–BEEP, BEEP
The ear piercing sounds of the watchtower's whirring rung across Floor 1, its red colored light an omen for what was to come.
Doctor: "Tch—I didn't think they'd come this quickly, I only just handed that report in.."
The doctor squirmed in her seat and looked visibly uncomfortable as she peered at the watchtower.
Barek: "The hell you thought was gonna happen?! That they'd let the kid just waltz off after hearing he just popped up outta nowhere?!"
The doctor and Barek continued their back and forth, Hoshi stayed silent.
Oh god, they're–coming, for me?
Why me? I didn't do anything…
Hoshi's thoughts were interrupted by the announcement from the watchtower.
THE COUNCIL WILL ARRIVE IN 5….
No.
4…
Stop.
3…2…
The hairs on Hoshi's arm instantly stood
There was no stopping this.
1.
Instantaneously, a column of light showered from the endless ceiling of Floor 1.
Both Barek and the Doctor immediately exited the office, Hoshi following suit.
A crowd had gathered near the site of light, whispers and murmurs of potential reasons why The Council had arrived on Floor 1 were heard.
Hoshi found himself stuck between the Doctor, Barek, and some girl who tapped Barek on the shoulder and began whispering to him.
Unknown Girl: "What's going on–"
Barek: "Shh, it'll be fine.."
From the beam of light, the outline of two figures materialized. The light immediately flew back into the ceiling and they were unveiled. One of them stepped forward.
He was a tall, lean man. His body bore a piece of armor that hung on his shoulder, and around his neck was a crimson scarf that complimented his black, swept back hair. But his defining feature was the long pole strapped to his back, various insignia carved into it.
The other figure bore a cloak that enveloped his body, only his thin and bony hands were visible.
The first figure stepped forward and spoke, his dark eyes immediately piercing through any defiance Floor 1 had.
Valtros: "I am Valtros of The Council, ordered to bring in the intruder."
???: "Him."
The cloaked figure pointed to one point in the crowd—no, one person…
Hoshi.
The crowd gasped and eyes immediately ran to Hoshi; Barek stepped in front of him as an act of protectiveness.
Barek: "He's—just a kid, he's harmless.
Why..? Why is he trying to save me?
Valtros: "Oh? So you're the one who sheltered him? That means you're just as guilty as he is."
Valtros grinned, his hand flying to the pole on his back.
The crowd immediately stirred in fear with that simple movement—some even beginning to run off.
Hoshi's hands flew to Barek's back as his fear shot up, he clung to Barek like a child and an ashamed look creeped on his face.
Barek: "Tis' alright kid, you'll be fine.."
Valtros shot Hoshi a stare, his gaze sharper than the weapon on his back.
Valtros: "To think the intruder is…a child."
Valtros spat his words out with venom, still staring at Hoshi.
Barek: "Lyra!"
The girl from before perked up.
Barek: "Take Hoshi."
The girl nodded with a pained expression, taking Hoshi's shoulders and taking him off Barek.
A look of disgust filled Valtros's face as he looked at the sight before him.
Valtros: "Insolent animal, give me the intruder before I have your head!"
He immediately dashed forward with blinding speed, grabbing Barek by the throat and clenching hard.
Valtros: "Do you see, boy? Because of your weakness and inability to listen, your friend has to suffer the consequences!"
Hoshi: "NO—Let go, I'll come with you."
Valtros snickered.
Valtros: "Let's see how you do under a little pressure boy, perhaps I can have a little fun from this."
Hoshi: "F-Fun? What are you talking about?"
Valtros: "A duel—if I win, I get your friend's head and bring you to the upper floor for evaluation."
Hoshi froze, his heart thumped against his chest as his anxiety rose.
This guy…why is he toying with me—with Barek?!
A duel…against this monster?
Hoshi looked at Barek, still suspended midair from the grip of Valtros, struggling to breathe.
Hoshi: "Alright… I'll bite, what'll happen if I win?"
Valtros: "Haha! You have some nerve after all. If you win, I'll let this pest go back to this dump he calls home and you'll be evaluated fully by this floor's doctor."
Hoshi looked over at Lyra, tears were already welling up in her eyes as the color from Barek's face was slowly draining. She desperately looked at Hoshi for something, a secret plea in her eyes begging him to save Barek.
His eyes looked into Lyra's, she looked familiar—
THUMP.
His heart nearly stopped.
She's—Oh my god…
This girl is Barek's daughter.
If I don't accept, not only will my only friend in this new world die, but someone's father will too.
Hoshi's hands trembled from the prospect, sweat already building upon his brow.
Here he was, an intruder in this world.
Because of him, his mere presence, a man was gonna die.
Damn it…
He sucked in a deep breath, his eyes locking with the menace in front of him. Valtros grinned, as if he had expected this outcome already.
Hoshi: "Then—I accept your duel."
Out of the corner of his eye, Hoshi could've sworn he saw the man in the cloak scoff at his words—but he didn't say anything.
Valtros: "Good—try not to die until I come back…"
He flicked Barek on the head.
Valtros: "It's rude not to say bye, animal…"
Barek groaned, only one word slipping out before the beam of light swallowed the two members of the council and himself.
Barek: "Lyra—"
And just like that, he was gone. Left behind was Lyra on her knees, tears bursting forth from the dam of emotions she held back. The doctor, who silently clutched her fist as regret seeped in.
And Hoshi…
His body shook, his breaths shallow and panicked.
This wasn't a dream.
Barek could die.
He collapsed to his knees and clutched his chest—where his heart took the responsibility of saving another's life.
He breathlessly whispered.
Hoshi: "I will–definitely save you…"