*yippee, double chapter on the go. I be cooking (hopefully) so yeah. Peace out and Deus vult*
Mark's leaps took him around the Luofu until he found himself all alone in the sea of people, right where ships board, around the main area, in Central Starskiff Haven. The ones around him took a moment, but seeing the prize sword on his back, paired with Hoolay's weapon, they boomed and cheered, shouting out after him.
"It's Five! Five of the Astral Express!"
Mark scoffed, simply shouting to be heard.
"Everyone, just leave me be, alright?! I know you're all eager and stuff, but calm the hell down and leave me be! I just want to relax for a moment and clear my head!"
The masses quickly scattered, rushing off while whispering among themselves. Mark caught sight of a group of kids staring at him from a distance, their eager little expressions now close to tears. That very sight made him regret shouting, and it only tore him apart more and more. His arms fell limp at his side, and he tried to step closer to them to reconcile, but the little ones scattered off, crying.
"Damn me... am I really becoming a monster or something? Cringe as it sounds... what the fuck am I even doing with myself?"
The doubt was nothing new, just the same old, growing more and more. From his insecurities related to his usually detached expression to him being a pure cluster of anger and frustration that threatened to explode. His steps guided him to the Sleepless Earl, where he took a seat outside at an empty table. Someone came to take his order, somewhat hesitant to do so after his display, but he had just closed off, speaking coldly and calmly.
"Just some tea. Whatever type you wish to serve me, but I'd appreciate something that would simply make me... relaxed..."
His gaze was fixed on the table, his fingers tapping it rhythmically, yet no thought that crossed his mind was present. Everything was a mess of regrets, of what ifs, and of his internal struggle. For a few moments, the world went silent around him as his eyes closed, forcing him to face his own mind, but this time just himself.
"You look rather troubled," said a voice that he sadly knew. His eyes shot open at once to meet a figure that shouldn't have been there under no circumstances. The woman was the last thing he wanted to see.
"You seem like you've seen a ghost," she mused softly, not even asking if the seat across him was empty. She just sat down in a smooth motion, crossing her legs while fixing her large hat. "My apologies if I startled you. My name is Jade, a senior manager in the IPC Strategic Investment Department. I've come here as quickly as I could, since I wished to talk with you ever since the events that took place on Penacony."
Mark crossed his arms, staring at her with a rather hollow gaze, unshaken. The thoughts in his mind were many, the memories a jumbled mess, some of them not meant for his eyes during that current time frame. The pain in his head changed intensities on the go, until he settled on the present.
"What do you want?" he asked bluntly, watching as his tea was placed on the table. He took a sip, the hot liquid feeling warm on his tongue, whatever heat resistance had built up inside of him working like a charm.
Her gaze studied him intently, trying to read deep inside his mind, but he didn't give an inch of ground on his thoughts. He was going to offer nothing, and even his patience would run out quickly with the IPC. The sole thing holding him back was curiosity.
"Straight to business, I see. You don't seem to wish to hold back, but sure, honesty goes a long way. Well, you see," she said, leaning a bit closer across the table, elbows on it while her chin found its resting place on her interlocked fingers. "I wish to see the 'Saviour of the Dream' with my own eyes, to understand exactly what we're dealing with, since I would like to hire you."
Mark stared at her blankly before bursting into laughter, the sound low and ominous, yet also amused at how bold she was with such a stupid request.
"Hire me? ME? Do you think you can hire ME of all people?"
She kept her cool instead, along with the mood, displaying a little smile painted to be genuine, but Mark knew what type of devil was hiding beneath that facade—or at least what type of devil had been revealed until that point in the story. His information about her was somewhat limited, but what he had was more than enough to make him want to crush her under his heel—ironic, considering her animations within the game.
"Yes, you of all people. You show great promise, and here at the IPC we like investments that can blossom over time. You, Mark, are such a walking investment. We've done some digging into your background but found nothing. You simply appeared on the Astral Express one day and have been traveling with them for a while."
He nodded along, curious to see how far their knowledge went, sipping on his tea nonchalantly.
"I've heard a few things, some of which are barely known and came at a rather high price. From the 'Savior of the Dream' to your little game as Five, and even, dare I say, 'Devourer of Cancers'?"
The cup touched the table with a thud, the hot tea rocking softly from side to side as his fingers trailed along the ceramic, feeling the smooth material under his fingertip. Her eyes were drinking in every detail about him, from the tiny motion to the way his lips moved and breath changed, which wasn't even felt. Jade kept looking him over, staring intently at his arm, looking at the exposed shoulder and the heart-shaped piece of metal implanted in it.
"That's an interesting addition you have there," she whispered, as if wanting it to be a secret between the two of them. She moved closer on the table, making sure to show off some of her cleavage, just enough to lure him in. Aware of her own charm and beauty, she didn't hesitate to make use of it. Mark held her gaze even as her fingers tugged on her collar ever so slightly, showing off a little more than needed.
"Are you done with the stupid game?" he asked dryly, scoffing while sipping on his tea once more, staring at her with cold eyes. She was a serpent, temptation itself incarnated, but Mark knew one thing: the serpent was doomed from the moment it tried to go against God.
"What game? I'm just interested in you, Mark. Young, charming, easy on the eyes, strong. What else should a woman want? Hiring you is one thing, but perhaps I want you for myself."
Her hand reached out towards him, but in that very instant, a cold, piercing feeling made itself known on her pulse point, right on her throat. It was nothing other than a sharp ice spike that grew from the very table, leading to him with a thin, frozen line.
"Listen here, Jade, or whatever else they call you. Don't think you can tempt me like you've done to so many. One desire, but you take back so much more. You're nothing but a walking curse, and I know it. Did you think I'd give in for some praise and a little flailing of your assets?"
She kept the smile on her face, looking more curious than ever.
"Strong willed too. You're such a tantalizing prize. What is it that you desire, Mark? I'll offer it to you, and don't worry about the price. For you, I'll make an exception, just to have you join our side. Think about it, Mark. Money, wealth, information—all you could ever need. You'd like a life fitting for someone of your level, fitting for a human capable of using Stellarons."
He chuckled, playing along with his own lie, not letting go of the information that easily.
"Who spouted that bullshit? Me, using Stellarons? Please, it's like saying a damned battery can hold the sun's power."
She smiled, even more amused, yet she stood still, petrified as the sharp feeling of the ice bit cooled her blood.
"You sure love keeping your cards to yourself, but that's not enough, and you know it. We have ways to learn what we want, and money is the main one that does wonders in a lot of cases."
Mark chuckled, shaking his head.
"Sure, say what you want, but let me tell you that you just helped me figure out where the rats are. I'll make sure to clean the mess myself. The lie went out just as expected."
"Still trying to cling to your own game?" she chuckled, scanning him intently. Mark, however, was having none of it.
"Listen here," he warned, leaning closer, until his breath was felt on her face. "I'll say this once: don't try to look into me. Don't tempt me, don't try to mess with me, and stay away from everyone related to the Astral Express. I don't care at all about what influence the IPC says it has. I don't care if you can turn me into a public enemy by manipulating the media. I know what the IPC is."
His voice was a low growl fueled by nothing but rage, the memories of what they've done in the past calling out to the dead, sending their desire for vengeance his way.
"More have died at the hands of the IPC than anyone could count. Preservation my ass. You're only preserving your asses, cheap fucking rats. Don't provoke me, or I'll become your biggest nightmare. I don't care about Diamond, Emanator, or not. I'll make sure to end that fucker with my own hands should the need arise, got it?"
The ice spike sank slowly in her flesh, just enough to prick at the very outer layer of her skin, not sinking enough to strike the vein. Her own gaze was fixed on his, silent as she listened to his words, taking them in without too much resistance.
"You sure are informed," she mused. "Do you truly believe you can stand up against the entirety of the IPC?"
A sinister smirk made its way on his face. There was no need for words, but she could see it in his eyes for that brief moment—a flash of something bright, a sea of fire ready to swallow the world whole. It made her shiver; the sight was a hell of his own creation.
"I will; one day I will. Try to kill me now, maybe, but it'll only backfire on you. Go on, make me a public enemy, and watch as shit goes up in your face. I will personally make sure to end you. After all, I know a rather cunning group of people who aren't on friendly terms with you. I can switch sides rather easily, so don't even try to tempt me."
She stared right into his eyes, her usually confident demeanor faltering for a brief moment before she spoke back, this time closer to real business.
"It's always better to handle pests before the situation grows out of hand. I am more than inclined to believe that you would lose, should we wish to be rid of you."
The ice on her neck pressed a little more on the artery, threatening her as he whispered.
"Should I declare war then?"
"You wouldn't dare," she growled back, and Mark sighed. The ice retreated, and she could finally sit back in her chair and calm herself down, quickly gathering her wits.
"Don't take me not killing you as some sort of 'I'm scared' type of move. I'm not scared at all. I simply have principles. I don't kill unless needed. Plus... I pity you—and not just you, but many others. Who knows? Maybe you are just a piece of shit that enjoys stealing the joy of others, dragging them into losing deals until you get them as your puppets. Or maybe there's more to you, and you have a reason. I give second chances, but never think of that as a weakness."
The Sword of Will quickly appeared in his hand, moving up in one swift motion until it rested on his shoulders, and he gave his last warning as he downed the cup of tea.
"I will personally carve the hatred of those who've died at the hands of the IPC in your being... your being and that of everyone else who's just as guilty as you."
With that, he dismissed the weapon, standing up and quickly paying for the drink. Jade stood there, recounting the words tossed around. The smirk that appeared on her face was predatory, the ecstasy of the scene sinking in her skin.
"His desires must be the tastiest of them all. I can't wait to get my hands on them. It's just about time until he'll succumb."
With that, she got up as well, ready to go back and report on the job, the tiny detour worth it, even if Mark was completely against them.
*I'm cooked chat. New chapter tho. Peace out and Deus Vult*
Mark walked away from the scene, smoldering with anger and thoughts, nothing coherent coming to him. The most he could think of was a million ways in which the timeline could be affected. His nose bled for the first time in a long time as the headache began increasing to levels he couldn't fully fathom. It was an impossible task, but he had to hold on. The only thing he could do was go for absolute power, to overcome anything that would come his way.
"Benefactor!"
The voice snapped Mark out of it all, bringing him back into reality and the world around him. For a moment, the air seemed crisper than usual; the memories of a foretold future he changed, hitting him like a bullet to the knee. He spun in place, watching as a joyous Tingyun was dashing his way, waving and smiling like she saw the best deal possible in her history as an Amicassador.
"Benefactor, you're here! Congratulations on winning the Luminary Wardance!" she said, stopping right in front of him, flailing her fluffy tail around. Mark smiled slightly and met her gaze.
The smile she had on dwindled slightly as she finally saw the true tear and wear etched into his features. The traces of purple under his eyes now closer to black, accentuated like never before. Even during his time in the Alchemy Commission after the battle with the Lord Ravager, he didn't look that bad.
"What happened with you?" she asked softly, her tail lowering itself a little, coming to a halt.
"A lot, Tingyun... a lot," he whispered, throwing out no more details than needed. He stared at her, taking in the details of her face, staring into her eyes as if scared that he'd see those burning traces of Phantylia somehow still in her head. Just like him, she saw how deep the hollow, sparkless gaze of his ran, not finding the bottom.
"You seem so down, benefactor. Madam Yukong told me to find you, saying something about needing to talk with you about some specific issue, stating that you should know of it."
Her ears fell down, almost like a sad kitten. She sighed, tugging on his remaining sleeve.
"She also got dragged to some party after General Feixiao came by and heard of it, saying that it would be the best way to get you to attend."
Mark sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, almost crashing out mentally. One day he would somehow make Feixiao grow a tail and pull on it just for the hell of it.
"Wait, I could do this now, maybe with the Abundance... never mind, scrap that."
She tugged on his sleeve slightly, hoping that he'd go with her.
"Fine, fine, no need to pull on my sleeve like that. I'll just tag along, alright?"
She smiled, beaming as he relented and decided to just go along rather than fight it off for longer.
"Perfect, benefactor. Don't worry, they have good alcohol prepared, top quality, and perfect for you to enjoy."
He chuckled slightly, shaking his head a little while following the foxian, her joy contagious to a certain degree. It almost felt like he was back to playing the game and laughing at how quickly she wanted to be rid of extra responsibility, even though that was Phantylia. Still, she did mimic Tingyun, so one could argue that the behavior was true at the core.
She walked eagerly, her steps springy, moving by his side while humming happily.
"Benefactor, do you have any interesting stories from your travels?" she asked, smiling like a child eager for a story. Mark sighed, rubbing his chin in thought.
"Well, not a lot of interesting stuff happened," he answered curtly, not really eager to talk or discuss too much about his endeavors.
She puffed her cheeks, her ears moving down once more.
"You're no fun, benefactor. What about that title of 'Saviour of the Dream'? Come on, there has to be a story about it."
He sighed, clenching his jaw slightly, his eyes darting to his new arm on pure reflex, the feeling of his own blood running through it suddenly a weird notion. It wasn't his flesh, the one he had been born with, but something strange that ran beyond his full comprehension.
"Story," he whispered, thinking about Himeko and that scene in his mind, the gentle passion of the kiss lingering as the most beautiful memory ever since he had arrived in that world. Even then, it went up in flames the very next second, and the feeling wasn't even real—it took place in his mind, a different plane of existence. Still, the emotion was there, and both could communicate it with that gesture.
Tingyun awaited, eager to hear what the man had to say. With a bitter sigh, Mark's gaze softened, giving way to a touch of resignation and resentment for none other than himself.
"Just call me Mark, alright, Tingyun? I'm not one for titles and stuff. Benefactor, whatever... I just want to be me."
She nodded, her expression softening.
"I will. My apologies, Mark."
Still, she waited, hoping to hear at least something of the events that had earned him that title. With a reluctant movement of his lips, the words began flowing out, speaking of his battle with the creature, but he didn't discuss what it was. Some things were better left unsaid to some, known only by a few. Tingyun listened intently, focused on each word that left his lips, absorbing it all like a sponge. He described his battle to the best of his abilities, motioning with his hands, showing as much as he could however he could, summoning the Sword of Will itself to show it off.
Their whole talk lasted until they reached the entrance to the Seat of Divine Foresight, where Jing Yuan's office could be found. Mark's eyes took a long look at the area, his words halting in his throat.
"That's an amazing story, Mark. Your arm grew back after that happened, and now you're even stronger than before. You saved your friends and everyone else, thus preserving the Dream. I'm impressed," she smiled softly, her friendly demeanor melting his resistance. He was cursing himself for being so soft at the core.
"It is what it is. Stuff happens, and I just roll with it, but I'd still wish to somehow roll away from this stupid drinking game or whatever," he sighed, but Tingyun gave him a soft pat on the shoulder.
"I suggest you quickly talk with Madam Yukong and then see that you manage to escape," she chuckled softly, pushing him in.
"Huh, what? No need to rush me, you know?" he sighed, smiling slightly as he just moved along. "Are you coming too or?"
She nodded, smiling.
"Of course I'm going too. What else am I supposed to do? Plus, have I not told you? It's high-quality alcohol for free."
The two made their way inside, and the scene was already hell itself. Jing Yuan was seemingly asleep, resting his head on his desk. Huaiyan was watching the scene unfold before him, drinking quietly in his own spot with Dan Heng by his side, the two sober and discussing. Stelle and March were both red in the cheeks, dancing and singing, taking photos and laughing loudly, while Yukong was trying to calm down a drunk Feixiao who was shouting and causing a mess, falling and twirling in her drunken stupor.
Mark stepped into the room, unseen at first. Tingyun followed behind, ready to turn tail and leave since the mess was too much. He simply walked inside, his steps silent and cold. The very moment he got closer, he pumped a strong 60% output in his body, simply to pressure everyone into the room with sheer energy.
At once, all eyes were on him. Jing Yuan snapped out of it, sitting up in his seat. Dan Heng and Huaiyan both turned to look at Mark, while Stelle and March scuttled over and nearly fell while trying to get seated. Yukong let out a relieved sigh as Feixiao stopped, turning her gaze at the man, smirking while slurring her words.
"Look who finally arrived!" she shouted, tripping over herself while trying to walk closer. Mark increased the pressure just a little, ending with her falling on her butt. He just stopped the energy, returning to normal.
"Madam Yukong," he said coldly, the scene having already flipped him off so badly that his jaw was clenched. "Tingyun informed me that we needed to speak about something. I guess it's related to the issue we discussed with me as Five, right?"
She nodded, trying to stand up and walk out of the place with him to talk, but Feixiao was having none of it. She made her way to Mark, holding on to a large container with what Mark thought to be wine. He didn't know much about those specific things, but they looked like what he had seen long ago in a video with her being drunk—thus his worries on how it might all go south kicked in.
"Maaaark, let's drink. Come on," she blabbered out, pointing the container his way, the liquid dancing from side to side as her wobbling arms were trying to steady themselves.
"Walk off," he said bluntly, grabbing the large container and putting it back on the table. He motioned for Yukong to come outside so they could talk, but before he could leave, a hand grabbed him by the collar and yanked him around, right face to face with none other than the drunk general.
"Where are you running off, huh? You're no fun," she cried out, her speech still a mess. Mark sighed, staring coldly at her despite the pouty expression made. Had it been himself from a while back, he'd have no issue with a little party, but the current him wanted nothing more than a moment of silence to sort out his thoughts and try to figure out what the fuck is wrong with him on a fundamental level. The noise in his head was too much.
"Feixiao, you're drunk. Let go," he growled, annoyed as one could be. He was close to grabbing her ears and twisting them.
Her eyes scanned his, the drunken haze visible in her own. With a pout, she spoke up.
"Why are you like this? The others told me you used to be fun. You'd make crappy jokes and laugh, come up with crazy stunts, and somehow scare everyone by speaking like you knew them better than themselves. I've seen that too, but you barely said a thing."
She pulled him closer, her ears twitching ever so slightly as her canines showed slightly, the warmth of her breath tickling his lips.
"Just what went wrong, Mark?"
He slowly grabbed her hand, unclutching her fingers from his clothing.
"I owe no answers, but instead I am owed a few," he said dryly, walking away to talk with Yukong, but not before freezing her legs to the floor so she'd stay still at least for a few seconds before breaking it.
Tingyun watched the scene unfold, quickly walking out with Mark and Yukong, choosing to give up on the free drinks in favor of peace and distance from Feixiao.
"How did it go, Yukong?" he asked calmly, trying to drown out whatever emotions were close to pouring over thanks to the earlier scene.
"Well, it was close to failing," she said softly, trying to focus on the actual matter at hand. Mark knew that in the game, things didn't go as expected, but he still had to try, hoping that maybe it would be different if the public changed its mind a little. "However, it went through. It was the Marshal who somehow caught wind of the request, since it was you who vouched for Samantha."
Mark damn near slapped himself after hearing that. More and more people were slowly showing interest in him, and it's all the factions he'd want to avoid being indebted to, and rather having them owe him debts. It made sense for everyone to want him joining their cause, since he was an unseen wildcard, and for those with enough information or at least the ability to guess, he was a walking powerhouse capable of storing Stellarons and drawing out their strength.
"I see how it is. So, it's actually happening. I'm glad, then. Thank you, Yukong."
She nodded, smiling softly. Tingyun lingered by their side, and Mark let out a soft sigh as he crossed his arms, watching the two with an eerie sort of comfort and worry for the altered future. Still, he'd manage somehow. He'd face it all if it meant that those happy faces he dreamt of would become a reality.
"Is something wrong?" asked Tingyun, noticing how his gaze was out of it. He shook his head, smiling a little.
"It's fine, I'm just thinking."
"It must be a little shocking to hear that the Marshal herself took an interest in you, right?"
He shook his head, speaking calmly, his words calculated.
"Not at all. It's bound to happen. I somehow joined the fray and ended up against a Lord Ravager, then cleaned up the entire Abundance left around. Of course she'd ask that whatever information related to me appears should be sent her way. Better to try and make me an ally in case I one day get stronger."
He sighed, staring up at the sky. Nighttime had fallen before he could even comprehend it. His mind was a hazy mess filled to the brim, and his head felt like bursting.
"Mark," said Tingyun, her voice soft and worried. "How about we walk back and I show you to some nice accommodation for the night? You're clearly tired."
He nodded, rubbing his tired eyes with a grunt.
"Sure, sounds divine. I just need some sleep," he yawned, covering his mouth.
Just like that, he walked away from the scene, bracing himself for whatever the future might hold.
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