The path leading down to the guild was abnormally crowded with adventurers. Many volunteers registered themselves to be hired mercenaries prepping for the upcoming battle. The street next to it echoed with hammers pounding away, repairing, and working orders piling up.

All the good equipment that were displayed weeks ago were sold out or were too expensive for the daily adventurers to grab. Rusty and broken odd bits were left alone in barrels stashed with others, never to be picked because of their quality.

That was until he strolled by a barrel containing used goods. His bandaged fingers reached in and fished up a rusted metal piece with weird comb like pattern on the back of the blade. The wooden handle rotted off long ago and the blade’s shape was bent from being mishandled.

If he recalled, a friend mentioned this weapon was a swordbreaker. Not that it could actually break swords, but ideally catch and immobilize a thin blade. He wondered how one appeared here. Perhaps it once belonged to that beastkin merchant he met, and she sold it off as scrap.

“What did you find?” Lily poked her head over his shoulder, examining the strange piece of metal. “An oversized comb?”

“A weapon.”

“That? A weapon? Do you rake something with that?”

“Are you trying to make fun of me?”

“Not at all! I never seen a blade like that before. What is it?”

The item in his hand clearly sparked her interest. She was brimming with curiosity, asking questions after questions.

Though it would be impossible to have it prepared for the upcoming battle, Kihet thought a little bit of hammering, grinding, and polishing would bring the swordbreaker’s shape back. The next best equipment he found to replace his arsenal was a mattock against armored foes. It was regretful he lost the Nagamaki Miyabe gave him.

After they completed their shopping, they head out the gates.

“Where are we going next?”

“The workshop. I have something ordered.”

The workshop was close enough to the capital, there wasn’t a need to get their carriage. It took half an hour by foot at most, but Kihet didn’t mind. Neither did Lily. He wanted to stretch his legs after being bedridden.

He passed approved documents a day ahead of time for workers to procure building materials. Small colonies of Ants and Termite type insectoids hacked down logs and chiseled stones. The foreman leading the facility quickly saluted to them upon their arrival.

“How’s progress?”

“Oracle, we’re on schedule. By her majesty’s orders, we have manufactured a total of twenty lightweight arbalests and another set of twenty are being assembled right now.”

“And the things I asked for?”

“Instead of throwing them into the compost, we kept them as you demanded. If I may ask, what will you be using them for?”

“You don’t need to know. Just make sure the job is completed.”

One thing about this battle was the difference in military strength were too vast between Vivrus and Rozzosea. Insectoids might have exceptions such as beetle type that could easily rival a Giant’s lifting capabilities but not their raw strength. One good swing from one using a blunt weapon could shatter even the sturdiest exoskeletons.

Moreover, there weren’t news of enemy Giants using [War’s Blood], their innate ability to turn themselves into titans and pummel their foes. That’s why Kihet would like to avoid a direct confrontation against the enemy. In case he encountered one, the contraptions being assembled in the workshop would be used to slow them down for him to set his things into position.

After staying under a shack for hours studying items the foreman gave him, Kihet caught a headache. He stepped outside to get some fresh air and found a bench to sit, watching others working.

Thinking back, the messenger returned with holes through its body. They weren’t done in by arrows or spears. What caused that?

A sigh escaped his mouth.

“Something on your mind?” Lily threw herself in front of him. She cocked her head to one side, letting her hair dangling like curtains and blocked off the scene behind her.

“Lots.”

“You haven’t been talking much lately.”

“Sorry. Things got busy.”

Losing this battle was not an option. Not to mention, he wasn’t suited to fight in the frontlines in his current condition.

“Being the Oracle is tough. It’s suffering. I hate it. Every time I finish a hurdle, another gets in the way.”

“No one said it was going to be easy. And it’s only the beginning.”

“I know.”

“Just remember I’m with you all the way.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Without warning, Lily quietly leaned on his uninjured shoulder and looked at the papers.

“Watch it. I don’t want my findings to get ripped.”

“You’re working too hard. Take a break.”

“Later.”

“Take a break.”

“I said later.”

“Take a break.”

“Are you going to keep bugging me until I give you a different answer?”

“I want the answer I want to hear. Martha did tell me to stop you from working too hard after you just recovered. I feel like I’m going to tattle tale on you.”

“Erk-! Geez. You’re so clingy.” Kihet put down the papers and looked at the mess inside the shack. “I have some time.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I’m tired as I am. I don’t want to do something excessive.”

“Fishing it is! The locals said it’s fishing season. There’s a lake not too far from here.”

Lily’s fists trembled with excitement and jumped on her feet with gleaming eyes all while pointing beyond the mill. It was obvious she wanted to eat local fish from here. Unable to retain her excitement, she dragged Kihet up and towards a small shack standing on the docks.

“Two please!” She dropped a dozen copper coins into the shopkeeper’s hands for two rental fishing kits.

They strolled along the lake’s edge and scored a nice shady spot under a tree to cast their lure. They planted their fishing rods firmly in the ground, waiting patiently. After their third catch, Kihet unpacked equipment from his bag and prepared a dismantling station for the fishes. The instant he set his things down and turned, he frowned.

In the distance, a familiar duo fast approached. A Grasshopper and a Moth. One march towards them in exaggerated big steps while the other slouched behind. As usual, the Grasshopper was full of energy while the Moth could fall asleep at any moment.

They pulled a cart filled with cooking utensils.

“Priqet, Yixy, over here!” Lily waved.

“You called them?”

“En! The more the merrier! They were the first friends we made in Vivrus. Besides, they might have access to some information for the battle we don’t.”

Kihet knew she baited him to let them stay, but she had a good point. He didn’t know much of outside of Vivrus’ tree dome. There could be things that weren’t shown on the map to give them an edge in the upcoming battle.

“Yo ho ho! Oracle, you should turn that frown upside down!” Priqet stretched his mouth with two fingers.

That’s if he didn’t decide to kill the annoying Grasshopper first. On the other hand, Yixy was more tolerable since she’s quieter and stays out of his business.

“Still a bit sleepy?” Lily waved Yixy beside her.

“I’m not a day creature. Are you two fishing?”

“The locals said it’s the best time to catch a big one!”

“True. The weather’s perfect. Almost too perfect for a nap.” Yixy yawned.

Once the girls got together, they began gossiping. Kihet noticed everyone spoke in the same language, including Lily. Last time he heard her was when she could only construct broken words. She’s holding her own.

“Fufu! You noticed?” Lily puffed out her chest with her hands holding her waist. “I’ve been practicing with their help! I can speak another language fluently now.”

“Alright, now say something to me in Alvish.”

“Hey! I only just learned a language! I haven’t even seen or met an Alf yet!” She protested.

“You’re going to need to learn all seven.”

“Not eight?”

“What do you mean?” Kihet asked.

“Did you forget about you? I also want to learn to speak the Enui’s tongue.”

He was taken back for a second.

Honestly, learning it is pointless. My kind is pretty much extinct. The village turned to ruins with no survivors. Even if I find my friends, it’ll be a lost language in a few centuries.

“I… I’ll think about it.”

This silence continued for a while until one of the fishing rods twitched ever so lightly. The float dipped into water shortly after. Lily with her cat like reflexes enthusiastically snatched up the rod before it flew away and began reeling her catch.

“I got one-woah! I-it’s heavy!” She strained her body, battling with the creature in the lake. “Waa!”

“Gotcha!”

Kihet stopped her from falling into the lake as he reached around and grasped the pole together with her. Already, he felt he was losing his ground. He tucked his arms under Lily’s and quickly wrapped his hand over hers.

“K-Kihet?!”

He was more focused about the fish in the lake that he didn’t understand why Lily sounded surprised. Kihet hugged her closely, dug his heels firmly into a building mound of dirt hoping they wouldn’t get thrown in the water.

To his surprise, the fishing line hasn’t snapped. Heck, he never imagined there was a swimmer as strong as this.

“Some help would be nice!”

“We’re here cheering for you!” Priqet and Yixy replied with chants.

Kihet wanted to throw those two in the water. It was hopeless to ask anything out of them. Meanwhile, they slowly inched backwards, securing some footing for the battle against the fish. They only pulled back whenever they felt the tension loosening for a fraction of a second.

“Lily, don’t let go!”

“I think the fish is starting to get tired! We’re winning!”

They battled against it for quite some time and managed to lured it near shore.

“On my mark, we pull.”

“En!”

“And… now!”

They swung the fishing rod over their heads, yanking whatever bit the lure out of the water. Kihet couldn’t believe his eyes watched water streamed off it like waterfall and pass above him. Within the spray of glistening droplets of water, a gigantic fish soared across the air. It was easily twice his size and looked almost translucent with a heavy green tint.

As his head followed the creature flying over them, Lily lost her balance and fell on him. Suddenly, his face was covered with something soft.

Lily looked up. “Ooh! We did it!”

“I can’t see. You’re squishing my face.”

“You don’t like what you’re feeling right now?” She grinned, pressing down a little harder.

“Let me see the fish.” Kihet managed to turn away and looked up.

Their catch’s translucency was the reason of its camouflage near the water’s surface so he couldn’t spot it in the lake.

It was slimy at touch as there was some sort of mucus membrane covering its body. Kihet’s hunter instincts encouraged he store a batch of samples in a flask. While skimming a knife over its body, he caught a glimpse of various shade of colors under its scales. You could make out the shape of its organs, but not enough to see them clearly.

-And there’s no shop nearby to help cut it apart. Looks like I’ll have to do it.-

“Nice catch!” Priqet pumped a fist in the air.

“Not that you guys helped.” Kihet grunted. “What’s this thing?”

“The locals called it a Globoss.” Yixy answered. “I think it’s because of the slime on its body.”

“Is it any good?” Lily asked.

“If anything, is it poisonous?” The last thing Kihet needed before a battle was a ruined stomach.

“Not at all. This fish is regularly served in restaurants.” Priqet answered. “If we do cut this one up, we might have too much food.”

“I’d like to get some materials from it. We’ll cook what we have for now.”

Kihet was familiar with all the dirty work and sorted the spilling entrails that seemed edible as opposed to others would be properly disposed. He flicked his knife clean of slime and began carving the smaller catch then moved onto the Globoss. The blade ran consistently smooth through their flesh. After he cut a long slit along its belly to the tail, its innards and all spilled out. A trail of blood flowed downhill back to the lake.

Color left the insectoid’s faces while Lily voluntarily agreed to assist with dissecting. No, she was rather enthusiastically eager to separate only the fillets she planned to cook later. At least she wasn’t like the other two who weren’t comfortable to get their hands bloody.

Kihet did warn the others if they wanted their share, they had to help with the dismantling. By the time food was prepared, the day had reached noon. Everyone helped move their things to a designated location to set up a cooking station as Kihet left the Globoss hanging to drain out the rest of its blood. Its slime were preserved for future experiments.

He lit a fire under a long piece of slate, having Lily and Yixy forage nearby wild edibles and used purchased ingredients. He spread the fish’s fat and laid some of its steak sizzling on the hot slate. When the girls returned, they took over the cooking, prompting him to gather more firewood to keep the fire going.

Kihet sat by one of the logs and watched them experiment with different methods to cook the fish into several dishes.

“These are peaceful times, don’t you agree? How is your arm?” Priqet asked.

“I can move it. And yours?”

“Used to it already. Some of us insectoids have better regeneration than other races since we’re so fragile. If we lose a limb, we can just stick another one on.”

“So everyone uses Full Moon Dew? I thought it was limited.”

“You’re a special case. In any case, I’ve a favor to ask.”

Priqet dumped shards of crystals at the ground, passing one towards Kihet.

“I’ve mined my own shards as I lost my weapons during the battle against that monster. Wish I could get better crystals, but you know. Tough times. With craftsmen being swarmed, I haven’t found one with time to craft a body for it. The Macahuitl is my main choice of weapon. Tomoe said you might be able to help being the tinkerer you are.”

“No thanks, I’m the least qualified person for the job.”

“I figured that would be the case. Will this change your mind?”

He rummaged through a sack, revealing chunks of black stones. It appeared to be a bag filled of what looked like coal at first, but their shine and jaggedness reminded Kihet of gems.

“Hailstones?”

“Tomoe mentioned you wanted these when we were investigating the caverns with you. Yixy and I went back to the cavern to get them. Of course, I was the one who mined them. This should be enough to make yourself a Macahuitl if you want one.”

-Lily, what else did you tell them? But I really want those Hailstones. It’s the next best material to have since metal ingots here are too expensive.-

“Fine, draw a schematic of what it should look like. I’ll work on it once I have the time. Materials?”

“If possible, ironwood is my preferred choice.”

“I’ll see if there are any at the lumber mill. If not, I’m choosing the next best available wood.”

“Much appreciated, Oracle!”

“In return-,”

“The hailstones weren’t enough?!”

“No I have a favor of my own.” Kihet ignored his remark and rummaged his bag for a sack of coins. “I want you to look for something in the market or use the guild’s notice board to request an item. I’ve got the Queen’s seal in there too since it’s urgent.”

“Something for this much silver? Are you trying to request diamonds?”

“There’s something I need to know from it. Once you get your hands on a specimen, get Yixy to begin researching it as soon as possible. As thanks, I’ll use hardened crystals I got from bloating mantis for your weapon. That should suffice, right?”

“Oracle, you’re scary but you’re such a nice person! Alright, leave it to me!”

“Kihet, Priqet, the food’s done!” Yixy hollered.

Lily was already drooling from the smell, but she waited for food to set on everyone’s plate before she pounced on her dish. Kihet was essentially her opposite. Although the food smelled great, he couldn’t taste anything. He only felt the soft and warm textures of it running down his throat.

“I really liked how we seared the fish!” Lily kept going for her fourth plate. “The skin’s crispy and the meat’s fluffy. I never thought I could eat something this wonderful out here!”

“I thought the textures would be rubbery after we cooked it. I didn’t expect this. It’s good.” Yixy complimented.

“This flavor is impeccable but what about the Globoss?” Priqet turned to the giant fish hanging upside down as the last few droplets of blood trickling down.

“I think Lily has enough room to eat it all tomorrow.” Kihet answered.

“Even I have my limits!” She protested. “I can’t eat that much myself, but I think I have an idea to not let it all go to waste. Remember the first village we visited?”

“What about it?”

“Apparently there is a shortcut to the orphanage so it’s not too far from here. With ice magic from the guild, we should make it before it starts to spoil.”

“I guess. Then I could get some materials without wasting any part of it. Mind if we borrow the cart?”

“Sure thing! Yixy and I can clean up the place.”

“You mean you will be the one cleaning.” Yixy gave a great big stretch then rolled off her seat. In no time, she fell asleep. “I helped cooked. Now you do the hard part.”

“You’re not serious, are you? And she fell asleep…” Priqet scratched his head.

The orphanage was located within a rundown church. This building was the last structure Kihet expected since he never thought people of Vivrus to be religious. Overall, the building was well maintained although some of the wears on the exterior covered by vines with fruits hanging off them. The roofing had mismatched colored tiles as if replacements were regularly done. The fence outside was sturdily built of stones, bricks supported by mud mortars.

At the distance, children raced up and down the hill. Others hid underneath the tree’s shade reading picture books or taking a nap. As soon as one of their curious eyes locked onto Kihet and Lily, more of them stopped and gave them wary looks.

Once Lily waved them a smile, a small group raced downhill and called for their caretaker. As the person was suspicious of them, door creaked open slightly.

“Can I help you?”

“En! We caught a fish and was wondering if you could use it.”

“A fish?”

“So big that we wouldn’t be able to finish it ourselves.”

“I’m sorry. If you’re looking to sell, you should look for a trader at the town. This is the orphanage.”

Although Kihet heard Lily’s word clearly, there was something about the structure of her sentence confusing the caretaker.

“This is a donation. Do you want it?” Kihet asked.

“O-oh, pardon my misunderstanding. I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid we cannot accept it.”

He caught a glimpse of the caretaker’s unsettling expression. The issue was trust. Even though their intentions were good willed, the opposition did not know that. To the caretaker, they were strangers offering items out of the blue. They had the obligation to reject their offer to protect the children from unknown harm. Even Kihet wouldn’t trust a stranger randomly offering him food aside from places that were qualified to serve food. Who knows what they did with it?

“There we have it. They don’t want it. Let’s stop bothering them.”

It was then a second figure popped behind the door. It held up a board of words written with chalk and looked at them with its large compound eyes.

“Aten?”

“Director, you know them?” The caretaker asked.

“Director?”

“He is the owner of this Orphanage.”

-So this is where he holes up. I wouldn’t have guessed he’d be managing an orphanage.-

Aten gave Kihet and Lily a silent long stare, hoping one of them would answer in his stead.

“We… ran into each other before.”

“He helped us, remember?” Lily added.

[What brings?]

“We happened to fish that out.” Lily pointed to the fish at the back of our cart. “Kihet wanted some of the materials, but we didn’t want to throw it all away. We were hoping the orphanage could make use of the edible parts so none of it goes to waste.”

The caretaker exchanged a glance with Aten to which he nodded.

“In that case, we will happily accept your offer. Thank you. Aten, since it’s a nice day, you should take the day off and spend some time with your acquaintances. You can leave me to manage the rest of the chores.”

“We’re going to leave immediately-.”

“I’m going to introduce myself to the children!”

“Hey, Lily! Get back here!” Knowing she wouldn’t listen, Kihet had no choice but to wait. “You mind?” He turned to Aten.

The dragonfly shook his head.

They were surprised how quickly the orphans accepted Lily. It was probably her age mentality that bridged the gap as she acted like a child all the time. Kihet was naïve, thinking she would get bored after half an hour.

“So, I heard you helped us out if the dungeon. How did you find us?”

[White phantom, pointing way.]

-White phantom? He saw Elenora?-

Aten excused himself for a second as he went into the church and returned with a package. He then pointed at a bench for both of them. They were silent, sitting there, looking into the view.

Kihet suddenly heard something scratched the ground.

[Megith alive.]

It took Kihet a minute to respond as he finally muttered, “I know. Your Queen told me she’s in a coma.”

[Want to meet?]

“What would I say? It’s not like she’ll hear me.” He hunched forward, resting his chin on a hand with a big sigh. “I’m supposed to find a way to break through the enemy and reinforce the frontlines. If you guys lose the mines, Vivrus is doomed. Which means Megith’s life will be in more danger.”

Aten said nothing. He dipped his chin down to his neck.

“Come to think of it, how did Malth’s weapon end up in your hands?”

[Entrusted.] He paused for a moment. [Same Shadow attacked.]

“The same? When did it show up?”

[Libra, nineth. Autumn. Twelve years ago.]

The same day that Wizard descended on Rozzosea. There was also an attack on Xu although the damages weren’t critical. It meant all the countries were hit simultaneously.

[Took Malth.]

“Taken?! He wasn’t killed but taken?!”

A nod.

The information took Kihet by surprised as he couldn’t believe the sliver of hope of his friend still being alive, but anything could’ve happened. As Malth’s body had not returned to the village temple in years, was evidence his friend might still be alive. In fact, none of his friends were teleported back by the power of their crests except for Lemi.

Kihet fell back into silence given a thought to think about. In the corner of his eyes, he spotted a tiny insectoid crawling towards him. An infant no bigger than a year old. It was on all fours, stopped near his feet and looking up at his face with its big eyes.

“—!”

Almost by instinct, Kihet raised an arm and hid his face. That was the wrong choice since it made the baby more curious as it crawled closer only to be picked up by Aten.

[What’s wrong?]

“Nothing…”

He was never good with children with the exceptions being Hannah and Lily. However, Lily wasn’t a child anymore, but she still acted like one. Other than them, no other child dared approached him until now. In a spur of the moment, he was confused on how to act towards fragile beings.

Kihet changed the topic and asked a question.

“Hey, are you volunteering for the battle?”

[Must Fight. Protect.]

“For these kids?”

He returned his reply with a nod.

“There he is!”

“Mister Aten!”

Lily and the pack of children came racing to pick up the baby from Aten. The little ones grouped behind Lily as they were wary of Kihet.

“Hmm? What’s wrong with him? Mister Aten, who is he?” One of the kids pointed their fingers at him.

Kihet couldn’t read Aten’s response, but the Dragonfly managed to calm the orphans. He eavesdropped comments about him being strange and grumpy before the caretaker called them into the building.

Lily broke off the crowd and sat onto the empty seat next to him.

“I saw you two talking.”

“I get bored too. I doubt you stayed when I was asleep for the whole week.”

“I was by your side that entire time. I didn’t know when you’d wake up and have your panic attacks. If I wasn’t next to you when you woke up, you’d cause trouble again.”

“I-, never mind. You’re right.”

“Thought so! So? What did you two talk about?”

“Nothing.”

“Ooh! I get it. It’s a secret. I guess you’ve became friendly enough to share secrets with Aten. It’s making me jealous.”

“It’s nothing. Really.” He felt his words were adding more fuel to the flames. “Are we done here? I still have a lot of things to do.”

“What things?”

“Tests.”

“You’re not giving me any context again. What kind of test?”

“Weapons I’m thinking of having to get past the armored Giants. I need to test their practicality and the recipe I came up with. Anyways, break’s over. I’m heading back to the mill.”

“Wait, Kihet. Did you leave this here?” Lily asked as she picked up the package Aten left behind. Curious of what’s in it, she lifted the cloth revealing the Nagamaki. “I thought you lost it!”

“I thought so too.” Kihet said, now holding his weapon. “Looks like I’ll have to thank him later.”

As they left the orphanage, Lily shot him a smile.

“Something on my face?”

“Nope. Nothing~.”

“You’re up to something again, aren’t you?”

“I was happily thinking how much talkative you were today. Seems like your spirits were lifted, don’t you think?”

With a sigh of defeat, Kihet looked up to the sky and stretched his arms. “I think I needed that break with everything that’s about to happen.”

“Then let’s work even harder so we can take more breaks like this in the future!”

“I can agree to that.”

Kihet thought to himself it wasn’t bad to have some free time. It was enjoyable until it lasted that he did not have to worry about being the Oracle.