A World Reborn: Rise of Hideyoshi Arc
Chapter 8
That night went out like a quiet party night, minus the drinks of course. Everyone was telling stories and Guza senpai might've forgiven Chronos a bit. The next morning we traveled back to town, what happened next however was definitely hard on the ears.
"BURNING UP!" Yelled Guza uppercutting me in the chin.
Falling down on my ass really hurt, but my chin begs to differ.
"Dammit! That's the tenth time in a row senpai!" I whined.
"Hideyoshi, you're not thinking too much on how to go about things are you?" Asked Guza.
"As long as I crack a beat down who cares?"
"Honestly, to think your teammates can cooperate with you so easily."
What's he getting at? I mean sure I'm not the brightest of the bunch but still.
"Woah did you feel that senpai? The ground, it's moving."
Guza was giving me a confused look.
"Is it shell shock?" He asked.
"No it's not! Can't you feel it senpai?"
Guza was tapping the ground with his foot, afterwards he started doing a little hop in place. On his last hop the ground shook again even harder this time. Guza lost his balance and fell on his knees.
"What the heck is going on?" I asked worryingly.
"Hideyoshi! Guza! Ethan said he wanted to see us at his pub!" Yelled Vincent trying not to fall while running.
Getting up on my feet we hurriedly made our way towards the Chained Wings pub. On our way there the townsfolk were panicking a bit and trying to put things aside to find cover. The shaking continued for a bit more, only to stop when we finally reached our destination.
The pub itself was already emptied out, the only ones still there were uncle Ethan, captain Izel, Genie, and the rest of the town defense squad members.
"Good you're all here. Now we can start." Ethan got up from his seat and unrolled something like a world map onto a table.
"You all felt that mini earthquake right? Right now I'm having Fujin look above to see if there are any possible damages or sudden changes. But first things first, according to my scouts it seems a large army is heading our way from the west." Ethan explained pointing at the direction on the map.
"A large army of what father?" Asked Genie.
"Demons." Ethan replied causing an air of silence.
"Talk about lucky! Finally we get to see some action!" Blurting that out, I pounded my fists together. Although doing so reminded me that I have no gauntlets anymore.
"This is no time for games Hideyoshi! This is seriously bad." Scolded Izel. His face darkened a bit as his anger towards me faded.
"He's right kid, with the man power we have right now, there's no way we can handle an army of them." Explained Vincent who was pushing up his glasses.
"Where did these demons come from in the first place?" Asked one of the squad members. If I remember correctly his name was Daniel.
"If my suspicions are correct, from another continent." Replied Ethan.
Another continent? Is he being serious right now? What did they do? Ride a boat here?
"Another continent? Are you serious Ethan? Did they come by boat?" Yelled Guza. It's odd how we were thinking the same thing.
"That's why I'm waiting for Fujin's report. But until then there's something I need to tell you all." Uncle Ethan sat back down on his chair, fingers weaved.
"Over the years I've been sending out my scouts to different parts of the land. Even Azzy is helping me out with this during her mission. But according to the reports I get, it seems the continents are coming back together as a whole."
The room went silent once more, no one even tried to say anything. They were all speechless, but so was I. A green orb descended from the ceiling and straight into uncle Ethan. After a few nods and a thank you, he gave us a deep sigh.
"Of course it'd be coming true. It looks like the earthquake earlier was from the collision of our land and those from the west."
Everyone started voicing their opinions. But why wouldn't they? It seems like uncle Ethan was keeping that a secret from everybody.
"Enough! I only kept it secret because I didn't have enough evidence!" Ethan pounded the head of his katana's scabbard into the floor causing some flashing sparks that calmed everyone down.
"I suggest a preemptive strike." Suggested Vincent.
"You have a plan then Vincent?" Asked Guza.
"Not yet, but after doing a bit of research I will."
There was a brim of confidence radiating from Vincent senpai as he waited for a reply.
"Hide, a war sounds a bit much. Do you think we can handle it?" Genie whispered to me.
Honestly just being able to fight has gotten me excited, in a war no less.
"Hide? What's wrong? You have a creepy grin on your face."
Did she say I was grinning? Slowly feeling my lips I could make out the weird expression she pointed out.
"Let's go with a preemptive strike then. If we're lucky, we can whittle down their forces enough to make them retreat. The estimated time of their arrival will be about three days from now." Explained Ethan.
Daniel slammed his hands on the table, "Just like that we're going along with the newbie's plan? I don't trust him!"
"Cut it out, Ethan may be the former captain but he still has our trust does he not?" Retorted captain Izel.
"You guys haven't been reviewing your history have you? The man you say you don't trust is one of the original founders of our town defense squad. Vincent Nightroad, you would be smart to remember that."Ethan have Daniel and the non believers a menacing stare.
"No way! He should be your age then!" Disagreed Daniel.
"There's a reason for his young appearance-" Ethan was cut off by Vincent's hand.
"You don't believe it? Fine, how about a little wager then?" Asked Vincent to Daniel.
"What kind of wager?"
"Simple, if we get out of this alive you'll have no choice but to believe it."
"So how would I win?"
"Easy, if the demons get here. you can take my life before they do."
"Uncle Vincent!" Cried Genie.
"I'll take that wager." Daniel muttered.
"Vincent you don't have to do this." Pleaded Ethan.
"When did you start doubting your tactician Ethan? It'll be fine, now get me a guide I'll be busy for a bit."
Ethan signaled Genie and I to go with him, so the three of us left the pub.
"Uncle Vincent!" Genie scolded slapping Vincent in the back repeatedly.
"Calm down Genie, do you not have any faith in your uncle?" Vincent replied holding onto his hat and glasses so they wouldn't fall off.
"You finally come back and you're putting your life on the line! Of course I'm going to be angry!" Genie gave Vincent one last hard slap.
It's not like I didn't get where she was coming from, but sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Besides I'm itching to know what kind of scheme Vincent could have.
"Vincent senpai, I'll do whatever I can to make sure your strategies are a success." I declared.
"That's the spirit Hide boy! Little Jean can't you be like that too?" Vincent teased.
The little pout Genie made with her puffed cheeks was pretty cute. Trying to poke one of her cheeks she threatened back with a chomp and a growl.
We reached the the building that acted as our library. In there we attended classes, as well as store all the data we've accumulated over the years. Data such as geography, events, types of demons and creatures, etc. all things we considered as basic for the continuation of our kind.
The three of us took seats at a rectangular table.
"Hide, I want you to find me books about the geography around here. Little Jean, I need you to give me a small lecture about mana and magic."
"Why do I have to get books?" I complained.
"Come now, it's all so you can go full throttle on the battlefield." Vincent replied with a smile.
Without any more complaints I did as I was told. Still mana and magic huh? If I recall, the ability to use mana was gifted to us in order to live through these times. Before this happened though, humans had to forge a contract in order to use mana. Even then though, the mana they used wasn't their own, it belonged to whatever or whoever they made the contract with.
Mana could be used in many ways, those ways are separated into two major categories. The first one is shaping or giving it form. This is the most practical way to use mana, for example someone with an affinity for lightning would automatically shape their mana into a lightning bolt before firing it off. This method allows the caster to be creative with their magic however, casting time and power differs between casters.
The second way is through enchanting or infusing mana through a medium. Common mediums consist of weapons and armor. You can also use your body as a medium as well. This method is ideal for melee fighters. The wielder needs to be able to constantly pump out mana in order to keep the medium enchanted or infused. This would be disadvantageous during prolonged fights.
There is a third way however, although I've only seen a few people pull it off. The third way consists of putting the previous two methods together. By creating the shape and constantly infusing mana it solidifies into a physical object or being. I believe it was called manifestation, a good example would be the wings Guza creates to fly.
"Oh this is the last book, I better hurry on back." Whispering to myself I hurriedly made my way back.
Turning a corner by one of the bookshelves I ran into someone, making us both drop to the floor.
"I'm sorry, I was in a rush and-"
Stopping my sentence there, the person I bumped into was someone I really didn't want to bump into right now.
"You ignoramus! Do you know who you just bumped into?"
Here we go...
"The one you have shamefully brought to the ground is none other than I Risette Vermillion, daughter to the Vermillion household!"
This obnoxious blonde with the drills is as stated, Risette Vermillion. Her fancy red blouse covered in ribbons and frills and her matching beret do portray her "nobility" however I think her magenta skirt is a bit too short. The khaki knee high boots she wears shows off that unfriendly personality of hers.
"My word, you plebs have no respect for those above you-"
Oh no she finally noticed, here it comes...
"H-Hide darling! Please excuse my rudeness! If I only recognized it was you sooner..."
You save a girl falling from a tree once when you were kids and she falls for you.
"It's alright Risette, would you mind helping me pick up these books?" I asked politely.
"You expect a Vermillion do get her hands dirty?" Quickly looking away she crossed her arms in front of her.
As expected, if she didn't have that attitude I'd actually be quite interested in her. I started gathering the books myself. The last one however dangles in front of my face.
"Here Hide, this one was standing upright so I didn't need to soil my hands for it." Without looking me in the eyes she continued holding onto the book after I grabbed it.
"Thanks Risette, you can let go now."
"Pardons Hide, I'll be off then, I bid you adieu." After letting go of the book she quickly paced herself out.
"So this is why you were taking so long. Flirting with that bimbo are we?"
It was Genie, there was a firm grip on my shoulder that kept getting tighter and tighter.
"Genie hold on, we weren't flirting. We just happened to bump into each other."
These two have some sort of rivalry, but other than that I think they're pretty close. Genie dragged me back to the table muttering some words that failed to reach my ears.
"Hide boy, what happened to you?" Vincent asked curiously.
"Oh nothing Vincent senpai." I take it he sees the frustrated Genie still gripping my shoulder.
"Right, anyways you two are excused for now. Meet me here tomorrow around noon, make sure to bring Guza and Ethan with you too."
Well there's no helping that, besides Genie hasn't let go of me yet. This time I was able to walk of my own accord but Genie followed behind her hold still on me.
"Genie when are you going to let go of me?" The sudden urge to take back what I just asked crept up on me in a cold chill up my spine.
"Not until you tell me what sort of relationship you have with that bimbo." Genie's grip tightened.
"There's nothing between us, at most we're just friends!"
"Hmm? Really? That's it?" She gave me the if you're lying I'll kill you face.
"Yes really! Can you please let go now?"
"Hmph, fine. Either way I don't think she'll give up on you."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"It's nothing, never mind. I'll be going home then." Genie left hastily without looking back.
"Man, what got her so riled up? She's not jealous is she?" After thinking about that statement I agreed with myself that it was entirely impossible.
"Hey Hideyoshi, you're little meeting with Vincent and Genie is over already?"
Looking up I noticed Guza senpai running up to me.
"Senpai? It is, is your meeting done already?"
"Pretty much, Ethan told the others I was one of the original founders too. Although they still don't believe us." Guza replied jokingly.
"Did you place a bet too?"
"Nope, just told them it doesn't really matter if they believe me or not."
How can he be so care free about it? If it were me I'd put my fist where their mouths were.
"Someday you'll understand why that stuff doesn't bother me. Come on let's head outside the town for a bit." Recommended Guza.
I'm not sure where outside he wanted to go so I just went along with it. As soon as we got outside the town walls, Guza suddenly sprinted off.
"Hey Guza senpai where are you going?" Following after him we got further and further away from the town.
After a while I noticed we were starting to go uphill. If I remember correctly, we're running up towards Destiny's Peak. Rumors state that at the end of the peak, irregular things tend to happen to the people there. Things that are the work of destiny happen there.
We could almost see the peak. Guza started slowing down, later coming to a complete stop at the end of the peak.
"Guza senpai, why are we here?" I asked while catching my breath.
"I know you've been watching me ever since I left that cathedral. Show yourself or else!" Guza proclaimed, manifesting his wings releasing a heat wave with every flap.
"I'm impressed you caught on to me so early." Chuckled a girl's voice.
Before I knew it, a pair of hands rested on my shoulders. I could feel someone's body weight leaning on me.
"You should've called me out sooner." Said the same voice right next to my left ear.
Am I afraid? I couldn't move, and sweat began to form all over my body. When did she even get this close to me?
"Let him go, it's me you have business with right?" Demanded Guza.
"I'll let him go after we finish talking, this one here will act as my insurance." Replied the girl.
I couldn't even turn my head to see what she looks like.
"Fine, but if you harm him I will kill you!" Answered Guza.
"Smart move, let's get to the chase then. Our clan leader wants to make you one of us." Said the girl.
"Who are you? Who is this leader of yours? What clan do you hail from?" Demanded Guza.
"I don't mind telling you but first I need this one to go to sleep."
That was the last thing I heard before knocking out. Why does this keep happening to me...
-Guza-
Who was this hooded woman? Besides the masquerade mask she was wearing, her attire were an odd mixture of blue leather and metal armor.
"Hey what did you do to Hideyoshi? Your answer better be good otherwise-"
What did she do? Several glowing rings appeared around her. A white ring one was glowing more brightly than the others. A black mist flowed from her hands wrapping itself around Hideyoshi's face. When they dissipated, Hideyoshi was unconscious.
"Relax why don't you? He's only asleep." The woman chuckled. She gently laid Hideyoshi onto the cold earth before approaching me.
"What were those strange rings?" I asked.
The woman got even closer, she was a bit shorter than me. She removed her hood, revealing dark blue hair tied up in a bun. If I had to guess, her hair would probably reach her shoulders if they were undone. Grabbing me by the chin, she stared into my eyes.
"So you can see the rings! Interesting, I wonder if it's because of that demon inside of you?" With her free hand she circled her fingers around my abdomen.
"Hands off bitch!" A dark red circle appeared under the woman's feet forcing her to jump back. From the circle shot out a vortex of fire, she'd be toast if she got caught in it.
Phenex walked out of the pillar of flame, each step she took cracked the ground beneath her. She was pissed.
"So this is what Phenex looks like!" The woman seemed more intrigued than intimidated.
"I believed my servant asked you a few questions!" Phoenix ordered.
"Woah talk about scary! My name is Xiao Yu, my uncle, the clan leader runs the Xiao Sect. Does that ring any bells, madam Phenex?" Replied the woman named Xiao Yu.
In a moment's time killing intent started to suffocate the air.
"Bitch, I didn't hear that right. Can you say that again?"
"I am Xiao Yu of the Xiao Sect. My uncle is Xiao Tang, madam Phenex." Xiao Yu started laughing.
Random pillars of crimson flames started to appear all over. For as long as I've known Phenex, I've never seen her this angry before.
"XIAO TANG'S NIECE WAS IT? TELL HIM TO SCREW OFF!" Phenex yelled. Her murderous aura was covering me in a cold sweat.
"Scary, so scary! Uncle Tang has been dying to see you again. Besides, I'm more interested in your host. It's a win win for everyone if you join us. So how about it Guza? We can teach you the secrets of the Xiao Sect, as well as spirit halos." Taunted Xiao Yu.
The rings, or spirit halos as they were called, appeared around Xiao Yu again. A different halo, a yellow one, started glowing, and with it she disappeared.
"I'll be waiting for you Guza~"
Xiao Yu reappeared next to me, kissing me on the cheek before disappearing again.