19. Branch Off 8: Matra Siorc 3: Desert Ruin Raider
"Don't know why, but
Even now, my suspicions are rising.
Sumeru, something wrong is
Evidentially happening.
Really, all this stolen canned knowledge.
There is no way it wasn't planned.
Maybe I'm overthinking.
Ah, there is no way.
The Sages definitely wouldn't.
Right, I am jumping to conclusions.
After all, knowledge is a limited resource in the
Dendro Nation of Wisdom.
Unless I am mistaken.
Though, I must keep my eyes open.
I must find the culprit.
Even now they could be
Somewhere, hiding.
Well, I just have to keep searching.
I know that is my duty
That is what the Sages want.
Here's to another day of Matra duties.
The Delusions break me,
However, the choice is not mine.
Even now, I must follow orders.
That is key.
Will the leader show himself?
I do not know, but
Now I believe they are in reach.
Searching with diligence is key."
Dreaming had continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the adult chimera's life. The cycle of anguish was a never-ending loop, closing and opening like a door at the beginning of each night in the world asleep. The door of doom would open once more, in the night before him, as well.
Before him had been a field of Cacti with Hena Berries on the plants everywhere the dream eyes could see. Seeing such, the hyena gazed downward. Sand crunching underneath his feet, the chimera shrugged the dream shoulders. Had the dream world taken him to the desert? He supposed such could have been the case.
Knowing resting by cacti would lead to a world of prickly pain, the early adult had begun to walk forward. Could a flower field be nearby within the not reality before him? Hope devouring all possible emotion, the soldier's dream legs moved towards the west. But, an oddity had presented itself as his saunter about continued.
Cacti everywhere within the field of dream vision, the soldier kept walking. Prickly succulent to the right and left of every corner, the hyena tilted his head towards the subconscious sky. Just what was going on in the dream world today? Whatever it was, he knew it could not be a good thing.
Domain reached after about ten dream minutes, the early adult's eyes opened wide. Cacti upon the stairs, the chimera stepped forward. But, his steps about were futile. Feeling an unknown force push him towards the east, the hyena let out a growl. He wasn't about to let the dream win. Stepping towards the glowing red doors, the chimera's unfeeling feet slammed down onto the sand.
Feet twisting into knots as his hands were placed on the center of the door, the soldier let out a sigh. Legs of nothing moving back towards the direction he came, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the dream air. He supposed, he had no choice but to return towards the direction he came.
Original area soon reached, the early adult moved towards the east. Surely, a flower field had to have been somewhere. Eastward stroll continuing, the hyena swore he could hear a dragging sound follow behind him. Shrugging the dream shoulders, the soldier kept walking towards the right. But the odd sound would not cease, even for a moment.
Turning around was a sight to behold. Cactus ten meters away from him, the soldier's dream eye twitched. When had a cactus appeared behind him? But the hyena shook his head. The dream world was an unpredictable land of incidents beyond the logic of understanding.
Dragging sound only getting louder as his eastward walk continued, the the hyena turned around for the second time of the dream night. Was the cactus following him? Turning around, the early adult kept his attention forward. There was no way such could be the case. Cacti could not walk.
Faint sound of dragging creeping up right behind him, unease swallowed the hyena whole. Spiky desert succulent a meter away from him, the chimera let out a barely audible scream. Why was the cactus following him? Prickles gleaming on the desert sun, another scream broke loose from the dream throat. The plant was armed, and ready. But, the soldier would not falter.
Mysterious force returning with a vengeance, the chimera had been pushed back towards the west. Knowing if he fought, his legs would become knotted together like rope, the soldier let go of the fight. He could not fight it; the force reigned supreme. Original area soon reached for the second time of the dream, the soldier's eyes opened wide at the sight before him.
Ten cacti surrounding him in a circle armed and ready, the hyena's dream eyes had begun to twitch. He could not help but feel the succulents had been glaring daggers at him with their nonexistent eyes. Invisible red aura glowing behind them, unease ate the chimera up like a plate of Pita Pockets.
A sea of flames would soon await the chimera.
Whiffing a scent of simulated fire, the young soldier's eyes had begun to twitch rapider. Sea of cacti bursting into flames, the hyena let out a loud yelp. Plants inching ever so closer as the dream seconds marched onward, the chimera attempted to run. But, a nonexistent adhesive glued his currently hyena legs in place.
Cacti continuing to get closer, a defeat horn blared on the sandy wind. There was nothing that could be done. All he could do was stand and watch. Watch and do nothing, as the succulents approached ever so closer, the soldier closed his eyes. A sea of flames awaited him, surely.
Flames and his uniform meeting as the plants of many contradictions were adjacent to him, a labored scream disintegrated on the hot air. Legs soon joining the fire show, as well, the soldier's body, and the dream ground had met. Defeat coming for him fast, a sea of thoughts crashed waves in the chimera's dream brain. Safety had died, torment had took him for a ride.
Nature was a beautiful, but terrifying sight.
***
"That dream I had, is the desert struggling?
How could this be happening?
Even I know this cannot be.
Guess I am overthinking it.
Right, dreams are not reality.
Even so, I cannot help but feel
A sense of unease.
There has to be something going on within the Great
Red Sand. I cannot shake off this feeling.
Even so, I know, I cannot
Disobey orders. Diligence is key. Her Majesty, there is now way
She will send me to the desert today.
Another day of diplomacy of nothing awaits.
Naofa will not come for me.
Do not know what is in store for me, but I must stay diligent, always."
Upon waking up from his tormented slumber, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his mind. Feeling his heart skip five beats as he took a deep breath, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Taking a second deep breath, the hyena had begun the morning routine of dressing the body. There was no time. The hourglasses' sand had begun to fall.
As his uniform melted onto his partially human person, the young soldier could not help but wonder. The desert in Sumeru, could something amiss have been happening there? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no way that could have been the case. Dreams were not reality. Buttons in the correct holes, the early adult removed the cover from the jewelry and accessory box.
Clicking the hairpins and earrings in place, a calming effect radiated throughout the hyena's body. Matching blue stars in his hair and ears, the soldier gazed at the sharpened jewelry in front of him. Turning his prized possessions into weapons, was this truly what he wanted? But, he knew it had already been too late. Changing the past was impossible.
Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the soldier shrugged. It was no one's fault but his own for enacting upon his own desires. Perhaps, just maybe, in the near future, if a day off were granted to him, he could purchase unweaponized hairpins and earrings. But, the early adult shook his head. Time was an unpredictable beast within the frozen northern land.
As the flavorless rations soared down his throat, a repeat thought had entered the hyena's fading human brain. Sumeru, could something have been going on there? Pushing the thought into snow outside, the soldier took the final bite of the sandy gruel. He had to have been overthinking it, dreams were not real. Heelless shoes on, the chimera gazed at the steel walls. Any moment now, the Agent would arrive.
Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward with a fervor, the soldier turned his attention to the door. There was no more time to think. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday to begin.
"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You are going to the Akademiya for the resumption of your Matra duties." The Masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate. Alliances were a way to meet the gains.
Siorc let out a gulp. He was doing his Matra duties yet again this week? Knowing yet another long week awaited him, the chimera stepped backwards. Hairpins and earrings box retrieved, the hyena swore he could see the Agent's eye holes were glowing a deep shade of red. Shout coming his way, the early adult lowered his head.
"Put that away this instant!" the Agent shouted. "You are not taking that box with you this time!" There was an irritated tone in his voice. "Quit fooling around, and get back over here!" Useless objects that served no purpose should remain put away.
Placing the hairpin and earring box back down, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. Leaving his prized jewelry behind, would functioning with a singular pair even be possible? Slapping his cheeks, the chimera placed his arm in front of him. He had no choice in the matter. A singular pair would have to suffice.
"I am sorry, sir," the chimera said, voice barely audible. Arm stretched out a smidgeon further, the hyena awaited the gripping prison to take him away, like always.
Arm out in front of him, the wrist had been gripped into a tight lock. "Good. We're leaving, soldier," the Agent responded. Grip as tight as a steel bookmark stuck between two pages, the hyena closed his eyes. As the fast travel to Sumeru had begun, one question poked the active shark grooves in his brain.
Who will he be punishing this time?
***
"The Sage employed us today.
He said a Matra will be coming, shortly.
Even I am having a hard time believing he would want a
Desert dwelling folk like Bogart and I assisting.
Even after Katheryne told us, I am
Struggling to believe.
Even if Bogart does not I agree, I
Really think this is a mere ploy.
The Akademiya, they do not want people like me.
Or chimeras, tarnishing their image.
For we are anomalies.
Do I continue to question everything?
Ah, no, a job is a job.
Never should we reject offers thrust upon Bogart and me.
Getting something this big, maybe they trust us.
Even if it is false, maybe I am being too wary.
Right, a job is a job. I must drop my guard."
Upon reaching the capital city of Sumeru through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult gazed at the city in silence. No Eremites anywhere the damaged eyes could see, the hyena let out a sigh. Would yet another day of crossing blades with the mercenaries come his way? Dragged forward, and third floor of House of Daena reached, the chimera prepared himself for the workday at hand.
A shocking sight awaited him as the soldier had been removed from the gripping prison. Waiola as she was usually, and Bogart with a shaved head everywhere but the spikes in the center adorning a golden dress with his stomach exposed, the hyena tried with any might that remained to suppress a blush. But, such attempts were futile. Cheeks turning pinker than a cherry blossom on the wind, the early adult quickly turned his attention to the Grand Sage.
Black panther chimeras standing by the monocle wearing Sage's desk with their arms crossed in anticipation, the hyena could not help but wonder. Why had Waiola and Bogart been in his office? Recalling what had happened last time outsiders had been within the Akademiya walls, the early adult held back a click of the tongue. The pots were calling the kettles black, for sure. Sage soon giving him an expectant look, the chimera gave eye contact.
"I've been expecting you. I have another job for you, young man," the Sage said, left index finger pointing towards the guests. "Stolen Canned Knowledge has been spotted in the ruins in the desert. These two will accompany you while doing so, and assist you on punishing who is responsible."
Siorc jumped two steps back upon hearing his orders. Would it truly be okay allowing the panther twin chimeras assist him with his Matra duties? He knew, if Her Majesty heard of it, going solo would be his only option. But, he supposed he had no say in the matter. His orders were absolute.
"Yes, sir," the hyena responded, voice barely audible. Sage's monocle glowing a sinister light, the early adult flinched.
"Excellent, now hand over your proxy map, and I'll mark the locations for you," the Sage replied, snapping his fingers. "Quickly now!"
Handing over the proxy map, the chimera let out a sigh. Why had the world always been rushing him? Time was a fickle instrument of unpredictable speed. Waiola and Bogart soon gazing his way, the hyena gave eye contact. Whatever they had to say to him, he knew he had to listen.
Seeing Siorc in the office, Waiola placed a clawed hand upon her chin. Had he been the Matra Bogart and she were supposed to help out today? How incredibly strange. Didn't Matras usually only get hired if they had academic excellence? But, she supposed a question of such caliber would never receive an answer. Readying to speak, she looked into his eyes.
"So, you're the mysterious Matra that the Akademiya hired?" Waiola asked. "Normally we don't take commissions like this, but we'll help you out." She then turned to Bogart. "Right, Bogart?" An immediate shriek had come her way.
"Why are you looking at me like that for, Waiola?" Bogart asked, slightly shrieking. "This commission sounds action packed, of course I'll help!"
Hearing Bogart's response, the early adult let out a sigh. What a predictable and typical answer, coming from Bogart. Sound of pins being added coming to an end, the proxy map had soon been placed into his currently human hands. Sage looking at him, the soldier returned his attention his way.
"Change into your uniform at your next stop," the Sage said, standing up from his chair. Box soon in hand, he opened the container. "Your God has modified your gift once more." Placing the orb into his hands, his finger pointed at the elevator in the corner. "Get going. Quickly now!"
Grabbing the purple robe and black weapon in the corner, the soldier tilted his head. There was another stop he had to make? Where could it have possibly been that he was headed to next? Watching as Bogart jerked his elbow at his twin, the hyena supposed he was about to find out.
"Waiola, aren't you forgetting something important?" Bogart reminded her. "Tell him." Sister flinching, her voice began to take shape.
"Oh, right, apologies," Waiola said to Bogart. She then turned to Siorc. "-------- wants to see you before you head to the desert. He has something for you." She holds her hand out. "We'll take you there."
The hyena blinked of bewilderment. Why did the Forest Watcher Leader want to see him? But, he knew he could not refuse. Sage saying the people of Aaru Village would mark his map throughout the mission, the chimera shrugged the singular free shoulder. He supposed, if he were not reporting to the Sage, no lengthy walks awaited him.
Akademiya soon exited, and Gandharva Ville soon reached, a long escort had begun. Treehouse reached after twenty minutes of walking, the chimera had been guided inside. Group of three stepping out for a moment, the soldier undid the buttons on his winter uniform. Yellow-green orb placed on the backside of the Matra wardrobe, the robe had been slipped on in a matter of minutes. Weapon sheaved behind him as well, the next step was upon him.
Delusion Cryo Orb clicked onto the side of his uniform, the chimera placed the Proxy Orb onto the opposite end of the thread. Glaring at the Delusion, curiosity had begun to posses him like a random nursery in the fields of Sumeru. Just what modifications had Her Majesty made this time? He supposed he was about to find out.
Group of three soon returning, the hyena looked forward. Furry eared man thanking the panther twins for bringing him to his abode, a shiver crawled down the chimera's partially human spine. Eyes soon peering at the Delusion on his belt, the early adult knew a wave of yelling was about to come his way, for sure.
"Didn't I tell you to not use a Delusion?" the furry eared man scolded. "I told you they are dangerous for your weak constitution."
Hearing the Forest Watcher Leader's predictable scolding, the chimera let out a sigh. He knew he had no choice in the matter. If he were to use his Vision against Her Majesty's orders, he would meet his end, for sure. But, no such words would leave his lips. Waiola looking ready to get on the offensive, the chimera gazed at the butterfly collection on the wall, for a moment.
"The sage didn't give him a choice," Waiola responded. But, as she said such, the furry eared man stepped forward.
Gloved middle and index finger soon on his wrist for an entire minute, the furry eared man stepped aside, for a moment. Bottles soon in his hands, the soldier could feel a wave of unease grab him by the neck. Forest Watcher Leader handing the panther twins the bottles, the chimera shook his head. Unnecessary instructions were about to come everyone's way.
"Make sure he drinks this," the Forest Watcher leader said sternly. "And keep an eye on him." A question had stepped up to the plate immediately.
"How much should he drink?" Waiola asked.
Watching as the panther twins took the bottles of the bitter herb drink, the hyena rolled his eyes to the ceiling. Absolutely ridiculous. Drinking an herbal medicine was not necessary, in the slightest. But, he knew he could not say such, and immediate scolding would come his way.
"Half a bottle a day until his mission is over," the furry eared man said to Waiola. He then turned towards the hyena tailed man. "And you. Don't push yourself too hard and leave a mess for everyone else."
Feeling a spotlight expose him on private display, the hyena nodded. Bottle of Hawthorn drinks placed into the panther twins pockets, another escort had soon begun. End of Gandharva Ville reached after about twenty minutes of walking, new information had bounced onto his inhuman eardrums.
Bogart informing him he would be staying with them in their house in Aaru Village, the chimera blinked. Would he really be allowed to stay within someone else's home? But, he supposed he had no reason to refuse. Multiple sharp right turns taken, a long walk awaited the party of three.
Aaru Village reached after about two hours of walking, a quick stop had been made. Waiola stepping into a house, for a moment, the soldier opened the orb into map form. Canned knowledge icons within the desert and ruins, the hyena let out a gulp. A long day awaited him, for sure. Dissipating the orb back into map form, the chimera waited. Waiola stepping outside after ten minutes had passed, the early adult gave eye contact.
"Our mother said it's alright for you to stay with us during your mission," Waiola said sternly. "You can use our guestroom to rest."
Hearing Waiola's words, the chimera tilted his head. Would it truly be alright, staying in accommodations not under Her Majesty or the Akademiya's control? He supposed anything was better than sleeping in a tent within the depths of the desert. Feeling an elbow slap his side, the soldier looked forward. Bogart's brown eyes looking at him, the hyena prepared himself. What did he have to say? Eyes on his, he waited.
"Hey, open up that map thing of yours," Bogart said, shoulder bumping on his hip. "Come on." Its elbow kept on tapping.
Removing the proxy orb from his side, the hyena opened the orb into map form. Placing his finger by the orb objects heading towards the ruins, the chimera looked into the sibling's eyes. Look of confidence soon on the shorter panther's face, the early adult prepared himself. A world of overconfidence and empty promises would soon hit the sand.
"Easy cruising, I'll lead the way!" Bogart exclaimed, swiping his finger over his nose. "Leave the fighting to me!"
Knowing if he left everything to Bogart, disappointment would come his way, the soldier steeled himself. No matter what, he knew he had to fight, as well. The choice was not his if he wished to keep on living. Mini-map beaming in front of him, the panther chimera twins had begun to lead the way.
Southward walk through the desert crunching beneath his feet, the chimera stared at the mini-map in front of him. Set of canned knowledge icons pulsating by an area near a small body of water, the chimera knew he had to prepare himself for the inevitable ice match to come.
Hill of sand reached after half an hour of walking, the hyena gazed at the mini-map in front of him. Orb icons pulsating with a fervor, the soldier pointed behind him. Panther twins turning around, a quick jump downward had taken the desert by storm. Murky oasis with crooked trees down below, the soldier staged his landing.
Waiola and Bogart landing on their feet almost perfectly, the soldier's eyes opened wide. How did landing without a windglider not hurt the panther twin's feet? But such thought had left his mindscape in seconds. Eremites standing beside the large trees, Canned Knowledge orbs glowing with a fervor, the hyena prepared himself. Any minute now, a fight would break out, for sure.
Mercenaries turning around, a look of absolute disdain graced the four men's faces. Stolen orbs of canned knowledge floating beside them, the hyena shifted his legs. Any moment now, his ice and the men's legs would have to meet. Eremites looking ready to speak, the soldier kept his position.
"Waiola and Bogart, I thought we were family!" the tallest amongst the Eremites exclaimed "Why are you goin' behind our backs and joining that girly Matra?"
Siorc rolled his eyes to the sky. The girly Matra? Was that the only insult they had for him? Such insult was older than Liyue's history and the Cataclysm combined. The canned knowledge orbs had to have rotted their brains thoroughly, for sure. But, the hyena kept his mouth shut. There was no way he could say such, or everyone would be met with wrathful fury.
Honorary desert family trying to lay a fast one on it, Bogart crossed his arms around its barely covered chest. Had the Eremites he had known so well over the years been attempting to guilt trip Waiola and he? What a poor choice of words to use, he would not fall for it. No way.
"We are your desert family! I'm your queen!" Bogart replied, fist behind his back. "But, we won't do anything to put our job security in jeopardy!"
Hearing Bogart's response, a shock had jumped down the chimera's partially human spine. How could Bogart easily be able to tell off his desert network like that? Outspoken people were monsters unable to be tamed. Waiola soon stepping up onto the plate, the hyena closed his eyes, for a moment.
"We're sorry, but please return the canned knowledge," Waiola said to the Eremites. "We don't want to hurt you." But, an immediate answer had come her way.
"We won't be doing that!" the Eremite shouted, hand raising to the sky. "You'll have to fight our friends first!" Large portal opening up behind him, creatures had come crawling out.
Large grey reptiles jumping onto the sand, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Knowing the Eremites before him only usually carried around weapons, a wave of unease wrapped vines around the matra. Why did the mercenaries insist on getting their pets involve? Hurting innocent pets was cruel beyond belief.
Spear and bow in the twins hands, the soldier unsheathed the claymore from behind him. But, such fight was halted before it could even begin. Waiola giving him a sharp no, the hyena's eyebrow twitched. Did the panther twins intend to leave him out of the matter? Such could not happen. But, a small barrier of electricity blocked his way in seconds.
Barrage of Hydro infused arrows hitting the reptiles, the soldier attempted with all his might to step around the barrier placed in front of him. But, such attempts were futile. No way around the purple static, the hyena sighed. Leave it to the panther twins, indeed.
Electricity soon coming the reptile's way, the creature had been knocked backwards. Two more joining the party, the pets of otherworldly summoning had been zapped on private display. Hydro and Electro combined, a loud snarl hit the hot wind. Reptile creeping beside Bogart, a surprise was about to come his way.
Masked pet munching on the shorter panther chimera's skirt, Bogart grit his teeth. Looking ready to scream, the soldier adjusted his legs. If a commotion were about to happen, he would step on the battlefield by jumping over the electricity wall, if he had to. Scream soon hitting the battlefield, the matra prepared himself.
"You bit my dress!" Bogart yelled. "How dare you!" Waiola turning its way, unpleasant words touched the sand beneath.
"Don't worry about that right now!" Waiola shouted, bow put aside. "We'll sew it back up later!"
Barrier of electricity dissipating as the commotion marched onward, the chimera channeled his energy. Feeling ice and his legs join together, the soldier dashed forward. Reptilian pets frozen into statues in seconds, the party of two's brown eyes gave him a stern look. Electricity creating the final blow, the familiars soon faded away.
Eremites raising their hands above their heads, the stolen canned knowledge orbs had been handed to the panther chimera twins. Mercenaries looking as though they had something heavy to admit, the matra kept one ear open. Knowing what predicable answer was about to come his way, the soldier stared at the group of four in silence.
"Were just followin' the orders of our new boss!" the Eremites exclaimed in a panic.
Mercenaries dashing out of the area, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Recalling the Eremites had said they were following orders of their boss last time, as well, wanderlust squeezed the chimera tight. The Eremite's new boss, just who could they have possibly been? Orbs pulsating on the map, the group of three had begun walking once more.
Southward walk continuing, more mercenaries had soon blocked the pathway ahead. Familiars soon dropping onto the sand, the chimera placed the greatsword in front of him. A slight graze to the reptile's body would do, for the moment. Killing someone's pets was out of the question, for sure. Electro and Hydro making short work of the pets, the group of three kept walking.
Sand gust trusting the party of three upward, an unsettling sight caught the chimera's eyes. Eremite's pets standing beside two cacti, the matra let out a gulp. Would the mercenaries summon cacti to fight as well? But the soldier shook his head. What was he thinking? Dreams were not reality.
Cacti not joining the fight, the chimera placed his blade in front of him. Spinning like a battle top, multiple strikes had taken the reptile by storm. Shards of ice channeled through his hands, a barrage of icicles hit the monster's faces, in an instant. Defeat coming the familiar's way after a shot of a submerged arrow, the group of three turned left.
Temple in the corner not pouring out any sort of energy, the chimera kept his attention forward. Second oasis reached with the mercenary's pets already deployed, the hyena closed his eyes. Delusional ice and his legs one, the soldier dashed forward. Water and pets frozen, the matra turned to Bogart.
Layer of ice conducted into an explosion, defeat had come the monster's way in minutes. Stolen canned knowledge surrendered, the group had continued heading west. No familiars or Eremites anywhere to be seen as the westward walk marched onward, the soldier could not help but wonder. The stolen canned knowledge, had it given the Eremites the ability to summon pets from anywhere? He supposed such could have been a possibility at hand.
Scorpions soon joining the mercenary's side towards a ruin without a name, the hyena backed eight steps away. Hurting a scorpion? Absolutely not, they had to have been scorpion chimera's family. Electricity hitting the arachnids into oblivion, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Someone's family's numbers had been reduced, for sure.
No more pets along the way as the dunes drew ever so closer, the chimera took a deep breath. Whatever battle were about to await him in the ruins, he knew he had to be prepared for anything. But, stepping into the Dune of Magma was a sight to behold. Four reptile familiars strapped with canned knowledge to their backsides, the fight had begun.
Delusional ice and charged electricity with Hydro assistance making quick work of the deployed pets, the chimera tossed the stolen canned knowledge into his back pockets. But, such had not been the end of it. Three reptiles with more orbs strapped to their backs, a whirlpool had absorbed the triple triad of doom in a matter of seconds.
Main room of the ruins reached after a quick descent downward, a sight to behold took the dunes by a sandstorm. Eremites gazing at a wall with artwork of a man featuring an ancient looking helmet, the soldier's inhuman eardrums rung at the words engulfing the ruins.
Mercenaries chanting about the Scarlet King, the soldier could not help but wonder. Had the Eremites taken the orbs of canned knowledge because they believed the knowledge of the Dendro Nation of Wisdom had belonged to their God, and their God only? If such were the case, he knew he could not question it. Different groups of people worshipped different deities within the world of Teyvat. Bogart rolling up a fist, shouts were about to bounce off the ruin walls.
"You know the Scarlet King is already dead!" Bogart exclaimed, clawed fist shaking. "There is no queen to serve him anymore!" But, his words were futile.
Portal dropping down from the sky, birds had soon joined the battlefield. Stolen canned knowledge strapped to their necks, loud commands had come the creature's way. Submerged arrows coming the bird's way, electricity had soon joined the party. Static surrounding the pets the soldier channeled the delusional energy towards his legs as the familiars fell to the ground.
Delusional ice freezing the birds into chilled fowl, Bogart charged his polearm forward. Orbs dropping from around the enemy's necks, a scream bounced on the walls. Monsters fading into the ether, the mercenaries bolted as though they were lightning. Ruins quiet, and no more orbs pulsating on the map, the group of three exited the ruins.
Aaru Village reached after three hours of walking, a swift stop had been made. Canned knowledge placed within the chief's house within the village, Waiola's hand and the matra's wrist had met. House soon entered, and guestroom soon reached, the panther twins dispersed.
Alerted his job was not done yet as the twins exited, the soldier gazed at the unknown walls. A long week awaited him, for sure. Late evening soon upon him, the chimera crawled into the unfamiliar bed. Wave of tiredness taking the hyena away after an hour, the early adult closed his eyes.
Bitter herbed drink handed to him, as soon as he woke up, Siorc flinched as the bitter drink travelled down his partially human throat. Why had medicine made from herbs always been so bitter? But, he knew he had no choice in the matter but to drink it, or a scolding would come his way. Half of the bottle consumed as instructed, the chimera exited the room.
Whiffing a strong scent of food through the hallways, the hyena kept waking. Four dishes of boiled eggs surrounded by beans and tomatoes, and onions, the soldier placed himself within the guest chair. Picking the boiled egg up with his fork, the chimera gazed at the panther twins. Forks only in their right hands, the early adult responded in kind. Proper dining etiquette was mandatory.
Tomatoes soon hitting his throat, a wave of nostalgia took the early adult by storm. He could not remember the last time he had family cooking. Such was a moment of the past he would never be able to relive. Quiet mother leaving the room quickly after she arrived, the hyena turned his attention to Waiola. Everyone's meals finished, words had begun to flow his way like water.
"------- will mark your map for you," Waiola informed him. "Is there anything you need before we leave?"
Question echoing in his partially human mind, the soldier shook his head. There was no way he could indulge the twins with forbidden desires when he was merely a guest in their home. But, such thought was cancelled like a dance show by the Akademiya in the capital city.
Bogart eyeing his hair and ears, the soldier blinked. Why had he been looking at his hairpins and earrings so intently? Long red sleeve of his dress soon behind his pointy panther ears, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. But, a voice had come his way in a matter of seconds.
"You're wearing the same chachkies again?" Bogart asked, sighing. "That won't do! A queen never wears the same thing twice in a row!" Stepping out for a moment, a metallic sound clinked onto the table. "Here. Borrow mine. Can't wear them right now, anyway, since I shaved my head."
Hearing Bogart's words, a wave of bewilderment overtook the hyena. Queens had rules? But, he supposed it did not matter. Cacti hairpin and earring set gazing at him, the chimera removed the matching star set from his hair and ears. Clicking the matching cacti in their place, a wave of calmness overtook the chimera. He did not know why, but, wearing unweaponized hairpins and earrings made him feel at ease. Mouthing a thank you, the group of three exited the desert abode.
Chief's house soon reached, the chimera placed the proxy map into the village protector's hands. Loud sound of pins being added to the map, the early adult gazed at Bogart's outfit. Long, one piece dress with bright yellow Hena Berries forming a pattern, the matra sharply turned his head towards the left. If Bogart caught him looking, he would get angry, for sure. Map soon returned to him, heterochromatic eyes had begun to look his way.
"I have marked your map near the Khaj Nisut area," the village protector said. "Do not do anything reckless, or I will be very angry."
"We will be very careful, -------," Waiola replied, bowing. "We appreciate your kind words." She then turned towards Bogart, and Siorc. "It will likely be a long walk to Khaj Nisut. Let's be careful, you two."
Bogart swiping his finger across his nose for the second day in a row, the party of three exited the village chief's home. Small sack on Waiola's back, the village had soon been exited. Village children saying they were worried about their fathers, a rock had been tossed into the pit of the chimera's stomach. The mercenaries had to have been acting out of sorts, for sure.
Northward path taken, the early adult took a long, deep breath. If a long walk awaited him, he needed to prepare himself. Gust of sand thrusting Waiola, Bogart and he up multiple cliffsides, a world of sand paths crunched underneath the hyena's feet. Narrow pathways with only cacti, the soldier gazed at the prickly succulent plants. Could an Eremite hide canned knowledge within the trunk of a cactus? But the matra shook his head. There was no way such could have a been a possibility at hand.
Icon pulsating rapidly near an Eremite's camp, the soldier rolled up his sleeves. Mercenary group's eyes looking bloodshot, the early adult could not help but feel a wave of pity. Knowledge had come at a price, indeed. Birds and drakes with a deep red aura dropping onto the sand, the early adult unsheathed the Claymore from behind him.
Three slashes heading the reptile and bird's way, electricity and a whirlpool had knocked the creatures back into the world they came. Canned Knowledge surrendered, the group of three kept heading north. But, another pitying sight awaited the hyena.
Eremite's eyes glowing a deep red as their familiars appeared beside them, the hyena gazed at the men's ears. Akashas going from green to red and back again for seconds on end, the early adult studied the earring, for a moment. Had the Akasha been defective? If such were the case, he supposed it was no business of his. Rock tossed his way through the birds talons, the chimera swung his blade about.
Rock returning to its owner, the mercenary's pet had come crashing down. Feeling as though enough damage had been done, the chimera backed five steps away. But such had not been the end of the rampage. Bird continuing to get on the offensive, the hyena let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to fight back. Delusional projectiles of ice freezing the enemy solid, Bogart's spear and Waiola's arrows finished the deed.
Canned knowledge soon surrendered, the group of three kept heading north. Reptile familiars everywhere for three hundred meters, multiple rounds of defeat had come the desert creature's way. Tenth and final monster defeated after two hours of fighting, a sight caught the group of three's eyes.
Four Spinal Crocodiles blocking the entranceway as the party of three walked forward, the early adult switched his legs into a fighting stance. Delusional ice and his legs becoming one, the matra dashed forward. Reptiles statues upon the sand, defeat had come their way with an aquatic punch.
Waiola pressing an odd blue button, an entranceway had opened. Door to Khaj Nisut pulling outward, the triple triad team of chimeras entered the ruins. Eremite's eyes glowing red as their Akasha's flickered between colors, monsters quickly joined the fray. Birds exiting the world as soon as they came after four bolts of electric rings, a sigh of relief hit the ruin walls. It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, the world had been eight levels, and the level of the world had currently been set to a zero.
The easy button would soon break.
"Making quick work of our new friends, are ya?" the Eremites asked, voices sounding unstable. "Have fun with our new pet our Canned Knowledge taught us how to summon!" Portal of darkness dropping from behind him, the mercenary backed fifteen steps away.
Quadrupedal dark blue dragon with an icy blue tail and sharp talons entering the ruins, the early adult's mismatched eyes had begun to twitch. How did the Eremites learn how to summon Vishaps from the world of Enkanomiya? Drake from time forgotten roaring about, the hyena could feel sweat pour down his back. There was no way he could win such a fight even with assistance, guaranteed. Bogart's voice picking up speed, the matra glared at the monster in silence.
"How did you do that?!" Bogart asked, astonished. "That's not a bird, or lowly desert drake!" But a laugh had soon come his way.
"Our new boss has some tricks up his sleeve!" the Eremite shouted back. "But I ain't telling you nothin' while you're working for a Matra!"
Bogart's fists shaking rapidly, another rock had dropped down into the pit of his partially human stomach. Had seeing his appointed family within the desert acting out of sorts made him feel a wave of anger? He supposed he did not blame him, if such were the case. Bogart looking ready to bark back, the soldier kept quiet. Whatever was about to happen, he had no right to interrupt.
"I swear by my teacher, I'll return everyone to their senses!" Bogart shouted, fists shaking. "The canned knowledge has made you all go mad!" Waiola's voice soon joined the party.
"We don't need to fight," Waiola jumped in. "Please, just return the canned knowledge you stole." A loud, throaty laugh had come Waiola's way, in an instant.
"Beat our pal first, then you'll get them back!" the Eremite shouted.
Vishap from the world beneath letting out a roar, the monster swiped its tail forward. Water projectiles coming the group of three's way, the chimera jumped ten steps back. Waiola's arms and legs soon becoming water, the monster had been soaked to the corroded bone.
Knowing that was his chance to get on the offensive, the chimera closed his eyes. Waiola attempting to stop him, the soldier shook his head. There was no way he could stand by and allow the twins to do all the fighting for him. Ice and his legs combining, the soldier dashed forward. Vishap from Enkanomiya soon frozen, the hyena unsheathed the greatsword from behind him.
Ice shattering as his blade hit the monster, the Vishap had begun to inhale. Beam of water coming Bogart's and his way, the hyena's eyes had begun to twitch as the torrents soaked him to the core. Delusional aura getting weaker, and Bogart's vision growing dimmer, the early adult slashed the black claymore forward.
Monster beginning to scream after twenty slashes, Bogart's spear had joined the party. Electricity crackling after another twenty hits, the chimera looked at the two twins in the eyes. Delusional Cryo and Electro shaking hands, ice crystal pulsing with electricity sped towards the monster's eyes. Shards of dark ice blasting in a super conducted explosion, the monster let out a roar.
Waiola soon in a launching stance, four submerged arrows had come the Vishap's way. Weapons and the center of the monster's chest soon meeting, the drake had faded into the ether in a matter of minutes. Monster defeated, and stolen canned knowledge tossed her way, a shorter Eremite rose his hands up into the air in surrender.
"We surrender, perhaps you're right Queen Bogart," the second Eremite said, voice getting quiet. "The canned knowledge has made some of us go mad. But, those of us that are? Good luck finding them. They're hiding deep underground in the ruins away from here."
Hearing the Eremtie's words, the hyena's heart skipped a beat. There had been even more canned knowledge hidden deep within the depths of the underground? He knew if such were the case, a long tiring days ahead awaited the panther chimeras, and he. Mercenaries dashing out of the scene, the ruins had gone silent.
Waiola saying it was time to return home, the soldier followed behind like a duckling waddling behind a the mother duck in a pond. Long walk south with no words said between the three, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. But, the soldier would not falter. He had to keep walking. Now was not the time for fatigue.
Seeing Siorc's head slump for a moment, a wave of concern washed over Waiola. Had the Delusion begun to affect him? Recalling what -------- had told him about not pushing himself too hard, she kept her eye on him. Was it time to put down the brakes on the caravan? She knew she had to take such consideration into account.
Aaru village reached after an hour of walking, the stolen canned knowledge ceased to the Village Chief's house. Three warm plates of Binyari waiting at the dinner table wrapped up in foil, the trio sat down at the table. Warm rice hitting his throat, the chimera held back a noise. Home-cooked meals were delectable, indeed.
Meal finished, and everyone exiting into separate rooms, the soldier slumped into the unfamiliar bed. Wave of tiredness taking him away, the soldier closed his eyes. World of sleep about to take him away, one thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain as the dream world pulled him in.
Where could the underground ruins be?
***
"Perhaps that herbal drink is not working,
Ah, my heart is pounding beating, screaming.
I cannot stay asleep. The
Noise inside me is too deep.
For now, I hold back a scream.
Ultimately, I must, it is rude to wake the family.
Looks like it is intensifying. No, I must breathe. The
Beat, the beat is getting harder. It is going
Even faster.
Ah, no, don't scream. Just breathe.
That is key."
Waking up in the middle of the night, a horrifying reality had presented itself to the hyena. Heartbeat of intense unevenness proceeding with a ferocity, the early adult took a long, deep breath. But, such attempt had been futile. Painful heartbeat only getting more intense as the seconds unraveled into minutes, the early adult held back a scream.
Placing his hand on his chest, the chimera took another long deep breath. But, such had not been enough. Rapid, uneven heartbeat getting harder, and faster, the soldier could no longer hold back a scream. Tears streaming down his face, the house had to have been shaking, by now.
Waiola dashing into the guestroom at lightning speed, a hand had soon been over his chest. Light brown eyes twitching rapidly, the hyena could feel tears rush down his face like a river. Had he disturbed Waiola in her sleep? How cruel of him. Blurry figure of Waiola cupping her barely visible hands around her mouth, a scream echoed throughout the desert house.
"Mama! Help! His heart is beating too fast!" Waiola shouted. Blurry figure of a tall woman with fuzzy black ears running into the room, chaos had hit its climax.
"On it, sweetie," Waiola's mother replied. Ice cold orb placed onto the young man's chest, she placed her hands down. "Young man, if you can hear me, take a deep breath with us!"
Multiple voices telling him to breathe, the soldier closed his eyes. Freezing ice on his chest, the early adult took multiple, long deep breaths. Wave of tiredness taking him away after fifteen breaths had been taken, sleep had taken the soldier away, but one final thought had entered the world of dreams.
Had the medicine truly been working?
***
Upon waking up the next morning, the bitter herb drink had been handed to him immediately. Waiola not letting him leave the room until the apparent heart medicine had been finished, the soldier let out a tired sigh. Wasn't having to drink the supposed medicine enough? But, he knew the panther chimera would not budge. Herbal drink finished, the door had been unblocked.
Breakfast devoured and home exited, Waiola looked into Siorc's eyes. Panther twins with a stern look on their faces, sweat had begun to pour down the hyena's back. He knew what words were about to come his way, for certain. Waiola looking ready to speak, he retained eye contact.
"We will not let you use that Delusion of yours more than necessary," Waiola said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Before we head out, however, ------- said she'd like to see us."
Village Chief's house reached after five minutes, the chimera observed the room, for a moment. He did not know why, but he could not help but feel the absence of the tall Eremite woman's presence. But the soldier tossed such thought into the oasis in the desert. Hadn't the mercenary been a bodyguard? Wherever she was, it was no business of his.
Odd device handed to Waiola, the chimera tilted his head. What had the village protector handed her? Taller panther chimera looking just as confused as he did, he supposed a wave of information would come her way in a moment. Village defender looking ready to speak, the hyena gazed at Bogat's outfit.
Bogart in a deep green dress that looked similar to the Forest Watcher Trainee in Gandharva Ville, the soldier immediately turned his head around. What was he doing, getting distracted by Bogart's outfit once again? He needed to focus on the mission at hand. There was no time for eyeing a man up.
"This is the Scarlet Sand Slate," the village protector explained. "It will point out the location of secret ruins deep beneath."
Instructed to open his proxy orb into map form, the soldier did as requested. Waiola told to highlight an entry on the slab known as Place of Breath, a new icon had pulsated on the hyena's proxy map. Location of a hidden ruin revealed, a sea of gratitude had come the tall woman's way.
Stepping towards the door, a somber sound hit the door. Bogart letting out a loud sigh, the soldier gazed at him. Had the short panther been growing tired? He supposed he could not blame him, if such were indeed the case. Waiola's hand soon turning the knob on the door, Bogart's voice kicked the air.
"Man, I wish ----- were here," Bogart lamented, sighing. "Her Pyro Vision would be a real help right about now."
"It can't be helped, Bogart," Waiola responded. "She took a bodyguard mission in the Desert of Hadramaveth." Door soon opened, the group of three stepped outside.
Long walk ahead of the group of three, the soldier kept his eyes on the mini-map in front of him. Strange entrance reached after two hours of walking, the party of three stepped inside. Large ruins area with wind currents in the center of the room, the chimera let out a gulp. The area was spacious, huge, colossal. Two doors distances away from one another, the hyena walked towards the door off to the west.
Eremites everywhere looking ready to snap like a twig, the stolen canned knowledge glowed red as a portal dropped behind them, the men bolted to the left, hands shaking rapidly. Spinal Crocodiles roaring out cyclones of wind, the chimera placed himself into a fighting stance.
Delusional Cryo, Electro and Hydro joining forces, a swirl bounced back onto the monsters. Reptiles defeated as quickly as they had arrived, the hyena tilted his head. had the Eremites begun to get weaker? Stolen canned knowledge tossed his way, the group kept walking.
Eight more groups of Eremite's familiars taken down one after another, the Place of Breath had been conquered after two hours of fighting. No more canned knowledge within the ruins, the next area had soon been highlighted. Place of Rebirth location pulsating on his map, the group of three prepared to head for the area.
Large area with dying, sandy grass underneath his feet, the early adult clicked his tongue. The grass was an unkempt disgusting sight to behold. White icon pulsating with a fervor as the sight of ruins entered his damaged field of vision, Waiola took the lead. Strange underground passage taken, the soldier deployed his windglider.
Holding the twin's hands tight, a deep, underground cavern had been reached after five minutes of falling. Disgusting, sandy grass sullying his heelless shoes, Siorc held back a second tongue click. Sound of monsters roaring in the room up ahead, the group of three's legs had erupted into a sprint.
Monsters standing guard by a strange device glowing blue in the middle of a platform surrounded by torches, three weapons had been unsheathed. Reptiles taken out by Bogart's electrified spear, the trio had begun to head for the west entrance, but a sight to behold was about to greet them.
Eremites with glowing red eyes pulsating beside their masters in the center of a room with blue lights of constantly flowing energy, another rock had been tossed into the pit of the hyena's stomach. Had obtaining forbidden knowledge truly been what the mercenaries wanted? Pained look on their faces, he knew regret had to have been rooted deep inside them.
Deep purple Vishaps from the world underwater roaring about, the early adult channeled his energy downward. Dash of ice taking the Electro Bathysmal Vishap, a hand had soon been on his wrist. Waiola shaking her head, glaring at the Delusion on his belt, sweat formed at the hyena's brow. Backing ten steps away, a Hydro arrow storm took the stage.
Monster drenched to the rotted bone, rings of electricity surrounded the creature of the world underwater in seconds. Zap of static paralyzing the enemy, Bogart placed his spear in front of him. Dashing forward, multiple slashes had been blown upon the enemy's back.
Greatsword soon joining the party, the chimera slashed the blade forward. Monster fading into the ether after forty slashes between the two, Waiola's right index finger pointed towards the stairs. Eremites dashing up the stairs, Akasha pulsing red, six feet dashed towards the stairwell in seconds. Brunette Eremite with a halberd looking ready to burst, shouts bounced off the ruin walls.
"You may have defeated our pals, but you're forgetting something important!" the Eremite exclaimed, red eyes pulsating rapidly. "Our boss!" As he said such, he placed his hands on the side of his head.
"Where is he?!" Bogart shouted, heeled shoes slamming onto the ground with gusto. A pained response came his way, in an instant.
"I don't know! Find him yourself!" the Eremite retorted, but a show was about to take the Place of Rebirth by a sandstorm.
Red screen of x-es covering the Eremite's eyes as the orb of stolen canned knowledge floated in the air, the mercenary let out a pained scream. Man losing consciousness seconds later, the twins glared at one another. Group of two proclaiming they would not carry him, the panther chimeras took the lead.
Gazing at Waiola's bag as the escort back to Aaru Village had begun, the hyena had come to wonder. The Eremite's Akashas, why had they been turning against them? But, he supposed the combination of stolen knowledge that was not theirs would lead to dire consequences eventually.
Bag of stolen canned knowledge left at the Village Chief's house, and location of the fallen Eremite disclosed, the group of three returned to the desert abode. Meal devoured, and group of three splitting ways, the guestroom had soon been upon the matra. Temporary hairpins and earrings removed, the soldier slumped into the unfamiliar bed.
Wave of tiredness overtaking him as soon as his head hit the pillow, the hyena closed his eyes. World of sleep taking him away as the night moved about, one final thought hit the active shark grooves in his brain as the world of dreams pulled him back in, for the late evening.
Where could the Eremite's new boss be hiding?
***
Dreaming had continued its endless cycle of torment within the early adult's subconscious mind. But, the night before him would put a wedge in the middle of the loop, diverting a path towards the opposite end of the dream hallway. The night before him would halt the cycle of anguish, in a temporary beat.
Before him had been the familiar pink tree branches. Climbing up the trunk, the soldier kept walking. End soon reached, another sight greeted the soldier's dream eyes. Mysterious white haired girl sitting upon a swing made out of green energy, the chimera placed himself on the branch below her. Girl ending her swing about, she sat adjacent to him.
"You seem to be wondering about the whereabouts of the perpetrator of this ongoing scheme," the mysterious girl said. "So, I'll help you out a little."
Hearing the mysterious girls words, the chimera could not help but wonder. Just how much had the girl of many mysteries known? He swore the young girl had to have been able to be peer into his mind. But, the soldier shook his head. There was no way such could have been possible. Reading minds was a fictional concept made up by writers in fantasy novels.
Green swing soon appearing underneath him, the soldier looked into the mysterious girl's eyes. He knew, no matter how much she truly knew, an exact answer would never be given. Knowing a riddle was about to come his way, the early adult prepared himself for the hint.
"I'll give you a little hint," the mysterious girl said, finger on her chin. "He's where the god statue sleeps."
Memories flowing through him as the dream seconds became minutes, an oil bulb had gone off in the hyena's mind. Recalling a specific area deep within the ruins of the desert, the soldier took a deep breath. While he knew the possibility he could be incorrect was possible, the chimera would not falter.
"He is inside the Ruins within the Mausoleum of King Deshret," Siorc blurted out.
Mysterious girl with a small smile on her face, a wave of relief washed over the hyena. Had he gotten the location right? Green, plus shaped pupils gazing at his mismatched eyes, he supposed he was about to find out the answer to the hint in a matter of moments.
"That's right, you got it!" the mysterious girl replied, giggling. But, the conversation soon took a sharp turn into another direction. "I've been watching you closely lately through the desert wind. I am glad you found friends to help shoulder this tall burden thrust upon you."
Girl soon leaving, the soldier shrugged the dream shoulders. Recalling the young girl had called herself a bird, he supposed she had flown by the desert. Dream world beginning to collapse, the chimera banged his subconscious fists together. Confidence about to hit the roof, his fist rose to the leaving air.
He would end this heist once and for all today.
***
"Maybe that mysterious girl is right, the panther chimera fighting
Alongside me is certainly not a bad thing.
The burden has been split into three.
Really, as long as they do not mind,
All of this won't be fleeting.
So, the ruins where the god statue sleeps,
I know the Scarlet King's ruins await me.
Of all the places, that makes the most sense, the
Ruins of the Mausoleum of King Deshret, now I see.
Could this new boss be seeking to revive a lost god?
This outcome seems likely.
However, if such were the case,
Even now, it will likely not succeed.
For I remember the last attempt.
If the Abyss Order could not, there is
No way the Eremites will succeed.
Ancient spells are difficult to master.
Looks like the stolen canned knowledge was the incorrect one.
Here's to solving this case, once and for all.
Ultimately, I now know the path.
Right, to the ruins I go.
Really, if anything, Waiola
And Bogart can do some convincing for the boss to end this charade.
Here's to the final day of my Matra duties. I am ready."
Upon waking up for the morning, a wave of confidence leaked through the chimera. Bitter medicinal drink gulped, and temporary scarab hairpins and earrings clicked into place, the soldier pumped his currently human fists together. This time, for sure, the Eremite's new boss would be located.
Pointing towards a waypoint near the Mausoleum of King Deshret after breakfast had been devoured, the twins gazed at one another. Confused look on both their faces, the soldier tapped the ruins on the map with a fervor. Surely, the two panthers knew what he meant.
"You look quite sure about this, so Bogart and I believe you," Waiola replied. "We should get going, but be cautious of earthquakes."
Nodding to the twins, the desert abode had soon been exited. Ruins reached after about three hours of walking, the party of three stepped inside. Large, ancient hallway with black jackal statues in every corner of the room, wanderlust filled the hyena. Could the statues have been the memorial of another ancient god within the world of the desert? But, the early adult shook his head. Perhaps, the statues had been a reimagining of the Scarlet King.
Large hole jumped over, a sight of unpleasantries caught the early adult's mismatched eyes. Chief Alchemist of the Knight of Favonius standing beside the large wall painting of the Scarlet King, the hyena turned his attention to the man's neck. No star-shaped mark on the man's neck, the hyena's eyes opened wide.
Faux alchemist looking his way, a sea of questions flooded the hyena. What had the faux alchemist been doing in the deserts of Sumeru? If he had been the new boss of the Eremites, he knew a difficult battle would await the panther chimeras and he. Brunette looking his way, the chimera let out a barely audible gulp.
"You again, must you always get in my way?" the faux alchemist asked, irritated. "With all the canned knowledge I've had the Eremites collect for me, you stand no chance." Bogart's voice had soon joined the battle.
"Oh, really? Well, I'm sorry to inform you, but I, the queen, and its subjects, have rounded all those up already!" Bogart bit back. "Looks like you're the only one left. Let's fight!" But, Waiola's voice cut in like a pair of scissors.
"Bogart," Waiola cut in, annoyed. "I'm not the subject of your fashion kingdom!" An immediate response had come her way.
"Ugh, whatever!" Bogart shouted. "He's summoning something!" Silky, black sleeves blowing on the wind, a new challenger had arrived.
Large portal coming from behind the faux alchemist, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Large dragon rivaling the size of a god with a large spike on its backside, the hyena backed nine steps away. Bogart's black, silky dress blowing upward from the gust of wind, the chimera observed the dragon once more.
Purple dragon spreading its wings, the hyena could not help but recall a story he had learned in his stolen childhood. Recalling his mother teaching him about the Dragon of the East, Dvalin, the chimera observed the dragon's wings. Dark purple wings and light purple body with horns, there was no doubt in his mind. The dragon before him had been a fake, for sure.
Faux alchemist hopping onto the possible fake dragon's back, the chimera steeled himself. Alchemist's doppelganger shuffling through his coat pockets, the chimera unsheathed the greatsword behind him. Any minute now, an attack would come everyone's way.
"Beat him, and maybe I'll give you this!" the faux alchemist exclaimed, object gleaming in his artificial hands.
Purple chess piece looking like it could shoot lightning, a realization had come the hyena's way. The chess piece with the Electro symbol upon it, something had not been right. But, whatever such misgiving could have been, the chimera was none the wiser. Dragon's talons hitting the ground and then returning to the high ceiling above, the fight had begun.
Electric meteors hitting the ground, the chimera jumped to the left. Waiola and Bogart mirroring his movements, no damage had been received between the trio. Wind currents popping out of nowhere as the dragon's beams of purple energy continued, the hyena had been thrusted upward.
Talon smacking onto the ground, Waiola had taken action. Arms and legs soon becoming water, aquatic projectiles had been thrown the dragon's way. Talon soon soaked to the scaly bone, Bogart had tagged himself into the ring in a matter of seconds. Sleeves rolled up, the time had come.
Three rings of electricity hitting the talon, the monster had come crashing down upon the battlefield. Odd spiky growth on the dragon's back pulsating, Waiola placed her bow in front of her. Water and the spike meeting, a large hit had come the dragon's way. But, such had not been enough to make the enemy meet its end.
Dragon raising towards the ceiling for the second time of the battle, balls of electricity had begun to rain from the ceiling. Another wind current appearing out of nowhere, the hyena grabbed the panther twins hands. Wind glider deployed, and gust thrusting him upward, the balls of static had been avoided.
Talon slamming onto the ground after sixty seconds had passed, the soldier swung the greatsword in a circle. Seven hits dealt to the dropped down talon, the hyena gasped for air, for a moment. Had his stamina been reset to the default rules of the world? He knew such had not been the case, but it felt like it could have been, at the moment.
Faux dragon crashing down onto the ground, another submerged arrow had come the enemy's way, but such had not been enough to quell the beast. Ground beginning to shake as seas of electric meteorites struck through the ceiling, the group of three jumped to the left and right.
Feeling his heart skip a beat as the jumps intensified, an oil bulb had gone off in the hyena's fading human brain. The Grand Sage, he said Her Majesty had modified his Delusion. Perhaps, just maybe, if he held the shot of his ice projectile attack, a new skill would activate.
Talon soon vanquished for the third time with an electro charged fury, the soldier gazed at the problematic spike pulsating on the faux dragon's back. Channeling any delusional energy that remained into the palm of his hands, the hyena prepared himself for the final shot of the fight.
Holding the ice projectile shot for fifteen seconds, the shards of ice spun about in a circle. Icicles forming into a frost flower, the matra launched the plant of many contradictions at the spike upon the monster's back. Spike soon frozen, the early adult turned towards Waiola. Pointing at her bow, the two nodded in unison.
Three submerged arrows aiming for the spike, a loud scream had come from the faux dragon's throat. Water sinking deep into the dragon's skin, the enemy had crashed downward onto the ruin grounds. Monster fading into nothingness and odd, white chest with gold plating popping up in its place, the soldier glared at the faux alchemist.
"You will see you me again, chimera," the faux alchemist stated, clicking his artificial tongue.
Chess piece and final orb of stolen canned knowledge tossed his way with a wave of violence, a puff of smoke overtook the ruins in seconds. Faux alchemist gone as the smoke cleared, the hyena stared at the odd chess piece in his hands. Dark aura pulsating on the Electro symbol, the soldier's heart had skipped another beat.
Chess piece looking about ready to explode, the chimera pocketed it, for the moment. Had the object been something stronger than a Vision, or Delusion? He supposed, whatever it was the faux alchemist tossed at him, he could not ask about it. Asking questions was forbidden of a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.
Canned knowledge bags dropped off at the Village Chief's house retrieved, a long walk back to the rainforest side of Sumeru had begun. Capital city of Sumeru reached after about five hours of trekking, the party of three stepped onto the House of Daena elevator.
Bags of canned knowledge placed onto the Grand Sage's desk, and odd chess piece handed off to the Agent, the sound of bag's opening with a loud clamor took the office by a rainstorm. Numbers going off one by one in rapid fire, fear nibbled on the cartilage of the hyena's ear. If any canned knowledge was missing, Her Majesty would hear of it, for sure. Smirk appearing on the sage's face, a weight had been tossed off his currently human shoulders.
"Desert dwellers, leave my office," the Grand Sage said, disgust evident in his voice.
Waiola and Bogart exiting the office with dejected looks on their faces, the chimera could feel his chest sink. The Grand Sage, why had he just treated Waiola and Bogart that way? Their assistance should have been celebrated just as much as his success solo had been twice in the past.
Agent twirling the purple chess piece in his gloved hands, bewilderment hugged the hyena from behind. What in the world had the masked Agent been doing? Hearing a faint whistle on his subordinate's breath, the chimera let out an exasperated sigh. Whatever he was so pleased about, he knew he could not ask about it. Sage snapping his fingers, the early adult returned his attention forward.
"Excellent work," the Sage lauded. "Since the Mahamatra is returning, your duties as a Matra are now over." Folded winter coat in his hands, his fingers drummed on his desk. "Return the Delusion and your uniform to me."
Delusion and Vision removed, the early adult undid the ribbons on the robe. Winter jacket placed into his currently human hands, the early adult hurried himself. Buttons in the correct holes, and lyrical hum in the corner bouncing on the walls in discord, the Agent's mask soon met his mismatched eyes.
"Good work, soldier," the Agent said, chess piece twirling on his gloved fingers. "You are dismissed."
Yellow-green orb hooked onto his uniform pants once more, the soldier stepped onto the elevator. Readying to exit the office, however, a voice had begun to come his way one final time. Sage calling his attention as he staged his exit, the early adult gazed at the elderly man.
"Should more issues arise within the walls of the Akademiya," the Sage said. "I will expect your assistance once more in the future."
Shrugging, the hyena stepped onto the elevator. Akademiya soon exited, the soldier looked around the capital city of Sumeru. Bogart's hairpins and earrings, he needed to return them to him. Eventually spotting the twins standing by the Adventurer Guild's booth, the soldier tapped Bogart's shoulder.
Placing the scarab hairpin and earring set in his clawed hands, the panther chimera rummaged through his black, silky pocket. Matching blue star set returned to him, the hyena pocketed the jewelry and accessory, for the moment. Waiola looking his way, he knew a wave of farewells was about to hit his shark eardrums.
"Take care of yourself, Siorc," Waiola said, waving. "If you ever need help again in the future, feel free to stop by Aaru Village. We will help you out." Bogart's voice joined the party.
"See you," Bogart responded, furry black tail swishing from behind him. "Oh, and next time you eye my outfits, at least compliment me!" His hands had soon been on his hips. "Don't think I didn't see you looking!"
Caught purple handed, the soldier's cheeks turned red in an instant. Bogart knew the entire time he had been gazing at his outfits? How incredibly embarrassing. Hyena tail swishing from behind him as the panther twins exited the area, the soldier's ears grew hot.
Having no reason to remain in the Dendro Nation of Wisdom, the chimera removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Military barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes. Walking through the icy cold hallways, the steel walled room had been reached after ten minutes of walking.
Soundproof room upon him, the chimera placed the weaponized hairpins and earrings back into the box. Walking upon the icy cold floor for a couple hours, a wave of tiredness eventually overtook the hyena. Uniform soon removed, the early adult slumped into the uncomfortable bed.
Glasses removed as well, the chimera closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the rock hard pillow. Land of tormented dreams about to take him away, for the evening, one final thought looped on repeat as the world of sleep invited him back in, for the night at hand.
His Matra duties were over.
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& This 3 part saga ends with this one, but there's a lot other in betweeners after this.