Alastor felt a shiver creep to his spine as Libel jump down the cliff. Wind flushed over his face as he grips hard not to fall out of imbalance. Libel felt his sharp gazed. The Comodo cried out as if his telling him that you’re in a hurry, right?

Alastor snorted and cautiously glanced ahead. Beyond the woods, he saw the outpost of the city’s guard was destroyed. Police and robots were deployed outside the gate. He can hear the citizens cry beyond the wall and the gunshots reverberating like an orchestra in a room.

Alastor pulled the reign and Libel stopped. He led the Comodo across the field where the enemy couldn’t see them. They stopped on a sewer filter. Libel steps back, disgusted by the foul smell coming from both of the tainted hollow river and the hole. His boots were smeared by dirt of the muddy ground. He plunged his sword on the iron filter. And with might, he removed the once tightly sealed filter.

He was about to get inside but taken back as he remembers the Comodo. He beckoned the animal to come.

“Come on,” he said. “There’s so much we need to do.”

Libel back off. The disgust expression written all over the face tells it all. Alastor comes close and pulled the reign over. Libel did not budge. Alastor is pissed by the attitude that Libel showing.

“Damn it.” He swore. “Listen, I have no time for your crankiness, man up and enter the damn hole.” He ordered with a strict authoritarian voice.

Libel looked away. Alastor gave himself a thought and took a deep breathe. He didn’t have any background knowledge regarding about Libel’s Comodo race, only he thought about the combat strategy, mounting an animal is strange just as the traditions of the outside world. Comodo was known for being oppositional but obedient for offering treats.

“Fine. I’ll give you a treat. A rather large one. You like meat, right?”

Libel cried in happiness for the treat.

“I’ll give it to you, once we’re over this.”

They finally entered the filthy sewage and landed on the higher level of walkway. Alastor pulled out his sword out of the scabbard and held it high.

“Can you do magic?”

Libel replied with a loud cry.

“Good. I’m not really that used in synchronizing combat and magic. It drains a lot of stamina for me. It’ll be great having you to assist me in battle.”

The path they took lead them into a higher level, in which, the water pathway was drought. Rat scrawled over the corner back to their hole. There were few damage sewers pipes, all were disconnected as if they were cut by a sharp object. The mark trailed all over the place.

Libel stretches and glance all over. Alastor too felt an object cutting through the air and with quick response they evaded the attack. He pointed his sword at what it seems to be an arachnid that can spew out its web and mold it into a sharp object.

“Here we go!” Alastor shouted as he charged to battle.

Ɵ

Cid never thought that he would fail to notice the motive of the monster. He thought that his lightning magic would done enough damage to kill the monster, but it came back from being drowned like a cockroach lingering to life. The enemy has staged itself to be defeated and came back unexpectedly in an inconvenient manner. There are few monsters that quite a brainer and possessed high intelligence, but only for preying on other kind, it was not considered an all-out higher intelligence, but more of improved hunting skills. Cid was attacked while he was pissing over the corner the sewage. Until now, he can still feel the tingling pain from the head of his crotch as it got nearly stuck in between his zipper. Cid glared at the enemy before making a break.

“For fuck sake, let me piss in peace man!” He shouted.

His currently on the run. Using the ruin as obstacles to somehow decelerate the speed of the rat-monster, it ensures the high chances for Cid to evade the monster’s attacks and for his advantage. He slides over and leaped on to the higher ledges until he trips over the rock. He stumbled on the ground as he muttered his spell.

Just as the monster nearly eaten him, Cid manage to pull off the shield magic and have the enemy at bay with five transparent semi-circular walls protecting him from the monster’s attack. Cid’s smile crept ear to ear seeing the bamboozled expression of the enemy.

“Not so tough now, eh?”

The monster growls and glared at him.

“That’s right, go and fuck yourself.”

He stood up while backing away from the enemy. The rat’s scratch attacks remain only grazes on Cid’s protective walls. He finally stands up and made a sprint away.

He felt his blood gushing over his brain down to his feet and his heart pump faster than ever. The last time he felt like this was the time he was in an undercover, his job was to assassinate a politician, but being reckless he is, he got tricked by a maiden and got involve on a gunfight. It took him another month to successfully fulfill his mission and by that time his salary deducted, nevertheless, he was still able to finish the job.

Cid halted his movement and notice the changed of the ground’s aptitude. There were no shaking and disturbances on the surrounding, only his hard gasping and the large filtration fan behind the enemy. The rat-monster only stood a few kilometers away from him with its soulless eyes staring at him, jaws gnawing on bones and meat it had found over the way here. The putrid meek of saliva reached his boots.

“You nearly got my dick shish kebab, you fucking asshole!”

Cid investigate for a moment as of why the sudden change of behavior. He finally noticed it; the enemy’s belly is glowing. Is it just him or did the place just actually got hotter? The heat is actually getting on his nerves and it is not good for him.

No matter how he thinks of it, he couldn’t rationalize the strange phenomena. Since the enemy doesn’t care of him anymore, Cid made a break to the door ahead of him.

There it goes again; he felt the rise of the temperature. He gazed back and notice the belly of the rat monster got brighter than before. Just as the enemy open its mouth, Cid finally realizes what it is doing.

“OH MOTHER---!”

A tornado of flame burst out from the enemy’s mouth, destroying, and incinerating the obstacles, turning them into ashes. Cid closes his eyes as he felt the brightness burns bright.

Just as when he thought that he’s already screwed up, he felt someone pulled him.

Ɵ

Alastor’s blade shone in flame tied in by the Libel’s magic. Alastor uses it as an advantage and successfully burn the webs out of the way that the spiders created. Libel too, is efficiently knocking back the enemy with its fire magic. With a masterful swordsmanship, Alastor swung magnificently and successfully exterminate the enemies.

He rarely uses coercive magic; he has not performed it since he got out in the glade. A Coercive Magic is a magic that allows the user to enchant an item in order to boosts the effects of it. His magical fire sword is an example of it. This technique uses very rarely because they have not found a need of it since most people knew how to use magic, however, that is not the case for Alastor. Since, he can’t use any kind of elemental magic, he needed assistance from his allies, but this only became apparent when they face an enemy that is likely extreme for them to take on.

Not being able to use elemental magic is the downside of being Mana Folder. The only magic he can do is non-elemental magic such as cure, wall or barrier barrage spells. He cursed before for being born without the talent of conjuring elemental magic, he was discriminated and belittled by his companions. The only one who comforts him and encourage him the most is Meil. But accompanied by his encouragement is the need to become more stoic and numbing away any unnecessary emotions for him to keep moving forward without any hesitation. Meil was disheartened with Alastor’s resolution but was not able to keep his innocent smile because Meil has to go on his missions and inevitably retires and lives in Kayon City.

“Whew, that took care of the bug problem.”

Alastor pat Libel and continued to follow the way. Considering that he does not know the layout of the sewage, he decided to not waste more time and need to find the way out. The underground sewer is like a maze, too many spots, yet no spaces left to serve as a safe spot. It is truly bothersome for him.

Libel stopped from following Alastor and gazes at the wall as if there’s something beyond. Alastor was disturbed by the light peck of the Comodo.

“What?” Alastor annoyingly asked.

Libel pointed his beak to the wall. Alastor was puzzled by Libel’s gesture.

“What the hell are you pointing at?” Alastor asked.

Libel snorts and walk forward and gesturing for Alastor to ride on his back.

“You sure you can handle another more ride?” There’s a sympathy on his voice.

Libel cried. Alastor nodded and mounted. It seems that Libel has idea to lead them out of here. Alastor hanged tight as Liber jump off and kick wall to wall away from the countless monsters that were hording. Liber’s eyes reflected eagerness and focuses on what’s up ahead. He hisses as Liber nearly drop him from rolling over in the air. At a certain point of the exploration, Alastor felt the temperature rose and the heat oddly boils the water.

“Liber, it’s not what I supposed to think it is!”

Alastor caught a glance of the monster spewing fire out of its mouth as Liber turns and sprint ahead the other way.

“You dumbass shit!” His voice vociferated. “Why would you take us on that goddamn monster?!”

Liber didn’t mind him and halted. Alastor fell off and stared at Liber. Liber pointed his beak and Alastor finally understand why Liber take him there. Before the blazing tornado caught Cid, Alastor dragged him out of the range. Cid open his eyes slowly and widened before realizing that he got save by Alastor. He glances back and greeted his savior with a shocking expression. He could not believe with his own eyes that Alastor is still alive and standing in front of him, well and strong.

“Al?!” Cid observes him from top to toe.

“Yeah, I’m back. You look beaten up.” Al said.

“No, you’re the one who looks beaten up.” Cid replied with exasperation.

“About that, it’s a long story.” He replied.

Alastor glanced to the monster who’s currently charging against them. Its movement is sluggish but steadying. That attack must have heavily taxed the physical body. Cid muttered and raise his palm against the enemy, multiple fireballs emanated and disrupted the enemy’s senses. The monster growled and halted every inch of its muscles.

“Girlfriend of yours?” Alastor asked.

“More like a stalker.” Said Cid.

“You have any plan to beat the mice?”

Of course not, if Cid had planned to defeat the monster, he would done it without a heart of doubt. Instead, he chose the cowardly but smart path.

Cid raised one of his brows, “First of all, no – I was planning to run. Second, It’s not a mouse, it’s a sewer rat, a giant sewer rat.” Cid explained.

“Whatever, they look like the same.” Alastor dismisses him.

Cid finally noticed the Comodo staring at them.

“You bought a Comodo?” Cid asked. “That’s expensive.”

“He’s quite useful. I actually taking a liking of it.” Liber smiled with a proud face. “I bought Liber as soon as I heard the city is on the siege.”

Cid may have spent most of his night down the sewer but he knew that the uprising already started few hours ago. The conflict up in the ground does not conceal the noise of the bullets and the magics conjured by the two opposing forces left him unheard.

“Yeah, shits happened.”

“Tell me that later, the enemy is coming.”

“You have any plan?”

“We’ll attack it where it’s claws and fang does not reach us. We’ll attack on both sides.”

“You want to bang it?”

“Bang?” asked Alastor.

“Never mind. I’ll take the front you go behind.”

Alastor mounted Liber and sprinted back. Alastor draw out his sword and ran towards the monster. Cid sprung and flip backward evading the roll attack of the monster.

Alastor pursue the opportunity and slashes the monsters behind. Its tail was cut in half and the enemy’s back that was slashed oozed blood. The monster shriek and rolled behind to slap Alastor away. Alastor was momentarily stammered before getting up.

Cid threw fireballs from there and there and close his hands. The flames burst violently as it enclosed to the enemy. With a wind magic, the rat was covered in dust, blood was frizzled, making its rusty smell hang in the air. The rat-monster howled. Its reddish eyes grew brighter. Claws grew and sprung towards Cid.

Cid side roll and made another fireball throwing it to the enemy. The monster only shoved it back to Cid and lunges at him. Alastor saw the opportunity and seize it. He moved forward and swing his sword against the skin of the enemy.

The rat had too noticed his presence and roll over away from Alastor evading his attack. The enemy’s movement did not falter instead it became quicker, more precise, and steadier than before. The monster swings its short arm to Alastor before the blade could make contact to the flesh. Alastor back hardly met the wall and stumbled. He coughs blood as he used his sword to stand up. Liber uses fire magic pointed towards the monster as its attention was in Alastor.

“Liber! Tie your fire magic to my sword!” shouted Alastor.

Liber nodded and to its beak, fire began to accumulate and eventually led to Alastor sword. He then ran, encircling the enemy and confusing it to outflank it. Cid was in the back regaining his strength, waiting for the right timing to launch an attack.

Alastor jinked sideways confusing the enemy and went to its right, outflanking the enemy. He swung furiously at the enemy’s back, causing more wounds to bled and ooze out. The monster jumps away from him. It gasped for air. The monster finally shows physical distressed and shuddered in attempt to pose.

Cid throws another set of fireballs.

“Turn into ash!”

He closed his hand and the fireballs violently attack the rat. The monster eye lids close, its body smeared in charred.

“Is it dead?”

Alastor eyes remained at the billowing dust and saw the stature of monster that is still clinging to life.

“Not yet.”

“Its gonna take longer than I expected.”

The monster growled and stabbed them with its murderous stare. Its belly began to go brightly that before. The mouth gently drop as it pointed against them.

“What’s its doing?” asked Alastor.

“It’s going to do what he did back then.”

“Shit.”

Before the enemy could finished accumulating the firepower out of its mouth, something fell from the ceiling and crushes the rat. The monster’s chunks of flesh spread across the place. The putrid smell of blood grosses their noses.

Cid who was hiding stands up and gazed to the menacing figure with its violet eyes pulsating in the dust.

“What the hell is this?” asked Cid.

“I’m asking the same thing.” Said Alastor.

The figure stepped out from and with single wave from her hand, the dust cleared away and unveiled herself.

“Sherry?” muttered Alastor. “You weren’t supposed to be here.”

“Fill me in.” said Cid.

“Long story short, someone else helped us to escaped in exchange to give the child prisoners a shelter. They were supposed to go in Anargond to meet Henrick.” Alastor explained quickly.

“Now I finally get it.” Said Cid.

Cid was supposed to greet her but Alastor stopped him from getting closer.

“What?”

“There’s something wrong with her.”

Alastor’s skeptic eyes scanned Sherry’s stature and noticed the violet pulsating on her chest. Her soulless eyes reckon murderous intention.

“A little bit judge-e, don’t you think?” asked Cid. Alastor shakes his head. “She must be tired. Women can a little bit grumpy when they’re hungry. So, I think you should pack up the saddle and chill the eff out.”

Alastor sighed and allowed Cid to make contact to her. He doesn’t know if it just him or Sherry’s hands twitch and fisted as Cid gets close to her. Sherry was steady on her position, not until Cid came.

The moment that Sherry’s pulsating light stopped from flickering, Alastor head began to throb, pounding hard, sharp, and heavy as a boulder. It felt like as if everything was being blended by grey and distorting into madness.

His hands tried to reached to Cid.

“Cid… no…”

Cid heard his faint voice and just as he looked behind, Sherry swings her fist. Cid was dumb, but not that dumb not to realize the sudden change in atmosphere. He sprung and rolled over to evade and pull a distance between him and Sherry. Cid quickly got up before Sherry could land a hit on him.

“Oh, so you’re hitting on me, eh.” Cid smirked. “Can’t pass to that, but I’ll have to pass with you. You’re going to end me up with a broken jaw.”

With a great effort, Alastor put himself together and eventually the headache subsided. He observed her and saw the possible cause of outrageous attack.

“That thing,” said Alastor, pointing the light in her chest. “That’s the reason why she’s not on herself.”

“Hemil Klust.” Murmured Cid.

“That’s right.”

“What should we do?”

“I don’t know anything about it.” Said Alastor, still trying to figure out what’s the next step. “Should we take her out?” He asked.

“No.” disagreed Cid. “I’m going to try something.”

Sherry leaped and outflank him over his back and delivered a round-house kick to Cid. He flew over the wall. Alastor sheathe his sword and proceed with hand-to-hand combat.

This is the first time he saw Sherry showed a masterful counterflow against his attacks. From blocking his right swing to synchronizing his kicks, Sherry was gaining the upper hand over time. Sherry blocked the Alastor’s fist by catching it and headbutted him. Alastor was stammered and tried to counter her, but she was quick and before he could land an attack, Sherry already lunges at his guts. Alastor puked saliva and kneeled in awe.

Alastor remained in shocked on what she had performed. He had never seen anyone like her able to master hand-to-hand combat for a very short time. There must be an explanation behind all of this.

“Sherry.” Said Cid. Sherry looks back at him. “Look at me.”

“She is looking at you, dumbass.”

“Look at my handsome face.”

Alastor put his palm on his face. His face animates distressed.

Cid’s goal did not go well at his end, instead, Sherry remained furious and became more vicious and apparent to attack Cid.

“Shit.” Swore Cid. “Did you just hold a grudge on me?”

Sherry stride almost running until she finally made a sprint towards him. Her fist raised and jump over Cid. With a precision, Cid sidestep and allowed her fist past through and was stuck on the wall.

“How come a woman hold a grudge on me?!” Cid asked to Alastor.

“I don’t know!” He shouted back. “Maybe, it is because you have a spunk of attitude that correlates to trash.”

“Dude!”

Water sprouted out of the hole and showered Sherry. Her power emerges and shoot out, but they easily avoided it and was prepared for her next attack.

“For your information, I did not intend to sneak on your room. Secondly, forgive me what I am about to do to you.”

For a brief moment, there was a spark on Cid’s snapped fingers. Without intending to back down, Cid conjure a lightning magic that shocked Sherry and had her crippled and knocked her out. It was quick, yet violent and unforgiving. Cid catches her before she fell in the ground.

“Whew, that was quick.” He said, “From hundred to zero.”

Alastor stand and observed her. The strong malevolent sensation was finally subsided.

“Impressive.” Commended Alastor.

“I know. I find it hard myself to believe that I’m a damn genius.” Cid smiled.

“Now I regret saying that.” He whispered to himself, “What a total dumbass.”

Ɵ

Since, Sherry is knock out, she was taken first priority and had her ride on Liber, while Cid and Alastor walks over and follow the path they’ve taken. They shared their stories on what had happened for the past days and began to stitch the stories to create a speculation about the objective of Theo.

“You said weapons like nukes were being transported over the Vesoga Plain?” Alastor asked.

“Ah-huh. It seems that they have a hideout in there. They appear to sell weapons all over the city, they could also export all of those weapons all over region and only god knows what are those.”

“How can you tell?”

“I never seen those nukes that my informant said to me, but I saw dozens of craters and weapons being stock and put on the cargo.”

Alastor fell in silent and trapped to his thoughts.

“What are you thinking?” asked Cid.

“There’s a lot of variables to see, but I don’t think he only wants to gain profits out of smuggling.” Alastor explains.

“What’re you suggesting? Like he wants to people to go against each other and had to supply them with weapons?”

“Exactly.” Alastor said with a certainty in his eyes. “Come to think of it, he rarely appeared in public and have his so-to-be vice president always handle public information dissemination.”

“I still don’t get how it connects to getting people kill each other.”

“You’ve said before, Don Trifalgo is busy transporting and have his men export those weapons across different places?”

“So?”

“So, we could concur that Theo is the only one who handles transactions and negotiations to different kind of people.”

“That wouldn’t make sense. He has his minions.” Cid said.

“Not if you’re a cynic. I would do that if I want to know who I’m dealing with, to ensure the flow of negotiation.”

“Hmm.”

“Simple to speak, Theo wants to incite a geopolitical economy war.”

“That’s insane!” Cid shouted and held firmly Alastor’s shoulder. “It’s like he’s asking for another god forsaken war.”

“Not all of us wants to see the world in peace, some men want to see it in chaos.”

Alastor annoyingly removed his hand from his shoulder and stand back away from him.

“Are you sure of what you’re saying?”

“No. I don’t have any evidence, but his activities are provoking this kind of catastrophe. He’s a threat that needed to be dealt with.”

“I believe you, but we need to tell this to Linda and ask Rod for instruction.”

Alastor nodded. “We need to get back in the headquarter.”

“About that…”

“What about what?”

“The building got destroyed.”

“Well, we have an underground base. We’ll just have to cross the abandoned train station and go for another trip in a sewer.”

“What about Liber?” asked Cid.

Alastor looked at Liber. “You’re right. I guess, we’ll stay in the sewer then.”

Cid’s eyes caught a shadow moving. His hands flickered in lightning. Alastor saw it and nodded.

“Before that,” said Cid. “We must take care of the pest problem.”

“I agree.”

With a quick movement, Alastor’s sword cut the shadowy enemy in half and leave Cid to cover Liber by his protection magic and throws lightning bolt at the enemy.