The night has ended in a flash, and the morning sun rises to the sky. Although Chloe has slept with a heavy heart, she finally wakes up feeling anew. Her grey eye bags were no more. And the princess’ hands cease to shiver than ever before.As for me... haven’t slept a wink. Well, I am a gun, after all, so I don’t need any sleep or rest. It’s a surprise that I’m still functioning at a peak condition with no sleep or digesting food at all. For some, it’s a dream. But for me… I kinda miss the taste of sour food touching my tongue or the fact that I’m sleeping like a baby, without thinking of anything at all. A human mind can take limited things at a time, but mine operates twenty-four-seven without breaks.So this time… tonight, I closed my eyes and woke up like a new bud… similar to Chloe.“Wakey, wakey, princess! Rise and shine! There’s a brand new world out there ready to…”I am staring out the window, looking at the villagers starting their day. A few families are already marching to
But the thing is… there is no smoke. And the sound is not visible in a regular human being’s ears… Except for Chloe and me. When we glance our eyes at the guild, Hubert, Jones, and other adventurers have no idea what is happening from afar. But the princess and I already have an idea. And all of a sudden, my train of thought vanishes as soon as a window takes form in front of my view. This time, it’s coated with red paint. Blinking even. There’s only one reason why the panel is painted with a scarlet hue, and the explosion coming from outside might be the signal related to it. “Hey, Kuro… Why are we the only ones who can see this thing happening?” Chloe asks. For innumerable times, if only I had a head, I would’ve already shaken it left and right. “I don’t know, Chloe. But that means that the explosion right there is very important… And it affects my system.” “You mean your power, Kuro?” Chloe implies. I answer, “That also works. Come on, princess. We need to check it out.” Today
As we follow the trail, we finally spot the person we’re looking for. It’s a boy way younger than our age. He wears weird-looking but high-quality clothes that catch our eyes. The kid looks around as he crawls farther away from what seems to be moving humanoid statues painted with a bronze colour, slowly pursuing the boy. Two brown statues made of copper and mud… Upon appraising these inanimate moving objects, my system recognises these statues are clay golems and not terra golems, which aren’t the ones we are looking for. Well, if I think about it, these statues look more like they are made from mud rather than terra materials. What’s even a terra? I don’t know… I’ve been here in this world for quite a while, but there are a hundred things I still do not know about. Chloe also says the same. As soon as she inspects the moving statues from afar, she utters, “Those are golems, but not terra golems! Maybe they are different.” I nod and tell her she’s right. The princess has a good eye
“Please excuse myself.” The boy accepts Chloe’s hands and stands in front of us. Afterward, he elegantly bowed his head, mimicking what Chloe had done earlier, and continued. “My name is Prince Faelar Tragwyn, the third child and the second prince of the Tragwyn family, who are rulers of the Eastern Republic. I’ve noticed that you’re somewhat of a noble… or even higher than one, given your subtle hesitations and hints at doing this introductory bow. So it’s best for me to not hide my identity and reveal myself to you.”Just when Faelar announces himself as the prince, a window shows up in front of me, particularly the one with the quests taken from the adventurer’s list. The third quest, which involves escorting our client to find a mysterious item and leading them back to the castle, blinks bright red and hints something is changing. After a while, the changing of colours has stopped. And my special quest is finally revealed.[Special Quest 3 # - Escort your client, Prince Faelar Tra
{I know this kid has some loose screw in his head - maybe the fame and power have gotten inside - but… we need to be gentle about this. We’re talking about the prince of the Eastern Republic, the place where we need to form an alliance, remember?} I remind Chloe through [Bavardage].The princess replies, {I know. But, I don’t know why, but Prince Faeler is getting on my nerves! Maybe because of the way he speaks… Not the tone, but the meaning behind his every word… Plus, Prince Faelar’s entitled demeanour.}{Yes, I know. But just remember, any unnecessary acts can lead to a disaster.}{I will… Keep that in mind, Kuro.}Chloe and I stare at the spoiled prince, who is now looking at the cavern up ahead. Based on the environment alone, through that cave will be the heart of the Sanctum of Ugmjir. Not everyone has the chance to see it open. But since the temple has appeared before us, it will be better if we can explore and take what we can inside.Prince Faelar also sees this chance and
“You’re not that strong! You’re just C-Rank adventurers! But as long as you buy me some time and protect me, I’ll even pay you handsomely after! I have a lot of money in my name, and putting me in ransom will just lead to an unbearable consequence for you and the adventurer’s guild!” Prince Faelar utters, as he looks at me with menacing eyes - I’m the gun, so Prince Faelar is staring at me, while Chloe’s holding me. {Chloe, aim me at the nearby tree over there and pull the trigger. Make sure to destroy the tree. I know you’ll hit it, anyway.} I command the princess through the use of my [Bavardage]. {Oh, right. Make it quick, as if you’re really mad and you’re showing it to this kid. I want to see him scared. I want it to be flashy.} {Flashy? What does flashy mean, Kuro?} Chloe replies, {Why would I do that? Is it really necessary?} {Flashy is… something that will make the forest go “Kaboom!” Do you get me?} I answer. {And, Chloe, you always tell me that you trust me and yet you ask
We are in front of the Sanctum of Ugmjir, which is right here… at the mouth of the cave. It’s not… something we’ve seen before. But as we glance inside, there are torches already placed on each side, as if inviting us over. “Are you sure this is safe?” Prince Faelar asks, as he steps his foot against the soggy soil. The creak from the cave’s wall leaks water from above, despite there being no bodies of water nearby. Then again, the soil has been wet for quite some time. But as luck would have it, our feet have yet to sink our bodies from the floor. “It is… Because Kuro says so?” Chloe answers, as we continue trodding down the road. “Just keep following our lead, Prince Faelar. This is what you want, after all.” Chloe has been gripping me for quite a while. She is prepared for anything that can appear, including any ambush from above or below. And she is now using her butterfly knife. Although this is branded by military soldiers and the like as impractical during a war, I can’t den
As we get deeper inside the cavern, the only sound our ears can hear is the voice echoing inside our heads. Although playful noises fill the silence, the only living beings roaming inside the cave are just the three of us. I can confirm it. When I view my map, the only thing that becomes available is the three markings, which indicate our position.Speaking of maps, I have one in my system. But when I check the landscape of the cave, it shows me nothing but a dark place filled with fog of war. Fog of war is referred to as enemy units, and often terrain, being hidden from the player. For now, Chloe and we are the players. Thankfully, the more land we cover, the brighter the map becomes, letting me view the landscapes of the temple.For now, we have yet to encounter anything out of the blue… not until the torches begin to lessen and the light at the farther side of the hole becomes dimmer. Chloe has to emit light out of the tip of me… the gun, just to create the perfect luminance to see
“LAUNCH YOUR MISSILES IN THIS DIRECTION!”“I’M ON IT!”“WHERE ARE THE MAGES?! WE NEED MORE MAGES ON THE SOUTHERN GATES”“I-I’M SORRY, CAPTAIN! BUT THEY’RE ALREADY DEAD!”“FUCK! CALL ALL KNIGHTS! RETREAT AND STAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES! FALL BACK AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE! AND TO THOSE WHO WISH TO FIGHT, LET US GIVE OUR LIVES FOR THE CIVILIANS TO LIVE! LONG LIVE THE EASTERN REPUBLIC!”“LONG LIVE THE EASTERN REPUBLIC!” the crowd of soldiers shouts, as they charge to their ultimate demise.Those are the cries that can be heard in the distance. There is an old demi-human man, who is a warrior, leading the charge against the monsters. When he notices that these creatures are too much for them to handle, he snaps his finger and decides for the betterment of his people. Those who are fathers on the battlefield are advised to leave. And those who want to be alive have been suggested to run back to their families… to wish them goodbye. Even this old man right knows there is no stopping this horde o
Kuro’s Perspective__________________Even back in my world, the blaring sound of a horn just like that means that something is happening. And that something is most likely a war of some sort. And Chloe deduces the same thing.Just like what we have expected, that sound comes from starting a battle. And when I check my system, it appears that… dozens of red balls are blinking in the middle of the woods, telling us that there are multiple enemies heading in the Eastern Republic’s direction. Dozens of blue markings, indicating neutral individuals, are eliminated as soon as that happens. It just means that these scarlet hues are barbarians, bandits, or even monsters.But it seems it is the latter.Since we’re already here, we go to the highest cliff and witness what is happening. From where we are, hundreds… if not, thousands of beasts have already infiltrated the gates of the Eastern Republic, killing almost a dozen elven and demi-human guards protecting the post. Some even have committ
Prince Faelar’s PerspectiveJust before Chloe has left the Eastern Republic CastleBonus Chapter __________________________My father… has been a little harsh on Chloe, as well as my mother. I know what they want to tell, and it seems that Chloe is also misunderstood. But that’s… what she thinks is right. I don’t even know who to side with anymore.But even though I have promised Chloe that I will not help her, since my parents have different ideas compared to Chloe, I… I still ask them a question.“Father… Mother, why did you reject Chloe’s offer when an alliance can be beneficial for both parties? Why? Why did you reject such a wonderful offer that can help not only our people but also others? I thought that’s the reason why the Eastern Republic has been the lead country to develop dozens of things unrelated to military weapons… Chloe has said it herself! We are not going to kill or provide anything besides our word, and that should be enough to scare the Western Country and the So
Chloe also doesn’t beat the bush and tells exactly what she needs to say. She wants an alliance. And the only thing she can do is to beg on her knees, which… Chloe surprisingly does. Even I have been caught off guard about it, and I have not even begged for someone or go down on my knees.“Please… I’m not doing this for myself… but for our people… If we can somehow make an alliance, my brother will have to fall back and retreat. You won’t have to fight or anything. I just want your name listed on the alliance. I know, for a fact, that the Eastern Republic refuses to kill any individuals. Hence, your neutral state. But I can assure you that the only need is your word of alliance. Nothing more, nothing less… I’ll do anything you want. Just… I want my Kingdom back.”King Edwyrd pauses for a second as he scrutinise Chloe’s eyes. Now everyone knows this person right here is the princess of the Winfort, begging for an alliance with the Eastern Republic. I know that this is the last draw Chl
Once the gate has been shut and the people remaining in the place are just the five of us, the King and Queen finally rise from their seats and head towards us. They don’t have any malice in their eyes. But their glares are enough to judge whether someone is a traitor, a spy, or even an individual who wishes to wreak havoc against their Republic. But after a few seconds of scrutinising the hell out of Chloe, King Edwyrd and Queen Verrona finally give in and accept Chloe as a guest with hidden intentions. “I see you’re telling the truth, Zoe Sunstone… But it seems there is more than meets the eye…” the elf who has said that is the King. His eyes glues at Chloe. KLing Edwyrd desperately tries to see through the facial feature of Chloe from the hole of her hood, but… the ebony environment hinders his eyesight from peeking any further. These rulers of the Eastern Land do not have any abilities to check whether someone is lying or telling the truth. Their leers have just come from their
We don’t go through any meetings with Prince Faelar’s parents. Prince Faelar already knows Chloe has met dozens of nobles and leaders during her young age, so she shouldn’t be nervous at all. And if she is, Chloe is anxious not from the rulers but for what they are going to say.Prince Faelar also knows that I will be here with Chloe, suggesting the right thing to say. And even without my help, I too know Chloe. And she will not say anything rash, not unless the rulers of the Republic wish to provoke Chloe. This is the time we have been waiting for. The moment of truth is now in front of us. And the only thing for us to do right now is to let the guards know Prince Faelar and his guests, Chloe and I, would like to speak with the King and Queen. Usually, we need an appointment to meet the leaders of the Republic or Kingdom. But since we know Prince Faelar, we don’t have to go through that process.The only people standing before us are the pair of elven soldiers guarding their post. B
Throughout the meal, Dilya has striked a conversation with Prince Faelar and Chloe, asking about random things such as where he has been and what kind of event he has done. It’s not because Dilya is curious and worried about Prince Faelar. It’s about gauging and putting up the pieces if she trusts us or makes a mistake where our stories don't collide.But there’s nothing for us to hide besides me and the conversation Chloe has to do to build an alliance. Besides that, we disclose everything. Much to Dilya’s surprise, she believes it at the end of the day. However, she isn’t happy about it. As soon as Dilya is finished with her meal, she stands up, lets the servant take her plates, and leaves the room without a single word. But before she leaves the place, Dilya turns around and meets Chloe’s eyes. And then to Prince Faelar.“After what my brother has explained, I do not apologise for attacking you… since you’ve eaten our food and I believe you can stay for tonight… It’s not like ever
We are invited inside the castle. There are guards standing on their post, watching Chloe’s every move. They still suspect Chloe as someone else besides being a guest with Prince Faelar. These elven soldiers thought that Chloe is some kind of individual who would take advantage of the situation… or end up killing the royal family.“Why is Prince Faelar friends with… such a total stranger?”“Maybe he’s under a spell? That is likely the case… I think.”“Or maybe it has something to do with a bribe or forced deal that Prince Faelar had made… Maybe he has fucked up? I don’t know.”Those are the baseless rumours the soldiers have presented. But none of them are real. In fact, Prince Faelar is the one who made the request. And Chloe right here just accepted it. If it weren’t for Prince Faelar wanting to visit the Sanctum of Ugmjir, he wouldn’t be with the topic.But these royal members of the Elven Republic do not know a thing. And besides, Prince Faelar had a blast with us. Between Prince
As soon as the two show off their accessories, the three of us continue talking to each other, find a restaurant, fill our stomachs, and… end the journey right here.We continue the conversation until the three of us have reached the castle’s gates. It is a long walk. Fortunately, the sun is still out, and we still have a few minutes before the moon can rise again. There is a debate where we can meet with Prince Faelar’s parents tomorrow, but… we’re already here. Our group might as well talk to the King and Queen and get this over with.Besides, Chloe already knows what she wants to say. And so does Prince Faelar. Prince Faelar’s only request is that… he doesn’t want to be involved with this. And even if he does, he knows that this will just anger his parents. Chloe and I understand his circumstances, since in the beginning of this mission, we just asked Prince Faelar if we could meet his parents. And that’s going to be taken care of a few minutes later…“I guess… this is it, huh?” Pr