Chapter 39: Dyn

Chapter 39: Dyn

Chapter 39

Dyn

He dreamed. It wasnt hard to figure out it was a dreamafter all, he was back in his small, one-bedroom apartment. The humming, buzzing, headache-inducing sound of the AC blowing away the heat was still there. The cracked, ajar window that he never managed to fully close still looked on toward the local park that was supposed to be for kids to play in, but became a prime hotspot to score some weed. The constant footsteps of the couple that lived above him, the revving sounds of the cars whizzing past on the street nearby everything was just as he remembered it. But it was distant.

Opening his eyes, Sylas remained lying for a long while. He fought not to think about Earth too much, but it was impossible to completely shut it off. He missed iteven the ugly parts of it, even the days when he barely had enough money for ramen. At the very least, he wasnt stuck in a frigid, dark castle on the verge of a second invasion within a month.

Sighing, he sat up, running fingers across the jaw. His beard had grown considerably. He was too lazy to shave itplus, it kept his face warm, even when it got windy. Walking over to a nearby bucket, he washed his face and flushed his mouth. There was no toothpaste herenot even a replacement. If the tooth ached, it was either booze or endurance. The food lacked hard sugars, however, leading to less decay overall. To him, thus far at least, it didnt matter.

Quickly tossing on some clothes, he left the roomwith the Prince still asleep on the other endand the castle itself, walking out into the razor-like cold. Even with the scarf hiding over half his face, it still felt as though there were tiny blades scraping his skin. Shuddering, he gritted his teeth and beelined toward the almost-repaired portion of the wall. Unsurprisingly, there was nobody else anywhere. Partly because it was very, very early in the morning, and partly because nobody was quite willing to leave the relatively warm castle for the frigid wastelands outside.

He arrived somewhat quickly, hurried by the cold, stopping next to it. It should be completed within a week if they pushed it, he mused. The last remnant of that night. Sylas' first night in this world. It's already been so long. Chuckling lightly, he shook his head and refocused. He wasn't expecting the person to actually show up but on the off-chance

Youre shaking, Ah, of course he sighed, looking to the side where he saw a figure appear out of thin air. They were slender and short, but a quick inspection told Sylas that it was a mana fairly young man, but a man nonetheless.

With anticipation, Sylas said, smiling.

You just got the words for everything, huh?

Its my job.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

what exactly is your job? the man asked. He was draped in a cloak and a hood and even a mask on top of it. Even if Sylas had perfect sight, there really was nothing to seenot even the mans eyes.

To ask questions, Sylas replied. Such as who are you, how do you know about the attack, and why did you warn us?

Ill give you some wine

I dont want your godawful wine.

Then what do you want?

I want this castle to stand, the man said.

Why?

Out of the goodness of my heart?

Who is attacking us?

I dont know.

Are you their deserter? Sylas realized quickly that the man guarded any and all info with a burning fervor. I can try squeezing him but fuck, I really wanna squeeze a blanket and get the fuck out of this cold

Desno! Listen, the only reason I chose to come is to confirm that you will warn the Prince.

I wont.

H-huh?

Your info is unsubstantiated, Sylas lied his lips off quickly. For all I know, you want us focusing east while you and your army attack us from the west.

W-what? No, thats not

Still not looking back, yet certain in his heart that the man was following him, he walked to the cellar doors and cracked them open, descending into the dark. Nobody with an iota of a brain would actually follow him downstairs, but a mixture of confidence, pride, and curiosity worked against the young man. Sylas heard the footsteps following him some ten-twenty steps behind, cracking a smile.

Reaching the doors, he stopped and banged a few times on them, listening. Luckily, she was awake. He could hear her hastily approach, clearly annoyed that someone interrupted her. The doors swung open and the red, angry face peaked through.

Who the helloh, its you, she calmed down immediately upon seeing it was him, even cracking a smile. Whats up? Did you miss me?

Always, Sylas chuckled. But thats not why Im here.

Oh? Why are you here?

"I want to introduce you to someone," Sylas said, finally looking back. At the very edge, as far away as he could stand without leaving their sight, the young man looked onward.

Hm? Ryne looked at the strange, hooded man and then back at Sylas. Whos that?

No clue, Sylas shrugged. Says his name is Dyn. Do you know any Dyns?

"Dyn? I feel like I heard that name someplace before" Ryne mumbled, though appearing uncertain.

Anyway, Dyn had some really unnerving news for me, but, as you can see, is very wary.

As he should be.

"Why? Just... why?"

You opened it for me, Ryne said, shrugging her shoulders.

Fair enough, Sylas nodded. Anyway, Dynmeet Ryne. Our resident future Princess

HEY!!!!

And our resident Exorcist.

EXORCIST?!!! the young man blew his fuse immediately, the mask falling off, revealing a face behind it. Unlike what Sylas was expectinganother handsome boybeneath peered a scarred face, entire half burned away, eye missing. It was quite a grotesque sight, so much so that Ryne yelped lowly in shock. Shit, realizing the mask had fallen off, the young man cursed and quickly picked it up, putting it back on.

Yes, Sylas pretended as though he didnt see anything, still smiling and nodding. Our Exorcist. Quite impressive, isnt it? Now, would you reconsider my offer? Hurry up, though. Ill only wait for like a week or so.

It was a joke. To lighten the mood.

Well, you certainly did something to the mood, Ryne said. As for whether you lightened it

Ill tell the Prince

the mood is lighter than a feather! Ryne didnt even have to wait for the threat, she knew it wouldnt be anything nice. Sylas nodded, stroking his chin knowingly and glancing at Dyn.

"Let's have breakfast," he said, dragging Ryne out of the basement and closing the doors behind her. "I'm hungry."

I was just thinking about eating. Good timing, Ryne nodded.

Lets go, Dyn. The meals the no-strings-attached kind. Of course, our food reserves going into the winter arent marvelous, not to mention we only eat once a day

Hey, stop lying! Ryne pinched him, though he hardly felt it through the numerous layers of clothing he sported.

thats the last time I use you to recruit someone, Sylas said, sighing. Youre awful at it.

And youre just awful!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Lets just go and eat