Chapter 23: Chapter 23: John and Maki
"Maki, I see someone down there."
"Ohh, is it another Hollowfied?"
"I'm not sure. But it seems like a human."
"Let me see. Ah, I can't see anything. You should have given that eye skill to me, darling."
Atop the towering wall that rose like a fortress against the sky, a couple stood side by side. They were both dressed in rugged military-green uniforms, each bearing insignias that marked them as scouts or defenders. Judging by their youthful features and playful tone, they were likely in their early twenties.
"What else could I do, Maki? At that time, we're in an emergency. That's the only reason I equipped the skill," the man replied with a grin. "You know I'd have given it to you otherwise, sweetheart."
Maki rolled her eyes, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Fine. Just wait a moment. Let him come closer. Once I can see him clearly, we'll decide what to do then."
"What if he turns dangerous?"
"Relax. Then I'll use the Sniper Skill to shoot him down. No biggy," the woman said casually, flashing a confident smile as she adjusted the scope of her long-range rifle.
From the looks of it, both of them were very powerful. And Yuki, without knowing, had stepped into a danger zone.
After a while, as Yuki's figure became clearer, the two scouts observed him closely. Their expressions gradually softened.
"Thank god. That's a survivor," Maki said, visibly relaxing.
"Yeah, looks like he isn't infected. He's even waving at us. He must have sharp eyes if he can spot us from down there."
"Alright, let's bring him up. Drop the ladder. If he can climb, he survives," John said with a harmless grin.
Maki frowned. "Why? Is the ladder mechanism broken?"
"Yeah, you got that right. Look there. it hasn't worked since yesterday. I reported it, but no one's come to fix it yet," he replied calmly.
"But can he really climb this high? We're talking about 300 meters," Maki asked, concern creeping into her voice.
John shrugged and gave a helpless look. "It's all up to the little guy now."
He then glanced down at Yuki and sighed. "Let's hope he survives. If not, the Wave is going to reach him soon."
From below, Yuki could vaguely make out two people talking atop the colossal wall. He had already waved his hand to let them know he wasn't hostile.
A few moments later, a long rope ladder was thrown down. It barely touched the ground, swaying lightly in the wind.
Yuki stared at it, stunned.
"They want me to climb this?"
He looked up. The wall seemed to stretch into the clouds. The height was ridiculous. But he understood. There must be no other way.
"Sigh, this is going to be a challenge."
So, he didn't hesitate.
He tightened the leaf-tied wrap around his waist and grabbed the rope. His hands were steady, his breath calm. He had survived madness. This was just another trial.
Step by step, he began the ascent.
At first, it was easy. His hybrid body granted him strength and stamina far beyond that of a regular human. But halfway up, the wind grew stronger, whistling past the towering stone wall.
Sweat beaded his forehead.
The rope swayed. So did he.
His muscles also ached. But he didn't stop.
He clenched his teeth and continued, each pull upward a determination to the new life he had chosen.
Up above, John watched, arms folded. "He's strong. Not just physically, but mentally as well. Most people would have frozen from fear."
Maki nodded quietly, a flicker of awe in her eyes. "He's not normal. That climb is insane."
"Do you think he's like one of us?" she asked, turning to him.
"You mean another pawn?" John chuckled, mocking himself.
"We're not pawns, John. Be serious," Maki said, looking annoyed.
"I am serious though," he mumbled.
"You're hopeless," Maki sighed.
Nevertheless, it wasn't long before the boy finally reached the top.
They extended their hands and pulled him up.
Yuki instantly collapsed onto his back, his breath ragged from exertion, eyes fixed on the orange sky above.
Sweat glistened on his skin and fell onto the stone floor like dewdrops from leaves.
"I made it. Finally," he said with his hoarse voice.
John raised an eyebrow. "That you did, kid. That you did."
Maki looked him over curiously. "What's your name?"
"Yuki," he answered, turning his gaze toward them while still lying down.
She hesitated, then smiled gently. "Welcome to the Outpost of Belfort Fortress. You're safe now."
"Hey, kid, I know you should get some rest, but can you tell me where you came from? I mean, the general direction," John asked, his tone turning serious.
Yuki chose his words carefully.
"I honestly don't know. I'm lost. Nothing makes much sense to me right now. But I did come from the east. You saw that, right?"
"Yeah, we noticed. But did you see any gates appear on your way?" John continued, still pressing with a serious expression.
Yuki replied cautiously, careful not to sound suspicious or infected.
"Yes, actually. A few hours ago, while I was traveling, I heard a loud rumbling coming from the southern section of the forest."
"Huh? Really? Are you sure?" the woman suddenly grabbed his shoulder, her eyes wide with excitement.
Yuki blinked, confused by her reaction. Why were they excited about something that brought only destruction and berserk beasts?
Still, he nodded firmly, confirming his statement.
The woman glanced at the man, and they exchanged a small nod. There was definitely some secret about the Gates that Yuki wasn't privy to.
He quietly took note of it in his mind.
"Anyway, my name's John. And this is my wife and partner, Maki," the man suddenly introduced himself, extending his hand.
Yuki studied their appearance carefully. The woman, Maki, was beautiful—but clearly deadly, especially with the sniper rifle in her hands that glowed faintly with magical energy. She had wavy red hair and a sharp yet graceful face with a small nose.
The man, John, had short black hair and a sharp, handsome jawline. He was tall and lean, but what stood out most were his eyes. His irises shimmered with something unnatural.
From their military gear and confident bearing, they clearly belonged to some kind of faction.
They were strong.
Picking a fight with them would be courting death.