Chapter 17 - Ogre Ambush

The next morning came sooner than expected.

Yin was always an early riser.

Before the sun even completed rising, he was already up.

Shortly after waking up, Yin was greeted with a message from the System.

A red message box appeared in his field of view.

Coupled with a familiar feminine voice.

[ Greetings, Thanatos. You have unlocked the Inventory. It is a never-ending backpack that you may use to store your weapons or things. ]

[ To be able to use the Inventory, summon the System and time will stop. Allowing you to take whatever you stored. Please take note that you will be unable to use the Inventory once you have taken damage in the last five minutes. Give it a try. ]

"How do I summon the System?"

[ You already know the answer to that question, Thanatos. ]

"W-What? What are you talking about? How would I know how to do something I was never taught?"

Yin was in awe.

The information seemingly inserted itself into his brain in an instant.

"I-I see. So that's how it is done."

[ Give it a try. ]

Yin slammed his palms together in a clapping motion.

This summoned the System, seemingly stopping time altogether.

A large rectangular and golden chest appeared in front of him.

His hands opened the chest with ease.

He wanted to test it for himself.

A stick was going to suffice for this experiment.

He picked it up, summoned the System again, and placed the stick inside the chest.

Shortly after doing that, Yin closed the system altogether.

"Alright, time to test this Inventory thing."

After summoning the System with a simple hand gesture, he sticked his arm out at the chest's opening and was shocked.

"I-It's gone? Where's the stick?"

[ Visualize it, Thanatos. ]

He closed his eyes and began visualizing the stick.

After a short while, his hands began to feel it.

Yin pulled it out successfully.

From the realm of the System, back to reality.

That's the dimensions that the stick traveled in.

Yin was amazed.

He thought about the different ways he could make use of this Inventory.

"Is something wrong, Yin?"

Suna asked him with a worried look.

"Oh Suna, n-no, nothing's wrong, why do you say that?"

"Well, you were clapping your hands and closing your eyes for like three times. I thought you were possessed or something."

She answered.

The Commander was now up.

"Alright! Let's go home, people!"

"Can you be less annoying and energetic first thing in the morning?"

Gavin told him in an annoyed voice.

The twins woke up as they slept next to Cosette.

So did the emissary.

Everyone had back pains, not used to having their sleeping bags on unleveled flooring with rocks in a cave.

"I'll give you guys an hour to get ready! Report back here till then."

Luken ordered.

"Sir!"

His underlings nodded in approval.

After an hour of preparations, they made their way back to Niflheim.

"I'll be stronger. I have to be. I'll free humanity off of these monstrosities. I promise that. I'll be the strongest Slayer there is."

Yin muttered to himself.

"Well, since Adam is not technically in the Survey Corps anymore, I'm still the strongest, Yin boy."

"But you know, from what we've seen yesterday in the conquest. I think you just might surpass me. And I won't allow that!"

Luken corrected him in a comically funny way.

"Seriously. Who's the child here?"

Gavin facepalmed.

The group finally showed genuine emotions.

They finally had a laugh.

While walking, Suna sensed something.

She motioned everyone to stop their march and to hide in the bushes nearby.

"What's the matter?"

Cosette asked her.

"I sense a monster. A big one. With these footsteps and its intensity, it can only mean one thing. An Ogre."

Everyone gulped.

They all simultaneously swallowed their saliva in nervousness.

"Just when we were so close to Niflheim! Why did it decide to approach us now?"

Isabelle the emissary was noticeably frustrated.

"This could be a great learning activity, you know? Suna, can you handle it?"

Luken turned his head towards hers.

"Of course."

She smirked.

She gave her sword to Yin.

"Do you mind holding this for me? I want to fight with my fists, this time."

"S-Sure."

As the Ogre's footsteps gradually increased in volume.

So did its intensity.

Each step shook the very ground itself!

"Can she really handle it by herself?"

Yin asked.

"Have a little faith, Yin. The Six Blades chose her for a reason. Besides, you've sparred with her already, is that not proof enough of her strength?"

"Y-Yeah, you're right. I wouldn't want to fight her when she's serious."

Yin's doubts were now gone.

What replaced it was faith.

Faith in his fellow Six Blades member.

"Let's do this."

Suna jogged towards the road.

Making her presence known to the large hideous Ogre.

It had two heads.

An abomination of a monster.

Ogres are normally ranked at B, but this thing was an exception, it was a rarity.

Two heads meant that its capacity for thinking in battle was doubled.

"Well, this could possibly be close to a B+ rank."

Gavin observed astutely.

"H-Hold on, isn't that girl just B rank?"

Cosette wanted to clarify.

"Yes, you're right."

Gavin answered her directly.

"She's going to die, you know? You should never fight a monster with the same rank as you if you are alone. And this twin-headed Ogre seems to be half a rank above her."

The emissary pointed out.

"Oh! So, this is what happens to someone becoming the High Council's lapdog. It has blinded your observation in battle, Isabelle."

"Battles are not always determined by what rank you are, or what affinity element you possess. It's what you do with what you have in combat, that is what's going to make a difference and give you the greater edge in a life-or-death situation. In the time that I've known Suna. She's never back down from any foe. Never."

Luken arrogantly smirked at the non-Six Blades that were fearing for Suna's safety.

"Have you already forgotten how she fought that Angel with you and Yin?"

Gavin turned towards Cosette in a smug manner.