Ultimate Bastion
"Kyaaak! Let me go! Let go of me! Where the hell are you taking me?!"
Mari thrashed desperately on Rynel's massive shoulder, slung over it like a sack of goods.
She pounded her tiny fists against his rock-hard back, kicked her legs wildly, and screamed until her throat was raw.
Tears streamed endlessly from her eyes.
Faces of Rion, Dante, and the Dust Rose kids flashed one by one in her mind.
'Sniff... I miss them...'
But even as that longing welled up, the enveloping darkness around her was utterly terrifying.
Mari was especially scared of the night.
The nights in the slums were always dark and dangerous.
People who popped out of the shadows to torment her, snatch her things, and unleash violence for no reason...
Ever since Rion had formed Dust Rose, she could sleep peacefully without fear of beatings or bullying, and the nights had started feeling less scary...
But now, separated from them and alone, the night terrified her all over again.
The pitch-black darkness seemed ready to swallow her tiny body whole.
Where were these scary people taking her? Could she ever go back? Would she never see Rion and Dante again?
Fear crashed over young Mari's heart like waves.
But Rynel didn't budge an inch.
Like he didn't even notice the little bug clinging to his back, he just trudged silently through the darkness.
Walking beside him with a cold expression was the terrifying man named Astra, who had called them "bugs."
His impassive face deepened Mari's terror even more.
Mari struggled like that for a while until exhaustion sapped her strength.
Limp and slack, she panted ragged breaths laced with sobs, staring weakly ahead.
And then...
A whole new world unfolded before Mari's eyes like something out of a fairy tale.
The darkness parted to reveal a place so dazzlingly brilliant she'd never even dreamed of it in her wildest imaginings.
"Whoa..."
An exclamation slipped out unbidden. Enough to make her forget her fear, if only for a moment.
Glittering glass windows, intricately carved statues, beautiful intricate patterns...
The space that had pierced the inky blackness felt like another world entirely from the slums.
Even under the night sky, the streets glowed with magical lights everywhere.
The avenues teemed with people in splendid clothes, despite the late hour.
Garments adorned with colorful silks and jewels that put the slums' ragged, threadbare rags to shame, painting the night streets in vibrant hues.
They laughed and chatted, bustling energetically through the thoroughfares.
Mari gaped at the sight, unable to close her mouth.
It was like the fairy-tale world from the tattered picture books she'd scavenged from the trash heaps.
How long had they walked through that storybook street?
Amid fear and awe, Mari blinked from her perch on Rynel's shoulder.
A colossal castle loomed into view.
It towered so high it was visible even from the slums.
From afar, it had been just a massive shadow, but up close, its grandeur defied words.
Rynel and Astra halted before the castle gates.
They handed her over to several women in identical black dresses who had been waiting.
Mari panicked at the sudden change, but the unfamiliar women led her inside by the hand.
"Let go! I said let go! I can walk myself!"
When the women scooped her up, Mari kicked feebly.
"I can walk on my own!"
But the women said nothing, simply carrying her deeper into the castle.
They brought her to a room more lavish and enormous than anything she'd ever seen—or even imagined.
A plush-looking bed, gleaming furniture, walls adorned with pretty paintings, and beyond the window, the stunning nightscape of Cheongam Castle.
It was worlds apart from the cramped, filthy hovel in the slums.
As Mari stood there dazed, one of the women spoke kindly.
"You'll stay here. Lord Astra instructed us to make sure you rest comfortably."
"H-Huh...? Me... in a place like this...?"
Mari was utterly bewildered.
What... what is this situation?
Wasn't she the "bug" they'd called her? Hadn't they taken her hostage?
And now they were telling her to live here?
The woman continued politely.
"We'll bring your meals at set times. If you need anything, just let us know anytime. For walks, inform us and we'll arrange it with Lord Astra's permission—under our supervision, of course. We apologize for any inconvenience."
"Uh... that's..."
Mari couldn't say another word.
Her mind was a whirlwind. Were all Haven's captains this generous?
Giving a room like this even to people they saw as bugs?
For a fleeting moment—just a moment—Mari's heart wavered at this unbelievable reality.
Too good a treatment. Warmth, coziness, safety she'd never known in the slums. Everything was perfect.
'No, wait! Don't fall for it!'
But Mari quickly steeled herself.
This could be a trap.
'No, it definitely is. They'll pamper me, feed me, get me used to it, then turn me into a slave. Has to be.'
Mari imagined the worst-case scenario in her head.
Cruel schemes hidden behind all the kindness.
She vowed not to fall for it.
She had to stay sharp until Rion and Dante came to rescue her.
But the next morning,
As faint morning sunlight lingered at the window,
"Lady Mari, time to wake up."
A gentle voice pulled her from sweet dreams.
The honorific "Lady Mari" made her blink in surprise.
It was a tone of respect unimaginable in the slums.
"Mm..."
Rubbing her eyes as she sat up, Mari froze.
She couldn't believe it.
The pains that had wracked her waist and neck were gone, like a lie.
'A bed... is this amazing?'
Who knew one night in a bed could erase such agony...
Mari twisted and turned, testing her body.
It really didn't hurt.
Pure admiration bubbled up.
"I've brought breakfast."
The woman entered with a large tray.
A sweet aroma tickled her nose.
Steaming soup, freshly baked golden bread, vibrant fruits—an unreal sight for a slum girl.
She hesitated briefly, but her growling stomach was honest.
The first spoonful, taken cautiously.
'......!!!!'
Mari's eyes widened like saucers.
"Whoa... so, so good...!"
The creamy soup filled her mouth with velvety bliss. Nutty bread aroma. Fruits' sweetness. Perfection.
Compared to slum fare, it nearly brought tears.
'No... this is definitely a trap. Can't fall for it!'
Yet as time passed and lunch arrived—another feast—Mari's resolve wavered.
"Ah... no... too delicious...!"
She bit into the tender meat, an exclamation escaping.
The melt-in-your-mouth texture was heavenly for someone who'd lived her life in the slums.
Tasting meat for the first time ever moistened her eyes with ecstasy.
'This is a trap. Gotta be trying to tame me like a slave...'
But doubts crept in: Could food this good have bad intentions?
Mari's mind grew ever more tangled.
'No! Snap out of it! Wait for Rion and Dante!'
She desperately reined herself in even as she ate.
But the soft bed, delicious food, and kind treatment melted her wariness like spring snow.
'Is... this what real life is like...?'
Mari shook her head hastily at the unbidden thought.
But already, a tiny sprout of change had taken root in her heart.
* * *
"How's that child doing?"
I didn't specify who, but Elbern the steward understood immediately.
"Yes, Lord Astra. As you instructed, we're caring for her with utmost diligence. She seems quite shocked by the new food and surroundings."
I nodded faintly at Elbern's calm report.
'Good.'
To save Rion, I'd had no choice but to bring Mari—essentially tearing a family apart in an instant.
Even if it was for Rion's survival, I couldn't shake the guilt.
That's why I'd earnestly asked Elbern to treat her as well as possible.
Elbern continued with other updates.
"As you ordered, we've given Hanji ample farmland to tend, and assigned Leina under Captain Scarlet."
Hanji would thrive better with his own fields—left to contract spirit beasts and grow his power using his ability, rather than taking orders.
Leina's ability suited Scarlet's aggressive combat unit perfectly, making it the efficient choice.
I nodded and asked about the next.
"And Rowen...?"
"Yes, Lord Astra. Actually... Rowen intended to leave the castle this morning, but..."
Elbern paused briefly.
"Upon hearing you were here, he stayed to wait. He wishes to bid you farewell in person."
"Bring him in."
Moments later, Elbern escorted Rowen inside.
Rowen stood ramrod straight, bowing impeccably.
"Black Star Knight Rowen, come to pay respects to Jin Gang Regiment Leader Astra."
Seeing him, I paused in thought.
Not a character I'd created myself, but a knight who'd worried for my safety and shown unwavering loyalty.
"Rowen, your escort was flawless. Safe travels on your return."
My words made Rowen's voice tremble slightly.
"It was my greatest honor, Lord Astra."
The emotion in his tone was plain, but Rowen quickly regained his knightly composure.
He steadied his wavering gaze and straightened his back.
"I will see you again, Lord Astra."
I simply nodded curtly.
"Yes. Go."
Rowen hesitated a moment.
As if he had more to say, but he bowed deeply, then backed out of the room.
"Elbern."
"Yes, Lord Astra."
"Anything else to report?"
"No, that's all."
"You're dismissed."
"Yes. Call if you need anything."
Once Elbern left, I sank into deep thought.
'I'd have been in real trouble without Rynel.'
Excitement over the new discovery in my ability during that final battle had blinded me then, but now calmer reflections swirled in my mind.
Without Rynel's defense ability, the kids would've been obliterated.
I could've blocked once with Domain of the Absolute, but not the chain of explosions.
"I need defense-related traits..."
Conveniently, there was a top-tier special-grade trait called Ultimate Bastion—ranked 1-tier—near Cheongam Castle.
Of course, as a 1-tier special-grade like False Name Imprint, it wouldn't be easy to acquire.
But now, with enough forces at my disposal, it was no issue.
'Gotta head out tomorrow.'