Excelium II: Hunting Season

Kabanata 21

Shane and Trois were relieved when Zai and Sinbad managed to get out after the sudden tremor that they felt when the sacred beasts left. The saved people cried in happiness and showered them with grateful words once more.

Zai glanced at the boy who is just standing away from them. Staring blankly in thin air.

"He will surely die in a few days or so."

"It is your decision to make."

Zai squinted her eyes and turned her back then walked away. She's not obligated to save a brat's life. This soft spot that is appearing in her system is made by Avis. It is not a part of her and she'll make sure that that certain spot would not dominate her system. She despised how she acted in front of the dignified beast. She's ashamed to remember the words that came out from her own mouth. It was a sign of the soft spot that Avis planted on her and she'll make sure that that will be the last time it'll happen.

And even if she do help the boy, there is only a 30% chance that he'll survive. Why waste her blood on a losing bet? She doesn't even know the boy's name. Why involve herself to a complete stranger? This whole thing is frustrating her.

Naging malaya ang mga alipin at umuwi na sa sari-sariling pamilya. Ibinalik rin nila ang pera ng bayan sa mga mamamayan na matagal ng iniimbak ni Rocio. Although Zai and Shane was against the idea but Sinbad forced them to. Rocio was tied in the middle of the town square and he was immediately arrested by the knights that came from the capital for selling stolen weapons, capturing sacred beasts, and committing other crimes that are against the human rights of the slaved people who weren't slaves in the first place.

Bumuntong hininga si Shane habang nakaupo siya sa bubong ng isang bahay, "Sayang din oh." saad nito haban tinitingnan ang mga kayamanan na pinaghahatian ng buong bayan. Nakangiti ang mga ito at tila maiiyak sa kagalakan. He pouted, "Sinolo na lang sana natin."

"Don't be selfish. It's theirs anyway." sabi rito ni Sinbad habang nakatayo sa likod nito. Bumuntong hininga muli si Shane at inilagay ang mga pisngi sa kaniyang mga palad. Zai and Trois just kept on staring at the civilians who are rejoicing.

Sinbad and Trois' eyes suddenly turned sharp when they felt a presence behind them. Sinbad immediately pulled his sword from its sheath and turned his back. Trois glanced back, his guards are up.

A tall woman raised her hand like she was startled by their sudden movement, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy."

Sinbad squinted his eyes at the stranger, "Who are you?"

The woman showed a formal smile, "They call me by the name Asta. I'm here to speak with Zai."

Ngunit hindi siya binigyan ng isang tingin ng dalaga. Shane was staring at Asta confusingly, "Are you a woman or a dude?"

"I'm a woman."

"Eh? Totoo--?"

"What do you want?" Zai intervened. Still keeping her eyes on the noisy crowd.

Asta smiled but her smile seemed like there's malice behind it, "Let me come with you."

The others was shocked with the stranger's words but Zai's expression didn't change a single bit. Asta continued speaking, "You said to do what I wish right? Then let me join you. You're looking for strong fighters, aren't you? ," Asta smiled maliciously, "In exchange, all the informations about the truth that you're going to acquire, you'll let me know about it."

Silence ruled between all of them. They all just looked at Zai who never gave them a glance. Tumingin si Sinbad sa babaeng mukhang pamilyar kay Zai. Unang tingin pa lang ay mapapansin na niyang may karanasan ito sa paglalaban. May mga sugat ito sa katawan ngunit nagagawa pa rin nitong tumayo at kaswal na magsalita na tila ba walang iniindang pinsala sa katawan.