A Bad Boss Breeds Bitterness

Going down the hill was the easiest part of this whole cluster fuck of a situation. My body had cooled down from 'kill everything on sight' to just being generally annoyed at the separation from my friends. Honestly I'd missed them already.

Lynx wasn't the most pleasant of company when she was escorting me, but she did everything in her power to keep me from suddenly dropping dead.

"So Ms. Lynx, I've never tried to apply to the Silvermane before, any idea on what the paperwork will be about?" She gives a little nod as we move. I need to see if they check for identity, because if they do I might be screwed.

"Just some stuff so you know what you're getting into. Benefits as well."

That sort of makes sense, would a society this small even have a need for proper identification outside of military ranks? Belobog really isn't that big, and I don't know if they even have a proper internet.

Not like I can check since my phone is trapped in jail- is my phone is Horny jail? I haven't even watched any porn since I got here!

Honestly my libido has been strange ever since my encounter with the Bug. I definitely still feel the effects, but they're heavily muted. The only time I can feel it amp up is when I'm using my ability to Propagate, especially when I'm healing myself but the feeling fades quite quickly.

Things to think about when I'm not dealing with a Stellaron and infiltrating a foreign military. Honestly this whole thing would be really embarrassing if the leader is a nice lady and hasn't been corrupted by the Stellaron like Welt said was possible.

Gotta love that man for being a Weltspring of information. Heh. If I ever say that outloud Welt has permission to obliterate me.

While my internal thoughts swarm wildly we finally make it down to the main entrance. Two large and heavily armored individuals having a casual chat before bellowing towards us. What are they feeding these guys?

Looking past them the entrance almost seems like a bunker, an underground tunnel that goes into the city. On the wall are many, many guards. With the vast majority of them positioned near the main entrance.

Spoiler: Silvermane Lieutenant
"Lady Lynx! Welcome back!" They straighten their posture and puff out their chests a bit before the one on the left turns to me.

"Er- are you another visitor from beyond the sky?" Lynx sends me a side eye for a moment then shakes her head as I shrug noncommittally.

"Are you?" Her face isn't looking at me but I shake my head nonetheless. She crosses her arms and the guards tense up. She rocks her head lightly before asking a question.

"Who is the current Supreme Guardian?" Supreme Guardian. The leader of Belobog. For a moment I hear a particular guitar rift, as my brain looks for the answer. A particular song flashing to my mind. One I'd listened to on loop repeatedly for days. My heart pounds in my ears as I prepare to take a shot in the dark.

"We made a choice, go fight against your fate!"

What if it's the wrong name? What if I'm thinking of the wrong person? What if- my mind buzzes faintly, the sensation bringing a fuzziness to mind. Then I take a deep breath.

Their weapons tense at my pause, Lynx's eyes narrowing at me in suspicion. Just before the tension reaches its crescendo I mutter a name.

"Cocolia." I could barely remember her, but I certainly could remember her theme, Wildfire.

Instantly the tension drains away. What an earworm of a song. Shame my musical talent is mid at best. I'd practiced a bit with the vocals but that was mostly singing in the shower.

"Sorry, I'm just tired." Lynx nods and one of the guards berates me despite lowering his weapon.

"It's best you refer to Supreme Guardian Cocolia Rand by her full title in the future . . . but I can understand with your exhaustion. Also get yourself cleaned off, you're covered in snow." Hadn't noticed, it's like the cold doesn't even exist. Honestly it's kind of comfortable.

"This is Simon, he's blessed by the Preservation. He will be a great addition to the Silvermane." The guards give respectful nods towards me, there weapons fully lowered.

"Sorry for climbing the wall Ms. Lynx . . ." She gives me a momentarily shocked look before snorting and shaking her head.

I really do feel bad lying to her. I'll make it up to her after all this is over.

"Don't do anything dangerous like that again . . . at least not without my brother nearby." She lets out a small huff as we enter the bunker doors, the chatter behind me not ceasing.

"Kid climbed the wall? Impressive little guy-" The doors slam shut behind us and a Silvermane guard approaches with a curt greeting.

"Ms. Lynx. Associate. Come with me." The man's back is straight, a large halberd at his side as he takes us through several other massive doors.

"Hi to you too, Varron." At Lynx's words the man only grunts. Each door closes behind us as we go down then up again. The cold steel walls pulsing with glowing orange lines as we move through.

"This is Varron, you'll be meeting him plenty if you intend to leave the city." Is this the tunnel guy? After only about a minute of walking the final door opens and sunlight shines towards us. The man, Varron, turns before the light hits him.

Spoiler: Silvermane Soldier
"Have a safe day."

"Thank you Varron." I mutter a thank you as well. If he's to be my 'superior officer' I should at least be polite. His grunt is my only response.

"Get some rest and clean yourself off, it's already getting late. We'll meet up tomorrow and get everything sorted." I give her a soft smile as I look at the short woman.

"Thank Ms. Lynx. I don't know what I'd do without you." The faintest hint of red appears on her cheeks before it disappears with a sigh.

"Just stay out of trouble Simon, and listen to the rules when you join the Silvermane." I give her a thumbs up before turning around. Staring at the beautiful city of Belobog I wander around until I make my way to the central square.

Spoiler: Central Square
I remember this frozen structure, but not its significance. Approaching the thing I casually eye for a plaque but find none. Instead only an old man with his head bowed in prayer.

"Oh Lord Qliphoth, may your eternal amber grant us the warmth to preserve our people." Qliphoth. That must be the deity of this land then. Lynx spoke of THEM as well. The Amber Lord. At least that's who I assume she was referring to.

"Greetings elder." I speak softly next to the old man as he finishes his prayer, a warm smile on his face as he raises his head.

"Greetings young man, were you intrigued by my prayer?" I nod my head.

"I know it's a bit odd to speak of THEIR name aloud, I simply hope Lord Qliphoth shall one day answer my prayers." I don't really know anything about Qliphoth, so I have no room to speak.

"Perhaps one day THEY shall send us a hero to push back the monsters that threaten our city." He frowns lightly at my words, yet a gleam of agreement dances behind his eyes. My mind flashing back to the scene of the Trailblazer holding a massive amber lance. A hero is on her way, and I'll aid her however I can.

"Do you not consider the Supreme Guardian a hero?" I freeze at my slip up, oh shit-

The old man lets out a sigh as he softly pats my shoulder, a small amount of snow falling off my body.

Spoiler: Mr. Ivani
"It's alright young man. I was ten years younger when the Underworld was sealed off. The Supreme Guardian is just that. A guardian, but sadly she is no hero. You must have been but a lad when it happened . . ." I frowned lightly, my fears confirmed. She's definitely evil. Or corrupted. I don't really know but the point is she's aiding the Stellaron directly or indirectly.

"Elder, thank you." He smiles as he retracts his hand away.

"Call me Ivani, calling me elder makes me feel old." I scratch behind my head in light embarrassment.

"Then call me Simon, Mr. Ivani." Only fair to give him my alias in response to that. We both stare at the large ice sculpture for a moment before he looks gently at me and asks a question.

"Young Simon, would you care to join me for some tea?" I look at the man with my eyes slightly widening. I feel the sun fall off my face and I turn my head up to the setting sun as a thought crosses into my mind.

I don't have anywhere to sleep do I? I don't really want to impose or try to press this old man for a place to stay, but it wouldn't hurt to have some tea before I go off looking for somewhere to sleep.

"I'd be glad too." He smiles at my words before slowly walking down the street towards the rows of homes. I walk after him and decide to continue the conversation.

"Mr. Ivani, what was your profession?" He wistfully smiles as we walk.

"You mean what is, these old bones are still capable of working after all." He lets out a small chuckle as his eyes narrow slightly.

"I'm a merchant of sorts." I nod enthusiastically at his words.

"What sort of things do you trade?" I lightly tilt my head in curiosity.

"Now, now, a merchant never reveals his secrets." He holds a finger up to his lips and winks. I smile at the gesture, what a strange fellow.

"Alright keep your secrets old man. Personally I'm trying to join the Silvermane. Fight off the monsters that attack us all the time." His pupils open just a tad wider at my words before his expression relaxes in a faint sadness as he nods.

"It's quite a dangerous position, but a respected one nonetheless- Ah, we're here." That was a quick walk. We're actually still quite close to the plaza. A decent sized building is up ahead, one story in height, windows closed tight, and a small heater near the entrance.

"Come in young Simon." He cracks open the door and a very inviting room greets me.

Two large leather chairs sit opposed to each other, a circular table in the center of the room. To the left is a small kitchen, while a door is off to the right. Instead of a fireplace rests a heater softly publishing with warmth.

A small amber statuette resting upon that center table. Its form is that of a pillar, with small branches extending off itself. Lastly, a little trash bin rests next to the table. The faint scent of lavender somehow came from it despite my distance.

A large carpet is over the floor, a faint hollowness being picked up by my enhanced senses as I walk over it.

Didn't know they had basements here.

"Cozy place." He begins to set some water to boil before turning to me, my form not sitting down just yet.

"Why thank you young Simon. Most would not join this old man for tea but I do like to keep tidy."

"Well I can't see why not, you've been nice to speak to." He lets out a light laugh as he gazes at boiling water

"Then I suppose I must thank you for your kind words young man." He gently pours water from the kettle into two mugs, before gently putting a tea bag in each. Picking up the cups he brings them to the table and sets one on either side.

"Please, take a seat. Let us chat." Sliding into the comfortable leather chair I let out a tiny moan as the pressure is taken off my legs. He smiles wryly at the action as I flush in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I just haven't sat down all day." As I sit the smell of lavender grows strong, peering into the can is multiple tea bags. With a faint suspicion I smell the tea, and its scent is the familiar flower.

"The smell of First Snowfall is quite relaxing, isn't it? Brings back memories long passed." There's a regretful smile on his face as he stares at the cup.

"Didn't know you could make tea smell like that." He raises an eyebrow in confusion.

"It's the type of flower used in the tea." My mouth forms an O shape as I let out an affirmative nod.

"Sorry, not a big plant guy." His chuckle is mixed with a light cough at my bland response.

Taking a slow drink of the dark liquid a subtly sweet taste hits my senses, with a faintly bitter undertone. It's sort of like drinking thick flavored water. Never was a big tea guy in my previous life either. Coffee forever! Nonetheless, I still enjoy it.

"It's good!" The man smiles as he sets his cup down softly on the table.

"Simon, you wished to join the Silvermane, correct?" I give a slow nod.

"Are you absolutely certain it is what you wish to do?" I mean, not really? I'm infiltrating the military. But nonetheless I give him my answer.

"I am." It's something I have to do. His eyes narrow as he looks at me.

"Have you already spoken to your family and friends about this? It's a dangerous position and-" I cut off the man before he can press me on relationships that don't exist.

"I have none." He lightly shudders. As though he were a flower in the wind getting pushed along by the echoes of a breeze long gone by.

"I see." He picks up his tea and downs it before adopting a serious expression.

"May this elder give a lecture to you, young Simon?" I may not be the most socially adept but even I can tell he doesn't want me to join the guard. It would be rude to decline after he's been so hospitable, and this old man deserves to get whatever weight he holds off his chest.

"How could I decline after the kindness you've shown me." He gives a heavy nod, its weight rivaling his age as he stands up. He goes through the door and enters a hall as I follow.

"Come with me."

In the hall are three doors. Two on the right, one on the left. At the end of the wooden hall is a small heater. Covered in dust and is in slight disrepair.

"This is where I rest."

He softly presses his hand on the first door, cracking it open and revealing a humble room. A simple bed and a massive lack of furniture, with only a wardrobe being present alongside a nightstand.

He walks down and turns to me with a cold laugh as he cracks open the second door.

"This is the restroom." There's anxiety on his face as he says the words, the joke a smokescreen for what comes next.

We continue down the hall and my heart accelerates, pieces of this whole situation give me a sense of worry. I continue after him as he stops before the final door.

Gritted teeth and glaring eyes as he stares down at the dusty door handle.

"Please open it. I can not bring myself to do such a thing." I move forward and turn my back to the elder before softly putting my hand on the handle.

A moment passes as I crack the door open, the dust covering my hand making the handle somehow feel dirty. Dirty as though a past here should have been cleaned up long ago.

Inside is a room. The room of someone who seems to be a big fan of the Silvermane Guards. Posters, Articles, Figurines. Hell, even the bedding is in their colors. Against the wall is a picture frame with a single dusty image inside. I mindlessly walk forward towards it and stare with extreme discomfort.

It's the picture of a younger Mr. Ivani, with a much much younger man standing next to him with a massive smile on his face. The uniform of the Silvermane Guards on his person. The man's size is gigantic compared to the old man, but the resemblance is clear.

Another photo sits softly next to it. The younger man is now a boy, with two adults beside him in a partial Silverman guard uniform.

"This was my grandson's room. He too was blessed by the Preservation, and he too-" the man can't bring himself to continue as he looks away in shame. How does he know I'm blessed . . . ?

"How did you know?" His jaw twitched as he stared me dead in the eyes.

"The tea was mixed with a light sleeping agent- nothing bad would have happened but a normal person would have experienced light drowsiness." My eyes widened, this guy drugged me?!

"That's- Why!?" There's raw agony on his face as words break from his mouth. Words he's been waiting to speak for years but never could.

"Because I won't let another young man throw his life away supporting a leader who doesn't care what happens to any of us! You need to be shown you aren't invincible!" His eyes widened and he covered his mouth, as though he spoke a great taboo. The words like poison as his eyes dart around the room as though looking for someone listening in. Then his eyes finally settle on me.

"Forgive me I- I was not myself." This guy . . . He knows something. Or this is a really elaborate set up . . . No, that's stupid.

"No . . . I agree with you." My eyes bore into him as his jaw drops.

"Then why join them! Why-" he steadies his voice. "Why would you then?" I internally weigh how much I should tell him. Then I decided to come clean on a few things. I get a feeling. Just a small nudge, perhaps it's based off of his body language, perhaps something more. But this man feels as though he's someone I can be a bit honest with.

"I want to stop the eternal freeze." He scoffs, but pauses mid action as his eyes widen.

"Y-you're one of those out worlders." Shock in his eyes. "That amount of snow- you came from outside the city." The whisper a secret on his breath. My eyes widened as he turned to me, concern on his face.

"A search was announced for a tall man with a pink stripe through his hair. Other outworlders said their companion was missing and such a description was provided to us." He approaches me and runs his hand through my hair.

A small amount of snow I hadn't even noticed falls off. My wet hair from the partially melted frost had stuck the snow to my hair earlier. His eyes widened in confirmation. Uh oh. He seems to notice the panic in my eyes before grasping my wrist.

"Come with me." If he tries to turn me in I might have to beat him up. I'd feel bad, but I've got bigger priorities than guilt right now. The man's frail hand tries to pull me to the bathroom, and I begrudgingly follow. He peels through the cupboard and takes out a small black bottle from an assortment of many different containers.

"Throw off your shirt, I am going to dye your hair." I-what? The man doesn't wait for my response and opens another cabinet without a hint of hesitation. From it he pulls a toothbrush. I'm officially lost, but I comply anyways.

He starts to run the black dye through my hair, the sensation is strange. I'd never had my hair dyed before so this is a very new feeling.

"Thank you." The man doesn't say a word in response as he focuses and continues. This is going to drastically improve my disguise, as my friends had unintentionally sold me out.

Taking the toothbrush he dips it in the dye and starts working each individual hair on my head. The new black color overwrites the previous shade, along with the pink stripe .After about fifteen minutes he finishes, and I go to pull back but he stops me with a hand.

"We are not done." He starts massaging the dye into my hairs, and after a while pauses and turns on the sink.

"Lower your head." I'm starting to get sick of this guy bossing me around, but it's not the seriousness of his gaze that stops me from resisting. It's the deep fear in his eyes, the sense of terror of what may happen to me if I don't change what I look like. With a grunt I lower my head and the water runs through my hair, of which he softly pulls forward to wash out the access color.

"Apologies young Simon, there are just a few more steps." Pulling my head back after he finishes he applies some gel or something into my hair.

"While that sets let us discuss, I'm certain you are very confused."

"You didn't give me a clear answer on why you drugged me." His expression twists in remorse but nods.

"Many of those blessed by Qliphoth believe themselves invincible. Iron walls against the Fragmentum, but that is far far from the truth. Anyone can be killed, even those who bear the mightiest of blessings. All of that to say, I wished to show you that if even a cup of tea could do this much to you, you too could be felled. However the blessing you bear seems to be far more powerful than I thought, if you are even blessed by Qliphoth at all." So different Pathstriders can pull different amounts of power from the path? That makes sense. Still a little mad about the whole drugging thing but after the man's short monologue I at least understand him.

"Alright, then why are you 'helping' me?" I can make a few guesses but I want to hear it from his mouth before jumping to conclusions. Also I've been pretty good at reading people lately, probably something to do with Bug Bitch.

"Not everyone in Belobog enjoys the luxuries those of the Overworld do. The Underworld, an underground layer of the city, was sealed off and the Silvermane Guard abandoned them under the orders of the Supreme Guardian." He says the final words with spite. Fully dropping the facade of being a simple old man. I remember that area of the city vaguely. Though I don't remember it being empty of protection. While I think the man rinses my hair again then continues to dry it.

"All of that leaves a simple question for young Simon. Why would your opinion of Cocolia be so low when all she's done is treat you with 'hospitality'." The man lets out a snort. "The Silvermane are preparing to arrest your companions. The writing is already on the wall, they've already informed citizens to avoid them and begun positioning their troops in the Amberbite formation for tomorrow morning." My eyes narrow, but I nod. This man clearly knows a lot about the Silvermane Guard.

"Then I'll infiltrate the Silvermane. I have absolute faith in my companions to be fine." A confident smile is on my face as I nod a bit harder. My hands on my hips as my eyes light up. While things may not go according to the original 'story' I have faith in my fellow trailblazers. Not in some strings of code. Dan Heng can always bail them out if need be, and if that doesn't work they can just call Welt and Himeko.

"That kind of thinking gets people killed. I've sent . . . an associate of mine to aid them. Nonetheless you should still give up on joining the Silvermane. It is far too suspicious with this other 'you' still on the loose." Damn it. This is what I get for playing gacha games and not any real time strategy games or reading strategy books. Honestly I don't know if either would help but anything is better than gacha.

However, my eyes light up as a sinister thought brews in the back of my head, a plan starting to swarm together in my mind.

What if there really is another 'me'?

AN: I have returned! Today we've got close encounters with the guards, a strange old guy with an even stranger skill set. Sam prepares to unleash a clone upon the Underworld (and hopes not to repeat the Isa incident). Next time Sam infiltrates the Silvermane and meets some familiar faces among the guard. Another intermediary chapter here as Sam begins his master plan to try and figure out where the Stellaron is and also how to deal with the Evil Boss Lady™.

Mr. Ivani is actually an NPC you can find in Belobog square. He's always praying to the Amber Lord at the statue and you can't talk to him so I decided I might as well use him here. First Snowfall is also a cannon flower of Jarillo-VI so that was interesting to find.

If anyone has any ideas for what Sam should name his self healing ability please let me know. I'm kind of stumped tbh and if I use your idea I'll give you credit. I'm also curious on your guys thoughts on me using colored text! I enjoy doing it as it helps show which aspect of Sam's power he's using (his own or bug dads) but I'm curious on the readers thoughts as well!

I've also started a Ko-Fi. I don't ever intend to paywall anything but if you really like what I'm doing I'd appreciate the funding (prices are going up in my area so I've gotta work more hours instead of writing, but your support can help me spend more time doing what I actually love!) I'll most likely include some more tangible benefits besides me just writing more later down the road as well. If you can spare a couple dollars, you can help buy me a loaf at: https://ko-fi.com/bobofthehedgefield

I also have quite a few stories brewing in my other thread if you'd like to check that out here, a Re:Zero story, Fate (Abridged) Story, a MahoAko story, and there's a Project Moon story for all you PM sleeper agents.

As always thank you for stopping by, I appreciate your discussion, comments and any other form of support (including spelling/grammatical corrections!) as they help push my writing forward!
(Very long AN this time )