Rise of Yahunyens: Origin

Episode 72: Filth And Dust

"We were taught about these sins when we were children," said Virumi, her voice distant, as though summoning memories buried deep within. "Makes sense. The Shulvris have divided themselves into subclans based on what they want to support and satisfy their personal interests. But, despite their divisions, they haven't forgotten to teach one common thing to their children, something that connects all Shulvris together—the seven-headed snake symbolism." Said Griswa, arms crossed, but his eyes flickered with a deep understanding. "So, this might be some important information to consider, just in case."

Malaes, who had been lost in thought, shook her head slightly, the weight of the conversation settling into her. "Somehow, it feels important. We met Ms. Somia, thinking she was just a poor, normal woman running a decrepit restaurant, but now... from that one meeting, it's led us to such a significant revelation." She paused, her gaze dark and focused. "Do we call this luck?"

Griswa, ever calm, leaned back and replied, "Based on how useful this information is or will be for our mission, that will tell us how lucky we are." His voice was cold, factual, as if calculating possibilities in his head.

Virumi, who wanted to say something more, furrowed her brows. "Umm, actually... I think I remember something." Her voice was slow, cautious, as she dug through memories that seemed almost hidden from her. "When my companions and I were in the Mordul Uls territory some years ago, we heard of someone called 'The Serpent' and his criminal activities. I remember we visited this very city, too." She paused, something clicking into place. "Ah! I remember now! This is the city of Ul."

"Ul?" Malaes and Griswa echoed in unison, their curiosity heightened.

"Yeah," Virumi replied, her face scrunched slightly in contemplation. "Even though it's short, it's still kinda hard to remember. But that's it—Ul."

Yesdar leaned forward, his voice curious yet pressing. "Okay, so did you get to know anything more about him?"

Virumi looked a bit embarrassed, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. "Uh, well... Yesdar-sama, I'm sorry, I don't know anything else. We were in such a rush to escape, moving from territory to territory, that we didn't spend time investigating 'The Serpent' or the underworld, that was perhaps the last place we'd want to go. We didn't want to get involved in their... messy business." There was a half-hearted chuckle at the end, laced with regret.

Yesdar, nodding slowly, kept his voice calm. "It's okay, Virumi. Don't be sorry, it wasn't your responsibility."

Virumi, eyes widening, leaned in slightly, her voice lowering. "But there is something more I want to say."

"Go on," Yesdar said, his tone laced with authority and curiosity. "Let it all out. Anything you think could be useful, we need to hear it."

Virumi's face tightened with a hint of unease, but she pressed on. "You know, ever since we learned about these sins during childhood, doubts always lingered in my mind. These sins don't seem possible for normal beings. I used to wonder if these sins were even real, or just some cautionary tales to keep us in line. How could someone erase someone's memories? How could a person make someone feel guilt so deeply for something they didn't even do?"

She paused, a deep breath escaping her. "It didn't make sense. The symbol of the seven-headed snake—it felt so... unreal. I couldn't grasp how it came into existence. But now, seeing all of you, and what you are capable of... well, nothing seems impossible anymore noi. I've seen things that I wouldn't have believed before. So, I guess what I'm saying is, these sins... maybe they are real, and maybe 'The Serpent' really did commit them. But, they don't seem to be sins that can be committed in any normal way. It's not something everyone can do, that's why not everyone is called 'The Serpent.' But I don't know... does this help noi?"