Paradox Breakers

3: The Counterforce

"H-hello. I'm Johann."

"And I'm Emilia."

"Nice to meet you two." Siegfried cast his gaze behind Johann. "And who's the little one?"

"She's..." Johann started but Pheles gripped his shirt behind his back as if telling him to cover for her. "She's my little sister, Feliz."

Siegfried raised an eyebrow. They looked nothing like siblings, but thankfully he didn't comment on it.

"Hohenheim will give you a rundown of the basics, and we'll set off on your first mission in four hours." He turned away and walked out of the cave.

He sounds quite efficient. What kind of organization exactly does he run? Johann surveyed his surroundings. Oil lamps placed around the perimeter illuminated the details of the cave. There was a rack of varying swords, crossbows and arrows, some shields, and herbs in jars. Some kind of militia, I guess? He noticed Emilia had disappeared from his side and spotted her chatting with Irena about something.

"I'm sure you must have many questions," Hohenheim said. "Young lady, you listen too."

Emilia strolled back from Irena. She obviously didn't feel enough tension, or if she did, she didn't show it.

The old man cleared his throat. "The Knights of Han is a group of Paradox Breakers whose goal is to save the Ilys kingdom from enemies within and without."

"Paradox Breakers?" Johann asked.

"Those with unique abilities make the impossible come into existence, thus breaking the paradox."

"If we can push back the demon army, then that's a wonderful thing," Emilia said.

"A wonderful ideal indeed. Ideals are not achieved so easily, however. This is no place for the weak. You will be fighting many powerful enemies." Hohenheim's face darkened.

"What are we doing today?" Johann asked.

"It hasn't been long since you created your abilities, I presume?"

Created? They probably know a lot more than we do about these abilities. Until we learn more, we should play it safe and align with them without getting too involved. "That's correct."

"You'll be observing with me today, and then I'll train you on how to use your abilities," Hohenheim said.

Hohenheim introduced a few members to them and displayed the equipment they had available.

"You can take it easy now until Siegfried comes back." Hohenheim left them alone.

Pheles tugged on Johann's sleeve and gestured toward an isolated part of the cave. He followed her to that corner.

"What is it?"

Pheles crossed her arms. "You haven't noticed?"

"What?"

"Something's off about that leader."

"Is that why you were afraid of him and didn't want me to say your name?"

Pheles shook her head. "I guess humans can't sense it. His ability resides in his eyes. I didn't want to look into his eyes because I don't know what effect they have. As for my name, you don't know anyone here. It'd be highly unwise to give away that I'm a demon."