"Oya? I recognize that voice from anywhere.", The shorter man of the two said. He was wearing violet-spec glasses that covered his violet eyes. He often hid his eyes, keeping them into two crescent moons. He was pretty tall too. Almost as tall as the bulky figure next to him. He was wearing a uniform that belonged to Zephyr, a dark grey-violet coat with an emerald-colored shirt underneath. Thankfully he didn't have his weapon out in the open. Only Bracers and Soldiers could have their weapons out. Normally, this man uses a large bladed rifle, very similar to what Emma is currently trying to learn!
I was surprised to see these two familiar faces near the entrance to the Grand Arena.
"It really is you two, Xeno, Leo. What in Aidios's name are you doing all the way out here in Grancel City? It doesn't look like Fie or the Boss are with you guys this time.", I said, and waved my hand at the two.
"Who are these two?", Estelle asked, confused.
"Heh. Ya immediately spot us out eh? Those eyes of yours sure is somethin'. Just havin' a bit of fun with the festivities and all. Even we like to enjoy watchin' martial arts tournaments every so often. And it's as ya said. Fie is back at base camp with the Boss and is currently undergoin' rigorous trainin'. It won't be long now until she's an official member. It wasn't formal then.", The man said.
This man was Zephyr's newest recruit. Seeing him here, his events have definitely already ended. He tried to kill Rutger, but Rutger extended an olive branch and recruited him instead. He already got his moniker too. Trap Master Xeno. His sword gun is very similar to Rutger's too. The main difference is that Xeno's weapon is a sword, while Rutger's is a giant glaive! That's one point to make out here in Zemuria. It has so many cool weapons you don't get to normally see. All thanks to crossing science with magic!
And the way Xeno speaks also holds a distinct accent, making him stand out from other people. Sure enough, it sounds like they were here to watch the Grand Arena fights. Or perhaps they just finished watching some. While I have not met Xeno while we were still on Nemeth Island with Zephyr, I have met him a few times since then. It's been a couple years already. Can't believe its S1198 now.
"That's sad to hear, but when you head back to base, tell the rest of the gang I said hi. I'm pretty tied down myself at the moment so I may not be able to meet the Boss much. If you want a practice session or two though, I don't mind.", I said, smiling at the two. These two are really strong Jaegers. They're the perfect opponents for me!
"Got it. We'll make sure to pass along the message to the Boss, Your Highness. You seem in good health. That is all that matters.", The Behemoth said, nodding his head.
"Boy ya can say that again. We were about to go hit up a nearby pub for some grub before catchin' a flight back to Raquel. Ya interested, Your Highness?", Xeno asked.
"Haha. I'd love to, but we're just about to head on inside the Grand Arena. There's still some matches, right?", I asked.
"There sure are. If ya hurry, ya will be able to see the finals. The Immovable has a self-proclaimed disciple who has been stompin' the entire floor. No one's been a match for her, until now. There's an interestin' Neigong user who likes to attack with talismans.", Xeno said, explaining the situation to us.
"A martial artist who attacks with talismans...", I uttered, wondering who that could be. There's no way it could be her...Could it? I shook that thought away, and nodded. Estelle just watched on, still confused.
"Naoto?", Estelle said, calling out to me. "If we don't hurry, we'll miss the fighting!"
"You're right, Estelle. Let's hurry on in. I'll catch you guys around.", I quickly responded, causing us to nod our heads.
"Catch ya around, Your Highness.", Xeno said, and started walking into the ongoing crowd of people while doing a backhanded wave at us. The Behemoth simply nodded at me before he too vanished. Some people parted ways to make room for him. He was a literal giant, haha!
For us, we entered the Grand Arena. The receptionist was stunned for a moment, realizing that I had paid for the VIP section. Not just for one ticket either. For all six of us. We were guided inside, and avoided the normal stands. We were brought to a separated section that offered an excellent view of the entire arena. It was very green. Fighting on grass had its perks, allowing easy maneuverability. The crowd was currently roaring in excitement.
But once we walked through the stands, I quickly noticed we weren't alone. I spotted an equally bulky figure who appeared to be a middle-aged man with loose brown trousers and a purple sleeveless tabard placed over a simple white shirt. Most of his arms were visible, showing quite the amount of muscle. He wasn't wearing his gauntlets right now. Seeing this man before me, I smiled.
"I knew you'd be here, Immovable.", I said, greeting Zin. He too was here in the VIP section. And if he was here, that meant Sherryl is here too. It looked like the final match of the Junior Division was about to begin. Hearing a familiar voice, Zin looked to the side and saw the six of us arrive.
"Hey now. There's a voice I wasn't expecting to hear today. Did the Arena catch your interest?", Zin said, greeting me. "Plenty of seats around. Feel free to take one. I see some new faces too."
"Now this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you to have some guests, Zin.", A second voice suddenly called out. I could say the same thing. Zin often goes where martial arts events are held, but I didn't think he'd have someone with him. I saw a second figure seated next to Zin on the other side. I just stared at this person for a good moment. She was a very beautiful and tall woman, appearing around twenty-one years old. She had very straight and long black hair, coupled with aquamarine eyes. She was wearing a pretty one piece skirt with some black leggings.
"I wasn't expecting it but yeah, I know these guys. In fact, Naoto here is the one who introduced you-know-who to us.", Zin said as he folded his arms.
"So you're the one behind it all. Zin's life has been pretty full thanks to you. I don't know if I should be thankful or not, haha.", The woman said, revealing a playful laugh.
"I take it you know Zin, seeing you're so familiar with him.", I said, greeting the woman. As I did, we took our respective seats in the stands.
"I do. And where are my manners? It's clear you're acquainted with Zin already. I am as well, so it is only proper to introduce myself. We used to belong to the same martial arts school. Name's Kilika Rouran. I also practice Taito like Zin here, but I don't do it as much as he does.", Kilika said, introducing herself to us. I didn't think I'd get to meet Kilika this early on, but it does make sense. Where Zin goes, Kilika often follows. Now that it is S1198, their events have already taken place, meaning Walter the Direwolf has already joined Ouroboros. I will likely meet him soon once I meet with Ouroboros again.
As for Kilika here, she ends up joining Zeiss's branch as a Bracer Guild receptionist in the coming couple of years. Both Estelle and Joshua will report to Kilika directly once they wander to Zeiss! And after all of Sky happens, Kilika gets invited by Calvardian secret agents to join their Intelligence Division. Just like how Lechter and Rufus are a part of Father's Intelligence Division. The person who eventually reaches out to Kilika is none other than the current President of Calvard, President Rocksmith!
You heard that right. There are also Presidents here in Zemuria. They work very similarly to those in my past life.
For Democracy!
Just kidding.
But that title is the real deal. I'm sure in due time, thanks to my current position, I will meet President Rocksmith. I do recall a new President gets inaugurated during Daybreak's events too, so that remains to be seen.
"Thank you. It is nice to meet you, Kilika. I'm glad we were able to make it in time to watch the finals.", I said while our group greeted Zin and Kilika. But to our surprise, we heard a third voice call out to us. They hid behind Kilika so it was hard to see them at first.
"Oh dear me Naoto. Surely you haven't forgotten about little old me, have you?", A familiar voice said, calling out to me. "My heart is wounded by that. I see many lovely kittens beside you~"
I know that voice from anywhere...
After they said that, we saw a third person lean forward, revealing herself. It was a girl around my age. Perhaps a year older. She was born in S1185, so that meant she would be turning thirteen this year! She sported very lush violet hair. Quite similar to mine, but hers was more dark compared to my hair and Kloe's. Ours was more of a vibrant purple. But seeing this girl, my eyes turned wide in shock. She was presently wearing a pink and purple shirt, along with some black pants, which made her appearance rather casual.
And yet, for some reason, my eyes twitched the moment this girl said that.
"I-I wasn't expecting to see you here today, Angie...", I uttered, sighing with a defeated voice. And yet, just with me saying that, Kilika raised her eyebrows with interest.
"You know this boy, Angelica?", Kilika asked with pursed lips. It was clear she was interested about why the two of us know each other.
"I sure do! Known Naoto for several years, in fact. I just never told you about him. Didn't think we'd cross paths like this.", Angelica said, also sporting a smug grin on her face. She placed her hands behind her head, just like how Lechter does it.
"Is that right?", Kilika asked, still interested.
But Angelica is right about one thing. I didn't think we'd meet each other like this. Here at Grancel City no less.
That's right. This girl sitting next to Kilika is the same girl I met all the way back at His Imperial Majesty's ascension to the throne in Erebonia. She's a bonafide noble who hails from one of the Five Great Houses.
Angelica Rogner of House Rogner!