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Back in the normal world, their second conversation was continuing, too.

"What'll you do with all these giant boxes?" said Hector.

"Return the Idkin to where they belong," said Sermung. "That will take time, however. I must discern the correct destination first. Or destinations, most likely. I doubt they have all come from the same place."

"Do you know how Jercash would've brought them here?"

"With the aid of one of his madmen, no doubt. His most dangerous quality is his ability to engender the cooperation of others--even those who might otherwise remain lone operators. But tell me: if you are from Atreya, then how came you to be here in Andeyal?"

"My country's prince is currently stuck in the city, due to everything going on. I came here to ensure his safety."

"But how did you arrive, if as you said, my men have the city under a lockdown?"

Ah. Hector saw what he was getting at but hesitated. That was quite sensitive information, he felt, but this was also Sermung he was talking to here. Maybe the most trustworthy man in the entire world, if reputation was anything to go by.

But it wasn't.

Hector didn't know him. Not like that, anyway.

And sure, perhaps they were getting to know each other extremely quickly thanks to their auras, but in a weird way, that was actually making it clear to Hector just how much he didn't know about this living legend in front of him--how much he couldn't know. There was far too much in that aura. Both concealed and not. Too many things for Hector to wrap his head around, especially in a single conversation.

"You are wary of me," observed Sermung. "Perhaps that is wise, though I can't help feeling somewhat slighted, seeing how much I have already shared with you."

"You volunteered all that," said Hector. "And I appreciate it, but... we also just met, you know."

"Your secret is that valuable to you, is it? Very well. I shall not pry."

"Are you sure about that? I get the feeling you can already see just about anything you want."

"Hah. It is never that simple. Prodding into others' secrets always carries with it some level of risk. But... perhaps you should be taking further measures to guard yourself, as well? You may have been sharing more than you intended. And future encounters of this nature may not be as benign. You understand my meaning?"

Hmm. "I think so."

Page 4124

You see? You may be young, but you have already seen it for yourself, yes? Or heard of their exploits, at least? The reapers who keep the world in a perpetual state of suffering and strife.

Alright, sure, that's a fair point, but it's not like all reapers disappearing tomorrow would fix that. That's human nature. And they're still human, just like us.

Which only further supports my point. What hope is there, truly, when the problem stems from our very natures?

Oh, come on. Just look around. You're what, six hundred years old or something? The world is definitely NOT the same as it was six hundred years ago, is it? All the technological advancements. And... yeah, moral advancements, too, don't you think?

Hmm.

I mean, sure, we've still got plenty of problems. Slavery still exists, for example. But it's not nearly as common as it used to be, either. General sentiment towards it has improved enormously, hasn't it? Along with tons of other issues.

Hmph. Now you sound like Xander. You mentioned meeting him, didn't you?

Wait. Had he mentioned that? Hector was pretty sure that he hadn't. But he'd thought about it, which was maybe all Sermung had needed in order to discern the rest from his aura.

Oh man.

Take it as a compliment, Sermung's aura was saying.

Hector tried to course correct. We're getting sidetracked. The point is, humans are still growing and improving. Slowly, sure, but it's happening. Maybe you'd be able to see that more clearly if you weren't... so detached from everyone and everything.

Ah. You can sense that, too, can you?

Of course I can. You shared it with me--and on purpose, I'm pretty sure.

Hmm. Perhaps I did.

If you say "or perhaps not" right now, I'm gonna punch you.

A rumble in Sermung's aura arrived. A laugh. Something Hector hadn't sensed so strongly from the man before.

Yes, I see. You've had your own encounters with them, haven't you? The twisted meddlers who cannot let go of our world.

What can you tell me about them?

Quite a bit, I imagine. They are watching you now. Which means they have seen me, if they hadn't before. Well, it was only a matter of time, I suppose.

Are you at war with them?

In part. They are no friends to humanity, but neither are they strictly enemies. Always be cautious in your dealings with them. If they have taken an interest in you, then I'm sure that more will seek you out before long.