Chapter 4: Wolf trap
#6 of Chronicle of Lunrba family: Wonderful nights
"This is Jbys... boring as always."
"Cheer up my little child, not like Mr. Thomas allows field trip that much."
"It's easy for you dad, I can't trust any of those students to be delicate with my garden."
The third ranked genius - the Poet and the fourth ranked genius - the Gardener arrived Jbys, they are also the first to have this familial relationship in the organization. People said the current president of Jbys is the one to have the same power as the young master of Lunrba family but the poet can see this is nothing but smoke and mirror. The young master of Lunrba family is not just some simple dreamer and this dream is even weaker than just a whiff from Poet's pipe.
"Who is that my child?"
"Not a Jbys and that is all I can say."
The man before them wore a brown hooded-robe with a white cane in his hand, his hair covered half of his face. The man is a foreign but he isn't just some clueless foreign, the way he cuts those chased after him even when that is a bunch of gangsters or enforcers, he always disappears before they can reach him. Whenever he is attacked, the tip of his staff turned into something that look similar to a pair of antlers with very sharp tip and pierced through every type of cloth or mail or reinforced battle armor of Jbys enforcer.
People said he was adopted, some said he lived on the street of the dreamland but to the mysterious man, he is searching for something and he is not letting anything get in his way. Even when the Gardener and the Poet approach him, he just tells them to leave him alone, but for some reason the mysterious man left them a name the name that they never heard before, the boy named Eryvir.
"Well, I think we need to say goodbye here, I have something that need to be done in the Great Plain. It is just a new assignment from Thomas."
"Okay, but remember to make that delicious roast from last time."
"Rain is really cold huh? And here I thought it never rains in the dreamland."
Eryvir opens his new tablet and goes through the list of location, he knows Begulf's bow is in this nation, his little scouts also found nothing. This dreamland to Erivyr is nothing but smoke and mirror, even with just the branch, Erivyr can break it easily through this dream but that will cause a lot of trouble and anything Lunbiv hate, that is trouble, trouble that cost too much to covered up even with money from the auction.
Eryvir made a lot of enemies on the street and enforcer alike but now, he is not Lunbiv, he is Eryvir, as long as the damage isn't overwhelming, he will continue to push that limit. Thug on the street or enforcer is no problem for him, even when his weapon is the letter opener or the stag staff, he will defeat and even kill them if they stand in his way. It is easier for Eryvir to just use the letter opener and the white thorns but the staff will serve as a way to remind them of their tragic fate, a lesson to never goes against the lord of the forest or Eryvir - the white wood druid.
"My little rabbits, will you bring me good news?"
"We searched every corner, we doubt it is not in this reality."
"Hmm, very good, you may return to the forest now, I know where to find that dammed bow. Foolish puppies, you shouldn't steal from the Lunrba. And now, there is no running from the forest, wolves should be under the moon sadly, the moon is sadistic."
A cold shadow can be anything in his mind, a cold shadow is the pair of antlers that pierce through everything leaving holes for a breeze to go through, cold shadows can be his rabbits scout wandering along the street of the dreamland. And this is how he smiles, how the cold shadow grinning in the night with his target right in front of his eye, place it in front of their eyes and no one will know. The most dangerous spot can be the best hiding place but sadly for the prime minister of Jbys, the first thing Erivyr taught himself is the cunning of every creature and in this game, it ends with more than just a checkmate.
The enforcers can chase after him but they can't even touch him, every step is a light puddle formed a spike that pierced through the dream. Erivyr doesn't need to get the bow because he knows there is something much more precious than the bow, Jbys's power source to sustain their dream and its true power, Blanc or in the other titles - Blanc, the dreamer.
"That's all for my report."
"So Blanc is their treasure... Well, I think I don't need to tell you what to do next, right?"
"I know where to find them and I think those puppies also know something."
"And remember Erivyr, we are not going to destroy their dream, Blanc is father's lover right now so I suggest you to protect them and convince them to return to the house."
"Another one of your tricks to gain advantage in negotiation but I'm fine with that."
To forsaken sins and rebirth is not his only power, Erivyr is granted one last gift from the observer himself, to open a pathway toward the Sea and the Tower and to go to anywhere he desired on Earth. The dream is a prison, a type of hellish heaven where every wolf can't do anything but to live in a giant cage, and for once, Erivyr can truly see the dreamland of Jbys, it is not important even when people are looking up the sky as their free will left their body. And Erivyr even doubt that conclusion, it is not just their free will but it is their sense of self left them, the wolves are nothing more than puppets, that man, he is trying to turn his country into hostages for this negotiation.
The beautiful memories slowly engrave into people's mind, turned them into mindless walking puppets but he knows he is Erivyr and he is not Lunbiv, these people don't have any meaning to him. They are born in a cage and nothing he can do to save them, the heaven they deserved is their own story, but to Erivyr, every place is just another door leads to the Sea.
"So, how do you see heaven?"
"A type of hell and that is everything I can say. And I wanted to leave here, I have enough fun with this new power, I want to go to another worlds."
"So, nothing for your beloved one?"
"He should be fine on his own, nearly five thousand years and now he can walk on his own."
"And you see, maybe people think he is controlling you but I think it is the other way around, without you, there will be a chance for his true nature."
But before the leader of the Geniuses can finish his word, the druid vanished from the sea, maybe he will go into of the doors or maybe one of the sands. But that is not something Gold need to worry about, Gold maybe the ruler of the sea but he can't intervene anything on Earth, he knows his friends won't make a wrong mistake and make the most powerful pillar angry. But as a leader, Gold can't stop worry about them, because through a few conversations, he knows there is a chance he could fail when he faces against Lunbiv Lunrba.
"What a scary child."
"It was not bad for a practice, I feel like I am getting rusty."
"You're still very skilled."
Lunbiv still remember the day he was one of the best duelists but during the battle against Zhulong, he can't dominate the dragon, but maybe he is doing something wrong. Maybe <<Love Object>> isn't a sword with that fighting style, the sword is the symbol of his love and Sotho, maybe Lunbiv needs a new style. Retaliate isn't his favorite style but it is not something Lunbiv can't get used to. Life is peaceful and nothing is wrong with that, practice with Sotho, tend to the garden, fulfill some contracts and after that is the meal.
"I prepared our lunch, and you too, Orc prince, how about joining us."
This is the first time in so many years Sotho remember they have a feast like this one, the ingredients are extinct from the current era and most of them are from the storage of the family. The storage is created by one of the most famous scientists in the last era as a special gift for Lunrba family but only the Lunrba family and the scientist himself know the truth. The storage is the price of a contract, such price is fitting for the contract to bring someone back from the sea, everyone taught with the importance of family and that is how Lunbiv used his contract, to exploit every weakness. And to prevent people exploit his weakness, Lunbiv simply asked to Observer for a favor, to eliminate his only weakness, to make this toy box his perfect wish.
"What are you thinking, dear?"
"Some memories and some old contracts, this time, I think I will stay at home and let them come. Oh, sorry dear, it is just some strange thought, do you want more soup?"
Lunch is almost quiet after a few conversations, it is a peaceful day for them and this is what Lunbiv found strange, for the first time in his life, there is no assassin or people rioting. It is just a quiet meal in a quiet day, and it is not just a normal quiet day but a perfect day for napping, on the table is two glasses of wine and on the couch are two sleep mythical creatures. Staying almost half-naked in their living room, but this is their house so there is no one here to stop them from such act. Lunbiv always like to sleep like this, he can hear the strong heartbeats from those he loves, those heartbeat is nothing different from a lullaby.
Even when there are only two on the couch and not all four are here, the house is still the same and Lunbiv still feel the love for him but without his grandpa and his dad, everything is so strange. And not to mention the deal with Gold, the fall of the wolves for his grandpa, and that is the last part of the deal between them, the tiger for his fathers and the wolves for his grandpa.
"Father, I expect your return, how is the world tour?"
"In the end, nothing changed."
"Something we're both agree."
"So that boy left, I don't think I can still see you as that one filled with kindness."
"I still have kindness but it is limited. I believe Blanc is with you."
"What are you going to do with him?"
"Why do you ask me that question my dear father, you know me so well that family will never be the price of any contract. Sotho even prepared a seal for Blanc, and my plan... well, this time I am not going to ask for a miracle from the observer, I am going to crush those invaders and destroy the pitiful world that they called home."
Begulf even felt the chill down his spine when he looks at his son, the leer that cut through everything in his sight, Lunbiv doesn't want to ward off those invaders. He doesn't want something that simple, this time, he is going to obliterate them as a punishment for their action in the past, even until this moment, Begulf can't understand his own child and how far he is willing to go for this simple act. But he knows one fact, this time, Lunbiv will spread his influence even further than last time, it was never about the justice like Qxerln or the thrill like Begulf. What Lunbiv is going to do this time is the most basic definition of a slaughter in the name of vengeance.
"I am going to give this world one last gift because this is also my purpose, after the dust settled, I am going to live in my own world. Maybe I am going to live in Orc king's kingdom, become a myth myself."
"That mean..."
"Yes, I will let you and grandfather Qxerln to do anything you want, live the life you deserve, I tormented your life long enough."
The zenith of fulfillment for both Lunbiv and Begulf, even when they are still family and there is no need for another meaningless crusade.
"How delightful, our reunion is finally here."
"It warms my heart to see you again, Tomoe, we are getting closer to the end of our plan."
"I take it received help from the people in this world?"
Tomoe, the part of the duet along with Higeki, both of them are number six, the Duet, the musician and the dancer of the sea, even among every Geniuses, they are considered as the strongest on the battlefield. The duet has many titles and honored as heroes in their world before they join the Geniuses, and even now, with their experience, they can't be defeat in any war even when they are mental or physical. The duo even goes as far as a war against their fate and they emerge victorious, and the Geniuses know the moment Tomoe manifested the physical form, that is the sign for their plan to begin.
"I guess then it's time to wake him up. I believe I need the help from both of you, my Duet."
The Geniuses know their enemies will rise again and now, they are on a mission, and the mission is very simple, they need to cut down everything that has the potential to reinforce their enemies. During their first war, the Purifier created a weapon, something so powerful that it needs to be guarded by the strongest members of the organization. The weapon of the Geniuses is very simple but powerful is not the right words to said about it, the Geniuses have a very special way to fight, in a real battle, they create advantages for the Duet and the weapon of the Geniuses is a tool for that purpose.
"There it is, my apologize but the threat this time require both of your presence."
"We can't attack the Dreamland, attack from outside is also very dangerous and from inside is impossible."
"Well, we got a perfect bait right, I am the one they are looking for. They have no choice but to reveal themselves. But what is your plan, Lunbiv?"
"My plan... my plan is very simple my dear brother, I am going to play the minister like a puppet and you are going to be the one who has the power of the wolf pillar. The minister will be there to run everything but he will be nothing more than a husk and you my dear, you will be the emperor."
The Jbys is nothing more than puppets in the hand of the minister, the faith from people he created is nothing more than his own scene. But what makes Lunbiv worried is the fact that the minister has Begulf's bow, and that is nothing something useless like the compass. The bow doesn't require he costs to use, it is one of rare artifacts like Qxerln's sword, both artifacts break the basic law of thaumaturgy and that is something Lunbiv worry.
The only way to fight against the bow is a much stronger domain than the domain of the night, Blanc has his own domain that expand his authority on one of the most powerful elements. Blanc is the only one who can defeat the minister but that should be the most fitting way to end this story. And Blanc Lunrba doesn't sound that bad, but Lunbiv knows very well he needs to let his father go with Blanc but it is fine because Lunbiv knows what he truly needs, the house may not be the same but why not go for a change.
"Now let me tell you little puppy, you better tuck your tail between your legs and run back to your owner, and you will repeat exactly what I am going to say or else."
Lunbiv knows the prime minister is very cunning but what stop him from trying, provoke one of the most powerful men, the feeling is almost exciting to Lunbiv. The evil grin his face like the day he battled every emotion and now it is a pillar, a true battle against a pillar, even when Blanc will be the one who does most of the work, this feeling is the same as the day he declared every emotion is the cause of their suffering and started a crusade against them. It has been too long but Lunbiv will never forget that day, from a simple information gathering associate, they are the first to stand against deities.
"He has the chronomancer, what are we going to do minister?"
"We have what he wants, there is no need to act, we have our fortress and we won't need to fight against them. Not to mention I have a lot of trump cards, there is no need to worry about that house."
The minister is confident, he doesn't need to worry about anything because everything is going according to the plan. What he doesn't expect is the druid attacked his mansion but everything is alright, the minister always think he has everything in his hand but he isn't wrong, he just doesn't know about the Geniuses or the fact he has one of them in his dreamland, a person who can resist his manipulation like how the Druid was.
The Poet is different from Erivyr, standing inside the dreamland for a very long time but he doesn't stop at avoid its influence but the smoke from his pipe changes it to anything he desires. The Poet with his smoking pipe and an almost tired expression, but that is how he always is, always tired and the smoke always float around him like cloud. He never likes the idea of travelling to some strange of some delusional ruler but this is a request from the Purifier and he is the only capable of enter a hazardous environment like this one.
"This dream is bothersome, I can just snap their neck and leave this place if I wanted to... What to do what to do... Little puppy, do you have anything to speak? Or do I need to slit your throat to make you speak? Where is the other clock?"
The Poet or his original name - Lavern knows everything about the Dreamland and their secret, there are two wolves maintaining the dreamland with of them is currently in the hand of Lunrba family, with two wolves disappear, the barrier will shatter. Even when Erivyr is asking of high-ranking officer, the puppy before him has no clue, Lavern even thinks he is one of those mindless drones, and this is the moment Lavern knows he need a much more extreme method.
"I am going to end you, Mr. Minister for wasting my time. I should be with my child and not with you. But don't blame me for your dead. Your mind is not even here to begin with."
White smoke around Lavern condensed into a white blade and nothing but a crimson splash on the wall of the alley, the Poet is angry because he left his child at the base and going around, wasting his time in this so-called dreamland. He doesn't need any help but the frustration on his face reflects the fact that he just wants to turn this place into an empty plot of land. More guards approach but he doesn't need to anything, the smoke blades formed and cut through the guards but once again, the microbots from their combat suit appear and fix them like they are nothing but puppets.
"This will be a long day."