So it seems Sloth will be marching to his death...
I wonder if she'll remember him.
Regardless I find the whole situation almost funny. The self-proclaimed god's that call themselves 'observers' to the 'mortals' unleashed two calamities that will destroy everything... and now I have to do clean up?
Honestly, I doubt there's much I can even do at this point..
If I directly interfere too much, I risk Subaru figuring out the true nature of his situation, which could also trigger the calamity... but I can do something, perhaps send the two of them allies?
Even if this world ends up being destroyed and I'm the last being alive, unable to die even if I wanted to... I still can't help but be happy my sister found someone that loves her.
The true tragedy of their relationship breaks my heart, but at least I'll know she felt genuine love.
For who shall become my sister's and Subaru's ally, however, I must be cautious in who I choose. It must be a figure that can guide Subaru as it seems he lacks what he used to have.
The only person who comes to mind would be... yes, he will work.
I can picture what those self-proclaimed gods are plotting. If they can't kill either of them, then separate them... logically it makes sense if you view them as pieces in a game, but I doubt Subaru will accept that.
This will be the deciding factor. If the calamity can be triggered by mere separation, there's no hope left in attempting to prevent this world's destruction.
It also seems Satella, a witch from the previous generation was considered a 'calamity'. Perhaps using the word in relation to the present situation is underwhelming. However, it seems she has her own goal in using Subaru. I can only imagine the consequences of attempting to link your soul with him, so many factors at play I can only medicate at this stage.
Now I suppose it's time to go to the embodiment of the sin those 'gods' committed.
Kararagi.
It was beautiful in Kararagi as I continue my assignment. To find and kill the evil spirit, Zarestia...
The clouds, the people, this nation is my home.
It pains me to think, for this long I've been failing at my task. Zarestia has been responsible for countless deaths within the city states yet I fail to ever track or even locate her...
My pride as a Shionbi, and as one of last people of my race. I will complete this mission even if it kills me.
Enough thinking it's time to continue.
The last reported death that was considered possibily related to Zarestia was in was in Kya. If I leave now I should be able to get there in a day.
I begin making my way out of Tenmitsu, I truly love the people of this nation. The culture, friendliness and common beliefs and values are what seperates Kararagi from the other three nations. We have no dragon, no divine church nor empire yet the power this nation has is its people.
Wait... that smell.
The scent of the witch? Perhaps a SInarchbishop?
This could be a bigger threat then the evil spirit, the smell is coming... straight towards me?
I blink and see a small platnium-haired young women in front of me. I don't sense any hostile intentions... I doubt even a witch could decieve me.
"Who are you?" I ask as avoiding a conflict in the town would be preferable. If we fought here there's no doubt citizens would be killed in the crossfire.
She stared at me for a moment, still I sense no hostility.
"My name is Pandora. Usually I wouldn't give out that information however at this point I don't think it matters much"
What? Why is she talking in a almost... nihilistic tone? Still no hostility however,
"What are you doing in Kararagi? Why are you here and what do you want?" I ask beggining to wonder if I assumed to quickly that she came here to simply fight.
I've heard many stories regarding the witch cult, I met a surviver of what seemed to be a genicode against the Oni race. The tales she told of the Witch Cultist's we're terrible to say the least. Yet this women seems both logical and not hostile. The Oni surviver told me the Witch Cult we're irradate and insane. I'm not sure what to think at this point.
"I have a request, Halibel. I could've used tricks to accomplish this but I think I can trust you with this knowledge, not to mention the fact that I doubt you'll believe it in the first place."
A request? What is she talking about? Trust me with knowledge about what? If a Witch is asking for help and giving me knowledge... none of this makes sense.
"I will listen to your request, however I should warn you that even my duty is to kill the evil spirit Zarestia. Until I accomplish that I doubt I will be able to accept your request." I respond, I am a pacifist so this sitaution is very preferable to what I was expecting.
However, I wonder if she plans to attack me if I decline her request...
"Zarestia is dead. I killed her before coming here since I knew you would not comply with my request if Zarestia still was a threat. If you desire proof, I contained the mana the evil spirit held within this seal. Its pure mana not related to the emotions the spirit had so is safe for any use or application." Pandora responded to me. Her voice was calming, her demeanor was the same as mine, and she did not desire conflict nor did she seem to be evil.
She opens out her hand and I see what looks like to be a some sort of container. The seal...
The seal is the language that only my father knew. I never learnt it but seeing it I remember. How does she know the language? Even if she knew of it's existace my father told me very few people in the world know the true meaning behind it. From what it seemed it was almost some sort of hidden language only knew by a select few.
So how does she know?
I stare at her, she looks at me like she knew what I was thinking. So what's the point of showing me this? Will she think I will trust soley based on that?
"If you're wondering about the origin of the writing you see on this seal. Do not misinterpret my attempt to earn your trust. My request is as follows: travel to the Kingdom of Lugina, and when you arrive, find Emilia. She is a Royal Selection candidate. Then offered to join her camp to assist her. Another member of her camp knows this language, the origin, and the truth behind where it came from. He is beyond the great waterfall. As for why I'm asking you this, I will tell you something you must never repeat to anybody. Why I trust that you with this information, both your pride as Wolf Human, and a Shinobi. The task I am giving you is to protect Emilia and Subaru. If either one of them dies the world itself will end. I doubt you'll believe this claim, but out of every option, I could think you're the only person that may be able to prevent the approaching calamity."
Her tone remains the same until she mentions the calamity. Then she spoke seriously. While what she says does sound unlikely, the very fact that she found and killed Zarestia means that she is more than capable and knowledgeable. The only question is... why ask me? Why would I be the best person? She already has strength I don't see why she doesn't act herself...
I regain eye contact with Pandora, "May I ask something... if the stakes were this high to resemble something as terrible as the Witch of Envy's destroying half of the world... I don't understand why you ask me to assist."
When I stated that point, she was almost amused. This entire conversation is still hard to understand.
"May I ask you a simple question? The Witch of Envy, who destroyed half of the world... four hundred years ago known everywhere, along with the great hero's that stopped her rampage. My simple question to you is, think about the destruction of half of the world. Yet we see no traces of this supposed rampage that happened four hundred years ago. The entire story itself is a lie. Whether you believe me or not, if you refuse, I won't do anything to harm you or the nation you love. However, if you do refuse, the nation you love will be destroyed, and you may have had a chance to prevent that outcome"
I felt a small breeze, refreshing as this conversation was almost beyond my comprehension.
However, she does make a good point. Destruction of half of the world would leave remains, even if was four-hundred years ago. I remember my father told me never to believe the story of the three heroes. He told me the concept itself was a mockery of not only race but mortals themselves. I never understood what he meant but... I can't decline this.
She eliminated my mission, which did not have a time limit of completion.
I either accept this Pandora's offer and perhaps save my nation from destruction, or I do not trust her. I rather die knowing that I at least tried to prevent such a thing rather than die knowing I might've been able to. The possibility at first of her lying was high, but at this point... she's connecting dots I lost forgotten of words my father told me. Words I'd never know the meaning too.
I sigh, taking a puff from my Kiseru. I notice Pandora seeing this and snapping her fingers.
What did she do-
"Whatever sickness, you had that required you to smoke herbs to remedy that sickness, I just removed. In other terms, your healing." The woman said to me with an almost sympathetic tone, and still sensing absolutely no hostility from her.
It would be hard to confirm whether or not that was true, but I doubt she's lying.
I guess I shall accept this new mission given to me by a Witch. I am a shinobi, trained to see through deceit, malice, or ill intent, and I sense none from her.
"I accept your request. Given the distance between here and the Kingdom of Lugina, it will take me four days if I go as quickly as I can," I respond, agreeing to her request.
She smiles, but a genuine smile. Almost as a smile of relief?
"That will work fine. Emilia will most likely be at the House Karsten. Here is a map of the location..." she says, handing me a map.
"If you cannot find Emilia there, find Subaru. If you cannot find either, search for them. Your abilities will make this task fairly simple. You may not tell a single soul of your encounter with me. I am leaving this to you, I chose you not due to your talent, but also your personality. You may be the only person in this world that can repair what Subaru lost. I leave this in your capable hands, and thank you for not attacking me on spot. I can tell your also a pacifist the same as myself. I'm now certain I chose you as the correct person."
Pandora's tone was intelligent, genuine, and respectful. She also seemed to care for these people, in particular this person named Emilia, immensely.
I never thought a day would come when I would honor the request of a witch.
I wonder what I should do with this sealed mana?
Before I asked Pandora, she was gone. I looked at the map, and if I traveled at the fastest speed I could, I would arrive in three to four days.
Suddenly I something behind me... I turn around, and it's a bag.
The bag contained food, other necessities for travel, and even herbs and a new Kiseru. I imagine Pandora must've assumed I would continue my habit regardless.
Whether I'm being played for a fool or being the person that saves the world from destruction, I care less about those titles or pride. I care for my people. Once I understand the situation regarding what Pandora told me I will eventually return.
Short chapter. Want to see what y'all think of the upcoming Emilia's Camp member.
Also, I won't be clarifying anything regarding the nature or what Pandora meant by the calamities. But if you think about it, you should figure it out.
Why did I choose Halibel? Halibel in Sloth IF had the perfect personality for this Subaru.
Basically, Halibel will be the mentor figure that Subaru lacks in this world. His mentor and Halibel's personality are very similar.
I've decided that I will not be giving Subaru any abilities at all. I'll later explain what happened in regard to RBD, but he no longer has that ability.
He will not be able to use any witch factors either. I might change this a bit later, I do have a concept I might do relating to time, but for now, this is what I'm thinking.
So pretty soon, the Emilia camp will include: Beatrice, Subaru, Emilia, and Halibel, and the last member will be revealed around the time of the White Whale attack.
Also, Pandora isn't just like my do whatever I want power as an author. I won't be using her to influence the Sin Archbishops/anything else of conflict.
Pandora will simply be observing, and if you figured out what I hinted to, then yeah, it's a bit deeper for Pandora in regard to her own emotional state.