The Way of the Future: Age of Machines(Completed)

Outside Bulhin

"Bear with me for a second, we have no identification of any sorts, we are not aligned with any kingdom or state, we are just from a far off village near your borders. We're here to stay for the night and buy some things before we eventually head off," Artemis said.

"Hey, hey, mister, don't you be acting rash. I am sorry but orders are orders, you need the crystal ball to determine your identity, and you and the little girl don't appear in it. So, no can do," The guard replied.

The two have reached the city of Bulhin and have been barred from entry. They were at the northern entrance bridge, there were many people lined up on the concrete road. Artemis and the little girl had to cover themselves with torn clothing they found on the abandoned carriages they came across along the way. It seemed like bandits have been running rampant around these parts, causing numerous troubles for the travelers.

Artemis failed to negotiate his way through despite waiting in line for half an hour. He could not resort to force himself in, lest he provokes the city against him and the little girl. Upon closer inspection, the city was heavily defended. Soldiers manned the bridges and the watchtowers, eyes fixated on the people, city and the lands across the river.

The two walked away from the concrete road and settled under a lone tree in the middle of a field just a few meters from the entrance bridge. As they sat down under the shade, the archers on the watchtower watched them, their eyes fixated on Artemis.

They are suspicious of everything, Artemis thought.

The little girl lied down on the grass, rolling about under the shade of the tree. She was having fun while Artemis was planning on how to get it. Should he raise a few red flags at night? As long as he does not get tracked by the garrison, he and the little girl should be fine.

But Artemis was still anxious about the fact that he lacks much understanding of magic. The crystal ball was something he had not heard of ever since coming to this world, not even from the Intelligence reports of Caitlyn or his drones. The Machine Empire was still faced with the vast opposition of the unknown and mystery of magic.

"Hey" The little girl said as she rolled next to Artemis.

She bumped her head on Artemis' knee as she stood.

"Careful," Artemis said. Eh? Careful? Why did I say that?

The little girl was wearing the ragged brown gown that they found on a carriage. Her pink hair was dancing with the breeze that was blowing from the east, her blue eyes glowing as she stared at Artemis.

Artemis, seeing her determination, waited for her to say what she wanted of him. Whatever it was, he was actually willing to do it. As long as he had the capability to do it, that is. Should he force themselves inside the city? Knock down the guards and create confusion and then exploit it? What was it? Artemis waited.

"I.. am.." The girl stuttered.

Then, her tummy growled.

"Eh," It escaped Artemis' mouth.

The little girl did not need anything, she was just hungry, again.

Artemis sighed, for some reason, he wanted justification to force themselves inside the city if the little girl actually told him to do so, but he remembered, why would a little girl whose age is most likely lower than ten years, tell him to do something complicated.