Chương 83: Annoying Bug

Pathfinder sat inside the command tent of his army, currently encircling the Clan Relashra-owned pillar. The siege had been dragging on, frustratingly slow over the past few weeks. The mana barrier protecting the pillar city was proving incredibly difficult to crack.

"Report," Pathfinder said in a stoic tone. The two Voldura before him bowed in unison.

"Clan leader," Karas pounded his chest in salute.

"The Relashrans fall is imminent. Seven days and the rebellious clans will be at our heels." Before, they could not pinpoint a date for breaching the barrier; this was new.

"What has changed? Why is a date clear now?" he asked.

"There was a shift in fate, Clan leader. The cause is unknown," Karas Stated. Pathfinder hated any mention of fate. His mood soured.

"Proceed with the salvo. Inform me at once of any changes within the barrier." The two Voldura bowed again and left the tent. Once alone, Pathfinder tried to relax, but something continued to nag at him. Rising to his feet, he began pacing through the camp. As he walked, he was met with nothing but downcast eyes and averted gazes. It had been almost two years since he'd seized control of the major Volduran clans, the day of betrayal that began with the death of Valedra Relashra.

Very few Voldura knew the truth of what happened that day. Of who actually killed Valedra. Only two others, besides Pathfinder himself, knew. One was the secret leader of the Vor Clan, Gaben Chow Vor. He remained hidden from sight; even Pathfinder didn't know where he was. The second was Shadow. A shiver ran down Pathfinder's spine. Shadow was a complete enigma, his motives and actions unreadable.

He was the one who had given Pathfinder access to a Bloodline Gate, which ultimately led to the formation of Clan Ghoyusiffiy. Pathfinder. His real name was Ocar Gu Ghoyusiffiy, though no one alive knew that now. Not even Shadow. His parents had died the day he was born, and he'd grown up an orphan in the Vor Clan, one of the reasons he had initially aligned with them after gaining power. But the Vor had created deep rifts among the clans, and Pathfinder's grip on them was slipping with each passing day.

The resurgence of Clan Relashra was the tipping point. If he didn't crush them here and now, his control over the others would begin to crumble. Relashra was still loved. His Seeker was still loved. And Pathfinder, the strongest Voldura to ever live… was hated. He gritted his teeth as he strode toward a flickering shadow. He would destroy every last Relashran if it was the last thing he did. He had not clawed his way to power to lose it now.

As he reached the shadow cast behind a tent, he found a familiar hooded Voldura, Frenir.

"Clan leader. I pass greetings," Frenir nodded as he made the gesture of Ghoyusiffiy. Pathfinder returned the gesture.

"Why are you here? I thought you were trailing Feormere?" He stopped mid-sentence as four more hooded Voldura stepped from the darkness. The Kath ro shoo were all present, gathered within the camp. That could mean only one thing…

"Clan leader. He is here…" An explosion thundered just outside the southern quadrant of the Relashran City. The night sky flared with mana sparks, a bright eruption that lit the entire horizon. Pathfinder's eyes widened.

"What! How did he get here so fast?" he bellowed, sprinting from the shadows toward his encamped forces.

"Sound the horn! The Human is here! Where are Gecko and Clors?" he barked. A wooden staff materialized in his hand. He slammed its tip into the ground, and the wood warped into a watery fluid that surged over him, coating his body. In seconds, his battle armour formed, an imposing, wooden monstrosity nearly eight feet tall. He blasted off toward the site of the explosion, extending his senses in search of Feromere's presence.

Moments later, he picked up the Aura signatures of Clors and Gecko as they closed in on his position. With those two and the Kath ro shoo present, Feormere didn't stand a chance. He would die tonight. How dare he disrupt everything again?

"I'm going to enjoy killing you," Pathfinder growled under his breath. He arrived at the scene. Fires crackled in the darkness, and Voldura lay strewn across the ground, unconscious. Pathfinder spun in place, scanning the surroundings wildly as Gecko and Clors landed beside him.

"Where is he?" Clors asked, hefting his massive axe with anticipation. Pathfinder raised a hand, inhaling deeply. There was no sign of Feormere. No dead bodies either, just a few unconscious Voldura. This wasn't an assault. It was a diversion. He activated Sight of Wooden Pride and swept his gaze toward the city barrier. As his perception reached the northern edge, he felt a slight tremor in the mana field, a breach, quickly closing. Something had passed through. Something hidden. Something human.

The hole snapped shut with a muted pop. Feormere had tricked them. He was inside. Pathfinder's roar of rage echoed across the plains. __ Joe smiled as the entrance to the pillar bubble sealed behind him.

"Well, that was easy," he said as Variaya approached, flanked by two elders. Joe gave them a respectful bow while Veda dipped her head in greeting.

"Greetings, Varaiya," Joe said.

"Greetings, Joe, we are glad you are here," she replied.

"Please, this way." Varaiya led Joe and Veda through the city to the headquarters of Clan Relashra. Once inside, they sat down, and the elders detailed the current siege and its dire circumstances. Joe listened intently as they explained the constant pressure being placed on the bubble and how they estimated the defences would collapse within seven days. His expression turned grim, though he didn't appear overly alarmed.

"Not to be rude, Joe, but… is there no other help coming?" Varaiya asked cautiously. She looked drained, her face tight with stress.

"Are you just the first to arrive?" Joe felt a small pang of guilt. He wished he had come sooner.

"I don't speak for the pillars or humanity in general. Unfortunately, I tend to act alone," he replied, his voice flat.

"To be blunt, they won't help you. They can't." As he spoke, two more elders entered the room. Joe shifted slightly to address everyone present.

"That said, I don't want you to worry. I'll do everything I can to break this siege. I've already got a few things planned." One of the elders, a stern-faced Voldura with deep-set eyes, stepped forward.

"We understand that you are strong," he said.

"But the situation is dire. We have food, but supplies for maintaining the barrier and treating the wounded are running low. If we don't get help soon, we will fall." Joe reached into his storage and pulled out a pouch filled with mana pills. He set it on the table between them.

"These are for you, specifically for those maintaining the bubble," he said. The elder, Hedi Relashra, opened the pouch and peered inside. His eyes widened as he examined the pills, then passed the bag to the elder beside him.

"These are uncommon grade... These alone could double the time we can keep the barrier active," Hedi said, visibly encouraged.

"I can make more easily," Joe replied.

"But that's not why I'm here. I came to make sure you won't need any more." He paused before continuing, his tone shifting slightly.

"I need to know… how strong is Pathfinder's hold over the Voldura? The Pillars I've visited have next to no information on the internal state of the Volduran clans. But from the patrols I've run into… I've sensed cracks. Tension." This time, one of the female elders stepped forward, a composed figure with piercing eyes.

"My name is Firet," she said.

"Since taking control of the city, we have spoken to everyone here, even the remaining members of Clan Vor," Firet began.

"They all agree that the only reason the clans followed Pathfinder… was because he forced them. If he can be removed, all the clans will join us." Joe saw the fire in her eyes. She wanted vengeance for her fallen clanmates.

"That might be difficult right now. I don't know if I'll be able to reach him directly," Joe replied.

"But I have a plan… one that involves kidnapping those who follow him. If I can disrupt his chain of command, split him from the rest of the Voldura, do you think you could turn them to your side?"

"Your plan is bold," Firet admitted.

"But can you really do that? How will you even kidnap them?" Joe smiled.

"I have a class that lets me move over long distances instantly. If I'm granted the freedom to pass through the bubble at will. I could bring a lot of Voldura here, individually or in small groups, without prejudice. There would be nothing they could do to stop me." The gathered elders exchanged doubtful glances, exactly as Joe expected. He turned toward Varaiya.

"I can show you right now, if you'll allow it." Varaiya glanced at Firet, who gave a small nod. She then stepped forward and placed a hand on Joe's shoulder. A system notification appeared before him: System Message This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Do you accept the role of city protector for Pillar Relashra? Y/N Joe clicked "yes" with a smile and vanished.

Thirty seconds later, he reappeared, holding an unconscious Voldura by the collar. He dropped the body unceremoniously to the floor. Gasps filled the room as the elders leapt to their feet, voices overlapping in surprise and disbelief. Joe stood still, letting the moment speak for itself. Firet raised her hand. The room fell quiet.

"Joe, would you give us a moment to discuss things alone?" Firet asked, gesturing toward the group of elders.

"Of course. Talk amongst yourselves and let me know what you decide. I will be outside, making more pills." Veda hopped onto his shoulder as he Space-Jumped outside.

"Still as dramatic as ever," Veda chided.

"Eh, showing is always better than telling," Joe replied, settling beneath a nearby tree. He began preparing more pills. As he worked, he gazed at his bandaged right arm. He kept instinctively trying to use it for skills and had to keep reminding himself to switch to his left. The adjustment was frustrating, yet another reason he didn't want to confront Pathfinder directly. His body was in a strange and uncertain state, and he couldn't afford to take reckless chances.

He was also determined to reduce collateral damage. The more Voldura that Clan Relashra could sway to their side, the fewer lives he'd need to take. Joe never understood those who killed so easily. He would do everything in his power to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Pathfinder, though… he was different. He had caused far too much suffering. Some things could not be forgiven. An hour later, Varaiya appeared before him.

"The elders have agreed to your plan," she said.

"They would also prefer to turn as many Voldura to our cause as possible."

"Great," Joe replied.

"All I need now is somewhere to bring the captives. I'll start before sunrise. Night will make things easier."

"We are clearing out some buildings. I can lead the way," she said, turning on her heel. Joe fell into step beside her. As they walked, he noticed Varaiya nervously rubbing her hands.

"You wondering about Corel?" he asked.

"Yes!" Varaiya blurted, eyes wide. Joe laughed and began recounting the story of Eludia, Corel's new training, and her current quest. The look of shock on Varaiya's face made the storytelling all the more entertaining. One week into Joe's plan, he made his first major misstep. He ambushed a group of six hooded Voldura, ones he'd seen multiple times before, always hunting, trying to anticipate his next abductions. Until now, he had managed to stay one step ahead, but they were closing in like a vice.

It was time to thin their numbers. Jingu Bang hummed through the air and crashed into one of the hooded figures. Joe didn't feel the familiar crunch of breaking bones. Instead, a resonant gong vibrated through his arms; the strike had been blocked by a hidden shield. He leapt away, narrowly avoiding three counterattacks as the rest tried to encircle him. No longer seeing the need for subtlety, he pulsed out his Aura and focused entirely on doing as much damage as possible before Pathfinder could show up.

He Space-Jumped twice in quick succession, grabbing one Voldura mid-jump and slamming them into the ground. This time, the satisfying snap of bones echoed back at him. He landed a quick punch to the shoulder before another jump carried him to the side of a tent. As he reappeared, an area-of-effect lightning skill activated, and electric mana surged into his legs, paralyzing them.

He gritted his teeth, braced himself, and readied Jingu Bang, blocking five sword strikes in a flurry of sparks and disarming two Voldura in the process. As the paralysis faded, he kicked out, caving in the knee of the nearest Voldura and slamming his staff down on their head. A kill notification slid into the corner of his vision. Shit. Taking a final risk, Joe jumped toward an isolated Voldura, one that had been separated from the rest. He appeared above his target, swinging Jingu Bang from a blind spot…

then his eyes widened. This wasn't one of the hooded Voldura; it was Pathfinder.

"Found you!" Pathfinder roared as wooden spikes burst from his cloaked back and impaled Joe mid-air. Two speared clean through his chest before he managed to activate his Barding, which stopped the rest, but the damage had already been done. He crashed to the ground, tumbling through mud and dirt. Before he could recover, ten arrows whistled down, slamming into him. Two pierced his leg, and one punched through his barding and embedded in his torso.

He groaned, agony flaring through his body, but he had no time to pull them free. Something massive crashed down on him a second later. A giant wooden hand pinned him in place. He activated Space-Jump, knowing full well the hand would come with him. It did. He reappeared inside a tent, mud-slick and bleeding, just in time for a massive axe to slam down where his head had been moments before. Joe strained against the massive hand pinning him down, feeling the wood crack beneath his strength, but it was too slow.

The entire tent erupted into flames as a barrage of attacks tore into it, scorching everything in sight. Armour and weapons stored inside were obliterated in the chaos. They didn't care what they destroyed; they only wanted him dead. As three Voldura burst into the inferno, Joe let loose an Aura Shout. The blast shattered two of the wooden fingers holding him down, giving him just enough leverage to kick the hand off.

It vanished, replaced immediately by the looming figure of Pathfinder, who brought a wooden fist crashing down toward him. Joe blocked with Jingu Bang, and the impact detonated in a burst of mana, sending Pathfinder stumbling backwards. Joe moved first. His knee slammed into Pathfinder's side, sending the armoured Voldura hurtling across the tent. He surged forward to follow up but had to veer away as a massive axe tore through the air and six more arrows rained down around him.

Cursing, he Space-Jumped back to the clearing just as the burning tent collapsed behind him in a shower of embers and splintered wood. Shouts rang out the moment he reappeared, and he found himself surrounded by a staggering number of Voldura. Pathfinder stood a short distance away, his face hidden behind a wooden mask streaked with bloody tears. He raised a hand and made a gesture Joe didn't recognize, but he didn't need to. He understood.

"Next time," Joe mouthed before vanishing again, Space-Jumping back inside the city. He collapsed at the base of a tree, gritting his teeth as he yanked the bloodied arrows from his body one by one. __ Pathfinder stormed into his tent, rage simmering beneath his skin. He dropped to his knees, fists clenched, and slammed his hand into the ground with a roar of frustration. How had it all gone so wrong? It all began the day he lost his Seeker. He trembled with fury, letting the emotion consume him.

Minutes passed before he finally noticed he was not alone. A pulse of mirth echoed in the tent, subtle and mocking. Pathfinder's head snapped up, and there stood the cloaked figure. Shadow.

"Why are you here?" Pathfinder growled, rising to his feet. Shadow chuckled, casually sipping from a cup filled with Pathfinder's favourite wine. Pathfinder grimaced but held his tongue, standing still as he waited for a response.

"You should sit down," Shadow said, his voice slow and slurred.

"I came to solve your little bug problem." Pathfinder eyed him warily. He had long suspected that Shadow wasn't Volduran, but even with all his power, he'd never managed to unmask him. Wordlessly, he sat down.

"Good." Shadow took another sip.

"Now, I came across some very interesting information. Tell me, where is Neuwo?"

"Back at Pillar Ghoyusiffiy. Why?" Pathfinder replied. Shadow's tone sharpened.

"Do you remember the first human pillar you conquered? And do you remember a human woman who was killed there?" A growl built low in Pathfinder's throat. __ Three weeks passed before the siege of Relashra broke, the army that had encircled the Pillar city packed up and withdrew, ending the siege in a whimper. The city now had roughly three thousand new residents, defectors from Clans Vor, Yousofu, and Cartheno. During his three-week stay, Joe had managed to win the respect of every Voldura in the city.

Not only had he ended the siege without a single Relashran casualty, but he had also helped level up the city and upgrade its buildings and food supply. Now, they no longer needed his protection. Their defences had been significantly enhanced as the city grew, and with the increased strength of its inhabitants, Clan Relashra had become a serious thorn in Pathfinder's side.

They had even managed to sneak spies into Pathfinder's retreating army, who would infiltrate his city and work to turn more Voldura to their cause. The future looked bright for Clan Relashra. Joe gave a polite nod and bow as he accepted thanks from two more elders. Once the formalities were over, he slipped away to a quiet spot in the city, settling beneath a tree to tend to some flowers. Veda napped nearby, her breathing soft. A spark of light flashed beside him. Varaiya appeared.

The short Voldura looked very different from their first meeting. She now had green horns and short black hair. He wondered if it was something to do with her class evolving. Joe was also still changing, especially his eyes, which resembled the starry sky more and more each day.

"Varaiya," Joe greeted, eyes still focused on the flower he was shaping. It wasn't quite right. He was trying to recreate the spider web flower, the same one the mother spider had taken from him during the Askari quest, but it was proving far more difficult than expected. After another moment of shaping, the flower wilted and vanished. He sighed.

"Joe," Varaiya said with a small bow. He plucked a different flower from the ground beside him and handed it to her. She blinked in surprise before bringing it to her nose. A smile spread across her face.

"Thank you," she said as she sat beside him.

"So, how are things with the elders?" Joe asked.

"Busy," she replied.

"We still have hundreds of those you brought to speak with before we can clear them all."

"Will you be staying longer?" she asked after a pause. With the siege behind them, she looked more confident; her horns shimmered with a vibrant green in the morning sun.

"I plan to follow them," he said.

"I was hoping to free as many Voldura as possible from his hands before Corel returns."

"Do you love her?" Varaiya asked suddenly. Joe turned to her, caught off guard.

"No, I mean, she's important to me, but no," he said. Varaiya smiled.

"Is it because of? What was her name? Rose?" Varaiya asked. Joe narrowed his eyes slightly. Just how much did this little Voldura know? He made a mental note to have a word with Corel about sharing way too much information.

"Not really… it's complicated," he answered honestly. Varaiya gave him a look he couldn't quite interpret.

"Well, tell her I said she needs to visit when she gets back."

"Yes, ma'am," Joe replied with a small salute. Veda appeared and hopped onto his shoulders. Joe chuckled.

"That means it's time to leave." He rose to his feet and gave Varaiya a final bow.

"If you ever need me, contact Kunlun. They'll know how to reach me. I'll come as soon as I can." Varaiya raised a hand in farewell as Joe turned and took off on his sky boat, heading north to follow Pathfinder's retreating army. She stood quietly, watching the handsome human disappear into the sky atop his skyboat.

"Corel, wherever you are… you are very lucky," she whispered, before turning back to her duties. The fleeing army took five days to reach one of the pillar cities. Joe drifted high above on his skyboat, concealed by thick cloud cover. From his perch, he scanned the city bubble below, confident Pathfinder had entered it. He made a small mark on his mini-map: a simple "P" for Pathfinder. Then, he set course north east. It was time to practice using his skills with his left hand.

__ Two miles south of where Joe's skyboat had hovered just moments ago, a cloaked figure emerged silently from a shadow. Its gaze lifted to the sky, pinpointing the exact spot Joe had occupied. A slow smile crept across the figure's face, then it vanished once more into the dark.