In the Land of Leadale - Volume 7 - Chapter Pr1

Prologue

A white nothingness stretched into infinity across the enigmatic space. The exact location was unclear, and none could agree on where it began. All was still and lifeless. There was only a lonely silence. Very few knew of this place or its purpose. It simply existed.

When it came down to it, this space was best suited for individual use. However, such opportunities were few and far between.

Two of the select few who did utilize it were facing each other at a low tea table. The two creatures had been locked in a wordless staring contest for some time.

In truth, the term “creatures” wasn’t entirely accurate.

One was a small, coiled snake that looked more like a faint illusion.

The other was an old crow outlined by a hazy silhouette. An occasional cluster of noise particles sparked from its body.

It was unknown how long they’d been in this space, and one couldn’t help but ponder their true identities. The situation felt much like a formal interview. The snake broke the silence.

“Haven’t you been acting too familiar with the master lately, crow?”

“…Hmph.”

The crow’s eyes narrowed sharply at this reproachful comment and radiated an aura as menacing as any blade tip. Nonetheless, the snake’s appearance belied its steadfast will.

“It is what it is. Hide all you want inside, but I’m my own person now.”

Lowering its arched neck, the snake flicked its tongue, then licked its snout.

“Did we really need to meet here of all places?”

“You-know-who won’t hear us in this space. That was part of the deal.”

The snake looked down in shame and reluctantly nodded before lifting its head again.

“It’s been some time since we met like this, crow.”

“Not since I left a certain someone at the inn, snake.”

“Should we use our current names?”

“Names are useless here. There’s no need.”

The snake’s eyes sparkled with amusement, but the crow’s answer was brusque. It wasn’t as if they normally met here to engage in foolish banter. This space would dissolve once their business was concluded, and the crow simply didn’t want to leave behind any extraneous information.

“You’ve had plenty of opportunity to talk, but I would have given a few more details about the situation.”

“Why complain now? Whether it be this time, last time, or the time before that, our plans have not changed.”

The crow nimbly raised its wingtips in a shrugging gesture. The snake simply cast a downward glance, as if to say, Have it your way, then shook its head.

“You should just leave me with him and stop worrying already.”

“Do you think you-know-who is the type to notice someone at one second and abandon them the next?”

“Hmph…”

“Besides, it’s not like you can put all the added guidance on me. You can communicate faster, so get on it.” These last words felt more like they’d expressed a desire to make the snake see reason than to reprimand.

“Wasn’t that your idea? Accept responsibility for once and do your part.”

“…The world is ever cruel. Sometimes I just need a kind word.”

“Why not ask him for one?”

“I suspect I would only be blown away by a blast of magic…”

The snake glared sharply as the crow hid its face behind a wing and pretended to cry.

“There are limits to escapism, crow.”

“And, as usual, you can’t take a joke.”

With a click of its tongue, the crow spread its wings as if nothing had happened and reverted to its typical aloofness. Despite the snake’s endless protests, their long history had already proved its efforts to be futile. Nevertheless, these ingrained complaints were an intrinsic part of their dysfunctional yet inseparable bond.

“You-know-what is still scheduled to awaken, right?”

“It’s an old relic and a lasting reminder of our forced connection. Unless we gather up all involved and destroy it, it will become a source of distortion.”

The snake and crow both sighed. It was a troublesome yet inevitable issue, and they had no choice but to use every weapon in their arsenal. Even the master they held so dear.

“I’ll contact you when I have more details.”

“Right.”

“Actually, you can just listen in when I tell you-know-who.”

And so their brief meeting ended. Could this really be considered a meeting, though? It was more like a vent session.

Not that the silence could complain.

Finally, the two said their quick good-byes and immediately vanished. Cracks then began forming as the white, nameless space smoothly disintegrated around the edges. The sparkling remnants popped and crackled until nothing was left.