Roughly half an hour passed since we exited from our initial imprisonment.
The hallways were a labyrinth of doors and curves, causing the group to pick routes at random in the hopes one would lead outside.
Takagi's feat was the talk of the town.
At first, he was less than willing to answer any questions about what he did, even after being approached by every other person. However, probably because of the constant pestering, he eventually cracked and explained his "process."
To the disappointment of my countrymen, his explanation was very "instinctual."
Uttered sound effects aside, it amounted to how he felt a strength welling up within his chest as his desire to escape grew stronger.
Tachibana accused him of using "magic," but Takagi wholeheartedly denied it.
Nevertheless, there was no doubt what Takagi and the old man did was similar. The orbs of light were too close in likeness for that to be disputed.
Immediately after he concluded speaking, we ran into another door.
Though it appeared similar to the previous one, its stature was far larger and more imposing.
Almost bragging, Takagi said, "heh, guess I get to break another" while I grasped the door handle.
As it turned out, it was already unlocked, much to Takagi's disappointment. However, the door required some elbow grease before it finally caved outwards.
I wanted to be quieter about our exit; we had no idea if any enemies lurked outside. Sadly, the door had other plans.
As it twisted inside its hinges, the aged wood groaned obnoxiously in protest until we felt the warm embrace of the late afternoon Sun.
Upon stepping outside, we stopped to take note of our surroundings.
One could hear the buzzing of local insects, and the air held a sweet pine scent as it breezed past. Considering the cozy warm temperature, I had to imagine it was summer.
I was puzzled since it was supposed to be mid-November.
Wherever we were, it wasn't remotely close to matching a tropical description, so the high temperatures were unnatural.
Temperature aside, one thing captivated my countrymen's and my interest more than any other; the primeval landscape.
There were no cities, no cars, not even pavement. As far as the eye could see, there was only nature.
'Another world…huh.'
Our sightseeing was cut short when we spotted several hooded figures.
Likewise, they spotted us.
They turned and began their steady approach, forcing our group to merge tighter for strength in numbers.
As much as I hated the idea of being a shield again, it was the responsibility I signed up for. I despised death, but I'd have no issue killing these cultists if it preserved my countrymen.
Abandoning them now would spit on the memory of my comrades and foes I'd slaughtered.
That's why I stepped ahead of my group to confront the threat.
The central figure lowered his hood to reveal himself; it was the old man.
"Oh, hello, dear heroes! We were just about to fetch you since the carriages finally arrived." He gestured towards several black-gold-lined wooden transports on wood wheels drawn by bulky horses.
Beyond the fact they were literally glorified wagons, there were strange, occult-looking runes decorating the outside. They didn't look to be of any language I could identify, but they were more than just juvenile scribbles.
Tilting his head, the old man continued, "might I ask how you all left that room? I was sure I had my associates secure the door for your safety."
The first to respond was Agawa.
"Our safety, huh? How does locking us up make us safe?" Her snark had stayed the same from when we were in the tower.
He clasped his hands together and smiled. "I'm glad that you should ask, Ms. Agawa!" He gestured towards the tower. "You see, this is known as a 'Summoning Spire.' It's a place where we summon heroes such as yourselves. But, unfortunately, some would seek to do you harm,so we need to guard it using the local military. If one of you were to be seen unattended," He started hoarsely chuckling, "they'd probably think that you're an enemy and attack you!"
"Ohhh," Takagi spoke with interest, "in that case, you locked us in there for the guard's safety, then? Because I wouldn't want to see what remains of the person that tried to take me on. After all," he flexed his leg, "I busted down that prized door of yours."
"I see; so you broke out?" The old man curiously studied Takagi before nodding to himself and continuing. "In that case, yes, I suppose it would've been for their safety!" He laughed jovially, though I couldn't call it genuine.
"Well, in any case, you're all just in time! The carriages have all been prepared to travel to the lord's manor. Now," he ushered, "if you'd all help yourselves to whichever seating most pleases you, we can be off!"
Much of the group was paralyzed in hesitation, unsure if trusting the old man was wise.
After glancing back at him, I was unsure if we even had a choice. He was friendly, but the feeling of being coerced was unmistakable.
Likely to recover his shattered image after the run-in with Takagi, Tachibana and his 3 followers took the lead.
They stepped up on a pair of retractable stairs and entered the front carriage. All the while, he was excitedly chattering about "what an opportunity this was."
I almost felt envious of Tachibana's innocent and youthful enthusiasm.
There was a time when I looked at the world in wonder, too, though that time was long gone. Despite only being in my twenties, I felt like a frail old man in terms of spirit.
I guess killing drains the killer's life too.
pαпdα-ňᴏνê|·сóМ I considered running from whatever this was. I wanted to feign compliance, then slip away at the most opportune time. But I'm a fool.
Overriding my common sense and self-preservation was the feeling my training instilled in me. I couldn't leave these people, my countrymen, behind.
So I stayed and, opposite Tachibana, chose the back carriage.
Out of all the carriages, planning an escape would be the easiest in the back if I needed to. Soon after I approached it, Agawa and Takagi followed me.
The inside of it was…luxurious.
The seating was lined with red velvet cushioning, and a single silver hook dangled from the roof, presumably for a lantern.
Upon entry, I checked the glass within the windows. Depending on their toughness, I'd either be able to relax or be stuck in a constant state of anxiety.
'Well, so long as it isn't too brittle, I can make do,' is what I thought as I reached a hand to the windowsills. But, my hand phased straight through.
Confused, I tried another window, then another…then another.
The realization hit hard like a bombshell. 'There isn't a shard of glass within this deathtrap!'
As usual, I hid my emotions, but not well enough; I still broke into a nervous sweat.
I'd seen enough IEDs to put a national-level fireworks display to shame. So riding in an unarmored and glassless stagecoach set me on edge.
Until my dread was interrupted by a warm sensation on the back of my hand, that is. "Are you okay?" Agawa asked with a concerned expression.
"Yeah, "I calmed myself, "I'm fine, thanks."
Though her look of concern was still there, she eased off, gently removing her hand from mine and presented me with a subtle smile. "That's good."
I tried to smile back, but those things didn't come naturally to me anymore. So the best I managed was a pitifully bent grin that reeked of insecurity.
Our final riding companion hadn't made a name for himself, even though he was dressed flamboyantly.
As he stepped in, I sensed an overwhelming aura of "shrewdness" emitting from his very being.
He was immaculately suited, with his entire outfit clear of any visible wrinkles, tears, or blemishes.
Considering his attire, you'd think he walked straight out of a men's clothing catalog. In addition to his suit, his eyes were concealed behind a pair of razor-thin, grey-rimmed sunglasses, and his hair ran slick with dried gel.
He remained silent but broke the silence as the carts pulled forward.
"How do you do, you three? I'm afraid I know of all your names from earlier, yet you are still unaware of mine." He gave a sharp smile. "My name is Kamida Gin, and I'm in the business of lending funds to those who need them...unofficially."
"So, you're a loan shark." Agawa asserted.
Running a hand through his hair, Kamida sighed to himself. "I find that term to be so biased, Ms. Agawa. The identifier that I'd prefer to use is unofficial financier if you don't mind."
Agawa tilted her head. "Do you admit to being a loan shark, then?"
"I'll admit to being an unofficial financier." He replied slyly.
Giving up, Agawa responded with a roll of her eyes and turned away to watch the passing outdoors. She shifted her hands and cradled her head over the windowless sill.
My unease about the glassless-ness flickered out like an expended lightbulb when I stole a glance myself.
Rather than anxiety, I felt awe while I gaped at the beauty of nature.
What stretched before me wasn't a polluted and death-ridden wasteland.
There weren't hopelessly decayed towns or gruesome mass burial sites. Instead, I was greeted by a verdant green that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Spreading across the open fields of overgrowth were snaking, crystal-blue rivers that reflected pillars of light back into the sky. Over them was a cohort of uncorrupted, snow-capped mountain ranges.
Seeing such a beautiful display of nature, one that hadn't been corrupted by the grips of humanity, I was in awe.
More than that. I was...humbled.
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