"The land of the free and the home of the brave. It is a beacon of freedom, and my people spread our love for freedom in every land. We can not stand idly by when terrorism and tyranny infect the world. That is, if you believed the propaganda."
After half an hour of silence between the three of us near the fire and receiving adequate rest, we began our journey deeper into the cave. Both were hesitant initially, but I retrieved Catalyst and moved with or without them. I quickly placed my now-dried garments and armor back on and stood before the two of them.
"Listen well, if you doubt my sanity for traveling here, you are more than welcome to stay here. In a few hours, I will return and we will go back to Astana. It may take time to locate the crystals, but you are welcome to leave if it gets too dark," I said.
This was something that needed to be done, and if they were more inclined to stay there, then I would not fault them. I told them as much, but Claire was the first to follow. She remained by my side with her hand perpetually on her sword's handle. Naturally, she was on edge. Mikangleo quickly realized it was in his best interest to follow us, so he followed too.
"I will trust your judgement, but I will remind you not to be as reckless as usual. I am still recovering my mana, so my effectiveness in battle is limited. I haven't recovered from our previous battle either," Claire explained.
I nodded.
"I will keep that in mind," I replied, and I meant it.
I don't know what kind of healing potion Mikangleo gave me earlier, but it worked divinely. A few hours had passed since our battle with The Ravager, and my injuries had disappeared entirely. The bloodied and ripped garments were the only evidence that it had occurred.
I assumed that he shared some with Claire as well, considering her state, and he too partook in it. We were all in phenomenal physical condition despite being somewhat fatigued.
'I would need to ask him about it later. That potion really did the job, so it is time that I did mine.'
To be honest, I had no idea where we were going. Thanks to Mikangleo's competence as an adventurer, we had a torch lighting our way through the cave. He had offered it to me since I was leading the way, but I told him to keep it. As our vanguard, I didn't need to have my hand on anything other than my spear.
At least, that was my excuse for not holding it. While wearing my glasses, I noticed that my vision gradually improved in the dark. I could see several feet before us beyond the torch's light.
We were about an hour in our trip down the curving tunnels of the Hidden Grotto, and I decided to regale them with tales of my homeland. Claire showed interest in my tales, and it took a while before I had Mikangleo's ears, too. I didn't list a specific name for my homeland since it didn't exist on this planet, but I did tell them about the United States.
"We were a superpower with no peers, with the most lethal fighting force on the planet and the wealthiest nation. It was a beacon of equality and unity; we were always at the top. The top of the card. The crème de la crème, where those with the most merit reigned supreme. We voted our leaders into office every four years, and the whole world watched and waited with bated breath," I declared, placing my hand over my heart.
I stood, pledging my allegiance to a nonexistent flag on the cave's wall. I could feel their confusion at the gesture, but I could only smirk with amusement.
"One nation under God, indivisible, with justice and liberty for all," I finished.
"Your homeland sounds... interesting, Mark," Claire commented.
"Trust me, it was. My people were brought there as slaves, shackled, and their history was purged. I couldn't trace my bloodline beyond three generations if I were back there. It was a nation that mirrored the God its founders worshipped. However, that isn't relevant right now. The propaganda dictates that I must tell you how amazing immigrants are and how they are the scum of the earth. Riveting stuff like that is more important than a particular lineage of a man of my standing. I wasn't an entrepreneur, nor was I a byproduct of a celebrity or affluent household. However, in a case like this, what you see is what you get, and that is absolutely perfect!"
Mikangleo bristled at my declaration, while Claire appeared enamored by my monologue. Her gaze was focused as she absorbed every syllable that escaped my mouth. When I finished my speech, Claire was the first to speak.
"You mentioned God, but never specified which one you are speaking about. In fact, you go out of your way not to say it. You were the same with your homeland. You went on about the positives and mentioned the glaring negatives, but you never once told us where you are from. You only vaguely told us about it."
"Surely, you don't expect me to take your words at face value. You have proven to be quite the liar in the short time we have met. You speak with confidence, but you speak vaguely. I have never heard of a nation with that history or characteristics. So from my perspective, you are once again lying," Mikangleo said.
"While I do not agree with how he phrased it, I agree with his message. It is a bit... unbelievable. Your homeland would have been heard of if it were as dominant and influential as you claim. Unless you are from the Great Kingdom, I don't think your claims have any merit. It is unlikely that you are from there," Claire said.
"The Great Kingdom?" I inquired.
I recalled the place from the map that Lannister's Grandmother had shown me. It was a nation with a large territory far to the east of this kingdom. I had never seen it before, as it wasn't originally part of Infinity Unleashed's original map.
This Great Kingdom was a byproduct of the changes in Cyto's emergence and ascendance into godhood. Now that I think about it, once we return to Astana and regroup, I need to consume more of the history of this world.
"The Great Kingdom is infamous for its hatred of fox beastkin and kitsunes alike. It is said that the first Great King, Hasar Venia II, bore incredible personal hatred toward them, and as such, his people inherited that hatred," Claire explained.
'Hasar Venia... Something about that name strikes a memory within my head.'
"So the powerhouse on the block during this era is the Great Kingdom?" I asked.
Claire raised her eyebrow, and I realized I had made a slip-up instead of testing her intelligence and gaslighting her. I shrugged and gestured for her to continue. She would occasionally glance at me before speaking her mind.
"Yes. Since you refuse to elaborate, I would assume that your homeland is not Bikkar, but across the ocean, and the short answer is yes. The Great Kingdom of Tenumi is the most influential nation in this era. It is said that only the Montego-Male Empire could rival them in wealth," she responded.
"The Montego? as in Roddrick Montego?" I asked, surprised at hearing the family name.
"Yes. You speak of the first Grand Duke of their empire. He is a significant figure in shaping the current landscape. After the holy war with the demons and their kitsune allies, Grand Duke Montego formed the final coalition that marched to defeat their enemies. Roddrick Montego is even said to be a distant relative of our nation's first king."
I was amazed at how events transpired during our transfer to this world. It is even more amazing to think that I personally interacted with Rodderick Montego during my time in Infinity Unleashed. In his youth, he was a brash man with incredible charisma.
His family was on the decline from nobility in the old era, but somehow he managed to cement his legacy in the current one. Considering he was a human, I doubt he would have been alive for centuries, but he was always looking for a way to extend his longevity.
"You're already aware of my ignorance, so tell me more. I've read a few books, but a lot has happened, and my memory falters. Plus, there's no harm in talking about the past, is there?" I said, flashing my best winning grin.
"You said this era..." Mikangleo interjected in his usual detached tone.
I could sense his disbelief as if he were surprised Claire would wash over the fact that I said that. The light produced by our torch halted, indicating Mikangelo had stopped in his tracks.
"He did. What of it?" Claire responded with a hint of surprising hostility toward the man.
"You're not going to question what he meant by that? He said that as if he's experienced a different one. Is that not suspicious to you?"
"It is, but how is it relevant?" Claire challenged.
I was surprised to see her challenge Mikangleo in that manner, but it did rub me the right way. A sense of respect for the woman washed over me. Mikangleo was in the opposing camp, adhering to a different school of thought.
"It is relevant when the man claims to be a kitsune and tempts us with power. Crystals that boost one's magical power are not rare, but entering the Hidden Grotto is not worth the risk. He knows that, and insists that he knows the location of a trove of different magic crystals ripe for us to take. Do you not find it odd?" Mikangleo said venomously.
"I do, but I ask again, what of it?" Claire asked calmly.
Mikangleo didn't respond immediately. Claire's dismissiveness stunned the man, and I shared that same surprise. I didn't think Claire had that much faith in me, but I assume our conversation earlier did produce those results. Then again, I went toe-to-toe with the Ravager on their behalf and held my own. That man was a monster who held his cards to his chest until the end.
I do not doubt that if we were to meet again, he would not be so shy to showcase his abilities. Situations like that one and the ambush of Talio and his goons warrant this trip through these caves. I desperately need to get stronger, and I need to do so quickly despite the potential dangers.
"Your caution is warranted, Mikangleo. Do not misunderstand Claire's intentions. She is pointing out that doubting me at this stage is pointless. I gave you a choice to follow me despite you attacking me when I was weakened," I said.
"He attacked you?" Claire asked, but I raised my hand to dismiss her concern.
"As usual, I've allowed bygones to be bygones. He was lashing out due to his misunderstanding, and I am partially to blame," I explained.
Claire nodded with understanding. The petite woman continued resting her hand on her sword's hilt as she shook out her wet blonde hair. There was a sharp focus on her brow.
"Even still, I can't overlook it. I am against his joining us. I was since the beginning, but you were adamant that he must join us. From what I've seen, he has nothing to offer us. He has a bad attitude, and his movements are suspicious. How are you certain that he isn't working with those who seek to do us harm?" Claire asked.
"Just look at him," I said, gesturing toward the man with an extended hand. "He's broody and easily agitated. This man is an unstable element that is ready to blow."
"Your disrespect earns this response," Mikangleo snapped back.
"However," I said, ignoring his outburst, "Just like any unstable element, once harnessed, it could be a useful asset. In my homeland, we harness such elements to fuel our society or blow our enemies to smithereens. That is where I visualize his future."
"I am not anyone's tool, nor will I ever be. Not again. Not ever!" Mikangleo growled.
His response didn't surprise me, but it was good to know that he was opening up even if he growled to do so. I chuckled warmly as I pushed my glasses on top of my nose.
"You operate under the understanding that being a tool is terrible. At this moment, I am a tool for Claire, and she is a tool for me. I step in the way of dangerous bastards who wish her harm, and she funds the equipment necessary to boost my effectiveness. I am no different than the spear in my hand when it comes to that. That doesn't mean I don't possess agency. Every enemy I'll meet going forward will likely say I am a noblewoman's prized pet. They'll insult me by saying I am a mutt or a dog. Some ambitious shit talkers would take a step forward and declare to the heavens that I am a foxkin tool, and that I am disposable." I collected my thoughts for a moment and absentmindedly admired my spear. "To keep it simple, remember this... tools are meant to be used and cherished. You wouldn't disrespect a hammer because it couldn't cut paper effectively."
My words were lost on Mikangleo. The man's eyes flickered from the torchlight before he stepped forward in our direction. I looked at Claire and then at his back as he passed us on the path.
"If this helps, I understood your speech. It wasn't bad," Claire said to appease me.
Before I could respond, the petite elf woman followed behind Mikangleo. An awkward silence lingered in the air as Mikangleo led the way. I could read his expression since I was looking at the back of his head, but I shifted my focus to more important topics.
"So, the current king of this nation is a distant relative of Rodderick Montego?" I asked Claire.
"He is. His majesty, Cade Masser II, is said to be a descendant of Louis Montego, the youngest brother of the Grand Duke. His mother, the late Queen Allyson Masser, is a direct descendant of Nicholas Masser."
'Now that is a name that I remember.'
Nicholas Masser was a member of my retinue when I played Infinity Unleashed. Like Roddrick Montego, he was an NPC that I encountered in my playthrough. However, unlike Rodderick, I invited Nicholas to join my Finnegan's Finest. He was one of the original members and a pivotal asset when I established Stormpass. He often shadowed me and analyzed my movements. I could not deny his talent when he began strategizing, and he absorbed any tactic I taught him.
To think that as a stray bandit I took under my wing on a whim would go on to found a nation—a nation built upon the hate of people who looked like the man who was his master. I do not doubt that he used those tactics I taught him to establish this kingdom.
"Nicholas Masser? I've seen glimpses of his name in the books I've read at the inn. Is there more insight that you could share with me?" I inquired.
"There's not much to know about him. He was the founder and named the nation after the prestige of his house. He was said to be ruthless against his enemies and unorthodox regarding his strategies." Claire propped her chin up with her fingers as she contemplated her following statement. Once she concluded, she said, "It is well documented that the first Great King and King Nicholas were close allies. They fought together in the holy war."
"That is fascinating to know. That's enough of the past. Tell me about the present. What is the relationship between the current Great King and King Cade?" I asked her.
"Pleasant. There was a rumor that His Majesty and the Great King Gorren Venia trained under the same mentor," Claire explained.
"Gorren Venia. I take it that is the name of the Great King?" I asked, and the woman nodded.
"Trust me, if I were you, I wouldn't say I was a kitsune around that man. He is known for his cruelty toward people like you. That descriptive act of clipping their ears originates from his coronation. Upon being crowned the next Great King, Gorren made a spectacle out of slicing a gash into the ear of a foxel prisoner. It was said that he celebrated his coronation by decapitating the poor woman. He has long declared war against all kitsunes, no matter where they are, which is why I advise against spreading that knowledge about your race. Foxels aren't interesting to them since they are treated as common scum, but kitsunes are different. Gorren shares his father's hatred, and they will go out of their way to dispose of them."
"They are considered demonic beings," Mikanleo added. "That crackpot monarch dresses up as a fundamental Cytoist believer, but he's using it to mask his cruelty. He is the worst kind of scum."
"So, you know more about him?" I asked him, but he chose not to answer. I decided to continue rather than wait.
"I've read the Holy Book of Cyto, so I can grasp how a power-hungry zealot could use it as a weapon against my people. What interests me more is that label you two keep throwing around. Demonic beings? The only demonic beings I am aware of are the grey-skinned variants."
"You speak of the Primordials. They are an ancient member of the demon race, but as you know, kitsunes are specially defined as demons in the Holy Book. In the eyes of Cytoist, Kitsunes, Primordials, Vampires, Tanukis, and a few others are labeled demonic beings. Beings warped by dark mana born from the bottomless pit of their fallen divinity."
I took in this new information with concern. While I wasn't intimidated by the supposed cruelty of a foreign leader, it would cause problems if that information were to get out. I believe Claire when she said those people will go out of their way to exterminate a kitsune. I would imagine that they would do the same for any of the other 'demonic beings.'
Demonic beings appear to be a catch-all term for any race deemed unacceptable by the Cyto religion. Since Cyto's side won the so-called 'Holy War', they had the exclusive right to label the losers however they pleased. However, the more I learn about what transpired in these last three hundred years, the angrier I get. Not only did I turn out that I took bloodthirsty monsters under my wings, but I armed them with the tools necessary to act out my ambition.
Those slimy bastards appeared to swallow the land greedily, but they went out of their way to stomp down the people of my race. I might be a bit delusional to think this, but the more I learn, the more it appears that my Finnegan's Finest roster wasn't as mentally sound as I thought.
'There must be more of a connection here, so I need to do more research into the past when I get the opportunity. Right now, I need to focus on my task. Leave the past in the past... at least for now.'
"What do you know of Valdus, Claire?" I asked, which made the woman smirk mischievously.
"You mentioned wanting to be a hero, so I suppose it is inevitable that Valdus might catch your attention. He is the Divine Creator of Heroes," Claire said.
'He did catch my eye, but he did try to deceive me into accepting my death, so we aren't on the best of terms. Though you don't need to know about that.'
"I take it that you are a fan, too, Mikangleo. You stood proudly when I mentioned his name," I teased as I caught up to the man.
"If there is a positive to the Cytoist beliefs, then Valdus's presence is one of them. He is one of the most beloved of all the gods, possibly second only to Cyto." Mikangleo explained. "If you have a hero complex coinciding with all of your delusions of grandeur, then I'd suspect that Valdus wouldn't be so keen to grant you his favor."
"So you subscribe to the Cytoist beliefs? Not surprising with how you labeled me a demonic being," I remarked.
He didn't deny that claim, nor did I expect him to do so. Instead, I focused on their revelry of Valdus. The Divine Creator of Heroes is a solid title I could admit to, and it fits considering the reason he claimed he summoned me.
Valdus wanted Roktavor to be one of his heroes, and once he found out that Roktavor and I were essentially the same being, he rejected me. He also punished Q and Bonner since they were associated with me.
While I don't know why he didn't send us back to our original world, I do know that we did merge with our Infinity Unleashed versions to create what we are now. It was thanks to this Divine Creator of Heroes, but that isn't something I can tell these two.
"I wouldn't need Valdus's favor anyway. A being who creates heroes and does not use them to prevent the oppression and genocide against a group of people isn't worth my respect. I wouldn't work with them either, which is why I'd never subscribe to the Cytoist belief," I said.
"While I respect your decision, I suggest keeping that sentiment to yourself outside the confines of this cave. While Mikangleo appears to follow the religion loosely, some more devout followers aren't too kind to public dissenters," Claire said.
"You are pretty generous with your advice today, Claire. Some of it is worth consideration."
"I hope so, considering how clueless you appear regarding common knowledge. While the Cytoist beliefs heavily influence Astana, it is one of the few cities in Masser that allows a more diverse practice of religion. That is due to some of my ancestors allowing refugees into our territory in the past."
"I will keep that in mind," I responded. I accepted her explanation as fact before moving ahead of them. "Let's keep going. We are heading down the right path, so I expect to see something interesting soon."
"I'll follow your lead," Claire responded, and she did. Mikangleo followed in silence.
I was surprised by how well my eyesight appeared to adapt in the darkness. While the torchlight was of some assistance, my natural vision in the dark was far superior to what it had been before. I could determine at least several feet up ahead and spotted several stalagmites hanging up ahead.
"Watch your heads," I warned as our party navigated them.
After several minutes of traveling through the cave, I noticed a change in scenery up ahead. A split in the cave's path meant a decision would have to be made. When we arrived at the intersection, Mikangleo held the torch toward each entrance. From what I could see, there was not much difference between the two, but as usual, there was likely more than meets the eye.
"Which way, Sir Shakey Tail?" Claire asked, her voice dripping with mischief.
"We are at a fork in the road, and my decision here will undoubtedly influence our success. I will admit that this isn't the path we had taken when we were last here, but my intuition is strong."
"I assumed you knew where we were going," Mikangleo remarked.
"I know our end goal, and it is within the area. I've seen them with my very own eyes. Those crystals are somewhere here, and had we not collapsed the cave on our way out, then I would've walked us there, Lynx be damned."
Mikangleo recoiled at my words, and the man snapped in my direction with exasperation. The man stepped closer to me and grabbed my collar.
"The Lynx?! Are you telling me we are looking for magical crystals inside the Lynx's den?! You really are mad!"
"I will be if you don't let go of my collar."
The man's body went rigid underneath the power of my glare, and he heeded my instructions. He frowned and took a step away from me. While I was amused at his reaction to my glare, I couldn't allow myself to be distracted from making a proper decision. Stepping forward, I did what I did best and followed my intuition.
My nostrils flared as I attempted to expand my kitsune senses. Although I wasn't sure whether it would succeed, I found myself relying on it anyway. The scent within the cave was musty, with a faint whiff carrying through both entrances. I closed my eyes and focused on separating the scents of both paths. My ears flickered around like satellite dishes as I detected a strange scratching sound from the right path.
'What is that? It sounds like... nails.'
"Are you-"
When Claire was about to speak up, I quickly shushed her and began focusing harder on the right path. My chest grew warm, and I could hear the faint swishing of my tail. My breath became thin, and I could even hear the sound of both Claire and Mikangleo's breathing. Without having my eyes open, I could almost see them within my mind. The picture was vivid; I could even detect their movement with sonar-like precision.
'This is... focus on the creature on the right. What is that, Marktavious...'
My mind went into overdrive as I hyper-focused on the origin of that faint scratching along the right path. Now, I could detect its unique scent and hear, "Chewing."
There was a distinct gnawing sensation originating from deep within the cave. There was something down there that appeared to be feasting on something. While I would be the first to admit that we probably should head down a path with a scratching and chewing creature, something within told me it would be the best course of action. The question is whether I should tell them the truth or lead them unknowingly.
"There's something on the right. Some creature, and it might be having lunch."
"Then we head left, correct?" Claire asked, and I opened my eyes, then shook my head.
Her eyes narrowed, but she didn't voice any complaint. Instead, she crossed her arms and looked at Mikangleo. The man in question wasn't convinced, but I didn't spend time convincing them. I assumed they would follow my lead, and if they didn't, then they were more than welcome to stay behind.
"Try not to make any unnecessary noise as we advance. I am sensing a familiar mana up ahead, so the creature is likely our ticket to finding another cluster of our crystals."
While I did lie to them about sensing the mana, I did believe that some of the crystals would be relatively nearby. Working from the information based on the Lynx, creatures within the Hidden Grotto made their homes near them. The creature ahead might be some magical beast, so we must cautiously advance. My fingers tightened around Cataylst's shaft as I slowly made my way down the pathway.
I regained focus and closed my eyes, allowing my enhanced kitsune sense to lead me. Twenty minutes passed, and nothing changed, but I continued this course. The sound of my companions' footsteps shuffled behind me. They were stealthier than I assumed they would be, and it surprised me.
'Where the hell did that thing go?'
After traveling another five minutes, I was able to locate the sound of chewing once more. It had stopped during our initial travel down the path, but now a sweet scent highlighted the path. Perhaps, I had gotten closer, but the smell of a fruit had become more potent the closer we got. My mind raced with possible connections to the fruit, but I was torn between an orange and a peach. I don't know what kind of fruit shares that distinguishment, but I am beginning to think it is one native to this world.
That was an issue because it indicated that I had no idea what kind of creature would be having its lunch at this moment. We were likely two minutes away from the beast when I detected movement. Slight scratches occurred as I visualized the creature turning its body in our direction.
'So... it could detect us as well.'
I held my hand up and halted our advance, and the creature showed no indication of hostility. My eyes opened, and the torch's flickering light helped me gather my bearings in the area. We were now in a more open space compared to the entrance, but the sound of nearby running water stole my attention.
'I'm willing to bet that is the same river that leads into the Lynx's lair, which means... I was right. As per fuckin' usual.'
My self-congratulatory mood had shifted as the creature ahead of us began scratching the ground more audibly. While I couldn't tell what it was doing, I could hear something that stunned me to my core. My hands tightened around Catalyst, and I could sense Claire and Mikangleo take defensive stances behind me.
The creature approached the light and spoke, "Nibba," in a low growl-like voice.
'Wait... did that motherfucker just call me a slur?!"