Hunting: Memories (I Transmigrated as a Memory Hunter)

Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 10

CHAPTER 10

"Colluding with the enemy, traitor of the nation! Let's see how your father can bear this..."

Lord Fei is still spouting his plans but it only vaguely entered Nephrite's consciousness as he stared at Chunan and his brother.

So this was it, he thought.

Back in Keisuke's former life, Chunan also went missing during this time and never returned. They assumed many things about his disappearance. It turns out to be like this.

In a grim tone, he asked without facing the other, "Lord Fei, what are you planning to do to them?"

Detecting the contempt in his words, Lord Fei laughed. "That bastard fake King offered a bounty for those two. It wouldn't hurt to gain some gold from the enemy kingdom so why not take advantage of it? I don't understand why he wants them alive, though."

Chunan was also staring back at Nephrite, gritting his teeth. His heart was shaken to the core, his sweat turned cold. He understood why the young master would be resentful. He did conceal his identity after all. And now, not just Saikyu Clan but even the whole branch of Akaha Clan would get dragged into his own predicament. His eyes were red from suppressing all the emotions welling up inside his chest. The kindness they showed all these two years he stayed with them flashed in his mind.

Nephrite shut his eyes and took a deep breath as if calming himself. "Lord Fei, I never thought you were this greedy."

Chunan thought his young master was doing all his best so his emotions would not explode. He felt thousands of needles pricking his heart.

"Well, you think this was too much already?" Lord Fei leaned on the wooden bars of the prison while looking at Nephrite's back. "Then listen to my proposal." When he noticed that the other still had no intention to look at him, he continued on his own. "You might have guessed by now what our real intention was at this point, haven't you?"

"Do you want to take over the whole Rose Valley?"

Lord Fei smiled, "That was what my Lord wanted. However, I have no intention of managing those farmers at all. So how about we make a deal."

Lord? This time, Nephrite faced him. His hands were both inside his sleeves, his expression cold.

Lord Fei's smile turned warmer. "If you can promise to give us four times your current tariff, then I can consider cleaning your family's name."

Veins popped on Nephrite's forehead, his eyes turned red. Whether it's from anger or the stabbing pain in his chest, he didn't know anymore.

"Yeah, you are not just greedy." His voice is full of poison.

Nephrite suddenly turned around.

Within a few strides, he reached Chunan and grabbed his neck with so much force. Chunan's head slammed on the earthen wall of the cave.

"Brother!" Shuijing pulled Nephrite's clothes, "Young Master! Please let my brother go!"

Nephrite did not pay him any attention at all. "How dare you do this to me and my family! Why do you need to drag us with you?!" Nephrite shouted, his face flushed red.

Chunan was already choking. The chains were long and if he wanted, he could fight back. But he did not want to. Instead, he held Nephrite's wrist with both of his hands.

"K-keisuke," he said with difficulty. Losing consciousness, he didn't notice how he called him.

Neither Nephrite could pay attention to other things anymore. The violent emotions inside him surge like a tidal wave.

"F-forgive me, K-Keisuke."

Lord Fei noticed that Chunan's face was already pale. "Hey, let him go! F*ck, you can't kill him!"

Worried about the reward he could gain, he frantically looked for the key in his sleeves.

He threw the key to the guard, "Open the door, quick!"

The guard did as he was told.

Just then, Nephrite turned around and threw something in their direction.

The guard's reflex was fast. He pulled his sword and cut the object. The sharp edge swiftly split the objectㅡan embroidered pouch, into two. However, it was a wrong move.

In an instant, the sweet-scented powder poured over the two of them, sending both in a coughing pit.

The guard reacted fast, covering his mouth and nose. He dashed and aimed his sword towards the unmoving Nephrite, who was already covering half of his face with a cloth.

The guard suddenly felt a strong force centered on his stomach and on the back of his neck consecutively. He wasn't even able to comprehend what happened before he faints.

Chunan cracked his knuckles. His body felt stiff from getting restrained for days. He then looked at Shuijing who was silently sitting on the side, half of his face also covered with cloth.

"H-How?" Lord Fei still managed to let out despite his numbing tongue. He inhaled too much of the powder in surprise. It only took a few seconds and he started feeling numb all over.

"Special paralyzing powder. A small amount can be used as a mild tranquilizer for medical purposes. Very good for people with sleeping problems. Too much consumption can cause temporary paralysis of the body. However, large amounts of inhalation can cause death. It will start from difficulty in breathing. Each complete circulation of the blood can slowly cause heart paralysis. I guess you know what will happen next when the heart stops beating?"

Glint of cruelty flashed in Nephrite's eyes. He doesn't know if it's only Keisuke's feelings over-taking his heart. But he can't let this pass.

He did not want to put the law in his hands. But these people, who should be leading their people towards a better future, could only think of greed. For greed, they were willing to ruin other people's lives. They don't care whoever they step on. As long as they could feed their greedy souls, they would trample everyone.

"The scent can pass as perfume upon inspection. I guess that's why your guards ignored it.”

Lord Fei felt ice in his blood as cold consumed his whole being. He did not expect things to turn into this. He can not move an inch at all. Between gasps, he forced out words in his mouth.

"Y-you t-think y-you w-win? W-wait t-till t-the o-others d-discover t-this!"

Nephrite's knees suddenly felt weak. He did inhale some of the paralyzing powder. He didn't have enough time to cover his mouth after he threw it. There were only two antidotes on the pouch Shier gave him. Though the latter gave the powder to Nephrite in case of emergency, Shier probably didn't expect that it would be used this way.

Nephrite fell to the ground in a sitting position. Chunan rushed over, "Young master!"

Nephrite gave the antidote to Chunan and Shuijing the moment he came close to them. His back was facing Lord Fei so the latter did not notice his actions.

"I am alright." He touched Chunan's neck. A pale bruise was visible. "I'm sorry," Nephrite said.

Nephrite unlocked Chunan's chain the moment the latter held his wrist while he strangled him. He then handed the antidote and gestured to the two of them to consume it later.

However, he could never tell Chunan that the moment he touched his neck, Keisuke's feelings acted. He didn't expect Keisuke would actually blame Chunan over what happened in the past.

During their suffering at the hands of Lord Fei, Keisuke did think that Chunan betrayed him. Nephrite felt immense pain in his chest, as if someone was tearing his heart into millions of pieces.

Even so, Chunan and his brother were also victims. The moment Chunan said his apology with sincere eyes, Keisuke let go. Nephrite was then able to do what his actual plan was.

Despite that, it planted a seed of worry in Nephrite's heart. If all vessels could control him with their emotions, won't it cause him trouble in the future?

"Young Master, let me carry you." Chunan insisted.

"Nevermind, the antidote is here already," Nephrite said dismissively.

As if on cue, they heard some shouting and weapons clashing from the distance. The pounding sound in the background earlier was long gone.

A few minutes later, soldiers arrived. They tied up Lord Fei and his men.

"Young Master!"

Shier rushed towards them, already holding the antidote and a small clay water bottle. Kazuyuki followed behind him.

"Kazuyuki," Nephrite said, surprised.

"Let's bring the Young Master outside first. The scent of the paralyzing powder here is still too strong," Shier said.

Kazuyuki moved towards Nephrite, but Chunan already picked him up in princess carry. He walked past Kazuyuki without saying a word.

Nephrite felt embarrassed. What the… Chunan, wasn’t this a bit too much of your loyalty? I have feet, you know? But of course, he could not blurt it out.

They found Kuro standing outside, holding Yattsu who was currently tied as well.

Chunan settled him on one crate beside a wall while Shier squatted beside him to give him the antidote.

"Let me help," Kazuyuki offered.

"No, it's fine. I can do it alone," Shier said, not even giving Kazuyuki a look.

Kazuyuki has an indescribable expression on his face.

"Kazuyuki, I thought you went to the capital?" Nephrite asked. He knew of Kazuyuki's worry about Aijin.

"Young Master Kazuyuki caught this man." Kuro said, pulling Yattsu a bit as if showing an object.

"I was on my way back when I saw Kuro. He told me that this man is under Lord Fei."

Kazuyuki had a bad feeling when he heard this so they both decided to run back. They encountered Shier once they reached Miyazuya Manor. Then Kuro and Shier told him the plan Keisuke made before their departure.

"You are too reckless, Keisuke."

Nephrite grinned.

"Young Master, good thing you were shouting earlier or else, we won't be able to find your prison cell. Kuro can't go inside since the smell of melted metals and the powder are both too strong."

Nephrite did not speak

When they planned every route for this mission, he did plan to act and shout. But, what transpired between him and Chunan at that time was real. It was the real overflowing pain and hate of Keisuke. What could cause that kind of strong emotion? He did not know if he should be happy about it.

Instead, he asked, "Have you investigated this place already?"

"Yes," Kazuyuki spoke fast. "It is a large blacksmith den. There is also a large quarry site nearby. Both blacksmiths and miners here are captives, abducted or forced against their will. The blacksmiths are bound in chains."

"Blacksmiths?"

"Yes. They made weapons here and smuggled them to other countries. The current products are sold to Great Lang. We confiscated all the evidence. We are just waiting for my father to arrive."

"Smuggling the country's natural resources then blaming it to bystanders. How shameless!" Nephrite stoods up and thanked Shier, Chunan, Kuro, and Kazuyuki.

"Young Master, what are you saying? We pledge our loyalty to you. There is no need for these formalities."

Chunan seems like he wanted to say more but he held it back for now.

Some soldiers came out from the cave, two of them carrying Lord Fei. The other soldier drags the guard out.

Once Shier was done, he dealt with Lord Fei, his eyes full of contempt. "You are lucky. We still need you alive."

He gave Lord Fei the antidote.

The moment he regains the ability to speak, lord Fei's mouth became unstoppable.

"Hah! You think you won?! Let's wait and see. You can't escape this fate. You like powder? Then you might as well enjoy dust and ashes in the wind!"

Cruelty is shining in Lord Fei's eyes.

Nephrite stares at him coldly. "Chunan," he said without looking, "Knock him off."

Chunan 'silenced' Lord Fei without question.

Nephrite walks towards Shuijin. The child was observing quietly. His eyes are deep in thought.

Nephrite kneels in front of him, "Your Highness, do you have anything you want to say?"

The others in the room were surprised but no one dared speak.

"Young Master!" Shocked, Chunan rushed over to stop him from kneeling. Nephrite gestured to him to stop. It took a few moments before Shuijing - Crown Prince Huaixian spoke. "How did you know that I am the Crown Prince and not my brother?"

Nephrite laughed. This Prince is really amusing, he thought. "Your Highness has the demeanor of a Crown Prince while Chunan is more of a loyal subject.

The Crown Prince smiled but it did not reach his eyes, "I don't even have the power to protect my brother. My title is just nothing but words."

"You are wrong, Your Highness," Nephrite said softly. "Someone might have stolen your throne, but you still have the blood of Ancient Wolves. Always remember the blood that is running inside you. Prove the world that no one else deserves the throne but you."

Nephrite saw the spark in the child's eyes. He continued, "However, do not forget those people who pledge their loyalty to you, protect you, and believe in you. It is your duty to protect them in return when you gain enough power. Also, remember those people who formed a bond with you. Whether they are simple civilians or someone who holds power. Who knows, one of them might help you reach your goal." Nephrite patted the Crown Prince's hair. He gave him a smile full of affection and warmth.

Nephrite got back on his feet and turned at Chunan. "You did well protecting your brother all this time, Prince Zhuangjin."

Chunan kneeled, "I have long denounced that title, Young Master!"

To everyone's surprise, Nephrite flicked Chunan's forehead. "Stop that over-dramatic actions! As Shier said, the four of us pledge loyalty to protect each other's backs. You, Kuro, and Shier were always protective of me, but you also keep forgetting that I vowed that oath as well."

Chunan stands up. Kuro and Shier came forward as well. "Yes, Young Master!" They all said in unison.

Nephrite then looks at Kazuyuki, "Thank you. I'm sorry, you should be on your way to the capital by now."

"It is fine. You are myㅡfriend, too," he throws a quick glare at Chunan.

Nephrite frowned when he noticed that. But before he could ask a question, an alert notification rang that only he could hear.

[System Notice: Fragment Memory Quest obtained.

Status: 75% Completion

Source: Crown Prince Huaixian

Note: Once the source completed the path task, status will automatically update.]