User:NeloAngelo/Redstuff/1-20

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Everia - Red Four hours passed rather quickly in Yotta's office. Yotta played the direct video transmission of the Tournament in his office for us, but without even knowing who's who, it's hard to invest in the matches. I mean, I suppose if there's someone/something that brought the visual flair of Freila's demonstration match- but then I know I'm asking too much. Lioves isn't going to to show up for the next few matches, and even so, it's a forgone conclusion that he's going to steamroll the competition. Honestly, I still don't know why he bothers with the "underdog" act.

After a brief rest, Nelo seems to be in better spirits. Speaking of which....pffthahaha, jeez, can't believe he drew to fight Lioves of all people. On a more serious note, I've noticed that he's been able to control his coordination while under magic prohibition better than what it's like in Beovault. He's definitely not faking it during Captain Jack's operation, there's no reason to act like that when your life could be taken in an instant by Grotesque. In any case, that would mean Nelo is gradually getting accustomed to his old muscle memory. He said once before that fighting is the only thing that seems to stuck to him the deepest, if so, just what kind of life did he lead before? Regardless of what it is, I need to focus on my current goal at hand- finally reaching Chiara.

Under Yotta's lead, we were taken to a private train station- a station shown to be so private, so discreet, that all of the staffs are not even present in the flesh. Yotta approached to one of the counters and contacted the staffers via distant communication. I couldn't make out what he said, but after a few mutters, he turned to us and gave us an "okay" sign. Considering the strict supervision and the secrecy of how this place is setup, it's better then I remain oblivious.

To my surprise, the cabin we were assigned to is that of a first-class cabin- a private room with high class furnitures, complete with self-service refreshments. "A-are you sure we can us this?" I asked Yotta. "We don't have a choice actually- This train only have first-class cabin." Yotta replied, then, as if remembering something, continued, "The three of us will be the only one on this trip. By that, I trust you will be discreet." Eep. I bit my lip, nodding silently. Nelo has shown similar reservations, but he hasn't said anything- he's listening intently to Yotta's words.

We quickly make ourselves comfortable...or as comfortable as we can, sitting on these high-class cushions doesn't feel right. Nelo's acting pretty reserved too, though I'm not sure whether his unease comes from the first-class treatment or the station. Yotta's been pretty casual about the whole thing- having taking a beverage out of the refrigerator and immediately switched on the video transmission of the Tournament. As he sat in front of Nelo, he finally spoke:


 * Yotta: ...Before we reach Chiara, there is one more thing I need to confirm.
 * Red: Huh!?
 * Yotta: Solvei. I need your real name.
 * Nelo: What are you talking about? It's Solvei.
 * Yotta: Uh-huh. It's fine if you don't want to say it, I could always alert Chiara to bar your entry on grounds of suspicious ID.
 * Nelo: What makes you think I even remember my name?
 * Yotta: The fact that you can lie so casually as a response. Quite frankly, I don't see why your name is such an important matter, especially when put in contrast to your red eyes.
 * Nelo: Tch. Fine, take it as a compensation for failing to reach intermediate- it's Nelo.
 * Yotta: Very well, Nelo, I'll take up your offer. About Red-
 * Red: Whoa- That's between you two. Leave me out of this.
 * Yotta: Fair enough, your Transmigration Staff should be more than enough for verification.
 * Nelo: You're gonna tell them my real name?
 * Yotta: Rest assured, your secret is safe with me. Knowing your name is an insurance- and to fulfill my curiosity.
 * Nelo: Then what about ours?
 * Yotta: I'm already taking a risk by smuggling a red eye infected into Chiara. We can't get anymore mutual suicide than we already are. Unless- you're confident you can tango with Lioves?
 * Nelo: Fine.
 * Red: ....

-

An awkward silence ensued between the three of us- all that remains is the sound from the transmission of the Tournament, quickly fading into white noise. I tried looking out the window- aggh. Underground transport. Nothing but darkness and some occasional signal-lights.

"Aaaand there we have it! Lioves wins the championship of this years Sage's Tournament!" The video transmission suddenly blared. As if some kind of signal, the three of us immediately focused on the video- showing Lioves' ever charming smile pumping his fist victoriously amidst the cheering crowd.


 * Red: Wow, what a surprise. The hero whose strength everyone acknowledges wins another Tournament.
 * Yotta: Heh. Wonder what kind of angle is he aiming for to remind everyone Chiara's military power.
 * Red: Well, suppose I should feel happy that the no.1 Grotesque extermination specialist is still as strong as ever.
 * Nelo: But man, what a weapon that was.
 * Yotta: It's what you'd expect from an Vantec Arms. product, to be honest.
 * Nelo: Excuse me?
 * Yotta: An arms company in Beovault. It's one of the, if not the only foreign company that manage to have an influence in Everia's tech market. You should keep that in mind if you're going in the arms industry.
 * Nelo: Huh, must've been some brilliant minds there.
 * Yotta: Mind, actually. Although the developer of the weapon is officially designated is classified, it's pretty much an open secret that it's designed by Grunbel.
 * Red: Grunbel? As in, Beovault foreign relationship rep?
 * Yotta: One and only.
 * Red: I thought Beovault governmental position doesn't allow roles in private companies.
 * Yotta: Oh, he simply have his name unlisted. Doesn't mean he doesn't have any influence there.
 * Red: That simple?
 * Yotta: It's that simple.
 * Nelo: Jeez, Wife at higher place, friends at higher places, and all the skills in the world.
 * Red: Like I told you, right? And you thought I was joking.
 * Nelo: I wanna say the perfect person demeans your life by existing... but I'm not even mad, just...damn.
 * Red: Uh-huh.
 * Yotta: ....But what if you were to fight Lioves seriously?
 * Nelo: What do you mean?
 * Yotta: You deliberately restricted yourself from using magic in the Tournament back then, right? So, what's the odds of you fighting Lioves with all of your strength?
 * Nelo: .... To be honest, I don't know.
 * Yotta: Oh, that's an unexpected answer. Explain.
 * Nelo: A tournament isn't the same as an life-or-death battle, with so many international officials eyeing the event, I don't think Liove's is going to show all of his tricks- even if his exploits is know across the world. You guys mentioned that all he needs to prove- is Chiara's martial strength, right? So it's not like he's fighting to kill Grotesques or something.
 * Yotta: But you didn't fight seriously either.
 * Nelo: ....Well, he lie, I lie, so...who knows.
 * Yotta: Hmm.
 * Nelo: ...I'm not joining another Tournament again, just so you know.
 * Red: Aww come on, it's not like you *pfft* beginner's *tchhehehe* luck is...hahaha.
 * Nelo: You really get a kick out of that, don't you?
 * Red: Sorry...it's just everything I think about it *pfft*, the funnier it gets...hahaha...
 * Yotta: Well, Tournament isn't happened for another 2 years, so I'd say you're safe.

The mood lighten considerably with the mention of Nelo's bad luck in the tournament. Well, at least this turns out to be a pleasant ride. Eventually, the sound system announced: "We are reaching Sacred City Chiara in a short while, be ready to departure." Huh...even the announcement feels very impersonal and commanding.

Well, I finally reached my destination anyway. Before we left, Yotta turned towards us again, "Solvei, better put on the mask back. Whatever comes next, just leave the registration to me. As for you, Red-" "Yeah, I can handle the Shaman registration." I replied. Yotta gave out a calm smile he is known for, and thus concluded, "Well then, let's go."

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