Chapter 4 - Feinas Request

Night soon fell. It was dark, the stairs in the tower were difficult to climbhe couldnt help but think that at least the stairs werent shabby. Howeverhe didnt expect it to be so tall. They were on the frontier, in the unexplored depths of a small village, this place must have had a decent designer. Makudogaru probably got him from Alenhatan City, that designer must have built the whole village, including the church and the factory.

Nevertheless, it was very difficult to climb the stairs. As the steep stairs were covered with straight pieces wood. Did the designer have this in mind when designing the staircase?

(This is very different from my hometown.)

In the darkness, he leg hit the edge of the stairs, Sarua smiled. His faint beard forming an iconic expression. The sword by his waist making a rattling sound.

(After all, when you leave your hometownthats when the fun and interesting things begin.)

He continued to climb up the stairs, the tower only had one room. Ordinary villagers were prohibited from entering that room by Makudogaruit was the priestess room. The key to the room was personally carried by Makudogaru, he never opens the door unless Feina makes a sound.

However, it was Sarua knocking on her door this time, he lowered his voice, and said:

Its meSarua.

After a while, the door opened. Feina appeared wearing a toga, she murmured:

Is there somethingyou want?

Excuse me, I havent come to talknor to bring you refreshments. However, this time you may need to do something. And that kid

He then looked around the room, Sarua paused for a moment. He looked left and right across the room, then said:

Wheres the kid?

Majiche went to the underground cell since Makudogaru hates sorcerers.

AhI see. But dont you want to see what Makudogaru will be doing to him?

Having said that, Sarua quickly turned to leave. Thenbehind him Feina said:

Wait

Huh?

Sarua turned around. He saw Feinas eye lashes blink, she meekly said:

For some reason I lay awake during the night, I dont know why. I cant sleep

Are you referring to that plan?

Sarua casually said, Feina looked at him in dismay.

Oh, why would you know? Makudogaru hasnt yet

Not to say I havent learned anything from my own investigation. It will happen the day after tomorrow, you and Makudogaru will be leaving the village. Only the woman and non-combatants will remain in the village.

In the end, you

What was he going to say? These words were stuck in her throat, she didnt dare to say them.

Sarua revealed a wry smile.

Anyway, you do realize that Makudogarus plan will succeed?

Yes.

The girl sighed afterwards.

I cant stand itthe village will perish and all of us along with it, day after day Ive looked for a way to escapebut its not that simple. Say, if you dont want to die, will you escape with me?

I-I want to diebut Im afraid

His voice was lifeless. Feina was afraidthen she closed her eyes, she began to cry.

Sarua sighed.

I know Im not a nice guy, but Ill do my best to protect you. However, if you want happinessit comes with a priceyou cant get close to someone, and you mustnt cry.

Then, he sighed again. He didnt like preaching.

(Damn itI hate this place, I cant stand this frontier task Ive been given.)

Sarua turned towards the door. He didnt hear a response from Feina, she was still crying.

Bye, Ill try my best, until that daydont cry.

He went straight down the narrow staircase.

You came again, didnt you?

He heard a different tone of voice, he quickly looked up the stairs. Feina had stopped crying, she was currently the priestess.

Yes

(?)

Sarua felt very strange in the darkness. He heard weird sounds coming from Feinas room

(This is an illusionisnt it? No)

He thought it was best to not think about it, he quickly went down the stairs.

Ahhhhhh!

Sarua heard screaming. It came from the entrance.

It seemed someone was getting torturedSarua thought for a moment, had the interrogation really begun?

Ahhhhhh!

There was more screaming. He couldnt see the usual guard waiting at the dungeons entrance, Sarua summarised that the guard was being briefed about the ceremony. He was waiting for a moment like this.

Well

Sarua went down the stairs.

A strange odour filled the air. He tried to hold his breath as he descended the stairs.

Then, as he finally reached the cell, his mouth fell open.

Ahhhhh!

He screamed. Meanwhile, with great speed the iron bars of the prison cell pierced the wallit missed his head by a few centimetres.

Ah, my ears, asshole!

A little man yelledit was Vulcan. Dortin was also there, except it seemed he had fainted.

Across from the two small men lay Orphen, his face was slumped against the wall.

The Black Sorcerer lazily said:

Ahit seems my headache is getting better.

You better be serious!

Vulcan lamented.

(These people, whats going on?)

Sarua scratched his head as he thoughtwhy were the two who gave us the information on the sorcerer here? He summarised that they must be working with him.

The black sorcerer weakly laughed on the ground.

Im not joking, Vulcan. Im always serious

He was hard to believe from his tone.

Return.

This sentence was a mantrahe used it to pull an iron bar from the wall, it came out easily. It flew through the air and stopped right in front of him.

Evidently, he was using magic to control the iron bars. Since he was lying on the ground, it hindered his aim.

Master!

A voice suddenly said. It was his student, Majiche was quietly standing there, with a stiff smile on his face.

Majic said:

It was a pure waste wasting all that physical energy

Thats rich! A student preaching to his master on how to be a sorcerer! Give me a break!

The black sorcerer calmed down, his cell was much more quiet noweven the rowdy Vulcan sat in silence. The black sorcerer closed his eyes, he sighed:

Its good to see you again.

You too.

Hey, hey!

Vulcan cried.

Maybe you are forgetting something, you almost hit us with those iron bars! Dont make me kill you!

Vulcans mad tears flowed violently, the black sorcerer slowly turned his head towards him, and said:

Cry me a river, actually you might just end up doing that.

Master, I dont think thats physically possible.

You dont even show the slightest compassion for me!

Vulcan cried, the black sorcerer raised his head, and shouted:

Compassion? You are a stupid raccoon dog! Ive been rooting away in here and you talk of compassion! What comes around goes around!

You no good loan shark! No matter how many injuries I suffer you still treat me like a cockroach, you dont care about me! Ill dye your hair and watch you die from the flamboyant colours!

Thats because you are a cockroach!

Vulcan instantly busted into tears. Sarua continued to watch in amazement, but he knew it was time to make them aware of his presence.

Hey

Help me, brother! I didnt do anything wrong, the sorcerer tricked me! Hes the one to blame, kill him now before he attacks!

The black sorcerer frowned.

Is that so?

He kills people for pleasure!

Well

Sarua looked down upon the black sorcerer.

The names Orphen.

Huh?

Sarua smiled. He squatted down beside Orphen, he reached towards his dragon pendant.

A dragon wrapped around a sword, the emblem of theTower of Fang. This says a lot about you, Orphen

Orphen shook his face for a momentas the owner of the pendant, he knew this. Engraved on the back of it was the wordKrylancelo.

Sarua shrugged, he put the pendant back in place.

(ChildmanssuccessorKrylancelo)

The strongest human in history was Childmanhe recognized the seventh student from Childmans class as his successor. He had heard of his disappearance five years ago, he never thought hed meet him in a place like this.

Just knowing this

Hmm

Sarua immediately took out a switchblade from a pocket in his army jacket, he snapped the blade open. Majic nervously grunted.

You, what are you doing?

He quickly got up and lunged towards him

(He really is a novice.)

Majic tried to ward him off, but Sarua crushed his head against the wall. Vulcan cheered loudly.

Brother, you have chosen to help me!

Sarua darted back towards Orphen in an instant, he thrusted the blade towards his neck.

(Krylancelos legend ends today!)

The knife stabbed the ground. Orphen was no longer there.

He raised his headOrphen was standing next to him. Although his face was pale, he looked well awake.

Your body cant movethis must be a trick!

Sarua said, Orphen calmly replied:

You fool, Ive been resting the entire day.

You little shit

Sarua grinned, he quickly pulled the knife out from the groundsending it towards Orphen, he easily dodged it. It pierced Vulcans head.

Ahhhhhhh!

His scream rang out

Orphen knew he couldnt resort to using magic, for it he did it would leave him open to attack. Thus, Sarua began his assault.

Orphen was able to deflect most of the initial attacks, leaving only his head and elbow grazed. But Saruas leg sweep was what knocked the black sorcerer to the ground.

(This guyKrylancelo isnt worthy at all!)

Sarua cheered himself on, the thrill of the fight kept him alert.

Although this didnt stop Orphen from getting up and landing a punch on Saruas face, though he was used to this sort of thing, he instantly hit backhitting Orphen in the right eye, Orphens eye closed due to a conditioned reflex. There wasnt any other choice, it was a fist fight now.

Both of them continued to dodge and land blows on one another, Orphen dodging more than attacking.

Whack!

Orphen saw an opening and took it, knocking Sarua on his backside.

Getting back up, Sarua did the unthinkable. He grabbed his sword.

He was about to draw it, at that time

Orphen stood in front of him, his right hand raised. He was prepared to use magic.

Dont do such a dangerous thing

Sarua said, as his hands moved away from his sword. Orphen also lowered his right hand.

Now Im unarmed.

Sarua said as he looked into the cellVulcan fainted, it seemed Dortin would never wake up. Majic had also been knocked concussion from the concussion.

Well, they are all asleep.

Orphen was watching him like a snake.

Arent you excitedyou know your teachers dead, right?

Upon hearing his words, Orphens eyes narrowed.

He whispered.

Anyone who doesnt comply with the Kimurakku churchs orders are eliminated, that includes your teacher.

Then, Sarua pulled out his sword. A crisp sound rippled through the air, the blade appeared to be in the dark, it was invisible

My teacher, dead

Orphen said slowly. Sarua held his sword, there was no handle on the bladeor rather he couldnt see it. It looked like it was made from special reflective glass. You could barely see the outline of the blade, it would be extremely difficult to see if the blade was swung very fast. If he was stabbed even once, escape would be impossible. A sword like this was a symbol of an assassin from the Kimurakku Church.

Sarua jokingly said:

"To be honest, if my opponent is the "successor of razor edge "the Iron successor, then I would want him to have a more decent weapon......"

Orphen remained silent. He raised his left armif anything went wrong, he would use his right arm instead. The black sorcerers injuries were not severe, but if he pushed himself too much he could cause irreparable damage to his nerves.

Sarua held his sword tightly, he took a step forward.

Whats all this talk about the death of my teacher?

Why does Krylancelo of the Tower of Fang come here?

Orphen took a deep breath, he wasnt afraid.

He stared at his opponent in silencethe black sorcerer was tense and alert, his black eyes following Saruas every move.

He had a look of impatience on his face.

Sarua tipped the blade in his hand. Then

This is your end!

Behind him came a childish roar. Shortly afterward, a dull sound, his brain had been hit, Sarua slumped to the ground.

Woah

He groaned, Orphen put a hand on his forehead, he looked down upon the assassin lying at his feet. Blood flowed from where Sarua lay on the floor, but he wasnt screaming

Ahhh!?

After a shrill cry, the sword clattered off the ground. The blade splashed in the puddle of blood, the sword mastera delicate blonde girlshe loudly said:

Oh, youre bleeding!

Nonsense, Orphen said to himself.

Now, listen.

He extended a finger.

Where did you go to, how did you get here?

From the other entranceI sneaked inside.

Cleo pointed to the stairs behind her.

Sneaked, listen

It appeared Sarua didnt notice her when he was fighting Orphen.

The soldiers that I got to help are waiting outside the village, I rushed on over here ahead of them.

And what the hell are they waiting for? You should have just brought them with you!

You are so ungrateful!

Cleo shouted.

Hmphnot that I expect you to be grateful anyway.

After they were done, Orphen looked around the dungeon. It was a tiny cell with six people in it. Vulcan and Dortin were clumped together against the wall, both were still knocked out. Majic was still unconscious from the blow he received from Sarua, who was still lying on the floor.

ThanksI didnt expect you to come back so fastId be lost without you.

Upon hearing this, Cleos eyes lit up.

Exactly, that goes without saying. Without me, things would only get worse!

Sure it would

He put it bluntly, Cleo was speechless. Orphen continued to mouth off:

Exactly, youd be there to shield me against an assassin attacking from the darkness. Yes, youd make a good meat shield. Otherwise I would probably be killed.

He said as he walked towards Saruas body.

We are in a crisisthis isnt the time to make jokes

Orphen listened, once again he looked into the cell.

Hurry, heal him.

He squatted above the body of Sarua, he saw blood leaking out from the back of his head. Even though he was bleeding a lot, he didnt seem to have a skull fracture.

Orphen was about to begin the incantation, but he stopped.

He raised his head, Cleo noticed this, she turned to look at what he saw. Behind heron the stairs, stood a figure. A torch swayed gently down the stairs, it was a young girl wearing a silk dress.

Feina

Orphen said softly. But something didnt seem quite right, the girl in front of him was giving off unearthly vibes.

Who is it?

Cleo asked. Orphen replied:

That the priestess of this village

Oh

Cleo looked at Feina.

Thats such a cute dress, can I touch it?

Feina ignored Cleo. She walked directly towards Saruas body, she reached out to his wounds.

She uttered no incantationthe assassins wounds were healed instantly.

Feina continued to stay in place, she looked towards Majic. Majic was still knocked out, he breathing indicated he was having a calm sleep. She also looked towards other places in the rooma moment later, Vulcan and Dortins wounds had healed. The knife fell from Vulcans head, it made a clanging noise as it hit the ground.

The wounds healed, but no one woke upthe healing process must have had some kind of hypnotic effect. In order for them to recover from their wounds, they had to sleep through it.

Orphen thought. Just as he was done, Feina turned to him.

You

She said, but she suddenly stopped talking. At her side with a satisfied expression was Cleo, she was eagerly awaiting approval.

Go aheadyou can touch it.

Awesome!

Cleo recklessly began to touch Feinas clothes.

Orphen sighed, he said:

I never can tell what youre about to do

Hmph.

Cleo stared towards him. Orphen pretended she didnt. He picked up her sword and began to wipe the blood off with a handkerchief. He then handed it to her.

Cleo, listen to me

Wait. Stop.

Cleo hushed him with her hand. She put the sword back in its sheath, and said:

I know that you are going to tell me to go somewhere safe.

Because its necessary, go outside the village and stay with the soldiers.

You cant expect me to leave you here, Im your partner, remember?

I know. But I need you to secure the escape route.

Orphen held Feinas shoulder and prepared to leave the room. Cleo hastily said:

Ahright! Ill secure the escape route!

Great, proper partners share responsibility.

Orphen said proudly. However, Cleo made a disapproving sound.

Orphen, do you hate me?

Of course not, but youd just be getting in the way.

I see

A cheeky look appeared on Cleos face, she marched right in front of Feinas faceshe got so close the tip of their noses almost touched.

(In the way, am I?)

Cleo thought. Both of them stared into each others eyes, neither of them blinked. It was a stalemate. After a while, Cleo gave up.

OkayIll do as you say.

After saying goodbye, Cleo climbed the stairs and left. Orphen listened to the sound of her footsteps, Feina then said:

Are you a sorcerer?

Yes...there isnt much time. Please excuse me

Orphen looked into her cowardly eyes. Orphen scratched his head and said:

Weve got to get out of here, all of us.

Tomorrow morning

Then, she clenced her fist, and said:

Please come

Orphen looked at Feina, her face suddenly turned into that of a priestess.

(Cleos face could never be like this)

Feinas request was very simple.

Before tomorrow morning, please come as soon as possible and escape the villagebring Sarua, and Majic.

Such a thing couldnt be easier. With Cleo guarding the rear with the soldiers, they could easily escape with little damage to the village. Unless the girl was planning on bringing the magical dragon with her, anything was possible

But

Feina shook her head.

I wont be goingI will be staying here.

Upon hearing this, Orphen was shocked.

Ihope you can understand my heart?

But if you stay here Makudogaru will use you for whatever hes planning!

I know. But

Feinas voice was getting weaker, he could barely hear her. Orphen rubbed his head, and said:

Seems like you have some inside informationbut, no matter what, peace wont reign over the entire continent as long as this dark magic is used.

I know

Feina murmured, she slowly knelt beside Sarua, and began brushing he dust off him.

Do you know who he is?

I know.

Orphen said without the slightest hesitation.

Hes an assassin from the Kimurakku church, hes dangerous. There are only eight glass swords on the continent and he has one of them, he cant be trusted.

He looked at the invisible sword on the groundFeina also looked at it.

I know, I heard what he said. But he spoke them like drunken words, Im unsure if he was telling the truth.

Then, her eyes moved from the assassins sword to his face. Orphen tracked her eyeshe compared her actions to that of Cleo, though their ages were different, Feina seemed more mature and concerned about others. Orphen then thought about something else.

(Majic, I think shes in love with him.)

Obviously, Feina knew he was thinking this.

Do you know why hes here?

Hes here for a purpose, like me.

Feina sighed.

I knew a sorcerer was in the areasince you were close to the village, I pretended to take a walkthats how I met Majic.

You never answered the question, why is he here?

Orphen asked. Feina stared at Saruas unconscious body, and said:

Makudogaru needed an assassin. Until a few years ago, he was a teacher in the Kimurakku church.

The Kimurakku church headquarters......

In the north of the continentthe church rules the entire continent from this location. Their power and influence is only second to that of the King. The church hates sorcerers, its widely know that they employ assassins to get rid of those who interfere with their activities, or those who are deemed too powerful. One day Orphen witnessed an assassination attempt on Childmans life, he was sitting in the library, then an assassin disguised as a guest tried to kill him. He was defeated almost instantly, it wasnt so easy to kill a sorcerer.

Is Makudogaru also from the Kimurakku church? How did a member of the dragon faith end up here?

Upon hearing this, Feinas face stiffened.

The Kimurakku church

Go on

I dont know!

She shouted. Orphen was surprised by this, Feina started blushing.

Im sorrythis is just too much

Its alright.

Orphen coughed.

Makudogarus purpose

Feina stalled, she was slightly hesitant to continue.

You dont know the reason hes here, do you? This village was originally created as a retreat for members of the Dragon Faith. The ancestors from that original village have scattered themselves all over the foresthe came to this village three years ago, he brought with him specialists from Kimurakku, they built the tower and the factory that builds pistols.

Manufacturing pistolsthats a secret held dear by the King. Only members of the Kings army are allowed to wear pistols.

Makudogaru took a pistol from one of the Kings knights, afterwards they successfully created their ownaccording to Sarua, Kimurakku has been secretly developing them for a while. When Makudogaru brought the pistol to the village, he was regarded as a hero.

And then?

Orphen urged her to continue. The manufacturing of pistols is a great feat, though studying them in secret is one thing, creating more of them is a great threat.

But Makudogaru never intended to become the villages leader. Ever since he arrived the Dragon Faith has become more active, though this isnt surprising considering

Feina closed her eyes.

He announced the pistols were going to be used to combat sorcerers, but he needed more powerful weaponsin order to get them, he travelled to the centre of the forest, theGreat Heart.

Did he know the Dragon existed in the depths of the forest?

Orphen asked. In the past, humans stayed clear of the centre of the forest, for they knew about the sacred guardians carnage.

He knewhe was desperate to find the Dragon. ThenI came to this village.

He wants to use your magic and the Dragon?

Yes.

Dummy.

Orphen couldnt help but say thisFeina was really able to use the Dragon Races magic. But even so, she didnt seem more skilled than the Dragon. Take the night the Giant Wolf appeared in the villagecompare the use of the magic words to Feina, she clumsily used them, it was as if she was borrowing the power from somewhere else.

If that confrontation with the Dragon was real, it would have instantly obliterated everything. Simply put, the magic used by the Dragon cannot be measured on the human scale.

These things seemed clear enough.

A glum expression appeared in her eyes

Thats rightIm stupid. I wouldnt normally do such a thing. They forced me to do it

Feina then violently shook her head.

Ivedug my own grave.

Grave?

But Feina didnt answer his questions. She went on to say:

Tomorrow, this village will be destroyed, the facts cant be changed. Soyoull escape. Bring Sarua and Majic with you.

Orphen looked straight into her tear filled eyes, he thought she would have been strong when the end came.

She went on to say:

Sarua was the only one who tried to be my friend. Even though he wasnt very religious, he did talk to me once in a while. This made me happybut Ive always been alone.

The feeling of loneliness. Orphen knew this feeling at theTower of Fangsince he was an Orphan, it was a fierce competition, and sincere friendship was nowhere to be found. However, now he has someone he can talk to, have a heart-to-heart, his partner. Now

(Ive sent my partner away, now Im with a friend. Cant say which one is better, but at least I'm not alone......)

I refuse!

Orphen proclaimed. Feinas face was full of surprise.

I cannot agree to your request. Im not going to let you stay in this village if its going to be destroyed.

ButI

Feina was extremely confused. Orphen got close to the girl, seizing her arms.

It hurts

Feina couldnt help but emit a small groan. Regardless of this, Orphen said:

Listenhow could I leave a girl like you alone in this village knowing what will happen?

After that, he let go. Feina rubbed her arms, she stared at him. Orphen couldnt believe this girl has several times more magic power than him, he could only sigh.

(Every time, its trouble with a woman!)

But he had no time to consider the issue, dawn was coming.

Feina left, first to wake up was Sarua. Orphen didnt know how long the extreme fatigue lasted, or the effect of Feinas magic, he just silently put the glass sword back in its scabbard. He grabbed the unconscious Vulcan and Dortin, bringing them back to the servants room in Makudogaru residence.

Ill deal with Makudogaru.

I saw that your name was Krylancelo, Ill remember that.

Why did you attack me?

Well

With a self-deprecating smile, he said:

Because it was more fun that way.

After a while, Majic still didnt wake up, he figured it would take longer for him. Now all they had to do was wait for their moment, wait until dawn.