Chapter 16 - (Book 2 - Prologue)

1 year has passed since 'The Sword' Arc.

Books upon books piled up littered along the stone floor. With it, numerous paper scattered on the floor hid the stone floor. The candles lighting up the room looked to be too close to the books. Some candles were even on top of books and dripping wax onto the book. Paintings larger than life were put up on the stone walls; each one had grandiose battles taking place.

Even though the lone window of the room let the breeze of wind in, the scattered paper and books didn’t seem to be affected by the wind. A crimson haired woman sat on the desk just by the window. Her hair fluttered from the wind blowing in as she read the book on her desk with intentful eyes. After a while, her eyes widened.

“Philip!” She shouted. “Philip Nemean! I say Philip Nemean!!!”

“Sage… What is it?” A man with narrowed eyes sat on the sofa just behind the desk of Sage. Sipping on a cup of tea, he had no energy in his expression compared to the woman who was shouting.

“Philip Nemean!” Sage stood up abruptly, and the chair she sat on fell backwards. In a rather sudden turn, her eyeless gaze turned towards the man with an indifferent face.

“I found it!” She shouted.

“Found what…?” Philip replied.

After asking that, a mischievous smile upturned from Sage’s lips. Her feet moved in a skillful manner, avoiding all book obstacles in her way. Sitting down on the sofa with Philip, her bright mischievous smile never left once.

“Strings of fate constantly shift and move around. It is a fluid object that changes whenever it likes or according to the will of its owner.” Sage stated.

“Hm? Isn’t fate supposed to be set destiny?” Philip replied.

“Wrong, Philip Nemean. Fate is not such a simple matter. Let me ask you, Philip Nemean. How does one see an invisible being?” Sage asked.

“If it's Hell’s Demon combat style, it should be pretty easy. Air is distorted so light distorts around the pseudo-invisibility.” Philip answered.

“No, I am asking how do you see something truly invisible. If the skill of Kazu Tomoe had been any better when we first met him, he would have been truly invisible.” Sage said.

“What?! I thought that was from the combat style. The combat style did originate from the demon continent. What would that mean...” Philip’s eyes widened. “Ah forget it. Just tell me what you found.”

“He is not from this world.” Sage picked up one of the books beside her, opening it to reveal a chapter. “ As you already know, there have been previous accounts of beings not from this world being recorded in history. However, none were in the form of a human. Demonic monsters are usually summoned, not humans. Come, Philip Nemean.”

Standing up from her seat, she strolled her way to the door. She kicked some books that were in her way causing countless papers to fly up in the air. The papers and books fell with a loud thud as if they were attracted the floor.

An indifferent expression forced itself back onto Philip’s face. He hurried to follow her, moving skillfully to avoid any of the books on the floor. The book on Sage’s desk caught a glance of his eye. It read “Chapter XVI - Strings of Fate”.

***

Sage and Philip walked along the streets of Austere. 10 guards followed them from behind for minimal protection. The bustling streets of Austere became quieter than normal each time they passed by. Murmurs could be heard among the commoners. Mostly, teenage and young adult women pointed their sparkling eyes at Philip while whispering into each others’ ears.

“Look Philip Nemean. Wind is invisible.” Sage said.

“Haa..”

“Yet we see that it's affecting everyone. Specifically, the flowing hair of women staring at you.” Sage snarked.

“Hey! It’s not my fault they’re looking at me!” Philip said.

“Do you get it now Philip Nemean?”

“Ah, you mean the thing earlier?” Philip scratched his head. “Yeah… but what are you getting at?”

“Ha...hahaha!” Sage laughed. Her laugh attracted even the soldiers following behind them. “For once, I cannot see the thread of a being. His very being is just like a wind to me.”

Her feet stopped mid-walk and her body turned to the man beside her. Turning her head upwards, her closed eyes met with Philip’s eyes.

“To see the invisible thread, look at the threads being affected by the invisible thread. There, an outline of a thread will appear. Such is the rule of seeing the invisible fate. It moves in a more erratic motion than the rest of the threads in the loom.

“During the event last year, his invisible thread went berserk. Even I could almost not predict the outcome of the invisible thread.” Sage said.

“If I recall correctly, that whole thing was caused by the brats in Kies family right?” Philip replied..

“Yes it was. How are the brats if I may ask?” Sage asked..

“The whole family was executed. They ran an illegal slave trading route of Nayans.” Philip smiled.

“Your smile is ugly Philip Nemean.” She chuckled. “Yet, it fits you.”

“Ah- Tch! They deserved it so of course I would be happy.” Philip stumbled backwards.

“Come Philip Nemean. Follow me.” Sage commanded.

“Always will, Sage.”

***

Sage stopped in front of a large manor. The two guards in front of the gate saluted Philip and Sage. Philip returned a wave, but Sage ignored both the guards. Right after, the gate let out a creak in a signal of it opening. Little by little, the gate made an opening, yet Sage waited until it fully opened.

When the gate completed its movement, it shook, creating a dissonance of noise. Sage, with her majestic stance, strolled in with pride. Even the door was already opened by a maid at her arrival.

Once she has entered, the maid who opened the door for Sage and Philip followed just behind them. A grand foyer presented itself once they entered. 2 sets of stairs flowed from each side made from marble. A white carpet with black edges flowed along the stairs. A door sat in the middle of where the 2 stairs met at the bottom.

“Then I will take my leave.” The maid from behind said.

Upon hearing this, the door opened and a butler with 2 coat tails made a gesture to lead them in the room. Sure enough, Sage and Philip entered the room without hesitation.

“Master Frederick will be with you shortly.”

The room had 2 sofas facing each other and a coffee table in the middle. Steam rose up from the cups of tea already placed on the table with cup coasters. Sage sat down first while Philip gave her an uncomfortable look.

“Sage… why are we here?” Philip asked.

“To meet with Frederick of course.” Sage answered, smiling at her own answer.

Knock Knock. Hearing the knock, Philip quickly sat down beside Sage to not look awkward. Still, the door opened without waiting for a response.

A man with a stocky figure came in. He wore a dignified tunic with elegant patterns, but not enough to effeminate the man wearing it. It was blue and the patterns were white, giving off an aura of wealth. His wrinkled face gave off a wiseful strength in his demeanor. He wore his blond hair in a messy fashion, yet it did not demerit his figure any less.

On entering the reception area, he made no hesitation to sit down first before talking. The butler closed the door behind him and then stood behind Frederick.

“I believe you already know why you’re here.” Frederick said.

Philip tried to not let out dumb expression upon hearing this. Instead, he felt a bit of irritation because he was not told about this meeting so he didn’t have any time to prepare anything

“Where is the fellow that will be guarding my daughter?” Frederick continued.

“Do not worry Frederick Rye. The man I have prepared is an outstanding warrior.” Sage said.

“If it's Sage saying this, then I’m relieved. May I ask who he is?” Frederick asked.

“He is a man named Kazu Tomoe. I believe he will exceed your expectations.” Sage answered.

“I see, but I’ve not heard of this name before. Is he really that strong?” Frederick eyes narrowed in disbelief.

“I say this once again Frederick Rye. Do not worry.” Sage’s tone commanded the man. His appearance seemed to shrink under Sage’s pressure.

“O-ohh… then have this.” Frederick handed over an envelope to Sage. After receiving the envelope, Sage handed it over to Philip with an indifferent gesture.

“Remember, he shouldn’t reveal himself in front of her. Act as my daughter's shadow that protects her from a far.” Frederick sighed.

“That will be no problem for that man’s personality.” Her lips upturned into her mischievous smile. “Then we will take our leave. Come, Philip Nemean.”

The door closed behind the 2. Philip had a look of exhaustion on his face. On the other hand, Sage kept her mischievous smile while leaving the manor.

“Sir, wouldn’t it have been better for the man beside Lady Sage to protect the young lady?” The butler beside Frederick commented.

“Its not possible… Sage is too stubborn.” Frederick furrowed his brows. “Let’s just hope the man they pick can do the job. At least for what we're up against, and I don't even know who they are.”

Step… step… step…

A lady with straight blond hair flowing down to her elbows came down the stairs. Her blue dress complimented her bright blue eyes and blond hair with foregrounds of white and light blue. She had a blank expression as she looked at Frederick.

“Father, I’ll be leaving.”

“Yes… Study well Riona.” Frederick said.

A carriage arrived in front of the gate as Riona stepped down the path leading to the gate.

***

Outskirts of Southern Gate, Austere.

A vast forest covered the entire horizon. Wind blew through the forest and the leaves scraping against each other made a calming noise. Rays of light seeped in from above the forest, yet a man laid on the foot of the trees without motion.

Mel: Kazu! Don’t die! The claymore beside him shouted, but it was through mental connection. A claymore with glowing golden veins with a haze of purple laid flat on the ground. The 2 meter length blade exceeded normal standards and its 30 cm width gave it a monstrous appearance.

Mel: Get up! Kazu! You have to get up!

Mel: Kazu, nooooo!

“Shut up! I’m trying to sleep!” Kazu groaned. “Stop being so dramatic!”

Mel: But the forest is so boring! It would just be better to cut all of this… and maybe eat them…

“Like hell I can eat trees.” Kazu opened his eyes as if something caught his attention.

Lv 25 Large Boar

A giant boar stared at Kazu. With a 2 and a half meter long body and 1.8m height, its giant hooves the side of his Kazu’s head stomped on the ground. Killing intent permeated around its body, preparing to kill the small puny human in its eyes.

A large grin escaped Kazu’s lips. “Dinner’s served.”

The boar dashed towards Kazu with its two horns protruding from its mouth. However, the fight ended in an instant.

Without using any skills, Kazu stabbed the head of the boar with the large claymore on his hands. The blade went through the boar’s skull like butter, stealing its life in an instant.

Thud.

The boar fell on its side with no more signs of life. Air escaped from its gaping mouth, but the boar no longer breathed. Its tongue stuck out limp without life.

“Mel, you know the tongue is the best part to eat?”

Mel: Stop! Don’t remind me! Guuu!

Suddenly, the bush that the boar came from rustled. A little girl made of water came out from the bush. Her height appeared to be just under 120 cm. Looking at the scene, the water girl placed herself near Kazu. She turned her head upwards to look at him face to face.

“Lene, don’t tell me, you were hunting this?”

Lene nodded. A slight shyness appeared on her face, yet she kept her eye contact with Kazu.

From behind the tree, two men and a woman walked in at the situation. They were Brett, Krey, and Raym. All 3 seemed to have been conversing intently.

“Brett, it's your fault for losing such delicious meat!”

“You’re blaming me?! Wait, where’s little Lene?”

“Aye, calm down Raym. A big pig like that can’t possibly run forever.”

The three stopped in front of a fresh dead boar. Brett’s face took on a conflicted expression upon looking at the dead boar.

“Kazu, how can you let Lene kill a boar by herself?!” Brett shouted.

“You went that way?!” Kazu face palmed. “I killed this by myself... Why are you letting Lene hunt anyways?!”

“That’s right! Cute little Lene shouldn’t be hunting. Stupid Brett!” Raym ran up to Lene, hiding her from the boar. “Not it.”

“Not it.” Krey quickly said.

“Not it.” Kazu followed.

“Gah!” Brett shouted. “This was clearly a trap I say!”

“Have fun carrying the pig lad.” Krey chuckled.

“Good luck Brett, hehe.” Kazu laughed.

***

“Welcome back Brother.” Ene jumped onto Kazu’s chest.

“I’m back.” Kazu patted Ene’s head as he embraced her. Putting her down, he wiped off the dirt from Ene’s face. Leaves hung from the knots of her blond hair, so Kazu took those out too. They were not leaves; in fact, they were precious Alma Matter herbs, or Alma Herb in short.

Shortly after, the rest of the party came in the house. Lene, who was with Raym, hid behind her legs.

“Aah! Lene ditched me and went with papa. So unfair!” Ene pouted.

Lene looked down.

“Heehee, come on let’s play!” Grabbing Lene’s hand, Ene dragged her out the house.

“Careful playing outside Ene, Lene!” Raym shouted. “Brett, hurry up with the boar already!”

“Aye lad. Stop dillydallying.” Krey poked.

“Really? No one is going to help me?!” Brett cried.

Suddenly, Sene stepped in the scene from the backyard and saw the situation. With a curious expression on her face, she stared at the boar and then said, “Not it.”

“Dammit!” Brett shout could be heard through the door.

“Carry it over to the backyard okay?” Sene kissed Brett on the cheek while trotting inside with a smile. She entered the house with a merry attitude, closing the door behind her. The body of the boar made a scraping noise as Brett dragged it to the backyard with heavy steps.

“Sene... so heartless…” Raym commented.

“What was that?” A cold gaze swept across everyone, chilling everyone’s skin.

“N-n-nothing.”

“Alright then. I’ll be back in a bit.” Still with her smile, Sene went upstairs to change into cleaner clothes.

At this remark, everyone sat down on the sofa. Kazu went ahead and put down Mel just beside the window, then sitting down with everyone. A relaxed atmosphere fell on the house and everyone loosened their muscles.

Slap!

A large hand impacted Kazu’s back causing him to fall forwards onto the table.

“Happy birthday son!” Brett shouted from behind him.

“We know this isn’t really your birthday, but how old are you now?” Krey asked.

“Ah-, this year, I guess 18.” Kazu answered.

“You guess? Hah!” Brett laughed.

“Fine fine, I got it. I’ll be 18 this year. Can’t believe it’s already been a year since I came here though.”

“Back then, you looked like a weak twerp. Look at you handling a large boar by yourself.” Raym grinned.

Quick light steps formed from above heading to the stairs. Sene came down stairs with a new set of clothes. Brown in colour but with layers, it looked like something meant for getting dirty. In this case, she prepared herself to cook a whole boar.

“Dinner will be ready soon. Wait for it ok everyone?” Sene said in a light tone.

“Okay” Everyone said in unison.

She exited the house from the back door that lead to the backyard. When she opened the door, a large board laid in front of a spit roast already set up. The door behind Sene closed with a click after she got out.

Knock Knock.

“Anyone expecting anyone?” Brett asked.

“Maybe Mizz… but she doesn’t get off work in an hour.” Raym commented.

“Come in.” Brett said.

A lady with crimson hair flowing all the way to her waist came in. Her dark gray robes covered her entire body, yet it did not hide her curves. A large scar formed across both her eyes—she was blind. Her lips were crimson red as well, upturned into a bewitching smile.

Beside her, a man in lion-esque patterned suit with a worried expression on his face stood. He wore his hair in a combed back neat fashion. Neither a sword nor any combat armaments were on his side. With a gesture of a hand, 10 men from behind him posed in an at ease stance.

“May we sit down?” Sage asked.

“Ung.” Brett signaled Krey and Raym sitting on the sofa to get out.

Immediately, Philip and Sage took the seat they occupied while Krey and Raym sat on Kazu’s sofa with Kazu being in the middle. On instinct, Raym blurted out “Its tight.” The small sofa was meant for only 2 persons.

“Kazu Tomoe, you are now 18 this year, correct?” Sage asked.

“Yeah…?” Kazu replied in a weak voice. His eyes turned to the man beside her, Philip. He had his hand up to his face as if saying everything was going wrong. A man with a fed up expression, or an expression that showed how he had experience this kind of situation many times already. When Kazu answered, Sage’s expression turned mischievous.

She snapped her finger. With that snap, Philip presented Kazu an envelope with slight discomfort showed on his face.

Upon receiving the envelope, Kazu flicked his finger at the edge of the envelope. Wind sliced through the paper letting him take out the contents of the envelope.

“Wind attribute… how ironic.” Sage whispered under her breath.

“This is…” Brett put his hands over his mouth when he saw the contents. Everyone beside Kazu also widened their eyes. “This is an invitation to Royal Academy of Austere.”

“That’s right.” Sage said. “The start of school starts in winter—next month. 18 is the minimum age requirement for the academy, but people also need high grades in their education before 18. However, with this, such trivial stuff is not needed.”

“What’s the catch?” Kazu’s eyes narrowed as his gaze turned towards Sage.

“Catch?” Her tone came to a question. Philip beside her whispered into her ear and her expression understood what Kazu asked. “Ah, I see. You see Kazu Tomoe, I need you to protect someone.”

“Uwaah, so direct.” Philip commented.

“There is a student at the academy that will be needing protection. We need you to protect this student.”

“Who?” Kazu asked.

“Her name is Riona Rye. When you see her, you will know it's her.” Sage said.

“Wait, what do I get out of this?” Kazu interjected.

“Money.” Sage replied.

A sparkle in Kazu’s eyes lit up. In his eyes, money is never a bad thing. Seeing as this is in a civil society, he shouldn’t meet any strong opponents so it will be as easy as sitting in front of a computer chair.

“However, you cannot make any contact with Riona Rye. Only in dire circumstances can you save her. Otherwise, you fail the mission.”

“Tch… Alright. That makes this an even more agreeable mission. Hehe.” Kazu’s smile looked evil. It was greed for money. A fleeting dream that have always been on his mind was to be rich. Even back in Japan, money could do anything. Maybe even in this world, it can do anything. As long as he has money, he can hire people to research a way to go back to his homeworld, Kazu thought.

“Oh boy, here he goes.” Brett sighed.

“Aye… greed is etched into this lad’s bones.”

Only Raym agreed with Kazu, giving him a thumbs up.

“Then, a shake of hand will seal our agreement.” Sage reached out her right hand to Kazu. After shaking each other’s hands, Sage and Philip left the vicinity of Brett’s home. They followed back the hidden path onto the main road then entered Austere through the southern gates.

“Hey Sage, I thought we weren’t supposed to involve ourselves with him. What's with you?” Philip asked.

“Fool. That was before I could see his thread in the loom. Now, I’ve figured out a method guide his thread, would it not be better to lead him to the greater good?” Sage replied. “However, it is still dangerous to mess with his thread too much. We may only do little nudges on that invisible thread to weave it into a better future, for everyone.”

“Future… wait, don’t tell me this mission has something to do with the inevitable demon war?” Philip gasped.

“Philip Nemean. It is good that your intelligence is rising. Follow me and let us watch as I record his actions. Hahahahaa!” Sage laughed and attracted even more stares from both guards and commoners.

“You know… you should really stop laughing like a maniac....” Philip sighed.

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Thanks for reading. Book 2 has started!