Chapter 172 - #171 Volcanic island (2/2)

”Do you like it? It also has other functions on your enemy but it's almost useless against someone strong and experienced.” Akashi asked with a smile.

”Yeah, this is certainly something I can appreciate. I really like to use them more than fight on my own.” Mera actually released a genuine smile without any sadistic or playful traces.

”Anyway, you look like you are planning to go somewhere...What're the plans? Mera also realized it so she quickly changed the subject when she noticed a fairly big backpack on Akashi's back.

”Let me explain everything...” Akashi didn't want to include matters with Esdeath around Mera since he knew about her small crush but he decided to go through it.

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When Taeko heard about the matter with Esdeath, her expression winced a bit but she hasn't said anything. Mera who was quite master at reading from body language and microexpressions, was aware of Taeko's worries.

Mera was quite irritated when she heard that Esdeath likes Akashi so she decided to vent out.

”Taeko, are you truly alright with this? I can sense dissatisfaction from your expression.” Mera asked with an amused expression while glancing at Akashi who just let her talk without saying anything.

”...” There was a few seconds uncomfortable silence and tension began to rise. Even Mera was slightly surprised by this as she slowly began to regret what she has just said.

”It's called jealousy, Mera-sama. If I didn't feel any jealousy, it would only mean that I don't truly love Akashi.” Taeko opened her mouth after a few seconds of silence just to say this with a faint smile and closed eyes while pressing her hands to her heart.

”?!” Both Akashi and Mera were surprised by her words.

'Did she learn this from Chelsea?' Both of them thought of the same thing.

Akashi wanted to ”reassure” Taeko, saying that he will marry her first no matter what but he decided against it with a smile on his face. It actually made him happy that Taeko feels jealous about this and maybe even insecure when it comes to Esdeath but that only showed that she truly liked him, plus there was something else. Akashi noticed her determination in her eyes, it would be rude of him to ”reassure” her making it look like he has no faith in her.

After this matter was solved, Akashi mentioned his plans for next 2 weeks and offer them to join him but he still warned them that they will most likely be bored the entire time. Taeko instantly agreed since she got chance to spend more time with Akashi while Mera decided to tag along, feeling uneasy leaving Taeko alone with Akashi even though she was aware that Akashi will most likely spend all that time for training.

Mera sent a message back to Oarburgh's hideout before they left on Kiyomi's back, flying towards the south-west.

Kiyomi's stamina was actually probably the strongest point, therefore she was able to fly without any stops. It took them only a few hours before they found a few smaller islands with an active volcano. They even flew an entire hour over the ocean before finding a suitable place for Akashi's training which just showed how far they are from the Capital.

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After another hour passed by after they landed on the island with an active volcano.

”This island looks pretty good” Akashi nodded his head with a satisfied smile, standing among the numerous corpses of the Danger Beasts.

”There is also high activity of Danger Beasts.” Mera added with a puzzled expression.

”I would have thought that they would try to run away from the active volcano...” Taeko was also puzzled by this.

”Most of them can't swim so they have no choice but to stay and pray, while there are still aerial Danger Beasts...it is because hunting for food became much easier for them due to chaos down here, they can also fly away whenever they want.” Akashi said his conclusion while shrugging his shoulders, not bothered by this small fact.

”I hope you have an escape plan for us in case the volcano suddenly erupts” Mera frowned and said.

”Of course I have however by the time it might erupt, I will most likely already be able to control it.” Akashi reassured them with a faint smile.

”...I see, so that's why you wanted to come here specifically.” Mera muttered with a thoughtful expression.

”That...and also one more reason but it's something you wouldn't understand even if I were to explain it to you” Akashi nodded his head before adding.

”Try me” Mera smirked and replied.

”To get into contact with certain someone or something.” Akashi said with a smile and as expected Mera had confused expression when she heard him.

”Anyway, let's set up camp near the entrance to the volcano, I already had Kiyomi fly around the volcano and find a few entrances.” Akashi said as he turned around, intending to go through the jungle up to the volcano.

Girls followed right after him while keeping glancing around for any potential danger.

---Northern lands, near the borders with Northern Tribe---

”Finally back...” Esdeath muttered while overlooking the plain covered under the snow. If she were to dig a few inches below the snow, she might even find some remains of the tents or other things.

'What an uncomfortable silence. Still, returning here surely brings back memories. I should focus on my training, I will use these 2 weeks wisely to get my body and mind into the perfect state.' Esdeath thought as her long blue hair was flying in the violent wind. It was also constantly snowing but none of the snowflakes actually landed on her figure, it was as if they were avoiding her.