Nox tightened his grip, his knuckles whitening as his piercing gaze bypassed Zigh entirely. His focus was locked onto the obsidian silhouette looming directly behind the Colonel.
Observing the sudden shift in Nox's demeanor, Ron placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Nox? Talk to me."
"Is Outer here?" Zigh intervened, cutting through the silence.
Nox exhaled a heavy, weary breath. "Yes. Right behind you, Colonel."
Zigh spun around instantly, followed by Ron's sharp turn. Yet, their eyes met nothing but the seamless surface of the closed door.
"How is it that you can perceive him?" Zigh demanded, his brow furrowed.
Ron turned back to his brother, his voice laced with concern. "Nox, can you explain this?"
Nox crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on the entity. In the corner of the room, Outer let out a low, mocking chuckle.
That black creature is insufferable, Nox hissed inwardly.
He then shifted his attention to Ron, his expression softening slightly. "Forgive me, Ron. I cannot disclose that just yet."
Zigh studied Nox for a long moment. Does Nox possess latent abilities similar to Lian and Rhea?
The tension was momentarily interrupted by the sound of rhythmic knocking.
Tok, tok, tok...
Lena entered, clutching several bags overflowing with provisions.
"Yes, come in," Ron called out.
As the door swung open, Lena's vibrant energy swept through the room. Her eyes darted between the three men. "Still at it? You haven't finished?"
Zigh ran a hand through his hair, glancing away. "My apologies. It seems we require a bit more time."
"I see... well, at least take a break to eat. I've brought plenty of refreshments for the three of you."
Ron stepped forward to assist her. "Thank you, Lena."
She shook her head. "No trouble at all."
Zigh's gaze lingered on Lena, unblinking. Sensing the Colonel's distraction, Nox allowed a playful smirk to tug at his lips. "Is something the matter, Colonel?"
Zigh jolted, snapping back to reality. "Ah—it's nothing."
"Are you certain?" Nox teased.
"Be quiet, Champion."
"Both of you, compose yourselves," Ron interjected.
Zigh bristled. "Ron, you are but a Lieutenant Colonel. Do not presume to command me."
Nox took a defiant step forward. "And you are a junior here. Mind your manners."
The temperature in the room began to climb as egos clashed.
"Just punch each other already!" Lena snapped.
The three men froze, staring at her in collective shock.
"What? Would you rather bicker over trifles like children?"
Nox drew a long breath and slowly released it. "Lena, it would be best if you didn't involve yourself in this."
"Is that how a Champion addresses a lady?" she countered.
"ENOUGH!" Ron's roar echoed against the walls.
His blue eyes darkened to a deep, frigid hue. "The two of you are acting like toddlers."
Nox fell silent, while Zigh averted his gaze.
"That is quite enough. You are grown men; resolve your disputes with a level head," Ron added.
"Ron, perhaps you should teach your Champion some etiquette first," Zigh muttered.
Nox's eyes flared, his breathing turning ragged. "Say that again, and I'll break your nose!"
Suddenly, the temperature plummeted. A bone-chilling frost filled the air, causing the hair on their arms to stand on end. Outer drifted toward Nox, his presence suffocating.
"What do you want, Outer?" Nox hissed.
Lena's eyes widened. Outer is here? she thought, a chill of fear running down her spine.
Ron focused intensely on Nox, trying to trace his brother's line of sight toward the door. Outer... which means Lian... No, I must observe first.
Zigh folded his arms, his eyes sharp. I need to see exactly what power Nox is hiding.
Outer dissolved into a thick, black mist, coiling around Nox's frame like a serpent.
"You think the same parlor trick will work twice?" Nox spat.
Outer's voice echoed in a rasping cackle. "Of course not. A Champion wouldn't fall for the same thing twice, would he?"
"I asked what you want!"
Zigh stood paralyzed. Is this... Nox's true capability?
Ron clenched his fists, his heart heavy with unanswered questions. Nox... what have you been keeping from us?
"Sir Nox, what is he saying?" Lena asked, her voice trembling slightly as she clutched her skirt. Please, Sir Nox... say something.
Nox's eyes flickered toward Lena for a heartbeat before he looked away.
Outer's face manifested inches from Nox's own. "Why not just be honest, Champion?"
His chest heaving, Nox's face flushed. "You are loud, Outer! Be silent!"
The mist unraveled, swirling violently before solidifying partially. Outer bared a row of jagged, ivory teeth. "You've grown bold?"
"Did you think I would fear you forever?"
Zigh looked down at his own hands, a spark of resolve igniting in his eyes. I... I can reach that level. I must.
Meanwhile, Ron's eyes scanned the room frantically, searching for any sign of the entity. Where is he?
Outer reverted to his original form, leaning in one last time. "Champion... never forget what happened at the Serion City Hospital."
With that cryptic parting shot, the shadow vanished, leaving no trace behind. The unnatural cold slowly began to dissipate.
Nox stumbled, his balance failing, but Ron was there instantly to steady him.
"Nox, are you alright?"
Drenched in sweat and gasping for air, Nox nodded weakly. "Don't worry... I'm fine."
Lena rushed to his side. "Are you sure?"
Nox offered a faint, tired smile. "Yes... and I apologize for my behavior earlier."
Lena's expression softened. "I'm just glad you're okay. Don't give it another thought."
Zigh stepped forward. "Is he gone?"
Nox gave a short nod.
Ron helped his brother sit on the edge of the bed.
"Sir Nox, I brought some soda. Please, drink this," Lena said, handing him a bottle.
Nox took it with a shaky hand. "Thank you."
She then distributed a cold espresso to Ron and a cup of black coffee to Zigh, before taking a long sip of her own strawberry smoothie. "Ah, sweet perfection."
"Brat," Nox muttered.
"Sir Nox! That is the second time you've called me that!"
"And?" Nox countered.
Zigh stood tall, looming over Lena. "Champion, for the last time, watch your tongue."
"Zigh, Nox—just drink," Ron commanded.
Lena nudged Zigh's ribs gently. "Zigh, don't go making things worse, okay?"
Zigh glanced at her, then returned his stern gaze to Nox. "Champion—"
"Nox!" his rival interrupted.
Zigh placed his hands on his hips. "Fine. Call me Zigh, then."
Lena clapped her hands together, a bright smile on her face. "There we go! Now, finish your drinks like adults!"
Nox and Zigh turned away simultaneously, huffing in unison. Lena shook her head. These two... honestly.
Ron finished his espresso. "Perfect balance."
Nox sipped his soda. "Not bad."
Zigh took a long draw of his black coffee. "It'll do."
Lena set the remaining snacks on the table. "Alright, I'll leave you to it. Continue your Eosvile business."
As she neared the door, Zigh called out. "Lena, wait!"
She turned. "Yes?"
"How are you getting home?"
"The bus."
"Let me drive you," Zigh offered.
"No need."
Zigh stood in silence as the door clicked shut behind her.
"Ouch. That had to sting," Nox remarked.
Zigh spun around. "You really are noisy, aren't you?"
Ron gripped Nox's shoulder firmly. "Nox, that's enough."
Nox subsided into silence.
"Zigh, let us focus on Orleander. What is the plan?" Ron asked.
Zigh let out a long, weary sigh. "Very well."
Ron released his grip. "Do you want our assistance or not?"
Nox rotated his shoulders, stretching out the tension.
Zigh looked between the two brothers. "If a Major and a Lieutenant Colonel are willing, it would be a significant advantage... but is Echo the same as the world you came from?"
Ron tilted his head. "Technologically, Echo seems more advanced than Syntax."
"I see... and how is it you speak the language of Echo so fluently?"
Nox and Ron exchanged a knowing glance.
"There must be something—or someone—enabling your communication here," Zigh mused.
Nox stood up, standing at full height. "Rhea!"
Zigh raised an eyebrow. "Miss Edelweiss?"
Ron nodded. "We reached this place through her intervention."
Zigh ran his fingers through his hair, his mind drifting. She can mend shattered porcelain... she brought Lian and these two to Echo... what is the true extent of Miss Edelweiss's power?
"Zigh? You're daydreaming," Nox prodded.
"I was merely wondering if Rhea hails from Syntax or Ipsix."
"Hmph. Obviously Ipsix," Nox stated.
"Ipsix... I see," Zigh murmured.
Ron crossed his arms. "So, do you require our strength to dismantle Orleander or not?"
Zigh moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "Lian is the one who decides that."
Nox scoffed. "Lian?"
"Yes. As his bodyguard, I report everything to him first."
"I understand," Ron said.
Nox looked at Ron. "Are you serious, Ron?"
Ron simply smiled.
Nox sighed. "Fine. Have it your way."
Zigh stood up and headed for the door.
"You realize we aren't the only ones who carry the Eosvile name," Ron stated.
Zigh stopped in his tracks, though he didn't turn around. "What are you implying?"
Nox balled his hands into trembling fists. "They are the reason we're rotting in this ward."
Zigh's eyes widened as he finally looked back. "Are they from Ipsix?"
"You have sharp instincts, Colonel," Nox replied.
To be continued...