Chapter 339 (2/2)

Randidly snorted. “Then honestly, the Skeleton Knight sounds like the more attractive option to pledge to; the Wild Rider doesn’t have the dedicated attention to hunt down and punish everyone who pledged to the other side. Your Skeleton Knight, on the other hand… he certainly seems like the type to hold a grudge.”

Bobbing his head, Coppernicus said, “Yes, he really would. I believe that went into Sydney’s decision for our East End Village to side with him in this fight. It has certainly made… human relations difficult but- is something wrong?”

Randidly just looked at the skeleton man, trying his best to keep his breathing even. “...Sydney. Your village… is led by… Sydney…. Does she… have any connection to Ace, from-”

The skeleton seemed to wince. “Well… yes, you could say there was a relationship there at some point. I believe they were involved before the arrival of the System. But now their relationships has… soured somewhat…”

Randidly’s mouth firmed into a line. So it was Sydney then. Although he wasn’t sure what had transpired between Ace and Sydney, whatever it was probably explained Ace’s… extreme behaviors. So then, that was another thing that Randidly would need to do, visit Sydney. But one fire at a time… first he needed to pursue Jemma.

Turning to the Skeleton Man, Randidly opened his mouth, then paused, somewhat puzzled. What did it say about Randidly that he had spent a few months with Simon and Thea, barely talking, and now he had encountered this strange, reanimated man, and he basically had no compunctions with speaking? In fact, this might be one of the more relaxed and easy conversations he had had. Aside from Ace, it was probably the easiest, and Ace had the benefit of a rapport.

Was it the lack of humanity in the others eyes? Was it the sorta detached pragmatism? Either way, something to think about… Well, another problem for the pile. Although he had somewhat settled into his reserved and anti-social persona, it was slowly shifting. That was enough for now.

“Do you know where the Skeleton Knight is?” Randidly asked slowly, knowing that this might destroy any trust that the two of them had. Still, he owed a debt to that girl, and he would protect her.

However, Coppernicus didn’t seem bothered by the question at all. He thought for a moment, and then said. “All I know is that the Skeleton Knight will only ride towards the capture of the Wild Rider, once she is located. Normally he remains in his castle, but now-”

“He’s heading directly in this direction, to intercept…” Randidly muttered, his eyes flashing. “Thank you. After we depart, you and your men are free to go. Ah, we will be taking the skull with us.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Randidly continued. “You have no… worries that your condition is related to the Skeleton Knight, and if he falls-”

“Oh no, I was like this since the System came.” Coppernicus said dismissively. “I’m not exactly sure, but I believe that I was on the threshold of life and death at the exact moment the System arrived. Just like it cured most illnesses, it appears to have… cured me of death. It is… perhaps a lonely existence, and a strange one. But as more people grow used to the System… I don’t get quite as much of the strange looks as before.”

They shook hands one last time, and then Randidly left, getting Simon to scout ahead with Astral form, while Thea and Chrysanthemum clung awkwardly to Neveah’s back.

That settled it, she definitely had gotten a little bigger, because the bear on her back was still quite oversized, but it no longer looked as ridiculous. The flaming skeleton head that continued to berate them went to the Wild Rider, who volunteered for that pleasure with her usual cheer. That was slightly suspicious, but upon entering her hands, the skeleton creature immediately went quiet, so Randidly was willing to overlook it.

Still, he kept an eye on her. After all, she appeared to be taking the loss of her Regalia in stride. It seemed the Lucretia had been honest about that at least. She had another game here, only Randidly was having a hard time seeing what it was right now.

And honestly, it was hard to care. If she stood against him, he would crush her, like he would everything else.

Simon arrived back in his body, sitting up abruptly. “David- err Randidly. Trouble! There is an army ahead.”

Randidly showed his teeth. “Neveah, looks like we will give you another good meal. I hope you are hungry-”

“No, no, no,” Simon said, shaking his head, his eyes wide. “It’s a human army. I think… I think it’s the Squads of Donnyton.”