As the sun appeared on the vast horizon, Sam's eyes snapped open, but he didn't move. His face remained expressionless as he scanned the area. After seeing no threat, he nodded to himself and crawled out of the bear's carcass, which had grown cold, causing him to shiver as he left it. Then he dragged his body forward, collecting dry wood, and started the fire once again, glancing at the frosty water of the Tussock River.
Ahhh... I wish I had a container to boil water. Sighing in resignation, he took a deep breath as flames burned beside him. Standing up, he walked to the river, stared at it for a few seconds with a grimace, and simply jumped into the water, cleaning his body, which was drenched in blood.
After washing himself, he walked to the fire. Chilling winds made his body tremble as he took a seat near the flames. Their warmth comforted his body as he exhaled with a satisfied smile. Even small things can make a man happy...
After drying his body and hair, he reached for his clothes. He'd actually forgotten that he was near the mountain, and despite it not being winter, the air was cold and biting. Dew had made his dried clothes wet once again. Sighing, he put them beside the fire, drying them up once more. Then he checked his revolver. After making sure it was loaded, he nodded to himself and holstered it, putting it near his bag. Then he checked his ammunition, they too were safely stored.
Humming to himself a famous song among stable boys, Sam walked to the snow, pulled out the bear's meat, and started cooking it.
Before it could be truly cooked, he prayed to his Lord's Angel of War like he usually did before training. After doing so, he started exercising, stretching his body and warming up before the real work. After basic exercises to train his body, he then started refining his combat skills and weapon proficiency. Holding the claw of the Rat King like a dagger and taking a stance, he performed a set of movements that felt like a dance, albeit quite vicious one.
His every move was efficient. There was no unnecessary movement. His fighting style was savage, cunning, and domineering, not giving his opponent breathing room. His body was flexible and adaptable, capable of moving like an acrobat despite having broad shoulders, robust bones, and tenacious muscles that made him intimidating.
Though he knew that training alone wasn't enough at some point, it was only good for remaining in top shape and preventing skills from rusting. His Lord's Angel had always taught that war was the best teacher.
After the meat was cooked, he finished his training as well, extinguishing the flames and dressing as his clothes were also dried. He started his meal, thanking his Lord for blessing him with food and warmth, finished it quickly, and stored the rest for the journey.
Then he picked up his bag, tools and items, prepared himself, and set out, leaving the Mirminsk Mountains behind.
However, Sam needed to hurry. He knew where the meeting would be held, and he was out of time. So the question remained: how would he reach Backlund in time?
He sighed, walking through the forest and eventually stopping, groaning inwardly. While he didn't particularly enjoy bothering his Lord or His Angels, this time, he really needed Their help.
So he knelt down, clasping his hands and closing his eyes, calming his body, mind, and soul as he whispered softly:
"The Self-Devouring Snake of Mercury;
The Lingering Hero Spirit of the River; The Grace of the True Creator; The Eyes that Look at Fate;
The Great Soothsayer of Past, Present, and Future."
Sam's voice was sincere, respectful, and involuntarily desperate. "I pray for your help. I pray in hopes of your loving heart guiding my steps. I ask for the blessing of the Angel of Fate. Merciful, courageous, and honest; purest of my Lord's Angels, I know you will aid me. For your strength has always lain in lifting others up and leaving none behind, from the time you were weak till you became strong."
As the prayers left his lips, Sam took a deep breath and eventually opened his eyes. Though nothing had changed. Everything remained the same: the forest, the river, the cold winds of the north.
But Sam wasn't disheartened, his faith staying unwavering. Like his Lord's Angel of Time had blessed him with cunning, like his Lord's Angel of War had blessed him with strength and courage, he knew that his Lord's Angel of Fate would bless him with great luck and guide his steps.
So he continued moving forward, no trace of disappointment appearing on his face. He traversed the forest, inevitably leaving it after two hours. Then he leaped onto a rock and looked down at the cliff. Taking out his makeshift dagger, he started climbing down. After half an hour, he reached the ground. He was a bit tired, but he could still move, so he did, stepping into green, beautiful plains.
However, he froze instantly, his eyes widening as he heard perhaps the most beautiful voice in the world. His hair swayed in gentle, refreshing winds that appeared out of nowhere as he looked down, his lips twitching as he held back a smile that ultimately formed on his face.
Looking back, he saw a tall pitchblack stallion. He was ferocious, with powerful legs and refined muscles, his eyes cold and piercing as he observed him.
Sam took a step forward slowly, approaching the dark stallion, trying not to scare him. Then his hands reached his neck, caressing his fur and holding his muzzle with a warm smile. "What a majestic boy you are. I don't really want to bother you, but I'm in dire need of your assistance. It's fine if you don't wish to help, I understand but if you will, I'll be more than thankful, my good sir. So will you help this poor stable boy?"
The horse remained still, then looked him in the eyes and stamped his hoof into the dirt, snorting. "Neiighhh!"
Sam laughed as the horse licked his face. He leaned his head against his muzzle with closed eyes, whispering in his ear. "I won't forget this kindness."
Then he leaped, mounting the horse and holding his crest softly as he thanked the Angel of Fate in his mind. Thank you for your blessing... I knew you wouldn't forsake me.
.........
"We've made it..."
Amelia let out a breath filled with exhaustion, her sea-green hair messy, dirty, and wet as she lay in the boat, shivering. Then she groaned, throwing her hands in the air, throwing a tantrum. "Ughhh, I'm so tired. Can't we rest, Uncle?"
Yuri blinked, staring at her, and then his lips curled into a wry smile. He gave her his hand and pulled her out of the boat. "We're almost there, don't worry. And if you're so exhausted, I can carry you."
Amelia's eyes lit up, practically sparkling as she gave puppy eyes to Yuri. Wow... He's so kind and calm. Is he really a Prisoner? But now that I think about it, it's not like everyone was born a lunatic. Some couldn't even make a choice, and some didn't even know what kind of potion they were drinking.
As she thought of that, her resolve sharpened even more. Ignorance really is a sin...
Shaking her head, she snapped out of her thoughts as Yuri sighed, crouching, his body hunched. Amelia crawled onto his back, resting her cheek on his shoulder. Hmm... Uncle Yuri is really gentle and considerate. It reminds me of how Dad used to carry me.
"We're going to meet my colleagues. Don't panic when you meet them, okay?" Yuri told her softly, his voice gentle and a bit helpless as he rubbed his eyes with wry smile.
"Hmm?" Amelia raised an eyebrow, not understanding what he meant, but nevertheless, she nodded. Yuri had saved her life back in the cave, and during the avalanche as well, so she trusted him. She owed him that much. "Sure, no problem."
However, she also recalled one tiny, not-so-significant, not really important, and absolutely not life-threatening detail.
That bastard! Why did he destroyed the cave and started a damned avalanche?! Oh my... Wait, I don't believe in gods anymore! Eh? What was I thinking about? Ahh, yeah. That cretin, doesn't he know if he blows up a cave, the sound of the explosion will trigger an avalanche?
She groaned, clicking her tongue in annoyance. But slowly, her irritation faded away, leaving only worry. "Hey, Uncle Yuri... Do you think the cretin is okay?"
Yuri frowned, concern flashing in his dull eyes as he exhaled softly while walking. "He'll be fine. Sam's much more tenacious and adaptable than you think."
She nodded, feeling a bit saddened. Maybe I got attached to the cretin? Do I have a disease that attracts idiots? Wait a second... If opposites really attract... Hahaha, I'm really a fucking genius.
She hummed, a cheerful smile blooming on her face, her blue eyes sparkling from pride while Yuri stared ahead aimlessly with a blank look.
Eventually, they reached a remote forest near Backlund. Dark, tall trees towered over them, leaves falling gently and swaying in the soft wind. Grass enveloped the land in its embrace, and numerous plants and flowers adorned it. The currents of the Tussock River were calming down, and the brilliant, dazzling light of dusk gave everything an ethereal air. It felt like Earth Mother Herself was guiding them into Her Divine Kingdom.
Then they noticed a group waiting for them. And Amelia understood at this moment why Yuri had told her not to freak out.
Zombies? They really are... She thought, feeling chills crawl up her spine as she shuddered, a cold breath escaping her lips.
Sequence 6, Zombie, and his controlled undeads... She noted, observing the gathered individuals. Besides the Zombie, who had black hair, pale alabaster skin like that of a corpse, and malicious brown eyes, there were two other Beyonders of the Prisoner pathway waiting for them. One of them was normal; there wasn't anything abnormal about him. As for the woman... Perhaps a Werewolf or Lunatic? She didn't know, lacking information. The only reason she'd figured out that the man was a Zombie was because Beyonder Characteristics mutated him, literally turning him into what his sequence name indicated.
He was surrounded by a bunch of zombies standing motionless, their lungs empty, flesh stiff, hearts still and tranquil, with no signs of vitality.
Yuri blinked as he saw them. A flood of relief filled his body as he sighed, a melancholic yet joyful smile finding its place on his face. "It's been a while, Maric." His expression softened, then he glanced at the other Beyonders with warm eyes.
"Felicity, as beautiful as always." He spoke softly to a woman in her twenties. Her brown hair was tied in a ponytail, and her green eyes were sharp and indifferent. She was of average height, wearing a dark, gothic dress and gloves covering her hands.
"And David... It's nice seeing you alive." David was a tall, muscular man with broad shoulders, a dark beard, and dark eyes. His brown hair was short and styled, and he wore a suit without a tie. Amelia raised an eyebrow at him, feeling intrigued. He's more muscular than Sam, huh? Though Sam's taller, someone might mistake him for a Hunter even.
"You're late." A cold, impassive voice answered Yuri's warm greeting. Maric's expression was dark and displeased as he ran a hand through his messy hair.
"We encountered some difficulties, let's say." Yuri sighed helplessly, shaking his head. Then he looked up, his expression turning serious. "Do you know what happened to the prison?"
"Yes. What happened? How was entire prison burned to ashes? Didn't you send a letter saying you'd escape stealthily?" Felicity huffed, crossing her arms with an annoyed look, then glanced at a pool of water, styling her hair.
Amelia, watching this, pursed her lips. She's a Lunatic, no questions needed.
Yuri's expression grew more complicated as he coughed awkwardly, avoiding her gaze. "Hmm... My student and this young woman... They made some kind of bomb that incinerated the prison and killed everyone..."
Felicity's eyes widened while David's brow furrowed, both of them showing looks of bewilderment. Even Maric seemed baffled, though it was barely noticeable because of his usual indifferent attitude.
"Haaaaa... You guys survived, that's what matters. We can take care of the rest." David nodded. He was the only one who didn't suffer from the cursed mutations brought by the potion since he was just a Prisoner like Yuri. As for Felicity and Maric, they were influenced by their Beyonder Characteristics; one being a Lunatic, the other a Zombie.
But then David frowned, tilting his head as confusion flashed in his eyes. "Wait, where's that praised student of yours?"
Yuri's expression darkened, a concerned look appearing on his face as he exhaled, his body tensing. "I don't know. He decided to hunt the mystical creatures he needed as potion ingredients..." He closed his eyes, cracking his sore neck, exhausted from traveling, and explained the situation to them calmly, from escaping prison, then hunting mystical creatures, explosion, cave collapsing, and lastly avalanche.
After he finished, David had a sympathetic expression, spitting on the grass in displeasure. Felicity was more optimistic, reassuring him that there was a chance of him surviving. As for Maric, he had a thoughtful look on his face, his brow furrowed, glancing at Yuri coldly.
"Why did you agree? You went along with the whims of the child? You know how precarious our situation is. You uselessly risked not just your life, but those of the ignorant children who don't know anything about the life of a Beyonder." His tone was harsh, and his hoarse voice filled with disappointment, not understanding why someone like Yuri would agree to such a ridiculous request.
This gloomy fuck... How dare he!?
Amelia's eyes widened, her expression twisting into bitterness as her fingers clenched on Yuri's shoulders. She opened her mouth in anger but before she could speak, Yuri raised his hand, silencing her.
Them, he nodded awkwardly at Maric, his dull eyes guilty since he considered Sam his responsibility. He looked down, his lips pursed and expression complicated as he let out a deep breath, locking eyes with Maric. "I won't stand against my student's path. It was his choice, and I respect it. If I make every decision for him, how can he grow? He can't learn without making mistakes."
Maric narrowed his eyes, remaining impassive as he muttered coldly, "Hmm... Perhaps that's why he's probably dead."
"He's alive. He might be injured but definitely not dead." Yuri looked at Maric, both of them standing motionless for a few seconds.
Then, Maric sighed, massaging his neck and glancing at Amelia, his expression bleak and indifferent, his chilling voice almost making her yelp. "And who's this kid?"
Amelia let go of Yuri's shoulders, leaping from his back. She stood on the ground, hands on her hips, refusing to show how scared shitless she was. But regardless of how afraid she was, she still voiced her opinion as she proclaimed hauntingly, "I'm Amelia Oppenheimer, the great inventor who, if she doesn't die in some random alley, will create weapons capable of destroying worlds!"
She stood tall, her hand on her chest and her eyes closed. Sweat started pouring from her forehead as they stared at her blankly. Then, she added at last awkwardly with a cough, "I mean... hope didn't kill a man..."
David looked away, his mouth twitching, while Felicity's eyes sparkled, genuinely believing and probably even cheering for her. Maric had the most serious reaction, his expression twisting into resignation as he looked up with a hollow look, cursing under his breath. "Now that introductions are done, we have to leave immediately."
"Is Lady Doll waiting?" Felicity asked, her hair swaying in the wind.
"She doesn't like nicknames, so stop. And yes, she informed me to depart immediately after meeting." Maric nodded in confirmation.
"Then let's depart." Yuri nodded, walking with them as Amelia, whose cheeks were flushed red from embarrassment, wiped her forehead, breathing heavily. This is knowledge too. If I act like a retard, they won't kill me. Beyonders usually leave idiots alive... There's nothing embarrassing about this. That's right!
Shiiiiit... She thought, feeling ashamed as she dragged her body forward with pained groan, following them from behind, feeling awkward and not saying a single word.
If the cretin was here, at least he would've laughed at me... Dammit, silent pity is worse than bullying... Wait, was he really bullying me? I mean, he had unique preaching methods but... Ugh, whatever, I don't care. She huffed, her rosy cheeks puffing, and straightened.
I guess it wasn't that bad, she thought with a sigh, a faint smile blooming on her face. We escaped and survived. Hah, this might even be considered the happy endin-
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Gunshots rang out, bullets penetrating the air. Amelia's eyes widened, freezing in place as one whistled past her ear. She remained motionless, cold fingers of dread gripping her heart tightly as she saw, like in slow motion, blood erupting from the wound, spilling on her chest and arms, a few small drops falling in her eye, her crystal blue pupils turning red.
David's head was pierced, as well as his neck. Rivulets of blood flowed like a waterfall as his eyes lost their luster, life drained from him. He fell in front of her, dyeing the green grass red as the fight began.
"Huh?"