Chapter 40: seven seas arc
We both stared at her in silence.
"..."
Resita sat on ground and let out a loud breath.
"That necklace... I've seen some similar to it. But it's rare."
"Is that necklace something special?" I asked her.
"It's a kind of ancient amulet."
My eyebrows furrowed.
"An ancient amulet?"
"Do you know what kind of talismans we deal with when we talk about an ancient amulet?"
"..."
Diana chuckled mockingly.
"You seem like you're out of this world. How can you not know such a basic thing?"
"Tch!"
"I'm not your teacher, but since education is part of our family's big business, I'll tell you. In ancient times, when paper, books, or writing were still not created, there were some people who would create amulet on stone with simple geometric designs."
Since making these talismans or said amulets took a lot of time, they weren't meant to be used once; they had to be crafted in a way that the user can work with them for years. So they would carve a series of powerful and effective talismans. Talismans for luck, power, protection, and even complex ones like teleportation were made in that very ancient period with minimal markings and maximum power, and we don't know how this was possible for them, especially considering the lack of information about sponsors."
"So you're saying that one of those ancient amulets is in Nuka's hand?"
"Not just any amulet. An amulet with immense power and thousands of years of history. That necklace is one of the first amulets created by humans... (she clicked her tongue and continued) it's clear as day a peasant shouldn't possess something so valuable like this. It should be in the hands of the right people and high-ranking individuals to take care of such a historical artifact. Like my family."
her eyebrows furrowed again.
"But with that punch Diana threw, it's unclear whether it's still in use or not..." she said with discomfort in her tone.
"..."
"Don't you have any more questions?"
"Just one more..."
"Spell it."
"Why are all three of us wet?"
They both gave me a poker face.
"You didn't have any better question in this situation?"
"Well, this is technically a valid question because our surroundings are like a desert without a drop of water."
"I don't know. Do you think I'm Nostradamus or an all-knowing book?" Resita said reluctantly.
"For know we need to figure out where we are and how to get back home," Diana said.
Since I was sitting in front of them, I had a view of what was behind them. Someone entered the frame behind them, making my eyes wide open.
"But first, we need to understand how we got here. Based on what I've understood so far—"
"It's obviously this is all that useless Nuka's fault. Why should we waste our time on details?"
Nuka, scared, held his finger to his nose, signaling for silence. My gaze fell on the two of them. They were oblivious to me and what was behind them.
"When we don't know how we got here, how can we figure out where the exit and the way back is? Why don't you use that tiny brain of yours, considering you're a noble."
Nuka whispered, 'Come here.'
"Hey, talk to me properly and know your place."
"Why should I do that? Do you think your family's status is higher or better than mine? You and your family are nowhere near us."
I've got mad at him and mouthed, 'What are you talking about?'
"When did I bring family into this debate? Besides, we are Dukes, so logically we have a higher status than you Marcus people."
"That's just a title. In terms of importance and influence, we are definitely better than a bunch of jewel traders..."
he frowned like me. he waved his hand in a 'come here' gesture.
With annoyance, I sighed and stood up. I glanced at the two of them, who were deep in discussion.
'They probably reached a level where my existence is easily ignored by them.'
I say I am ignored. But me being ignored isn't absolute, and it varies from person to person. Some people pay no attention to me at all. Some notice me if I'm within their view. Some even forget my face if they don't see me for a while. And some... are drawn to me in a strangely compelling way.
I passed by them and walked with long strides towards Nuka.
"What's wrong with y_?"
He grabbed my arm and pulled me away from there.
"Shh! Don't say anything, just keep walking."
He took me behind one of the boulders. I pulled my arm out of his grip and took a step back from him. "What's wrong with you? Are you playing hide and seek in this situation?"
"So you expect me to show myself so Diana can tear me apart?"
"...Were you conscious the whole time?"
"I was unconscious like the rest of you, and I have no idea what's going on."
"Resita says all of this is your fault."
Nuka, frustrated, tugged at his hair.
"That necklace was given to me by my grandfather before he died, it's for my safety. He said if a threat is sensed through the necklace, it teleports its owner or in other words, whoever is wearing it to the safest place possible that is imprinted in that person's mind. But as you can see, neither did I teleport alone nor is this a safe place according to my mind."
Now that I look at him, all his clothes were torn and his body was wet ,just like us, he had no idea what was happening and was more scared than any of us.
"I'm still looking for my necklace but I can't find it among all this sand and stone. That... that necklace is very valuable to me."
Said with trembled lips.
"Come here and surrender yourself. If you don't defend yourself and everything doesn't end well, none of us can leave here."
In my book, a group that has division cannot be fully utilized; as a result, they are completely destroyed by major problems.
Of course, putting these three people in one room is impossible; let alone forming a group.
'But right now if they don't cooperate together it will end up being detrimental for all of us.'
"Angela... do you believe I'm innocent?" His hopeful gaze at me was like a mosquito looking at a lamp in the room; it made me feel a bit sorry for him...
"Well you_"
"Nuka you bastard!!!" Diana's scream made me jump in fear. I turned my head but Diana was so fast that before I could fully turn around, she passed by me and grabbed Nuka by the collar.
"I'll deal with you right here."