Faceless Phantom 47 Chapter 41 - The Storm Is Coming 3

A wooden s.h.i.+p was waiting for our arrival. The s.h.i.+p seemed to be as big as a large yacht or perhaps a regular ferry. A black flag with which seemed to be Beast's crest was fluttering atop of main mast. On the front part, there was a roaring lion as figurehead.

Our wagon docked onto the s.h.i.+p from the cliff by using planks. Then, it was tied on the main deck by using ropes, while the raptors were sent to the cargo area, caged and fed.

I was afraid if I could get a seasick so I asked where my room was. Therefore, I would know where to lay down whenever I didn't feel well.

A bipedal deer escorted me to my room. I thanked him and went inside.

The room was cramped since it was only for one person. The size was around 2x2 meters. There were a small wooden bed, a table, and a chest. And the room was illuminated by a small wall lantern.

I took off my armor, and then I laid down on the bed. I looked at the ceiling and sighed. I could hear the gentle waves cras.h.i.+ng against the s.h.i.+p. I could feel the s.h.i.+p moving left and right. Slowly, my mind became one with the atmosphere.

A few minutes pa.s.sed, yet I was still feeling well. Strangely, I didn't feel nauseous at all. It seemed the beastkin medicine was pretty good than I expected. As I felt restless, I got up and decided to explore.

Curiously, I strolled around the s.h.i.+p. The beastkin greeted me as I pa.s.sed by them. I just bowed my head and gave them a smile while kept walking. Eventually, I went up the main deck to see the scenery outside.

I could feel the cool wind blew. It was pleasant to my whole body. Somehow, it felt nostalgic and calming.

I took a deep breath and looked around. The weather was cloudy but it didn't seem to get bad anytime soon. Storm wouldn't be coming since there was no dark cloud as far as I could see.

Then my gaze stopped at the right side of the s.h.i.+p.

I saw Mirage was standing by the bulwark, gazing toward the vast river which almost looked like we were in the middle of a sea.

I approached her while gazing her figure. I was mesmerized as she beautified the scenery.

I stood next to her to enjoy the blue and gray view as well. As our eyes met, she smiled and called me shyly with her gentle voice.

"Zeroth..."

I didn't respond and just smiled back at her. Then I turned my gaze back to the vast great river.

"This is my first time seeing this much of water. Is this your first time too? Seeing the sea?"

"No..." I answered. Then I took a deep breath and continued. "I think this is my fourth, or maybe fifth."

"I see..." She nodded lightly. "Was it fun?"

Reminiscing the memories, I hid my lips and shook my head.

"Not really. Though it was supposed to be vacation, but...what I felt was just another reflection."

"Reflection?"

"Yeah. Like... I was thinking 'What am I doing in here?' or 'What is the purpose of this?'"

"Oh ehehehe..." She chuckled awkwardly. "You were overthinking too much."

"Hah..." I scoffed. "Yeah. I was, and I still am."

"Well, it's okay though. Deep thinking and reflecting like that shows that you're a good person."

"Am I? Haha..." I laughed dryly.

"To me, you are kind and caring."

"I am not. I'm a person who ignores everyone and likes to be alone." I sighed. "You know, one time, when I was on school vacation... While everybody enjoying places to places, I stayed on the bus. Well, mostly because I was carsick. Either way, it would be just the same. I would be enjoying the vacation alone. So yeah, I was just sleeping on the bus most of the time."

"Really? That's kinda funny and sad at the same time. Ehehe..." Mirage let out a dry laugh. "But you seem really enjoying going places to places in here though."

"It's because... I want to feel happy."

Suddenly, Mirage got silent. So I continued.

"Also, maybe because I can go anywhere I like in here. Meanwhile, I need money to travel far in the real world. But I... You know... I don't have a job..."

"Hmm... Living in the real world needs a lot of money, huh? It seems complicated as well."

"Yeah. That's why most people try to create and live within fantasy world."

We went silent for a moment. I could hear the waves and faraway birds in the sky.

"Cheer up!" She suddenly hit my shoulder twice.

Startled, I immediately turned my head toward her, confused by her act. However, she smiled brightly at me.

"Since I'm the one who begged you to go. I will make sure to give you unforgettable memories. So, let's enjoy everything in Beast Kingdom."

Still confused, I smiled back at her awkwardly and nodded.

"Y-yeah... Thanks..."

"Anyway, what kind of place do you like? Do you like the sea?"

"I guess so..." I turned my gaze back to the vast river. "I like anywhere quiet and calming. And pleasant to my eyes. How about you?"

"Well, so far, I like it anywhere too. As long as I'm with you."

My heart suddenly skipped a beat. It was then pounding rapidly against my chest. I couldn't help but speechless.

"Since you're here, the scenery is becoming more beautiful."

"W-was it not before?" I asked awkwardly.

"No. But hearing your voice, I become relieved somehow. Ehehe..."

After that, we were silent and enjoying the wind and the scenery together...awkwardly.

Four hours had pa.s.sed, and we finally arrived at the other side. We dropped the freed nine beastkin at the nearby village. Murakkal gave them enough money to survive and we continued to travel west. We only stopped to rest when the night fell.

From what I saw after pa.s.sing several villages, their civilization was just like human's. They had normal medieval wooden and stone buildings. No particular differences. The only distinction was the residents.

Murakkal explained that there were two types of them: Hro'Rarnak or Wild-breed, and the second was Gul'Rarnak or Half-breed.

Hro'Rarnak in literal meaning was Pure Beast. They were bipedal animals. On the other hand, Gul'Rarnak was Human Beast. They resembled human, but they had animal body parts, especially the ears or tail. Regardless, there was no discrimination between them.

Eventually, after a week had pa.s.sed, we arrived at the Capital City of Savanh.

A city within a jungle which the stone wall was covered with th.o.r.n.y vines. Inside the wall, different kind of environments were protected.

The place was totally different from the other settlements.

There were forest area, large pond area, prairie area, etc. And each one of them had several buildings with unique design. They were tree houses, shacks, cave-like houses, normal stone and wooden buildings. There were even small mound shaped houses which looked a lot like hobbit's or teletubbies.

Though the environments were all over the place, the streets were actually connected very well. On the main road, you could clearly see everything inside the wall.

On the northwest, white majestic castle was erected atop of rocky hill. The front had a wide overhang cliff which was protruding toward the castle wall gate. That was were we were heading.

So far, I was impressed by the city. I was glad that I accepted their offer. This kind of discovery was what I like within my adventure since I came to this world. It was all thanks to Mirage that I felt this excited. I would made sure to pay her back later. For now, we were entering the castle and had an audience with the King of Beast.

・・・

A white lion with black mane was sitting on a throne in front of me. Murakkal's party kneeled down toward him, but I didn't. I just stayed still behind them while observing the scene.

I used Astral Eyes to look at the King's status window.

///////

King of Beast

Feleon Blanche

Race: Unique Lion (Beast)

Job: Wild King

Hobby: Nature Tracer

[Stats]

HP: 21865/21865

MP: 5864/5864

STR 485 VIT 429

DEX 512 AGI 463

INT 394 WIS 219

///////

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Average stats of 417 points!

'It's higher than Hagwim.' I smiled in disbelief. 'He is literally a Beast King, indeed.'

Then I moved my gaze toward a fine clothed monkey who was standing beside him.

///////

Counselor of Beast

Wukaka Wukiki

Race: Monkey (Beast)

Job: Witch Doctor

Hobby: Writer

[Stats]

HP: 10475/10475

MP: 12627/12627

STR 221 VIT 257

DEX 436 AGI 475

INT 458 WIS 405

///////

Wukaka suddenly walked several steps forward and began to speak.

"Murakkal, I retrieved the report. However, I want to confirm it from your own mouth."

Murakkal bowed his head down. He told his achievement which he had freed 31 beastkin in total. Then he explained about what had happened in Sandune in details.

Curious, Wukaka began to ask as soon as Murakkal was done.

"Strange... It is true that you freed the most of our kin over there. However, why there's only a few when the information said otherwise. Isn't The Cage in Sandune supposed to be where the slaves are hidden?"

"You're right, Counselor Wukaka. We actually saw several empty rooms. However, we only found fifteen. Nine of our kin, four elves, and two humans." Jakka answered.

A flash of memory immediately popped on my mind. The astral beings that I saw when I fought the bandits and players. Remembering them, I suddenly felt like I was eating a rotten egg.

"Perhaps, they were already being delivered somewhere else. Since we have no lead, I hope the other team will find them." Murakkal added.

"Right. Let's hope so." Wukaka agreed. "And I also hope that everyone who you already freed can live a new happy life within our country. Now, why don't we hear the ones who helped us introduce themselves?"

"Oh... Y-yes."

Murakkal turned and nodded toward us, so Mirage and I began to introduce ourselves.

"I am Zeroth." I bowed my head. "A new summoned hero from Eldan."

"My name is Mirage." She bowed. "Zeroth's companion."

"Zeroth and Mirage." King Feleon finally opened his mouth. His voice was deep and loud just as I expected. "I wholeheartedly thank you for helping our kin from slavery of human. If there's anything you want as a reward, please tell me. I will grant you anything within our capability."

I looked at Mirage, and she also turned his head toward me. Then I could see her lightly shook her head.

"It's okay. Just tell us, brave Aphi." Wukaka said.

I looked at King Feleon right on his eyes.

"King Feleon, I want you to help us fighting the Dark Army."

Hearing my request, every beastkin within the room immediately gasped.

King Feleon went silent. As he didn't answer, my gaze wandered around. I saw several beastkins were biting their own fingers. Then my gaze stopped at Wukaka. He was drenched by his own sweat. His eyes were wide open and he shook his head toward me as he said "No" without voice.

A moment later, King Feleon eventually opened his mouth to answer me.

"I don't think I can. I will grant you anything other than that. But if you still persist, let's just discuss that later and I'll explain why."

Once he said that, everyone seemed let out a sigh of relief.

"For now, enjoy the banquet we already prepared for you."

Then, we were guided by heavy armored bipedal rhino to dining room.

Mirage and I didn't eat much. The dishes were amazing, but I just didn't have a lot of appet.i.te to begin with. Furthermore, I was still thinking about what King Feleon had said to me.

Meanwhile, Murakkal's party was cleaning the whole table. Only plates with few leftovers remained. Once we finished our feast, we were then escorted to our room.

Mirage and I went up about two floors. And then we were pa.s.sing through a corridor with several doors at the front part of the castle. Between each two doors, there was a balcony. And beyond them, I could see the whole city.

It was a breathtaking view, especially at night. I decided to sit alone on the balcony ledge when the sky got dark.

And as I expected, the scenery became more beautiful. The lights from the city, and the stars in the sky above. The far away purple and blue galaxy made me wonder if this game was boundless. Then, my gaze locked onto another beautiful picture. I was mesmerized by the gorgeous yellow crescent moon.

Within my solitude, I felt calm yet lonely. So I called Hagwim to hear what they were doing.

Bzzzttt bzzzttt Clack!

"h.e.l.lo..."

—Zeroth laddie! Is there anything that I can help with?

"No. I'm just wondering how you guys are doing. Especially the new people. Do they like the place?"

—Ah... Indeed. Of course they like it! They are now umm... Attending a lecture... A training... with the five dwarves.

"You are treating them well, right?

—Of course! Of course... Ahem... Anyway, how about you and Lady Mirage are doing?

"We're fine."

"Yes. We are enjoying our adventure in this new amazing place. Ehehe..." Mirage suddenly appeared and joined the conversation.

Startled, I turned my head and saw her giving me a gentle smile behind me.

—Oh Lady Mirage. Nice to hear your cheerful voice. It seems the place is that amazing, eh?

"Of course. The air is fresh and the environment is beautiful. We can see the stars and moon clearly right now."

—Sounds amazing. I can only see fake stars in here. Ghehehe...

"Aww... They're also beautiful though. You can always go outside if you want to see the real ones." Mirage comforted Hagwim.

—You're right, My Lady. I will definitely do it later. Anyway, where are you two exactly?

"We are in Wildcliff, the Capital City of Savanh." I answered.

"We just met the King of Beast today. King Feleon Blanche. He looked really scary tho... Uwu..." Mirage added.

"He is just a huge cat. Nothing's scary about him." I disagreed.

"But I could feel his intimidating aura. Did you see his status?"

Hearing her question, I immediately got taken aback.

"...Ahem..." I cleared my throat and averted my gaze. "Yeah I guess he is indeed scary."

Hagwim was silent. It was understandable since we were talking about the game system. Also, he might enjoying our bickering to each other. However, his reaction was unexpected.

—Wait a minute!

We immediately went silent. Then Hagwim continued.

—Did you just say Feleon? Feleon Blanche?

"Y-yeah." Mirage answered.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

—Zeroth laddie, I want to ask you a favor.

"Okay... What is it?"

—Please open a portal for me. Let me meet him.

・・・

"What did you say!?" Yuè Jiàn asked in disbelief.

—They got wiped. They said they beat New t.i.tans, but they lost to the Dark Army. Also, they said they can't log in with their account anymore.

"What kind of excuse is that? Do they think we are dumb?" She asked as she began to get angry. "If they don't login tomorrow, they're kicked from the guild. Understand?"

Before the voice could answer, Yuè Jiàn instantly hung up.

"What a bunch of useless pigs." She ranted.

Meanwhile, Zhūlóng was deeply in thought.

'Strange. I definitely heard New t.i.tans also said the same thing.'

"Brother Zhūlóng..."

As Yuè Jiàn called him, Zhūlóng suddenly came to his senses.

"What are you thinking about?" She asked.

"Ah it's nothing. What is it?"

"We need to meet the new recruits."

" I see..." Zhūlóng stood from his seat. "Let's go then."

"This is bad." Kimchi was tapping his foot anxiously. "This is not what I expected."

Zagard and Minimin were in front of him.

"Hyung-nim. What should we do?" Zagard asked.

However, Kimchi didn't answer. His mind was busy thinking about the current situation he didn't expect. So the two could only wait anxiously as well.

A moment later, he eventually opened his mouth.

"Zagard, Minimin."

"Yes, hyung-nim!"

"Yes, oppa!"

"Call everyone to go back to the Guild Hall immediately. We need to have an urgent guild meeting."

"Yes" Both of them answered.

"What the f.u.c.k?" Blackfist looked really surprised. "How is that possible!?"

Crowe, who was with him, looked troubled as well.

"This f.u.c.king game..." Blackfist ranted. "It's getting ridiculous."

"Calm down." Crowe said. "There must be a way to fix it."

"I really do hope you're right. Or else, we just lost a bunch of high leveled members. Dammit!!!"

"Don't let your emotion control you. For now, let's get more information than engaging aggressive strats."

"Alright... Sorry..."

Blackfist, who liked to be more offensive, immediately agreed and apologized. He trusted Crowe's opinion when everything he had done was falling apart. And so far, Crowe showed him that his plan was done smoothly without fail. Therefore, he trusted him more than anyone else to be his Guild's Vice Leader.

"So what's your plan?"

Crowe immediately smiled at him.

Inside the guild's meeting room, everyone who was present was waiting for Aradun to speak. However, he was drown within his thoughts.

'Does that mean there's an option to change side as well, huh?'

The more he thought about the problem they just discussed, the more he got excited.

'It seems this game is getting more interesting than I expected.' He smiled. But then his expression turned sour, and there was anger within his eyes. 'Nonetheless, they have to be stopped.'

He looked around and gazed everyone who was present.

"We will definitely going to stop anyone who get in our way." He finally spoke to them. "Declare war against every single guild who oppose us."

・・・

Western side was filled with Alkronian Army, while the east was Ghaldaran's. They were ready to charge whenever their King and Empress commanded to.

King Randolph turned his steed and faced his army.

"Today, we will free Heallance from evil incarnates! From traitors of humanity! We will fight until the last drop of our blood! Until we slay the last of them!" He shouted as he raised his sword up. "FOR GHALDARAN!"

"FOR GHALDARAN!" The army followed, raising their weapon to the sky.

King Randolph turned his steed again, facing toward west. Then he pointed his sword forward.

"CHARGE!!!"

"OOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

Bwooooong Bwoooooong

Thus, as Ghaldaran's horn was heard, they began to rush toward west.

At the western side, Alkronia Empress rode her steed beside Commander Golberg. She was wearing black full body armor. She looked elegant and majestic.

When she noticed Ghaldaran began to charge, she raised her sword and shouted.

"TO WAAAR!!!"

"TO WAAAAAAARRRRR!!!!"

Dun Duuuuunnn Dun Duuuuunnn

As the Alkronian's horn was blown, she closed the visor while charging forward. Commander Golberg and thousands of army followed behind her.

Horns, battle cries, and heavy steps were heard throughout the field. And right in front of Tagran Ruins, both kingdoms clashed.

Meanwhile, in the far north of the ruins, another army was slowly marched south. The true enemy of humanity, The Dark Army and their tamed vile beasts.

A big eagle was flying high above them. He gasped as he witnessed the terror below him.

"Oh no... The storm is coming!"