Rise of The Holy-Realm Rebel

Why the distortion was evident to me escaped my understanding. Notwithstanding, I concluded that it had something to do with who I was. Or the level I had attained before.

Of course, this wasn't the first time I had encountered a location with such an abnormality. The issue was that only when I had reached the Sky Realm did any such effects become evident in my mind.

'But I'm no longer that strong...' I said inwardly, slightly confused. I had come to terms with that unfortunate fact.

Sweeping my gaze across the crowd, I wondered if any of them were aware of the blind spot in their memory. I'd try it out later though, for now, I decided to rest my eyes a bit.

It'd take another hour or more before the insides of our sleeping hall would dry, or at least I hoped it'd take that long. I didn't want to be too tired when we finally settled in. I wanted to discover as much as I could.

Looking to the left, I found that the soldiers had started a bonfire and discussed around it. I wondered what they spoke about, and if it could help me escape this place.

Shaking my head and raising my knees so I could rest my head on them, I shut my eyes, tired. In less than a minute the winds of slumber swept my consciousness into cozy blackness.

A tap on my right shoulder summoned me back to consciousness, and I turned to look at the individual.

Another slave.

"We've been ordered to go in," he revealed, allowing me to properly wake up.

"We were given mats and blankets, two would share one. I offered to share with you," he continued, tapping the mat and blanket on his lap. He had knelt to wake me.

Subtly taken aback by that act of kindness, I nodded and thanked him before standing.

The soldiers ushered the others inside in an orderly manner. Me and my now partner were among the last.

It was night-time now, and silvery light cast by the moon shone above and around us, illuminating most of the camp with its magical radiance.

A soft night breeze swept the insides of the camp, and the sound of the rushing fountain caught my attention. Its waters glimmered under the moon's light, and It felt strangely satisfying to behold such a nice sight even in my situation.

I took all these details in to jog my consciousness properly.

"What is your name?" The man who I would share a mat with asked, pulling me out of my daze.

I glanced at him for a bit.. obviously hesitant. His dark eyebrows creased, and through his eyes, I saw the step he took back mentally. They were brown—His eyes, that is.

"It's alright If you don't wish to speak," he politely corrected himself.

"It's not that," I said, delighted that I had been paired with someone who wouldn't pry.

"I just don't think my name is important considering our situation." My words slightly put the man in confusion, but he seemed to accept my mindset and didn't say a word after.

I nodded and stepped forward; closing in on the line. He followed.

In no time it was our turn to be ushered in. The young soldier looked at us and spoke. "No un-pairing. And if you desire to ease yourself your pair must be with you," he explained.

"Knock on the door thrice to get the attention of the watcher outside. If you so much as push the door open without permission. You will be put down." He sounded harsh intentionally. We nodded and stepped in. Those rules weren't too difficult.

"I like that place," I revealed seconds after stepping into the hall. Others already had their mats laid and were settling.

My pair followed my pointed finger and saw that I had chosen an area closer to the hall's far end. It was less bright than the middle portions, and others avoided it. Probably because the bloodstains had been most severe around those points. Even I hesitated a bit.

Still.

"It's more concealed," I stated my reason, and strangely, he simply nodded.

Our walk to my chosen spot had been smooth. Those men were intelligent enough to set their mats in such a way that'd allow others to walk past without stepping on them.

In no time we laid our mat on the ground both sat on it. The Empire had been gracious enough to provide something that could easily fit three individuals. But only two were allowed on it.

The blanket however would force us to stick together a bit. A generally unpleasant reality, but I remained okay with it. What could I do after all?

Soon all of us were settled In. The day had been less hectic than most of us had anticipated, myself included. We had been fed enough to not make our bellies grumble in hunger, though that didn't mean we couldn't eat more if offered. I knew I would.

We could sleep with a calm mind of sorts.

At least, they could.

Without any further exchange of words, my sleeping mate fell asleep. The same could be said for all others. A couple hours passed and I realized I was the only one left.

I sat up at some point to survey the entire sleeping hall. At least thirty men were present. And although the building could contain double that number I understood the reason they hadn't just hurdled us all into this place.

It had to do with what Sub-general Ivon had said.

"First batch, uh..." I muttered, realizing that more of us would arrive at some point. Sad.

From my point of view, this war looked pointless. A quest to conquer the whole world? An impossible feat from all that I knew. The world was vast, and many unknowns lay dormant in it. Terrible unknowns.

During my prime days there remained nations no one dared to approach. These nations stood as powerhouses on the other continents, and barely any knowledge about their prowess was known to the world.

I heaved a helpless sigh. If left to continue its stupidity, the Empire of Ushan would most likely end up desolate. After all, there are still several Sky-realm experts In the world. Individuals who could give even prime me, trouble.

I sighed yet again, my powerlessness getting to me once more. As such, I interrupted my train of thought and decided to get some real rest.

Tomorrow would be our first day here. Depending on what I learned, my chances of escaping might increase or plummet.

I hoped for the former.