Chapter 33: Chapter 33 - Satoshi's Own Shadows
Chapter 33 – Satoshi's Own Shadows
Author's Note: None today!
"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"
"I know that you're the only hero so far that has tried to befriend Naofumi, and for that, I thank you."
Well, I was the only non-gullible hero, and the only one who didn't fall victim to the political schemes and propaganda. If that didn't happen, I do think that all four of us would have gotten along quite well.
"Uhm… Thanks?"
"Now that that's out of the way, we must discuss the matter at hand. You do know what waves occur outside of Melromarc, correct?"
I nodded. I knew this from pretty early on.
"I would like you to help fight the waves in the northern part of the world. Myself and my flock are not enough to defeat this catastrophe."
She was right. If all four heroes only concentrated on a small area of the planet, the rest of it would be in danger. Since I already didn't owe allegiance to Melromarc, I could help out the other parts of the world.
After all, that was my responsibility. Fitoria's words reinstated those thoughts in my heart. Every Arcian, and every citizen of the other countries, relied on me to do the right thing. I knew I had to.
Ever since I was a small child, I was always interested in justice. That's why I wanted to become a lawyer, though that fact was not set in stone just yet. I toyed around with a bunch of different ideas for a profession, dedicating myself to each one, before finally deciding on law. Due to this uncertainty, I got a minor in mechanical engineering at Stanford just in case I ever needed it.
I grabbed Fitoria's hand and held it tight. Then, I viciously shook it.
"Fitoria. I promise I'll do what I can to save the world and improve the lives of the people here. I will dedicate my entire life to this cause."
Fitoria smiled. I didn't think she had the ability to do so.
"I wish you the best of luck."
We headed back to the rest of my party, where Indigo was sitting in a circle, conversing with the other filolials.
"I apologize for bringing you all so far away from your destination. Please board my carriage, and I will deliver you close to your final destination."
We boarded the carriage, and like the first time, the scenery changed completely. We appeared in a similar forest to the one we were originally in.
I wanted to thank Fitoria for everything she had done, but when we left the carriage, she just pulled it and immediately disappeared. Such speed.
We walked back to our carriage. It was completely ruined. We would have to carry everything by foot.
Just then, the Arcian soldiers that were going to come to the Cal Mira archipelago arrived, mounted on filolials and horses, with some dragging carts. The filolials immediately bowed upon seeing Indigo's cowlick.
"Good day, Mr. President." All the soldiers saluted.
I saluted back.
"Good day, fine soldiers. We are in quite a pickle here, since our carriage just broke. Would you be kind enough to carry our supplies in your carts?"
"Definitely, sir. Since we're all heading to the port town of Lola, that would be unproblematic."
I mounted Indigo, eager to test the new mounting ability. The rest of my party members boarded the carriages.
We set out for Lola again, going through valleys and hills.
But something stood in our way.
10 people, dressed in Venetian masks and donned in dark cloaks, were blocking the road. They were all kneeling, lowering their heads.
"Bow Hero! Please accept us into your service!"
The Arcian soldiers, alarmed, pulled out their swords and crossbows. I motioned for them to lower their arms.
"Why do you want to work for me? Who are you people?"
I knew they were shadows, but not much more.
"We used to work for the Church of the Three Heroes, but they have disbanded. Since we are a splintered organization, many of our own members are attempting to kill us under the orders of Queen Mirellia. Our only way to survive is to work for you."
Another one joined in.
"Many of our friends have already been killed, gone into hiding, been put into prison cells, or gone into the service of others. We are extremely desperate."
Hmm… I've always wanted my own secret agents. This was a no brainer.
"Your request shall be granted. From hereon out, you are no longer shadows. You all will be renamed the State Security Services of the United Republic of Arcium."
The shadows looked confused.
"Basically," I explained. "You will be responsible for intelligence collection, espionage, and ensuring the security of the Arcian state. You will have significant legal leeway to conduct your missions, as long as they do not cross too many boundaries. Furthermore, you shall be tasked with the training of new agents."
The shadows agreed to these terms.
"One more thing," I continued. "Instead of dressing in your current garments, to distinguish yourself from the other shadows you will all wear a suit and tie, with black dress pants and leather boots."
The shadows looked quite concerned. They had probably dressed like this for years.
Then, one shadows made a heartfelt announcement.
"We will follow you to the end of the earth, through the deepest crevices of hell. No matter what travesties may occur, no matter the treachery, we will serve you, and Arcium by extension."
The other shadows made the same pledge.
"Very well. I shall write a letter to the National Council, which will approve this law at once. I will have it delivered by messenger pigeon, so by the time you arrive at Arcium everything should be sorted out."
The shadows bowed politely and vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Well, that was awkward." Indigo said.
"Yeah." A soldier agreed.
"Men," I said as I turned around to face the soldiers. "Your group shall receive a fitting name for all you've been through. From now on, you shall be known as the Arcian Expeditionary Corps."
"Yes, sir!"
The trip to Lola has surely been eventful. It wasn't really that far away, but yet we'd been stopped twice and lost a carriage.
"Hopefully there will be no further delays. Let us depart immediately, so we arrive before the other heroes."
We arrived at the harbor town in the morning, after we camped the night before. The Arcian Expeditionary Corps had successfully defeated a few bandits without suffering a single casualty.
As we approached the ships, we noticed that we were the first in line. Nobody else had bothered to show up yet.
The Arcian Expeditionary Corps set up their tents.
"We can't let other people board the ship before us! Early birds get the worm!"
"Yeah! We'll camp here until the ship sets sail!"
These soldiers were really dedicated.
"Guys, you don't all have to sit here for the next few days. How about we have a few people watch over our belongings, and the rest of you help out people in the town?"
"Works for us."
"Let's show everybody what Arcium is all about!"
The soldiers dropped their bags and began rushing into the town. Sighing, I proceeded to organize their belongings and supplies. After that, our party decided to help the crew load the ship, which they really appreciated.
Chapter 34 out soon!
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