A large dust cloud was sent up in the air.
It could most likely be seen from across all of these grounds.
As for the noise caused...
"GRAAAH!!!"
Noises from the Hobgoblins rang out in tandem.
With the slow clearing of the dust, a familiar voice entered my ears.
"Heyoo~"
With a wave of his hand as a greeting, the noisy obstruction rose up behind me.
"Godspeed!? -What the hell are you doing?!" I couldn't help but curse as I confronted this bringer of death.
"What do you mean---? I'm just here to meet up with you to give you some instructions~" He replied as if completely oblivious to the situation.
"What do I mean??? What I MEAN is why are you causing such a ruckus during such a... 'covert' operation?!" Realizing my own loud voice I quieted down to a whisper while I presented the problem to the dunce in front of me.
"Oh no; I'm aware of that. After all, that is why I am meeting you," he said with the slyest smile.
'This does not seem like it will go well.'
But with no established plan, I could only listen to the ramblings of this mad man.
"And your solution is~?"
"Just follow me and you steps, and you won't encounter a single trouble, promise."
A deal with the devil is the only thing I could think of after hearing those completely unconvincing words.
But with no preestablished plan, I could only sign on the dotted line.
"... I swear, I will find where you live if this goes awry."
And with that single threat, we began our escapade from this enlivened settlement.
______________________
"Stop here and hug the walls."
Following the instructions, Godspeed and I halted our breaths and tried to become as inconspicuous as possible.
Pat. Pat. Pat. Sounds of footsteps passed us in a hurry.
It seemed as if, after the grand landing of my Trainer seemed to put all of the residents of this settlement on High Alert. Normal Hobgoblins, Inductees, even the High Warriors weren't excluded from these patrols.
God was currently leading us around the bends and straights of this town of monsters. I am not sure how, but it seemed that he was able to detect their coming and going somehow. Yet, even when they were far from arriving, or already gone for a period of time, he would not command us to move. Only when he thought it was right, did he give the go-ahead.
I am not sure what are his reasons for this. I am also not completely trusting in him either.
'I mean, who would be?!'
But, he seemed to be my only chance of escape, so in the end, I could only follow around.
Thankfully, although ten minutes have already passed, we have not come into any obstruction regarding the Hobgoblins, and if I am correct, it seems that we are getting closer to the entrance that I came through.
The only problem though, was that the fastest way through would be through the middle of the Settlement.
Of course, we could also continue like with our previous attempts, and skulk around these twists and turns of the place.
But for some reason--- somewhere in my conscience, an uneasy feeling was being brought up, as if the end of our journey would not end so easily.
"Alright, here's the plan." God began to talk.
"As you've noticed, I have been directing us two around the settlement in various directions, not necessarily looking for the most efficient exit. The reason for that, is because I've subconsciously directing the Hobgoblins into a position. A position perfect for our escape.
Right now, none of them should be passing by our direction for the moment. So, we will be going through the middle towards the gate. We have to move slowly, though. The sound of hurried steps may or may not alert the monsters, but I bet you don't want to take the chance, do ya?
Now just follow my exact steps, follow my exact words, and stay quiet. With that we should be able to escape this settlement."
With those finishing words, God took his step out.
Leaving me with no chance of reply or comeback, I followed his lead and took each step that he stepped, exactly as he foredrew.
Taking these steps out in the open, I could not help but feel a shrink in my confidence. After all, It has been some time since I have given my self up and acted as dependent. And as I recall, it is NOT my favorite feeling.
'But, what can I do about such a thing now?' Knowing I had no choice, I could only mentally shake my head and continue with the path.
But.
There has been something stuck in my head, that I have tried to ignore, and Shirk, from.
But I know who I am.
My personage is not one who shirks or shrinks from any question.
With a new surge in my confidence, I brought up the matter to God.
"God, why are we..."
He suddenly stopped.
"Hey." Without turning his head, he spoke.
"Didn't I say to stay quiet?"
...Rude. But I will not be silenced.
"...Tell me, why did you--"
Another halt.
"Ay, ay ay. Can't you keep you "scholastic inquiries" or whatever for later? This moment is finely, detailed, ya know--"
"Why are we escaping?"
Pause.
Both his feet and mouth forgot how to move. Keeping the element of surprise, I continued.
"You sent me here to scout the Grounds and then infiltrate the Settlement, and yet, the moment I establish my foot into enemy Territory, you inform me it is necessary to escape.
I just have one word:
Why?"
...
...
Turn.
Finally, he turned his head. His eyes were staring. Intent was rising in them. My earlier restlessness was also rising. Something feels wrong. This plan, this escape, this Path that he set up.
It all seems wrong.
His eyes. They were always something that I noticed. Yet at the same time, something that skipped my mind. Every time he smiled. Every time he laughed. Got mad. Annoyed. Sarcastic. Emotional. Strict. Confessed.
They always looked the same.
Empty,
and Dead.
"Moonshine."
His mouth spoke, but I felt it was his eyes talking to me.
"Didn't I say to stay quiet? You're gonna. Alert. The Monsters."
*Vwoom*
*Vwoom*
Energy was gathering. That red, demonic, atrocious energy from time before reappeared. A fragment of the strength it held was shown before. Now there was more.
Being sent right towards me.