NOVEL WEB Chapter 108: Returner
It seemed that time had slowed to a crawl as everyone stood frozen in place, forgetting even to breathe.
- “Uh… that wasn’t me.”
‘Which technically isn’t lying, it’s just not the whole truth either. On the other hand, I’m not sure how receptive they are to the idea of me coming out clean and that a system of god that lives inside me decided that their scryglass was intruding on my privacy and decided to terminate it.’
The examiner was frozen solid bearing a shocked expression of disbelief. Only indication that he was still alive was his quivering hands. And then something gave out, and his strength crumbled. His body went limp, collapsing onto the stone cold ground in a heap. Tears streamed down his face, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to regain control of himself.
- “Sir!”
Receptionist who was standing nearby quickly rushed to assist the debilitated examiner.
‘Oh sh- it was that expensive?! I think I should leave… more trouble springs up…’
Alicia backed away slowly until coming up against the wall behind her, before slinking away through the doorway. It was a long time before he could force himself to look up again, and even longer before he could bring himself to speak again. As he returned to himself;
- “Where…? Where has she gone…?”
Only now did the two of them notice that the examinee had left the premises.
- “Are you alright Father?”
- “Forget about me, you must bring her back!”
- “Eh… Yes sir!”
The receptionist scrambled up on her feet and gave chase after her, stricken with confusion, but she had to comply with the task given after being ordered by the Priest. The scrying orbs were only lended to the guilds from the church. And there was a certain exclusivity when it came to who could possess it, even powerful nobles offering bulging sacks full of gold in "tithe" were oftentimes turned away. While she had little clue as to how much it actually costs, it went without saying that it was an amount she could never afford in her whole life.
- “Another one has come… heh-hehe-hehahahaha! Never would I have thought to have seen this day come!”
After the fervent outburst alone he mumbled to the unliving walls around him.
“I must make preparations… Wait, Wait!”
Alicia tried her best to leave the building as fast as she could without causing any more trouble. There was a sense of urgency in her steps, though not so much as to attract attention. Whilst using Trespass to exit was simple enough, there were far too many eyes around her now that she was at the heart of the managerial back end of the guild, making it simply too risky to attempt without the risk of witnesses.
« Pallesthesia »
From the sea of slow shuffles and meanderings around her, the swiftly approaching frantic steps that were quickly catching up to her stood out evidently.
‘Already? I need to get out of sight…’
The long hallways and locked doors were not conducive to her wants. Just as she turned the corner that led back out into the main hall where she would easily blend in.
- “You there, wait! Someone please stop that woman with brown hair!”
Even as her body was no longer visible, the receptionist had just barely caught the glimpse of her long ponytail waving behind her. Despite her best efforts, all eyes were on her now and lacking any context, she looked like a thief that got called out.
- “It’s not me.”
Alicia tried to play it off as though it was someone else.
- “Get her!”
It obviously didn't work, as the people around her moved to catch her, she started running towards the exit. While those near her took their chances at grabbing ahold of her, it was those near the entrance, moving to bar her way was the concern. If they managed to shut the door and stood in her way, she had no choice but to break through them. The outstretched hands swiping from all sides seemed laughably slow to her. It reminded her of running through the thick foliage of Velauhart. Yes, the movements of these veterans of the guild who prided themselves in brushing with death were no different from branches of trees swaying in the wind. Deftly grazing by all of them, no matter how awkwardly she had to twist and turn, she never seemed to lose her footing, a performance that would easily draw the envy of any would-be acrobat. This style of movement, though she had little practice, was an imitation of how Elvish rangers traversed the woodlands. Still there was one thing she had overlooked, the rangers all had their hairs tucked well or simply had cut it short. And Alicia was about to find out the reason why.
Something had pulled her from the back of her head. Killing most of her momentum in the process. She was taken by surprise resulting in slight disorientation and a moment of confusion. Looking back to see what happened, she saw a large well built man in full plate armor - save for a helmet - holding onto a small tuft of burnished hair by its tip with his gauntlets, and the other hand already on its way to grab her. She wasn't angry or upset, it didn't even hurt that much. Yet for some reason Alicia reacted in extreme aggression. It stemmed from someplace deep within her, beyond the reach of her logical mind, it was something basal, primitive. Without her usual restraint she grabbed onto the gauntlet holding her back with her comparatively diminutive hand.
｢ Surge ｣
The metal bent in the shape of her hand, warped pieces of steel and iron dug into his flesh. Before the tremendous pain could even reach his brain, in a prying motion she twisted it further away from her hair, breaking his wrists and mangling his fingers underneath the deformed scrap that used to be his gauntlets. As his mind finally caught up to what had occurred, he let out a howling cry that shook all bystanders to their core. Alicia herself was even taken aback as to why she had used that much force.
- “I-I didn’t mean to, actually, I did mean to but not that much- Why’d you grab my hair that’s on you…”
Alicia realized that she was losing time as she noticed people near the doors dragging it close continued her flight.
- “Ah, forget it.”
Almost to her escape, yet the doors were nearly closed shut, and a small group of staff and members alike, had gathered already intent on capturing her. The people at the door weren’t her concern, a shut door was. She would have made it out if it weren’t for that distraction. Mumbling curses under her breath, mostly self-deprecating in nature.
- “Sod it, one shouldn’t be that bad.”
｢ Sunder ｣
At the flick of her hand, a supernatural gust of wind blew forth. Cast by hand rather than the edge of a blade and lacking intent to kill, the spell was unrefined and without shape, a simple net movement of air. It was difficult to say it was the very same magic that Ash demonstrated to her. In essence it was a fumbling failure that would make even the most optimistic to hide their face in shame. Disregarding its technical failures, there was one aspect to this cast that would awestruck any magic instructor. The sheer magical energy behind it propelling its massive force. If a regular cast of sunder was a precise cut meant to debilitate, what Alicia called down could be equated to a battering ram smashing against a straw hut. There was no chance. The unfortunate obstacles - people included - caught up on its path were thrown out into the streets with near explosive energy as the doors swung wide open. Had they been closed shut, they would have been blown out of their hinges.
- “Sorry!”
Yelling a curt apology to the collapsed people among the bewildered passersby of the street, she quickly turned to the obscure out of the way alleyways of the city. With how much mess she has caused it wouldn’t be too long before a patrol shows up. ‘Why can’t I ever have a normal visit to any city?’
After her chaotic departure a Priest emerged in a hurry, panic setting in him as he saw the carnage, asking for where the girl had gone. The receptionist from before sheepishly went up to him.
- "Our deepest apologies sir but we couldn't capture her, however we already sent for the city watch to-"
- "Capture? What no, no! You, you don't understand, call off the guards immediately, you must not antagonize her!"
Look of abject horror and despair quickly set in on his face.
- "But I thought you wanted her, after she broke…"
- "Yes that, the Scrying stones, they are indestructible by human hands."
- "Then do you mean she's not a human?"
The receptionist voiced her thoughts accidentally. Rampant speculation rose from the crowds of people around them. Monster, demon, djinn, spirit. Nothing was off the table, their absolutely pathetic defeat seemed more acceptable to them if that girl was to be something more than a human. And that they were right.
- "Silence! None of them could break the scrying stones! Whatever she might be, only beings touched by the divine can break them, for the stones are but facsimile imitations of their power."
With a cautious tone, someone inquired,
- "Then what exactly did we just see?"
Filled with an unwavering religious zeal, the Priest confidently proclaimed,
- "Returners - ethereal entities touched by the divine who once inhabited realms beyond the boundaries of our own mortal existence. As we lay our eyes upon them, know that they are the heralds of shifting eras, heralding times of profound abundance or impending catastrophe. Their presence bears significance, marking moments when the tides of destiny surge forth, bringing forth changes that can shape the very fate of our world."
Shifting his fervent gaze towards the receptionist woman;
- "Which is why you shouldn't antagonize her!"
Everyone's chiding looks befell on her.
- "Not even the ancients of old could withstand their wrath… What hope do you lot have?"
Though she kept her work, she was later given the greatest dressing down of her life from both the clergy and the guild administration with more to come from even higher up. Some might say she got off lightly for almost ending the world, as far as they knew anyway.
Back at Velauhart, a couple of weeks had already gone by since the departure of their Mistress, and the volume of people coming and going had not diminished at all, rather it seemed to still be trending upwards. There has been a growing number of pilgrims from the Sanctuary of Theos. Synnever mountain where a legendary dragon took residence was once holy land in their belief. With the obvious threat the dragon posed, not many dared to take on the pilgrimage. But with the disappearance of the said dragon and the convenient resting place that was Velauhart, the pilgrimage that was on hold for centuries could finally begin anew once more. Some even left offerings and tithes once they learned that there was a temple at the top of the mountain that was being built. Of course not all that came for a harmless visit. Thugs, thieves and swindlers also came in droves. In hiding of course, as those that dared to bare their foul intentions even a little bit often ended up as a pincushion for arrows and that was considered the least damning. But those brutes were easily dealt with anyway. What would be of concern were spies. Since the very beginning of Velauhart’s legitimization many factions took notice. Merchants, peddlers, beggars, there wasn’t a guise they wouldn’t take.
The checkpoint leading up to Velauhart had grown significantly to become a small town of its own right. Row of people, horse-drawn carriages and loaded wagons streamed in and out. Mirtil was in charge of screening on this day. Ever since Faenas moved into Velauhart, the three officers under her had taken on increasingly more administrative roles. Though they rarely had complaints, the pay was good, the food was good and the work far less stressful compared to the crises they would respond to every few days or so. For the three of them that was more than enough. Lately though, it appeared as their jobs would become more active again after the new human girls that would take over after their training was done. There was supposedly one more girl that was supposed to join them by now but still hadn’t, supposedly she was hardly able to breathe by the time she was brought to the Saintess. Droria was unusually attached to her managerial position and didn’t seem to want to give it up. The senior most out of the three, Iavea was much more interested in the patrol duties. For Mirtil herself, making sure nothing was out of the ordinary with documents of the crowd of people coming and going was her task. Mostly checking for seals, stamps, signs of damage and counterfeit attempts and occasionally inspecting that the cargo matches the papers.
The next set of people came in and she started her examination.
- “Sir Gideon Percival of… Ravenscroft hailing from Guild of stonegate… Yes?”
A man full of himself carrying swagger and bravado answered.
- “As if there was any doubt, now hurry on up I must be away quickly today.”
- “Of course sir, I just need a moment to check to see if everything is in order.”
- “Can't be helped now can it? At least be quick about it. My timep is precious.”
Mirtil had been on this work for a while now. While someone named Gideon was supposed to visit, this visit was a whole one week earlier than the scheduled date. Usually if there were any changes it would be preceded by a letter. As such was the case it attracted the scrutinizing eye of Mirtil. Additionally, according to the profile provided to her Gidoen was little on the chubbier side of the scale and stood a head shorter than most people, the person in question though possessing some likeness was not quite the exact match. Most importantly despite carrying an air of arrogance outwardly, it was stated that Gideon was surprisingly compromising towards Velauhart. Yet, the paperwork was perfect, the seal was correct and intact. By her gut feelings alone she wanted to deny entry or elevate the issue to Werdan Faenas at the least anyway. Just as she was about to leave, two gentle taps on the back of her sent an electrifying shiver down her whole body. It was a signal, one that came from the “Girl above.” Mirtil, despite being referred to as such, was not in fact the one heading the checkpoint. In truth it was the Araneae that monitored everyone from the unseen network of silken web between the trees above them. How many there were she didn’t know, and even now she only had few opportunities to see one of them. Ethereal and fading, ephemeral beauty, their eyes shifting through the colors of the rainbow, scales like mirrors trapped in amber, skin of iridescence and hair white as freshly fallen snow.
The two taps meant that however they were working with was to be let in and led to the “back house.” She didn’t know much about the back house, only that those who were led to it would not leave through this checkpoint again. Sometimes she would see them again, but they would never remember going into the house. And she was just fine staying oblivious to the details.
Once Mirtil had asked for one of the araneae's names, but the answer she got was baffling. They had no names, they hadn’t earned it yet, but proudly claimed that they were the daughters of the brood of Echo. While she didn't fully understand the meaning behind their words she could take away a single fact; they had no names, as such since then Mirtil started calling them the “girl above.” After receiving that subtle instruction, she was somewhat relieved that this troublesome individual and everything related to them would no longer be her problem. Putting on her best smile:
- “Apologies for the wait sir, please, this way…”
Turns out the man was not “Gideon” at all but rather some sacrificial idiot paid to act as him. The escort he brought with him was quickly captured. As they lowered their guards after he was admitted in, thinking that they had passed the greatest hurdle. Spies, naturally. It seemed that some third party learned of Merchant's involvement with Velauhart and tried to use their face to get into the more secure areas for a reconnaissance mission.
There would always be gaps in security and lapse in judgment. Every living being had some selfishness, an instinct to look after its own survival and prosperity. Right bribe here, little coercion there, a lot could be done with some confidence and charisma. They would have succeeded if they hadn't made one critical error. The Araneae was anything but typical, born of kindred and bound together by its splendor, each and every single one of them was connected. Every memory, emotion and experience was held in a collective pool of knowledge. What one knows, all can know. Though capable of independent thought and action, if spurred on the entire race could unite for a singular purpose, not knowing hesitation or doubt. As such they were incorruptible, and fearless save for one thing, failing their mistresses. It would take many painful years of attempts before others would wisen to this fact.
- “Another one from the Empire hmm? They seem quite slow even for a human…”
Alfred sounded almost surprised. Though there had been many similar attempts from the Empire, yet there was no sign of them adapting to their countermeasures, repeating similar mistakes over and over. She had been expecting so much more and had prepared for multiple contingencies, honestly she was both disappointed and bored of their fumblings.
“Perhaps the mighty Empire was not as united as they purported to be.”
Their disorganized approach indicated that there were multiple factions from the Empire that all had some interest in Velauhart. As far as they know, three different factions were trying to achieve different goals. Their infiltration efforts were hamstrung by the actions of the other contending factions despite them all being from the Empire.
- “Should they dream the same dream?”
Quizzical voice belonging to Erwin asked.
- “Of course, we shouldn't let them know.”
All of the captures were reconditioned under Echo's hypnotic suggestions, believing themselves to be double agents that had always worked for Velauhart. Using them to obfuscate critical information while leaking just enough small crumbs to the other party to not rouse their suspicions to question their now turncoat agents while they themselves were slowly being exposed. The Imperial agents were tougher than most, taking days of being… ‘persuaded’ by the mesmers where others folded by the hour. With such training and discipline it was no wonder the thought of them betraying never occurred to them. Even still there was a limit to how much they could learn through such passive methods, though that was not the main goal.
- “We're almost ready to start lining up the dominoes… so when our lady passes her judgment it will all come down… Oh please… do try to make a favorable impression.”
The smile that she always wore had almost turned to a cold tight lipped smile and stifled snickering only narrowly spilling out. Only Echo noticed this and it disappeared and returned to the usual neutral one like a trick of the light…
The sun dipped below the horizon, its dying embers painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson. The last rays of light caressed the city's buildings, casting long silhouettes upon the cobblestone streets. A chorus of distant bells chimed softly, echoing through the winding alleyways announcing the arrival of the day's end to all who heard it. Alicia stood leaning against one of the towers of a church. She had undone most of the changes made to her appearance. Letting her hair loose but short around her shoulders, the color of her eyes rich and dark with red. It was an appearance reminiscent of Alice, though she was moderately taller and couldn't quite emulate the blank stare and the immobile features. She had changed to prevent herself from being recognized while trying to keep a low profile after the incident earlier. Thankfully it didn't seem like anyone was after her. As for her clothing, she had spent quite some time undoing the stitched patches and washing away the fake discoloration.
- 'Alma, wanna tell me why you decided to blow up the fancy crystal ball thing?'
>Security violation. Use of deprecated protocols.
- 'Deprecated protocols? You mean to say, that crystal ball was doing something similar to soul scryer just in an older form?'
>Affirmative.
'An older form but similar to soul scryer which to my knowledge are only available from God… perhaps… These crystal balls were not wholly human creation, rather a remnant of someone like me who was reincarnated. Though I take it for granted Soul Scryer is incredibly useful tool for not only knowing yourself but knowing your limitations and capabilities. Even without Alma to pick and choose your skills, I am in charge of my own fate, and though someone might not be able to change the course of their fate but might make more informed decisions with it, by knowing your latent skills. They knew once they were gone this tool would be lost with them. They didn't want that so they made imitation stones to leave something behind. There must be only so many of them around huh. And just broke one of them, well I think it would have exposed my identity otherwise… wait…"
- 'Hey Alma, since it is similar to soul scryer can you trick the balls into reporting something else instead of destroying them?'
> By intercepting data stream and injecting modified data packets, identity spoofing is achievable. Alternative to termination.
- 'Let's go forge our own guild report then.'
With a clear goal, she hopped down with a smile. Once again heading towards the guild. Going through the front door almost always seems to turn out bad for her even when she tries to be at her best behavior. This time she was not going to be polite.