Chapter 32 – Year 157

 

…

Calm Era, Year 157.

Three figures mingled and mixed through the traffic. Hood and shawl covered their faces. People busied themselves and didn’t notice them. They bustled as the presence of celebration enveloped them. It filled them with pride as the top one talent was in their county. And now was her auspicious day.

“Sis, you sure? It’s your birthday after all!” Ben wondered while their pace was quick.

“Don’t worry. This is the only way.” Sarah smiled.

She recalled her conversation with her grandfather.

“Tomorrow will be your birthday.” Old Man Pendragon’s back faced Sarah. He was overlooking the county in the window. “But I’m afraid, people will make difficult for us.”

“So, I have to leave.” Sarah finished his sentence. Old Man nodded, not taken aback.

“The king of Miracles Kingdom wanted to enlist the military of all its jurisdictions, ours included.”

“So, only the Pendragons can protect this county now.”

“Of course, we need to think the worst. They might force all of our clan members to fight to death.”

Suddenly, the old man about-faced. Sarah saw a trace of worry despite the fighting intent within his eyes. “You will be targeted if that happens.”

But her grandfather smiled. “But you already got an idea.” This made Sarah grin.

“My birthday or whatever, our priority is to live past this day, got it?” Sarah gestured to her teammates to quicken their pace.

Ben pursed his lips and play with the device in his palm, starting a revving music.

“What are you doing, Ben?”

“It’s nothing, Sis. This is Brother Jigen’s old music player. Just wanted to relax…”

Sarah shook her head. “We are not in a vacation!”

“Don’t worry, we are still in the county! It’s not like something is going to happen.”

“We are not in the comfort of our cozy home anymore, Doof! There’s no electricity out there. And we need to make our own potable water. Or at least find one.” The only girl in the group sneered.

Though, Ben disregarded her as he saw the carts on the pedestrian and salivated. He recalled Auntie Linda’s chicken wings once again. “Err, can I have a few of those chickens?” He hehe’d as he saw the suspicious and weird gaze of his friends.

After this bullshit episode, the trio hid in a corner after suspecting something. Although their training had been short, they had relative knowledge in observation. They squinted and took noticed of increase guards in the gates.

They spun around and encircled to the other gate.

But to their dismay, the same situation occurred. Somehow, they sensed a nagging feeling that prying eyes locked on the gates.

Although Ben and Jed grew confused, they knew Sarah wanted to get out with no one knowing. Thus, they needed a plan.

Many caravans came and went. Many eyed them, as if searching for something. Though most got nothing.

Although that was the case, many still followed behind a few suspicious caravans.

In a separate location, a carriage decorated with expensive materials bolted across the road. It resembled a rat scampering to escape. The gate opened and made way.

Many silhouettes popped out a distance away from it. They covered their body with green clothes, masking them behind the dense forest.

“Sarah Pendragon is here!” “Don’t let her away from your sight.”

“Attack when we are ten miles from here.”

Only two figures remained. One of them had a thin stature. Suspicion flashed in his eyes. He waved his hand towards his comrade.

“Pendragons won’t be this stupid, right?” The thin man asked.

While his comrade was big and resembled an oblong. The big man snorted. “Don’t think too much. The army of Miracles Kingdom is closing here at this moment.”

“It is better to be safe. Let’s wait here for a moment.” The thin man persuaded. “By the way, will that person really help?

“Of course.” The other man snorted. “Hehehe. Humans are truly ignorant. They only have a relative peace, yet they are now tearing each other apart.”

“That’s alright. If without them, humans will become united and will extinguish anyone in their way. We should thank them honestly.”

…

Sean pulled Arnold and Raul into an alley. “If we are going to do this, it’s now the time!”

 “The bitch will have her coming!” Raul sneered.

Arnold, at the side, pulled a long face. He couldn’t help but fidget. Yet, there was nothing he could do to persuade his friends.

The three settled their plan before strutting towards the north section of the county.

The mansions of Pendragon bustled when numerous people arrived.

It was only a simple celebration, but because of her popularity it became a large party instead.

The boys clicked their tongue for how bustling the place. Just a title, but the people made a fuss about it, they thought.

The trio went their way inside the mansion. Foods and drinks stood on top of a long table. A few delicacies were still being cooked and released.

A maid walked out from the kitchen, carrying a large bowl of juice of pink color. In fact, many decorations were in pink because they knew how fond Sarah of this color.

“Auntie, we can help you with it.” Sean smiled. The maid knitted her brow. She didn’t recognize them, but because practically anyone had been welcome to join, she didn’t push them aside.

“Don’t worry, we are classmates of Sarah.” Raul chimed. The maid shrugged and let them.

But Arnold couldn’t help but feel nervous. Held in his hand was a bottle. “You sure about this. Not poisonous?”

“Don’t worry. That person doesn’t have guts to kill a Pendragon. He said it’s only a payback. Just enough to humiliate her.” Sean patted his chest.

Raul tsked and showed his gums. He seemed to recall a bitter memory.

Every time they went to school, a girl smaller than them always humiliated and trampled their faces into the mud. “Just remember how miserable our one year in school! That damn Sarah! How dare she bully us?!”

Arnold still felt rattled. “Then… how will you know Sarah will drink this?”

“She likes pink.” Sean sneered. “And it doesn’t matter if she drinks or not. It will still be a shame to Pendragon if one of their guest drink this.”

The person they were waiting for appeared after all the invitee had seated.

She exited from a mansion, wearing a beautiful pink dress. They could see the etiquettes taught by a clan from her actions.

But those with keen eyes could see her stiff expression.

‘Sarah’ smiled. But her sweetness made a few guests frown. Those with news had a change of expression.

People scrutinized her stiff face and fake smile, and attributed it to being scared.

“Shouldn’t she be escaping right now? Why she is still here?” These people whispered to each other. Though, their actions weren’t different from others. Those with good nature felt worried about her.

A hub-hub occurred as people talked about how pretty and young the top talent of humanity. People surrounded her, hoping to be acquainted.

After all, she was a future Venerable, a Transcendent even.

“I can see the same brilliance you have, Old Man.” The head of Coin clan laughed.

He was born one generation after Old Man Pendragon, but the latter seemed younger.

In addition, he felt jealous of this older man who already gave away his clan’s authority. In fact, he hadn’t relinquished his power because he felt there was no suitable descendant.

Because of this, he always envied the Pendragons who have many talented individuals.

Old Man Pendragon traced his beard. “Nah. The younger generation will surpass us old generation.”

The two of them continued their bickering and flattery when the noise of a breaking glass sounded.

All people turned around in their place. Then everyone became chickens strangled on their necks.

They watched ‘Sarah’ fell to the ground. A server stood wooden beside her lying body. Underneath her was a quivering broken glass still had a pink fluid.

“It’s not me!” The server screamed, the glasses in his plate fell and broke down into many pieces.

“Go help her, quick!” “Call the doctor!”

Blood came out in large volumes. The little girl stared at her grandfather. The latter blinked and dash towards her. At the same time, a Mind Transmission appeared on her head.

“I will insure your family’s livelihood and safety. So… rest in peace, child.” The little girl breathed her last sigh, comforted.

“Nooo!” Pendragons arrived in droves.

They secured the area and also the panic-stricken Ryan.

…

The trio was waiting to pass through the gate when a scene occurred.

Five silver rivers approached from the distance. Blinding lights reflected from their helmets as they trudged on their horses.

Ben narrowed his eye and couldn’t help but sweat.

Clop. Clop. The friction against the ground reverberated and synchronized with the beating of his heart.

His face became paler, without a hint of blood, and his eyes contracted. He could feel their bloodlust and unsurmountable might. His teeth clatter and forgotten everything in his mind.

It was fortunate a hand pulled his shoulder behind the alley.

“What’s that? Who are they? Why they are so many?” Visible on Ben’s face was shock and dread.

Sarah’s face grew grim. “They are the army. The army of Miracle Kingdom.”

The ground quaked and the air became stifling. The soldier’s armor appeared impenetrable. And Ben stumbled when he stared at their ferocious eyes.

“They are like… a monster in human form!” Jed muttered.

Thud. Thud.

Seeing them approached, the trio’s breathing stopped. People on the road parted for them. They grew restless with the army’s seamless discipline. One little boy was slow and now trampled by the cold steel.

“Murder!”

“Oh, my god!”

The citizens panicked. They couldn’t believe someone to be audacious to kill in broad daylight!

“What is happening?!!” Ben became aghast and almost rushed out, but Jed hugged him. He noticed the lack of empathy of the soldiers, even when the people hurried to rescue the little boy.

“That is murder!”

“What do they regard life? Nothing?!!” Ben roared while Jed hurried to cover his mouth. The latter’s face also devoid of warmth as the boy glared at the army with killing intent.

Sarah’s face contorted. Malevolence churned inside her eyes, but an unknown force subdued her feelings. She gritted her teeth to force herself to smile. “I can see now our chance! Let’s go!”

“The hell, Sister!” Ben couldn’t believe her, as if this was his first time seeing her.

After a few seconds, he calmed himself. “We should apprehend them. Pendragons have the full authority here.”

“We will talk later.” Sarah became stern.

“What’s the point of us getting stronger? I can’t believe it! That is murder, Sister! We have the right to engage them! Aren’t you a Pendragon? Call them here!”

“We are not strong enough to face them. Let’s go, there’s nothing we can do.”

“That’s it? Why are we running away, anyway? Your clan can escort us if they want to, aren’t they?”

“Sis, this is not the time for your antics or pride or whatever just because you wanted to sneak away!”

“Sneak away? You don’t get it, Doof.”

“What I don’t get? Care to elaborate?”

Sarah bit her lips. “The world is our enemy now. Hence, we need to hurry. It’s impossible to face an army.”

This made Ben confused.

“What did you do?”

“It’s a long story.” Sarah told the truth. “I made enemies of everyone in the conference.”

The boy wrinkled his nose, still confused. “So? Isn’t that everyday occurrence to you?”

Sarah exhaled, letting out her helplessness. Though not because of her enemies. But because of the boy facing her. Although she trusted her friends, she knew she wasn’t being honest with them.

Maybe it was better to tell them, Sarah thought.

“As in enemies who will kill us out right. Humans won’t think twice to do that. If they don’t, it only means more suffering before death.”

“I’m sorry.”

Ben paled, too shock by her words. Sarah felt a prick of pain seeing his expression.

Stuttering, he started trembling while forcing the words to come out. “You-you! You!”

Of course, Ben knew the conference. News about it got propagated. Only most contents became hidden to the public, though. Pirated Editions only showed the brilliance of the Venerables, not their squabbles. Thus, common folks remained deluded about them.

Hence, Ben thought nothing of the conference. He knew the authorities were respectable people. The latter protected the humanity and Ben was thankful for that.

But from her words meant their future was dark.

His mouth opened and closed, but no words come out.

Suddenly, their spine tingled. They raised their head and saw a blot of light falling head on towards the Pendragons!

Boom!

A mansion of Pendragon quickly collapsed. But then, three auras shot away from it!

One man with a body as ferocious as tiger clung on top of a gabion roof.

At the center of the courtyard, an elderly stood towering with the spear in his hand.

In another direction was the large golden dragon coiling around a mansion.

In addition, multiple auras showed from Dult Clan. Their metallic bodies shone and converged, also transforming into a brown dragon. It hovered beside the Pendragons and waited for the incoming rivers.

The five rivers stopped. Only one man approached. His burly body was decorated with scars and tattoos. He didn’t have an upper armor but wore an intricate beadwork. His dirty beard and nostrils flared as he walked forward. Everyone on his path parted and became respectful.

“Venerable Mountain Crusher.” Old Man Pendragon stated.

The burly man had a nest-like hair and a massive nose. He scanned the scene in front of him before his words boomed. “I’m called General Mountain Crusher when in battlefield.”

Old Man Pendragon blinked. “Playing with words, Black Forest? So be it. You are not here to drink with this old man, no? Looks like years of friendship is nothing compared to a single order.”

“I’ve said it before, becoming crony of that man is the biggest mistake you have made.” He shook his head while his face painted with disappointment.

Mountain Crusher became amused. “I’m not here for ideology, Old Man. Regardless of what I’ve become, he is still the king of my kingdom. I can only follow orders.”

“And in his behest, all the military is to be recruited by the kingdom and present that lass, Sarah. The king hereby enlisted her to my army!”

Jack Dult, who was in the center of formation, inhaled. Thump, thump. He smelled a plot and his heart couldn’t help but beat faster.

But he still chose the Pendragons. They were still his direct superior, after all.

“Aba! Didn’t you people just kill her earlier?!! You didn’t even give her a proper trial! And yet, you execute her! Your coming here is tantamount to death!!” Ryan gnarled. His eyes bloodshot from the fury inside his chest.

The roof he clung to cracked. A large aura gushed out from his body as Ryan readied to lash out.

Hearing this, everyone in the county had varying expressions.

Ben gazed weirdly at the Sarah beside him.

Mountain Crusher squinted. He felt something wrong. Ryan’s act was too good to be false!

He felt a headache coming. Thinking was not his forte, though. Truth or falsehood would show itself before power, he thought. So he hollered to his back.

“Formations!”

Lights emerged with each river.

One river became a gigantic long sword, while another became an enormous shield. On the far right, an enormous eagle emerged and flapped its wings. Next to it was a colossal elephant.

And in the middle, a titanic mallet appeared and its handle landed on Mountain Crusher’s palm.

Though, instead of being comical because of their size difference, Mountain Crusher’s appearance became perfect!

Old Man Pendragon chuckled. His eyes became cold, though.

“Pretty confident?”

“Just because you remained invincible within several battlefields?”

“Then, I’ll show you why we, Pendragons, can stay arrogant for this long!”

Both he and Ryan jumped on each dragon. Their eyes blazed with fervor.

Especially Ryan. The move they would do was something he only knew in history of the clan! A legendary move!

And today, he would also experience that move. Even though he should be excited, the thought of his dead daughter drove him insane!

“Dragon Dive!!!”

Then his body and the dragon’s body coalesced and transformed into thousands of golden lights, shooting towards the ground!

Beside him, another thousands of golden lights appeared. From the distance, it looked like two fountain showers!

Ooooong!

A long trumpet sounded as the colossal elephant took the vanguard. It also signified the start of the upcoming battle!

…

“See!” The thin man licked his lips. Weird lights shone in his eyes as he eyed like a hawk the three small covered figures dashing away from the county.

“Fuck! Whoever planned their escape is a genius!” The oblong man cursed, but his reaction was quick. He jumped from the county wall and followed behind the trio.

His teammate laughed and also jumped after him.

“Don’t forget, Pendragons have connection to the Dragon Clan. Getting Transformation Art is nothing but simple to them. If it’s not Sarah, then I don’t know anymore!” His running figure became a blur, only leaving his voice.

“I’ll block them.”

“Someone is following us!” Ben’s senses tingling him the danger behind them!

“Nice, Doof! Your training wasn’t for vain!” Sarah laughed, wanting to relieve the earlier tension.

But this only made the already foul-mood Ben to scowl.

“Don’t worry, these are only loose fish slipped through the net. The Pendragons made the carriage as suspicious as possible and create a doppelganger of mine to catch the attention of those in the shadows and the kingdom.”

Ben gritted his teeth while thinking. “I’m regretting my decision to come with you!”

“Are you masochist? Why the hell you wanted to provoke a hornet’s nest? And you are still not satisfied and made us come with you!” Ben yelled in his heart. He just wanted to find his brother, for god’s sake!

If Sarah could hear his thoughts, she would sneer and say. “Sorry. This is a pirate ship. I can help you alight. But be careful of the sharks.”

“Shit!” Ben cursed for the first time in his life.

They kept running, but the figure behind continued to decrease the distance. Seeing this, Jed motioned to Sarah and lagged. Sarah understood and continued her pace.

Seeing someone lagging, the thin man observed first. He saw that the kid was gasping for breath. This made him licked his lips. His shadow shuddered and was already upon Jed in no second.

“Gotcha!”

But the expected didn’t happen. His claws just passed through the former’s figure. The thin man finally saw the kid’s face. It astounded him that although the kid’s breathing was erratic, his face and eyes stayed calm.

Also, the kid turned around and counterattacked!

For several moments, Sarah and Ben could hear the collisions of blade. They looked back, seeing Jed catching up while the assailant was far behind them.

On their back, it didn’t discourage the thin man. He thought, “That kid is already a Master. He got a talent. Too bad he is wasting it by training in useless Common-Grade Arts. He can only be a bodyguard and a fodder for that Sarah.”

The man continued to lag until he vanished from their vision. But with Jed’s terrifying perception, he could still see a dot from a distance, which soon joined by another dot.

The trio continued, focusing on running.

Ben’s breathing became haggard and couldn’t help but whisper. “How long have we been running?”

Maybe Sarah heard him because she gasped and spoke. “Three hours, I guess.”

“And we still haven’t outrun these two? Are they still humans?” The boy observed their appearance, and they were nowhere near their initial condition. Only Jed seemed okay.

They should have headed to the main path, but Sarah denied that idea and circled around the forest instead.

But even Sarah didn’t know where they were by now. On the side, Jed kept picking twigs and by now there were fifteen twigs.

“Why are you doing that?” Her chin pointed towards the twigs.

Jed smiled. “We are fifteen miles away from the county.” This made Sarah blinked.

“Wow. So we only need to reach several miles more!” She grinned while Ben’s face fell.

“No. Remember we circled through, so there’re more distance.” Jed kept thinking before calling Sarah. He grew used to calling her sister by now. “Sis, you still remember the locations of the map, right?”

Sarah nodded. Her clan brought everything they needed to travel.

“Then, how long before we can get to the river?” The boy asked.

“If we continue straight, maybe we could stumble to it.” Sarah tried to hide her slightly reddening face.

“Okay, I got it.” Jed smiled. “I have a plan.”

…