sorcerous Stabber Orphen Rogue Journey - Beast, respond to my call - Chapter 3 - Shrimp Mans Counterattack Chapter 3 - Shrimp Mans Counterattack Face to face, Orphen pulled Cleos arm and patiently explained. Ive already told you, theyre just acquaintances of mine. Thats a lie. Why would such a big shot like him be in this town? Or, did you anger them somehow and theyve come for revenge! Theyre just acquaintances of mine, thats all. Its been a day since the midnight attack Orphen had a talk with the Everlastings about leaving the city. If they stay in their house, those guys especially Childman could strike again, Orphen wasnt sure if he could successfully protect everyone. Therefore, they took his opinion into consideration. So, Orphen, Vulcan, Dortin and Cleo made their way to the Totokanta Branch of Sorcerers, to get some answers. Those acquaintances of yours can use magic! Dragging multiple large leather bags, Orphen pondered on why they were so heavy. However, he didnt seem to notice that Vulcan was sitting on the bags. Orphen nodded. Both of them are formidable opponents. He stood across from a magnificent door, carved into the door was two women facing eachother, offering prayers. This place is a sorcerers organisation. (Note: Damsels' Orisons, Maiden's Prayer) This is the origin of their name. Inscribed on the door was some information. Totokanta Branch of Sorcerers. If this place was in the city, the building would have been mistaken as a fortress. Its grey walls reaching ever upwards. Still looking at the scene in front of him, Cleo took the chance to ask something. Hey, can we go in? I can, but you cant. What, but why not? Because they dont take too kindly to non-magic users. Cleo started to get frustrated. Then why did you bother bringing us out here? I didnt want you to come. Heck, I even told you this information before we left your house. But you insisted to come. Alright, I understand. Cleo grumbled as she let go of Orphens arm. Orphens arm was now free, he then turned in the opposite direction. Vulcan and Dortin had no intention to step into this unknown fortress, though they did seem to be very concerned about it. Orphen asked them to take care of Cleo while he went inside. Ill be back as soon as I can. Orphen opened the door and headed inside the building, stepping on the broad stone steps, he took a deep breath and made up his mind. He knew that they dont take too kindly to non-magic users, but what attitude will they take towards him. Orphen waited in the visitors room for over an hour, and just when his stomach started to growl, they finally brought his out of the small room. They moved him through the long dark corridors, until they finally reached their destination. Or at least thats what Orphen thought, they just brought him to another room. Please wait here a moment. Orphen didnt complain, he simply nodded his head. This room was a little more comfortable than the last, though this room is on the lowest level of the building. Just as Orphen sighed, he entered the room. There was no introduction given for this sorcerer, this place must be the interrogation room and him its keeper, the man only asked for identification. Orphen took out the silver necklace from his chest, a sign of the Tower of Fang. Sitting on a hard bench in the corner of the room, Orphen breathed deeply. The gas lamp on the ceiling was completely unreliable, as it shed very little light. Like the interior of the building, it was dark and there was no windows in most rooms. The floor was covered with dust, and footprints were clearly marked on the ground, Orphens footprints. Even though there was only one pair of footprints, he couldnt tell how many times he walked in them for the entire time he was locked in here. Thirty minutes later, someone came in the room. Krylancelo! An antoshined voice resounded throughout the room. Orphen lifted his face up, he saw a red haired man standing at the door with a lively expression. Hartia. Orphen said with no emotion. The red-haired man didnt seem to mind, he quickly entered the room. I saw the name Orphen on the visitors list, isnt Krylancelo good enough for you. Though Im more interested in why you came to a place like this. I noticed. Orphen stood up from the bench, and gently shook Hartias stretched out hand. Hartia had a strong grip, meanwhile Orphen closely watched his reaction. You havent changed a bit. Both of them stared at each others faces, and then both of them started to smile. But then Hartias smile quickly disappeared. Youve changed a lot. Hartia softly whispered. However, Hartias expression soon turned serious as he redacted his hand. So, how are you getting along? Im just surviving, literally. Orphen sarcastically replied, Hartia really didnt know how to reply. So, I guess youre happy with the path youve taken? Yeah, nothing beats the welfare system. Besides, since Ive left the Tower of Fang my life has actually become quite prosperous. Oh, I didnt know that. I just thought you got by doing odd jobs. Hartia had a smirk on his face, with his freckles in full view. Though, since you left the Tower of Fang it seems the place has lost its motivation. Maybe the rift between you two has done more damage than first thought. Maybe A moment of silence passed between them. Shouldnt you be going home to the Tower? No Ive got business here. Orphen stared coldly at Hartia. In fact, Im looking for someone. Who are you looking for? My former Teacher, Childman. Teacher? Hartia wore an unexpected expression, Orphen then explained that he was now a bodyguard at the Everlasting household, and that last night Childman attacked the residence. Teacher? You must be mistaken. He would never do such an act Yes, its true. And I think Childman is somewhere inside this branch. If thats the case, then I havent seen him. This place is very large after all. You better not be hiding him. Krylancelo! Hartias eyes suddenly lit up. Im sorry about Azalie, but take what you are saying more seriously Hartia Orphen opened his mouth he considered talking in a cold voice just like Childman. Harita. I didn't mention Azalie. You knew it was coming. I thought you were my friend. I thought so too. Orphen finished, Hartia then snorted. You clearly dont believe me. How can I believe you when I know for a fact that you are lying, dont take me for a fool. Im sorry, Ive got to go. I have work to attend to. Hartia turned to leave the room. However, Orphen grabbed him by the shoulder. ......What do you want, Krylancelo? Hartia didnt look back as he asked. Orphen said quietly. My name is Orphen. The Krylancelo you knew is gone! Youve always been stubborn, if you continue like this youll lose more friends, Krylancelo. Hartia finished, then walked out of the room. Orphen stood in the center of the room for a while, looking at time passing on the clock. As he watches it pass, until the pointer directly points at one in the afternoon. *** Hey, you two! She stirred her glass of orange juice with a straw, Cleo complained that it was running low. The time was fifteen minutes to two oclock. After Orphen left, Cleo found a juice shop, where she and the two dwarfs have been waiting for two hours. Cleo kept herself entertained with an old book and the juice, which was running low. Though when she asked for a refill Vulcan sneakily started diluting her drink instead of buying another one, much to the dismay of the bar staff. The bar was located across from the Totokanta Branch of Sorcerers. Just what is keeping Orphen? That sorcerer has no concept of time. Vulcan replied as he chewed ice with his strong jaws. Meanwhile, Cleo frustratingly flipped through the pages. Cleo seemed worried about black sorcerer. Do you think he could have got into some trouble? Vulcan nodded. Its not impossible. A lot of people really despise that guy. "Is that right?" Cleo said, as Vulcans arrogant tone continued. Yeah, he used to do a lot of pickpocketing, and even sometimes got beat up by the vegetable shop owner. However, this was more of a ghost of Vulcans past, he just didnt want to say it. Ive also heard him talking about evil monsters, and I saw him slitting a chickens throat once. Really? Yeah, he is a cruel man. Reminiscing about home, Vulcan couldnt help but feel homesick. However, he wasnt the sentimental type. I dont mean to bad mouth him, but having such a man under your employ with only harm your families reputation. Do you want me to fire Orphen? Yes. Vulcan said as he nodded. If you need proof, just look at the bottom of the bed that he used. There should be a large quantity of feathers. Vulcan hoped that his little scheme would pay off, but Cleo wasnt reacting the way he had hoped. Oh She mumbled. Im going to the bathroom. She left her seat and went into the cafe. Meanwhile, Dortin asked Vulcan a question. Brother, where did you get all those feathers? I tore up one of the Everlastings pillows. Vulcan replied, as he proudly beat his chest. You didnt have to rip open a fillow just to get feathers. CRASH! A big glass table that was sitting beside the brothers was suddenly hit by a big piece of stone, both of them screamed and started hugging each other. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Laughter echoed throughout the street. Its shrimp man! Table glass and debris flew around the place, juice splashed into peoples faces. The front desk unexpectedly collapsed, the entire store fell into a state of panic. Even pedestrians across the street fled in terror, all except a single employee who stood motionless holding a tray. At this point Cleo rushed out of the store. Whats going on? Thinking to herself, she cursed herself for not washing her hands. Neverless, the girl ran like lightning. Its that guy from last time! I wouldnt know that, I never saw him. Cleo then tried to pull Vulcans sword out of his scabbard. Wait a moment, Miss. She just ignored his protest and yanked it from him. Cleo then ran over to the motionless employee and took his tray, using it as a shield. ...as you wish. The man dressed in black emerged from the shadows, ready to challenge Cleo. Bring it on! Cleo screamed as she charged her opponent, but the Black Tiger quickly slipped out of view. Where did he go? Look out! Today was different, this time he had no bull, but nevertheless he was menacing. Though the manager of the store wasnt afraid of him, he was only afraid of paying for all the damage. Hey, Miss. That sword is mine Vulcan tried to grab the sword from Cleo, but she just gave him a good whack in the head. He seemed to be knocked out. Come near me and Ill beat you too, Shrimp man! Enough of this foolishness. Where is the black sorcerer?! Hes not here. Then where is he? Who knows! Vulcan interjected, waking up from his unconsciousness. No one is born bad! You must have experienced a bad upbringing, even a weirdo such as yourself should know this. Nevertheless, I Volcano Vulcan will defeat you! You dont even have a weapon, how can you defeat me?! Cleo watched the two shout at each other. Enough of your nonsense, where is the black sorcerer? Dont treat me like an idiot, you shrimp man! Ive had enough of you! His bull came out of nowhere and the Black Tiger jumped onto it. At the same time he started chanting, then a pillar of fire appeared beside him. Vulcan screamed in terror as the bull started yelling and shouting a mist of smoke out of its nostrils. The bull glared at Vulcan, quaking in his boots he then hid behind Cleo. Cleo slowly took steps toward the Black Tiger, he hands tightly gripping her sword in a fighting pose. Youve got guts, you want to challenge me? The Black Tiger equipped his sickle. Even if Cleo had received sword training, it wouldnt save her. Swoosh The Black Tiger swung his sickle but Cleo was slightly out of reach, so he fell from his mount. Cleo had to think fast, her opponent was obviously more skilled, but she was faster. Immediately he sprung from the ground and went right for her, but she dodged his second attack. The two brothers just watched from the sidelines. This girl is amazing! Yeah, but shes not mature enough. (She was still stronger than them two.) Even though both of them are physically different, only one of them was lacking actual combat experience. A minute into the battle, Cleos face was pale while her opponent had a steadfast resolve. This was mostly due to Cleo not being used to this kind of thing, though she was looking more petite than usual. Looking closer, the Black Tiger could tell that her shoulders were trembling. She couldn't go on the offensive, leaving the next move up to the Black Tiger. Sword of Light, whom I do release! Suddenly a wave of light and heat exploded between Cleo and the Black Tiger, it was so big that it even affected the nearby juice shop. Both of them could barely see, but Cleo could see that Vulcan was using Dortin as a human shield to protect himself from the blast. Brother, let me go! Dont worry, well die together. Just then, Orphen suddenly busted through a broken window. He then pulled Vulcan to his feet and asked him a question. But he couldnt really hear him since his ears were still ringing from the explosion. Whats going on? He then saw Cleo on her feet with a sword, who yelled for his attention. Get over here! Orphen rushed over to her aid. Youve done a good job so far, though I didnt know you could use a sword. I took some classes. Im actually pretty good. Cleo said, as she stuck her chest out, obviously proud of her accomplishment. Ive been waiting for you to appear. How was I supposed to know youd be at a juice shop. They were like two lovers bickering. Nevermind, lets kick this guys ass. The Black sorcerer said as he picked an item that the Black Tiger must have dropped when he fell from his bull. It was a silver pendant a dragon wrapped around a sword. The emblem of the Tower of Fang.