Chapter 108: The Spirits' Secret Door

You again... What business have you with the council?

We have something to report. My sister has escaped from the Glass Mausoleum.

What?! But how? She should have undergone cryogenic disposal!

It was my fault. I unthawed her hoping to learn more about the Golden Sword, but she wasn't interested in talking things out.

You fool! I knew we couldn't trust you to act responsibly!

I don't deny that what's happened is my fault, but we still need to go after her. We'd like permission to use the gate...

Damn you, Commonsarg! You seem to think that your relationship with the speaker entitles you to some kind of special treatment! Even if you're the youngest son of the Sword Guard, you're still little more than a common tracker! Learn your place!

Stop yer damn grumblin', rockhead!

R-Rockhead?! Why I never, !

I usually try to keep it respectful with my elders, but I'm gonna have to make an exception for you. Yer just a spiteful old coot tryin' to pretend you didn't make the exact same kinda mistakes when you were young.

Let it go, Velette.

I apologize for her outburst, but she's right about one thing, we don't have time for lectures. We need to find Jillfunny before something terrible happens. Surely Madam Speaker would want the same.

Urk...

As much as I appreciate your support, I really was a fool this time.

I don't deserve another chance, but still, I'm begging you! I absolutely must capture her and learn the secret of the Golden Sword!

......

Jillfunny was heading west towards Illusialand. Could we please use the gate to go after her?

I don't have the authority to...

, I will allow it. Start making preparations immediately.

But Lady Amelie, !

...As you wish, Madam Speaker.

Is it true, Commonsarg? You really let her escape?

As much as it shames me to admit it, yes.

There's nothing to be ashamed of. Your kindness is your strength, and I know that strength will be enough to capture her again.

...... ...Thanks, Amelie.

The council hereby grants you official permission to use the gate to the western continent.

We appreciate it. Thanks.

Come on, everyone! Let's head back to the meadows and find the gate.

So, this is the intercontinental gate...

That's right. Now that you've received the council's permission, you can use it to come and go as you please.

It's so exciting! Just one spell and POOF, You're on another continent!

Let's get going!

Amazing! It actually worked!

Well, we do have plenty of experience traveling through time rifts!

If only zey could also be summoned at will! The magic of zis era is truly magnifique!

Looks like there's a small settlement here. Is Illusialand close?

It's past the forest to the east of us.

Huh? Who're you?

Are you with the Empire or something?

No, don't worry, we're not.

I feel like we've been having this conversation a lot lately...

Fear not, these people are with me.

Oh! Commonsarg!

Where are my manners? I didn't realize a member of the Sword Guard graced our presence.

There's no need to apologize. Did you happen to see anyone else come through this gate before us?

Yeah, I did actually. But she was running so fast I didn't see her face.

Can you tell me which way she went?

East of the village if I remember correctly.

Yep, she's definitely headed towards Illusialand.

Come on guys, we need to track down Jillfunny!

Wait for me, Sis. This time I'll end things with my own two hands...

Something wrong, Commonsarg?

Huh? No, it's nothing. Let's get going.

Just don't push yourself too hard, okay?

I still can't believe that Jillfunny was the murderer...

Is this Golden Sword really worth ruining your relationship with your own sister?

I appreciate your concern, but...my duty as a Sword Guard runs deeper than even familial ties.

...Alright. Let's go, then.

Doesn't look like we can go any further...

Why not? We can just cut through it.

Cut through what? There aren't any plants here.

Huh? Yes there are! They're completely blocking the way!

I assure you they aren't. It just appears that way to you.

Are you saying this some kind of trick?

That's right. It's a kind of magical barrier. But this one is special, It's a naturally occurring phenomenon. A kind of mirage.

An invisible road?! How cool is that?! C'mon Gunce! Let's pulverize this barrier!

Leave it to me!

Sorry, Miss... It's too much for me.

Well, what did you expect? You can't just blow up an ethereal object.

Hmph! Yer always so quick to give up and call things impossible!

Any ideas, Commonsarg?

You're going to need to obtain a spell that allows you to see through the deception, I'm afraid. You cannot pass through what you cannot see.

A spell that'll show us hidden paths, huh?

How about we try that village we saw earlier? They'd probably have a spell to deal with this since they live so close to it.

Good idea. Let's head back there.

A spell to see through illusions?

Yeah. It's really important that we get through the forest.

If that's the case, then I know just who to ask.

Not that long ago a very unusual person moved into that house over there. I heard they were studying magic.

Really? That's just the kind of information I needed. Thanks!

Let's go check it out.

Hrmm... No, no... This won't do at all...

Hi! Are you the local scholar of magic?

Uwah?! Wh-Who're you?! Trespassing is illegal y'know!

S-Sorry... We didn't mean to startle you.

We're trying to find a spell that can help us see past the illusions in the forest. We heard you might know something about it.

Well, you heard wrong. I don't know a single thing about magic.

Now get out of my house. I'm busy.

What're we gonna do? They won't even give us the time of day...

You know, Aldo, they seemed like something was bothering them. Why not ask about it?

Hmm, I guess they might be more willing to talk to us if we help them out first. Good thinking, Feinne.

Hey.

I can still hear you, you know? I'm not helping you, and I don't want your help. Get. Out.

...Well, I guess that's that.

......

Wh-What are you doing, Minalca?!

Ah!

Hey! Where are you going?!

......

Huh?! Hold on! Why is that thing with you?!

You know this little guy? We found him out on the road earlier...

Know him?! Do you know how much trouble that thing has caused me?!

Ahem. It seems I might have a use for you after all.

Tell you what. Promise that you'll help me, and I'll teach you the spell you need to see past illusion magic.

Y-You will?!

I don't know what changed your mind, ma'am, but I sure am glad you did!

Please, call me Strey. Now then, there's no time waste. Let's head to the wood west of the village.

What do you need us to do?

It'll be easier to explain once we arrive.

Wait a second.

What's up?

There's a road here. You can't see it because I put up a barrier.

A barrier? Why?

As I said, I'll explain later. Just hush and follow me.

What's a gate doing in a place like this?

It's like it was intentionally hidden...

That's because it was. It could become a huge mess for me if any of this world's denizens found what was hidden here.

You make it sound like you aren't one of them... What exactly are you hiding?

How many times do I have to tell you that I'll explain more when we reach our destination? You're going to need to see this to believe it. Come on. Let's head through the gate.

Wow, the magic really created a path for us!

...Or, well, I guess it just showed us the path, but still!

Yes, and as you continue to learn higher level spells you'll be able to get past even more powerful barriers. Now let's get going, We're almost at Illusialand.