Chapter 210 In the Dark IV (1/2)
CHAPTER 210
IN THE DARK (IV)
Dark clouds loomed over the Holy City, blanketing the vast swath of land in shade and shadow, blocking the sun entirely from casting its light onto it. There was a strange sort of eerie stillness to the whole city, to all the streets and little alleyways, and expansive farmlands and riverbanks, and even the usually extremely populated plazas.
Endless, almost corporeal, shadows danced about the edges of the walls and streets, occasional disfigured eye perching out and blinking once before disappearing. Every so often an arm-sized tentacle would reach out from the cracks within the paved roads and wiggle for a second before disappearing.
The world was infinitely besieged by oddities beyond its realm, a set of strange abominations proudly displaying themselves for a moment before hiding in the dark. The now-endless streaks of thread-thin shadows mingled into webs and collapsed, spilling like ink over the streets, filling up the cracks and traveling onward.
Well outside the city, stationed halfway up the nearest mountain, hidden within the realm of the massive forest, Felix and Lucky were currently sitting on top of an abandoned scout tower. The signs of age were evident across its surface, even more so with the vegetation that had nearly taken it whole. The two had hid themselves here shortly after escaping the ranch a couple of days ago, not daring to even peek their heads out of the thick branches and leaves.
”... it's still growing.” Felix sighed, his face contorted into a frown. ”What the fuck is it anyway?”
”... whatever it is,” Lucky said, her expression that of melancholy. ”We have no business tackling it... and chances are neither does Lino.”
”What is the Empire doing anyway?” Felix mumbled, agitated. ”Why aren't they trying to clean up the mess?”
”... they probably are,” Lucky shrugged. ”But, clearly, they're not doing all that well.”
”... just looking at that shit makes me uncomfortable and angry.”
”It's kind of like Lino, isn't it?” Lucky chuckled.
”Yeah, except I doubt he'd ever suddenly turn to cannibalism and try to eat us.”
”Eh, you can never know with that bastard.” she said. ”Maybe it's one of his numerous fetishes.”
”... why does it suddenly sound possible?” Felix sighed. ”Wait, could this have something to do with the whole corpse-business?”
”... you just figured that one out? Damn, you're so fucking slow.”
”Hey, excuse me if I was a bit distracted!!” Felix grunted, blushing faintly.
”Could be, though.” Lucky said. ”It certainly does stink of Devil business. But, then again, it's been two days and I've yet to see even a sign of a Demon, let alone a Devil. Something's terribly off here.”
”... why does it sound like you're about to say something utterly moronic?” Felix asked suddenly, glaring at her.
”I'm gonna go and explore.”
”Like hell you will.” he retorted without hesitation.
”Aww, what are you gonna do? Chain me up?”
”I'll fight you to my last breath.”
”Wouldn't that just attract whatever the hell that is and kill us both?”
”... you keep saying Lino's insane,” Felix said. ”But, you're just as, if not more.”
”Heh, why do you think we get along so well?” she winked as she got up. ”Don't worry, I'll try and be careful.”
”L',” Lucky felt a strong grip on her wrist, holding her back for a moment. ”I know you've realized it yourself -- which makes your choice seem even dumber -- but there's no 'hiding' and 'being careful' when it comes to that thing.”
”... I've got a theory,” her tone mellowed as she crouched down. ”And I think it'll work out. But, in case I don't come back, feel free to live on and fuck everything that walks, alright?”
”...” she tried to walk away yet even stronger force pulled her back, causing her to slip over a small stone and fall onto Felix who held onto her tightly. ”Come back.”
”... I'll try.” she said, smiling faintly.