62 Chapter 17: The Theurgis (1/2)

Chapter 17: The Theurgist.

I minutely glance down to look at the new pair of shoes I bought and can't help but feel somewhat thrilled. I can't believe a new footwear can make me feel this hyped.

Or maybe it's just the contagious lively ambiance the streets of Ak'hilheim is to blame.

We were currently walking by the main roads of the city. I still feel so compelled to observe everything around me as if it was my first time. Though the first time I did came here, I was inside a body of a boy because of the runic stone I consumed. And now, I'm disguised as a boy to hide from those who are looking for me. Maybe this city is like a checkpoint for some diety, making sure I am a boy every time I stay here. That would be crazy if it's true.

Most people in the streets are dressed in multi cultural garments and equipments apt for traveling. Some uses plain hoods, some cloaks, and some turbans. Weapons and shields are worn like a common accessory. There are many different races too. I've never seen Demi's inside the continent but there are plenty of them roaming Ak'hilheim.

Ak'hilheim is the grand port city of the southermost Kingdom. It's where the warden of the south lives. He's called Sultan Ulf of House Rahn, father of my friends Ifrit and Maru. I met them from our adventures here few months ago when I was travelling with my brother. So that's me, Aeron, Levi and...

Huh?

...

Was there another one with us?

I lifted my eyes and saw Aide glancing left to right. She's leading the way. We are supposed to look for an inn. Scias on the other hand is fanning himself with a paper fan he randomly bought few moments ago from some street vendors. He's sweating as much as I am.

That's another interesting thing about Ak'hilheim. Their seasons in this part of the continent seems to be different from the rest. It's suppose to be winter season but the heat of the weather today is immense! I can feel the sting of the sun as though I am boldly bathing wide open to the scorching rays of daylight without any garb or any means of protection, when in fact I'm wearing a hood, a wig, and other multi layers of clothes underneath. Added that my chest is tightly wrapped in bandages. Damn, this is torture!

It's hella windy though but even the breeze felt warm. I don't get it why it feels like we're in the middle of a desert or something yet in reality this city is actually located near the seas.

A shadow minutely rolled by, casting a temporary shade. I gaze up at the sky and saw an airship idly passing from above us. There were also birds flying around it, as if they wanted the shade as well. I can't blame them though. It's so hot today. I sweep my eyes pass the airship and to the vast azure sky with its almost nonexistent clouds hovering. It's quite peaceful here. I wonder how Greenrun is...?

Will they be okay with the rot unresolved?

... at least the progress of the rot would become slower without me.

Aide turned in a corner and suddenly pointed at an inn. ”Let's check-in there and wait for the others!”

”FINALLY! I thought I was being sun dried like a freakin tomato.” Scias muttered, ”What is up with this weather?!”

He threw me a look as if I could answer his inquiry. I just shrugged, ”What are you looking at me for?”

”Well you live in this continent, you might have answers.”

”I'm from Greenrun...” I grumbled, ”And I don't really control the weather. We're all dark magus here.”

”Wow, you're as stingy as the weather.” he stated in exasperation. ”You used to be so nice!” He says in a feign sob.

I can't help but to chuckle. ”I'm sorry, Scias. I didn't mean it that way!”

”Enough making a scene, Scias. Let's just head in!” Aide says as we proceeded towards the said inn.

We all went to the front desk and she paid for a room. Aide turned to us and showed the room key. ”We'll wait for Faram in here.” says she, spinning the keys in her index finger before she tossed it up and then grasp at it. ”I'm sure Emis is looking for us by now. We sho—!”

Aide is cut off by a sudden commotion coming from the outside. I can see the streets going restless from the windows.

We all glanced at Scias.

”Hey! I didn't do anything!” He scowled. ”Let's check it out though!” he added, heading towards one of the windows. We followed after him and gaze outside.

A battalion of soldiers are seen marching the streets like a procession of sort, with flagmen leading the pace and holding red and black banners.

I looked closer to the crest on their banners and realized I know that crest! It's house Morlock.

”The Osteell Empire.” I murmured.

”Them again?!” Scias grunted.

Behind the battalions are iron automobiles, about six of them. For sure, Levi is in one of those automobiles. People on the streets immediately made way as the men marched forward and perhaps towards the Palace of the Sultan.

I tagged my cloak lower, unknowingly, and stepping a little more to the side from the windows.

I appreciate how Levi is on the move to look for me but...

I don't want to be found.

”What the fuck?” Scias gasps, ”It's those weird stuff again!”

I abruptly glanced at Scias and saw him gazing at the far end of the parade. Suddenly shadows were casted to the windows. I looked back and saw military looking automobiles passing by in front of the inn, and covering the view of the sun; pulling behind them are gigantic machines covered in white linen. They intimidatingly stood about twenty feet tall.

Dozens of them.

And after thinking that was everything, four massive and long container trucks followed the parade.

They look out of place.

This is clearly a grand demonstration of Osteell Empire's military prowess.

For a world almost dependent only in innate magic, those machines seems like a threat. I wonder what my uncle say about it?

Does he even knows Osteell are manufacturing such things?

Oh god, Levi. What are you planning to do with those machines?

”Looks like you're fiancé arrived and ready to kill the four of us.” Scias scoffed, perching by the wall next to the window; he crossed his arms together.

He turns his focus at me and smirked. ”Whatcha' planning to do now?”

”Hide. I don't want to go back yet.” I answered with conviction.

Scias nodded and closed his eyes in a sigh, ”Good to know!” he grins and reaches for my head and patted it vigorously.

”Shit! The security checkpoints at the airship ports would be tighter for sure.” Aide growled, grinding her teeth tightly. ”Change of plans! We need to regroup.” Aide walked away from the windows, ”Aerra, you go ahead and wait for us upstairs.” She tossed the room key over to me. ”I will go look for Faram.”

”I'll find Emis then.” Scias says as he unwinds his arms.

I caught the keys by a hand and just watched Scias as he walked away and step outside the inn.

”Give me your hand a sec.” Aide stretched an open hand forward. I placed my right hand on it and she closed it between both of hers. Slowly, I felt a tingling sensation at the back of my hand. ”This is just a temporary mark. It won't mean anything unless everybody approved, but with that we will be able to at least track you if ever we get separated. Don't take it off with your Null, ya' got that?”

She releases me and I saw an emblem at the back of my hand.

I nodded.

”If you try to take that off, I'll take it that you're leaving the group.”

”I won't! I promise.” I beamed at her.

Aide smiled. ”I... trust in you, kid.” She pats my head.

”See you later!”

I walked the opposite direction, paused and looked over my shoulder.

I saw Aide walking out the main door.