UnbrokenChainENG

On a sunny autumn morning, there is nothing more serene than lamenting over trees that shed their leaves, "it feels so peaceful here!"Sylvaine took a deep breath of fresh morning air.

Suddenly a voice called out for help from afar, "huh...what's that?who makes a fuss early in the morning like this."

Shusshhhh !

"Hah, what was that just now? so fast!"Sylvaine saw a flash of Shadow, which was very fast. "Aero Phantom!"Sylvaine shouted her juror's name. Instantly, a gust of strong wind struck his body, pushing him streaking like an arrow

Sylvaine stood in the middle of the bridge, her eyes narrowed at the shadow that kept moving away behind the trees. The cool morning air blew slowly, carrying the aroma of Dew mixed with the remnants of smoke from previous battles.

"I really lost it!"Sylvaine muttered, frustrated.

However, something was bothering her feelings. He felt a sharp gaze staring at him from behind the trees.

"Wait... what the hell is this? Like someone's watching me!"

Suddenly, a shrill whistling sound broke the silence.

"Fire Bomb!"There was a huge explosion behind him. Waves of fire burned the trees around the bridge, creating an orange glow that lit up the night. Sylvaine jumped to the side quickly, avoiding the flames that almost hit her body.

"do you mean to say that you are a coward? Sylvaine said dismissively,

From behind the smoke appeared seven bandits who were ready to rob and rape her, "you're a woman brave enough to come here ya girl" 

Sylvaine stared at the bandits and the "Typhoon Wave" that made smoke and flames spread throughout the fighting area

The first three bandits ran towards Sylvaine at high speed. The first one swung a huge sword at him. Sylvaine nimbly jumped back, then twisted her body while activating the "Gale Typhoon" a sharp gust of wind bounced off the opponent's attack, making the Bandit's sword slip out of her hand.

The second Bandit tried to stab him with a dagger. Sylvaine dodged to the side and then caught the opponent's wrist, twisting his body and kicking him into the air.

With the push of the wind, Sylvaine jumped up and kicked the bandit's chest, throwing him off hitting a tree.

One of the bandits threw a fire dagger at Sylvaine hitting her right on the shoulder and burning part of her clothes, "Arrgh" she endured the pain while pulling out the dagger. 

Has not had time to dodge the second attack directly hit Sylvaine 

BOOM!

A fireball hurtles and explodes nearby! The explosion hit him hard, making his body bounce violently to the ground. Sylvaine gritted her teeth, feeling a sting in her now injured arm.

"Too easy!"exclaimed one of the bandits with a chuckle.

Sylvaine stood up with difficulty. His eyes sharpened. "Not finished yet!"

Three bandits advanced simultaneously, slashing their swords at high speed! Sylvaine tried to dodge with her Windward maneuver, but a bandit managed to nest a hard blow into her stomach!

"Guhh -!"

He was dragged several meters, almost falling off the bridge. His hands clung tightly to the edge of the wood, which began to crumble. The bandits walked over, their guns raised ready to finish him off.

"Then you!"

Sylvaine gasped, her body full of wounds. He's really desperate.

From behind a puff of smoke the bandits were knocked down one by one by the dark shadow that had been seen by Sylvaine, he finished off five of the seven bandits and the remaining confusion to see the incident all his colleagues fell were finished off by a mysterious figure. 

"Ta... no way! He finished them all in seconds!"exclaimed one of the bandits in a trembling voice.

"We must escape!"his partner screamed, before they both turned around and ran frantically into the forest.

Sylvaine who was still hanging tried to pull herself up, but her fatigue and injuries were too severe. His hands are getting slippery…

"Damn ... I won't survive!"he thought in a panic.

Until finally, his grip completely loosened. His body fell. The wind rustled past his ears.

PLUNGE INTO THE HEART

SHUSSHHH!

"Oh no ... I'm dead and this is heaven... my saving angel turned out to be a handsome man..." he thought to himself.

However, before he could get any more dissolved in his own thoughts, something more important happened.

"Hfff... you're heavy too, Sylvaine..." murmured Rainer.

BRUK!

The two fell on the ground quite hard, leaving Sylvaine still lying in Rainer's arms. He is not yet fully aware of what is happening. All he knew was that his chest was still pounding, perhaps because he had fallen from a cliff... or because of something else.

However, the once romantic atmosphere was instantly broken.

"Cih! Pervert! Where do you want to take me?! You son of a bitch!"

Sylvaine directly punched Rainer's head mercilessly.

"Huh?! I just saved you! You haven't even thanked me!"Rainer replied annoyed as he rubbed his head, which hurt from the blow earlier.

"I almost died! And you even commented on my weight!"

"Hey, I'm just being honest! I thought you were light, but it turned out—"

"Shut up! I'm not heavy at all!"

Rainer chuckled at Sylvaine's sullen expression.

"Hahaha, you haven't changed."

Sylvaine nodded sharply. "What do you mean?!"

Rainer sighed deeply, then looked at him more deeply. "I mean ... you're always careless, grumpy, but still... I can't just let you fall."

Sylvaine sat on a boulder, occasionally grimacing while holding onto her injured shoulder. The incision from the bandit dagger was quite deep, and now it was starting to hurt.

Rainer who was standing in front of him only sighed. "You are so careless," he said, kneeling beside her.

Sylvaine snorted. "I can take care of it myself."

"Really?"Rainer looked at him intently, then without waiting for approval, he grabbed Sylvaine by the wrist and pulled her closer. "Stop arguing and be quiet for a while."

Sylvaine opened her mouth in protest, but before she could speak, Rainer had already torn some of the cloth from her own clothes and started cleaning the wound on the girl's shoulder.

"Aw! Slow down, you idiot!"Sylvaine winced and looked at him irritably.

"Shut up," Rainer replied casually, but his expression remained serious.

Sylvaine bit her lip, trying to contain the stinging. His eyes glanced at Rainer's seemingly focused face. There was a little sweat on his forehead, probably because of the fight just now.

For a moment, Sylvaine felt strange. As a rule, they always quarrel or mock each other. But now, Rainer looks so calm... and attention.

"Why do you always care like this?"he asked slowly.

Rainer paused for a moment, then looked at him. "Because someone has to protect you. If not me, who else?"

Sylvaine's heart was beating faster, but she immediately took her eyes off him. "Hmph. I can protect myself."

Rainer chuckled, then again carefully bandaged the wound. "If you really could, you wouldn't get hurt like this."

"Whatever."Sylvaine rolled her eyes, her cheeks turned a little red.

When he finished, Rainer patted his head gently. "Already. Now don't move too much."

Sylvaine snorted. "I'm not a kid, you know?"

"It's not," said Rainer, then smiled a little. "But for me, you're still someone I have to protect."

Sylvaine was silent, her face feeling hotter. He turned his eyes toward the river under the bridge, trying to hide his facial expression.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a rattling stomach sound.

GROOOKK

They both froze. Sylvaine lowered her head, then quickly covered her stomach with both hands.

Rainer looked at him with a puzzled expression, before finally laughing out loud. "Hahaha! You hungry?!"

"Shut up! It's just the wind!"cried Sylvaine,her face blushing.

Rainer laughed harder and harder, until he had to hold his own stomach. "The wind said! Sylvaine, if you want to eat, just tell me! Hahaha!"

Sylvaine clenched her fist and hit him on the shoulder. "Stop laughing at me, you bitch!"

But instead of being angry, Rainer smiled wider. "All right, all right. Let's go get some food."

Sylvaine chuckled in annoyance, but secretly she also smiled.

After leaving the bridge, Sylvaine and Rainer finally reached a small town that was quite crowded. The morning market has been filled with traders peddling their wares, the aroma of toasted bread, grilled meat and spices fills the air.

Sylvaine immediately glanced towards one of the bread stalls. His stomach which had been noisy immediately sounded again.

GROOOKK!

Rainer held back a laugh as he glanced at her. "So what is this wind?"the temptation.

Sylvaine glared. "If you bring that up again, I'll kick you in the river!"

Rainer raised his hand, pretending to surrender. "Good, good. Let's buy something before your stomach makes an earthquake."

They walked towards the bread stall, but before they could, Sylvaine suddenly stopped.

"Oh, look! That's a roast!"His eyes twinkled at the gleaming stabs of flesh above the embers.

"You wanted bread, now meat?"asked Rainer, raising an eyebrow.

Sylvaine ignored him and ran straight to the meat stall. "Sir, I want a portion!"

As the Merchant handed her a skewer of grilled meat, Sylvaine reached into her pocket... then it freezes.

Empty.

He forgot. His last money was used to buy fighting equipment yesterday.

His face instantly turned pale. He glanced to the side, hoping that Rainer hadn't noticed. However, Rainer was already standing with folded arms and a triumphant smile.

"Is there a problem, miss?"he asked in an annoying tone.

Sylvaine smiled awkwardly. "Ehehe... Rainer, you're very kind, aren't you? You want to buy me—"

"No."

"Hey! I'm not done talking!"

Rainer sighed deeply. "You really are..."He finally reached into his pocket and paid for the meat.

When Sylvaine received her food, her face beamed. "Thank you, Rainer! You're the best man ever!"

Rainer just snorted. "Wait, best man?"

Sylvaine who was too busy chewing just nodded.

"So I'm the best man in your opinion?"goda Rainer, come a little closer.

Sylvaine suddenly choked. "Kgh! Cough! Cough!"

Rainer chuckled, patting his back softly. "Relax. I didn't expect you to admit it so soon."

Sylvaine whose face was already red from choking directly pointed at him. "It was just an expression of happiness because of the food!"

"Sure, sure. But still, you recognized me as the best. I'll remember it for the rest of my life."

Sylvaine growled and hurriedly finished her meal while walking away.

However, suddenly someone from behind pushed him. Unprepared, Sylvaine stumbles and almost falls, but Rainer with reflexes catches her in time.

Now Sylvaine is in Rainer's arms.

For a moment, the world was silent. Their faces are only a few centimeters apart.

Rainer looked at Sylvaine whose eyes widened. The girl's lips opened slightly, looking surprised.

"You okay?"whispered Rainer.

Sylvaine held her breath. He could feel his heart beating faster.

"I am..."Before he could finish his sentence, someone shouted from the side.

"WOI! A NEW COUPLE, HUH?! WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET MARRIED?!"

Instantly, Sylvaine's face turned red like a tomato.

"No!!!"he shouted as he broke free and hit Rainer on the shoulder.

Rainer only laughed contentedly. "Hahaha, so when are we getting married?"

Sylvaine took an apple from the merchant's table and threw it at Rainer's head. "YOU BITCH!"

Sylvaine kept running out of the market, her cheeks still red after the embarrassing incident earlier. He took a quick step towards the monitoring tower at the end of the city, hoping to calm down there. A cool morning breeze blew, shaking her still slightly disheveled hair after a small quarrel with Rainer.

As he arrived at the top of the tower, he leaned against the wooden railing, exhaling deeply. From here, he could see the view of the city getting busy, the merchants were still shouting peddling their wares, and birds flying over the roofs of houses.

However, the calm did not last long.

Familiar footsteps were heard climbing the steps of the tower. Sylvaine didn't need to turn her head to know who was coming.

"Run as far as you can, I'll find you, Sylvaine."

Rainer's voice sounded calm, yet there was a hint of a serious tone in it.

Sylvaine closed her eyes. "I didn't run away."

"Oh, yeah?"Rainer approached and stood next to him. "Then why did you run to this tower as if you were being chased by a demon?"

Sylvaine frowned. "I just want some fresh air."

Rainer nodded slowly. "Is that so?"

Silence enveloped them both for a moment. The wind blows again, carrying the scent of the sea from a distance. Sylvaine tried to take her mind off the incident earlier, but every time she turned to Rainer, her annoying smiling face came to mind.

Shit.

Suddenly, Rainer spoke.

"Sylvaine."

His tone this time was deeper, more serious.

Sylvaine turned her head, and right then she saw something different in the man's eyes.

"I don't like to ramble."Rainer looked straight into his eyes. "So, I'll get straight to it."

Sylvaine's heart beat faster.

"I like you."

The air seemed to stop moving.

Sylvaine nodded in support. He suddenly felt his mind empty. "W-What?"

"I like you."Rainer repeats without the slightest hesitation. "Ever since, I've been watching you. You're annoying, stubborn, grumpy, and often make trouble. But still, I like you."

Sylvaine was still speechless. He looked at Rainer, looking for a sign that this was just another joke from the man. However, all he found was sincerity.

His face began to heat up. He tried to avert his eyes, but Rainer immediately held back his chin, forcing him to keep his gaze on him.

"You can be angry, you can deny, you can throw an Apple at my head again... But the one thing you can't change is how I feel about you."

Sylvaine bit her lip, her heart felt like it was about to explode.

"You... You're kidding, right?"

Rainer approached a little. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Sylvaine panicked. He's not used to situations like this. He wanted to respond with sarcasm as usual, but his words stuck in his throat.

Then, without thinking, he did the only thing he could do—

It hit Rainer's shoulder.

"I hate you!"he exclaimed, his face was completely red like a boiled crab.

Rainer laughed a little, but did not shy away. "I know."

Sylvaine bit her lip again. He looked down, trying to calm his heart.

Rainer only smiled at his reaction. He doesn't need an answer now. He knew Sylvaine needed time.

So, he just said quietly, "you can think as far as you want... But I'm not going anywhere."

Sylvaine was still silent,her heart pounding. He did not know what to do after Rainer's confession.

The sea breeze blowing harder and harder fluttered her hair, while the sun began to set on the western horizon, coloring the sky with orange and pink tints.

Rainer remained looking at him with a look of complete confidence, showing no signs of backing down. "So? Are you going to keep quiet?"he asked, his low voice tickling Sylvaine's ears.

Sylvaine snorted softly, trying to cover up her nervousness. "You're really annoying, you know?"

"But you still like me, don't you?"Rainer teased, grinning as usual.

Sylvaine snorted louder, then quickly turned around, turning her back on Rainer. "I do not know!"he exclaimed, but his red ears betrayed his words.

However, before he could escape again, Rainer grabbed his wrist, pulling it back gently.

"Sylvaine," Rainer's voice sounded softer this time, more sincere. "Look at me."

Sylvaine turned her head slowly, and right then, her eyes met Rainer's eyes full of sincerity. He felt immersed in that gaze—the gaze of someone who would never let go.

She tries to deny her feelings, trying to ignore the warm feeling that runs through her chest every time she is with her man. But, in this moment—in this tower, under a beautiful twilight sky—he knew that there was no point in fighting anymore.

Sylvaine sighed deeply. "I like you too, stupid."

Rainer widened her eyes, not expecting Sylvaine to finally say it. "What?"

"I said I like you too!"Sylvaine repeated louder, her face getting redder.

Rainer was silent for a moment before suddenly smiling broadly. "You know, I always imagined how this moment would be. I thought you'd hit me harder before you admitted it."

Sylvaine Mendelssohn. "Don't make me change my mind!"

Rainer laughed a little, then looked at Sylvaine with great tenderness. Slowly, he approached, Sylvaine's heart beating faster again.

He could feel Rainer's warmth, could see every detail in his eyes. Rainer raised his hand, gently touching Sylvaine's cheek, as if to make sure this was not a dream.

"May I..."he whispered, letting his question hang in the air.

Sylvaine held her breath. He didn't answer in words, just closed his eyes slowly, an agreement that was clearer than a thousand words.

But suddenly he was slumped so hard by Lirien that the two of them had all been exposed to halunsinasi all this time and a faint voice was heard. "Hey you wake up, Sylvaine oyy wake up, are you going to continue on your dream it huh?"

Slowly Sylvaine opened her eyes and still did not know what was happening she was still carried away by the atmosphere in her dream. "Rainer, is that you?" 

It took the others by surprise! "Hahahaha, looks like this girl likes you Rai!"ledek Erik. 

Reiner approached Sylvaine and Lirien, "Hey Sylvaine wake up we're all stuck!"before the end Sylvaine was fully aware that she was dreaming.

"Nothing? what happened?"Sylvaine asked in a weak tone yet to accumulate her energy.

Rainer got up from his knees, "I don't know for sure what has happened, but it seems that this fog is making us hallucinate heavily, I realized it when I was in a dream earlier and something is not right!"

"Yes....it's good that you're aware of that, Rai... otherwise we would literally die floating in this ocean."Duncan 

"but that's not the case, this fog can make us severe hallucinations? isn't fog just water vapor condensing into tiny droplets in the air. so why does it make hallucinations?" 

Lirien responded to that, Sylvaine who began to rise from his sleep said " no doubt this seems like a trap or someone wants to harm us."

Sylvaine was still trying to gather her consciousness, her heart still beating after such a vivid dream experience. His eyes stared blankly at Rainer, a strange feeling still remaining in his chest.

"No... this is nonsense, " he muttered, trying to understand reality.

Rainer helped Sylvaine to her feet, clasping her arms tightly. "We must urgently find out what really happened."

Erik was still chuckling, but Lirien's voice cut him off. "Don't let your guard down! If we are all caught up in hallucinations, it means that something or someone is making this happen."

Duncan let out a long sigh, his face serious. "Not only that... I feel like there's something worse than a trap. This fog is not only illusory, it also absorbs our energy."

All fell silent. They just realized that their bodies were really weak, as if their energy was slowly being drained.

"If we don't get out of here soon, we can die not because of the enemy, but because our bodies are exhausted," Rainer said, his voice firm.

Sylvaine bit her lip, a sense of anxiety seized her even more. "But how? We don't even know where we are now!"

Lirien closed his eyes for a moment, trying to focus. "I don't know for sure... but usually magic like this must have a source. Either it was someone controlling it, or an object that was at the center of this fog."

FFYYUUUSSSHHH

"What an analysis... for the size of a boy like you."

A deep voice echoed from the ship's deck, heavy yet containing a mocking tone. Rainer and the others immediately moved, sharpening their senses.

There, stood a mysterious figure in black robes. The cloak is long, sweeping across the cracked deck, with a gold diamond symbol engraved on the chest. His gaze was sharp, full of a piercing sense of superiority.

Rainer gripped the handle of his katana. "Who are you?"

Lirien snorted, his attitude wary. "Damn, what kind of person is this?"

The black-robed figure chuckled softly, as if enjoying their confusion. "Hoo... I see. Rainer of the Falken clan, and Lirien Vael of Vaelsy. It's nice to finally meet people like you."

His gaze turned to them one by one before he continued. "Me, Coguku. And this is my strength, Moonlit Mirage. The world you experienced just now is not a coincidence, but a reflection of your deepest desires. The past, the dreams, or even the illusions you desire... everything becomes real in my fog."

Suddenly, the thick fog that enveloped them began to dissipate, swept away as if by an invisible wind. Slowly, the sky brightened again, the sun shining on the deck that began to crumble.

Now, the figure of my Coguku is fully visible. His sharp eyes shone dimly behind the shadow of the hood of his robe, his thin smile showing how much he enjoyed this situation.

Without hesitation, they all drew their weapons.

Rainer moves first. In an instant, his katana shot out with a lightning—fast slash-sharp, precise, and deadly. However, in one leisurely motion, Coguku withstood the attack with only one hand.

"Oh? Pretty fast, too."

TAP!

Duncan jumped from behind, taking advantage of the gap. His huge fist slammed downward with incredible force, enough to shatter even a rock.

However....

With ease, my Coguku caught Duncan's foot in the air.

"Too slow."

In one brutal move, Duncan was slammed hard into the deck. The ship's wood cracked and splintered, part of the hull collapsed instantly.

Without thinking, they all jumped off the sinking ship. Standing on the debris floating in the ocean, they stared intently at Coguku.

Rainer Strikes Back, changing his movement pattern. His katana swerved swiftly, each slash combined with an accurate kick. However, when his kick hits Coguku's face—

No reaction.

My Coggy didn't budge at all. No pain, no disturbed expression. He just smiled obliquely.

Then...

"Hahahahaha!!"

His laughter echoed, vibrating the air around them.

"Boy, you don't even know what you're dealing with, Do you?"

They all fell silent, holding their breath.

My Coggy smile widened. "Alright, I'll enlighten you a little."

His eyes flashed sharply before the next sentence came out of his mouth—

"Shazmeen Daneena... she's fine with the rebel."

Rainer's eyes widened.

"It was we who made the top brass of the country declare war, pit them against each other, and orchestrate this chaos from scratch."

Their blood is boiling.

Coguku grinned. "If we catch the girl and the rebel, it's game over. All of you ... are just pawns who don't realize how stupid you are."