{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ItÔÇÖs early afternoon, and we havenÔÇÖt found anything related to the masked men or snake earring group. WeÔÇÖre back at the table inside the Icy Tavern."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ada, who was so keen on utilizing the time we have effectively, is silent as the rest of us rejoin her."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Seeing how no one else is saying anything, I interject, ÔÇ£Well, what else have you guys found?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"My question is met with silence. How ironic. Despite Ada making a fuss about wasting time, none of them have found anything else other than our encounter with those men."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We didnÔÇÖt find anything, but two of our groups heard something about an auction event somewhere,ÔÇØ Aisha informs. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖll have to repeat our scouting process to find out more.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I have a better idea,ÔÇØ I say. Since we canÔÇÖt exactly get access to some of the larger residences in the city, weÔÇÖll fall back to our original discovery. ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs explore the rest of the underground city. As we mentioned in our story, we think Floyd might know a few things. HeÔÇÖs at the Casino somewhere down there.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I donÔÇÖt know if none of them think itÔÇÖs a good idea or if theyÔÇÖre all too scared to get a pass, but no one answers. I continue, ÔÇØUnless you guys have a better ideaÔǪhurry up and get a pass. We donÔÇÖt have all day. Half the dayÔÇÖs already over.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs go with that,ÔÇØ Aisha says. ÔÇ£Any objections?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"A moment of silence before Aisha continues, ÔÇ£Great. Do you know where to obtain passes?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know. Just go any Dwarven blacksmith, theyÔÇÖll probably do it. Try the Dwarven district,ÔÇØ I say, and then my stomach growls. ÔÇ£While you guys do that, IÔÇÖm gonna grab some grub with Hina. We havenÔÇÖt had a chance to eat anything since arriving.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Right. WeÔÇÖll be back as soon as possible,ÔÇØ Aisha says and stands up. The rest of her team follow and leave the building."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Good call, IÔÇÖm starvinÔÇÖ,ÔÇØ Hina says and walks out the door. I follow."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs find a Human establishment. I donÔÇÖt wanna risk having to eat some strange rocks or something at another place. Not saying that itÔÇÖs all they eat, but you know?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No objections here.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We repeat the process of going into restaurants and looking around a few times. On our third attempt, we find Human servers. ItÔÇÖs a bit crowded, but IÔÇÖd imagine most places will be considering itÔÇÖs the Inteiru Expota. Well, except the Dwarven places. There seems to be an overabundance of them in this area. Everyone can enjoy a nice universal meal while only Dwarves can eat those rocks, though itÔÇÖs only Humans in here as far as I can see."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"A man carrying some food walks past us and says, ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll be right with you. There are two open tables. Feel free to take the smallest one in the corner.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We sit down at the empty booth in the corner. Oh, two Dwarven men are sitting at the table next to us. They have their arms crossed and look grumpy. There are a few small rocks on the table. ThatÔÇÖs interesting how this place accommodates Dwarves by giving them some rocks. I wish the Icy Tavern had some food for non-Dwarves too."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, we have some downtime. LetÔÇÖs talk about that Aerkin battle,ÔÇØ Hina says and beams with an open mouth. Looks like someone enjoyed themselves."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I take everythinÔÇÖ back what I said about monsters beinÔÇÖ dumb,ÔÇØ she continues before I can say anything. ÔÇ£Well, the bear was dumb, but the wolf was amazinÔÇÖ.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I think back to the moment that I thought was most impressive. ÔÇ£Yeah. He had an ingenious plan to attack only when the bear exhausted its Fire Affinity. If he didnÔÇÖt, the bearÔÇÖs Fire magic would have been continuously used and replenished at the same rate allowing him to use it as a defense mechanism as the Earth magic closed in on him. It made me realize that I should be more careful about how I use my magic, considering I have low Fire Affinity.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina smiles smugly and answers, ÔÇ£Well, I donÔÇÖt have to worry. ItÔÇÖs a shame your talent wonÔÇÖt be of much use when everyoneÔÇÖs Mana manipulation skill catches up to you. YouÔÇÖll be at a severe disadvantage with your low Mana capacity and Fire Affinity.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I smile back and respond, ÔÇ£Well, if I cut their throat with my swords before they can use any magic, it wonÔÇÖt be a problem. High Affinity and Mana capacity mean nothing if you make dumb decisions like the bear.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fine, but seriously. WhatÔÇÖll you do when you canÔÇÖt overpower the enemy? It wonÔÇÖt work if theyÔÇÖre stronger like those masked men. Or when theyÔÇÖre smarter than you? YouÔÇÖll lose a battle of attrition.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Run like hell, what else? I wonÔÇÖt get into those situations. Unfortunately for those Aerkins, they have nowhere to run. ItÔÇÖs life or death,ÔÇØ I answer, though technically my Fire magic "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"is "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"the strongest. Nothing can overpower it."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The server from earlier runs up to us and says, ÔÇ£Sorry, weÔÇÖre quite busy at the moment. We donÔÇÖt have a menu for today since we have an overabundance of various monster meats.┬áTen silver coins upfront for one plate of an assortment of meats.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ten silver coinsÔǪ? ThatÔÇÖs ridiculously expensive for one meal. Is it because itÔÇÖs overcrowded in the city? People are taking advantage of this to charge way more than the standard. We donÔÇÖt have time to look for another place that might be the same way. IÔÇÖm starving too. We have enough money, so itÔÇÖs not a problem. I drop twenty silver coins on the table and respond, ÔÇ£Sure. Give us two servings. One for each of us.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Right away, sir,ÔÇØ he says, picks up the coins, and then walks away."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Considering that these Dwarves next to us havenÔÇÖt got their food yet, itÔÇÖll probably be a while for us, given their grumpy expression."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt you feel sorry for those Aerkins?ÔÇØ Hina asks. ÔÇ£What if we had to fight to the death?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Feeling empathetic for monsters?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Not specifically "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"all "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"monsters. Just the ones like Splinter, who's smart and can make decisions like us. TheyÔÇÖre no different other than their physical appearances. ItÔÇÖs not fair to bucket them with the generic monster. They deserve a separate name.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I call them "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"good "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"monsters. I encountered a turtle in the past after the tournament,ÔÇØ I say, thinking of Rocky. Hina knits her eyebrows. I continue, ÔÇ£Long story. But, some rocks on top trapped him in place. I removed the rocks and thenÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"LunaÔÇÖs face appears in my head. I hesitate and then continue, ÔÇ£Luna said turtles taste great in soup, but I said it would be sad if we saved it only to eat it for lunch, so in the end, we didnÔÇÖt. I named him Rocky. I didnÔÇÖt know he was a monster until he used Water magic on Hiro, who had it coming because he was harassing Rocky.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina laughs softly. ÔÇ£I can see that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Well, even though I admit he was quite friendly, IÔÇÖm not sure if heÔÇÖs comparable to a person. Would they know "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"right "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"from "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"wrong"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"? Just because SplinterÔÇÖs battle tactics were amazing, doesnÔÇÖt mean heÔÇÖs the same as us. Good monster or not. WeÔÇÖll never know because we canÔÇÖt communicate with them.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Actions speak louder than words. Rocky didnÔÇÖt try to kill Hiro, did he? He knew that "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"seriously "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"attackinÔÇÖ him wasnÔÇÖt appropriate for the situation. You donÔÇÖt need to communicate with words. He didnÔÇÖt have killinÔÇÖ intent, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah, but how do I know he isnÔÇÖt really good at hiding it? If youÔÇÖre trying to compare it to a personÔǪskilled fighters have no problem concealing their bloodlust.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs body language and verbal cues too. Did he hiss or look like he was about to attack anyone?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"HmmÔǪ She has a point. Rocky was lounging on the grass, minding his own business, relaxed.┬áBut he couldÔÇÖve been biding his time. ÔÇ£No, but he couldÔÇÖve been waiting for the right opportunity when our guards were down. I mean, he clearly didnÔÇÖt have any bad intentions, but if he did, it would be too late.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre stubborn. But you realize that everythinÔÇÖ you said could be true of people too, right? We give them the benefit of the doubt until they show otherwise. Why shouldnÔÇÖt those good monsters be given the same standard? As they say, innocent until proven guilty.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Because a lot of people have fallen to monsters. ItÔÇÖs the whole reason why villages are surrounded by walls. To protect them from the vicious monsters that roam Eiruta.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We have killed a lot of our own too. Take the attack on our city.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I sigh and then concede, ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre right. I donÔÇÖt know what else to say. But, society has deemed monsters all hostile for a long time. Probably since the beginning? I donÔÇÖt think that viewpoint will be easy to change. It doesnÔÇÖt help that a lot of monsters look scary.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We can change. After all, weÔÇÖre movinÔÇÖ toward coexistence with the other races.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I guess, though IÔÇÖm not sure how many people youÔÇÖd be able to convince that thereÔÇÖre "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"good "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"monsters from the bad ones.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt like how you call them "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"good "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"monsters. The Aerkins like Splinter. Think about it. There are real criminals among us, right? All people can make decisions, but not all of them are "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"good. "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"IÔÇÖm sure the same can be said of monsters.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£EhhÔǪthis is getting too complicated. Now you want to divide the monsters up into three groups? At this point, maybe even four. For all you know, that bear could be capable of making decisions too. Or every monster on the planet. Except that most of them are dumb since you want to compare them to us. ÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Well, we donÔÇÖt have to give them all names. As long as you know what IÔÇÖm talkinÔÇÖ about. Monsters like the bear are like most monsters we encounter. They operate on instinct. They do what they do because they donÔÇÖt know any better. Then there would be those like Splinter. All IÔÇÖm sayinÔÇÖ if we should give those monsters a second chance.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Right, so how do you propose we do that? ItÔÇÖs not viable to wait and see if every monster will kill you. We need to hunt them for food and materials too. ThatÔÇÖs why we have Adventurers.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We have our local slaughterhouses and farms. The animals we breed specifically for our main food supply. We donÔÇÖt "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"need "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"to hunt all the monsters out there. I donÔÇÖt know how weÔÇÖre goinÔÇÖ to do it, but IÔÇÖll make it my mission to see through this.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Okay, but those monsters you want to live alongside of have to hunt to stay alive too. What if they have no other choice but to attack Humans, Elves, or whatever?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs easy. WeÔÇÖll increase the number of animals we raise and leave some for them. Mass feed them.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I scoff and then interject, ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"OkayÔǪ"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina frowns and asks, ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs that supposed to mean?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I meanÔǪitÔÇÖs a bit of an unrealistic solution. You want to increase our food output to feed "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"monsters w"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"hen we have poverty problems with our cities. People that canÔÇÖt afford food or housing. Instead of fixing that first, you wanna feed the monsters. Hell, even the baseline amount of food the army provides is lacking. That aside, youÔÇÖre trying to change centuries of behavior with no real benefit to us. And earlier today, we were discussing how the Xog were terrifying because theyÔÇÖre upright monsters who can think. After meeting the Felodians, IÔÇÖm skeptical whether weÔÇÖll ever achieve coexistence with them."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£And you canÔÇÖt understand the Dwarves either who we "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"can "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"communicate with. But youÔÇÖre jumping ahead of all of that and want to pick out the good monsters of all the bad somehow and treat them the same as us. DonÔÇÖt get me started on the other social problems that we discussed, how men belittle women and everyone shunning people like Porters for no good reason. We should resolve that first, donÔÇÖt you think?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs trueÔǪÔÇØ she mutters. ÔÇ£But IÔÇÖm still goinÔÇÖ to try. ItÔÇÖs not somethinÔÇÖ I can do on my own, soÔǪwill you help?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know how to even begin helping with that. Honestly, I donÔÇÖt really care. The only thing I want is to kill the one responsible for the attack on our city. ThatÔÇÖs all. I hope you havenÔÇÖt forgotten whatÔÇÖs most important here.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina sighs. ÔÇ£YeahÔǪabout that. As much as I want to find the ones responsible and give them justiceÔǪIÔÇÖm startinÔÇÖ to realize there are more important things.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs more important than revenge? DonÔÇÖt you wanna make them pay? Especially since they killedÔǪyou know... Your boyfriend.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YeahÔǪand thatÔÇÖs all I wanted for a whileÔǪbut I realized. I donÔÇÖt think IÔÇÖll be happy even if I find those responsible. Lucius would want me to be happy. Instead of makinÔÇÖ life miserable for those who attacked our city, I want to make livinÔÇÖ more tolerable for those still alive. You shouldÔÇöÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇÿShut up,ÔÇØ I interrupt. ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt push your ideals on me. I told you. I only want revenge. And IÔÇÖll do anything to accomplish that goal. So, are you the one thinking about backing out now?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, of course not. I hope you didnÔÇÖt misunderstand me. I still want to find those responsible. ItÔÇÖs important so that they donÔÇÖt create "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"another "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"tragedy. ItÔÇÖs a different mindset. WhatÔÇÖre you goinÔÇÖ to do after you achieve your goal? Go back to beinÔÇÖ an Adventurer?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know. I havenÔÇÖt thought that far yet. IÔÇÖll cross that bridge after I kill "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"that "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"masked man. The one responsible for everything.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£You should cross that bridge now, so you donÔÇÖt feel lost after youÔÇÖve killed him.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Nah. I donÔÇÖt want it to distract me from doing what I need to do.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm worried about you. About the things youÔÇÖll do to achieve your goal. I only hope that you donÔÇÖt lose your sense of self. DonÔÇÖt turn into one of them ÔÇô a monster.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt worry. I wonÔÇÖt stoop to their level. Thanks for your concern. More importantlyÔÇôÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Sorry for the long wait. Here are your meals,ÔÇØ the server says and sets down two plates of various cubed meats in front of us. It makes my mouth water. Perhaps ten silver coins doesnÔÇÖt overrate the quality of this food."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I frown skeptically and look toward the Dwarves who still havenÔÇÖt gotten anything."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Enjoy,ÔÇØ the man says and then turns around."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"One of the Dwarves picks up a rock and then chucks it at the server before he walks away. He turns around, and one of the Dwarves says, ÔÇ£ÔÇÖEy, ye fuckinÔÇÖ Human. WeÔÇÖve been waitinÔÇÖ fer owor half an hour. Whaur be our food?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The server smiles and clasps his hands together. ÔÇ£Please, sirs, donÔÇÖt throw your food. WeÔÇÖve provided you a few snacks to munch on while you wait. WeÔÇÖre very busy today.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Busy ma fart-box,ÔÇØ one of them says while both stand up. They walk toward the man. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve seen ye serve oder customers arrivinÔÇÖ later roight in front oÔÇÖ us. ÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Ye dare serve us deez crummy rocks anÔÇÖ call it "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"food? "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬áYe ma fuckinÔÇÖ racist,ÔÇØ the other Dwarf says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The server takes a few steps back and points his palms forward. ÔÇ£Please, sit down. WeÔÇÖll have your food out soon.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina suddenly stands up and says, ÔÇ£Excuse me.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Huh?ÔÇØ the Dwarves interject and stare our way."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina lifts her plate and continues, ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre free to take my plate. I know youÔÇÖve been waitinÔÇÖ for a while, and you deserve it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She signals me with her eyes."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I sigh and stand up, too, with my plate in hand. ÔÇ£Take mine as well. We donÔÇÖt mind waiting a little longer.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We dank ya, Humans,ÔÇØ they say and take our plates. We all sit back down in our seats."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Ah. Dis be delicious. It been worff de wait.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I stare at Hina and frown. ÔÇ£Seriously?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She smiles and responds, ÔÇ£One small step at a time. If other Humans are mistreatinÔÇÖ the other races, we can make up for it by beinÔÇÖ nice. As you said, this is an issue we have to tackle first before thinkinÔÇÖ about savinÔÇÖ monsters like Splinter.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I frown with a skew. IÔÇÖm not sure if thatÔÇÖs a good ideaÔǪ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The server comes back with two plates of meat. That was surprisingly fast. Succulent pieces of meat here I come! He sets it in front of us and quietly mutters, ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"Midget lovers"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"My grin quickly dies as the perfectly cooked meats from earlier are gone. The meats on both of our plates are half burnt and dried out. I eat a piece, and it tastes as good as it looks. Still edible, but not very good. This is also beef, nothing like those mystery pieces of other meats we had previously. All of these pieces are beef, one of the most common pieces of meat. We paid ten silvers for some burnt low-quality common meat."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I stare back at Hina and ask, ÔÇ£So, you were sayingÔǪ?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She quietly eats her meal. I donÔÇÖt blame her. Even I wouldnÔÇÖt have thought that we would get backlash from our own kind from showing generosity toward Dwarves. We saved his ass and this is how he treats us. It wasnÔÇÖt even a big deal. We quickly finish eating our meals and then leave the place. We make our way back to the Icy Tavern. The others should be back soon as well."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£This isnÔÇÖt goinÔÇÖ to be easyÔǪÔÇØ Hina says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs that?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Coexistence.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No shit? Because of you, we wasted twenty silver coins on a subpar meal. I was looking forward to that assortment of monster meatsÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry,ÔÇØ she says and then takes out twenty silver coins. ÔÇ£Here.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I accept it and say, ÔÇ£Thanks. DonÔÇÖt bother carrying out small acts of kindness next time. ItÔÇÖs not like thatÔÇÖs gonna solve the problem at its core.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah. YouÔÇÖre probably rightÔǪbut I feel like I still need to do it. It doesnÔÇÖt feel right to stand idle while somethinÔÇÖ like that happens, though. CouldnÔÇÖt it turn into an international crisis if those Dwarves reported that restaurant?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Who knows. But I doubt that server is the only one who isnÔÇÖt fond of Dwarves. Or even Elves and Xog. IÔÇÖm sure the members of the other races feel the same about other races. No matter what you do, nothingÔÇÖs gonna change. You see how hopeless your mission is?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs doubtlessly challenginÔÇÖ, but not impossible. I canÔÇÖt do anythinÔÇÖ from the bottom of the army. I need to move up.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£HowÔÇÖs that gonna help?ÔÇØ I ask, thinking of Captain Albius. He doesnÔÇÖt want to rank up because the higher rank requires more administrative responsibilities. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖd have to be a MajorÔǪor the General.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fine. IÔÇÖll aim for the very top. IÔÇÖll become a General.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I laugh."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina frowns and says, ÔÇ£There you go againÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Sorry, itÔÇÖs just youÔÇÖre too optimistic. I donÔÇÖt think thereÔÇÖre even any female Captains. Now, you wanna overtake General Nero all of a sudden. We donÔÇÖt even know if thatÔÇÖs possible.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll make it possible. ItÔÇÖll show that women are just as capable of men, accomplishinÔÇÖ two goals at once.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Good luck withÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Screams resound up ahead and a roar afterward. Is it a monster? An escaped Aerkin?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina and I glance at each other before rushing toward the source. At the next turn, thereÔÇÖs a wave of people fleeing the area. But not everyone is fleeing which makes it weird. It could be that the people remaining are confident that they could fend for themselves if need be."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ThereÔÇÖs a line of people standing up ahead. Huh? Is that Ruby? The ministers are next to them, but the others arenÔÇÖt here."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Ruby!ÔÇØ I exclaim."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Kai!ÔÇØ Ruby turns around and exclaims with a grin. ÔÇ£I did whatcha asked me ta do.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Good job. WhatÔÇÖs going on here?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£A buncha monsters appeared,ÔÇØ Ruby informs."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No oneÔÇÖs killed them yet?ÔÇØ I ask. Are they escaped Aerkins? Considering the panic, they arenÔÇÖt good monsters. The others must be handling the situation."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll kill ÔÇÿem now,ÔÇØ Ruby says calmly and turns around."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"One of the ministers turns toward us and yells, ÔÇ£No! WeÔÇÖve told you that you musnÔÇÖt!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby continues walking forward. Another minister exclaims, ÔÇ£Sergeant Kai, stop her now!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"IÔÇÖm not sure exactly whatÔÇÖs going on, but I run forward. ÔÇ£Ruby, wait! Stop!ÔÇØ┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I put a hand on her shoulder. It was at this moment the Feloidians are in my sights. A large group of them standing there all with the monster heads. They werenÔÇÖt escaped Aerkins but something worse"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"My heartbeat quickens."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Okay, IÔÇÖll stop. But why?ÔÇØ Ruby asks. ÔÇ£They tried ta hurt the ministersÔǪÔÇÖnÔÇÖ theyÔÇÖre hurtinÔÇÖ everyone.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Take it off!ÔÇØ one of the Feloidians exclaims with a raspy voice. One of the goons is in front of the feline beast. He takes off his armor and then his shirt despite the cold weather. Jetia, Luke, and everyone else is in the same situation with a different Feloidian in front of them."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"Oh, shitÔǪ "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ItÔÇÖs happening. TheyÔÇÖre looking for me. A scar across the chest. This is bad. I canÔÇÖt be here. I canÔÇÖt hide my fear. TheyÔÇÖll know. But I canÔÇÖt leave the ministers here if they get hurt, itÔÇÖs all for naught. I back away slowly for now."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"One of them suddenly turns his head toward me. The moment our eyes meet, I freeze. A cold chill goes down my spine."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£You!ÔÇØ he exclaims and sprints toward me on all four limbs so fast that it leaves a dirt trail behind him. It was the fastest IÔÇÖve seen "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"anything"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" run. He stands straight in front of me. His physique is the largest out of all the Feloidians, and his head is that of a lion instead of a tiger. His armor is a deep blue, the same color as those swords we found in that underground place. ThereÔÇÖs an emblem of a lion baring its fangs on the center of his chest plate. Similar to XanthoÔÇÖs symbol, but very different at the same time. ItÔÇÖs much fiercer. A huge scythe rests on his back."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He opens his mouth widely, revealing his fangs and sharp teeth. A stream of mist exits from his mouth. ÔÇ£AhhÔǪI can practically "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"taste "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"your trepidation. Are "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"you "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"the one?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"Fuck, fuck, fuckÔǪ "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"This guyÔÇÖs no joke. The amount of pressure IÔÇÖm feeling from him is insane. HeÔÇÖs nothing like Pem. I wonÔÇÖt be able to lie my way out of this one. Running wonÔÇÖt work. HeÔÇÖs too fast. I could slow him down with my strongest Fire magic, but if that doesnÔÇÖt work, IÔÇÖm dead. Using Void magic to escape is the only viable option, but I have to keep that hidden. Attacking in any shape or form might start a war too."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Show me your chest,ÔÇØ he says and then growls."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"IÔÇÖm running out of time. What are my options again? Retaliating in any way would probably result in him attacking me. If that happens, Ruby will be involved, and heÔÇÖll probably kill her. What if I give myself upÔǪ? I donÔÇÖt know what they want with me yet. ThatÔÇÖs the best option, but IÔÇÖm not sure if Ruby will understand. What if I burn off my entire chest with Fire magic? No, heÔÇÖd smell the burn. If I reveal myself, itÔÇÖs all or nothing."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Then, if Ruby goes berserk, itÔÇÖs all for naught. It would be clear that she attacked first and then best-case scenario, we live, but would be held responsible for trying to instigate a war."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby walks in between him and me. ÔÇ£I wonÔÇÖt let ya be mean ta Kai.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"RubyÔǪ I open my mouth to say something, but I canÔÇÖt. No words come out. What would I even say? Before I know it, my body begins to quiver. My hands, lips, and everything."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Human girl, "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"move"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":",ÔÇØ he says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby doesnÔÇÖt move an inch. I have to give myself up before itÔÇÖs too late. I have to. I want to, but I canÔÇÖt."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No,ÔÇØ she says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"MOVE!"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇØ he yells at a deafening volume and then growls at an equally intense force with enough strength to blow RubyÔÇÖs hair backward. He sends out an enormous amount of killing intent at the same time. The power of his roar splits my ears, leaving only ringing."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Yet, somehow, Ruby still does not move an inch. Not even a tremble. How can she be so fearless in front of this lion beast?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The ringing decreases over time. NowÔÇÖs not the time for you to be acting like this, Ruby. Please, concede and move out of the way. Anyone would turn tail after that roar. Let me turn myself in. Her shoulders rise as if taking a deep breath. A part of my hearing returns just in time to hear Ruby scream, ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"No!"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Damn it, Ruby. I prepare my Mana and instructions as a counter-measure. If it comes down to it, IÔÇÖll reveal my Void magic and bring us to safety. I donÔÇÖt care about the consequences."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That is enough!ÔÇØ a man exclaims from behind me. ÔÇ£Bazaleon, please. Is this any way how a ruler should behave?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"This lion guy is a rulerÔǪ? I canÔÇÖt believe how anyone this "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"violent "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"and scary could be a king. Our king in Drymo is hardly that. I donÔÇÖt know whoÔÇÖs speaking to this beast right now, but IÔÇÖm thankful for the additional time it gives me to prepare for the worst-case scenario."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£King DiellÔǪÔÇØ the lion guy mutters."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I raise my eyebrows. Or maybe not."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The lion beast continues, ÔÇ£A true ruler takes matters into his own hands instead of cowering into their chambers. What are "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"you "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"doing out here?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I heard from this red-haired young lady that you are terrorizing my citizens. So, I have come to take matters into my own hands.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"A red-haired young lady? Come to think of itÔǪ I didnÔÇÖt see Marin around here. My body is responding again. I turn around, finding her there with a middle-aged man wearing noble clothing, who must be King Diell. Three armed men donning a full set of armor are behind him ÔÇö two with Titanium and the other with dark green armor. I canÔÇÖt get a good read on them right now, but theyÔÇÖre definitely seasoned fighters."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£If thatÔÇÖs actually true, you wouldnÔÇÖt have come with back-up or required a messenger to inform you. I donÔÇÖt understand how the other races could ever allow the weak to be in power. Only the strong should rule.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We will leave that discussion for another time. I cannot allow you to continue violating the rights of my citizens.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"Hah! "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ThatÔÇÖs laughable. So, Elves, Dwarves, and Xog donÔÇÖt count as citizens despite that weÔÇÖre all living in the same city? ItÔÇÖs fine if your "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"citizens"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" violate the rights of Elves and Dwarves every day.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Bazaleon, you are not a resident of the Xog district, so of course, you are not a citizen. I assure you that I am doing all that I can to ensure that coexistence with the other races proceeds smoothly. I cannot keep watch in every corner of the city making sure that everyone is treated justly.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs a simple solution for that. Create a law that punishes those who show injustice to another race.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That only creates fear. At the surface, yes, it may stop people from showing their displeasure, but it does not create a friendly environment, which is what we wish to achieve. Governing through fear is not the answer.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Typical Human response.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Adjusting to coexistence takes time. I cannot help it if people are not ready for that change.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Then why the aggressive push for coexistence? What is it that you want from us? We acquire magic instruction from your institution, but what do you hope to gain?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Why must every action be associated with profit? We only want current and future peace.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Lies. Are you looking to have more land under Human rule? Or do you want to lay your filthy hands on our defenseless women?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Surely, you jest. Your women are more than capable of protecting themselves. What is this really about?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£A lecherous man forced my star pupil into taking off her clothes, showing him her "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"bare "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"chest.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"WaitÔǪ What?! Is he talking about Pem and me? I didnÔÇÖt force her to do anything! She misunderstood! HeÔÇÖs making up lies, but I canÔÇÖt say anything. But then it hits me. If he knows about that, Pem mustÔÇÖve told him. My heartbeat speeds up, and my palms sweat quickly. Do they"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":" know"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" it was me? I look at this monstrosity of a body. Does "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"he "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"know it was me all along?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£How did that happen?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£It happened because your men take advantage of our na├»ve women who donÔÇÖt understand whatÔÇÖs proper and what isnÔÇÖt. They donÔÇÖt want to retaliate and ignite a war, so they politely comply.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So you are forcing these men to strip as revenge? Preposterous.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre treating you kind to satisfy our objectives.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£And what objectives are those?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£To find a Human male with a diagonal scar across his chest,ÔÇØ Bazaleon says. My heart sinks, but I try not to show a strong reaction. ÔÇ£And to find the fiend who violated my pupil.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"His word choice frustrates me despite the urgency of this situation. Forcing someone to strip turns into violating. What the hell did Pem tell him? I recall her last parting words. Could this situation be what sheÔÇÖs sorry for? It doesnÔÇÖt make sense. She memorized my scent, so it shouldnÔÇÖt be that hard for her to bring me to him."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬áÔÇ£I understand the latter, but what has this other man done to displease you?ÔÇØ King Diell asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖve received a tip that heÔÇÖs committed "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"atrocities "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"against our citizens.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"AgainÔǪ More lies."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So you are terrorizing my citizens based on an anonymous tip? How reliable is the information?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs not an anonymous tip, and I canÔÇÖt tell you more than that. Know that it comes from a very reliable source.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No matter. I order you to cease your activities immediately.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Are you sure you want to do that? If you want my vote to pass the upcoming reforms.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£If it comes down to it, we will not need your vote. You are only one of fourteen. Push this any further, and we will exclude the Feloidians from the reforms.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I wouldnÔÇÖt be so sure of that. The other six Feradian representatives share my perspective. And if you think youÔÇÖll be getting the DociformsÔÇÖ votesÔǪthey are much easily "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"persuaded. "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"WhatÔÇÖll the other races think if youÔÇÖve shut us out for a petty reason?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Petty? The safety of my citizens?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, youÔÇÖre only worried about the safety of your citizens?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yes, it looks like you understand.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Oh, I "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"understand "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"perfectlyÔǪÔÇØ he says and then looks at me.┬áAt that moment, I knew something wasnÔÇÖt right. ÔÇ£These two arenÔÇÖt native to Syrina!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The second he reached for his weapon, my body moves on its own. I step in front of Ruby and pull out my swords."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Stop this!ÔÇØ General Nero exclaims behind us before Bazaleon unclips his scythe. ÔÇ£Those are my soldiers. I wonÔÇÖt allow you to harm them.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Shit. If heÔÇÖs here, he knows that I disobeyed orders and let the ministers do what they want. Always from one crisis to the next. General Nero should "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"know "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I have that scar across my chest. I pray that Bazaleon doesnÔÇÖt mention it again. He would no doubt give me up in a heartbeat."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Relax, general from Drosera. I only planned to scare them a little,ÔÇØ Bazaleon says and then laughs. ÔÇ£It seems none of you are equipped with Mithril. Only measly Titanium and Tungsten, despite your lavish treatment toward the Dwarves. There are no advantages of using Titanium over Mithril, so it means you donÔÇÖt have it. WhyÔÇÖs that?┬á"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"What "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"are you receiving from the Dwarves in exchange? ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"MithrilÔǪthe name of that blue metal?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I do not feel obliged to answer your questions with your level of cooperation,ÔÇØ King Diell says. ÔÇ£Tell us why you are fixated on those two in front of you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs the boy,ÔÇØ he says and then tilts his head down to me. I freeze up again despite being able to move earlier. He laughs and then continues, ÔÇ£There it is again. Fear. Most of us Xog can "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"smell "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"it, "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"taste "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"it, and, most of all, "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"sense "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"it. Out of anyone weÔÇÖve encountered today, this boy has had the most fear out of anyone. He "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"knows "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"heÔÇÖs the one weÔÇÖre looking for. ThatÔÇÖs why heÔÇÖs far more scared than anyone weÔÇÖve met.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I do not mean to be rude, but anyone would be scared of you. Especially, considering you are one of the most fearsome Feradian Xog known as the Grim Reaper. Take into account that some of us are frightened very easily.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fair enough. Try this. Help us find the two men weÔÇÖre looking for, and youÔÇÖll have my vote. IÔÇÖd like for all Human kingdoms to assist with the inspection of their respective citizens that are here. No questions asked. I wonÔÇÖt interfere with the decisions of the other representatives either if you do.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£On one condition,ÔÇØ King Diell answers. ÔÇ£If we find the men responsible for both incidents, we will not hand them over unless you provide us proof that it was undoubtedly them. It should be easy for the second man. Have your pupil come and point out the man responsible.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Very well. Currently, I have my pupil hidden away in the Xog district away from Human influence. WeÔÇÖll arrange for the inspection later. Are you sure the other kingdoms will agree to the terms?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sure my king will agree without a doubt,ÔÇØ General Nero says. ÔÇ£They are simple requests, and if theyÔÇÖre as guilty as you claim, weÔÇÖll be glad to hand them over to you as a courteous gesture.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£There you have it. Do we have a deal?ÔÇØ King Diell asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Of course,ÔÇØ Bazaleon says and smiles. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll see you at the meeting tomorrow.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He then looks down toward me. He bends down with his face only an inch from mine. I donÔÇÖt dare to break eye contact. He continues, ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt think youÔÇÖre getting away, boy. WeÔÇÖll know if youÔÇÖre guilty soon enough.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He suddenly snarls and lets out a low growl. My head flinches backward. He stands up and gloats. ÔÇ£Yellow-belly.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He turns around and then walks away, laughing. The other Feloidians in the area quietly follow him. I sheathe my weapons."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Sergeant Kai,ÔÇØ General Nero says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I turn around immediately and salute him. ÔÇ£Yes, sir!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Tell me. Why have you broken orders?ÔÇØ he asks in a tone reminiscent of that unspeakable day, refreshing my memory fully of the consequences."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I gulp, unable to answer. IÔÇÖd have to admit that I broke orders fully aware to accomplish my side goals, that he specifically told me to drop."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£General Nero,ÔÇØ one of the ministers speaks up. ÔÇ£Please, donÔÇÖt blame Sergeant Kai for this. We forced him to play along with us. We told him that we received updated orders from you to accompany us around town.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£General Nero, may we have a word with you? There are matters we would like to discuss,ÔÇØ King Diell says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£It would be my pleasure,ÔÇØ General Nero answers before turning back toward me. ÔÇ£You will be off the hook this time, but I order you now. Return to your inn and "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"stay "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"there until the Inteiru Expota tomorrow. That goes for you too, Sergeant Hina. You are not to leave under "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"any "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"circumstance, and my orders will not change. Understood?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇÿYes, sir!ÔÇØ we exclaim."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He leaves with King Diell and his men afterward. The random spectators around us take off too. Marin rejoins us."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Are you guys okay?ÔÇØ she asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yep!ÔÇØ Ruby exclaims cheerfully without a trace of any fear from a direct encounter with a Felodian beast. The most fearsome one too. The Grim Reaper? It sounds ominous. ÔÇ£I protected Kai from the mean monster. Are ya hurt, Kai?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£NoÔǪÔÇØ I respond, unable to keep long eye contact with her. Her expression reminds me too much of Luna."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Ho-how could you stand up to that lion, Bazaleon like it was nothinÔÇÖ?ÔÇØ Hina asks, quivering. At least I wasnÔÇÖt alone in that regard. ÔÇ£I still feel it now.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ÔÇÖCause nothinÔÇÖs scarier than losinÔÇÖ Kai forever.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":