Chapter 5 : Zerald's speculation (Part 1)

This chapter 5 part 1 took longer than I thought. Cause there wasn't any pauses due to the whole encounter with violet. Chapter 5 will only have 2 parts.

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"Is this the evil god of calamity?"(Young Violet)
"Yup, the one who neither is human nor a beast, the incantation of evil"(Zerald)

Young little Violet was rolling on the carpet in middle of a spacious room, she pointed at a picture of a black evil god which the large picture book depicted, and Zerald answered her while smiling.

"Can my lord father win against it?"(Young Violet)
"Only a good person with pure heart and mind could win the evil god of calamity"(Zerald)

"Than, I will become a good person and help my lord father"(Young Violet)
"Hohoho, princess is a very good child."(Zerald)

~

"So something like that happened."(Zerald)
"I didn't know that you had such a relationship."(Yusuke)

"The princess of those days was an obedient and pleasant child"said Zerald as he yearned for the olden day, "Now, it looks like she is not even a shadow of her past" as Yusuke retort against the original person who is now pouting. Not even being compose, she is simply defiant.

Just before the sunset the merchants at the commoner's district began to tidy up their street stalls on the main street, songs that were being sang mark the beginning of the night business, customers who were looking for particular items begin to intermingled, the disorderliness during this time set a unique atmosphere for this place, today however, along one corner of the street is an imposing presence.

The sudden declaration of capturing by the fire corps, who currently abandon their duty of escort cause curious onlookers to gather transforming it to a mass attraction. By the way, the one who sings songs are harlots.

Yusuke and Zerald was surrounded by the fire corps soldiers with spears pointing at them, although it seems that the soldiers faces were filled with confusion.

Just a few year back, as part of celebration of the new year of festival known as "creation festival", King Esvobus issued an edict to all of his soldiers "Do not get involved with Zerald", in other words it could be seen as "Do not touch him".

Since then, Zerald had not once visited to the palace, he even left the city to live in a certain skilless village. What had happened between the King and Zerald was unknown, although it seems like there is a lingering atmosphere that the King have a weakness against Zerald.

"What the hell are you guys waiting for  Arrest them Now!"(Krielov)
"but, But ... ... Are we supposed to disobey the King's orders?"(Soldier 1)
"Moreover, there isn't a legitimate reason to arrest them on the spot."(Soldier 2)

The soldiers were conflicted by Krielov orders of restraining, as the soldiers were uneasy about violating the imperial edict, and there is also the question of being no clear reason for restraining them. As they are different from the common soldiers, the palace soldier corps are able to give their suggestion or opinion to a certain extend.

"Do not mind about it, I will give an explanation to my father"(Violet)

Violet declared as it seems interesting, due to the unexpected meet up with Zerald, Violet was in a good mood as she had suddenly found a way to kill time. Thus approving the arrest of these 2 people allowing him to bring them back to the palace. Putting Zerald aside, there is also another interesting black hair man with a unique presence.

"As the princess have said, the evil god of calamity have been called upon to this street by this dubious person ... ... as I had thought he is targeting the king's life - "(Krielov)

"Hoho, You conveniently use the words of the princess in your favor."(Zerald)

"chi...... What did you Say!"(Krielov)

Zerald's meticulous plans caught Krielov in the tongue as he put a stop to his remarks, and launches a new set of traps. There is also the factor of Yusuke whose presence and powers are unknown.

"Hmmm ...... You're the type that whose excessive loyalty will cause the death of your lord."(Zerald)
"What...."(Krielov)
"King Esvobus had already decree not to be involved with me right ... ... wouldn't it be better to abide by the royal decree?"(Zerald)
"What do you mean by that!"(Krielov)

Changing his aloof attitude, Krielov directed a sharp gaze at Zerald whom gave a word of warning, the flame corps soldiers who were surrounding them put themselves on guard. Violet who find it amusing, was shocked and froze when Zerald changed his aura.

"Teacher teacher, why are you adding fuel to the fire."(Yusuke)
"There's no problem, leave this to me."(Zerald)

After Yusuke whispered to Zerald in secrecy, Zerald who had a killing aura returned to his aloof mood, irritated by what just happened Krielov begin to spread his 2 hands as a gesture.

"Didn't Esvobus wanted to distance himself from me, although the reason is unknown? And yet here you are trying to escort me back into the palace."(Zerald)
"This is not an invitation! In the first place, there isn't any reason for you sinners to meet the king."(Krielov)
"... ... how many disciples do you think I have in the palace?"(Zerald)
"Argh.....!"(Krielov)

Zerald had once coached many people within the palace about god skills. The healing-based elite corps of the palace compose mainly of water god skills people are known as the "Water God Corps", nearly all the elites of this corps revered Zerald as their master. If the fire corps were to restrain Zerald back to the palace, there will definitely be protests and petition from them.

Normally people will distance themselves in accordance to the King's wishes of not getting involve, "Loyal Subject" are you going to break that title? When questioned, Krielov whose loyalty, jealous heart and assuming actions caused him to be at a loss with words.

"Than, Than ... ... how do you explain that person with black hair!"(Krielov)
"What about Yusuke?"(Zerald)

Yusuke shrug at the topic. "So his name is Yusuke", as Violet whispered in confirmation.

"Don't try and play the fool, as the one who is trying to find the evil god of calamity, why have you summoned him to this city."(Krielov)
"Goodness Gracious? I have been saying that 'the identity of the evil god of calamity is a plague', do you really believe in the existence of the evil god?"(Zerald)

After replying him, the fire corps soldiers look at each other bewildered by the so called 'fairy-tale'. From the start it was Violet who saw Yusuke's black hair and shouted "Evil god of calamity", which became the catalyst of this drama.

Krielov who was shocked by the moment, did not really believe that a real 'evil god' actually existed. The "Evil god of calamity" was the princess way to kick up a fuss, as an excuse in order to capture Zerald.

As the crowd was silent and lost in confusion, Zerald felt it was a suitable time to finish up.

"Did you know? If you blend all the colors together you will get black"(Zerald)

Among the god skill people who possess the god skills, in normal cases only one type of power is being blessed from the 4 gods, however there are rare cases where some are born with more than one god skills.

"From my point of view his black hair represents the combine powers of the 4 major gods whose skills dwells within him."(Zerald)

"You have reminded him of the ordeal, that even the parents of this child, believed him to be the evil god." Zerald begin to explained Yusuke's life story, that he came from a faraway foreign country and was abandon at the shrine of the skilless, he was protected by the skilless in the nearby village, and was brought up in secrecy until recently.

A truly smooth tall story Zerald had told, the surrounding crowd begin to understand when they said "so that's what happen" as everyone around had a sad look in their faces, it's time for the last phase. He stood upright and lightly cleared his throat, and began to speak in a dignified tone about the study related to legend of the evil god.

"First let's talk about why the statues of the evil god located everywhere within the shrines of the skilless is black in color, if you mixed every single color, that means the unification of powers of the 4 great gods in harmony that would never happened which points to chaos, the chaos is the summoning of calamity which can be use to define black which in turn can also be seen as a symbol of chaos, since ancient time there had been studies of the lives those without affinity and that raise the question of why the skilless do not possess god skills, this is the results of my findings after years of dyeing and mixing dust and mold--"(Zerald)

"Wait, wait a minute Zerald, I know that, what just happen was my fault."(Violet)

 Zerald entered his editorial mode which Violet was extremely weak against. In order to stop him from lecturing her with a flood of words which is likely to become a headache, she panickily apologize to her mistakes. Standing at the side watching as it unfolds Yusuke thought 'unexpectedly she also have her cute side'.

While we were making a commotion, news begin to spread in the palace, by the time the king's notification came the case was adjourned. "Heed my words, Do not lift a finger" was what the notification said.

"What, it was getting good from here on"(Zerald)

As Zerald blurted out, although his innermost thoughts were "that went well" as he stroke his chest.

"Don't worry about father, next time come and visit the palace."(Violet)

"I will be waiting for you." as Violet wave goodbye while heading back towards the noble district, following closely behind was her attendant Krielov from the palace escort corps.

The surrounding crowd begin to disperse, since the sunsetted while they were busily tidying up their stall, there was a yellow hair strong man who was interested in Zerald's editorial wanted to hear the sequel of it, "I will announce the thesis of it soon"as Zerald declared,"I'll be looking forward to it"as the guy left.

"Phew, that's was close. Shall we return to the horse carriage."(Zerald)
"Should I say great work...."(Yusuke)

Yusuke respected the irony of being able to turn that situation around, while Zerald answered with a smile.

Chapter 4 : Sanc Adiet (Part 3)

Alright Chapter 4 is completed my brain is fried. Btw this is part 3 of chapter 4, Click here to read the whole chapter.

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"Princess, it's about time to return to the palace...."(Kreilov)
"Don't be a spoil sport, the streets are still lively ain't it not."(Violet)

Violet who was walking along the main street during the evening loop around to check out one of the main street stall, escorting her was a few 'honorable ninjas' as her entourage. It seems like there was something interesting that was attracting all the commoners to the stalls, its also because she felt a familiar god skill presence. Thus, coming to a halt and surveying the surrounding.

"That is.....!"(Violet)

The willful princess Violet suddenly came to a halt, as her entourage who were escorting her begin to be suspicious of her sudden halt, without any warning she dashed into the crowd of people. Stunned by her unexpected behavior, Kreilov snapped out of it and immediately chased after her.

"I found you Zerald!"(Violet)
"Hiaz...."(Zerald)
"Oooo What!"(Yusuke)

Zerald who was hurriedly pressing Yusuke to get out of this location, was suddenly being surprised tackled by a girl on his waist. The redheaded twin tail young girl was wearing a tall red dress had a strong aura surrounding her,

"Princess... ... this person is getting old already."(Zerald)
"What are you saying, when you are always going to different faraway places and always have a habit of traveling all around the world."(Violet)

Krielov the attendant from the "Fire corp" who finally caught up with the princess, recognized Zerald and begin to pull a bitter face.

He was not happy the moment he saw Zerald. Krielov is serving the current king 'Fire wall King' who is also known as Esvobus Volance of the 18 generation, who had an old relationship with Zerald, although due to some unforeseen circumstances their relationship have turn sour.

"Do not get involved with Zerald" King Esvobus warned, and to exercise restraint if they any of them sees him around.
Charmed by the powerful skills that King Esvobus wield, Krielov who is a loyal subordinate of King Esvobus had a slight discontent about it. He said to the king, "My King is Zerald holding onto some shortcoming of yours?"

Somewhere within Krielov was hoping that Zerald would politely turndown Princess Violet invitation "Come to the palace". The flame corps who sympathize with their captain begin to form a circle around the princess as a form of escort.

"The Sun have already set? You have to return to palace soon, or do you want your father to be worried about you?"(Zerald)

Dissatisfied by being treated like a grand daughter, Violet placed her hands on her hips and puffed up her face, as she snuggle up to Zerald's chest her fingers slowly creep in to hug him.

"I am no longer a kid you know? I still have plenty of things I want to learn from you....."(Violet)

"Well dear me, what interesting secrets would a princess see from a senile old person."(Zerald)
"! My Princess, this sort of behavior is!"(Krielov)

Violet who childishly tried to use her body as a form of seduction evaded her attendant whom finally caught up to her as she puffed her cheeks up once again.

" I believe I am pretty alluring now. Just wait a few more years my buttocks and breasts will all mature, and I believe that you will not be able to stand up to my ravishing looks."(Violet)

"By the time that happens I will already be a feeble old man."(Zerald)

Violet groaned at Zerald who was laughter loudly. Krielov on the other hand was getting impatient. The flame corps were silently carrying out their duties. While standing on the outside of the protective zone Yusuke was watching the course of events progresses around "amazing honorable beautiful granny princess like scenario", as the entourage were all showing a trouble expression.

"Hey you, I am feeling a strange presence coming from you......"(Violet)

"Eh?"(Yusuke)

I was stunned like an idiot after being called out, my voice couldn't seem to come out. As I glanced towards my back, there was a pair of red eyes filled with unyielding aura closing onto me.

Violet who was standing next to Zerald looks as if she had found a prey, due to an interesting presence that she had never been felt before, as she faced towards me in the crowd. However, Zerald had stopped her before she could do anything.

"He is scared of humans, if princess were to stared at him so hard I fear he might break down."(Zerald)
"...... Fuee"(Violet)

Violet who doesn't find it amusing as Zerald protected this hooded man that possess a mysterious presence, she snorted at him before backing down. Next, she made a feign gesture while flicking her fingers that was pointed towards him.
In a split second, there was a 'Bof" sound and the hood Yusuke was wearing burst into flame.

"Ooo !"(Yusuke)
"Opps! This is bad"(Zerald)
"Ahahahahah...."(Violet)

Although the fire was immediately extinguished by Zerald's water skill, Violet's fire skill had made an uproar in the vicinity. Violet was convulsing with laughter as Krielov rushed in to restraint her.

"My Princess! Please restraint yourself, you not display your royalty powers to the commoners so recklessly!!"(Krielov)
"That's what you are talking about!"(Yusuke)

Yusuke whose head was nearly burned, retorted to her attendant as he wanted to remonstrance against this violent, willful, granny-like princess. As one of the commoner will normally not retort against a royal princess's attendant, Yusuke suddenly became Violet's target of interest again.

"Geez, what degree of absurdity is this princess displaying, there is a limit to restiveness."

Yusuke took off the burnt hood and begin cursing while folding the hood to keep it for customization later, without noticing that an erie silence had fell in the vicinity.

"Hey, You...."(Violet)
"What now?"(Yusuke)

"You, the god of calamity....? Have you come and destroy my country?"(Violet)
"Eh?"(Yusuke)

The voice that Yusuke had lost just now had returned. "O no", Zerald face palm as he looked up into the sky. The Silence which fell in the vicinity as soon as the Royalty pointed out the existence of "the evil god of calamity", it became an uproar.

No one knows what is the identity of the evil god, "The existence of a disaster 300 years ago" that allusive existence is now a reality.

"Hmm, immediately become the god of calamity as said......the great disaster."(Violet)
"Nope, it is not nice to joke on your words."(Yusuke)

Krielov whom immediately evacuated Violet to the rear, begin to give orders to his subordinates as the commander of the fire corps.

"We will catch our enemies for the glory of our master."(Krielov)

Chapter 4 : Sanc Adiet (Part 2)

"I heard that teacher is heading to town, will he be bringing him together?"(Auntie Bahana)
"Yes, Yusuke is going along. The house will be empty for 3 days."(Sun)

Sun while chatting with Aunt Bahana was carrying a basket full of lala fruits at her house, as she wanted to trade for some dried meat.

The lala fruits which Sun have brought over had tasted specially customized by Yusuke, the fruit normally have a limpness and over ripen feeling that comes with its sweet taste, while the one Yusuke customize retains it's stage of freshness and crunchy consistency, thus being very popular with the villagers. In fact, it's one of Sun's Favorite food.

"Oh really. Come to my house during meal time."(Auntie Bahana)
"Umm, Thank you."(Sun)

The truth is Bahana have already thought of Sun as her real and cute daughter. While listening attentively to the usually quiet and shy Sun talking about the opposite sex, Bahana was sighing deep inside her heart knowing that it will still take some time for her to adapt.

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"Hmm, this is pleasant."

The wagon which was customized by Yusuke became quite a pleasant ride while traveling on the highway. They are currently on a highway which is link straight from the village of Rufuku to the city of Sanc Adiet, the distance needed to travel by a horse drawn carriage is about 1 day.

If one were to travel at the break of dawn they would be able to arrived in the evening. On the horizon ahead of the highway, dyed in hazy beige color was the city as it appears in sight.

"At first, I thought it was a mountain."(Yusuke)
"Hohoho, well it's close enough."(Zerald)

Zerald who was holding the reins of the carriage, begin to explain the city of Sanc Adiet to Yusuke who is currently sitting in the back. Due to an increase in population, the city expanded too rapidly and due to the king wanting to oversee the expansion, from the palace to the noble districts all have been elevated to show reverence, thus the current shape of this city.

"The old city is being buried under the current city."(Zerald)
"ehhh ~"(Yusuke)

Zerald nodded happily in knowing that I was interested in the history of the city.
They had arrived to the city earlier than expected, as a result Zerald used his water skills to wash away the fatigue from the horse, and combined with the special carriage which was modified by Yusuke, they were able to travel without breaks.

"Hmmm. The street stalls in the market might still be opened now, want to take a look?"(Zerald)

After parking the wagon at an empty slot, he went to the nearby skilless hangout to hire a lookout. These people earn their keep by watching over the horses and carriages for merchants who came to stop by the town. This is one of the benefits that these skilless get by living in the outskirts of the city.

"Ehh! Sir this is ... ..."(Skilless Bellboy)

"Hiaz Unfortunately, this is all I have on hand now."(Zerald)

"......."

Zerald shrugs and hand over a yellow crystal to him, as the charges were far too high for him, the local skilless begin to panic.

Normally for a bellboy to look after a carriage or horse 1 green crystals is more than sufficient a reward, but currently Zerald's green crystals have all been turned into red crystals, thus the lowest currency he have in his bag is the yellow crystals. Seeing that he was getting 3 times the normal reward, the local skilless bellboy was fired up.

"Isn't that some great fighting spirit?"(Yusuke)
"Because to them it's quite a fortune"(Zerald)

I lift up my hood that was wearing over my eyes, while I questioned Zerald, he replied with an aloof  answer. The hood that I was currently wearing was prepared in order to hide my hair color. Although there is the option of dyeing my hair, but it seems that dyeing of the hair seems to be against the law.

Although they are able to identify the presence of god skill, as my features are different, there might not be people who would want to touch me without a second glance. From an outsiders perspective I looked like Zerald's servant.

As evening falls, the two of us begin to search around the main street stalls to check if there is any treasure worthy of purchasing. The street stall market is the commoner's district specialty, due to a huge main road they are able to sell all sort of assortments, thus being crowded with lots of people everyday.

To open a street stall on the main street is decided by the commoner district but the time limit is until sunset, while in the middle class area and above in order to do business, you have to purchase the rights of a store holding.

The noble districts are filled will luxury stores which are mainly filled up with custom made clothes and ornaments. The restaurants there will also deny entry to those who are not dress appropriately.

"Are we going to sell the stuffs we brought over, here?"(Yusuke)
"Yes. Although there is a store up there that I am acquaintance with, but it will be abit troublesome in explaining where I got these items."(Zerald)

Tomorrow we will secure one of the street stalls in the morning, we will put up a sale for the clothing, shoes and wool from the livestocks that we have brought over, and using the funds we will get some daily necessities before heading back home.

Up until recently, Sun broke had some of the cutlery dishes, so Zerald was looking at the pottery stall directly across the street, but he unexpectedly felt a strong wave of god skills presence.

"Did something happened?"(Yusuke)

"Uhmm..."(Zerald)

As I glanced towards the direction in which Zerald was looking at, from the cracked amongst the crowd, I glimpsed upon a group of people wearing vibrant armor. Apparently from time to time, this group of people known as "God skills guard corps" will appear near the vicinity of the entrance of the city, as they are patrolling around to give the city a sense of security, and it seems like they are a prideful bunch of people.

"What are they?"(Yusuke)

"Are related to the Royal officials something like "honorable ninjas"."(Yusuke)

"Honorable ninjas?"(Zerald)

Like some lord in line of procession forcing a conspicuous march on these "Honorable ninjas", I realized I just pulled a Tsukkomi. Zerald nodded in acceptance when he understand why I called them"honorable ninja".

The god skills people are able to feel the presence of other god skills wielders. As a part of the one year plan of festivity the royalty order the citizen to reveal their power, most of the city dwellers have followed suit, thus it is easier to discern those who are from the royal family. Therefore, those who tried to hide their presence will be found immediately.

Although it is not known to many people that within the same palace structure, these "honorable ninjas" which Yusuke mentioned, are people who are brought up since young in the royalty to "you are to show respect and honor to this personage", thus trying to hide this person's status is virtually impossible.

The term "Honorable ninjas" of the royalty comes from the royal guards who are protecting a certain person who came to the commoner district, someone who is on a sightseeing excursion, thus the general public does not need to kneel in obedience.

"Well, those who live in the noble districts rarely comes down to the commoners streets ---- thus this might be bad."(Zerald)

As Zerald was explaining about the band of honorable ninjas, I felt a unpleasant feeling coming over and thus giving a wink to Zerald.

"Let's quickly get away from here."(Zerald)

"Eh, ehhh? Why all of a sudden"(Yusuke)

Chapter 4 : Sanc Adiet (Part 1)

"Fonclanc" is known as the largest plains in Karutsuio, although 1/5 of it is the metropolitan city known as " Sanc Adiet". The fire skill people especially those who are very talented and strong are able to become royalty, and they have ruled the country through this city, the capital for many generations.

The city is divided based on the livelihood of the god skill people, the upper tier buildings are reinforced with god skills thus boasting quite a considerable amount of strength. The imperial palace is an amazing 10 storeys high. The middle class and below have sightly reinforced buildings which includes a protective wall.

In the centre of the city there is a high protective wall surrounding the 'Noble district' where all the nobles live, as the area was build on a hill, the wall seems much larger. A wall stands between the 'nobel district' and the 'middle class district', followed by the 'commoners' at the outskirts.

The middle class district is build similarly to the noble district, the streets are build from higher ground to lower with a wall that partition the different classes of people, with the mind of the powerful overlooking the commoners. As the commoners district are also in a higher location than the plains, they have already started expanding the town by lining up new cobblestone roads.

Basically the buildings should be gradually rising towards the centre of the city, but due to some confusion in the development policy for a period of time the skyline of the city is distorted. In the outskirts of the city, there are reinforced buildings for the skilless, these are some benefits for being a commoner here.

The "Volance Palace" stood above all in the noble district. As the city and palace kept expanding and developing, the original structure of the palace is no longer there, part of it are buried under the stone pavement, forming a underground labyrinth.

The royalties lived near the peak, the walls and roofs in their residences are embedded in decoration with the same materials as the crystals, allowing the room to bathe in the sunlight's radiance.

In one of the room on the upper floors of the palace, there is a young girl dress in a luxury red dress, she threw the book onto the table as she was sitting on a artisan chair shaking her legs in boredom.

"Boring, I am bored" (Crimson Princess Violet)
"Princess, that is improper."(Kreilov)

Her interlocked hands placed behind her head, she who is sitting crossed legged and rocking on the chair was non other than the crimson young princess, the one who was standing next to her and always getting hit on the head is her exclusive guard cum educational clerk name Kreilov.

"Please stop, this is not lady-like."(Kreilov)
"Since I have nothing to do, and there isn't anyone looking anyway."(Crimson Princess Violet)

'Boring ~ Boring' while rocking on the chair is the princess of the flame skills : Violet Volance, standing next to her is Kreilov who was frowning, as he hold the back of the chair down to prevent her from falling.

"Booo-"(Crimson Princess Violet)
"No booing. Princess I wish you would be more self aware of the duties of being a royalty."(Kreilov)

As one of the person who is standing on the apex of the flame skill people, "O powerful and sublime noble, constantly splendor that must not cease to existence" or so, as Violet dig her nails in boredom, while ignoring Kriel's nagging.

"The bureaucrats around Dad are all pitch black on the inside, they look similar to the evil god statue."(Crimson Princess Violet)
"Evil god statue?"(Kreilov)
"The Black Statue that is enshrine in the shrine of the skilless."(Crimson Princess Violet)
"Princess, you are a noble descendant of the Flame god, you should not be speaking of the things regarding the low born."(Kreilov)

Violet's face became disgusted, and Kreilov was frowning while nagging.

"I want to see Grandpa Zerald."(Violet)
"..................."(Kreilov)

Violet who wanted to see Kreilov plain face frowning in front of her, purposely started a topic about Zerald. He had not been visiting this remarkable palace for the past few years, though he was a very good companion for Violet during her childhood.

"You should not be starting a topic about the weird person."(Kreilov)
"Why not? Zerald is a master of the water skills, did you not know that he even surpassed our palace elites of the water corps?"(Violet)

The "God skills guard corps" is a group responsible for the patrol and security of the city and palace, within it is a special elite corps which protects and works for the palaces official. The "Water corps" are composed of the elites that excels in water skill healing. By the way, Kreilov is the captain of the "Fire Corps" in charge with protecting the royalty.

"If Princess kindness towards him is being gossip around, people might mistaken it as he is princess's
favorite. A person like him likes to invite calamity." (Kreilov)

".... .... hmmm Zerald isn't such a weak person."(Violet)

Violet who begin to pout as she turned her face away.