After paying for our stay and having breakfast, we immediately left. I would’ve liked to stay longer in Poz, but we didn’t have time. So here we were, continuing our journey.
We traveled for several days, stopping only when necessary. I noticed Maxson’s mood wasn’t great, so he wasn’t as talkative as usual. We still talked, but it wasn’t like before—where conversations would drag on, turn into teasing, and end with me punching him. I didn’t know what his problem was, but I had a feeling he was avoiding me—or maybe he just didn’t want me to ask.
I let him be. Maybe it’s just girl trouble. Just don’t tell me he got someone pregnant or something. If he did, he’d get a kick where it hurts.
We passed through Hashi and, like in Poz, stopped to rest at an inn. I took the chance to explore the area. The next morning, we left early, carrying the fruits I bought from the stalls. After more traveling, we finally reached Hiyosko’s gates.
But there was a problem—the guards wouldn’t let us in without a letter from the district or city office. Apparently, a few days ago, someone had entered Hiyosko with a bomb. They detonated it in one of the districts, causing many injuries. Then, they looted houses.
Thankfully, the squads stationed in that district responded quickly.
I understood their reasoning, but… WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? GO BACK TO SAIDO?
I rubbed my temples in frustration.
Maxson approached them to explain, but their decision was clear as day.
We had no choice but to wait outside.
"Someone’s already heading to the nearest squad station to report our issue. We just have to wait for them to return," Maxson said before sitting on a rock.
I paced around, glancing into the distance—but then I suddenly sensed something strange. A weird aura was coming from beneath the ground.
"Maxson… Move the carriage."
I signaled to him that something was wrong underground. He understood immediately and quickly moved the carriage and coachman away. He also warned the guards.
"Stop messing around. You’re just making excuses to get in," one of the guards snapped.
I touched the ground, feeling the unsettling spiritual energy beneath.
Why can’t they sense this? This energy is vile.
I stood and sighed.
"Alright. Maxson, step aside. Something’s coming."
I quickly walked toward Maxson, and we moved far from the gate. I pulled out my dagger.
"Maxson, get your dagger or whatever weapon you have ready."
Maxson scratched his head and grinned—I knew what that meant.
HE DIDN’T BRING ANYTHING!
"Fine. But stay here. If whatever’s undergro—"
Before I could finish, the ground shook violently. I grabbed onto the carriage, and Maxson and the coachman did the same.
The guards on the walls and below immediately went on alert. Seconds later, monsters burst from the ground, charging toward the gate—ready to devour or crush anyone in their path.
They hadn’t noticed us yet since we were far from the gate, giving me time to observe. These things were aggressive.
The guards rushed forward, and someone sent a bird flying—probably to call for reinforcements.
"Honestly, this is our chance to get inside," Maxson muttered, glancing at the coachman.
"We can’t enter through the gate in this situation. We can either wait for all the guards to die fighting these monsters or leave the carriage here and run inside. But neither option is good."
Just then, I noticed a monster heading our way.
"Well, I guess we have to fight. Unless we want to die here."
I glanced at Maxson and felt his spiritual energy.
"I can still use water," he said, making me smirk.
"I remember you suck at fighting," I teased before summoning my sword.
My dagger transformed into a blade—more like a katana, really. But whatever.
Maxson and I charged at the monsters while the coachman calmed the horses.
One monster nearly hit me, but Maxson struck it with water blades. I didn’t have time to thank him before another lunged at me. I ducked, adjusted my grip, and sliced it vertically before kicking another one away. Ew.
Some guards on the walls fired arrows, taking down monsters from above. But it wasn’t enough—these things were relentless. A single arrow or two wouldn’t kill them easily. They could die, but I figured they had to be hit in the head. Even though they didn’t have brains (not literally), their bodies still moved because of neural signals. Don’t make me explain further. I’m not a science fan.
"OH—FU—! Hey! There are people down here!" Maxson shouted at the guards above.
I barely dodged an arrow that nearly ended my life. They’re shooting recklessly without considering the fighters below!
The battle dragged on, and soon, all of us fighting below were struggling. The monsters showed no signs of thinning out.
Maxson and I stood back-to-back, panting. Some guards were wounded, and some monsters had already breached the gate.
I envy those monsters.
"If we don’t wipe these things out, we’re definitely leaving this world today, Nyssa," Maxson joked before launching more water blades. One monster’s head flew off its body. Ugh.
"No need to inform me, Sire. Got a plan?" I asked while killing a leaping monster.
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Sure."
"I’m exhausted, and you’re the only one here skilled enough to kill these things with a sword. How do you think this ends?"
"Either we die, or I desperately slaughter these monsters."
"Damn right, Nyssa."
I exhaled sharply.
"Tsk. Maxson, back me up if anything bad happens."
I readied my sword and attacked. I dodged and slashed, killing many—but exhaustion was setting in.
Suddenly, a massive monster rose from the ground, ready to crush me with its huge hands. I had seconds to react—but then its body split into four. Its severed hand flew past me, and its massive corpse collapsed, emitting a foul stench.
"E-Ew."
Before I could recover, someone landed in front of me—not lying down, but standing tall in a familiar uniform.
"Zei—Captain Chen."
He turned, grabbed my waist, and teleported us away just before another monster could strike.
My face burned as I quickly pulled away. This feeling again. My heart aches.
"Thanks."
"Don’t need."
He ran off toward the monsters, his squad swiftly eliminating the rest.
Don’t need?
Wait…
"No need" is different… Damn this guy. He means he doesn’t need my thanks? Fine, then! Grrr, so rude. Tsk.
"Tsk." I dragged Maxson away toward the carriage.
"Saved by the—"
"Squads, you say…" I finished for him.
"Right. I think we can talk to Captain Zeid about why we’re here. Hopefully, he won’t think we’re bandits or whatever that guard accused us of."
Maxson adjusted his bloodied hair, his expression shifting at the sight of it before looking away.
"I’m not sure if they’ll let us in, especially with Captain Chen here. But maybe we can convince him. I don’t want to travel looking like this."
I sat on the carriage step, watching as they cleared out the monsters.
Minutes later, it was over. Only a few wounded guards and squad members remained, some lying down, others leaning against the wall.
Lieutenant Ren approached—I hadn’t noticed him earlier. He must’ve just arrived.
"Mi—Nyssa, Maxson."
We nodded.
"We can’t get in. Any ideas how to—you know."
"That’s what the guard told me. Sorry. Protocols are strict right now."
"We understand. But how do we get in now?"
"Ah—no problem. Captain said you’re allowed in. But of course, your belongings need to be inspected first. Don’t worry, we trust you, but… protocols."
We had no choice but to comply. We boarded the carriage and entered the gate. They checked the carriage and patted us down before letting us through.
Maxson and I sighed in relief. Finally. We’re in.
"I want to take a bath," Maxson muttered, slumping in his seat.
I just stared outside.