Chapter 17: Communicate

Two people, making their way through the maze. With the only source of light generated by Thera, Kai was having a hard time seeing where they would have to take a turn. At the moment, his brain was working at its maximum capacity, partly tried his best not to miss a turning point, partly worried about their savior. All she left was a piece of paper, which had now already vanished into thin air. “What would happen next when we get out of this maze?” He thought, feeling uneasy to the core while thinking about Ibel’s expression at that time.

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“So, what is a Nohigu’s job? And don’t give me answer like saving the world or something like that okay?” That’d be too absurd, even with the current story.

“Well yes. That’s exactly our job. Saving the world.” Ibel said the ridiculous thing out of Kai’s mind.

“Then I’ll pass, I’m not really into the idea of saving other people’s ass.” He said it, the thing he hated the most.

“Oh? Then may I ask again why did you save that girl? Do you not consider her as ‘other people’?” It wasn’t much of a question, more like an accusation.

“…” He remained silent, as to confirm what she said.

“And I got myself in to hell out of the troubles for doing that. Not gonna happen again.” He would be proud to hear it, if he could.

“So you’re running away from your duty?” Ibel said, with her arms fold.

“I have never chosen to be one of you, remember? It’s just that…I got dragged into this mess, that’s all.” He tried his best to avoid looking at Ibel’s eyes.

“…Is that really what you want to say? Truly?” The woman removed her glasses, and rubbed her eyes. Kai didn't reply to her question, sitting still on his spot. This looked like an interrogation with the suspect was on the verge of defeat.

“How can you still say such words? Even those you keep yearning for extraordinary to happen? You have always been looking for an answer for your question, but now you’re running away when it comes to you? I've known you for a long time, but I never knew you are such a coward.” Ibel shrugged.

“What will that answer help me if I’m already dead? I’d love to know that. ” He tried not to yell.

“Dead? Is that dead you’re worried about? Let me tell you something, Kai Yungen. There’s something in this world that is more fearful than dead, you know what that is? It’s living. Have you ever been trying to live while being hunt days by days, nights by nights, you cannot rest even for a second, you cannot even think, all you can do is run, and hide, as fast as you can? And you have to keep doing that for years after years, and sometimes you can even remember how old you are, what your real name is, and you will lose sight of your life in the process. All that left is the will to survive, you are but an animal. Compared to a life like that, I’d rather being dead, believe me. But you have to keep living, since it’s not you who made the decision of your life and dead.” Ibel fixed her gazed to Kai’s eyes, froze him at the spot.

“Is that… never mind.” He knew whose story was that, but was too afraid to ask when he saw her face. He didn’t know to describe her expressions. It’s neither anger, nor sorrow, more like a tired beast facing the hunter, begging to be slain, yet didn’t want it to end like that.

“Get it now? It’s not up to you to make the decision of what you want to do or what you want to become. You have been chosen to become a tool, and a tool should only make the best of its use or else you are trashed. That’s how this world works. That’s your life from now on. Sure you can run, but you can never get away from it, you can never get away from your destiny.”  Ibel’s cold words were pinned to his head.

As Kai were about to open his mouth to speak, Ibel suddenly turned back, and her eyes fixed to the entrance while speaking to Kai.

“They’re here, you have to go, now.”

“They? You mean…”

“The hunters. They have entered the barrier. Take the girl with you and go through that door. I have prepared everything you need. Go, and don’t come back.” Her stern order was like an invisible hammer striking him back.

“But...what are you going to do? Don’t tell me you are going to fight them?” He hesitated to leave.

“What if I am?” Ibel replied as if a challenge, which Kai couldn't possibly accept. He just stood there watching her disappeared behind the wooden door.

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How long was that since they had entered this place? 1 hour? 5 hours? A day? He couldn't tell since all he could see was darkness, the light source had run out as Thera had worn out, now had to relied on Kai to go on. Looked like she hadn't fully recovered yet. This was tiring to some extends. Not knowing where you were going, and your current location was wholly based on your memory recollection. Frustrated, and yet he had to keep calm, since he was the only one who could lead them through this maze.

“If only...” What wished was he going to make, he didn’t even know. To get out of this place? Or to have Ibel here with them right now? Was she really able to go against them?

“Focus god damn it!” He slapped his face to snap out of those unnecessary thought for the moment. Up until now it was the 9^th turns to the right, but everything looked just the same as the moment they walked in. Nine, which mean 11 more, and this never-ending walked would finish. Or so he hope.

“Do you need a rest?” Strange enough, he heard a voice.

“I’m fine, do you?” Thera was getting weaker somehow, and that worried him a lot. At first, when the light went out, she only had to lean on his shoulder, but now she could hardly walk, and it looked like she was being dragged on by Kai.

“You don’t have to do this.” Her monotone voice suited the atmosphere so well that it made him kind of mad.

“Will you drop this already? I do what I want to do kay?” He snapped back. That question should be made into the universal topic.

“Is it? Is it really you who make the decision?” She asked, reminded him of what Ibel said before.

“Up to this point, I’m not sure anymore, but I’ll do my best to survive, to live through all of this mess.” Speaking of babbling.

“You do understand that you are fooling yourself, and yet you accept it. This confuse me.” She said, with that mind-reading manner.

                  

“Then just leave it, you confuse me too with your questions, and you don’t want to get lost in this maze do you?” He had been slowing down a lot. Thera didn't ask anymore, but she kept staring at him ever since then. There were some points he caught her gaze, and he turned away immediately. More than a month had passed since he first saw her, and he still couldn't look her straight to the eyes without feeling uneasy.

“I’m tired, let’s rest.” She spoke. Her eyes cast down to the floor.

Kai was glad that she broke the awkward silence, and he was almost given on his legs already. He nodded, then carefully sat her down.        

“Say, who are you? Are you another...soul bearer?” This was the only chance he could ask her that.

Thera didn't answer, she only drew a glowing sign on the wall, which looked a bit like a tree, and a circle, but that was all Kai could tell.

“Is that you?” He couldn't think of anything else.

Thera stared at him again, then turned back to the symbol.

“You could say that, this sigil represented our power for a long time. We used it to recognize each other, but now it’s nothing more than a mere symbol. It has gone to oblivion, just like us.” He could feel the melancholy in her voice.

“To the oblivion huh?” The same feeling he got when he heard Ibel’s story. He knew that he shouldn't ask more. Then he took out the small jar from his pocket and looked at it.

“Is this really possible? To revive him?” He asked the girl, knowing she was also looking at the same thing.

“It was never dead to begin with. They don’t die, they can’t die. The vessel may shatter, rot, evaporate, but the inside will remain.”

‘But Ibel said the soul cannot exist without a host, isn't that right? Then what would happen if a soul can’t find a host and can’t die? Where would they go?” A strange thought ran through Kai’s mind, a theory which he hoped was wrong. 

“I know not.” Right, he couldn't expect her to know everything. Maybe she was also someone who was thrown into this mess, just like he was. Then this answer only added more weight to his train of thought. What would happen to “the other one” if they couldn't do something in time? He feared of that moment.

“But there is something I know, the vessel and the inside can only be connected once they share the same ideal. The vessel is the will, and the inside is the tool to carry it. I do not know how you people call it, mewtral understanding?”         

“It’s ‘mutual’. So you mean to say the reason I can’t see my soul now is that we are disagree at something?” Wasn't that like...the whole time? Since he heard the voice, they rarely agreed with each other, let alone ‘mutual understanding’.

“Isn't that something you should ask yourself?” She stood up, signaled to move on.

“I have rest enough, let’s continue.” Without waiting for Kai reply, Thera walked on.

Kai hurried to catch up, not realizing the footstep echoed from far away. 

-End chapter 17-

Chapter 18

Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Office work

9.35 in the evening, most people had already left the building. However, one office on 3^th floor was still on duty. Inside, there was 3 people. Only the scratching sound of pens and papers.

“Phew, finally I’m done with this shit.” Rikk threw the pen up in the air, as it landed to the opposite table.

“Hey, watch your manner, people’s still working here.” An angry voice from the other side of the block, came with the sound of writing.

“What did you say? Cause I can’t hear you over the sound of freedom I’m enjoying.” Rikk was overjoyed. It took him nearly 3 days to finish all of his work – from partner researching documents to verification of newly recruit volunteers. The reason for this nonstop challenge seemed to be unknown, but order was given by the boss: Finish all of this, and you all can have a month off. To choose, or not to choose, that’s not the question. A month worth of freedom for him was obviously the second best news, and the first was a raise. So he decided to trade 3 days for a month. Fair enough, considered the type of boss he had. However, all good deals came with a catch.

“Screw you, once I’m done with this, you will know what true torture is.” The other one was definitely not happy at all. Genna, on the other hand, was not that enthusiastic about the reward. She took her work easy, and didn't want to overexert her pace. So she turned the offer down. But that didn't matter anymore. If one decide to do it, the other must follow. That’s the motto of the office, and that fool Rikk had caused her 3 days worth of damage. It would took a lot of time to heal. Could 1 month be enough, she wondered.

“Settle down you two. Rikk, if your paper work is done then hand them to me and you may leave.” A calm voice of the superior saved the quite of the room.  The secretary of the boss was also working on her share, eyes not leaving the paper. This woman was the second most fearful person of the office, the most was, clear enough, the boss.

“Oops, sorry sis. But is that really true, that I can take a month off? With paid?” Rikk was already enjoying the taste of holiday through his freshly made coffee. 

“Do you mean that chief deceived you?” Erie’s left hand was writing, and her right hand was typing the computer, yet she was reading a book while doing all of her work. An odd, capable multitasking person, that’s how Genna saw her. Rikk, foolish enough, gave her a nickname that earned himself a week of odd jobs and no payment. 

“No no no no no, I didn't mean that. It’s just that it’s too good to be true, honestly.”

Erie put her pen down then gathered all the papers into a neat pile, then put them all in a holder. She had finish her part.

“Truth to be told, I was as surprised as you two back then, when chief said she would be off for a month. Probably something happened, personal matter. But it’s not my job to question the chief’s decision.”

“Have you tried asking? Chief seems to trust you a lot.” Genna joined the conversation.

“It’s not my thing to poke into other’s business. And it’s the chief we are talking about. Do you think we can get anything out of ‘that person’?”

“You are too cold sis. You should try to be more intimate with your co-workers, or else you will end up alone.” Rikk playfully said, considered there was no danger ahead of him at the moment.

“Chief is not my co-worker. Chief is… chief, my superior, and my job as the secretary, is to follow her order. That’s all there is to it.”  Erie didn't catch Rikk’s wing. Her statement directed to the chief made Rikk kind of sad.

“Talking about it, I heard you go way back with chief, right Erie?” Genna switched her interest to the chat, set the work aside. After all, a woman couldn't resist the charm of chit-chatting.

“So you've known chief for a long time? Like a decade? Childhood friend?” Rikk was curious.

“I wouldn’t say friend. It’s more like… servant and master relationship.” Erie eyes sparkled as she said the word ‘servant’.

“Huh?” The other two was taken by surprise. In their mind they couldn’t imagine the image of Erie serving other people. But it’s the chief they were talking about. The person who could even made the chairman bow to her for some reason. Rikk heard that story from Genna, who heard from Erie, and God knew how much the story was twisted when it reached the young man, but judging from the privilege their group had over other offices, part of it must be true. The whole floor just for 4 people, with all necessity and their own ‘helper’, free of charge.

“Why are you two so surprise? Chief’s family is one from the long lasted generation, so it’s natural that there’ll be a branch or two serving the main branch. My family is the closest one to chief’s family, and I have the honor to be her servant. Simple as that.” Erie explained with proud. That was her main job, follow her master to wherever she could.

“Pfffuuuuu” Rikk cough out the coffee, almost tainted his shirt.

“Hey, what’s the big idea?” Genna looked at him in disgusted.

“Chief…is…from…a long lasted family? Seriously?” Wiping his mouth, his hand was even shaking.

“Huh? You don’t know? Can’t you tell from the name? What world are you living in?” Genna tilted her head.

“Hmm, I thought I had already told you about chief’s family. Guess I forgot. My bad.” Erie shrugged, both she and Genna knew about the topic, leaving Rikk, the newbie, in shock.

“I only know her first name, but not her family name. I can’t believe I’m working with a person from the noble houses. So, what is chief’s family name?” Now he turned to excited. It’s a normal reaction just like when you knew the one living next to your apartment is a celebrity.

“Yungen, from the 15^th generation. But don’t bring this up to her, for some reasons she doesn't like it.” Genna said.

“Wait, did you said 15^th? Could it be…”

“Yes yes, her family was one of the five involving in the dark days. Please do us a favor, ask something less trivial, or shut up.”

“Woah, so chief’s a mage. I’m so jealous, even though we both are living in the society, I can’t do magic at all. It’s so unfair to be honest. I want to know what it’s like to be in one of those family for once.” Rikk probably was thinking about the life of a famous rock star, or  an actor. 

“No, you don’t want to know.” A cold, steel-like voice interrupted his delusion.

“Good evening, Chief.” Erie and Genna stood up to greet their boss, while miserable Rikk, startled, and fell from his chair. He then quickly got back on his feet and made the greeting.

“Good…good evening, Chief. I have finished all the worked as you required.” Looked how scare he was, Genna smirked.

The woman, in her mid twenties, slowly walked into the room. She then took a chair and sat down, made her look like a mafia boss with her underlings around. She looked through the paper from Rikk, while the boy worriedly watched. Genna had already come back to her quite corner.   

“Good job! I never thought it could be done in such a short time. Did you get help from others?” The boss asked doubtfully.

“The day they help me will be the day I rule the Society. Sadly no ma’am.” Rikk put his arms around his chest, eyes casting down.

Perhaps that day wouldn’t be as far as you thought. The chief let out a sight.

“What about you two? Almost done yet?” She turned to the two female in the room.

“I’ve finished. Would you like to take a look, chief?” Erie was cleaning her desk while making a cup of tea.

“No need. So Genna is the only one left?” A glare from the chief. They all knew what would happened to the one who couldn’t meet the deadline.

“Umm…..I promise it will be done by morning. I will put an all-nighter in the office. Please don’t make me work here while those two are on vacation, pleaseeeeee.” She’s literally begging but those two couldn't laugh. The Chief’s wraith was fearsome.

“Well, I guess it was too much for you after all. Don’t worry about it. Send me everything you've done so far and enjoy your time too.” An unexpected strange reaction from the Chief. It looked as if she was too tired to be angry. Rikk was surprise, for sure, but the one who felt uneasy was Erie. She’d never seen her chief with that look. A distant gaze.

While Genna and Rikk was still stunned by what their boss said, Erie pulled them back to reality.

“Didn’t you hear what Chief said? Finish the protocol and you all are free of duty for the next month. Do you have any questions?” Erie spoke louder than usual.

“Understood sis, I’ll take my leave then. Good night Chief.” Rikk bowed and walked to the door. There he pressed his right hand to the wall next to him, and all his belonging in the office emitted a blue light for a few seconds, a method of security for personal property in the Society. Genna did the same, and the room was filled with orange color.

Only Erie and the Chief left in the room. One looked concerned about the worn out other.

“What happened Chief? You don’t look so good.”

“Ahh, a bit of this, a bit of that. Living alone is tough you know.” She tried to brush it off, but nothing escape the spider’s eyes.

“Living alone in normal world is much tougher am I right? So what is it? Did you receive words from the family?”

 “I don’t even bother to hear from them anymore. It’s from the top.”  Taking a slip from the freshly brew tea prepared by Erie, The Chief’s face showed a tense expression.

“The top huh. What kind of business that even makes our Chief send all the employees away for one month I wonder. Don’t tell me you make a ruckus again.” Erie said.

“No, it’s a job for us. The Elements had sent out their hunters.” The words came out so forcefully, as if the woman didn’t want it to be said.

“For real? Is that another wild goose chase?” If she saw the Chief’s eyes, she wouldn't have said that.

“I wished. If the info was correct, then it is Zaire and Silverwind.” She said, looking out to the windows.

“…” Erie couldn't find a word. She knew that the Chief was serious about the matter. 

“Are you afraid?” A smile shown on her lips. Somehow that helped Erie relax a little.

“Well..of course I am. Those two are the top notch after all. Going against one of them is never on my list, not to mention both. And I still haven’t got myself a boyfriend yet.” She sighed.

“Is that all you worry about? Should have opened your eyes wider.” A hint from the Chief, who hardly stayed at the office, but saw through every person she knew. Yet Erie looked confuse, she didn't get what the Chief meant.

“Aside from that, I received the info 3 days ago, which means…” The Chief continued.

“They had already been out for almost a week. Seriously, what’re those fat asses doing, gathering information at this slow rate?.....Wait a second, did you say…” She figured out something not so usual.

“Get it now? Whatever they’re hunting at the moment, they’re having a hard time dealing with it. Looks like it’s not a normal soul bearer like usual.”

“What is it now? Two best hunters going for a hunt. The target hadn't been capture for 6 days. I don’t doubt their abilities, so it must be the prey…”

“The prey is hard to catch, and is receiving help from others, is what I heard.”

“Someone stupid enough to get in Zaire’s way?” Erie couldn't help surprising.

“Aren't we the same? Get ready, we will depart tomorrow morning.” The Chief said while remained sitting.

“You are not leaving?” Erie liked to stick around her master more than having a vacation.

“Don’t want to.”  Her mood suddenly changed.

“What’s wrong? Is there anything else?” Erie was more confused than before.

“My brother has gone missing for 5 days. That piece of meat, causing me trouble at time like this.“ She said, with a frustrated voice.

-End chapter 16-

Chapter 15
Chapter 17

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-

Chapter 14
 Chapter 16