Curse my bad luck. Even with the expansion of detection, I still ran into several bounty hunters in the snowfield.
"Get him!" [???]
They chased me through knee deep snow, making it difficult for both of us to run.
("|Enchant Flame|!") [Solace]
Wrapping my legs with fire made the snow melt in my path, allowing me to run faster.
("How do they keep finding me?!") [Solace]
"Response: High probability of hostile encounter due to large clusters entering the snowfield." [Spirit Guide]
So turns out the first sighting of me got everyone coming here.
("At least they're not that strong.") [Solace]
They were mostly level eighties, maybe a little over a hundred at most. For some reason my stats scale higher per level, so they weren't much of a threat.
("Their skills are pretty similar too.") [Solace]
I didn't have to spend time memorizing their attack patterns or be wary of unique skills either. They all had nearly the exact same skills, the only differing factor being their proficiency at it.
("There must be some kind of systematic training these bounty hunters go through.") [Solace]
Maybe they have a Bounty Hunter's Guild, much like the Adventurer's Guild? Now that I think about it, I wonder how the people there are doing?
("If that's the case, the bounty hunters are probably just the start. I'm likely to run into a knight order near the city.") [Solace]
Since they know I'm at this snowfield, chances are the knights have reinforced the entrance to the city on this side. I'll have to either go around or climb over the wall at night.
("This is such a pain in the ass.") [Solace]
Thanks to |Flame Enchant|, I was able to get away from any bounty hunters that spotted me. I mean, the light the fire gave off was also one of the reasons they could see me. However, they just couldn't catch up.
("Ah, there's the line.") [Solace]
There was a long line of travelers heading in and out of the city, a good cover for me. On the other hand, it was heavily guarded all around. There was at least a squad by the gates, and several more along the city's walls.
("They really don't want me in.") [Solace]
It was common for people to camp outside cities due to long lines making it take more than a day to enter, so I joined them. In my own little spot, I waited until night. The only problem with this was hoping I don't get recognized in plain sight. I did change my clothes to rags to make myself look like a peasant, but I was still worried. Thankfully, the people kept to themselves so I had no problem waiting until night.
("People are surprisingly still active.") [Solace]
Usually there would be night rotations where some would sleep and others would watch, but it appeared most were awake and few were asleep.
("Well, they're just random people. What matters are the guards.") [Solace]
It was already past closing time so the city gate was obviously shut tight. Even so, there was another squad of knights guarding it. I wasn't planning on going through the front anyway, so I directed my attention upwards.
("Still a lot of knights.") [Solace]
It looked like a joint effort of several knight orders moving. They REALLY didn't want me in.
("How many knights are up there?") [Solace]
I stopped counting at fourteen. I still planned on going past the wall, the problem was how.
("...Wait a minute.") [Solace]
Am I stupid? I literally have the |Mimic| skill. Why haven't I just tried using a different face?
I made a water mirror and used |Mimic| to change my face a little. It was difficult to make something up so I ended up using Belrick's facial structure. Though a bit disrespectful, using a dead man's identity is easier than using a living one's.
("Hm. Not bad. I think I'll just go through the front gate then.") [Solace]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
After waiting until day, then waiting in line, I eventually made it to the city gate.
"Identification?" [Guard]
Time to make shit up.
"I lost mine." [Solace]
The guard raised a brow.
"You lost it?" [Guard]
"I was robbed by bandits on the way here as you can see." [Solace]
I raised my hands to show that I'm not carrying any baggage. Good thing I have everything stored in my |Item Box|.
"...I see. That's very horrible. Do you have any family here? We can get you in touch for help." [Guard]
"...I'd rather they don't see me in this embarrassing state. I still have savings in a local bank so I'll meet them when I've made myself more… presentable." [Solace]
"Not a bad idea. I hate to ask though, do you have enough to pay for entry? You don't have any identification so it'll be 14 mel." [Guard]
I reached into my shoe pretending I had some money stashed there and pulled out what I needed from |Item Box|.
"Thankfully the bandits didn't check my emergency spot." [Solace]
"Smart." [Guard]
As I handed him the money, the guard shook my hand.
"Be careful inside. I've heard that Alt the Cruel Sinner is coming this way. Be sure you're not unlucky enough to encounter him too." [Guard]
"Y-Yeah… I hope he doesn't get past the city walls." [Solace]
"Hopefully. With three knight orders and the city guard here, chances are he'd get scared off." [Guard]
"Uh… yeah." [Solace]
With a pat on my back, the guard pushed me into the city.
"Carry on then. Stay safe." [Guard]
After that awkward interaction, I found the nearest empty alleyway and dressed myself.
("Next up on the list. Do I meet Master or find Fina?") [Solace]
Pondering it over, I figured meeting Master would be a better idea. He usually knows current events.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
It was surprisingly nerve wracking walking through the city considering there were countless patrols coming by. There was probably word that I've entered the city, it's just that my face was no longer the same.
("How do I get into the school though?") [Solace]
I'm pretty sure it was kind of like a gated community for nobles.
("What if I just…?") [Solace]
Using |Mimic|, I copied Master's face and waltzed right through the front gate.
("That worked?!") [Solace]
Once I made my way near the entrance to Master's class, I switched back to Belrick's face. I paused at the usual brick wall and glanced around to check if anyone was watching before breaking it down.
"|Blazing Fist|!" [Solace]
Shattering the brick wall, I quickly entered before it regenerated. Moving forward, I found Master sitting at his usual table postured like he was expecting me.
"Welcome back, my dear disciple." [Vincent]
My eyes met his, and I witnessed it… I could see invisible strings attached to his limbs and a large amount of mana infused into his body. I knew Master's real body was somewhere else, but I didn't expect so much power was used in maintaining this puppet.
"How did you recognize me?" [Solace]
"I use something similar to you." [Vincent]
"What?" [Solace]
Master pointed at his eyes.
"You inherited the First Hero's ability. It's not the first time I've seen it." [Vincent]
If he's saying that, then that means…
"You've also inherited the First Hero's ability?" [Solace]
Master shook his head.
"I was born with something else. The first time I met the one who also had the First Hero's ability, I mimicked it. After a while I managed to completely copy it before altering it to my liking." [Vincent]
…What a ridiculous feat. I had to use the |Spirit Guide| to get it.
"That still doesn't answer my question." [Solace]
"I'll be direct then. I don't recognize people based on appearances. At some point, you won't as well. The reason being, this ability allows us to see a person's soul." [Vincent]
"You… can see a person's soul?" [Solace]
"Yes. It will allow you to see a person's emotions, whether or not they are lying, and even their personality traits. Ultimately, you are seeing their very essence." [Vincent]
That sounds awesome. When do I unlock that?
"Enough of the trivialities. You've come for Fina have you not?" [Vincent]
"...Sharp as usual." [Solace]
"It doesn't take a genius to realize that. You move for Fina and Fina alone. Plus, she's quite the topic here." [Vincent]
"You must mean the trial." [Solace]
"Yes, the trial by combat." [Vincent]
"...Wait, trial by combat?" [Solace]
Vincent scratched his chin.
"Indeed… I don't exactly know why they chose it, because they're also considering giving her a formal trial as well." [Vincent]
"Master, wait. I'm lost. Can you explain what's happening to Fina? In detail, please." [Solace]
"Hm… To put it simply, Fina will be participating in two trials. The first, a discussion on whether or not she is at fault and must be punished for causing Lithik's tragedy. Ah, right. The event of you killing a hero is what they now call Lithik's tragedy." [Vincent]
"Master, please keep on track." [Solace]
"Yes, yes. The second trial is trial by combat. She will face a representative of Metus in a duel of honor to prove her innocence. Chances are, it will be a noble, or even Wilharrow." [Vincent]
("Wilharrow wouldn't… would he?") [Solace]
No, Wilharrow promised me he would take care of Fina. He's not someone who would go back on his word.
"There's a good part about it though. It is allowed that Fina may take a representative to fight in her stead. Why don't you do it?" [Vincent]
("Is this guy serious?") [Solace]
"...Master, you know that I'm a wanted man, right?" [Solace]
"You don't have many options do you?" [Vincent]
I stared at Master.
"...Aren't you an option?" [Solace]
My voice was surprisingly almost lower than a whisper, as if I didn't hold any confidence that Master would help.
"I am the last option. Remember that my real body isn't here, and there are formidable opponents that exist in Metus. I cannot solely resolve this particular case with brute force with just a puppet." [Vincent]
"Then can't you just come in person? I can't imagine it'll be that hard." [Solace]
Master went silent for a moment.
"I'm sealed. One so powerful that there will be repercussions to releasing it." [Vincent]
"...So you can still break out?" [Solace]
"Realistically, yes." [Vincent]
"And you're still not going to do it?" [Solace]
Master's gaze looked at me with pity.
"It's not something you can understand yet." [Vincent]
"Master, the very reason why I even exist on this planet is in danger. Please. Won't you do this for your disciple? Can't you ask my seniors for help?" [Solace]
"Your seniors hold powerful positions that can spark a war reaching across the entire world if they were to show up unannounced." [Vincent]
"What about Nakros. He always shows up randomly. He's practically everywhere." [Solace]
"You forget that Nakros is also a wanted man." [Vincent]
I bit my tongue in frustration.
"My dear disciple, it's not that I won't do something. It's simply that you have more options available. I told you that I am the last option. Exhaust the others, and I will step in." [Vincent]
I calmed down hearing this. I almost forgot Master treats any situation like a lesson to me, no matter how dangerous or how stressful.
("I can't exactly rely on him. I'll have to think of something else.") [Solace]
Now that I think of it, maybe I could just use my disguise.
"If you're thinking of infiltrating using your |Mimic|, the overseers of the court would see through it easily." [Vincent]
There goes my disguise plan.
"Well, just keep it in mind. Her first trial is in two weeks, so you may want to attend it." [Vincent]
"...Okay." [Solace]
As I turned to leave, Master called out to me.
"And please, take off that disguise. It's rude to use a dead man's face." [Vincent]
"But-" [Solace]
With a wave of his hand, I felt my |Mimic| vanish. However, I still remained in human form.
"...I didn't change back to a spirit?" [Solace]
"Someone changed your mana structure. It's quite expertly done too, but you will not be able to physically change form anymore. Do you want me to undo it?" [Vincent]
("The Unseeing Sword…") [Solace]
A favor I didn't really ask for. On one hand, I would've liked to get rid of it. On the other hand, I was afraid of someone finding out who I am through my mana structure.
"...Undo it please." [Solace]
Master stood up from chair while cracking his fingers.
"It's been a while since I've done something like this. I hope I don't break anything." [Vincent]
On second thought, maybe I should keep it.