Chapter 10 - The Hostage U Lutri: ...UGH.. *cough, cough*... What a sandstorm this is... Amiya Rai: ... U Lutri: Looks like nobody’s following us. Amiya Rai: Because I ordered them not to follow. We’ve come quite far from the town where the Federation government is located. Amiya Rai: How much further does this little escape of yours intend to go on? U Lutri: Don’t talk to me like that, hostage. You don’t expect to get out of this alive, do you? Amiya Rai: I am the ruler of a nation, small as it may be. I am prepared for the worst. U Lutri: Hmph... Amiya Rai: ….Ah. U Lutri: I feel like I’m dragging a cow behind me. Stop dawdling. Amiya Rai: ... Amiya Rai: (This man's fingers twitch every so often. The neurotoxin has not fully left his system yet.) Amiya Rai: (I can sense my companions nearby as well... I have a chance here.) U Lutri: Come on. Hurry up. Amiya Rai: Wait. Small kingdom or not, I am still royalty. I’m not used to walking through wastelands like this. U Lutri: As if I care. I said come. U Lutri: Come on. Stop dawdling. Amiya Rai: ...Ah, wait... I can’t walk anymore. U Lutri: You’re such a wimp. U Lutri: I can see the next town... This spot should do fine. Amiya. Amiya Rai: ...Guh, don’t pull on me like that... What do you want? U Lutri: See that giant broken structure that looks like an antenna? Come over here. Amiya Rai: ... U Lutri: That’s it. Be a good boy. Put both arms above your head. Amiya Rai: Nn... U Lutri: I’m gonna tie you to this antenna. Some passenger will help you if you’re lucky. Amiya Rai: And if I’m unlucky? U Lutri: You’ll end up dried out like jerky. Though what a waste, you’re quite the heartthrob. Amiya Rai: I happen to agree with you there. U Lutri: Hmph. Whatever you say ...Ngh ...Ow, ow... Amiya Rai: ... Amiya Rai: Does it hurt when you stretch your arm out like that? Would you like me to take a look? U Lutri: Jerky does not get a say in this. Hnngh... U Lutri: So these are what they call the remnants of past civilizations. Whoever built this thing sure got something impressive going. Amiya Rai: It is called a Gain Tower. U Lutri: A Gain Tower? Amiya Rai: There was a vast civilized city underground in this area, a long time ago. Sandstorms expose ancient ruins all the time U Lutri: Well, that makes sense. We’re all living and struggling on top of one enormous graveyard. Amiya Rai: On top of one enormous graveyard, indeed. That may well be true. U Lutri: Bow your head. I’ll tie your arms to this tower. Amiya Rai: ... U Lutri: Hey, do as I say. I could put an end to your life right here and now. Ain’t no decent men here. Amiya Rai: Like who? U Lutri: Me. Amiya Rai: Is that so? I think you are decent enough, myself. U Lutri: ...What’s that supposed to mean? Amiya Rai: Tying up my arms... I suppose you must think my legs are well-behaved. U Lutri: ...! Amiya Rai: Hup...! U Lutri: Gah...! Amiya Rai: Hah...! U Lutri: (This guy just choked my neck with his legs, even though his wrists are still shackled...!) U Lutri: (I’ll break out of this in not time……….....!?) U Lutri: (My right arm won’t move...!?) Amiya Rai: Nerves exposed to poison are quite vulnerable to stress, you know. You struggled a lot trying to keep me in check, right? Amiya Rai: Or did you think it was cute, like I’m cattle? U Lutri: Gh...! Guh, ngh...! Amiya Rai: You guys may come out now. Citizens of Rai: Lord Amiya...! Citizens of Rai: Lord Amiya, thank goodness you’re safe...! Citizens of Rai: How dare you shackle Lord Amiya...! I will tear him limb from limb! U Lutri: Ack...! Ah...! Amiya Rai: Calm down. Citizens of Rai: But we won’t be able to face Lord Rao if we let this slide! Amiya Rai: I don’t mind. He walked away from me. Bind this man. Handle him with proper care, though. U Lutri: Kh...! Damn it...! Citizens of Rai: Don’t move! Citizens of Rai: Behave yourself! U Lutri: Do you wanna throw me in a dungeon cell again!? Amiya Rai: My, that would be quite boring, no? I’d rather hear about your employer instead. Amiya Rai: Let’s talk about Nuxma Panthera, Mister Song Seeker. To be continued...