★27
Ban reappeared in Ingrassia, the familiar streets greeting him as he strolled with calm purpose. As he walked, a message reached him:
<
<
He replied promptly, his tone steady and measured.
Glancing around, he noted the Mist still lingered in the city.
"The Mist is still active, but no signs of disturbance. I'll head to Yuuki."
He murmured to himself, mentally planning his next steps.
Ban continued toward the Freedom Association, his footsteps echoing softly along the corridor. The quiet was suddenly broken by a familiar voice from behind:
"Ban? I knew it was you."
He turned slowly, every instinct alert, and immediately recognized the familiar face approaching him, someone whose presence brought a mix of caution and recognition. The brief moment hung heavy in the corridor, signaling that this encounter could hold importance.
"Sakura?"
"Short time no see."
"Yh...you're alone."
"Yeah, after that cave stuff, Gran went his way and Eliot's parents took him to the main city. He won't be coming back anytime soon, he said."
"Oh that..."
"Lonely? Yh. Where have you been?"
"Where I came from."
"Doesn't it have a name?"
"It does."
"Oh, sorry about what Gran said that day he was freaked out that's all."
She bowed.
"No problem. I don't care what's going on with him. Excuse me, I'd like to go meet Yuuki."
Ban said, turning to leave.
"Oh, didn't the quest manager inform you?" The voice called after him.
"I didn't talk to anyone. What's up?"
He asked, pausing briefly.
"Yuuki-sama was summoned to the main city two days ago. He hasn't returned yet."
"You know when he's coming back?"
Ban pressed, his curiosity piqued.
"No, but come, let's ask the quest manager. I'm sure she can tell us something."
She replied, leading the way. Ban followed silently, his pace steady as they descended the stairs.
Once at the counter, she addressed the quest manager.
"He'll be there for about a month or so. Is there anything I can help you with?"
The quest manager answered, her tone polite but detached, as Ban absorbed the information, adjusting his plans accordingly.
"No thanks."
Ban turned to leave, and she followed him silently for a moment. Breaking the quiet, he decided to start a conversation.
"Did Simon and his friends bully you again while you were alone?"
He asked, his tone calm but concerned.
"No… ever since that day, none of them talked to me."
She replied, her voice quiet but steady.
"That's good. Are you okay?"
Ban continued, his gaze softening slightly.
"Yeah, thank you."
She said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Ban glanced at her, weighing his next words carefully.
"I'd like to help, but you've got to trust me and keep your mouth shut about it, okay?"
She nodded cautiously, sensing the sincerity in his voice. Not wanting to leave empty-handed, Ban decided to take a chance and push a little further, hoping she'd allow him to act.
"I will always trust you Ban..."
"Good. Let's go somewhere private."
The two walked to a place they both considered 'private'.
"So what's it Ban?"
"If I tell you this you'll have to follow me?"
"I made up my mind then, but you refused."
"Ok. So you still have that in mind?"
"Yes."
"Good. What I'll say may sound unrealistic but you'll just have to believe me."
"....ok."
"I'm a clone of an otherworlder."
The words landed heavily between them. She froze mid-step, eyes widening as confusion and disbelief crossed her face.
"W‑what? A clone? An otherworlder?"
She repeated, turning fully toward him.
"Yes."
Ban answered calmly.
"But not your usual kind of otherworlder. The original didn't come here by accident. It came here on purpose."
Her brows knit together immediately.
"It? On purpose? That's not possible. People only arrive in this world through summoning or reincarnation. That's common knowledge."
"That's what everyone knows. But our kind doesn't follow the same rules. For starters, we aren't bound by gender. 'It' fits better than 'he' or 'she.'"
Ban said, unfazed.
She stared at him for a long moment, slowly piecing things together.
"So that's why you're so strong… Now I understand why you said no one else could compare to you."
Ban shook his head slightly.
"That's not quite right. Technically, there are those who can. My creator, for example, it was evenly matched with Guy."
Her breath caught in her throat.
"G… Guy?"
She stammered.
"As in Demon Lord Guy Crimson?"
"Yeah."
Ban replied plainly.
"He's famous, so the reaction's expected. But that's the truth."
The weight of his words settled in, leaving her visibly shaken. This wasn't boasting, his tone carried no pride, only certainty.
After a brief silence, Ban looked at her again, his expression steady but sincere.
"So, will you come with me?"
He said, extending the question at last.
"To where?"
"Let's go visit my master."
"S... seriously?"
"That's the least I can do. Are you ready?"
"O....yh."
Ban's teleportation skill was flawless, transporting them across vast distances in a heartbeat. The instant they materialized on Star Island, Sakura's eyes widened, her jaw slightly agape. She stumbled back a step, overwhelmed by the sheer scale and beauty surrounding her.
Lush landscapes stretched endlessly, the architecture gleaming with a surreal elegance that defied conventional design, and magical energies shimmered subtly in the air.
Her disbelief was palpable.
"I've… I've never seen anything like this before. Is this even in this world?"
She whispered, her voice trembling with awe.
Ban, observing her reaction.
"Everyone has that expression when they first arrive here; I'm not sure why."
He said, his tone calm yet tinged with amusement.
Sakura's gaze swept across the island, floating gardens, sparkling waterfalls, and radiant structures that seemed to resonate with magical energy. It wasn't just beautiful; it felt alive, almost sentient, as if the entire island itself was aware of her presence.
Her disbelief deepened.
"It… it can't be real. How is this even possible?"
Ban simply watched her, knowing that no explanation could immediately convey the scale and majesty of Star Island. The magic, the energy, and the authority of the place demanded to be felt, not described. And for newcomers like Sakura, the sensation of being completely outmatched by beauty and power was inevitable.
"Of course, it's between the Frozen Continent and the Kingdom of Ingrassia."
"...that's far"
"Let's go. Try not to be stunned by the beauty of the palace."
"I... I'll try."
The two made their way through the bustling palace grounds, passing clusters of elves and a few monsters peacefully coexisting in Star Island's unique harmony.
Training sounds reached their ears as they passed Eto and Atlas, who were actively instructing a group of young recruits, their movements precise, yet infused with a controlled ferocity.
Ban took a moment to explain the setup: the various Stars who governed the island, his fellow clones, and the roles each played in maintaining order.
As they reached the second floor, Ban guided them through corridors adorned with intricate carvings and subtle magical enhancements, each room reflecting the refinement and power of those who resided there.
When the tour ended, he stopped in front of a large door, a grand staircase behind it leading down to the first floor.
Sakura's eyes widened.
"W… what's wrong?" she asked, sensing a shift in atmosphere.
"Are you ready?"
Ban asked, his tone calm but heavy with anticipation.
"Y… yeah."
She stammered, heart racing.
Ban opened the door, and they descended. The staircase walls and ceiling transformed before their eyes, shifting from warm gold to a translucent, crystalline structure that seemed to pulse with ethereal energy.
Light refracted through the walls, casting subtle rainbows across their path. At the bottom, the vast hall stretched out, its expanse echoing with their footsteps. The floor shimmered faintly, reflecting the soft glow of the crystal.
Sakura halted mid-step, utterly captivated. The elegance and sheer scale of the first floor far surpassed anything she had witnessed on Star Island.
"I… it's better than all of them…"
She breathed, her voice trembling with awe.
Ban gently placed a finger on her lips.
"Shh."
He murmured, signaling for silence.
The hall was eerily empty, the throne at the far end gleaming with a subtle aura of authority.
Suddenly, the air above the throne shimmered, and a figure appeared, materializing alongside Shinn, who stood poised beside the throne.
Seeing this, Ban immediately went to one knee, lowering his gaze to the floor in respect.
"You're back early, Ban."
The figure said calmly, the voice echoing across the crystalline hall, carrying both authority and familiarity.
"...yah my Lord."
<
Ban dragged Sakura's clothes prompting her to do the same.
"I....I beg ..your pardon."
"Seriously, Ban? Not just you but everyone here doesn't listen."
"Master, this is Sakura."
"I know that already."
"I... It's an honour to meet you, your highness."
"...so you decided to follow Ban?"
"Yeah."
"You're welcome then."
"..thank you"
"I have one more thing, Master. I'd like her to stay in my room."
"Eh"
Sakura was surprised upon hearing that, her gears spinning triggering human thoughts of sharing the same room as Ban.
"Do as you please, Ban."
Shinn replied.
"I wasn't talking to you, Shinn."
"Everyone takes commands from Shinn. You're no exception."
"Forgive me."
"You were tasked with helping those in need, not being your girlfriend."
Shinn added and Ban glared up at him. Asteri cleared his throat and Shinn took a different route.
"You can go unless you have anything else?"
Shinn said, Ban was irritated but there was nothing he could do.
"No...excuse us"
The two got up and left.
"Bringing her here is pointless. I don't know what he's thinking."
"I know. Just let him have his way, Shinn."
"As you wish."
"Let's go."
Shinn nodded, and they both vanished.
Ban took her to the second floor and showed her the spaces.
"What about you? Where will you be staying?"
"I'm not a human so I don't need all that."
"..."
"Coming here won't mean your adventuring days are over. You can go but just know that I'll be coming with you."
"Yeah, that's what I want."
"Good. You once said you wanted to be strong like me. You can't, but I'll help you out."
"S... sure, thanks."
"You need to change and do other things... I'll be in the living room."
"Ok."
He left her alone in the room and went out.
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To be continued...