"That's natural," Kaelis replied.
He said it so casually that Biba couldn't help but narrow his eyes, studying his face to see if he truly meant it.
But all he found was calm—no hesitation, no flicker of doubt, just that steady, composed expression that made it impossible to read what the man was really thinking.
"…" Biba stayed silent for a while, simply watching him.
He had expected Kaelis to pause, to at least mull over the question for a few seconds before answering.
But no—he'd just said it without a hint of restraint.
Biba exhaled through his nose, half amused, half impressed.
Who knew someone could be so unbothered… or so thick-skinned?
"What? Your hands stopped, you know," Kaelis pointed out, noticing Biba's wrench hovering midair.
"Oh, right! Right…" Biba blinked, shaking himself back to focus. "Where was I? Right. W—"
WOOOO—
A sharp train whistle cut through the air from outside, echoing across the station and interrupting him mid-sentence.
Both men paused for a moment, the sudden noise breaking the rhythm of their conversation.
"Huh?"
Kaelis turned toward the noise, then started walking out. Biba followed right behind him.
"Towards the west gate! Hurry!" someone shouted in the distance.
Outside, chaos was already brewing—soldiers sprinted across the platform, rifles in hand, steam rifles hissing as they prepared for combat.
"It seems the Kabane are attacking," Kaelis observed calmly.
"That it is," Biba replied, his tone carrying a faint thrill. He turned his head slightly toward Kaelis, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Are you going to fight with us?"
"Yeah. But first, I'm gonna check on my followers!" Kaelis called back, waving him off before leaping from the train with ease.
Biba watched him go, one eyebrow raised in mild surprise before letting out a quiet chuckle. "Followers, huh… interesting."
He turned on his heel and made his way down the stairs, the faint hum of the train's engines filling the air.
Entering his locomotive, he found his people already preparing for battle—loading rifles, checking armor, and waiting for his command.
"Tell me… how many?" Biba asked calmly, his tone carrying quiet authority.
"Seven swarms. They've formed a thin array along the perimeter wall," answered a tall, broad-shouldered man.
This was Sahari, the military strategist of the Hunters—and one of Biba's most trusted lieutenants.
"Hmph! Seven swarms, is it?" A rough, confident voice cut in. "We don't need to worry about any hybrid colonies here. We can clear 'em out in minutes."
The one who spoke was Uryuu, the proud and brash captain of the Hunters, his grin sharp.
Biba muttered, "With just one gas cylinder…" He paused, then continued, "Right—equip light armor and advance. We'll delay them with short-range weapons and then wipe them out."
"Understood."
"Wait, brother! You should let Kaelis handle them! That way no one gets hurt—or dies."
Mumei, who stood nearby, spoke up before they could begin.
"What do you mean by that mumei?" Biba questioned.
The others also looked at her, waiting for her to answer.
She looked around at their gaze directed at her and she shifted uncomfortably.
"I—uh—I mean Kaelis could handle the kabane by himself," she said quietly.
"And what makes you think we can't do what one man can? Are you underestimating us by any chance, mumei?" Biba questioned firmly.
Mumei looked up at him and said, "I've seen what he can do… he can fly and summon giant swords."
It didn't have the effect she hoped for.
A stifled snort went around—someone covered their mouth.
Uryuu, listening at the edge of the group, just scoffed. "You're crazy. Guys, carry out the boss's orders!"
"Right!" The others replied, ignoring her.
No need to listen further. Flying and summoning swords? Those are things from out of fairy tail—this is real life.
As expected. Mumei is still a child.
Though the others might have ridiculed her in their hearts, Biba who knew of Mumei's loyalty chose to partially believe her words.
Instead he thought of Kaelis and what tricks he might've used to deceive mumei and wondered how he managed to pull it off.
"Ignore mumei's rant. We shall begin operation."
He pulled his sword from his sheath and raised it above his head.
The others followed soothed.
"Let our string of victories remain unbroken."
While the group began moving into position, Kaelis had already taken the initiative to coordinate the others.
"I want you to gather all the civilians we brought and have them take cover safely inside the koutetsujou," he instructed firmly.
Kurusu nodded, his expression determined. "Right!" he said, quickly turning to relay the orders to Ayame and the rest of the group, making sure everyone understood.
"What about mumei?" Ikoma asked.
They all went with Biba earlier and Mumei was with them so her absence now made him concerned.
"She is with her brother. That lord Biba guy said he was gonna fight the kabane so I plan to go take a look and maybe lend a hand if necessary." Kaelis told.
Ikoma could only answer with, "oh, alright then." He doesn't really trust her brother but since Kaelis was going to be there, he decided to set it aside.
"You should go with Ayame and Kurusu. I don't want the other civilians caught in the middle of this."
"Oh, right. Got it." Kaelis watched as Ikoma hurried off, his movements quick and purposeful.
Turning his gaze westward, he spotted Biba's train moving steadily through the station's gate.
Without hesitation, Kaelis took to the sky, soaring higher to gain a bird's-eye view of the unfolding situation below.
After the train cleared the city, it rolled a short distance before coming to a stop.
The side latch lifted with a metallic click, revealing rows of soldiers lined up behind heavy artillery.
"Ready… Fire!"
BOOM—BOOM!
At Biba's command, the soldiers unleashed a barrage, their cannons roaring as shells tore through the approaching hordes of kabanes.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Explosions echoed across the open plains, shaking the ground beneath them.
Another latch on the train creaked open, revealing three soldiers.
This time, they weren't behind artillery—they were mounted on machines Kaelis would liken to steam-powered motorcycles.
"Soldiers… Charge!"
The engines roared to life, sparks flying as the riders shot forward, kicking up dust and smoke in their wake.
The series of actions playing out were so impressive and entertaining that Kaelis wondered whether he was with the wrong group.
"These guys are impressive. I'll give them that much," Kaelis muttered, a small smirk forming as he watched their coordinated attack unfold.
"Though those bikes are insanely cool too." he said, grinning ear to ear.
"I should snag one before I leave!" he added, eyes gleaming with mischief.
Chapter 28 end