Chapter 6 - We're Taller, and the Destruction of the First Diabolus ex Machina

Times are changing. Three years have passed since Omine’s collapse.

Some things have stayed the same, while others have shifted dramatically.

For one, the nighttime tremors are more frequent. They’ve always been part of life in Rosebell -- most buildings are built to withstand quakes.

However.

It used to be that the ground shook once every few years, then every few months. Now, tremors rattle the city every few days. The steady increase feels threatening, a warning sign that is hard to ignore. No one knows if they’ll slow down again.

Rumors only make things worse. Travelers whisper of rising tensions between Burrya and the Yandex Theocracy, the two other superpowers of The Continent, locked in uneasy peace. The alliance between Maltrex and the Yandex Theocracy now hangs on a fragile thread. If conflict breaks out, Maltrex will be dragged to the front lines and no one in Rosebell wants that.

With the looming threat of warfare, people have dubbed the quakes the “Tremors of War,” as if the earth itself is prophesying disaster. The name gained traction three years ago -- the same year the Nation Elite arrived in force and the quakes began to intensify.

Brawler, for his part, hasn’t forgotten his encounter with Ariadne. He tells everyone in the Omine Family about her -- her name, appearance, unsettling aura -- but no one knows who she is. Not one recognizes her. She hasn’t reappeared since the night before Omine fell ill.

The tremors continue. The unease lingers. And the world waits for whatever comes next.

…

Stepping up a crumbled pile of bricks, I thrust to the heavens. “Hear me, people of Children’s Village! Living for a dream is so much more fulfilling than living without a dream! Finally! I, the traveler who turned his back on the lit city and dove headfirst into the daunting unknown, have returned as a Conqueror!”

“Wow!” Awe erupts from my not-as-tiny-anymore little brothers and sisters huddling around me. “Against all odds, Bro fights with everything he has!” “Looking sharp!”

“You bet I’d don my side-plate!”

“Tell us the story again!” “Did you bring back treasure?”

I point at my youngest brother, George, with an exaggerated flourish. “Treasure? Feast your eyes!”

With a grand toss, I hurl a sack of goods high into the torchlit sky. It lands softly on the ground, spilling open to reveal loaves of bread, fruit, and other treats.

They dive like it’s a pinata, laughter and joy spreading. It’s everything I could buy with today’s earnings from selling newspapers. But seeing them this happy? Worth every penny. “Make sure everyone gets a piece!”

“Hey, Brawler! Rallying up the Family as always?”

The conversant voice draws my attention to the alley. I grin as I meet the eyes of the one who spoke. “Leader!”

Leader steps forward with that hesitant but genuine smirk of his, exuding academia like it’s second nature. “I see you managed to snag dinner for the night. Nice work, partner.”

Before I can respond, my siblings abandon their food in a frenzy of excitement, rushing Leader in a full-force tackle.

“Bro! You’re back!”

Leader staggers under the weight of the Omine Family hug assault, his arms flailing dramatically. “H-Hey, hey, calm down! It’s only been a week--gaaah!”

As the chaos dies down and the kids return to their meal, Leader and I step aside for conversation.

I notice a weapon of sorts hangs from his leather belt.

“That armor looks great on you. You’re looking like the guy Omine tells everyone not to worry about.”

“Got it from Sensei. You may need some to survive the wave.”

“How’s everyone holding up?” he asks, his voice softer now.

I glance at our little brothers and sisters' happy chatter. “You saw them. As long as we’re together, we can knock troubles out of the stadium.”

“And Omine? Any changes?”

“She’s resting, but I think she’ll be up and running in no time.”

“I hope so,” he murmurs, gaze distant. “Not just for her sake, but for everyone. The Family needs her. I don’t think I can stand seeing everyone starve… not a second time.”

“Leader. You worry too much. Omine’s strong. Just like the rest of us. We’ll get through this. We always do.”

Leader’s lips curl into a faint smile. “Yeah… You’re right.”

For now, that reassurance is enough.

To think Omine’s collapse would hit the Family this hard.

Three years ago, when Omine fell ill, Conrad convinced his parents to fund doctors to diagnose her. Their conclusion was grim: her illness was incurable without costly treatments. We all struggled to accept this verdict.

A kindhearted doctor, moved by our younger siblings in tears, offered a supply of powdered Pink Amber -- an expensive gemstone that, when mixed with herbs, could create potent medicine. If used consistently, it could completely cure Omine. The catch? The cost was astronomical.

I contributed all my savings for Conqueror gear, but it wasn’t enough. Conrad, our best negotiator, privately arranged the purchase. He appraised the Pink Amber through multiple apothecaries to ensure its quality. Though he never told us how much he borrowed from his noble family, it must have been significant -- he returned the next day saying he had been forbidden from visiting us often.

Though we vowed double repayment, Conrad smiled and refused. Grateful for his help, we often surprised him at his northern Rosebell estate.

Leader’s parents donated too.

Omine began taking the medication, and at first, it seemed like a miracle. She was rejuvenated but collapsed after a few activities outside. She became partially bedridden, not because the illness was unbearable but because we insisted she rest and recover properly.

Our collective payment for the first Pink Amber saved Omine.

Our collective poverty nearly killed us.

For a time, the Family went hungry.

I threw myself into odd jobs -- selling newspapers mostly -- while Leader found work at a southern bazaar. Our younger siblings took similar part-time jobs around Rosebell to help. Together, with everyone’s contributions, we stabilized the Family. We built up savings, enough to plan for the next supply of Pink Amber.

At a secret nighttime meeting, we vowed to cut down on expenses to save for Omine’s medicine. The youngest kids couldn’t contain their excitement, chanting phrases of such love for their big sis. When Leader and I checked on her afterward, we found her crying out of emotion. Fearing the worst, we panicked, but she slipped back in bed after lightly chopping us both on the head and hugging us dearly.

A year and a half later, the second dose of Pink Amber restored Omine to full health. Now, we save for the final supply -- not for recovery, but to erase any chance of reversion.

The worst is behind us. The Pink Amber works, Omine stands strong, and Conrad visits often. The Family’s smiles have long returned. Together, we carried the burden, and now, the torch of the Omine Family shines brighter than ever.

“Things are looking great, don’t you think?” Leader’s words pull me back to the moment.

“Yeah,” I say, crossing my arms and flashing a grin. “We’ll take down our last remaining worry, piece by piece.”

We stroll back to the square, where the sack of meals sits half-empty from earlier. Leader peeks inside -- three loaves left.

“We’ll leave two for Omine,” he says, grabbing the third and handing it to me.

“What about you?”

Leader shrugs. “I’m not hungry.”

“If you’re gonna lie, at least put effort into it,” I shoot back, putting the bread back into his hands. “Here. It’s yours.”

Leader sighs, muttering something about my stubbornness, but he splits the loaf in half and tosses me a piece.

Before I can retort, a familiar young man chimes in. “One too generous to eat, the other gives it back, and the third’s always late to dinner. Who’s the bigger idiot here?”

Conrad looks as fancy in his sharp suit, an instrument case slung over one shoulder, and a large sack in hand.

“Conrad! Long time no see!” We clasp hands, the kind only we know how to pull off.

“It’s been a month, Brawler.” Conrad chuckles. “At least, officially. The exams were a breeze with both of your tutoring. I’m glad to be back.”

Leader smiles warmly. “Everyone’s been hoping to hear your music again.”

“Ah.” Conrad flashes a knowing expression, thumbing at the case on his back. “Speaking of which…”

He shows off the lute he got for his birthday, its thirty strings glinting like something out of a legend. Before he starts tuning, he hoists over the sack he brought. “I know you’ve been saving every coin, but if we’re gonna party, everyone needs energy, right?”

I peek inside and nearly drop the sack in surprise. Glass drinks, fruits, bread, meats, rich indulgences -- treasures galore!

“Whoa! Thanks, Conrad!”

“No problem. …It’s the least I can do after being gone so long.”

“Hey, don’t lose your smile saying stuff like that.”

“Keep your head held high! We’re in the now, man.” I add, giving him a nudge. “You’re always welcome here, no matter what.”

Conrad smiles, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Thanks, guys.”

“Hey, everyone!” I bellow. “We’ve got more treats, thanks to Conrad! Gather round!”

Cheers fill the square as we dive into round two of dinner.

Conrad dabs at his mouth with his handkerchief. “So… uh, how is Omine fairing?”

Leader pokes at his cheekbone. “She’s getting stronger. We’re almost there -- just one last Pink Amber dose.”

“Are we sure we’re not over-boosting her at this point? I’m already dreading how strong her chops will be once she’s fully recovered.”

We all chuckle as we approach the eastmost hut. Leader knocks, and the air fills with Omine’s nurturing voice, coaxing the smuggled flowers in the young men’s pockets to bloom anew.

Inside, she’s lying on her futon, though the way her blankets rustle hastily suggests she had been up just moments before.

Leader crosses his arms. “Were you walking around again?”

Omine averts her gaze. “…No.”

His stare doesn’t waver. He walks to the stovetop, where a pot of water simmers, the lightest steam curling from the surface. “Uh-huh. At least you’re feeling good enough to make yourself meals.”

Omine sighs, caught red-handed. “…I wanted something warm.” Her fingers graze the hem as if fighting the urge to toss her blankets off. “I want to leave this place more often. I miss dancing with everyone.”

“I get it.” Leader’s expression remains firm. “But no shortcuts. You’ll push yourself too soon.”

Omine frowns, but her smile lingers. “I know… The day will come. I believe it.”

Conrad kneels beside her, setting down a package. “Brought your favorites.”

I grab the half-empty water pail by her bedside. “I’ll refill this.”

I step outside before she can protest, but not before her gaze lingers on me a second too long.

I pretend not to notice.

We always pretend not to notice.

As I leave, I hear Conrad’s voice behind me. “It’s been a month, but you already look way stronger. I’m glad.”

And then, because I can’t help myself, I call back over my shoulder. “Hey, Conrad, let’s give these two some time alone~!”

Leader groans. Omine swats in my direction. Their laughter follows me into the cool night air.

I tilt my head toward the sky. The stars are unusually bright tonight. Crisp air fills my lungs. Behind me, I hear the first notes of Conrad’s lute, a tune so soft and warm it presses against the chest like an old memory.

Leader and Omine are in the nice glow of her room. She gives herself to the pillow. “Brawler, Conrad, everyone… I don’t know how to thank you all.”

“You don’t need to.”

She looks at him, her gaze searching. “Leader...”

Something unspoken hangs in the air. Before she can voice it, Leader leans forward, resting his forearm on his knee. “You’re looking at me funny. What’s up?”

Omine shakes her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. “…It’s nothing. The Brawler Family knows when to attack, is all.”

Leader leans closer, his tone gentle. “It’s alright. We’re here for you.” He reaches out, his hand tentatively covering hers. Trapping hers.

It’s like the whole world slows down for them. But she… has convicted herself to tell him otherwise.

Now.

She feels Leader’s kindness but is drawn to a certain someone. Leader’s consecration shouldn’t be played, and neither should her heart. Ensnared by comfort -- that’s how she feels.

A gentle drift of white floats into the room, catching the light. Snow? No, it’s tiny wood chips.

“I wanna see! I wanna see!”

Leader jerks up his head.

A dozen mischievous faces peer through the ceiling, where floorboards have been quietly removed. Among them -- me and Conrad, helping the kids balance as they jockey for the best view.

“I want a boyfriend like Leader too!” “No fair! I was gonna marry Omine!” “Have you guys done it yet?” “Too far!” “Okay, but have they kissed?” “Kyaaa~!” “Leader says to wait for marriage!” “A first kiss?!” “Fhew~, Fhew~!”

Then, Omine’s face darkens. Her lips curl into a sweet, terrifying smile.

“…You guys.”

The temperature drops.

Every single kid -- including me -- stiffens.

“…Can’t you read the mood?”

Silence.

Then--

“SHE’S GONNA KILL US -- RUN!!!”

Pandemonium.

The kids scream and scatter like terrified animals, scrambling over each other to escape Omine’s terrifyingly quiet fury.

Conrad and I don’t stick around, making sure the last one gets down safely before bolting.

But even as we flee, breathless with laughter--

The warmth of the moment lingers.

Omine. Leader. Conrad. The little troublemakers.

We’ve all changed.

We’ve faced horrors that should’ve broken us.

But we’re still here.

Stronger. Together.

…And some pranks are just too good to pass up.

Conrad’s music fills the square, and the children are losing their minds, spinning and stomping in a chaotic crimson dance that somehow matches the tune perfectly. The glow of the firelight makes everything feel alive. Even Omine’s singing carries a rhythm that says: we’re all still here.

My grin feels like it could split my face. Watching everyone celebrate after all we’ve been through makes my chest swell like I could shout the whole night into existence.

“Brawler,” Leader comes from my side.

“Leader!” I throw an arm around his shoulders and drag him into the light. “Finally decided to stop lurking in the shadows like some mysterious stoic and join the greatest party this town’s ever seen?”

“I’ve been here.” He laughs, trying to shake me off. “Anyway, there’s something I need to talk to you about. Something came while working at the bazaar. The…” He seems to hesitate. “No. Actually, I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

“Hey, don’t leave me hanging. You left for nearly a whole week. It must be important, yeah? There’s nothing you can’t tell me.”

“I know what I’m talking about. Let’s meet up in the morning, around sunrise.”

“Sunrise?” I groan, flopping onto the bricks like I’ve just been stabbed. “Do I look like someone who wakes up at sunrise?”

“Yes,” he deadpans. “If it’s important enough.”

“Does it have to be that early?”

“You’ll understand why after I clarify the details.”

“Alright… let’s meet up at the Central Street water fountain after I finish my early morning run of selling the newspapers.” I’m very curious. Especially because of that new gear of his. “But those are the things of tomorrow. Omine is getting healthier, and everyone is back together. Tonight we party!”