It was late afternoon when they came out of the cab. Metsuhai got out first. Looking exhausted. Chizue appeared from the front seat after she generously paid the driver. Marko wasn't with them. He left after finishing a day and a half of hardcore training with Metsuhai. Metsuhai only slept four hours that night, since both Marko and Chizue insisted he needs more training and Marko was on a schedule. He needed to return to his duties, among other matters reporting why he didn't return earlier. Chizue wasn't worried about him. He is good at covering his tracks. The couple stood at an almost deserted road going near a construction site, not far from the sea. All buildings around looked in bad shape. No external walls, cracks here and there and signs 'Keep out, construction'. The only strange thing was that there were no workers around despite the fact these were clearly work hours. Metsuhai already guessed no one ever works here. He looked around suspiciously. This didn't look anything like the headquarters of the order he imagined. Before he asked Chizue whether she is confident they are in the right place, a sharp feeling gripped his lower belly. Can't be. I have been in the toilet not too long ago and I haven't eaten anything weird. The feeling was only getting worse. As he struggles Metsuhai thought Oh no, not in front of Chizue! Chizue looked at Metsuhai with a confused expression. Soon she figured it out and started laughing. The feeling faded away as fast as it appeared. "It's a repulsion defense enchantment," Chizue explained, "It's meant to keep strangers away. It works differently on every person, giving you a reason to back down and to never reach the bridge. It affects everyone coming to the Fort- City for the first time."
"What bridge?"
Chizue pointed to a random spot on the shore. Metsuhai looked to where she was pointing and a massive steel bridge materialized. Actually, it was always there, just hidden beneath a cloaking spell. Chizue explained while they began crossing the bridge "This is the only way into the capital unless you are going by boat. Of course you could use a plane, but it would malfunction without the necessary magical protection. A lot of planes crushed here during world war 2."
Metsuhai already understood cars can't be trusted here. Probably it was not allowed by the order as well. "Bridges appearing out of nowhere, flesh eating monsters, magic powers," mumbled Metsuhai, "maybe I'm just seeing things. Losing my mind."
"Have you ever had any inclinations to see things that were supposedly not there? If not, then you should accept what your eyes show you," calmly rationalized Chizue "and look at those marks and bandages. The pain you felt in your left arm was real. It's not like you went to a tattoo shop… It's actually the minds of other people getting deceived," She paused for a moment, examining Metsuhais reaction. He thought his expression was empty but she was apparently reassured and continued. "Only about ten percent of the human population sees exactly what's going on. Others will see anything but the reality, which their unevolved minds and spirits cannot comprehend. Instead of a raging demon they might see a bear, a tiger or even a mugger. This is the origin of most stories about aliens and ghosts."
Metsuhai scratched his head as they moved along the bridge. "So about Tokyo…"
"This was a big invasion," answered Chizue before Metsuhai finished the question, "so more cover-up than usually is required. I was informed the order spread information of a leak of hallucinogen. Soon even people who were almost eaten will believe it was their own mind playing tricks on them."
While thinking about that a large island appeared beyond the end of the bridge. The island was completely surrounded by a tall, thick, massive wall made from huge yellow bricks. Each brick the size of a car. On the wall stood fortified towers here and there. Just above the open steel gate hung a bright yellow flag with a sun symbol in the middle, separated by thin black lines. Outside the massive wall stood a large port and a few boats of various sizes were docked. Metsuhai didn't know it at the time, but he had seen only the edge of the dock. Waves were going up and down the algae covered rocks where the island ended and the ocean began. Metsuhai and Chizue were even closer now to the main gate. They could easily see the armored archers guarding the top of the wall. Only now Metsuhai understood how incredibly big the walls really are. More than thirty meters high.
When the two were close enough, the guard-commander- an old soldier wielding a war hammer automatically turned to Metsuhai, "identify yourself- who you are and what you want." Metsuhai wasn't sure what to say but there was no need. A nearby archer tapped the guard- commanders shoulder "It's Ms. Arisu- sama!"
Metsuhai turned to Chizue "Arisu- sama?"
"Don't remind me," was all she said, not clarifying anything.
The guard- commander bowed deeply, speaking only to Chizue, "And I see you brought a friend…"
An uncomfortable silence descended. For a few seconds you could only hear the sound of waves and the flag waving in the wind high above.
"…Either way, I got orders to get you to the Generalisimus- your father at once. He is looking all over for you."
"I understand," she answered with a half broken voice then gestured towards Metsuhai "take this new recruit to the barracks and show him around."
"We have no need of new recruits at this point in time," objected the guard, "every classroom is filled to the end of its limit."
Chizue insisted, "make it happen, this is where he belongs." She looked at the guard- commander with determined unmistakable gaze. He bowed down. A red long limousine parked right beyond the open gate. The back door opened on its own.
"See you later Metsu-san" she said as she enters the car.
Metsuhai walked through the entrance, stepping on the massive open steel gate. It seemed no guard argued. Chizues words indeed had weight behind them. Inside the walls Metsuhai saw four- floored concrete houses as he walked on the brick- laid broad road leading into the city. Some people actually live here. Cars drove through from time to time. Many bicycle riders rushed from street to street. Surprisingly there were horse riders as well, riding on purebreds. Metsuhai even saw one bus driving at the far intersection. High in the sky, wide bridges were connecting the different walls above all districts. Even from here- the edge of the city, Metsuhai could easily see the huge castle in the middle of the island. While Metsuhai was getting his impression from his surroundings, a young and somewhat nerdy secretary approached, walking fast on her high hilled shoes. She bowed to Metsuhai, introducing herself "Aina Haruno, military secretary. I'll show you around. My car is parked near the food market."
Metsuhai followed the secretary through the streets. The amount of apartment buildings and parking spots decreased slowly and was replaced by a large plaza. Everywhere around were stalls loaded with many kinds of food. Fruit, vegetables, raw meat, fish and breads of various kinds. Permanent racket was hanging in the air as buyers and sellers bargain. The plaza was filled with people of all kinds: armored fighters, martial artists, usual folk, women and children. All purchasing their food supply. Almost the entire plaza was blocked by the sheer amount of men. "The people who don't have access to the dining rooms and aren't very rich but their food here" (Aina)
After the food market and a few allies, they emerged on a grass-covered plane. There more than two dozens of wooden training dolls stood. Each having cuts and strike marks all over is. A group of karate-gi wearing fighters was practicing their hand to hand combat power on the wooden opponents, all wearing various belts. Watching over them was a bold, tall and very thin monk, wearing a kimono with a black belt. His stern look did not miss a single move of his apprentices. They hit the dolls with everything they have got, striking with fists, kicks, elbows, knees and open handed attacks. Two soldiers were emptying on a third half- naked man a bucket of ice- cold water. The now wet guy was clearly out of balance. "A preparation of a fighter starts from the basics- they need to do battle with their bare hands. When the fighter gets the idea he moves on to the cold weapons which are the core of how fighting is done here. We harden the body and the fighting spirit." (Aina)
Aina further explained to Metsuhai that this was one of many body- hardening fields inside the warrior city. They moved on with the tour.
Aina and Metsuhai walked inside a large closed building. Everywhere around them were steel pipes. Some releasing hot air from time to time. The air was humid. The heat was unbearable. "To forge our weapons we use coal, oil and nuclear energy," Aina spoke with a monotone voice, "the price of wood rose again, so we almost don't use it anymore. Then there is sun and wind energy, electricity, and last but not least- magic." Deeper inside the building. A small army of workers was on the job- working with fire and steel, sweating, near burning ovens surrounded by pools of hot steel. Metsuhai and Aina now walked around the laborers. Metsuhai looking right and left. There were tens of half-naked muscular men. Additionally there were half human creatures. Two elves, three dwarves, one lizardman, and finally- two ugly, tough, cruel looking orcs armored from head to toe with thick plate armor. Only their ugly, ape-like faces were exposed. Not to mention the large fangs in the lower sides of their mouths. "The tall ones with the sharp ears are elves. They are refugees from a world overrun. Same situation with the dwarves- the short ones I mean. Then there are the orcs. They were sent here by not hostile chieftains, as a proof that not all clans hate humans and support the dark army. Last is the lizardman. You can easily recognize him by the incredibly thick grey skin, round back and long jaw. He is an exchange student representing clans who secretly support our cause. After all, their realm was overrun long ago too." All smiths working with fire and steel, hitting the weapons repeatedly, putting them into fire and lava, then cooling them down in water. Not resting even for a mere minute.
Inspite of the heavy, sweat soaked air, the excited Metsuhai walked through the building, looking from side to side with admiration. He stumbled on an electric cable almost falling, colliding with something really hard. Before he knew what happened a massive, angry, battle thirsty orc turned right to him. He was even more intimidating up close. That ape- like head. The murder in the eyes. The rough skin and sharp teeth. To topple it all were those huge fangs rising up from the lower corners of the mouth. Now the sweat stench hit a new all-time high. The orc leaned over Metsuhai looking straight into his eyes. The orc spoke with a roar like voice "is there a problem punk?!" the stench from his breath bits even the smell of the sweat. "Sorry sir, didn't meant to disturb you" said Metsuhai honestly. The orc roared silently with dissatisfaction and began working again. The ground slightly shaking under his armored legs with each step.
As Aina and Metsuhai were making their way out she whispered "don't provoke the orcs."
They passed near a pizza like tower, pointing sharply to the side. Aina gestured to the tower, "this was once a central institute of practicing sorcery. Then the relations between sorcerers and the order deteriorated. Eventually our leaders forced the last remaining sorcerers out and gave the expensive, large, empty space for the future- telling unit. Which are technically using sorcery as well. The most radical leader of the sorcery hating faction at the time shifted the tower sideways as an eternal symbol of the victory against sorcerers. Planning to forever ban them from the order. A task that was never fully achieved. There are at least three battle sorcerers currently having permits, not to mention the future telling squad."
"Can the future really be seen? Metsuhai struggled with the concept, "does that mean everything is predetermined?"
"Some of the future can be seen and it was ages since the order had a future teller who saw everything. Some people blame it on the anti- sorcery politics. Either way, some things are predetermined or extremely difficult to change. Others can be avoided with unpredictable consequences. Future teller are also not immune to mistakes. They can also be blocked or deceived by the enemy. However their contribution cannot be denied."
The next location Metsuhai visited was the library. More accurately the entrance to the library. Metsuhai and Aina stood near red wooden doors, guarded by two spearmen. The round colossal building going far up seemed to be restricted. But even the outside view put deep impression on Metsuhai. "The library contains books about art, history, craftsmanship and most importantly ancient magic knowledge," explained Aina "faith magic is the territory of officers. Military staff above the rank of lesser lieutenant I mean. Sorcery magic knowledge is not accessible for a while now, but also resides within these walls."
Aina started to walk away but Metsuhais question stopped her in place.
"What about demon magic?"
Chills went through Ainas body. Her glasses almost fell off as terrified look crossed her face.
"How do you… how do you know about that?!"
"Heard about it somewhere," replied Metsuhai unconvincingly.
"Demon magic is the most sinister and forbidden magic there is. Books about it only reside within the forbidden section, where all entrance is forever restricted to all. They are meant to be used only for development of counter- magic. No one is allowed. No one."
Aina followd by Metsuhai entered the potions district. They walked on a wide brick road surrounded by potion shops. Behind the windshields on the many shelves stood bottles of various sizes and shapes with liquids of different colors. The two stood for a moment in front of the lab. The lab itself was a large building looking kind of like a power plant. The two guards let them in without asking questions. Inside the 'power plant' were tables loaded with bottles, test tubes and mixing spoons. Here and there were locked closets with warning signs like 'toxic', 'flammable' or both. On the side within aquariums grew various grasses and plants. From time to time you could run into a blackboard with complicated equations. People in purple robes were mixing ingredients and heating liquids. "These outfits remained from the times when sorcerers were welcomed here," explained Aina, "But lately this district is on the decline. We have modern medicine on one side, and sorcerer haters on the other. Calling this half sorcery. Rumor has it people on the street are saying that only losers become apprentices here. Others believe that the potion district or how they call it- traditional medicine, will always have its place."
Next Metsuhai and Aina entered a large white building with many stores and light blue shut glass windows. A large red cross painted at the front entrance to what was clearly a hospital. As the two walk through the rotating door an intimidating view met their gaze. And it began right behind the manned reception desk. The hospital was overcrowded. Halls partially blocked by beds with patients on them. Metsuhai and Aina walked deeper into the building, ignoring the two nurses sitting behind computer screens at the reception. Inside, nurses, doctors, volunteers and other overloaded staff were running through the halls and up and down the stairs. And there were so many patients in need of help. Broken hands and legs. Bullet holes. Cuts from demon claws and teeth. Burns. Some guy acting as if insane, held down by four nurses. Patients were sitting or lying with infusions with liquids of various colors. On some desks were boxes with pills, bandages or syringes.
"This is what you are getting yourself into," Aina quietly told Metsuhai, "Last chance to back down. We have enough recruits as it is. Say the word and you for ever will forget this day. Because once you're in there is no way back."
"I can't. I'm already caught into this up to my ears."
"Suit yourself."
Suddenly a young looking, gentle, light-blue haired nurse approached Metsuhai with a soft smile, holding a pen and a notebook in her hands. She was a bit shorter than him, cute. Probably fifteen or sixteen years old. She wore a white nurse uniform with a dress. Her eyes were kind.
"Your name?" the nurse started the conversation with her pleasant voice.
"Metsuhai fugughuu. I am…"
"You look just fine. Are you here to contribute blood? You'll be financially compensated."
"No, I am just a visitor. Is doctor Kin here by any chance?"
"Doctor Kin is busy. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I don't think my blood is of any use," He said while revealing the spider mark which already began hurting again.
"This looks bad," she replied, astonished "How did you get this?"
"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."
"Do you know how to cure this?"
"Kind of," he said, showing her the list of ingredients "It only buys me time".
"This is doctor Kins handwriting!... Anyway when you get the ingredients I can make more of this. Come to me during early evening hours, right now I'm busy." The beautiful nurse rushed away.
Aina showed Metsuhai a few more stores and even fancy restaurants as well as shops with weapons, armors and amulets as well. Metsuhai was happy to find out the city contained some attractions to satisfy citizens needs additionally to all military matters: a gym, a public pool, some soccer fields- mainly for teenagers on vacation. The tour ended in the evening, at the barracks. It didn't include the rich district and the castle. Metsuhai and Aina left the car in front of a brutalistically built, giant grey apartment building. It looked like a prison. Aina led Metsuhai to the second floor, room 13. "This is where I take my leave," she said "you can't back down no more. Good luck. You're gonna need it."
Metsuhai thanked the secretary. As she walks away, he took a deep breath and pulled the door handle. The first thing he saw was a folding bed, partially blocking the entrance. It looked like a hospital stretcher covered with sheets. On it was a perfectly folded training suit. On both sides of the room stood two-storied beds close to the walls. Except the beds there was also a big refrigerator in the corner and an air conditioner near the ceiling. A small desk stood near the refrigerator. That was everything if we don't count the people. "So this is the fifth guy in our room, that's not supposed to be here" said a wide guy with grey heir that getting perfectly combined with well taken care of beard.
"Nice to meet you, Metsuhai Fugughuu" Metsuhai ignored the unpleasant remark and added, trying to make a good impression "I'm looking forward to being a soldier."
"I really hope you are as good as they think you are… I am Takeo Kamaru, the Asian French guy sleeping upstairs is Masaru Uchi. And in the upper bunk to your right is Nao Shiranui. As you can hear, he snores like thunder. The guy sleeping in full armor is John Smith. And I promise, tomorrow intense training is going to commence. We have to be ready outside the room wearing uniforms at six in the morning. Until then, you can only leave the room to go to the restroom at the end of the hall. If you go beyond that, you'll be court- martialed. Now if you don't mind I wanna get some sleep." Metsuhai nodded, taking in all the information. Takeo turned away from him.
Metsuhai had hard time falling asleep. He never slept with other people in the room before. And the snoring was horrible. He turned from side to side, wondering if his movement disturbed the sleep of others. But surely the snoring was worse. The fact his bed was an uncomfortable stretcher didn't help either. He was worried, but also somewhat excited.