Apr 30, 2014

Chapter 15: Seperation

 Kai opened the letter placed on the table, and read every sentences carefully, since Ibel’s instruction was…quite simple.
“The letters will disappear as you finish the words, so you must remember them. If you can’t, then…”

“Seriously Ibel, can’t you just explain things to me normally?” Kai mumbled as he slowly capture every words. It was a chain of instruction written there:

Go down the ladder, you’ll see a passage below. After that, follow the below sequence:
1 to the left, 1 to the right
2 to the left, 3 to the right,
5 to the left, 8 to the right,
13 to the left, 21 to the right.

If you’re on the right track, you’ll find yourself at a dead end. Knock at the wall 3 times, a ladder will appear from above. Climb up and you will reach the surface. 

Remember: follow that sequence no matter what.

“Simple? hey wait wai…!!!” The letter turned all white just like Kai’s face.

“What’re those left and right, the hell?” He asked himself, while trying to focus his mind as hard as he could, in order not to let any of those words fall out. Strange enough, he somehow managed to remember them all, which he found surprising and also spooky at the same time. Normally, Kai wasn't the type of forgetful person, but his memory also wasn't that good. His studying required a lot of remembering and learning by heart, a reason for his constant struggle. But now, he felt weird since he could remember exactly what was written in the letter without looking at it the second time. Weird, and confident too.

“Alright, let’s see what’s in store for us. Ready to go Thera?” He turned to the girl standing and watching quietly behind.

She nodded. “Then here we go. You’d better catch up with us, Ibel.” Kai moved the metal plate aside, revealed a ladder leading deep down to the ground.

It took forever to climb down, and darkness was all that surrounded them. They could only hear the sound of their breathing, and the beating of Kai’s heart. It was obviously that he was trying to remain calm, however the effect didn't look positive. Thera, on the other hand, seemed to cope with the situation quite well. She followed the instruction without questioning and still remained silent the whole time. When Kai’s feet touched the ground, he let out a huge sigh.

“Here I thought we’re climbing straight down to hell. You alright?” He tried to look at the direction where he thought Thera was. He heard nothing, so he assumed that she nodded.

“What is this place anyway, it’s too dark to see…” As Kai finished the sentence, the surrounding was lit by a faint source of golden light. It was Thera’s doing.

“Ah thanks.” She should have done that earlier, he thought.

The two companions stepped forward, what awaited them are large and tall walls, arranged in no particular order. Kai could hardly make sure they were still in the same building anymore. If this was the basement, then it must be a huge one. Then, Kai ran back to the ladder and started to climb up.

“Thera, could you raise the light source a bit? I want to see the whole thing from above.”
The girl stood still, but the light around her started to move.  Slowly, it rose up above the wall. And then Kai saw the structure they were going to enter.

The labyrinth seemed to stretch to infinity, or just the darkness made it look like that. Who on earth could make this kind of maze underground? And how long did it take? No, the matter was, what was that for? And while Kai was still dumbfound, he saw another unlikely scene.  The walls were moving. They constantly moved, and thus the maze changed constantly. Fair enough, not just a maze, but a shape-shifting maze. Obviously, the one who made this wanted to trap whoever wandered inside forever. One wrong turn and this could be your final destination. After reassuring himself by remembering the instruction again, Kai took Thera to the entrance of the maze and they started the exploration.

“Ibel, I hope you didn't mess up that instruction.” The two disappeared inside the labyrinth.

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Back in the bookstore, Ibel had two strange customers. One was very tall, and his hair could make every girls in this world jealous of. The other was quite short, just a little taller than a middle school kid,  but the aura emitted from him made Ibel feel uncomfortable. Moreover, on his back, he wielded a long and thin blade-like things, covered in white shreds. The two had breached Ibel’s barrier and now standing in front of her shop, no hospitality sensed from both men. Ibel knew who they were, and reason why they came here. The only thing she couldn't predict was the time it took for them to find out her hide out. Too fast, she thought. She had sealed off Thera’s power in her chamber in order to keep them from tracking the girl’s trace. And she and Laa had been hiding their identities like forever, and none had success in finding them here. Except for that idiot.

Right, that idiot. They must have sensed him instead.” She thought. Then, one man started to talk.

“Well, this time will you introduce yourself properly?” Zaire stepped forward.

Ibel remained silent; she was ready for a fight. She had to buy more time for Kai and Thera to escape. But, how long could she hold them off?

“I have to praise you for snatching away our target last time. To be honest, to think there is people who is dumb enough to stand in my way is kinda… amusing. It’s like a refreshing change in our boring daily work you know?” Zaire chuckled.

“Hah, a middle school kid talks about works? Don’t make me laugh shorty. And I didn't stand in your way, it was you who was an incompetent idiot to be fooled by such a cheap trick. Don’t you feel ashamed for yourself? Cause I do.” Ibel couldn't hold her tongue anymore. She said it.

“A middle school kid? Who… what… Ermmmm, enough of meaningless joke, hand the girl to us!” Zaire seemed to be flustered. Looked like he was sensitive about his height.

“What? A kid tries to order adult around? Know your place you shrimp.” Ibel knew too well how to attack the enemy weakness. 

“Who are you calling a kid? I’m 25 already, you old hag.” Zaire shouted back, losing his composed.

“Calm down Zaire, don’t lose to enemy’s provocation.” Standing behind, Ray proved that he was the only proper adult in the place.

“I repeat it once more: hand over the girl, and we will leave you unharmed.” Ray said.

“I refuse. I have no intention of letting that girl fall into the hand of the Elements.” Ibel answered.

“You know who we are, and yet you stand against us? Do you aware of what is going to happen to you once you do that? Or are you that confident of your skill?” Zaire asked. 

“I’m well aware of it, therefore I’m standing here, to stop you. And about my skill, you two will know soon enough.” The moment Ibel had been waiting finally came.

“Honestly, you should seriously consider Ray’s condition. He had even gone as far as overlook a Nohigu. But…well, I guess that’s that. Prepare to be annihilated, Soul bearer.” Murderous intent filled in Zaire words.


“Bring it, you damn hunters.”  Ibel clenched her fists, flames started to burn out of nowhere around her.

-End chapter 15-

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