Chapter 340: The Old Generals Truth
As JJ outlined her strategy, the fairy felt reassured, ready to take on the task with newfound determination. "I think I can try my best with this for sure. But what do I do for now?" she asked, eager to play her part effectively.
Holding the fairy gently in her palms, JJ advised, "In the meantime, just focus on keeping an eye on Ty and let him know the plan. I'm sure he will understand, plus it's probably for the better so you aren't in danger while he's fighting."
The fairy nodded, accepting the logic in JJ's words. "That does make sense, I suppose. Any idea what he might be doing before the vision?"
JJ's response was thoughtful, tinged with uncertainty. "No, it's hard to say. All I know is it's way too secretive to be something like a personal pep talk. But like I said, we will work to figure it out in a way that is sure to keep you safe."
Encouraged by the trust Ty placed in JJ, the fairy expressed her own trust. "Well, if Ty trusts you, then I trust you," she stated with conviction. "I will head back off to him and let him know, and then be back here after he departs!"
"Sounds good, we still need to plan for the event of something unexpected happening, between the rebels popping up more and more and this Erebos figure. I wonder what will happen," JJ mused, contemplating the variables in play that could affect their strategy.
The fairy responded with confidence, "We will stay on our toes for sure. Ty is getting stronger, so I know he will beat him next time they fight."
"That's perfect. I trust you can let me know how he fought those times so we might plan a countermeasure!" JJ said, recognizing the importance of understanding Erebos's tactics.
The fairy laughed lightly, a bit embarrassed. "I kinda fell asleep during it, but he loves to use coins and speak in riddles. But he specifically talks about people's potential and then does some red stare," she explained, offering what details she could recall about Erebos's unique fighting style and mannerisms.
"At first, I didn't think he killed people, but he killed someone back on my world because he was an annoyance to him. I don't really understand it fully, but whatever his objective is, he only cares about his pieces," the fairy reflected, trying to piece together Erebos's motivations based on what she had learned from Ty.
"That's what I got from Ty a bit. I should have asked him about how he fights, though. Also, the coin thing seems a bit familiar... well, I will do some—"
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the door swung open. A man wearing a suit stepped in, his slick black hair and cold grey eyes scanning the room until they settled on JJ. "Lady Jedo," he began in a formal tone, "It's almost time for the annual review board of finances, and we need to discuss the provisions for the outlands and the mines.
I have scheduled a professional from the kingdom's family to assist you since your mother hadn't properly taught you."
"R-right, just give me a moment," JJ responded, her voice steady despite the interruption. As she turned around, she caught a glimpse of the fairy speeding off into the distance. A slight smile crossed her face as she whispered to herself, "We have to do this, for you, mom and dad."
-*-
As the fairy made her way back through the streets, leaving the Jadenui Estate behind, she spotted a somewhat familiar figure passing the gates of Jedo's district and heading into a dark alley. "Wait, that's General Osalf, I think. He's the old guy who was nice and took Ty to the Dome thingy!"
Curiosity piqued, she reasoned, "Hmm, I guess a detour won't hurt. I am a recon fairy, after all."
She flew overhead, discreetly following the general as he made his way through the housing area of the ministry district. Her eyes remained fixed on him as he approached a house hidden behind an alley, a location that seemed to lead nowhere further.
"What could he be doing?" she wondered, her intrigue deepening.
Moments later, she observed General Osalf pull out a cane and tap the side of the concrete wall next to the somewhat rundown house. To her astonishment, the wall shimmered with a light before sliding open, revealing a hidden passage.
As he stepped inside and the wall began to close, the fairy made a swift decision and zoomed towards the narrowing gap, slipping through just as it sealed shut behind her.
Her heart raced with the thrill of the unknown. What secrets would this hidden place reveal, and what was General Osalf's role in the larger mystery unfolding around Ty and the others?
Intrigued by the trail of red lights, the fairy followed cautiously, her curiosity piqued about the general's destination. The path eventually opened into a vast room, its dark cobblestoned floor and walls lined with cracks, giving it an aura of age and secrecy. She observed General Osalf sitting down at a table and beginning to eat what looked like soup.
"Oh, maybe this is just his home, and he likes to live like a weird hermit. Not the strangest thing, to be honest," she mused, reassessing her initial suspicions about the general's activities. Her contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of three people—two with black hair and one with golden blonde hair, all appearing relatively young.
"How's it going, boss? It's nice to see you. I heard Gerald got killed by that Gui as he tried to take out the Demon. We will be more careful from here on out until it's time to make our move," one of them spoke, their voice carrying through the room with a mix of reverence and urgency.
The General, after finishing his soup and wiping his mouth, addressed the group with a tone of resolve. "Yes, I think it is best to be careful with our next move here. We have worked hard and long to ensure the succession and this corrupted world is finally restored."
"Restored? What are they talking about?" the fairy wondered, her mind racing. "Wait, are these the rebels?!"
As the realization dawned on her, she decided it was too perilous to remain. "This is too dangerous for me to be directly involved in. I need to get back and let Ty or JJ know how close these guys are," she thought, planning her escape.
But then, General Osalf's voice halted her in her tracks. "Don't think I didn't notice your presence when you followed me here. You won't be leaving alive," he declared, his words sending a chill down her spine.
Frozen by fear, the fairy was about to flee when suddenly, another voice interrupted the tense moment. A figure materialized and dashed past her, blade gleaming with intent.
"I will have your head for the betrayal, General Osalf!" the newcomer announced, his words echoing with a mixture of anger and determination.
"Ah, General Omina's dog, Realdo Yuino," the old general addressed his assailant with a mixture of disappointment and disdain. "You know, you would have had a lot of potential to do great things in this life if you weren't committed to the evil acts of senseless violence."