“It had never occurred to me that the great Sir Vance would take me out on a date,” Ryder said as he sat on the stool beside Sir Vance who was dressed like a country boy from the old generation with his faded jeans and checkered long sleeves. The bar was at its peak. They had turned on the music at full blast and the people at the center were having their crazy moments. The crowd was jumping up and down and shaking their bodies at the beat of the music. “How cheap. This is your version of a date?” Sir Vance said, swirling a red drink in one of his hands, his eyes lingering from left to right. He was being wary of their surroundings. The man couldn’t even relax in a place like this though Ryder understood his instincts. Sir Vance was a hardened warrior inside out being the man who took down a corrupt government and established a new one. A pair was making out on one of the corners and a man on the sofa in front of them had two women on his lap. “That was just a joke,” Ryder defende
One of them has been captured again. Grey flinched at the sound of wood exploding into splinters. All eyes were immediately on the one sitting at the far end of the room. Their boss had already broken two tables in his anger, one for each conjurer that was captured. Of the three that their boss had sent out, only Grey came back. Even Grey was beginning to worry that their plan was failing. He had no doubt that Jado would keep his mouth shut until the end but he was worried about Mishaela. Women were always the ones to loosen their tongues. And until now, her location was unknown. They knew where Jado is being kept right now but no trace for Mishaela, not even the government though they knew she was alive because there were lots of witnesses that said that she was captured by men in black during the festival attack three months ago. They knew who the men in black were. The Rigiddin family are renowned people but no matter how famous or how well-known they are, they are still a clan
Three months has already passed since the big attack at the Triad and both sides were taking their time recovering. As funny it might be, Hearth launched a grand attack just to steal some files. It meant there was a hidden challenge from the enemy. They were showing off their power, subconsciously letting Aegis and the Triad think that they are weak. It might also be a warning for them not to attempt to meddle with their business. That day indeed was a nightmare. The Triad has lost its base and they had made a temporary shelter in a plain business building at the center of the town. They had lost a thousand lives and more than a thousand files that day and of course, there was no way to recover it. Unless Hearth would give it back, but of course, that would be a miracle. After weeks of investigation, they learned that the reason why the headquarters was attacked was because of the intel it contained. The Triad was the central power of Khenealm even from history. Every tiny little
After they had hosted the second day of the burial, another grave news came. Raeya didn’t know the details and she didn’t dare ask to. Chief Raius and Jin shared a bond like no other. They were like king and knight, sword and shield–always complimenting each other’s skills, ideals, and beliefs, though it was not surprising because the Rigiddin and the Quohora go way back since ancient times. So when Jin the Discerner, the Chief’s Right Hand, approached her brother after the ceremony and whispered something to which the chief let out a grim expression for a second, Raeya knew something was up. It was not her place to know. Being in court taught her that whatever the Chief knows, everyone follows. So whatever the Chief decides not to show, they don’t need to know. But Raeya grew uneasy by the minute. Jin and the Chief were acting like nothing’s wrong as they exchanged words with random people who kept on blocking their way. They were calm outside but she had the feeling they wanted t
Jin Quohora knew Raeya’s emotional impulse so he decided to suggest to the chief that they wouldn’t let her tag along no matter what. When Richi’s raven arrived, Jin immediately discerned there was trouble for there was no letter but there was the smell of smoke–evil and unnatural smoke different from the campfires that surrounded Rokohorta Academy. Usually, the chief would call for a brief meeting before heading out but they were in the middle of a burial ceremony. The Rigiddin were very particular about such events and both Jin and the chief didn’t want to tarnish the heroic burial by just exiting when they themselves offered to be the host. “It seems that Hearth knows we are serious people when it comes to burials,” the chief said. “They took advantage of our little absence and surrounded Rokohorta. How far are they planning things out?” “They are serious like us,” Jin answered. Another thing that made them act normal despite hearing troubling news was because Khenealm official
''You're not serious in cooperating, are you?'' The chief's voice rang throughout the hall of the academy. They were just having dinner but every noise died down at the chief's authoritative tone. The servers stopped moving around and every fork and spoon went at a standstill. Richi calmly closed her eyes as she sipped her tea. Jin wasn't oblivious to the shifting of eyes of the Rokohorta women like they were exchanging messages. Everyone knew how dangerous of a man Raius Rigiddin was. It was natural that they were prepared to defend their Most Gracious should the chief do anything in his anger. They were on Rokohorta ground. Since it's their territory, the chief should do his best to acknowledge that fact and not cause any trouble. Though Jin was also ready to shield the chief. ''Richi, I just asked a question.'' The answer was obvious. Why would Richi call on the chief in a won battle if not to ask for his approval? ''Kindly lower your voice. Though we are of the same flesh an
Ryder knew he was messed upon seeing the shade of black cloth entering the gate. ''So even the Roar can chicken out,'' Leison chuckled beside him. Ryder closed the red curtain that led to the view of the entrance of their house base. He could still hear the giggles of the girls outside. For the first time in a long while, Raeya would sleep in their house. Her wounds have healed and the higher-ups deemed that she was good to return at Aegis and able to participate in missions again. She was really supposed to return so why was he freaking out? On the other hand, it was good that she was back at Khenealm. He heard from Sir Vance that things were looking tight back at the Rokohorta Academy. They specifically instructed that Raeya should know nothing of their situation. Even if Ryder wanted to tell her, he couldn’t imagine looking at her straight in the eye. After a few months that they lost their contract with each other, they haven't spoken, not even looked at each other. They were
The makeshift headquarters was small and only became smaller with the crowd. Every man and woman who were members of a company were there. It was a gathering of people who had different affiliation marks on the back of their right palms. Bear, the woodcutters; Gremlin, the hunters; Leviathan, the seamen; Sapphire, the diggers, and many others that Ryder already forgot. Suddenly, Aegis and Absinthe were no longer that all shiny with all these Khenealm silent soldiers. Though it was inconvenient to look at because of their small space of the hall, it was an overwhelming sight to behold each and every warrior who had access to the Shore. If their numbers stay until the end of the meeting, they could surely make the mission successful. Sadly, Sir Vance had already warned him and the other high-ranking officials. 'Were you just born yesterday to think that everyone would like our idea?' That was his reply when they were very optimistic that they could do it if they tried. And it was
''Tomorrow?'' Chief Raius couldn't help but laugh. ''Who do you think you are? Some savior who could turn the world upside-down with a snap of a finger? How do you expect to bring down Hearth, an enemy that even the Triad is having a hard time with? Could you erase a three hundred year-old company tomorrow? Could you?''Believe it or not.'' Ryder was offended. Earlier, his face held high reverence for the chief. Now, Ryder's voice was plain and he was looking at the chief at eye level without bowing or nodding, unlike earlier. But with the chief's words, it was bound to come to this point. ''I have been in touch with Sir Vance. he said that the preparations are complete. All that's left is for your consent.''Ryder wasn't even addressing him as chief anymore. Jin discerned it then at the moment. The Roar didn't come to be pitied, nor to ask for pity or forgiveness. He didn't come to grovel and take the blame for what happened to Raeya. That was just the surface. That was what he want
''You can't kill me'', Raeya blurted amidst their wrestling.His strength was overwhelming her and her muscles were becoming sore and overpowered by him. She had to do something. She had to find a good spot that she could use to break free.''Oh? How sure are you? Don't tell me its because you believe that I still love you.''No, she didn't believe that. Seyin was the second to confess his love to her after Jin. She was the one in-charge of handling new applicants to Aegis when Seyin entered the hall where they would be taking the Shore test. She was assisting Fhae in conducting the tests that would determine if the applicants had the potential to harness the power of the Shore.Instead of asking about anything significant about the test at that time, Seyin stood and boldly asked her out, embarrassing both of them at that moment. After that, she kindly but firmly said her no. Seyin cried in front of her but in the end, she offered what she could–friendship. Until now, she didn’t know
''Tomorrow?'' Chief Raius couldn't help but laugh. ''Who do you think you are? Some savior who could turn the world upside-down with a snap of a finger? How do you expect to bring down Hearth, an enemy that even the Triad is having a hard time with? Could you erase a three hundred year-old company tomorrow? Could you?''Believe it or not.'' Ryder was offended. Earlier, his face held high reverence for the chief. Now, Ryder's voice was plain and he was looking at the chief at eye level without bowing or nodding, unlike earlier. But with the chief's words, it was bound to come to this point. ''I have been in touch with Sir Vance. he said that the preparations are complete. All that's left is for your consent.''Ryder wasn't even addressing him as chief anymore. Jin discerned it then at the moment. The Roar didn't come to be pitied, nor to ask for pity or forgiveness. He didn't come to grovel and take the blame for what happened to Raeya. That was just the surface. That was what he want
''You can't kill me'', Raeya blurted amidst their wrestling. His strength was overwhelming her and her muscles were becoming sore and overpowered by him. She had to do something. She had to find a good spot that she could use to break free. ''Oh? How sure are you? Don't tell me its because you believe that I still love you.'' No, she didn't believe that. Seyin was the second to confess his love to her after Jin. She was the one in-charge of handling new applicants to Aegis when Seyin entered the hall where they would be taking the Shore test. She was assisting Fhae in conducting the tests that would determine if the applicants had the potential to harness the power of the Shore. Instead of asking about anything significant about the test at that time, Seyin stood and boldly asked her out, embarrassing both of them at that moment. After that, she kindly but firmly said her no. Seyin cried in front of her but in the end, she offered what she could–friendship. Until now, she didn’t kn
Jin had a feeling his discussion with Fahazi about leaders going at the forefront jinxed the night.“Go!” He commanded as he pulled Fahazi to his feet and pushed him to get him running. As they ran, Jin looked behind. He could make out nothing because of the darkness but he felt shadows following them. He grabbed Fahazi’s hand and sped across the tunnels. They only had one flashlight. Fahazi must have lost his own light during the explosion.Jin felt something was about to fall on them. He felt dust and debris fall upon his face as they ran. “Fall back, Fahazi!” Both of them were able to stop just in time before the ceiling gave way. If they had advanced one second further, they would have already been buried in a pile of huge blocks of cement and dirt.It didn’t stop there. A slight tremor was felt from above.“This way,” Fahazi suggested as he pointed to one of the tunnels which didn’t seem to be shaking. Jin nodded and they entered the tunnel to their left.“Do you think we can st
Grey wasn't someone who was easily intimidated. Even with Ryder and Leison had him on gunpoint and swordpoint, he still wore the same smug expression.''You're pretty confident this time, Aegis.'' He wasn't fazed at all with the pressure around him. ''Have you finally moved on from your humiliation in our last war?''This position was familiar with the battle at Hearth. Ryder had also cornered Grey in their laboratory. Grey wasn't yet a fighter or a conjurer back then, just a normal scientist who only knew how to wield science and technology. That was why Ryder decided that he wouldn't kill him. He diverted his focus on the Shadows that Hearth released. However, Grey took advantage of Ryder's soft heart back then. He summoned Absinthe and the rest was history.''You're provoking the wrong people. You should be telling that to your bosses,'' Leison answered.''I wouldn't call that a word of provocation. It's just called a taunt.'' Grey was feeling extra powerful now. Was there some rea
If Raeya could recall properly, the men said they were going to answer her questions after they had tied her up but now she was the one tying all of six of them up. It was a good thing she found a rope in one of the toolboxes of the saleslady or else she would have to knock them unconscious every five minutes that they woke up.Raeya pressed the switch and a single dim bulb was brought back to life. Its light was yellowish but it would serve its purpose just for the room to do away with the darkness. She tried calling her friends but she was stumped after realizing that there was no signal. Raeya hoped that Aegis was doing well and that nothing bad happened. Raeya didn’t know why but she was feeling ominous like something big happened. Or was that her overthinking? After securing their hands, she dragged them into the corner and made their backs lean on the wall, away from any object that they could grab and free themselves. She was waiting for the leader, the one with a red turban,
''So? Where did you come from? How did you meet with Jaiyo?''Infiltrating the camp was hard enough but questions like these were harder. ''My family of guerillas received your notice. I simply answered your call. Fortunately, the man with a purple headband who led me here and your attendant recommended you to me,'' Lidon answered as they walked the mountain trail.''I see.''She was not to be underestimated, unlike her hired soldiers.Jin and the chief already knew the basic structure of their camp because they flew over them once. He was pretty confident that he could get inside without doing anything not until he saw the entrance.The ones going in and out had some sort of special tattoos on their skin which they were showing to the guards. Jin was at a loss not until he spotted a group. They didn't show any part of their skin but they were accompanied by some sort of leader with a purple headband.It was that leader who let them in. Jin waited for a few nights at most before spot
Lidon was still wary of the guerilla army.He had wrapped his dagger to make them think that he had lowered his guard. But since no one was still attacking them, then it is safe to assume that they are safe for now. They led them through the forest until they reached a hanging bridge. In this time, it was unusual to see a wooden bridge when they were living in the age of development. The bridge was just a collection of blocks of wood bound together by rubber ties and twigs. A river with sharp rocks twenty feet spread below.“Let’s go two at a time or else the bridge will break,” the woman with the golden tooth said. That goes without saying. It was as if the bridge was designed to not welcome visitors.As ancient and old-looking the bridge was, the new guerilla army seemed to have no problem with it. Wayl and the woman went ahead first. It was only the two of them but the bridge swayed so much.“That seems scary,” Maryan whispered beside him.“We can’t do anything about it, can’t we