those born as commoners will only get poorer. Which leads to my thoughts that Enchansia doesn't want to deal with the rest of the States which is filled with most nobility."

"Twisted way of understanding, pero parang ganoon nga." Napahikab na wika ni Iyana.

"And I heard Enchansia isn't all hospitable when it comes to those who came from other States. That's why ships heading that way are scarce." Andrea stated with a shrug. "I heard some men outside talking about it."

"And Siegber just let Enchansia become independent?" I asked, placing the map back on the table.

"I heard rumours when I was in the Capital about the Emperor being friends with Enchansia's current State Governor." Iyana answered. "That must be the case. After all, that State only became independent five years ago, when the current Governor rose in power."

"And let me guess, the current Governor is a plebeian, isn't he?"

"How did you figure that out?"

"I had a theory." I glanced at their puzzled looks before surveying the map again. "No wonder nobles feel threatened—even more so when the State filled mostly with commoners became independent."

"You found something unnecessary again, did you?" Bored na tanong ni Iyana sabay upo sa may silya.

"It's not perfectly unnecessary."

"You're not involving yourself, aren't you?" Andrea asked with suspicions.

"I won't." I dismissed the idea. "But who knows?"

The two of them just were about to retort when the door bursted open, revealing Celeztie with a wide grin across her face. Her emotion told me she could not hold her excitement any much further. She did love the idea of us heading into Siegber last week—even now. Something tells me she isn't excited just because of a new scenery though. Nevertheless, I doubt she'd be able to pull off any tricks with me watching her.

"Nandito na tayo!" She squealed. I felt the ship shook as though it's edges hit something, eventually coming into a halt.

Andrea only let out a sigh as she slowly headed for the door. "Let's go then." She smiled at Celeztie, rubbing her hair before walking on ahead as the latter followed closely behind.

Frowning, my gaze met Iyana who stood from her seat. "Don't ask me why they seem close, a lot happened this past week on our way here and plus—haaw.." she yawned, her palm covering her opened mouth. "I'm tired. It would help a lot if we find a place to rest first."

I closed the door behind me then immediately leveling Iyana with her walking pace. "We can rest once we reach Enchansia."

"You've always been the goal-oriented type."

"And you've always been the type to act slowly."

"I call it my own pace." She crossed her arms. "But you should let yourself relax for once, Keila."

"I don't act without a specific goal in mind, you know that."

"Does the trust you have in us leads you to a specific goal as well?"

"Do not act as if none of you have any ulterior motives, Iyana." I smiled. "I for one thing knows you're helping me because you wanted to exploit my weakness. While Andrea hopes to gain an advantage."

We turned to a pathway leading up the deck. "Hindi mo kami isasama sa'yo ng wala lang, Keila."

"Huwag mo akong itulad sa inyong may malaking pinaplano. I simply enjoy your company. Unlike the both of you, I have no such desire to end your lives." I opened the wooden door, the fresh air brought by the see breeze immediately met our faces. "I only look forward on how you end mine."

She smiled bitterly, glancing momentarily at me before moving on. "You make it sound like I'm the villain here."

"Even if you kill me acting like one, I won't blame you for it." I patted her shoulder. "So stop brooding over the words of your enemy."

"Were you trying to comfort me, Keila Willar—no, Ke'ala Feyree?" She grinned.

"I don't mind being called the former, but to answer your question," my eyes drifted to the lively crowd forming benath this ship. "I was simply trying to give justice to this truce we have at the moment."

She shook her head. "If I hadn't known you better, I might think you're actually a kindred spirit."

"A kindred spirit, huh?" I chuckled as we both stepped on the wooden plank leading downwards where Andrea and Celeztie were waiting.

The port had that usual smell of ocean waves, raw fishes, mixed sweats, perfumes, and different goods being sorted out while some were carried through a wooden chest. Dozens of people flocked together beneath the parked ships, there were those seen signing papers and doing trades as we walked passed through the port gate.

It had a name drawn out from pieces of woods, hung against the posts above the ironed, silver gate. Trading Port of Hana—the sign says. Lying each beside the giant posts holding down the gate were booths where what seemed to be soldiers wearing light plated armours were guarding.

There were people lining up along these booths, while carriages were free to enter directly to the gate. Sa mga mukha pa lang mga tao ay parang alam ko na kung ano ang nangyayari.

"Only nobles can enter directly as long as they have their identification cards and emblem titles." Iyana explained.

"And commoners are forced to line up." I continued.

"That's right, that is unless they made personal reservation to enter beforehand thought that mostly costs a lot. They basically need to sign up, answer some questions, and leave entrance fees before entering which takes a lot of time—Keila, where are you going?"

"I knew nobles and commoners' relationship here is even worse than in Alberich, but I didn't expect this kind of discrimination." I stated, rather amused by the sight as I continued moving. That was until Andrea held my shoulder, stopping my action.

"Makinig ka nga muna." Naiinis nitong wika. "Walang dalang crest si Iyana na makakapagpatunay na isa siyang Klein."

"You're telling me to line up and wait for hours—possibly days, before I could enter?" I said pointing at several dozens of people waiting patiently in line. "I admire them for their patience, but I never considered myself being one especially if there's no specific gain."

Napahawak si Andrea sa sentido nito at napabuntong-hininga. She loosened the collar of her brown cloak, then I heard the sound of something clanging being pulled up from around her neck. It was circular locket—or more like a chained crest with golden chains made out of unusual beads, designed sophisticatedly.

The crest appeared to be a vintage sword with a lion's head atop its hilt. Feathers—wings, spread each beside along with the scrolls. And my eyes then landed on the banner ribbon just below the end of the blade, Valor. Looking at the crest, I immediately knew it symbolizes pride, honour, and wisdom.

Andrea dropped a little of her blood from her cut finger on the middle, the diamond shape then eventually glowing in bright yellow, showing words which laid across the crest, the letters were glowing. De la Valliére, it says.

"Only those with the De la Valliére blood can touch and activate this crest, it goes the same for other noble households with their own insignias." She explained, glaring at Iyana. "So how could you just lose yours?"

"It's not that I lost it." Iyana denied the claim, scratching the back of her neck. "I just don't remember where I last placed it."

"Uh it's like you're saying missing and misplacing are two different things in this matter." Celeztie muttered.

"But they are." Iyana insisted.

"They aren't!" Andrea hissed.

"Yes, they are!"

"I told you they are not!"

"They simply are."

"They simply aren't."

I prevented the urge to roll my eyes as they continued on with their squabble, Celeztie looking back forth between the two and on that process, my gaze caught the sight of children lined up with ropes coiled around their wrists, tightly holding them from the first pair of children down to the last.

They were dressed in white single pieced dresses, though they were barely even clothed well dahil sa mga dumi at mga butas sa damit nila. Napansin ko din na halos lahat ng tao ay napapalayo ang tingin mula sa mga batang ito.

But what caught my attention the most was the girl in the middle. She was small and very thin—just like any others—had a dirty blonde hair, and a pair of rare indigo eyes. But those aren't what caused me to look at that specific child, it was the strange energy I was feeling from her. She isn't releasing it, but she isn't hiding it either—or perhaps she's just isn't aware of that energy threatening to get out.

"Slaves." Napatingin ako kay Andrea sa sinabi. Tapos na pala ang dalawa sa pagbabangayan nila. "It might be prohibited in other countries, but in places like this which is filled with most nobility, this is common."

"Some buy the children for pleasure, some use them for their evil intentions, experimentations, or some even resell them for a much bigger price." Sabi naman ni Iyana.

"I see." My eyebrows furrowed hearing them say that.

"Why? Angry?" Andrea teased with a smirk, but her hands were already clenched. She's one of those who can't stand such a sight after all. "It's better not to get yourself involved."

She says that but if looks could kill, the men leading those kids would have already been dead. If we weren't here for some official business, then perhaps she would have went on ahead involving herself. Andrea may be part of what they call an evil organization, but the part of her caring for people won't change—even if she tries to deny that fact.

"I've never said I'm angry." I said, smiling as I turned around. "And you've matured well, Andrea."

If she were the her before, hindi na siya magdadalawang-isip pa na sumugod which will put us to an even bigger trouble. Because we plan to get in here smoothly, doing something that'll cause attention will ruin that. At alam niya ito, kaya pinipilit niya lang ang sarili niyang huwag gumawa na kung ano.

She glared at me. "What does that even mean? I'm always mature—"

"Now don't try to flatter yourself." Iyana said nudging at Andrea's side, obviously annoying the latter.

"True." I joined. Andrea groaned in annoyance when I did.

We were on our way towards the gate when I noticed Celeztie never moving from her earlier position, nakatingin lang siya sa mga bata. Napatingin sa akin ang dalawa pero tumango lang ako sa kanila which indicates that I'll catch up so they should move ahead.

"Celeztie." I called out. She flinched as she found me staring at her. "What is it?"

"Nothing. It's just a thought that crossed my mind." She joined me in my pace as we walk.

"And I'm asking what is it."

"I'm thinking about how the world isn't all that different from where I came from." She smiled, bitterly so. "It's especially worse in the future."

"Humans do demand change but at the same time, they fear it. Perhaps that's why I'm not too surprised hearing that."

"Why do you see everything around you as though it's natural, Ke'ala?" She asked. "Na para bang wala kang pakealam, maliban na lamang kung may kinalaman ito sa'yo."

"But it is natural. Humans—along with this world, makes everything natural. If something isn't, they'd hate it." I sighed. "And plus, if I do involve myself in every little thing, don't you think that's too infair in my part?"

"B-but...those with power should help those without."

"Naive. That's nothing but hypocrisy. Some people with power help those without because they are being pushed to do so, that in all actuality, they do not want nor need to. It's all for apearances"

"Still..." she lowered her head. "May mga tao din namang tumutulong dahil gusto nila."

"Fine. Let's say I'll help those without the power to help themselves." She shot me a surprise look. "Does that make me a hero? Will people see me as someone with sincerity?"

"You shouldn't even care about what people say in the first place."

"Exactly. Which leads to the fact that I shouldn't just care about people in the first place."

"You're just giving me logical answers."

"Celeztie, there might be people who help because they want to, but I don't consider myself as such—unless it's beneficial to me in some way." My eyes drifted to some nobles on the corner, beating up a plebeian. "Don't you think I'm already carrying enough burden as it is?"

Her eyes widened, remembering what I'm tasked to do. Activate Etherion, stop both versions of the New World Order, and my involvement in this World's Battle. She opened her mouth to say something but decided to shut it again.

She's letting her emotions affect her judgement, just because she saw something she didn't like, she would push me to do something. But what does she see me as? Doesn't mean I have the power to change those around me, I'd do it.

"It's just a little help, Ke'ala. Help those children." She pleaded, and that made me curve my lips. "Stop being selfish."

"So I'm selfish now?" I let out an exasperated breath. "Don't you understand, Celeztie? Even if I help them, nobody will care. I would just gain enemies for myself."

"There might be ones that'd be grateful."

"And that gratefulness won't help me survive."

"Ano ba ang kinakatakot mo? You have nothing to lose!" She angrily snapped at me at padabog na lumakad sa direksyon ng dalawa na naghihintay sa may gates.

Nothing to lose, huh? Ano ba ang akala niya sa akin? Some kind of a powerful god? Why do people around me think like I've got nothing to lose? They think so because they see me as powerful? If I'm that powerful, I would have changed everything a long time ago. I admit I do have a power, but I'm not at the point where I can deem myself powerful.

It's annoying having to deal people who only care about what they see, but then again, it's not that I blame Celeztie. Like I said, I see things happening around me as though natural. Pero hindi naman dahil parang wala akong pakealam ay wala talaga akong pakealam. But it's just that, I do have something to lose.

It's my sanity.

"We can get inside without doing anything much." Wika ni Iyana habang binubuksan ng mga tauhan ang nagtataasang gate.

"I guess De la Valliére has a huge influence if that's the case." Sagot ko naman.

"De la Valliére isn't just like any other noble households." She let out a yawn. "Their family is one of the highest noble household in the era of Néo Evgenés—or what they refer to as New Nobles' Era. Because of the ongoing wars before, mas lalong lumiliit ang bilang ng mga aristocrats but soon new nobles rose up to power, they're called Néo Evgenés."

"The main household of De la Valliére lives atop the Valor Mountains located in one seperated island near Magnus. That woman you call the Northern Saint began living in Magnus after she claimed the title. Other De la Valliére members still live there though." Andrea explained.

"Still bitter about your mother, aren't you?"

"Stop annoying me, Iyana."

Iyana laughed. "By the way, bukas pa ang
scheduled trip papuntang Enchansia. I'm not sure if I can pull something para maisama tayo, but I'll handle it."

"And I don't know if you're pretending not to notice but, when are we going to deal with that person in the back?" Andrea asked with a hint of seriousness in her voice.

Seven o'clock from my left behind, somebody has been following after our every moves. I did notice that ever since we left Yillusa, may palaging nagmamasid sa amin. Pinapabayaan lang namin dahil wala naman itong ginagawa. But it's been a week now and these companions of mine are already being impatient.

"I don't think he's here for us." Sinundan ng dalawa ang tinititigan ko. "Don't work yourselves up over it."

I looked up front, eyeing Celeztie who's looking at the goods being sold beside each streets. I did mention that as long as I'm watching her, she can't pull of any tricks.

"And that was you saying you'll take care of it." Iyana, again, yawned. She must be really tired.

"At the meantime, there's still two hours before lunch." Napatingin si Andrea sa malaking clock tower na nasa sentro ng bayan. "Shall we move around for a bit?"

"Magkita-kita nalang tayo." Iyana stopped, looking at the building beside her kaya ganoon din ang ginawa namin. "I'll rent a room in this inn, matutulog muna ako." She once again let our a heavy yawn, her eyes threatening to close.

"Always low on stamina." I commented, making her frown.

"Who wouldn't be? We haven't even rested this—haawee..." and she didn't even try to hide that yawn. "...past week. Whatever, I'm gonna rest." Tapos ay pumasok ito sa building. Ni hindi manlang inisip kung maayos ba ang inn kung hindi. And did she even have money?

"What about you? Resting?" I asked Andrea.

She shrugged. "I think I'll go sightseeing. Sayang naman kasi." Then she walked away, catching Celeztie's pace. I sighed, that one's too energetic. This past week, sa aming lahat, siya yata ang walang pahinga.

I sensed the figure following the other two, immediately moving, and it seems like I was right. Si Celeztie nga ang habol nito. But as long as somebody's with her, I don't think the figure could meet up with her easily. But then again, I don't know his motive. Is it to kill Celeztie? Or is it something else?

But anyway, mabuti narin at wala ang dalawa. Nagulat ako nung una na hindi nila napapansin ang isa pang nakasunod, sa una ay hindi ko din ito pinansin dahil inaakala kong si Celeztie din ang habol nito, but no. It's simular to that feeling where one will immediately notice if somebody's staring at them, whether it's merely just a simple stare or a glare. Others may just shrug it off saying it's just nothing—but not for me.

I flinched when my follower started running away, I couldn't see them, but I could sense it. Not by this person's emotions, but with the unique energy enveloping them. It's strange, I've never felt something like that before which rang my curiosity. Reason why I never did anything ever since I noticed the figure a week ago.

And the complicated part is that, pakiramdam ko matagal na siyang nakasunod sa akin pero noong nakaraang linggo ko lang napansin. Hindi ko nga din alam kung paano ko siya napansin una pa lang, siguro ay aksidente niyang napalabas ang enerhiya niya?

I halted my echoing footsteps noticing that the person had lured me in a dark alleyway when I was trying to sense them by trailing behind. It's black, but not to the point kung saan wala na talaga akong makita. Dahil din siguro sa liwanag ng araw sa itaas ay hindi ako nahihirapang maglakad.

May mga naaamoy din akong nakakalat at bulok na basura sa bawat sulok, as well as the smell of burning gasoline, though there's no fire. There's that thin smoke being caught up in the sunrays, making it hard to breathe, but it's nothing I couldn't manage.

Sa dulo ng alley ay isang pader, a dead end—or so it seemed. May mahikang nakabalot dito at hindi pamilyar sa akin kung anong klaseng mahika ito. It was an unfamiliar law formation that was set up, but I knew it was a magic that could prevent anyone else from hearing. Sa gilid naman ay may isang pigurang nakasandal sa mga nakapatong-patong na bakal.

Tinaggal nito ang puting cloak niya, tsaka lumakad palapit sa akin kung saan nakikita ko siya ng maayos dahil sa sinag ng araw. My eyes widened for a moment seeing his appearance, but my curiosity overwhelmed me even more. I could tell he's from a different race—something that I'm not so familiar of.

He's wearing some kind of a thick, black armoured-like clothing that extended down to his knees, and any more down were covered by his long black boots. He has red linings on the left side of his face, along with those under his eyes, curved sideward. He has ruby-coloured eye on the left, and a shade of blue on the right.

But what's even more surprising is the fact that he has some kind of animal ears like that of a wolf. But hiz gaze were telling me that he won't just simply show me his appearance.

"What is your business with me?"

"Then I will be direct to the point." His voice was deep and hard, enough that it could probably intimdate some. "Do me a favour." His accent was giving him away, letting me know he originally doesn't speak that language.

"Oh?" My eyebrow lifted in question.

"I need you, who has the relic Gïzë, to help me."

"For you to know even the relic, seems like you've been following me for quite some time now."

"Every candidates have their overseers for the World's Battle Organization to know everything. We are not noticeable for our energy isn't the same with other races, but you strangely did."

"That same energy gave yourself away." I sighed. Overseers, huh? "I reckon you aren't supposed to greet your candiate nor show up."

"We are forbidden to meddle and show up. My only task is to report your every actions and decisions."

"Your organization sure is suspicious."

"Nobody should even know that the organization exists."

"So, why do you need me for a favour?"

"There are twelve relics in this world, one of which is destroyed, two are in the possession of other organizations, and two are inside you. Which leaves the other seven to be bare, unprotected, and missing."

"Let me confirm one thing," I stopped him, raising my hand. "You let the candidates claim the remaining relics for you to take it from them again. Is that it?"

"Yes." He directly answered which confirmed my suspicions. "That is indeed our Organization's aim, to take the relics. But those relics you claimed merged inside your body rather than them having their physical forms." Then he poined his finger at my face. "Which makes you an anomaly."

"An anomaly, is it now? Seems like I got myself another title." I chuckled. "Are you aware of the West Mages Association?"

"Yes. They are one of the few that knows the existent of our sacred organization. They are against us. For generations now, both are on the race to claim all the relics. For what purpose, we—those the followers—do not know."

"Candidates are given tasks, and each of those completed tasks are for your organization's sake, not us, the candidates. Those who cannot complete them are killed by their own overseers."

"Yes."

"That isn't a question, but that confirmed it." I smirked. "You round up powerful people from all over the world to aid your organization for their own personal gain, deceiving people how the victorious of this World's Battle, will be granted a wish."

"Your knowledge is indeed fearsome as I had warned the organization before." He closed his eyss, as though processing some thoughts.

"What do you need the Cretian Plains for?"

"We do not know the purpose of these tasks."

"You said you warned your organization about me, why is that?"

"I suggested that you must be killed instantly for I fear you might ruin their plans." He opened his eyes once again. "But they did not heed my warning."

"I see. So they underestimate me."

"The top twelve candidates were already decided by the organization. Whether others complete the tasks or not, they are killed. Unfortunately, you are not one of the twelve, Caelesti of the Unknown."

"I never planned to. But hearing the fact that I am only being used makes my body shiver in accumulating anger." I clenched my fists, trying to calm myself before I release too much energy.

"I will be killed soon and your overseer will be changed. That is why I am asking you this request before everything is far too late." Tumango lamang ako para ipagpatuloy niya pa ang sasabihin. "A Dragonborn with a royal blood will be taken by the organization."

"Another race." Tumango ito bilang sagot.

"There is a reason as to why the World's Battle still has not commenced over these past generations despite the candidates already chosen. They were waiting for the existent of a Dragonborn with a royal blood, a blood that can obey other Dragonborns with mere words."

"Bakit naman kinakailangan ng oganization ang isang 'to?" Surprisingly, he understoo the question.

"The World's Organization has the most powerful relic, the Paragon. It's a relic that can simply make everything bow to them. But it isn't powerful to make every single being follow, that's why they needed a royal blood of the Dragonborns."

"You're one of the Beast People, am I right? So if you're working for that organization, ibig sabihin nito ay napasunod nila ang leader niyo. So they plan to dominate everything and to do that, they needed all the relics and the leaders of each different races."

"Pecisely."

"Hindi pa nagsisimula ang World's Battle dahil hindi pa nila nakuha ang natitirang race, ang mga Dragonborns." Mahabang paliwanag ko. "So if they did manage to take that one with a royal blood, all hell can break loose."

"You really are smart."

"Pero ano naman ang kinalaman ng Gïzë dito?"

"Gïzë has the power to steal or store one's time. I need you to store all of this Dragonborn's time. It's the only way for the World's Battle not to happen."

"Why do they even need the Battle for if they coul have everything they want?" Tanong ko.

"They needed somebody to take the blame if they did succeed, blaming this to the candidate whose wish is to dominate. So that the whole world can despise that said candidate, manipulating people into believing that it was all their fault."

"By all races...that includes the Cursed Blood, no?" He kept his silence as as yes. I laughed, I seriously laughed which echoed through these dim alley. "Amazing!" I was still laughing when I said that compliment.

"W-why are you—"

"So let me get this straight," pinunasan ko ang namumuong luha sa gilid ng mata ko dahil sa sobrang kakatawa. Gods! I've never laughed that much all my life. "You're asking me to save the whole humanity?"

"...yes."

"There's the activation of Etherion that would save both Spirit Land and our world, my need to meddle in both version of the New World Era to stop the world from crumbling, not to mention that upcoming war regarding that race called Leos, my involvement in this World's Battle..."

I sighed, and at that moment, I wasn't able to calm myself any longer. "And now you're asking me to stop this evil organization on their stupid plan of dominating the world?"

My voice went cold, ringing to the back of his mind, making him step back as his body shivered in intimidation. His face immediately painted fear as my energy became the gravity that forced him down to his knees.

"Let me tell you this, Overseer," I lifted his chin, his eyes were dripping blood because of the overbearing energy that must be disorienting his limbs from the inside. "I am not as kind as you may seem to think."

"Then why...w-why do you plan on saving the people? Etherion...s-stopping the war of New World—"

"I do that to save the world, not the poeple."

"Why...?" I dropped his chin, my feet circling him.

"Like you said, I am an anomaly. Somehow, the world despises me for being so."

"A-and yet—" he coughed up blood, letting it hit the ground. "—you still save the world!"

"I am not a hypocrite, Overseer. But why indeed," I turned myself around, quickly setting up a barrier; blocking a sudden attack which destroyed the surrounding areas into rubbles. "Isn't it amusing to be owed by something that despises you?" I continued.

"J-just because of t-that?!" He finally fell down, his body could not handle any more of my energy. "You are...warped, Caelesti, corrupted, wicked...it was wrong in my part to ask for your help. I am aware of how twisted you can be, but I had underestimated you. You are a pure incarnation of cruelty."

I set up another barrier as the attacks continued to hit over our direction. If I hadn't released my energy earlier, this guy could have already died, as my energy wraps around him, this unusual energy won't be able to affect him.

"You can say all you want if it helps you feel better."  I cleared the forming smokes with a wave of my hand.

"It is too late now, Caelesti of the Unknown. They are here to kill me and so are you."

"It seems like I have interrupted an important discussion." It was a woman's voice, light and playful. "But that does not matter." Her footsteps eventually came to a halt as the smokes cleared, her figure showing up.

It was another from Beast People, with pink hair tied into a ponytail behind her, cat-like ears, lines on each side of her face, yellow and pink eyes, and a sophisticated hair ornament she used in tying her hair up. Their kind seems to like fashion a lot.

"Kill me, huh?" I grinned. "Interesting." I dropped the barrier, stepping forward, not minding the ruined ground now forming a crater. "But I don't think you can even land a hit."

In one blink, she was already long behind me, her one-handed battle axe suddenly coming from the side. I smiled, blocking the blade with my palm; holding it in place as it caused a slight tremor in the soil.

"My hand did not even need to shed blood, the attack wasn't powerful enough." I reviewed.

She was taken aback but chose to move back and instead, I watch her as she slammed her weapon down the unconscious body of my Overseer. But it was useless, before her blade could even come in contact with laying body, she was thrown away by the energy wrapped around the latter.

"Who are you?"

"What are you?" Seryoso niyang tanong.

"How rude." I flicked my finger, her battle axe flying away towards the direction of my free hand. "Now, let me repeat that. Who are you?" Pero hindi siya nagsalita na nagpainit sa dugo ko. "Let's do this in a hard way then."

I released another batch of my energy, rendering all her senses useless while I found myself walking towards her. She shot me a piercing glare which rather amused me given the situation she's in, as I held her shoulder, forcing her to her right place.

Below me.

"Again, let me rephrase my earlier question." I restarted. "Name." This time, it wasn't a question, it was a simple and direct demand. She tried to move, but she couldn't. The more she does so, the more she'll end up with broken bones and torn off limbs.

"....Weiss." She whispered, gritting her teeth. That anger somehow made sigh in delight.

"Just Weiss?" She nodded—obediently, if I may add. I guess they aren't given last names. "Well, Weiss." I bent myself slightly, my lips meeting her ear. "The World's Organization...they shouldn't venture in what they refer to as unknown." I frowned, my hand grazing over her hair. "After all, even I am not so familiar with myself. So tell them not to make me angry too much, alright?"

Medyo nagulat ako nang itinulak niya ako ng kaonti, pero sa huli ay siya lang din naman ang nagsisi dahil biglang may lumabas na dugo sa bibig nito. Ganoon ba talaga kabigat at kasakit ang dulot ng enerhiya ko?

"D-don't underestimate the organization, Caelesti of the Unknown! And don't you dare o-order me—" the scream escaped that mouth of hers, stopping her from her own words. Mabuti nalang ang naka-set up parin ang magical formation na ginawa nung lalaki kanina which prevens anyone from the outside from hearing us.

"I don't force people into following me, especially those I see with potential. Rather, I try to give them what they desire in exchange for their lives." I said, remembering my past recruitments. "But I'll have to make an exception here, Weiss. I'll force you to follow my orders if I have to."

"W-what?" Her eyes widened, probably knowing what I'm about to say.

"Take my hand and give me your life." I smiled, offering her my hand. But she simply slapped it away, smirking.

"You're insane. You really think I'd choose to join you—" I cut her off by lifting my hand, daggers immediately appearing as they flew right piercing each of her limbs. Shoulders, backs, legs, chest...it was quite a sight actually.

I dropped my hand, the daggers disappearing as she bit her lower lip, preventing another painful scream. Blood oozed out from her body, but in one snap, my energy was already enveloped around her, healing her almost as quickly as I hurt her.

"I don't remember giving you a choice, Weiss. It was a simple order." I stood straight, sighing again. This is making me exhausted. "I could do that all day. Hurting and fixing you again and again, until you cannot bear that agonizing pain."

"Just kill me." Mahinang saad nito.

"I don't kill those with potential to grow, so killing you would be a waste."

"What do you want?"

"Your life."

"I can't turn my back from the organization. I can't defy the Beast King. They will kill—"

"I'm aware that you're simply following their orders because you fear your King, reason why you rather die by my hands." My voice was serious, my face without any hint of expression. "But give me what I demand of you and I swear upon this life that they won't even be able to touch a single strand of your hair."

"You're asking for my life whereas you also threaten it." She smiled bitterly, biting her lip even more. "How fearsome."

"I'm giving you a choice this time," for the second time, I offered my hand. "Take it, and I will protect you from them."

"You really are unknown, Caelesti." She was left with a choice and still, her hand met mine; clutching it tightly.

"Finé Weiss." I named, pulling her up. "That shall be your name."

I walked a few meters away, looking up at those bright, clear skies as though nothing had happened.

"Now that was taken care of," I turned my head around, eyeing her different-coloured eyes. "Tell me where that Dragonborn is."

"...what are you planning on doing this time?" Seems like she's somehow caught up to my personality.

I smiled, it was a genuine one which made me appear even more corrupted.

"Just adding more pieces to my side."

———————

AN: Okay, the update came in almost ten minutes after twelve. I had planned on making this even longer but oh well, sorry for the late update. But happy reading!