GLITCH

The Island's Ruler

ROUTE MAIDEN'S GLOSS-MAIDEN'S SHROUD

December 2

8:47 am

Here I am, traveling towards my next destination.

I'm not that fond in celebrating my birthday but after a series of events, I went to the Maiden's Shroud City. There are only two cities within this island, however…

…how should I put it?

Why is it that these two cities are far from each other despite having one ruler?

Does it even need for have two cities, instead of a unified one?

Each island is considered a country, as long as there's someone who dwells in it. Among all the countries here in the continent I'm in, my home country is the biggest of all countries seen in here. There are some inhabited islands like the Island of ruins, but that's just about it. Nevertheless, I could say that our continent is something more archipelago-ish thing. Not that I particularly care about it—a continent is a continent, that's the end of the conversation.

Whoa there, let's take a break with this nonsensical topic.

Anyways, I'm currently under a tree's shade— Uh well, not at the ground but I'm resting on the branches— merely enjoying the cool sensation of the breeze I'm feeling. In the end, I'm still human (at least by appearance I think?) and preferred to act like one despite this one factor that me and my Mantle has merged into one, making me something unique.

This is also within in one of my theories I constructed way back. During that time it was all but a speculation. But then during that ruckus that happened in Crystal City, major holes in my theory were now patched up.

It was based on the powerful Full Moho Break—this referring to 'breaking the limiter'. But this buff is only a temporary one, boasting power in a limited amount of time—not to mention the aftereffects after using it. The longest ones I'm able to observe are the Full Moho Break of the Fallen peeps.

It came to my mind that every temporary effect there's an escalated, more potent one called permanent.

I'm just speculating this after observing political and ecological standards of the world.

So much for that.

While I'm still under the shade, I noticed a distortion in the air. It's a bit nostalgic, and here I thought I won't meet one again.

It's a Glitch. Moreover, it's a high-level one. Mmm, I think it would take several Glints to take down whatever will appear from that distortion.

But even with that incoming danger I find it strange to not being in a state of shock or panic. Am I that really composed?

•••

MAIDEN'S SHROUD CITY

December 2

8:50 am

"My liege! I came in for report!"

"Speak."

A messenger from the Logistics Division came to deliver a message to their ruler.

The queen knows what's happening outside the city. She knew that a Glitch has manifested along the route between the Shroud and the Gloss. It has a difficulty higher than Sergeant-ranked Glints could handle. Someone in her caliber could easily sense a manifestation even if it's in a distance.

Despite knowing it what the guy came for, Licht Maiden lets her subordinates do their tasks. It is for her subjects' development.

Her name is Licht Maiden, a Fallen that has recently quit the group and is now maintaining neutrality. She's the ruler of the island (a nation), possessing blue almond eyes and long wavy hair, bearing an air of nobility, is sitting on her throne. As everyone could guess from the island's name alone, the place is under a matriarchal system. And she is ruling her land for a decade.

The messenger catches his breath first before he spoke.

"Yes! It has been said that a glitch has manifesting beside the road a few kilometers away from us! It is noted to have dense energy! The dispatch troop is going to the scene, along with some Glints from the guild!"

"Good. Also, alarm everyone in the city to take shelter. I don't want to get careless and allow my citizens be in grave danger."

"Understood! I shall take my leave!"

The army is now on the move. After the messenger went out of sight, she called upon her most trusted subordinate, Hellus. He is now wearing his usual outfit whenever he's on service— a butler-style set with a full mask.

"Yes ma'am?"

"Accompany me to that Glitch. However, let's go incognito."

"But... Sigh, as you will ma'am."

Just as how Hellus appeared, he instantly vanishes in a quiet, undetectable manner.

•••

ROUTE MAIDEN'S GLOSS-MAIDEN'S SHROUD

December 2

9:12 am

"Now men, stay alert and prepare for that incoming Glitch!"

"YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Ah, such enthusiasm is truly fascinating to see, even to me being a soloist.

I'm still hanging on the branches while watching a mixed group of the royal army and guild members. Apparently, the glitch is still manifesting. It's in a state of space distortion in my eyes, but for them it's just some kind of black cumulonimbus cloud gathering in one point and is swirling like fruits in a blender.

"Hmm, a presence?"

I just noticed a presence—more like an unnerving sensation. I looked below, and in a few seconds a pair of people appeared out of nowhere. So they used teleport huh? One of them is a man wearing something similar to that of a butler outfit and a full face mask. Uh, what's the mask for? Oh dear. Putting that aside, the other one is a female wearing an extravagant set of clothes befitting for a noble or something. I hid my presence to everyone— not voluntarily though.

I noticed that my presence is hardly detected now, if I wouldn't show myself in front of others then there's no telling when I'll be spotted. Perhaps this is the effect of a skill that I don't know about or my Mantle.

"Ma'am, isn't it unwise for the queen to come here and spectate the scene?"

"Hush now Robert. If ever something happens to the troops, I want you to help them and if possible, null the possibility of acquiring casualties."

"It's a tall order ma'am but as you wish, I will obliterate the glitch. Now if you'll excuse me."

The man swiftly vanishes and easily blended in with the troops, making his presence seen as an adventurer. That's cool.

Hmm, what's this?

Licht Maiden

Mantle: Light Monarch LV. 200

Status Condition: Cursed Remnant – indication of obtaining Fallen Blood Crystal's power

This is quite intriguing.

Who would've thought that there's a Fallen squirming here? Moreover, that Fallen is coincidently the queen herself?

What should I do? Should I engage in a combat with her? It seems like a bad choice according to my gut feel. And it seems that she cares about the well-being of her people. Perhaps I should observe her for a bit.

And thus, I redirected my sights to the troops as all of us awaited the incoming Glitch—

--No. Glitches.