Megaman ZX Advent: Relive

Disk 11: First Clue - Gruant

"Let's see here. Espionage. Woah, what kind of city is this? The name itself is unnerving. Hey, Ionis. Do you feel any disturbance in the air?" She asked. The town they were about to go to was renowned as spies' refugee. It was strange but Cielle figured out that the place must have been lawless for years. Despite it being part of the country, the president could not contain them. 

Cielle entered the not-so-shabby town. It was empty except for people who were either wasting away on the streets or doing their laundries. The inn was not far from them. She walked towards it and opening the doors, she was met with a foul smell. It was not as empty as she thought. There were about 15 people inside and they reeked of alcohol and body odor. Cringing away from the horrible smell, she decided to talk to the owner. She asked a couple of questions here and there. Some drunk people would even chime in. Information was not abundant but one thing was sure, there was an ominous presence outside town that they all avoid at all cost. 

The market sold almost rotten food, but Cielle had no choice but to comply. It was partially her fault for not stocking up a lot. She thought that if she did, then her bag would be too heavy and it was a pain for her. She bought two rabbit meat and added some preservatives on them so they could still last for three days. The next thing she got were scarf and new parts for her current project she continued while travelling. Ionis was sensed their surroundings. There was still no findings.

"Hey, Miss! I heard that you were looking for information on some strange things. Why don't you try that crazy old man over there. I heard that he came back from a place outside this town. It's up to you whether you'd listen to him or not though." A merchant said. Cielle complied and entered the said house. An elder was sitting in his chair while painting on his canvas. The scenery was fascinating. It was a water temple with with serpents swimming around it. It was as if they were protecting something inside. The man turned to her and asked what she wanted. He was a hot-headed one.

"Hi. I heard that you came from an area outside town. People were calling you crazy. Why is that? You seem normal to me." She raised her eyebrow in confusion. The man laughed out loud. It had been years since he last remember the day he got out of that dangerous forest. He rubbed his aching knee before urging her to take a seat. He told her his story. 

It was raining that day and he was just a freshly graduate of the military school. He was already delivered to one dangerous mission. At the age of 35, the old man was in top shape. The forest was cold, damp and lifeless. There were trees, yes, but the vibes they got from the area was not the same. They explored it like it was just a walk in the park. It was one of the most horrible decision they ever made. Just as they entered a clearing, they were surrounded by strange mechanoloids that threatened them. Whispers echoed around as they were forced to leave the forest. The old man tried to find the source until heavy footsteps came across their paths.

"Who's there!? Show yourself!" He ordered. The old man walked towards the man but its bright eyes startled him. He took a step back and pointed his gun at him. 

"Leave this forest, humans, or else you will pay with your lives." He warned. The old man and his companions were resilient. Because of that, they paid with their lives. The mechaniloids ravaged their bodies. It was only his luck that he survived the attack. However, the memory will forever be in his memory chip.

"Thank you for the story, old man. Right now, I guess we would have to enter that forest. Well, I'll be going now. Wish me luck!" Cielle dashed towards the forest before merging with her biometal.