Author: Silavin
“Sir, are you okay?” An unfamiliar voice soon rang out from the side.
Mo Na Ye and the twins had been transported to the backlines, and there was currently a whole army ready to defend them. They were in a field, with a mass of people surrounding them. The voice came from a male Black Ink Clansmen, whose aura was the second strongest here – first being Mo Na Ye.
“I’m fine, Mo De Kai. Look at the boy first.” Mo Na Ye stated as matter-of-factly. For them, the twins were the top most priority. Yang Ji had lost his left hand, so he needed attention first. As for Yang Xu, though she did seem tired, she did not sustain any injuries – a testament of both her caution and her Brother’s eagerness to keep her safe.
This was the first time Mo De Kai saw Humans. He could not help but wonder how alike they were to the Black Ink Clan. Though the Black Ink Clan were not exactly Humans in form, they share many similarities. In fact, it could be said that their appearance was based on Humans.
It was just that they had certain imperfections or ‘upgrades’ like horns or more arms. Their skin colour also tended to be different due to the Black Ink Clan association with Black Ink Strength.
Nevertheless, the power within their bodies could not be anymore different. So, though Mo De Kai noticed that Yang Ji was missing his hand, his first thought was to create another one using Black Ink Strength. Even if it would not be comparable to one’s naturally born hand, it was better than nothing, right?
When Mo De Kai made this proposal, Mo Na Ye immediately sighed. “Sorry. They do not know much about the Humans. Though he is a Territory Lord, he did not take part in the war. He doesn’t know what effects Black Ink Strength has on Humans”
Yang Ji immediately waved his hand as he stressed, “There is really no need for you to help me with my injuries. You already got my hand back. That’s more than enough for me.”
Yang Xu added, further emphasising, “Yes. My Brother will be able to heal on his own. We have enough Pills with us. No need to trouble yourselves with this.”
Mo Na Ye, though still concerned, could only give up at this point. He gave a small nod and agreed, “In that case, I’ll lead you back to rest. Since you are injured, best to heal up first before you head back out. The Holy One also wishes to meet with you.”
“Mo De Kai, is there a suitable place for these kids? They would most likely need a few weeks to recuperate.” Mo Na Ye turned to the Territory Lord and asked.
“I’ll immediately clear out a Black Ink Nest for them.” Mo De Kai gave a salute and responded as though he had been given a vital task.
“Please follow me.” Mo De Kai said as he gestured to them, and Mo Na Ye tilted his chin to ask the twins to follow.
As the two moved through the field to the camp, all sorts of stares were directed at them. Though they had ignored them at first, it was hard to when these eyes also began to whisper amongst themselves.
There was both a trace of excitement and fear in their voices. Excitement since some had never seen a Human before. Fear since they could tell that the terrifying beam of light that shot through the sky must have been their doing. That beam was so foreign, and its aura was so threatening that they knew they would fall if it was directed at them.
Strangely enough, there was no hostility in their gaze. Even if certain Black Ink Clansmen had taken part in the war during that bygone era, none held hostility towards the twins. This was not out of fear of their Father, Yang Kai. Likewise, they did not seem to have the same aggression as what the twins were used to hearing.
[They are really different.] Yang Ji could not help but think. This was truly different from his history lessons and stories told by his Father.
It had to be said that his Father, Yang Kai, had once infiltrated their ranks. At that time, he was treated like a slave, and he had to fight for his Master in arena battles. These slaves were naturally Black Ink Disciples, Humans corrupted by Black Ink Strength. Though they gained greater power, they were beholden to the every whims of the Black Ink Clan.
Yang Kai had described the Black Ink Clan as people who held no regard for their own kind, as they would kill their own at a whim. The area, though filled with Black Ink Disciples, also had Black Ink Clansmen participate in it. Furthermore, the arena was the main highlight as entertainment for the Black Ink Clan.
Even though certain Humans were deprived to the same extent as well, the Black Ink Clan was different in that everyone enjoyed such activities.
Looking at the peaceful scene in front of them, at how disciplined they were, with Black Ink Clansmen properly greeting each other and smiling, the twin’s previous perception of them had been completely smashed to pieces.
Right now, they were no different to Humans. Yang Ji and Yang Xu even began to wonder if these people could be integrated back in the 3,000 Worlds.
However, they knew that was still not possible as the core of the Black Ink Clansmen, Black Ink Strength, was a power that could not dwell outside the confines of the Primordial Source Gate. Unfortunately, despite how Human-like they might be, due to this sole difference, they could never be integrated into Human society. No, they could not even be exposed to Humans.
As they walked through the camp, besides the Black Ink Clansmen crowding around them, leaving them a path to walk through, there were a few Black Ink Nests behind them. Appearance wise, these were different to the Black Ink Nests like Mo Na Ye’s home. The Black Ink Nests here all looked the same, and had few decorations on them. Obviously, they were the living quarters of those present.
Soon, seeing how the twins were a little uncomfortable, Mo De Kai broke up the crowd, “Nothing to see here. Everyone, move back to your stations. For those on rest, return to your barracks.”
The crowd, upon hearing this command, quickly became silent. They gave a small salute and immediately went on their way. It would be a lie to say they were not interested in the children. However, commands were commands – they had to abide by them.
The rest of the path was relatively calm in comparison. Seeing as Mo De Kai had given the rest a warning, the other Black Ink Clansmen did not dare bother the twins. At most, they would just give glances.
When they arrived at a particularly large Black Ink Nest, Mo De Kai led them in and announced. “This will be your living quarters for now. You can freely use it as you please. Just don’t use that beam inside. I doubt the structure will be able to handle it. Sir will be quite busy maintaining the frontlines while you rest, so if you have anything you need, you can direct them to me–”
There was a slight pause before Mo De Kai gave a firm nod. He seemed to have received a directive from somewhere – most likely from a Small Black Ink Nest he carried around.
“Understood. Any requests you two may have need not be directed to anyone. The Holy One says that he will be able to speak with you so long as you are in here.” Mo De Kai looked at the twins as he said this. Though his facial expression remained stoic, there was envy in his eyes.
“Erm… okay. Thanks.” Yang Xu said as she immediately started looking around the place. It felt a little discomforting to know that they were being spied upon. Still, she had to admit that it was convenient for them to stay inside as they too did not want to go out and be the centre of attention again like earlier.
Mo De Kai gave a final salute and left.
As for the twins, they were in this room alone, just like when they went to Mo Na Ye’s place.
However, the interiors were much simpler than before. Likewise, though it could be said that this place was larger than the other Black Ink Nests, it was certainly a lot smaller than Mo Na Ye’s house.
There was a room with two simple beds, and the rest were the familiar furniture like tables, chairs, shelves, etc. It actually resembles more a home than a barracks, which was peculiar as the table and chairs were outside the other Black Ink Nests. Still, the twins did not question much as they headed to the bedroom.
However, before they did, a figure had appeared behind them.