Abyssal Awakening

Waking up in the morning, Alice stretched her body with a yawn while Selen was still sleeping. After such a tiresome journey back, it was no surprise.

Leaving the room carefully, Alice took a deep breath of the cold northern air.

Even though Torgeir said he was going to make an announcement, there has been no news about it so far. To Alice, it seemed like just a day off for everyone, with only a few guards on shift.

'Seems like most of the Civilians are already packed up to leave this place.'

'It makes sense. Unlike the warriors, they don't have a means to protect themselves. Who's going to save them when warriors can barely save themselves?' Alyss shrugged. If it was her, she'd be doing the same. In fact, she might even be the fastest to escape.

'The fact that they caused an Abyss Break right after we left probably means they're watching our camp right now. Any thoughts on how to deal with them?' Alice asked curiously while taking a leisurely stroll around the outpost.

'How about this, we let Torgeir work things out and we don't push our body further into destruction. Cayla's face doesn't look too well after our stunt from last time.'

'Right…' Alice sighed.

The best thing to do would be for her to get her fifth Sigil and sixth Sigil quickly.

Thinking about it for a moment, Alice clapped her hands.

'Welp, let's figure out what I want for my fifth Sigil then.' She grinned.

'Hah?? Already? Didn't we only recently get your fourth? You haven't even gotten used to it properly yet. I thought Allura told you to master it before you rush things?' Alyss almost fell off her bed hearing Alice's suggestion.

'I know we got it recently but it's unavoidable alright? The sooner I get Sigils the faster I can fight properly. Plus, our understanding of the fourth Sigil is pretty good I'd say. The power to manipulate the Void, I've got it handled ya know?' Alice shrugged.

Just like how Alyss has an instinct for physical combat, Alice found herself to be talented with casting. Even with her fourth Sigil, she was able to replicate certain spatial movements with just her own comprehension and some adjustments.

'Uhuh, so what do you even suggest for our fifth ability then? I know we can switch out Sigils but we still want to choose carefully. There could be a situation where my connection is interfered with and I can't switch Sigils for you.' Alyss reminded.

She couldn't get the incident in the Inverted World out of her mind. That resonance between Alice and the tree made it impossible to switch out the Sigil causing the resonance. If something like this was to happen in the future, they needed to be prepared for it.

'Well, it depends. We have plenty of firepower I'd say so something more utility wise? Or defensive. Kaden wanted us to get the lifeblood link but I chose Blood Coil Manifestation instead.

So it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a highly defensive Sigil that keeps us in the fight rather than drowning myself in healing vials.' Alice contemplated as there wouldn't be chances to drink healing vials in the future.

The more powerful her opponents become, the harder it'll be to catch a break during the fight.

'Plus, even if we have our own regeneration that we can rely on, we're not sure about the source. Our regeneration is ineffective right now and if we were to keep relying on it, there's no telling that it might suddenly turn off in the middle of a fight.' Alice reminded as Alyss folded her arms.

Indeed, their source of regeneration was a mystery to them. The only thing they know is that it's heavily linked to whatever Nyer used to create them.

Closing her eyes, Alyss leaned back as she tried to think of a beast that would suit their purpose while Alice did the same.

Their knowledge of beasts was still limited to what they knew from their time in captivity along with certain names they've come across in books.

But compared to Kaden and the others, her knowledge was far too shallow.

'They really need a damn catalogue on what kind of beasts are available.' Alice complained.

'Why don't we go ask Torgeir? I'm sure he knows a method to get information since he's sending it to the capital right? If it's him, he should be able to get us what we want.' Alyss suggested.

'Sure. And if he doesn't work we can always ask Ragnar. That old man is definitely in the realm of Lords or something similar. There's no way he has that kind of garden and knowledge without being a Lord. He keeps appearing and disappearing like Allura too.' Alice nodded.

Making their way over to the training grounds to find Torgeir, she soon spotted him with a deep frown on his face.

"Why so down first thing in the morning?" Alice asked curiously as Torgeir glanced up.

"Reinforcement won't be coming anytime soon. The Extalia's are launching ambushes all over the place and it's not just us that's been hit. Unfortunately, we need to figure out a way back ourselves or abandon the frontlines." Torgeir gritted his teeth.

Furrowing her brows, Alice could see why he looked so down.

"How far are we from the frontlines? What do you think is the likelihood of us actually paving a path of retreat?" Alice questioned.

"Further than the port. If we pave a path, there's a chance that the Civilians will die. If we retreat now, the supplies going to the frontline ceases and they'll die." Torgeir admitted.

Regardless of what they picked, someone was going to pay for that choice.

Biting his lip, Torgeir came to a conclusion.

"We'll pave a way to the frontlines. Without the soldiers, protecting this nation will become far more difficult. I'll have a separate smaller group escort the civilians inland.

"However, I'm telling you this because I need your help. You mentioned that with my blood you'll be able to use your powers for a short period at a cost. Please help me rescue my fellow soldiers on the frontline." Torgeir asked as Alice frowned and folded her arms.

"You remember me telling you that it comes at a cost and you're still asking me to help?" Alice pulled up a chair and sat down.

Crossing her legs, she narrowed her gaze at Torgeir.

"I know what I'm asking for. But the manpower in this outpost is severely lacking. We lost most of our forces thanks to the expedition to the port and the following ambush here. I'll take everything that I can get at this point." Torgeir glanced down with a sigh.

He knew what he was asking of her and he knew the dangers he was putting her in. But this was his responsibility as the one who's been tasked to look after this outpost.

The capital has given him full authority to choose what to do from now on and his desire was to save his fellow warriors.

They're people who decided to put their lives on the line for the nation. Brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, sons and daughters. They all had family yet they still put the nation in hopes of building a safer place for them to live.

He couldn't betray that dedication and abandon them. He wanted to save them even if it cost him his life.

Taking a deep breath, Alice let out a sigh.

"I'll help out but not without payment. And I'll continue acting as a shield supporter unless there's something you absolutely cannot deal with. Remember that I'm vulnerable once I make a move. One assistance. That's all you're getting so use it wisely."

Hearing this, Torgeir was surprised but happiness filled his heart.

"Thank you." He smiled but Alice held up her hand.

"Don't thank me just yet, you haven't heard what I need as payment." She rolled her eyes.

"Right… What do you want as payment?" Torgeir asked.

On top of the request for assistance from the capital, he had also sent some information about Alice to them. A rare double S rank in the Spiritual Stat.

There was only one order given to him.

Bring her to their side no matter what!

Even if it's expensive, as long as he sends a request to the capital, they'll try their best to meet that demand.

Narrowing her gaze, Alice could see the resolve in his eyes.

'Seems like he's pretty desperate for help.' Alice thought inwardly.

'Scam him.' Was Alyss's first response.

Alice was speechless as her smile twitched. The man in front of them wanted to help his fellow soldiers and the first thing that came to Alyss's mind was to scam him.

'What? Might as well ask for something more than what we originally wanted.' Alyss shrugged.

Rolling her eyes, Alice turned her attention back to Torgeir.

Even though she wasn't a fan of it, Alyss was right. She originally wanted to ask for information regarding beasts and to help her use the Void Hawks to send a message so Ria and Luke knew that she was safe.

But if the price she had to pay was to put herself at risk once more, it was far too cheap.

Thinking about it for a moment, Alice curled her lips into a grin.

"Now that I think about it, I'm not quite sure you can afford me. I had already risked myself to bring Bo and the others back. After all, I'm the one who killed the Grandmaster after he killed the other captains."

Torgeir could practically see coins in her eyes as he let out a sigh before pulling out a piece of document.

"The capital is prepared to offer you a numbered equipment if you become our ally."