BATTLE OR ALIVE
Chapter 34: Six Months Ago

The green field with a very beautiful landscape like a background that is often in a magazine, currently a horse carriage with a balanced speed is passing through the place .

It could be seen very clearly that the horse carriage was no ordinary carriage, it was too luxurious for someone to use it to travel in this desolate place.

It was a royal carriage, and there were markers that allowed people to recognize the origin of the carriage. The flag of ‘Athera Kingdom’ flutters beautifully there.

“Kakak, actually we want to go where?”

The voice of the 13-year-old girl in a curious tone asked something to her beloved sister.

“Later Emma will know for herself. So look forward, yes.”

And a boy answered him by giving him great hope.

Right now Jell, Mai, and Emma are heading somewhere.

This morning, this morning,

“Ok, the problem is finished, now the main problem.”

“Ohh!”

With her morning spirit, Jell in a high tone conveyed her excitement, and Mai while raising her hand she cheered Jell.

The commotion of the two was clearly heard from the office, and it was certain that the two guards who were outside the room could also hear their screams.

While they were engrossed in their affairs, the door opened and coming from behind the door was a 30-year-old woman, with her maid outfit she walked in towards Jell.

“Excuse”

While bending over and lifting her skirt slightly, she posed very charmingly greeting Jell and Mai in the morning.

“Good Morning, King, Queen. I looked around for the two of you and it seems to be busy here.

King, breakfast is ready, and mistress Rin is already waiting there.”

“Oh, Ava-san. Thank you for bothering just to say it.”

The woman, Ava Morel, is a 32-year-old woman who has a duty as important as Rin's position, she is the chief maid in this kingdom.

In addition to being the chief maid in this kingdom, she basically had her priority duty, which was to become the King's personal servant.

In other words, he had also served the King before.

Jell had asked him many things about the habits that the King often did before, and he answered Jell's questions well.

“King, already I told you how many times not to call me with the word ‘san’ at the end. You are a King, and that is tantamount to lowering your position.”

“And I told you that I and the King were different before. You are the one who always helps me and Mai, so it never hurts to be respectful towards you, right?”

“You're too low.”

As seen, the relationship between the two get along for a King and his servant.

Jell doesn't like to get people older than her to respect her, she thinks it's wrong and it should be the other way around.

Going to the dining room, it looks like Rin is sitting there in a very graceful position.

There is also Emma and Marina, who are seen sitting in the next chair.

“Slow.”

Rin after seeing Jell who arrived, immediately said his complaint.

“Jell, this way.”

“Sister Jell, Sister Mai, you guys are taking too long.”

Marina waved her hand and Emma also greeted while conveying her complaint as well.

...

After eating, Jell told them not to leave the room for a while, she wanted to say something to them. And Emma was the one who was ordered to come out first.

There was a little bit of resistance from Emma because she thought that she was already great enough to keep up with the adult talk, but Jell told her to keep waiting outside.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, but there are things I want to tell you.”

Everyone there put on a serious face as Jell put on a serious face as well.

He looked at Ava, and she responded to Jell's gaze and directly pressed down on a tool like a box that had crystals inside.

And just after Ava pressed the tool, the entire room immediately scattered a stretch of magic.

That magic was wind-type magic, which had no effect other than a de-buff effect.

Rin and Marina were surprised when they saw that, they slightly frowned and Jell continued his story.

“Go to the point, Mai and I decided to leave the kingdom for a while.”

“What, don't mess around. The current situation is very dangerous, you know. Governmenta–”

“I'm not finished yet. I have my own plans and this will also benefit our kingdom, it should be.”

“What ‘should be so’ exactly what do you want to do?”

Jell is being serious and Rin is also asking this seriously to ask what exactly he is planning.

“Area not kingdom, part of the border between Athera and Empire. I want to visit that place.”

“That place is kan-”

“Campage page Emma.”

The atmosphere in the dining room is very unpleasant to describe, the current atmosphere is very tense.

“This is still a possibility, but this may be related to a terrorism case six months ago.”

Rin and Marina opened their eyes wide when they heard the word ‘case six months ago’, Rin hit the table and stood while looking at Jell with a sharp gaze and there was a lump of water at the end of those eyes.

“What is his relationship about the region with the case six months ago.”

“For that I still can't say.”

Rin when he got the answer sat down and was silent.

Jell continued to talk about his plan to go to the place, and the time it takes no more than 30 minutes, they also came out of the dining room.

All that was left in the room was Rin and Jell alone, Mai seemed to be able to read the atmosphere and let the two of them in for a moment.

Both of them were silent and no one intended to start the conversation, but for now Jell was the only one who had to start.

“Rin, for this case-”

“I understand. You have no hard evidence that the place has any connection to the case six months ago. I understand.”

“Rin..”

Not having time to continue his words, Rin immediately answered Jell with a very mature answer.

He was neither grumpy nor coercive when compared to his current self, at the moment he looked similar to Marina.

Jell who had gotten such an answer would naturally not disappoint Rin, if she knew something she would tell him.

But for now, Jell also still does not know what really happened to Athera six months ago.

For the answer, Rin suddenly began the conversation, the conversation challenged what happened six months ago.

...

Rin told me everything that happened six months ago.

From the story, it is said that when six months ago, it was a time where Athera experienced a very severe chaos.

Due to rampant corruption, the people of Athera became angry and began to fight against the government.

And not only that, at that time Athera also experienced conflicts with several neighboring countries and other countries.

From Rin's explanation, including the Empire was also included in a country that had a bad relationship with Athera. And there were also several times the Empire wanted to make excuses that they could use to attack the Athera kingdom.

Because at that time the emperor was very interested in the vast population of Athera and abundant natural resources.

In response, the King decided to check the villages on the Athera border, and wanted to see the original reports of the ruling nobles.

And this plan was kept secret by the King and only a few people knew, and among them was Rin's eldest brother, Albedo Victoria.

At first all the preparations made by the King went well, but it did not happen when they entered the unpopulated field area in district F.

There, the unexpected happened.

A sudden attack, in which the tragedy killed the King.

The words of one of the guards that survived, that they were attacked from all over the field, were as if the attackers had known that their train was going to pass through the road.

And hearing the news made the entire contents of the palace dumbfounded. And from here on the destruction of Athera began to occur.

Many of the nobles were seen not mourning the King's death, and instead they were seen holding suspicious gatherings, and not just that, as well, rumors about those with ties to other countries are also beginning to be heard.

And not only that, suddenly in this very bad moment, the prince or the King's first child, Albedo suddenly disappeared.

From the decision taken together, they decided to make Albedo the next King, and in the meeting Albedo showed no rejection of it.

But, with Albedo gone made the situation very bad. And word began to spread that Prince Albedo had betrayed him.

Of course hearing that made Marina angry, but they could not turn away from the fact that suddenly her figure disappeared.

And at that very instant, Marina began intending to proceed to replace the King's vacant position.

At the same time, coincidentally Ava the King's maid had found a letter located on the King's room table.

[For you, the people who have been serving my family for a long time. If this letter has been read by you, it means that I am now dead.

There are some things I want to tell you Ava, please take care of my children, I don't want them to grow up without any affection. I want you to replace me for that position.

And one more thing, for the selection of the next King, use the contest method. This is something that has been calculated by me.

Please, there is no one worthy to replace me other than someone who can win the race.

This is an order, and do this last command.

The rest I leave to you, Ava.]

The contents of the letter ended, everyone's gazes were different as they looked at the contents of the letter.

Of course getting the last order from her master, Ava immediately did that. But it is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand, there are various rejections that occur at the meeting of the contest.

There were many nobles who refused and they proposed to only do the competition only limited to the nobles.

Of course Marina knew what they were up to, but Marina as the replacement for the vacant King position refused.

Three months later, the contest was announced.

***

Rin recounts everything that happened from the case six months ago to the execution of the contest.

Jell listened carefully, and she saw Rin's face after telling her about it, her face grim.

She was not as graceful as she could be, at the moment she looked like a woman in general.

Jell stood up and said something to cheer him up.

After all this has to do with Athera, I am a King.”

With a wide smile, Jell prided herself, she was now similar to Mai who was proud of her. If only Mai was here, maybe the position that would hit Jell not to overdo it would be played by Mai.

“Kak~ you guys are done talking?”

Running through the dining room door, Emma with her tiny footsteps dashed straight towards Jell beautifully.

“Emma, what is it?”

“No, I just thought you guys talked too long.”

Jell smiles at him and so does Rin, she upon seeing Emma coming she changes her expression.

“Hm? Sis there's something on your neck, you know. It's red, like in a bug bite.”

!!!

Seeing something stand out in Jell's appearance, Emma was somehow able to see a red mark on her neck. That's like a bite mark? Or maybe not.

Hearing that, Rin reacted immediately. He glared and forced Jell to show the red marks.

And sure enough, on his neck was a red scar that was not too conspicuous.

Without listening to any reason, Rin with his fist directly hit Jell with a crushing blow.

“You pervert! What did you and Mai do last night, ha!”

“Ugh... We, do not do, anything..”.

What a sunny morning in Athera, today is good to go out and not to be reduced indoors.

***

More than 24 hours have passed. Right now the train on Jell is in a beautiful meadow, if only they would go out and play there, he said, then it is made sure they will feel at home to stay there in no small amount of time.

Passing through the grassland area, they will now enter the forest area.

“Yes majesty, we will enter the forest, and we will exit Athera after this.”

“Oh, Omunru. All right, keep it that way. If something goes wrong say it as soon as possible, understand?”

Someone who was sitting in front of the horse carriage, of course this carriage did not move itself with magic. Because in the current era such technology can not be created, and still require human performance to drive a vehicle.

He was the driver who drove the horse carriage that Jell rode. He was the only driver who knew of Jell's departure to the non-kingdom area, and he was told to be quiet about this.

Jell doesn't believe in this person at first, but Marina says this person can be trusted. That's because he's the royal driver.

And because of hearing that from Marina straight away, so Jell had no other reason not to believe it.

Now they enter a dense forest area, this forest is called “Hutan Aufragend” forest this forest is very broad and becomes a barrier between the Athera region and non-kingdom region.

Entering the forest the atmosphere in it looks very mysterious, the sunlight that does not fall into the forest is blocked by dense tree leaves, and the height of the trees is more than 60 meters.

This tree looks similar to the Hyperion Tree, but it's a small version.

“Your Majesty!”

Omunru's voice in a tense tone, Jell came to him and asked the current situation.

“I'm not so sure, but. I've been through this area before and I think something's not right.”

“Ah, I understand. Keep driving, I'll try to see what happens.”

Jell tried to get in the back seat again, but that didn't seem to be the case.

Without a sound or an aura of pressure, suddenly from the direction of 10 o'clock, an attack approached.

Jell realized it and with a speed that did not reach a second, the magic that was launched was instantly slashed without any residue.

Surely Omunru was shocked when he saw it, he immediately accelerated the movement of the carriage by driving the four horses forcefully.

“Omunru, keep moving, and try not to make the horses receive attacks at any cost.”

“I understand!”

Jell climbed onto the carriage and stood up while looking at where the attack was going.

But it wasn't as fast as someone on the train. By breaking the window glass that looked extremely expensive, he unhesitatingly broke it and took out half of its body.

Take out a PGM Hecate II gun, directly aimed at one of the trees 50 meters away from them.

The trigger is pressed and produces a bullet that has been buffed with magic, a bullet with a speed of 825 m/s, directly hit the tree trunk.

The tree at that time also shattered and fell resulting in a small tremor.

Of course Mai did not shoot the bullet carelessly earlier, she had already realized the existence of the enemy much faster than Jell.

“As expected of an Admiral.”

“Jell, they have two people. I failed to shoot one, it looks like he has a very fast movement, and for the other one, he is right above us.”

Looking up at the trees, just as Mai said, there was a shadow above those who were jumping trees to other trees.

“Ku got you.”

With a grinning smile, Jell jumped with a height that surpassed human limits, she jumped with a height of 50 meters at a speed of no more than a second.

Jell was certainly not stupid to make that great leap and result in damage to their carriage, therefore he neutralized the effects of his jump by combining skills.

That high and fast leap went straight to one of the trees. Not wasting any time, Jell immediately stood on one of the tree branches and directly chased after the person.

Omunru was certainly surprised by the jump made by Jell, but he did not have time to be confused and he still triggered the agara horse can be faster out of the forest.

Seeing Jell leave, Mai also got out and climbed onto the carriage.

He intended to carry out an attack and simultaneously protect the carriage.

Jell who had gone a long way after the person who was at the top, Mai now had an obligation to protect the rest.

Taking a shooting position, looking for the whereabouts of the enemy he had failed to drop.

And as expected, that person was hiding among the trees and attacking from a distance.

(He's a Mage, and not only that, the attack he's using is also powerful and accurate. A troublesome opponent.)

In a whisper of her heart, Mai started to read the situation that was going on.

“Ah, I don't have time to play hide and seek with you. I'll destroy all the trees here.”

A terrifying grinning smile was seen from her beautiful face. And sure enough, Mai with skill level S “Mega Laser” she cut all the trees that were in front of her.

The trees that were cut were like cutting a butter with a laser skill, Mai looked crazy when she actually did that.

The plan came to fruition, from one of the trees that Mai dropped, a figure emerged that jumped out.

“That's why you came out of your hiding hole. Come here little mouse, I big cat will play with you.”

Skill taken out, skill this time is a skill that takes out some stored rockets from his weapon.

“Grenade Launcher!”

Small rocket details came out and attacked him from various directions.

A large explosion was caused by the attack. But, not allowing himself to be defeated so easily, the mysterious figure advanced very close to Mai.

Reciting the spell quickly, this person did not have until three seconds of his magic spell already formed. And skill “Flame” on launch.

“Sialan.”

Mai jumped at the last moment, can be seen some of the end of her clothes scorched.

For the time being in his mind that this person was the first person capable of overwhelming him.

DuuaArr!!!

The sound of an explosion rang out from the direction of 9 o'clock, and not long after the sound of the explosion, someone in a cloak crashed into a mysterious person who attacked Mai, who was none other than her friend.

Seen from his robe that had been hollowed out by the burning, it seemed like he had made Jell a little serious.

And not long after that Jell came from the ruins of the tree.

“Ahh, you're ruining nature, loh.”

“Stupid, is there such a rule in war?”

“True also.”

Walking closer to Mai, the pose that Jell had pointed out actually provoked the two of them. He put both of his hands leaning on the later of his head, and he walked very leisurely.

“So who are you two?”

The first figure, the one Jell was after, was wearing trousers and he was just a boy. And its height is not more than 140 cm.

And the second person, the one who attacked the first carriage and who dueled with Mai, she wore a short skirt that only covered the bahain of the thigh. And it's obvious she's a little girl.

Jell and Mai when they saw the two of them once again making strange faces, they did not know that the person who attacked them was just a child.

“Hey, you guys are. Still a kid, right?”

Jell ascertained the identity of his enemy, but from their appearance it was clear they were just children.

“...”

The answers of the two were non-existent, they just silently looked at Jell and Mai and did not intend to answer their questions.

But in this moment of tense condition of the two groups, something unexpected came to meet them.

With great speed, a horse-drawn carriage came over to Jell and Mai.

Out of the carriage, a 13-year-old girl shouted while asking the condition of her two beloved sisters.

“Sister! You guys okay?”

Running and landing on Mai's chest, Emma with a teary face hugged her.

“Emma..”

Emma hugs Mai tightly not to let her go herself, but this time is a battle, here is very dangerous for a girl like Emma.

Emma who received Mai's order to temporarily release her embrace, Emma complied well.

For Emma who is not helping in the battle certainly makes her sad, she hopes something when later she will join the fight on the side of her two beloved brothers, it is her dream.

But to be on the same level as them, Emma has to learn some things that Jell and Mai often do, namely checking and identifying opponents.

“!!!”

When he saw the enemy attacking, Emma who looked at the two robed children immediately made herself unconscious.

He fell off his footing and fell flat on his back.

At the same time the two children suddenly left and disappeared behind the trees.

Jell stared intently at them with an angry look.

“Tch!”

***