225 Sky Dive

Zylphy, a Future Eye associate, was sipping her afternoon cup of coffee when she received a mission report. Upon reading it, a smile appeared on her face. The Raven has completed her mission and is ready for her second mission. 

Based on the evaluation provided by the observers, the Raven had completed the task and enabled both nations to forge an alliance. It was one of the best outcomes they had previously predicted. 

Not to mention, King Sylvy's position as ruler over Papillion was no longer questioned. The deal she had made with her brother, Eskyl, was redacted as classified information. But it did not matter to Zylphy. As long as the mission objective was achieved, that was all that mattered to her. 

"So, what's the Raven's next task?" a familiar voice asked from behind. 

Zylphy could feel her heart pumping in her ears, "Damn it Norvak! How many times do I have to tell you-"

"Don't scare you like that, yeah I know, I know." he repeated her words as he came closer to her. 

"But I also keep telling you, it's because your expressions are the best."

Zylphy rolled her eyes as she focused on the paperwork set out before her. She had already gotten the approval from her mentor, Inquisitor Gunn, for the Raven's next mission. 

"So? You haven't answered my question," Norvak asked impatiently as he took a seat next to her. 

Zylphy put down the papers and turned to look at him with an annoyed expression. Since he wanted to know so desperately, she decided to play a game with him. 

"Why don't you take a guess?" she said as she folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. 

Norvak arched his eyebrows as he gave it some thought. 

"Oh, is it the Warren mission already?" he asked. 

Zylphy shook her head. She raised two of her fingers and said, "You get two more guesses and that's it."

Norvak bit his lip as he thought over it again. Seeing him concentrating so much made her more confident that he would not get it. 

"Porter quest?" he asked. 

"Close. You're getting warmer." she encouraged him. 

"This is a tough one," he sighed, "Any clues?"

"Nope."

Norvak thought about it carefully again. After a quick glance of the papers on the table, he knew the answer. In fact, he had already known about it before this game even began. 

"Is it a convoy mission from Volitar[1] City to Trilantis[2]?"

Zylphy was surprised that he had it right on the nail. But knowing him, she knew well that he likely already knew everything beforehand. He was merely playing along with her. She did not give him the joy of the win, remaining silent as she continued to look through her work. 

"Did I get it right?" he probed her. 

"You were cheating," she shot back with a grin on her face as she put down her pen. 

"Don't you have your own work to do, Associate Norvak?" Zylphy mused. 

"Don't worry about my work, worry about your own," he swiftly tried to change the subject, "Have you already informed the Raven?"

Zylphy nodded in response. She had hoped to at least be granted the time to congratulate the Raven on her mission well done in person. But unfortunately, there were other matters that needed her attention. 

She also regretted not being able to guide the Raven to her next mission. Then again, knowing how the Raven had handled the different situations she had encountered so far, Zylphy knew that she would figure it all out on her own. 

~

One look at the envelope and Vy knew that it was time for Lycster and her to embark on their journey to their next mission. She looked through the letter and its contents with great detail. This time, there were multiple pages of instructions on what she was tasked to do. 

Lycster said next to her and viewed its contents from the side intently. But his sister was reading it so quickly that he could not keep up. Not to mention, it seems like the letter was not written in the common language. 

But Vy had the ability to understand any language, so she read it with ease. After reading it thoroughly, she folded the letter and placed it back in its envelope. 

Seeing Lycster's pouting expression, she knew immediately what he wanted. Vy explained to him the contents of the mission. 

"Oh, that sounds pretty relaxed and simple, compared to this mission," he commented after hearing her explanation. 

"Not exactly."

"But it's just a delivery mission, right? From a city to another country?" 

"True, but Volitar City is in the sky, and Trilantis is in the ocean. I don't think this is going to be an easy one. It might be dangerous too." Vy explained. 

"Dangerous? How so?"

Vy explained to Lycster what a convoy mission meant. They were delivering precious cargo and they would likely encounter people who might want to steal the item they were escorting. This meant that they could be facing danger. 

"Well, we don't have much to worry, do we," Lycster commented. 

"What, what makes you say that?" Vy asked out of curiosity. 

Lycster smiled, "Well you have Aether and I to protect you, isn't that right Aether?"

Aether had been resting on Vy's lap the entire time. Upon hearing Lycster's proclamation, he stirred awake, tilting his head up towards them and giving a nod in agreement. Seeing his confidence made Vy smile. Her brother was getting braver with each passing day. 

She was quite impressed with him, especially when he brought Sylvy and Ramas safely to the Mothylek Campsite. Vy narrowed her eyes as she looked at Lycster from top to bottom. 

She teased, "Are you sure you're able to protect me? I trust Aether, but I don't think I can trust you…"

Lycster started swatting his hands at his sister, "How can you say that! I will protect you at all costs! Even if I have to give up my -"

Vy covered his mouth before he could continue what he was about to say. 

"No," she said to him, "I don't want you doing anything foolish. Like giving up your life for me." 

"But-"

"No buts." 

"But what about butts?" Lycster said with a cheeky grin across his face. 

-I have to say, that was done in very bad taste.- Aether commented. 

All three of them broke out into laughter. 

[1] Volitar - Was derived from the Latin word 'volitare' which in English is 'floating'. Hence, Volitar City is actually 'Floating City'. :D

[2] Let me know your guesses on this one. XD