Chapter 8

A figure can be seen panting while also hurriedly moving along a road.. Panic is written all over his face.. the figure seems to be in-between a half walk and half jog.. While it seems funny at first there seems to be some sort of tempo to it…

A hooded figure watches from the distant forest. Hidden away behind the dense foliage and thick trees... the figure is almost completely invisible. The hooded figure's eyes sharpen.. "That is the empire's insignia.. is this perhaps a new footwork the military has implemented?.. It definitely is.. different." he mutters to himself.

"Hmm wait!.. Aren't these sort of situations those so-called chance encounters..!? Yes yes.. in time likes these it is best to befriend such people.. then I too can learn such exquisite footwork.. It may save my life one day."

The soldier approaches the figure…

"Ohh mannn I am soooo late." My footsteps are hurried and panicky. It reminds me of my days at the War God Academy.. "ahh yes I was late to class many times then wasn't I? But here I am, still alive and kicking so Fang there is nothing to worry about." I tell myself.

"I'm sure my superiors are really kind-hearted fellows…" "Hmm actually in theory I am already 'late' so being more late doesn't really change anything. Therefore whether I get there earlier really doesn't matter now then does it.." my footsteps slow… the birds chirp… sunlight cascades down… "Mmh yes lets just relax a bit, chill and you know enjoy the walk.." Taking a deep breath.. "Ahhh such a nice breeze.." A hand grabs my shoulder. "..!!" "Yeah nah…I'm definitely screwed" I think to myself.

I try to smile but my muscles cramp.. a wicked smile appears across my face instead. In the most stable voice I can muster.."um.. Yes what can I do for you?" The green-hooded figure lifts his hand slightly and takes a half a step back.. he gives a laugh.. "Don't mind me.. Uhh I was just scouting around.. It might be dangerous up ahead.. Be careful.."

The scout walks away.. "What is wrong with you… you told the guy to be careful.. you yourself should be careful.. my heart nearly gave out…"the soldier mutters to himself.

I continue on in the direction the convoy was heading in.

Some time passes before I vaguely make out banners fluttering in the distance… "Okay there's the empire's camp… don't get nervous… I'm not late, I belong here" I repeat to myself. I keep my head down as I casually walk into the camp.

My eyes trail the ground as I walk… "Hmmm…?" A broken sword can be seen lying on the ground.. "An empire sword.. That's strange" I look up before noticing that the camp seems quite busy.. other weapons and armor fragments are strewn about… "Ahhh Ahuuu.." cries of pain can be heard in the distance… then for the first time I notice the camp is in a complete mess..

Soldiers on stretchers can be seen everywhere and are being rushed into medical tents.. I think to ask someone what is going on but then realising that such a question would imply that I was not here and therefore late. My mind wrestles with the problem as I become unsure of what to do.. so I just stand there awkwardly.

A tall dark-robed figure approaches..

To be continued…