MEMORIES AND ABU HORMUZ

Episode 12 - The Pieces That Matter

Morning will soon be coming. No matter if someone dies time will keep turning and the morning will come as usual.

It's about 08:00 in the morning, and everything's gathering at Atalante's north gate. The echoes of the bell at eight had not faded, but Marco was already shouting with all the air in his lungs.

"This is it!" He shouted in a tone that sounded like a depressed man.”Everyone, I want to introduce you to a new friend! Please give a standing ovation to Lusi, which is our new Priest!”

Haruhiro and Barto clapped their hands hesitantly, but Vina and Alice clearly looked disappointed. They were suddenly awakened early in the morning and forced out, so Haruhiro understood their confusion. It's even weird if they're not confused.

Although this was the first meeting, they did not even greet Luci festively. Likewise with Lusi, the girl looked cold, jutek, and very stubborn. He is the kind of person who is difficult to approach. Despite that, Haruhiro hopes that they try harder to get close to the girl.

Haruhiro begins to understand why Gori says that their party is suitable for Lusi.

Marco points at Susi once again.”Welcome Lusi to applause!”

"Happy to meet you," Alice stuttered while slightly bowing.

Vina also slightly bent forward.”W-Welcome."

Lucia did not respond well. His eyes narrowed without blinking as he glanced at Vina and Alice. Haruhiro also received the same treatment last night.

Even so, there was something he could not miss. That girl is pretty. And that's no ordinary beauty. He's so different. Her big eyes, her curvy lips, her pointed nose and her straight and shiny hair. The curves of her body are more beautiful than anything in this world. As if he was not a human. Why does Haruhiro think so?

He has a balanced combination. His small head, and also his style. Even if only one look, someone will surely admit that he has something different. He has a special aura. It had made Haruhiro very nervous, when he first stood before him.

Then Haruhiro realized it. The girl's gaze was so cold, icy cold. Haruhiro has a feeling that this girl will bring trouble. Lusi is a girl who will make the men around her not dare to approach, and only able to admire her beauty from a distance. Unfortunately, the situation is forcing

they're recruiting a priest.

According to Gori, most of the Red MooN members have a Party, but the number of Priests is not that much. Skilled priests were always sought after, and there were very few, so several teams competed to recruit them. After all, Haruhiro and the others were still training members, so they would not be able to

compete with a senior Party like Gori's. Even Team Hector, who formed at almost the same time, was considered superior.

In other words, the Haruhiro group ranked the most basic on the Red MooN organization. Their position was extremely low, as if they were creeping on the ground. That way, they don't have much choice. No matter whether it was Lusi or someone else, they should be grateful that there was still a Priest who would be willing to join their Party.

Lusi brushed her straight hair and turned her gaze towards Haruhiro.”Is this your party?"

"Nr ..." Haruhiro quickly lowered his head.

He didn't want to look her in the eye directly, then what could he do. This is not fair. The girl was a Priest, so her clothes were white and coated in a blue hue. Her appearance looked stylish, and her clothes were not so tight, but all the curves of her body were clearly visible.

Then, Haruhiro continued.”Yeah, including you, there's a total of six."

"I understand," he said with a slightly insulting expression.”Alright. As long as I get my ration, I don't care. Where are we going? Damroww?”

"Y-yeah ..." Haruhiro looked at his other best friend. The atmosphere is very uncomfortable. Is everything gonna be okay?

"…It seems so."

"Looks?" Said Lusi.”That's for sure, dong."

"D-Damrowws. Y-Yes. We will head to Old Town Damroww to look for Goblin .. we don't really know other creatures.”

"good. Then go. I'll follow."

"Umm .." said Marco while deliberately avoiding the gaze of Luci's eyes. "Can you speak a little more, uhh .. and act a little more .. yahh, you know that yourself…"

The gaze of Lusi's ice-cold eyes pierced through Marco.”'s bodyWhat's?"

"That's-that's it!" Marco said quickly.”M-sorry .. forget what I said ..”

Lucia is scary. He's really scary. Worse than scary. She ... as Gori said.

According to him, Lusi has a number of nicknames, namely ”Lusi the Evil" and "Frightening Passion. Lusi almost always did not have a Party, and he often received invitations to join a party that lacked a Priest. Lusi never turned down any invitations, but he never stayed long at the party. He never thought of others as comrades, so his reliability as a Priest was questioned.

No one talks good about him. She is beautiful, but she has absolutely no spirit of unity in the team. Apparently, even though he quickly accepted an invitation to join a Party, he was quicker to decline an invitation from another man to date him.

Gori knows from personal experience, because she herself was once rejected by Lusi. His attempt to invite Lusi

dating really should be a thumbs up. Gori is indeed a real man, that's what Haruhiro thought cynically.

The journey to reach Damroww took about 1 hour, during which time neither of them spoke the words. The atmosphere was so awkward, uncomfortable, and silent. Barto and even Marco are afraid of Lucia. Vina and Alice are doubtful, distrustful, and confused towards her new partner. They both looked confused, at once angry. Haruhiro did not know how to react to this situation.

Maybe they were angry because of Lusi's attitude. Perhaps they were angry that a new Priest had joined, but Udin's tomb was still red. And actually, little heart Haruhiro also said that it would be better if for a while the position of Udin was not replaced. After all, Haruhiro, Marco and Barto never got approval from Vina and Alice that they would bring in Lusi. The three of them just decided at the tavern last night, and this is what happened.

They should not act unilaterally like that. They should have thought longer to make this decision. Udin would never let it all be like this.

Damrow. This is where Udin died. It seemed, it was too soon for them to return to this place of grief. It's too fast.

"How about we meet them again?" Haruhiro whispers to Marco.

Marco replied in a furious tone. ”Ya fight only. I want to slice off the ear of that armored Goblin and that fucking Hobgoblin. Then present it at the altar of Skullheill. I won't be satisfied until I can do that.”

"But we can't win" said Alice coldly.”We won't win now either."

Marco stole it.”I don't give a shit. I'll still fight.”

"And what if Marco dies?" Vina's voice trembled slightly. ”If Marco dies, Marco will lose everything.”

Barto nodded with gusto.”Don't die. I don't want anyone else to die.”

"So go, or not?" Said Lusi while frowning.”If so, let's go. If not, it doesn't matter to me. Whatever it is, decide quickly."

Marco stuck his tongue out at him. Then he said, "Hurry up, Haruhiro.”

"Yes .." replied Haruhiro.

Who is the leader of this team now? Barto is not the kind of person who can inspire others to follow him. Alice and Vienne are the same. Then, I'm the only one left? haruhiro. I'm not a leader. I can't make a decision.

But Udin had asked him to be the leader. At the end of his life, Udin had said “Tolong”. He tried to tell me “Please, protect everything.” But Udin, I can't. He can't do it. Haruhiro is not like Udin.

"A-Come," Haruhiro said to everyone. Even such a simple word he said tremblingly. He was pathetic, even to himself.

Using the map they had created, they searched the area where Goblins often passed by.

Now Udin is gone, so aiming for three Goblins seems pretty decent. It was only luck that could make them find a group of Goblins that numbered three or four. When they stopped in the middle of the day to eat, everyone felt impatient, irritated, and exhausted. Haruhiro even had symptoms of stomach pain.

They can't go on like this, and it's not just about the money. In his heart, Haruhiro made a decision. However, they already have a Priest, if they do not find a group of Goblins consisting of two tails, then three tails does not matter. Somehow, they sure can cope

the hunt this time.

Their chance came soon after. Three Goblins stood around a chimney on an area surrounded by the ruins of a wall. One of them was equipped with armor and carried a short spear, but the other two were wearing plain clothes. One of the Goblins clasped an axe on his belt, and the other had a short sword. There was also a Goblin armed with a spear with a larger body than the others, it seemed like she was serving as a protector.

They seem pretty organized.

"Vina and Alice will attack the Spear Goblins first. Me, Vina, Marco, and Lusi will keep the Goblin on foot and the Goblin on a busy spear, while Barto and Alice cripple the Goblin on a spear. If they fight back, me and Marco will help. If we can finish off the Goblin with a spear, then everything else should be easy. "

"Wait." Luci interrupted with a voice as loud as steel. ”You asked me to fight Goblin?”

"Huh?" Haruhiro waver.”Is that ... a bad thing? Why?"

"I don't fight on the front lines. I am a Priest…. You should have known my duty."

"Hey!" Marco also interjected with gusar.”Princess Sir!"

"N-Not the Princess ... That's not true! I can call you any name I want!"

"No, you can't."

"L-Wind. In that case, Lusi just yes..” Marco's blood vessels seem to be about to explode with anger. "That thing you brought has got to be a function, right? That stick-like thing can hit someone, ‘kan? Or do you just bring it for accessories?”

Luci stood up straight, and looked down at Marco.

"For the accessories."

"You fuck!"

"Damn it?"

"L-Wind. You're... You... That.. that'S. Ah!! I don't get it!! Whatever!! Do everything you want!!"

"I always do what I want. You don't have to tell me anymore about it.”

"true." Marco forced a false laugh.”Is correct. I know it. Shit... all he thinks about is ...”

"Can you stop saying such dirty words? It makes my ears itch.” Although it sounds like a request, it is definitely not a request.

"I'm sorry! My fault! If you are so distracted by my words, then just cover your ears!”

"Why should I bother doing such a shitty thing?"

"OK, okay," Haruhiro said as he rubbed the back of his neck. ”We understand. Lusi will stay behind, and act as a supporter. Go with Alice. Alice was a Mage, so she never fought on the front lines. No more problems, ‘kan?"

Lusi released a glance at Haruhiro as sharp as a knife that dismembered his body. "It's pretty decent, isn't it?"

"Really, okay. Let's do it.” Haruhiro was both relieved and annoyed.

Why do they have to be so hard-pressed to make Susi happy? That girl just joined the team today. Despite this, he really has more experience on the field. Doesn't that mean he's more competent than they are? But Haruhiro did not have the courage to insinuate Lusi right in front of his face. Luci scares Haruhiro.

Normally, at this moment, they gathered together in a circle, and everything would pile their hands on

the center of the circle for a small ritual before a fight, but it seems that now is not the right time to do that.

"Vina, Alice, go ahead" Haruhiro said.

Vina and Alice nodded silently. Were they so angry that they were reluctant to speak?

Haruhiro could tell from their expressions, that the two girls were not in a good mood. He hoped they would temper his emotions. A bad mood would only make Haruhiro even more upset. Haruhiro hopes that the girls try harder to understand what he feels, but what is okay

make.

Despite this, Haruhiro knew that even if he expressed his annoyance, the atmosphere would not improve, so he kept his frustration deep. Vina and Alice did as they were told, and continued forward. Alice must keep her distance. When he was already in position, Haruhiro hinted for Alice to launch a magic attack.

Alice chanted the mantra in an impassioned tone, as she drew the Elemental letters with

his wand. Vina placed an arrow on her bow, and pulled the string back. Elemental shadows sticking out of Alice's wand and hitting the spear-wielding Goblin right in the chest. The entire body of the monster trembled uncontrollably, so he dropped his spear.

Vina's arrow missed, then flew away from the target.

"Away away." Luci whispered that in a low tone, yet it was quite clearly heard by Vina. Vina squeezed her bow even more.

"No problem!" Haruhiro called that to Vina, while pulling her dagger.

Barto and Marco have moved to attack. This was a time for the two to rush over. They're gonna take out that Goblin. They have to win. If they lose, they die. They can't lose.

Barto is intercepted by a Goblin on foot and the Goblin on a sword so as not to approach the spearheaded Goblin. Seems,

they wanted to delay some time for the Goblin to recover from Alice's magic attack. Marco attacked for the Goblin to tread away from Barto, but the sword Goblin was very troublesome. Barto can't leave.

Haruhiro hands down.”[BACKSTAB]!"

He used the technique while in the back position of the sword Goblin, but the monster turned around at the last moment, and Haruhiro's dagger only grazed his ribs. The goblin lunged at Haruhiro with his sword while screaming with rage.

"Whoa!" Haruhiro stepped back, dodged to the right, and continued to retreat. The Goblin movement is so agile, fast, and Barto may have trouble fighting it. But now, nothing else bothered Barto, and the spearheaded Goblin came crashing at him.

Barto fended off the Goblin's spear with his giant sword. They are now fighting one on one. Not really, Vina came to help Haruhiro. He held his Kukrin, and grabbed the sword Goblin.

"[CROSS CUT]!" His shouting.

The sword-wielding goblin bowed low and darted backwards for 2 meters to avoid Vina's attack. They have often faced this kind of goblin. They were small in stature, light in weight, agile, not so strong in attack, but their dodging skills were above average, making them very difficult to conquer. Light-bodied goblins like them were extremely troublesome.

"Oom rel eckt vel dashboard!" Alice had used the [SHADOW ECHO] and the shadow Elemental flew straight towards the Spear Goblin.

The goblin was evasive. However, Barto who was still there thrust his giant sword to continue Alice's attack. But the time is not right, so the giant sword Barto only split the wind. The undulating goblin launched a series of rapid attacks by thrusting his weapon at Barto, leaving him with no choice but to retreat. The spear was short, but even so, the Goblin's body was shorter than the spear. Barto had trouble approaching his enemy to enter the attack range.

Now Haruhiro had only realized, that this was the first time they had faced an opponent using a spear. They lack experience. For sure it is one of the reasons why Barto has trouble facing his opponent this time.

"Well!" Marco screamed in pain as he jumped backwards due to a scratch on his calf.

The treaded goblin crouched low and swung its weapon in a circular motion. He was eyeing his opponent's body below the waist. It is also a fighting style that is hard to anticipate.

"Vina, let me take care of this!" Haruhiro.”Take Marco's place to fight the Goblin on the axe! Marco, go to get healing!”

"No," Lusi replied immediately.

"No?! Whahuh? Why?!” haruhiro.

"It's not an injury that requires immediate treatment. Just accept.”

"You sialaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnn!!!" Marco attacked the Goblin. ”Sial! Damnit damnit! Damnit damnit! You have no right to act at will just because you have a beautiful face! Goddamnit! Goddamnit! Goddamnit! DAMN KAUUUUUUUUU!!!"

Haruhiro and Vina continued to chase after the sword-wielding Goblin whose body was so light, yet they could never catch it. ”Marco! Does your leg hurt?!”

"Of course it hurts!" Shouted Marco. Marco swung his long sword over the axle Goblin, then grabbed it with a diagonal cut.

“[HATRED’S CUT]!” Goblins dodged the attack easily. ”Look at my blood that continues

pour out! How can this not hurt?! THIS REALLY HURTS SIALAAAAAANN !!”

Vina fell on her back after the sword Goblin grabbed her leg. It's critical. At such a position, Vina could be slashed by her opponent easily. Haruhiro instantly interrupted between Vina and the sword-wielding Goblin. He raised his dagger, and intended to use his own body as a shield. Instead of facing Haruhiro head-on, the sword-wielding Goblin instead jumped back.

He jumped up and down and continued away to avoid Haruhiro's attack range.

"Stop wasting time," Luci said gently.

Whose fault are we, so we can't fight faster? That was what Haruhiro thought. Suppose Udin was still here, instead of Lusi, they would have been able to finish off these three Goblins easily. Udin was a wound healer, a strategist, their leader, and he served on the front like a warrior

like Barto. When Udin was still here, it was as if there were an additional 100 reinforcements on their team. Maybe it was too exaggerating, but Haruhiro felt the difference.

Udin is not like you, Haruhiro thought. A Priest may refuse all tasks other than healing, yet you even refuse to heal us, it is outrageous ... You two are so different, not even worth comparing.

But Udin is gone. He is no longer in this world. They lost the Udin figure.

What should we do under these circumstances, Udin?