Iron and Power

Chapter 2

Hours had passed and Anna and Thomas were asleep in the building they sheltered in. But that all changed when Anna heard a distant wail and whipped her head up as she looked around their surroundings.

Anna also glanced at Thomas and saw how he was still asleep, which meant he didn't hear what she just heard. But the very same wail was emitted and it caused a bit of distress on her as it drew closer to this abandoned outpost.

She'd reached for her sword and drew it slowly to whatever came near their location. The wails soon grew louder by the passing minute, and its noise was enough to wake a grueling Thomas from his slumber, "What's going on?"

Anna quietly shushed him and stood up after Thomas sat up. She'd wearily walk towards the open frame and scan their surroundings. After a minute or two, she turns to the Prince, "Stay here, okay?"

"Anna," Thomas quietly called as he saw her walk out, but having enough lives being sacrificed for his sake. He refused to heed her order and followed her out of the building with a long stick in hand,

As the two surveyed the area, the Royal Dame unaware of the Prince's presence, they noticed that the wail was loud and stood in place. Behind a few trees, they were met with what appeared to be a floating orb with a large glowing blue eye and Anna was confused at the sight of it.

"What in all of sorcery is this..." Anna muttered while holding her sword quite firmly,

Thomas remained behind her but readily held his long stick tight in case of an upcoming attack. The floating orb then hovers around, which causes Anna to find Thomas standing right behind her, but she would prioritize his safety before her complaints for ignoring her order.

The floating orb blinked its eye, and then a small part beneath opened up to them. What followed was a beam of light shining towards Anna's body and she squinted her eyes by the sudden flash.

Though this should've been considered an attack, she would not act unless the prince was in any danger. Also, the light it shone wasn't hurtful since she didn't feel anything burning on her skin. When the light turned red, the floating orb blinked and then turned to the young Prince next.

The same light shines upon him, and Thomas blocks the light with his hand while one eye is focused on the floating orb. A few moments later, the light turns green and the floating orb flinched before bouncing and whirling in mid-air.

What followed was the floating orb directing the source of its light toward the ground and what appeared before them was a transparent man wearing a peculiar outfit that consisted of a tunic, long pants, and black boots. "To think that their wretched war had finally come to a halt. I thought I'd never find someone who isn't a soldier,"

"Who are you exactly?" Anna questioned with her sword raised towards him,

"Pardon my manners, my lady. But I am, or was, one of the architects of Neo-Oasis, the tall structure in which the people of this world fought for half a decade," The man revealed, "As for my human name specifically... I believe that is of complete irrelevance since I am merely a copy of the man I once was..."

"Irrelevant or not, we wish to know what your name is," Anna clarified,

"Very well, I am Codex-7, but you may call me Codex if you please. I take charge of Neo-Oasis' reconnaissance system," Codex-7 revealed, "What brings you to these parts?"

Anna was uncertain whether he should trust this man, but Thomas felt differently as he stepped up and openly explained the circumstances of their situation, "My uncle took my kingdom after my father passed. Many have fallen for my sake and Anna is the last of my guards. We came here seeking safety and shelter, but my Uncle sent after people to kill me,"