Before an important Mission or Test, Indra often fell into familiar patterns. Sometimes, he searched for every bit of information he could find, going over details until the very last second, as if knowing more would change the outcome. A habit he developed gradually in his school days on Earth.
It usually left him stressed and worn out, even though currently his strength made most of it unnecessary. Whether it was paranoia or just a habit he couldn't drop, over-preparing had become routine.
Still, he wouldn't let that slow anyone down. No matter how deep he got into his own head, he always made sure, If needed, ask the others to move ahead while he caught up. It didn't matter if they accepted it or not, he just felt better knowing nothing will be holding him before things started.
A shimmering platform floated above the wide blue sea, just barely visible through the thick white fog. Ripples of light blinked in and out beneath his feet, as though even this space wasn't fully stable. The island in the distance shrouded itself entirely in smoke.
The voice from his Pocket broke the silence.
"So, you're saying we should climb the Tower without you because of this job you took from the Administrator?"
"You're right," Indra spoke with a smile, changing the Pocket's appearance from the red cloud earring to a normal black orb.
"Ugh… why did you even accept the Administrator's proposal though? I mean, I know it's not my place to say this, but you could've just refus—"
"Yeah, Yeah …. I know you're worried about me, Shibisu. But trust me, I have more than one reason why I accepted this." Indra cut in gently.
"…Anyway. You guys should get going. The Workshop Battle isn't far off, right? I'll try to meet you there."
"Alright, I know you already decided and I can't stop you.. So, Take care of yourself."
Shibisu sighed with resignation.
"Hey, and don't forget to send a message to inform the others. Otherwise, they'll skin me alive."
Indra opened his mouth, but in the end, he only said, "…I will. Take care."
"You seem attached to them."
A soft voice came from behind him.
Putting aside his Pocket, Indra turned around and smiled.
"I think it's time I hire a maid."
"Dreams are endless, Hopes are boundless, But a Fool is fearless."
Indra was stunned for a second before the corner of his mouth twitched,
"Where does that come from?"
"From my Father" Ehra looked back at him with a stoic expression.
Indra exchanged glances with her and remained silent.
'Truly, no one can win a battle of words with a Woman.'
"I know you bad mouthed Women just now."
"How? You can read my mind??!"
"So you did…."
"Ugh…"
The fog thickened, curling around the edges of the platform like breath from something ancient.
Indra ignored the piercing gaze on his back and looked back to the Island in the Fog.
'Rewards aside, I readily accepted this job only because hearing about the Contract from someone other than the Guardian really surprised me and now that I think about it… isn't it a bit suspicious?'
'Why does the Administrator inform her about the Contract?'
"If you're thinking about how I know about the Contract… I don't know its contents other than the name." Ehra's voice snapped him back out of his reverie.
Indra's heart skipped a beat. He took a step back involuntarily and asked with a bit of caution, "You… You can read my mind?!"
"You could say that…" Ehra responded vaguely with a small smile.
"I didn't know you had something like that." Indra said coldly, then added "Maybe I should've been more careful around a stranger."
Ehra found Indra's attitude amusing and couldn't help but laugh, "You're not cute for someone this young. It's not appropriate to reveal one's power casually. You know that."
Indra expression paused. He seemed convinced but still didn't budge.
Ehra sighed and gave in, "Alright… I can't read your mind or memories, I only guessed based on how you behaved till now. Based on the memories I gathered from watching you."
No lie there. She had only guessed because the only time Indra became wary is when the Contract is mentioned during his entire stay in this Floor. Also, it isn't really difficult for her, who is the Host of an Ancient with Memories power to identify his reactions upon the information she gathered.
"Oh I see…" Indra nodded as if he suddenly understood. The next movement, he threw a small Baang at her, cursing, "Damn it! You are actually stalking around me the entire time. Enjoyed watching me make a fool out of myself? Friendship over! I'm done with you!"
Ehra easily dodged the Baang. She stepped back, still smiling, " I never said I was stalking. You're misunderstanding something here."
"So it's my fault?" Indra feigned anger and said, "I was considering taking you along with me since you're a Guide and all. Now, forget it!"
"Maybe if you apologise…I'll take you with me." Indra said in a halting manner, looking both angry and nonchalant.
Naturally, he was acting.
"Hehe, I thought so too." Ehra chuckled and ignored him. She lowered the platform straight to the Island.
Indra was temporarily at a loss for words. Even though he confirmed she isn't hostile or threatening. He lost his face in the process.
'Only the old school Damsel in Distress can save me now.'
The island looked like a puzzle piece risen from the sea, wrapped in deep green forest. A jagged mountain range cut across its center, splitting the land in two. From above, it looked untouched. Trees stretched to the edges, waves lapping at the shore. There was almost no sign of life. Just like a wild land.
But now that he looks closer… There is a village at the foot of the mountains.
According to the information he received from Ehra, the village inhabitants were descendants of Old War Heroes from the Great War who opposed Jahad. They had been cursed and thrown onto this island to defend the place and the Seal indefinitely.
'Asking them about the Seal might not be a very good idea. They're already living as prisoners to keep their lives; they'll obviously choose not to betray it or share anything.'
Indra seriously pondered while pinching his chin.
'Wait… I have a Guide with me!'
"Hey you… Do you know where the Seal is?"
"My name's not 'Hey you,' and don't ask me. I don't know anything about this place. It took me Ten Years just to find this island." Ehra glanced at Indra but didn't stop the platform from fully descending.
She hopped off the platform and started walking toward the village.
"…" Hearing this, Indra finally paused. He looked at Ehra, deep in thought. After a few seconds, he said, "Are you sure you're really a guide?"
Ehra frowned at Indra's reaction and felt a bit dissatisfied. She said straightforwardly, "As far as I know, this entire island is an artificial creation of the Workshop. Recently, They even found something that can negate a Guide's power, and I'm almost certain of what it is. I'm the only Guide even able to find this. A lot of Red Witches from F.U.G are still searching for this island across the entire Tower."
"I- I didn't mean it that way!" Indra squeezed out a smile and looked awkwardly at Ehra, feeling a bit guilty.
Ehra stared at him for two seconds, then slowly nodded, "Indeed, you're quite sensible."
Indra's smile froze.
For the nth time, Indra found Ehra's overly straightforward personality very annoying.