Way of the Knights

Chapter 852: Lenna’s Suspicions

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Lenna's feeling a bit complex at this moment.

It's been roughly a month since Raven found her and had been riding his shuttle. That being said, she barely knew a thing about the man she's with. 

Don't get her wrong. She's not enamored by his looks nor anything about him. She's just merely curious, that's all. 

They haven't talked much really. All they shared were brief exchange of nods and that's about it. Raven allowed her to roam free within the shuttle given that she wouldn't do anything to harm it. Not that she'd dare to anyways. This was her ride home and despite the man being cold to her, their situation could be defined as peacefully coexisting – something that is rare considering where they are. 

She figured that this is how things would be. At least until they arrived at her home that is. She always saw Raven busy with something and they're not close enough to be on talking terms, she's curious about him but that's that. 

Well, who wouldn't be curious? Lenna being an Outsider, is aware of how rare to meet someone from the Divine Realm. She's only heard about them in rumors and in stories but to think she'd actually meet one was beyond her so now that she did, she can't help but be curious about him.

She wondered what it's like to live there. What kind of prosperous festivities occur in that place, if it's even prosperous at all. She wondered if that place was truly like the tales she heard from other Outsiders.

More importantly, she wondered if it's possible for her to visit that place. 

Well, visiting might be impossible. She had heard of stories about Outsiders trying to infiltrate that place. Nobody returned to tell the tale so she could only guess that they all died. 

This brings her to another point that's weird with Raven…

Why did he help her? 

Sure, she could think that Raven probably did it in exchange of her help but that's not it. That's not the issue here. 

All things considered, Raven was gentle and kind to her. Something that really puzzled her since, according to what she heard, children of the Divine Realm were unkind towards Outsiders. They despise Outsiders vehemently and would rather die than to be acquainted with one. 

So why was Raven like this to her? She can't understand. 

'Maybe the rumors aren't true after all.' 

Is what she thought. 

'I mean, it's rumors for a reason. A bit foolish of me to think that I could actually trust them.'

'That, or he could just be an exception. Whatever it is, this is good for me. At least I have his help to get back home. It's been a while since I left.'

'Hopefully, I'm not too late.'

Lenna was currently enjoying a warm cup of tea, courtesy of Raven, as she peered outside of the shuttle. She felt relaxed and calm as she patiently waited for their arrival at her home. 

She's a bit unfamiliar with the route that they're following. That being said, she's not really in any position to demand answers from Raven. She doesn't have even the tiniest bit of control over the situation so she just sat back and relaxed.

She could only acquiesce with Raven's whims after all. 

"Hey."

Lenna's soul almost flew away from her body. She was badly frightened that she spilled the contents of her cup all over her dress. She stood up and turned around to see Raven looking at her in an amused yet apologetic stare. 

"My bad. I didn't mean to scare you." 

Lenna sighed and asked: "Do you need something?" 

"No. Not really." Raven shook his head. Lenna really wanted to curse at him but before she could speak, Raven continued with what he's saying: "Just letting you know that we're approaching an unstable zone."

"I saw tons of Spatial Storms and Disturbances ahead of us. We'll have to pass by that area if you want to return to your home so brace for impact." 

"Oh…" Lenna let out a surprised sound. "That place huh? That means we're near then." 

"According to the spatial coordinates you gave to me, yes." Raven nodded. 

"You know, that place actually acts as a natural defense barrier for our home." Lenna stated as she wiped the spilled tea on her dress. "That place never disappeared and it kept us relatively safe against invaders. The only downside is that, it's a bit difficult for us to leave and return as well."

"You mean to say that the Broken Badlands is in the middle of that field?" 

"Exactly." Lenna nodded. "I hope your shuttle's strong enough to endure the harshness of that place. Well, if you want to, we can also fly there instead, it'd be an easier approach since I know a route we can follow."

Raven stared at Lenna for a bit before answering: "Yeah, there's no need for that. My shuttle can survive an explosion of multiple suns. A bit of Spatial Storms and Disturbances would only shake it so we're safe here." 

This was all that Raven told her before he disappeared again. 

Lenna was slightly dumbfounded. Raven sounded so confident that she actually believed him. Granted, he hasn't lied to her ever since he picked her up. 

Still, that's impressive. A Spatial Shuttle that is durable? Children of the Divine Realm sure are capable, generous and rich! Outsiders could hardly scavenge a functioning shuttle yet this man brought an indestructible one like it's nothing. 

The disparity of their living conditions really feels painful right now. 

Lenna sighed and shook her head. Well, at least it wouldn't be too long before she could return home. They were near and with how confident Raven sounded just now, it seems that they'll arrive there unharmed. 

She returned to the room she was using for now. She locked the doors before deciding to change her clothes. Her dress was ruined by spilled tea so she doesn't want to wear it again. 

As she cleaned herself and changed into a new set of clothes, Lenna couldn't help but recall memories of her home. 

The Broke Badlands, in an Outsider's perspective, was a relatively good place to be in. 

By no means it was safe and secure. She wouldn't even call it prosperous since Divine Realm existed. Still, from the point of view of a mere Outsider, her home might as well be a paradise. 

The protection of the Turbulent Zone surrounding their home made it relatively safe against invaders and scavengers. People who were born there lived a semi-peaceful life. They could enjoy days of serenity and leisure from time to time at least and there's also a stable supply of food for everyone so nobody's starving. 

People liked living there, some even chose to settle down and start a family there. That being said, her home wasn't that big. It could only support a few people living there, which is why the law of the jungle still stands. 

Those who wanted to stay must be strong enough to fend for themselves or else they will be eliminated and have their space taken away from them.

Lenna and her family belonged to those who are strong enough to keep their place there. She loved that place since it's where she's born and raised. That's also where her family is and where she planned on building her own family as well. 

As someone who had been staying there for a long time, Lenna and her family had some reputation attached to their name. They were respected in that place which brought them peace for the most part. 

Still, there's a reason why she needed to leave her home. She has older siblings who were more capable than her but she ultimately decided to be the one who leaves their home and venture the dangerous and boundless lands of the Outer Worlds. 

As luck would have it, she nearly died but got rescued in the end. She managed to achieve her goal but she nearly paid for it with her life. Now, she could only hope that it's still not too late or else her family would be done for. 

'…now that I thought about it. The clues are aligning.' She mused by herself. 'Raven hadn't gave me a reason to distrust him so far. So, if I took his word as it is, then it's quite possible that someone from my home wants me dead.'

'Raven said that those who ambushed me are headed towards this location.'

'We have yet to see them. Meaning that they probably arrived at the Broken Badlands.'

'Oh it's obvious now isn't it?' Lenna scoffed, 'Those assholes probably reported back and got their promised rewards. They're either sellswords, mercenaries or pirates hired by someone.' 

'…that begs the question of 'who' then.'

'Who is it that wants me dead? Who's after my family? If they knew about my mission, that means they have access to our family's intel, we are secretive about our operations so whoever sent those two after me, must be close to my family.'

'There's a traitor amongst us then…'

'I wonder who?'