As they walked, Ty tried to understand this world better. "So why do so many people hate you? The Waddle guy was ready to put a piece of wood in your head."
Rusuf looked slightly off-guard by the directness. "Straight to the heavy questions, huh? You know, you’re the one who’s going to be answering questions to the media right?"
"I’m sure, by now, you’ve realized the kingdom’s iron grasp on the world has cracks. Though, I’m not convinced a rule enforced by combat is sustainable.
Nonetheless, I serve the kingdom, and my abilities are at its disposal, all in the hope of eventually finding some form of peace."
His words showed a man caught between duty and a longing for harmony in a world defined by conflict.
"But I want you to fill me in on everything. Help me understand your situation better," Rusuf urged, seeking clarity in a world muddied by shadows and half-truths.
Ty gave a dry laugh. "More inclined to believe me now that Erebos made his appearance, huh?"
"It’s not that I never believed you," Rusuf admitted, his voice carrying a newfound respect mixed with a hint of humility. "It’s just that I never imagined there existed a scale of power beyond my comprehension..."
Walking past shops, Ty and Rusuf drew the attention of a few kids. The children’s eyes widened in recognition. "That’s the Demon from the TV," they whispered, excited and afraid.
Ty caught their words, a reminder of his notoriety.
Breaking the silence between them, Ty shared his thoughts with Rusuf. "Yeah, grasping the massive power difference and how to cross that bridge still escapes me," he admitted, his voice low.
"I have to say, this place seems more lively, from the dirt roads to the wooden shops. It feels more alive than the kingdom did."
Rusuf’s laughter broke the momentary tension, his agreement coming easily. "Yeah, the technology, while amazing, is still hard to come by. Most of it runs off a magic supply with some copper wires weaved into it, though I’m not too sure how it all works,"
In that regard, some countries outside the kingdom had far less access to it. Rusuf knew a few mountain villages that had never used it before.
"Maybe under different circumstances, it would be a pleasure to show you," he mused as they approached a medium-sized building. Its walls were draped in moss, and a sign hung above the entrance, declaring it a ’prison / holding area’.
As Rusuf pushed the door open, they were greeted by an area blanketed in a red carpet that stretched from one end to the other. Chairs were neatly lined up along the sides.
"What is all of this?" Ty inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"It’s the media room they set up," Rusuf explained, placing a hand on Ty’s shoulder. "Please, follow me."
Following Rusuf to the center of the room, Ty’s gaze fell upon a tall woman holding a thick folder. She was clad in a white shirt paired with a low purple skirt.
The moment she caught sight of Rusuf, her face brightened, and she exclaimed, "Rusuf, boy! It’s been so long!"
Ty observed as the woman rushed forward, engulfing Rusuf in an embrace. "It’s been way too long since you’ve come to this part of the world, ya know?" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of joy and reprimand.
Rusuf, fighting the urge to blush, replied, "I know. The days get busier and busier, but time stays the same. I will try to be more attentive in the future." He tried a reassuring smile.
"However, I have the first person ready for interview questions. It is the Demon, so do be careful as you ask him questions," she informed them, her tone shifting to one of seriousness.
"I have to make some calls about a missing weapon that is probably forever lost," she added, turning to leave.
Before she could, she paused, noticing something odd. "Now that I think about it, why are your clothes filled with little holes? Are you getting into fights again?" concern sharpened her voice.
Rusuf responded with a casual dismissiveness, "Something like that, Aunt Ya-Mi. But please don’t worry. Well, I’m not worried, so please don’t worry either." His attempt to deflect concern was as evident as the affection in their banter.
Ty offered a warm smile in return. "Well, if you say so, but don’t be afraid to talk about anything you have going on," Ya-Mi reassured Rusuf, her tone imbued with genuine concern.
Observing the exchange, Ty watched Rusuf stride toward the door, his attention shifting to his phone as he departed.
Turning his attention to Ya-Mi, Ty ventured, "I take it you’re Ya-Mi? That’s a lovely name," he complimented, attempting to bridge the gap between them.
Ya-Mi ignored Ty and pulled out what looked like a cigarette.
"I am kind to the boy. That courtesy stops before criminal scum like you," she declared, her voice icy.
A man burst into the room. "Ma’am, cameras are hot in 3 minutes, please get ready.
Air time will be 10 minutes, then we will begin cycling in all the prisoners with 5-minute snippets!" he announced.
Ya-Mi nodded, her focus shifting towards the door from which the man had emerged. "Sounds good, boss," she responded, her tone professional and detached from the previous tension.
Then, turning back to Ty, Ya-Mi sized him up with a scrutinizing gaze. "So listen up, Demon, boy? You look a little young to be this all terrifying creature," she remarked, skepticism lacing her words.
Ty offered a brief reply, humor covering his resignation. "Well, I’m only 23ish, though I might have lost count at some point," he confessed, playing into the misunderstanding with a bit of lightheartedness.
Ya-Mi studied him for another second, cigarette resting between two fingers, then leaned back as if deciding how much of the monster on the posters matched the tired young man in front of her. Ty kept his hands still and reminded himself that every camera would be hunting for weakness.