Chapter 282 The Land Of Dreams 2 (2/2)
To avoid stressing out his friends and family, Shin purposely obscured the real reason why he was attending the joint training exercise with the military. If they knew about the Black Mask operation, even Kanari would drop everything that she had to assist Shin in his endeavours. Truth to be told, Shin was quite proud that he managed to convince his friends. Unfortunately, not everyone bought into his deceitful lies.
”You… How much do you know?” Isadore continued to ask.
”Just that this training exercise is kind of fishy.” Sensing the shift in tone, Elrin dropped her playful visage and lowered her volume. ”Typically, a joint training exercise would always be in Himmel territory, and it would be no longer than two weeks. However, this time, they are going to the Land of Dreams, and it was extended to a month! Honestly, even if you didn't join the expedition, I would have sent someone to investigate about this exercise anyway.”
”Well, you're not wrong…” Isadore dryly smiled and fell back onto his seat. Giving Shin a helpless look, the silver-haired boy mentally stated his intentions, eliciting a firm nod from his buddy. Now that she had already boarded their carriage, they might as well rope the white-haired girl into the fray.
Isadore took his position opposite of Elrin and pulled out the map that Shin had handed him. At the same time, the convoy of over a hundred carriages started to move, indicating the beginning of their journey towards the Land of Dreams. Carefully taking his time to explain every single detail, Isadore filled Elrin in about the suspected Black Mask operations, their use of mercenaries, how the Himmel Empire was using the guise of the training exercise to investigate further about the notorious syndicate, and how the duo were planning to move once inside the Land of Dreams.
All the while, the white-haired girl had her right hand on her chin as she did her best to absorb all of this explosive information. Due to her father's work, she was one of the few children in the Empire that knew of Isadore's true identity. If it was intelligence that came from his mouth, there was a good chance that it was accurate.
”Hoho, you were hiding something this interesting from me?” Elrin sneered. ”I'd always thought that I was the secret-keeper… To think that Shin had one-upped me this round...”
”Elrin, although we don't know what to expect, there is still a certain amount of risk involved in us meddling about. You should stay in camp while we search the areas for clues.” Shin warned. Elrin was from the auxiliary course, and she was weaker than both Shin or Isadore physically. If they dragged her around, they would be forced to guard the white-haired girl against foes that were undoubtedly more powerful than them.
”Stay at home while the boys go out to play? No way!” Naturally, Shin's words struck a nerve within the young girl's body. ”I have plenty of methods to protect myself, alright!”
Opening her briefcase, Elrin showcased all of the Spirit Tools that she had brought. From life-saving talismans to speed boots that enhanced her fleeing capabilities, the tools that she possessed were potent enough to defend against Rank 40 Spirit Spectres with ease. Naturally, she also had a plethora of hidden Spirit Tools that she wouldn't arrogantly display that could deal with much more skilled cultivators.
”Hah… Elrin, we're not playing alright! We might get injured!”
”Shin… You know, I have been sheltered all my life...” Ignoring the youth's threats, the young girl sighed and started to recount her own life story. ”I thought that I had plenty of life experiences for someone my age. I frequently participate in High Society events, I planned and managed some of the stalls in the company, also I have personally made contacts with plenty of high-ranking officials, all on my own.”
”...” The duo kept mum as the white-haired girl boasted about her accomplishments.
”However, when I heard your story, Ella and Emma's stories… I realised how little I actually 'lived.' I never stepped foot outside of the Capital, I had never been to a battlefield, and I never had experienced what it's like to lose someone.”
The minute Elrin told her story, Shin turned his head to look at the silver-haired boy. He had heard a similar story before. A caged bird trying to find its wings. Evidently, for many protected children of High Society, it was a common problem. They yearned for adventure and to live a life filled with ups and downs. Too much comfort had bored them senseless. They didn't want to be caged anymore.
”So what if we get injured?! At least we can learn how to deal with adverse situations! I'm tired of learning theoretical knowledge that may or may not apply! I want to be in the frontlines, fighting for what I think is right!” Elrin grasped the smooth hands of the black-haired boy that sat next to her and looked at him with teary eyes. ”Don't you want to form a coalition to take on the Black Masks? I'm sure you wouldn't want someone like me, who don't have any experience in battle, assisting you right?”
And there was the culprit… Shin's persuasive speech after he was severely injured by Suji had moved the two sheltered kids. For the first time in their lives, they had the option to break free from what was expected from them. In time, Isadore and Elrin believed that Shin would become a powerhouse that would change the nation, and they wanted to be part of the revolution.
”Looks like it's checkmate, Shin...” Isadore shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. The moment Elrin brought up Shin's sermon, there was no going back. ”Just let her follow, I'm sure she's more than capable of protecting herself. Furthermore, it's not like we're engaging any enemies anyway...”
”You… Arghhh, how am I going to explain it to Uncle Terlus if you get injured!” Shin thought back to the nice man that treated him well the first time they had met. ”Whatever, safety's first! If I say we run, we run, alright!”
”Yay! Shin's the best!” Elrin locked her two hands around the youth's neck and snuggled on his chest like a domestic cat. Irritated, the black-haired teen, peeled the girl off his body and placed her firmly on the seat next to him. Looking out at the window, Shin couldn't help but notice that the convoy had long left the academy and was on its way to the Capital's border.
”Elrin, we're going to go through our entire plan once more. If you find anything wanting or if you feel that we're going on the wrong path, feel free to voice your opinion.”
”Hehe, sure!”
Pointing to the map once more, Shin hoped to get another person's opinion on the plan of his. Soon an engaging conversation between three of the academy's top talents ensued. Sometimes, Elrin would add in a new detail that neither Shin nor Isadore had seen before, and other times, the white-haired girl would be enlightened by the new material given to her. In the end, the trio passed the time while profoundly thinking about how they were about to thwart whatever operation the Black Masks had in store.
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