Chapter 129: Approaching the War
Only Takeshi was missing; the remaining five of them were sitting in the forest behind Tharros city.
All were sleeping, only Elyssia was sitting on a treetop and watching the moon perched on the mountain interestingly. Her two legs swung in the wind, smiling at the moon; the gentle moonlight made her beauty even sharper, black hair swaying in the gentle wind.
Turning back and glancing at everyone, some sleeping in trees, some sleeping on the ground. The whole group had prepared ready to leave, only waiting for Takeshi.
She thought back to the first time she met the group, until now. She thought it was a long time, but thinking deeply it was actually very fast. The reason she had that feeling was because having to be in the trial made her have that feeling.
She suddenly smiled brightly, her gaze still directed at the moon as if placed on the mountain.
"Being in that trial for too long, almost made me forget everything has only just happened."
"Also don't know why during the trial I didn't even bother to think about these friendships; I didn't see anything strange at all. Just like that trying together with everyone to escape by all means; strange truly."
Feeling a stiff neck, she lay on the bare tree branch. Eyes watching a band of stars that was thick and sparkling like diamonds.
"Gone with them so long yet only now do I think about considering and feeling everyone?"
"Suddenly remembered a sentence in a book: 'Any living creature with consciousness is difficult to understand and cannot be understood fully'."
She closed her eyes and smiled.
"Anyway, there's no place to go anyway? Going with them for safety, also fun. Wandering like this, the hunting angels will find it hard to find me. Not to mention thanks to Aoto's bracelet making me able to hide energy; though they can feel it but must be closer. Temporarily safe."
"When at the castle, I also knew through the reasons everyone left their race or had other purposes and went together. Haha, the common point is still wanting freedom, right? Also fun!"
Opening her eyes and watching the starry sky once more. There was a black silhouette of some kind very high up flying across her eyes, but only as small as a tiny dot of ink; she also didn't care, thinking it was a bird. At that height that she only saw as a dot smaller than an ink dot, then how could normal people see it?
The original eyes of an angel can see everything as if it were daytime; even if she used it, she still could not see it clearly. Currently her eyes had shifted vision like a normal person, still seeing the night as usual. Angels are like that; for a long time it has no longer been an ability like changing hair or eye vision, but it has been a part of the evolution deep within them, so any angel has it and changes easily. But it is only appearance; as for disguising energy, that is very hard—for that one must switch to the Elementals to have such items.
…
The next morning, Takeshi was sitting in the soldiers' barracks. In his head he only wanted to be fast and go with everyone.
"Haizzz, knew it shouldn't have put my name out. Now if I run away, the rumors echoing far will be truly shameful if recognized."
Then he brushed that thought away.
"But what the hell to worry? Helping Selena a bit like this is enough; the rest is for her to worry about. Later will go everywhere, so some places known, some places not; so what to worry about reputation?"
The civilians at this time had all been brought down into shelters. Thus Tharros city was empty of any common people, only soldiers. Evacuation was one part; if over a thousand people were allowed to die, it might be investigated by the Royal family, so no one was negligent.
Soldiers and mercenaries at this time were lining up in long rows. Selena and Isek were standing and observing a few soldiers distributing rough red stones that shone with a bright red light. Everyone upon receiving them was confused and skeptical, fearing these stones were used to control them or some damn plot.
After a while of finishing the distribution, Selena stood on high and spoke loudly down:
"Everyone, do not worry; these stones are not an intention or anything to lead everyone to death. But everyone also knows there will surely be spies in here; even if there aren't, being vigilant is still better."
"Therefore I will not say anything more; you people just need to keep it during battle, that is enough. I repeat and promise that those stones do not cause danger to you."
Even though spoken to, everyone was still half-believing and half-doubting. Although the Ravensourt family had not done anything bad, they still suspected; their minds were as if ready to throw it away if something changed.
Selena knew there would be people who wouldn't believe, but she had no other way. Just go with the flow; if anyone was vigilant and threw the stone away, she was out of options, but a happy thought appeared—that way she wouldn't have to pay more.
…
Takeshi sitting in Selena's room…
Selena was not wearing armor, but her clothes were skin-tight making it easy to fight; that way also made her exude being a commander, no need for heavy shining armor.
"So you will leave?"
Takeshi sighed and leaned back, the armor he wore on his body clattered several times.
"Right, the rest you handle how you handle, we don't know."
Selena nodded; she also knew and had discussed it beforehand.
"Um, anyway, thank you. We have a few items to help another person who also has the earth element replace you with a layer of disguise already."
Takeshi was quite surprised and curious showing on his face, but he didn't react too much.
"Oh, turns out it's like that. No wonder since planning you were so certain and confident like that."
Selena smiled.
"The money I have also given to your group, all is enough, no need to worry."
Takeshi was also quite reassured; he didn't calculate too much.
"Um, thanks."
Recalling after discussing bringing the brothers Hiwcel and Nara out of the city. At this time the whole group thought even more deeply. Kazuka and Ayaka's compassion rose even more and they wanted to save the whole city. Kazuka and Ayaka on one side, Airi on the other. Both sides argued fiercely. That voice still echoed in Takeshi's head:
"I want to help Tharros win; don't anyone stop me."
"What's wrong with you? Said we aren't participating anymore?"
"But many people will die, we have strength too."
"We can save so just do it."
"But do you people think everyone on the Roam side is bad? Those soldiers were also just swept in; you participate and aren't you also killing innocent people?"
Airi's eyes at that time clearly showed a disappointment; originally she thought Kazuka had matured more. But she had to rethink; yes, Kazuka was better, but the vision was too narrow, even Ayaka's. Airi glanced at both who were silent after not knowing what to say when Airi spoke too correctly.
Elyssia walked up, patted Airi's shoulder, and spoke softly:
"It seems they also understand. Both of them are like picking up seashells on the beach. Sometimes moving forward but still looking back. That is just an influence; it will pass. I am the same."
After a while of silence, Ayaka and Kazuka had come and apologized to Airi. Airi naturally would accept, but she did not forget to instruct:
"Remember, from now on whatever you do or think, expand your vision."
They did not want their friends in danger, but also did not want to see innocent people involved; these two blended making them sometimes mistake and forget. Everyone is like that, so in this situation, it is simply a small mistake.
….
Selena silently looked at the cloth bag lying on the table; inside were three small cups holding some liquid that even when tilted would not spill; beside was something like a wooden command tablet, brown in color and emitting a faint light. Eyes did not leave, ready for the battle.
…
On the Roam side…
Varlen came out from a secret chamber. In his hand, he held a simple black wooden box. Stepping to his camp, soldiers passing by had to bow in greeting.
Reno, the strongest person in Roam city. He was over fifty years old, but combat strength was still as in his youth. Black armor made him look very majestic and a sword tucked at his hip.
"My lord, there is important information sent back here."
Varlen just like that walked past.
"Enter the tent then speak."
Entering the tent, Varlen sat on a chair and crossed his legs, the box placed beside.
Reno bowed not too low and went straight to the main point:
"The other side sent people wanting to disrupt us but when we sent troops to sweep the whole city, they have withdrawn."
Varlen still focused on the box beside.
"Just that?"
Reno shook his head.
"No, such a small matter is not worth mentioning."
"The main matter is that Tharros has distributed to soldiers some kind of red stones, not clear what they are, but it seems to be Tharros's trump card."
Varlen frowned, glancing over at Reno.
"So do you have it?"
Reno shook his head.
"Many of our spies were wiped out. Only one person remains, but this stone is checked once every hour. Therefore it cannot be brought out."
Varlen nodded understanding; the situation was also very tense. Therefore information was very important, still should not risk it.
"Turns out it's like that. Also not worth mentioning."
"I will use 'Mad Blood Ancient Drum'. Therefore we will level Tharros by any price."
Reno was startled and a bit bewildered.
"You are using it?"
Varlen opened the box beside him. Holding in his hand a tiny drum only the size of a thumb. But then it absorbed the surrounding energy making the wind rise in the tent. Varlen threw it right in front of Reno. Unexpectedly the drum transformed to be large, 1 tharn (2m) high, even taller than Reno.
The drum was mainly red, motifs of screaming faces, bleeding eyes, and drops of blood around the drum.
"You give these to the drummers."
Reno was still quite afraid.
"If everyone finds out, it surely won't be good at all."
Varlen nodded.
"I know, so that's why I only told you."
Reno suddenly understood; he bowed his face low. If leaked, it could only be him—no one besides him.