The next day…
A day that was simple, unassuming, and mundane…at least, that is what I have regarded for it, to say the least.
Everything was supposed to be uneventful for this day, if it were not for that one thing that transpired our inner selves to become serious in handling our respective swords…
That is right!
Today is the day that we will defeat the Boss on our decisive combat training and as a prize, he will unravel his secret about his past for us!
Now normally, I am not the type to stick my nose on someone regarding their hidden pasts and secrets. I believe that each and every one of us are free to not speak about something that we do not want to proclaim on the ears of others. Furthermore, the thought of being a gossipmonger for a specific person is just too disgusting for me.
However, for the case of our Boss- the person who is named Boitesy Dû Halcyon, I will set aside my personal standards just for now and let my mind uncover his secrets in order to provide him some sort of assistance for his problems.
Because yesterday, as we clashed with his monstrous prowess from his swordsmanship, one emotion was plastered to his every movement, attack, and form:
A dwelling emotion of sadness.
I want to ease the pain inside of him that he usually conceals under his plastic smiles. That is the least thing that I can do as a payment for the things that he did for us.
I prepared myself for this day and when I was about to head out, Pops stopped me abruptly in reaching for the doorknob. As I wore the confusion on my small face, he signaled me to accompany him on his sumptuous breakfast.
"Eh? But I already ate my breakfast, Pops!" I said with an intent of refusal from his invitation.
"Hmmm…is that so? Well, be careful out there for me, alright?" he said while cutting his roasted pork with a cutlery.
"Do not worry, Pops! You are such a worrywart!" I said while laughing.
"Well, do not blame me for doing this. I am your father, after all…" he said straightly as he finally chopped a piece and chewed the said piece of pork in front of me.
"-ACK! Okay! I am going! See you later, Pops!"
I opened the door while feeling a sudden heat from my face, when he stopped me for the second time.
"Wait. Hold it right there. Before you go, take this for me okay? Just hold this out for me for a single day."
He gave me a small parcel that was wrapped in a slim linen and gently placed it on my hands. He then signaled me to put it into my baggage when he sat back to his chair.
"W-What is this, Pops?" I asked, my face probably insinuates my emotion even quite better.
"It is just a small ore for a request in the past. Would you handle it for me for this day only? Thanks. I know that I can always count on my ever-loving daughter." he slowly said as he took a sip from his fragrant coffee.
"AUGH! I am heading out now!"
I stomped out of the room while I can feel the creeping heat from my entire head.
"Have a nice day." he said into my back.
Seriously, Pops! Attacking me like that first thing in the morning! If you want to show that you have a fatherly concern for me, do it better!
I ran as fast as I can in order to reach my destination.
I will not be late for this meeting! Not me!
I hurriedly went to the League so that I can meet the two boys, who I presume are currently waiting for me in the bar section of the establishment. We stated that we must make our tactical discussion there, after all. I was positively certain that I will be the one to arrive there firstly, but thanks to my childish Pops, I am late! Ugh! I do not want to come in a tardy fashion since I am a lady who despises unpunctuality!
"Ugh…! No! I will be late- WAH!!!"
I was about to grab for the gates of the League when a man with a big physique and charisma opened it for me. Thanks to my agile reaction, I did not bump into the body of the most important person here in the city.
"C-Chief! M-my apologies! I am so sorry for that reaction of mine!" I anxiously said as I repeatedly bowed in front of the crimson-haired man that leads the entire city.
"OH! Why, it is you, Astoria! Glad to see you here again in the League after…a while." the Chief replied me back with a cheerfulness into his words, only to lie flatly at the end of his greeting.
Yes, yes. I know, Chief! Our punishment in the city is not valid anymore so in return, please do not remind me of it!
The Chief seemed to be busy this early in the morning so I stepped out in the gates to let him through. However, he did not move at all in his stature.
"I just want to congratulate you for your completion of the cleaning duties that was assigned for the three of you! Kids these days are having a hard time to be wary of their environment but as I watched you three, the city will be reassured into the promotion of cleanliness and orderliness of the surroundings inside of this place! A job well done, our valiant Myrmidons! So? Where is the celebration for this? WAHAHAHA!"
The Chief laughed in a hearty way that, after hearing it in a countless periods of time, it made me reminisce a person who laughs alike to him…
Thinking of the Boss on his way of laughing, I cannot manage to respond correctly in the words of the Chief…
"By the by, I just like to inform you that a group of new aspirants will be partaking the Beckoning rite this evening! Well, I do not know who it will be yet since I am still making clearances for it, but I heard that one of the attendees is connected to you!" he stated, excitement is apparent into his face.
"I know the person who will partake the rite…? I wonder…who it will be." I uttered slowly into him.
This is strange. I do know a lot of people here in this city, but if my memory serves me well, I was certain that the majority of them already partook the rite of the Beckoning in the past. So…who is this person?
While being occupied on that thought, a person suddenly entered in my mind who is usually connected to the rites of this city.
"About the Grandseer, is she going to attend the rite?" I asked him.
In this past week, I noticed the absence of her surliness and menacing aura around me whenever we meet and so, even if I do not like to admit it, I missed her… in a low portion within myself…probably.
The Chief made an expression that belongs into a mild astonishment. He sighed momentarily before replying, then said:
"Hmmmm…she did not inform you, eh? She usually behaves like that among the past Myrmidons in this city- your typical Grandseer, I would say."
Huh? I am not sure if I can follow, Chief… she did not inform me about what?
"You see, the Grandseer returned to the shrine situated here in the city. From the looks of it, it appears that she will take a lot of time inside of that building yet again. She tends to stay in that shrine for a lot of months, possibly even years, and if it is only necessary, she will come out of that place and go around here in the city for an announcement or message from the Heroes."
Oh? Is that so…? That is such a shame.
I was not able to grab an opportunity to even say goodbye to her… that is rather upsetting for my part.
Now that I heard that reason for her sudden migration to the shrine, I did remember that she only exited the building that one time in order to appoint me as the Myrmidon and assist me into the rite of the Beckoning.
What was it again…? The altar of Heroes?
Hmmm… one day, if I am not that busy, I should pay her a visit.
"I-I was not informed about this, Chief. I am glad that you told me this today. Otherwise, I would have panicked due to her sudden disappearance and made drastic measures in order to search for her…" I boldly stated unto him.
"Wahahaha! I know that you would. But please, rest assured that she is doing fine in that shrine on her own. I mean, she is the Grandseer of Estocia, after all." he laughingly replied.
"So does that mean…you will be the one to host the rite later, Chief?"
It will make sense considering the absence of the Grandseer as of now.
"You got it! In her absence, I should take the responsibility on her stead so that the rite for these new swordsfolk will continue!"
I see. That is fine, I would say.
"T-Thank you for your hard work, Chief!" I shouted in front of him while giving him a big bow.
"Ha-ha! Thank you, thank you! Well then, I have to go now! It seems that Roy is waiting for you in the bar. So…!"
"OH! He is already here…?"
"Wait! Before I go, can I ask one question?"
The Chief halted my footsteps with a question when I was about to rush forward inside of the establishment. He went closer to me in order to whisper into my ear, then said with lowness in his voice:
"Say, are you two…going out?"
"WHA-! WHAAAT?!"
I overreacted from that surprising question that he casually said in front of me.
"Well, I just thought of that possibility since he is waiting patiently for you in the bar. If a man and a woman agreed to meet inside of an eatery in the earliness of this morning, then it clearly states that you two are in love, correct?"
"WHA-WHAAAAAAAAA?!"
My senses do not know how to form an understandable and valid response to that overly-relaxed deduction.
"Hm? What is wrong, Astoria? Your face suddenly became beet-red, you know?"
Agh. I cannot keep this up!
"Y-You misunderstand, Chief! W-We are definitely not in love or anything like that! We just planned to meet into the bar in order to discuss something important!" I said as I am having a hard time in forming words.
"Well now, that is just the same thing, is it not? You two planned to meet in the bar in order to discuss something- ah! Perhaps, Roy will finally confess to you! I wish you could have seen his face inside of the bar as he waited! He had that look in him that resembles into sheer impatience that…it as if, he cannot wait any longer!" the Chief casually replied into my words.
He can effortlessly destroy the reinforced barriers that I am having a hard time to form for the sake of hiding my embarrassment.
"N-No! You are mistaken, Chief! See, Malthur is also coming there for our meeting in order to discuss our sword training so it is not an image of romantic rendezvous, or anything of that sort in your mind, Chief!"
I did all of my might in order to debunk his claims about romantics and such so that I can explain to him, in a logical fashion, my original intentions for coming here.
The Chief finally stepped out in the door and proceeded to walk away from me while saying:
"WAHAHAHA! I know that, Astoria! I was just teasing you!"
T-This man! I cannot believe him!
Is this an innate nature or quality amongst the leaders of Estocia?
The Marquess of Silvos made fun of me, the first time we met in the smithy…
Now, this Chief of our city loves to tease me as well?! Ugh! This is unfair for my part!
I entered the League establishment with conflicted feelings inside of me.
I quickly walked into the bar area in order to locate Roy. However, since it is early for this current time, the bar was devoid of any Leaguesmen who are leisurely eating in this place.
"Hey, Tori! Over here!"
I heard the familiar voice of my Redhead friend so I willingly went to his direction where he is currently residing.
"Oh? It is only you, Roy? Where is Malthur?" I asked.
"Well, you know the deal about him. He always arrives late so as of now, it is just the two of us. Let us wait for him, okay?" he responded while sighing.
"Oh…okay."
I sat to the bench of the establishment in the opposite of his direction and waited silently. I cannot manage to form a simple conversation with him when I heard the words 'just the two of us', as my mind suggested something from my early conversation with the Chief.
"I-Is something the matter, Tori? You look flushed in your face. Are you feeling well?"
I was preoccupied on that lingering thought about the words of the Chief when Roy asked me abruptly.
"Ha??? R-Really?! No! I-I am fine. N-Nothing bad is happening right now so do not be alarmed!"
Argh! This is your fault Chief!
Right! That does it!
I have to do something or otherwise, that Chief of this city will keep on making fun of me when we will meet in the future!
"Hey, Roy! Can you reprimand your father for me? Earlier this morning, before coming here in the bar, he teased me out of nowhere! The nerve of him!" I narrated to him angrily.
"Did he now? What did he say this time?" he asked curiously.
"AH- eh…I cannot say that. It is rather embarrassing! That is the reason why you need to rebuke him for my sake! He is being annoying!"
I kept insisting my overall plight for him so that I can mask the embarrassing words that his father said to me earlier.
"You know, in these past days, he is always teasing me as well. For some reason, he keeps on pushing me to be in your side whenever we do our responsibilities as Myrmidons." he slowly said, as if to retrace his memories from the past days.
Really, the nerve of that man!
"Whenever I ask for the reason for doing that, he will always say: 'It is considered as a good fortune if two couples were to work together side-by-side', as his reply."
WHAAAAA! I cannot believe this man.
"Say, Tori? Do you consider us as a couple?"
Out of nowhere, while I was agonizing about the thought from the words of the Chief, Roy suddenly asked me an uncommon question in a casual, normal-sounding, and calm manner.
I do not even know if my mind can still grasp the events of this very scenario anymore. I instinctively grabbed the scabbard of my stick for some reason when-
"Hey! There you are! I was confused when I saw you two sitting in an enclosed area…"
-Malthur appeared abruptly and so, my body reacted on its own.
*SMACK*
"OUCH! What is wrong with you, you dumb smitha?! I was just late for a short minute, okay?!"
I instinctively hit Malthur in order to brush the fleeting feeling of embarrassment into my whole system.
I instinctively apologized to the raging Malthur as I promised that I will just treat him with a compensatory breakfast as a token of my apology. The git shamelessly accepted the meal and as he ate his breakfast, we slowly, but surely started our master plan on how to take down the Boss for our decisive battle later.
The three of us brainstormed for an effective and efficient way on how to register a small slash to that abnormally-sized pouch of the Boss, all while trying our best to combat his beastly strength in combat.
"Just let me do the offense in the front! The two of you must support me while I am battling the Boss and keep that formation until he tires out! I mean, you saw how he behaved on our battle yesterday, right? Even if he is a monster in battle, he is still a frail human that feels exhaustion when he reaches his limit!"
Malthur started off the discussion as he was still finishing his breakfast.
"That will not do good, Malthur. I see that you had a good recollection of the battle yesterday... but as it turns out, you are forgetting a one crucial scene…" Roy said in a start upon hearing the bold proposition of Malthur.
"Ha?! What is that, Redhead?" Malthur pushed the platter away to the other table as he replied.
"Do you not remember the very first thing that happened to you when you charged off on your own? Of the three of us, you have the best defense with your wooden sword but against the Boss, just a minimal misstep can spell defeat from his hands!"
Malthur, even if grumbling on his own, did not bother to argue from that sound reasoning of Roy.
Our tactical discussion went from an hour and even with that, we are still having a hard time on how to come up with a strategy.
Malthur kept pressing the same thing as a relative formation…
Roy argued and insisted that we must team up together when combating the Boss…
As for me…
"What is wrong, Tori? I noticed that Malthur and I were the only ones who keep on suggesting here. Do you have something in your mind right now?" Roy asked when he noticed that I am locked in a deep thought.
"Oh, it is just… I think that both of your suggestions will not work." I uttered seriously.
Both of them gasped out of shock from my sudden rejection of their strategies.
"Think about it. The end of our clash against the Boss resulted on a stalemate. The only good thing that we managed to do was tire him out and nothing else. We were just good in lasting on the battlefield but in the end, the tides of the battle always relied on the Boss. We were helpless in registering a hit on his pouch since his swordsmanship was masterful. Really, we can consider his exhaustion as a luck since we can never really do much against him."
Hearing me explain our inadequacy in combat, Malthur and Roy became silent.
"Now, I am not saying that your suggestions are terrible. Far from it! The only problem is that we already tried those two formations and their outcomes were still awful."
Even if the three of us were teaming up against the Boss, we were still no match against him.
Same with the formation of Malthur and Roy on the offense and defense while I was managing the supportive healing…
It seems that no matter how much we pour our best in planning, we will still fall short. Any angles that may work can still lead in our inevitable failure.
"…If those plans will not work, do you have something that may help us?" Roy asked me, looking intently in my eyes.
Hey, stop staring, hoi!
"Actually, I do have one…" I said while I form a small smirk in my face.
I explained my simple and short, yet detailed plan on how to combat Boss without tiring our mortal bodies into life-threatening exhaustion…
After I explained it fluidly…
"Hoi…quit staring at me like that. You asked for my part did you not? Why are you looking at me as if I am some kind of a lowlife being?!" I angrily protested.
I have to admit that my plan is straying from the path of the sword, but I gave what I had to offer, okay?!
These two boys still kept on thinking for the appropriate plan for the combat, when I abruptly said something on their front:
"Look, admit it. Against the Boss, you two are powerless. Do not let your pride blind you of what is real and what is not! As we are right now, our combined strength has still no match against the prowess of the Boss!"
Both of them just stared at me when I ended my scolding. They looked at each other wordlessly as I still waited for their reply.
Suddenly, Roy looked up to me with a sternness in his eyes, then started speaking earnestly:
"Very well. Let us work with your idea."
Wonderful!
"However!" he continued.
However?
"We will adapt to this tactic of yours mainly and if it fails, we shall go to the original strategy, understood? Also…I would like to add something to your personal strategy, Tori…"
"What would you like to add?" I asked curiously.
"Do you still keep your mask? That one peculiar mask we received when we went to hunt Bintii?"
Ha??? x2
Malthur and I let-out a sound of confusion.
***
Our discussion lasted for three hours that when our plans were already settled, it was already time for lunch. Since we are already staying here in the bar of the League, we just decided to eat here and prepare ourselves on our way to Mantleta.
Boss' secretary, Cardamon, will not escort us anymore since our cleaning duties were over so in order for us to reach the village on-time, we proceeded by foot.
Even if Malthur was practically fuming out, I reasoned that the harsh heat that we feel as we walk will serve as our training, designed to condition us for the upcoming combat later.
I listened to the banter of Roy and Malthur until we eventually reached the village.
"Okay then, here we are. Just stick to the plan and we will prevail on this combat session!" I courageously proclaimed on the two of them.
The two boys nodded as a sign of approval to my statement and proceeded to retrieve their personal masks that they have received on this very village.
Roy reluctantly wore the chicken mask while on his side, Malthur furiously took the onion mask and shoved it on his face.
Seeing the hostility of this Mal-git made me sigh in worry…
"Okay! We are all set! The overall plan now depends for the both of you! Make sure you last out there before I arrive, alright?" I asked as I also wear my personal mask with furry ears.
"You can count us for that sentiment alone, Tori. Okay… We will go now, Malthur!" Roy replied enthusiastically.
When he heard that he was just ordered about, Malthur grumbled while rabidly shouting:
"Fine! I get it! We will go now! Do not order me around, Redhead!"
The both of them argued in the middle of the road as I watched them walk away from me, my concern for them is increasing exponentially.
Okay. Now, for my turn…
I walked around the village with a pre-determined direction to navigate. I saw the villagers around as I walk and right now, they are peacefully enjoying their cozy, yet hot afternoon. Some children are already playing around even if the sun is yet to turn orange. The elderly are sturdily sitting on their wooden, rocking chair as they loudly interact with someone their own age. Some of the parents of a family will briefly head out on their homes just to chase off their little boys and girls who were not permitted to frolic around on the warmness of the sun.
"L-Lady Astoria…? Is… that you?"
Suddenly, while gazing at the mundane scenery around me, I heard a childish voice on my back. I turned around and removed my mask so that I can have a better grasp of the person who greeted me.
It was Nada.
Well! Would you look at that! I actually saved time!
"Ah! Perfect timing! I was about to head over on your lodge since I have something for you, but here you are! Really, you saved my effort and time!"
I happily greeted Nada with a smile on my face since it has been a while since I last saw him.
"…"
Nada just stared at me emptily with a mild surprise from his eyes.
"Oh! I am so sorry about that! I was just wearing a mask for our training session later! Well? How well are you right now, Nada?"
I swiftly hid the mask away from him when I noticed the sudden awkwardness from the situation between us. Perhaps Nada became shocked upon seeing me in an odd-looking mask since I do not normally wear such an accessory.
"…"
I waited for his reply when I already kept the weird-looking mask on my pocket, only to still face the mummed Nada in front of me.
"A-Are you feeling well, Nada? You look pale." I worriedly said.
As I observed, this boy who initially was full of vigor and joyfulness whenever I see him, now is devoid of any of those characteristic that I have just mentioned.
His petite, yet energetic body was still small according to my vision, although the energy I always observed from him was now completely gone. His heavy and grey eyes looked at me as if I am some random stranger whom he would not acknowledge. The smile that greeted me every day in the morning dissipated- now exchanging it with a grave, humorless, and stern expression from his face.
Looking at this child that worked with us for a lot of years, he looked like a completely different person. There seems to be an air of oddity from him.
I contemplated at the face of this kid that was presented in front of me, not realizing of how much time I gained just by doing it.
"Oh…do not worry, Lady-Smith. I guess... I could say that I have been sick for these past days…"
Finally, he broke the earnest frown in his expression into a mild smile.
"Are you doing fine? You should stay at home, considering your situation right now. Say…would you like me to-"
I said those words with utmost concern for the boy while attempting to unsheathe the sword on my waist.
Before I can even free my healing stick, Nada waved off his left and right hand in front of me with a small snicker from his voice:
"No-no…I am fine, Lady-Smith, really. He-he… you are such a worrywart! I just wanted to get out of the lodge for a short time so that I can get some fresh air…"
Fresh air? Right now at the middle of a hot day?
Well…if you say so.
"U-Um…so, what do you need of me right now, Lady-Smith?" Nada continued on his words when I took a rain check from unsheathing my sword from my scabbard. I then carefully placed my Adventurer's bag on the ground and retrieved the medium-sized box that holds my treasured creation for him.
"It is my pleasure to proclaim to you that your gift sword is finally done! Are you ready to see it? Here we go…! Cha-aan!!! Here is your Balisao sword made by yours truly!" I happily exclaimed to him.
I opened the box with a dramatic air and presentation in hopes to reinforce the smile in the face of the boy. When I opened it majestically, he gingerly grasped the overall craftsmanship of the blade with a mild awe and shock from his facial expression.
Hmm…the blade turned out fine, if I do say so myself…
Color: Silvery-gray; Build: stab and snare; Height: 0.67 feet (18 inches) with a 2 inch wideness; Core: None…
I call this creation as a Sword breaker…
It is an uncommon design for your typical dagger inside of the city, yet helpful and ingenious to use in the majority of longsword or even broadsword users around Ea. The sword itself, even it looks like an actual pocket knife, can trap the sword of the foe upon contact, thanks to its saw-like teeth that is stationed on its very edge that are called serrations. If the user is trained in using such sword, it can effortlessly parry the strike of the enemy by ensnaring it with the use of the blade itself, hence the name for this dagger.
Situated on its heart, is a core placement if Nada wanted to add an ore on his sword. That is, if he knows how to channel his Essence in the first place…
Heh…this one took a while. The entire process was definitely tricky since I had to make sure that the conjoined metals were sturdy and identical enough to receive a lot of pressure and impact for its future clashes. Not to mention, the pattern-making for the serrations took a lot of effort on me! Thankfully, the process of ensuring its durability only took a perfect length of a week and the timing was nothing short of perfection!
I mused about the product I have successfully finished as I watched Nada on his own way of observing his new sword. His eyes opened lightly in an expression of marvel when he grasped the feel of his new weapon on his fingertips.
"It is…beautiful, Lady-Smith." he said slowly while still touching the craftsmanship of the dagger.
"I am glad that you like it! Well? That sword is yours now and it is the gift that I shall bestow to you for being with us through thick and thin!" I said dearly.
Nada stared at the sword breaker that I just presented to him and fell in a deep thought. His expression was cleared yet again with blankness and as I watched him return the sword on its respective box, his face began to have a tinge of red and his small eyes went to trickle some droplets of tears.
"T-Thank you…I thank you, Lady-Smith. I do not know if deserve all of this…*sniff*" he said, about to cry a childish sob.
I comforted the crying child a lot of times since he cried helplessly in front of me. I knew that he was in pain and problems on these past days, but I did not expect that he will cry like this to someone like me. I always regarded this child as stout-hearted, courageous, and stalwart in the face of his personal adversities, but I guess that even the strongest person will inevitably cry throughout their life.
His relentless crying stopped with my tender soothing and when he calmed down, he said:
"I feel better now. Thank you, Lady-Smith! You always save me whenever I am in pain and with that, I consider you as my heroine! Thank you so much!"
"Hey now, no need to consider me as your 'heroine' or anything grand like that! I am your bigger sister smith, remember? I will always come to your aid whenever you need help so do not make a fuss about it, okay?" I said, smiling fondly at him.
Finally, a smile.
We talked around about what happened to him with his mother for the past week since we have not visited them because of our cleaning duties. He said that Maria was becoming more frantic than usual, but he can calm her down when he talks to her. His jobs inside of the village are doing well, but not enough to sustain him and her mother for the entirety of the day.
The conversation was centered about him, when he asked me about something:
"Lady-Smith? When you are done with your business here inside of the village, make sure you come right to the smithy, okay? I have something waiting for you there."
"Hmmm??? What is it?" I asked inquisitively.
Nada placed his index finger in the middle of his mouth and said in a mischievous manner:
"It is a secret. You will find out once you get there."
Really? You tease me after I give you a gift? This kid…he is getting clever as he grows!
Well, I guess it is fine.
Nada waved his goodbye at me, saying he will present my gift to Maria and ran with a start.
Now then! I am indeed lucky that I saw him already! That saved me some time! Now, for the second step-
…Huh?
I did notice it while I was conversing with Nada, but when I looked at my sword right now, it illuminated in its respective color!
Really, what is it this time? Do not make troubles for me, stick!
I ignored the glow of my odd-behaving sword and approached a girl in my close proximity. I noticed that she was watching me the whole time I was talking with Nada and so, I have to talk to her for a request.
The small girl was sitting on a wooden chair with a poise on her posture. Her short, obsidian hair is ample enough to be braided since its length is only touching her adorable neck. Although simple in its formation, the girl's braid is further accentuated by a small headdress that holds a single, yet big flower of Edelweiss. Looking at her face, the little girl keeps a straight face without much of any secondary expression. Her seriousness reinforced when I approached her from her seat.
"Greetings! What is your name, girl?" I asked gently.
The little girl looked up to me and although she was being timid at first, she opened her mouth with an attempt to make her words precise:
"Greetings as well, big lady… My name is Amenthia."
Aww…that is a cute name.
I knelt down in front of the girl in order to meet her cute gaze…
"Say, Amenthia? Can I have a favor?"
***
I hurriedly went to the location of the training grounds to catch up with my comrades. I can already imagine how the dire the situation is considering that I was absent for the beginning of the combat. I slowly entered the entrance of the field, then wore my cat mask…
"Huh…so they are doing fine on their own." I silently whispered.
The clash was indeed getting dire as both Roy and Malthur are keeping the Boss on a stand-still with their own offensive and supporting stances. Alike to what happened yesterday, the two boys provided the perfect mixture of combative prowess for each other so that they can withstand the powerful slashes and blows of the Boss. However right now, as I slowly approach the back of our main enemy, I already noticed the tired and beaten faces of my comrades.
Oh no… I have to act fast! Seriously, it is a miracle that these two are still hanging around even without me! They indeed upheld the step-by-step events of the plan!
Do not worry, you two! Your efforts will not be wasted!
I knelt down in the humongous patches of grass and waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. As I was waiting, I overheard the laughing voice of the Boss as he trashes the two, who are in the defensive:
"WAHAHAHA! What seems to be the problem here, you two? This formation that you are presenting to me are weaker than yesterday!"
Malthur and Roy did not bother to reply to the taunting remarks of the Boss and instead, they just poured all of their focus and might in dodging the relentless and swift attacks of the Boss.
"Really, I am starting to be disappointed at this moment! Why, even Gilcram's kid is not even here! What is the reason of her absence? Did she quit because of fear?" he sneeringly continued.
The loud sounds of their swords in contact are ringing vividly into my ears as I wait patiently for my perfect chance.
However, his words earlier were the ones that reverberated the loudest on my small ears.
Me? Quitting because of fear?
You are sadly mistaken, Boss…
"I AM RIGHT HERE!!!"
I shouted those words when Lady Luck gave me the perfect image of my assault and acted accordingly to the impeccable timing of my sight.
I gave all of my girlish might to deliver a deep slash on the pouch that he was wearing but…
"AHAHAHA…! There you are!"
SPLACK!
The Boss blocked my incoming sword and pushed me away with incredible force.
Well, there goes my plan…
"AHAHAHA! You really are full of surprises, kid! Have you forgotten that I can sense your Essences? Hiding your physical presence into me will be useless! HA-HA! But…nice try though."
The Boss laughed when he pushed me back with my comrades. Both Malthur and Roy were panting heavily due to visible exhaustion and seeing them give their all made me tense up a little.
"HAAA…took you long enough, dumb smitha! I do hope that you did not frolic around while we were practically being beaten here for your sake!" says Malthur on his heavy breath.
"Right. My apologies. I did took my sweet time, huh? Lie down beside me, you two! Sit straightly and give me your hand, quick!"
I hastily ordered them to take my left and right hand in order to sooth their battle injuries.
"I beckon thee, Nimue!"
I beseeched within myself to make the healing process faster and upon uttering those set of words that I have accustomed to say, it gave me some flashing images of the familiar woman standing right in front of me, smiling.
Heh…you are always watching, are you not?
I signaled the two to let me go and with that, as I courageously faced the Boss with boldness and resolve on my visage, I mightily readied my sword to point it at his satchel and charged…
"PREPARE YOURSELF, BOOOOSSSS!!!" I shouted at him as I advance forward when suddenly-
"EH?"
"Hm?"
"Tori!"
"Stupid…smithaaa!!!"
The grass patches that were lying on the ground made me loose balance and it resulted on my clumsy and disgraceful fall. My face heavily kissed the ground, the second I attempted to register a slash at the chest of the Boss and right now, my whole body is lying limply in front of him.
Ugh. I should not have approved this suggestion of Roy in wearing these stupid masks!
Seeing me fall helplessly alike to a weak toddler, the Boss laughed heartily at me. I can hear it faintly but I also heard the small titter of Mal-git from my back.
"HAHAHAHAHA!!! You should have seen how you exactly tumble alike a child in a slow manner! I cannot help but laugh myself! WAHAHAHA-AHAHA! M-My stomach…ah…it hurts!" he laughed while his entire body was practically trembling from sheer amusement.
Come on, Boss! It is not that funny! I am literally hurting down here!
But…you know what they say. You will reap…
"AH! I-Is that y-you, Sir Boss?"
…What you have sown!
Amidst the loud and ecstatic laughing from the Boss, a small and familiar voice cancelled it out and took our attention. All of us looked at the small person in the entrance of the training grounds with varied expressions on our respective faces. Both Roy and Malthur painted an expression of puzzlement on their faces, possibly wondering the reason for a small child to be here in a dangerous area.
However, both Malthur and Roy's reaction did not match to the terrified and stunned face of the Boss.
He stared at the identity of the one who came in the training grounds with fear on his eyes as his entire body trembled from sheer surprise and terror. It was as if he just recently knew the existence of a very powerful being that may take his prized possession away from him and will not give it back.
"W-What are you doing here in the lot, Sir Boss? Also…pardon me for asking but…is that a sword?"
Amenthia asked innocently at the horrified Boss while pointing at the wooden sword in his hands.
"Eh? T-This thing??? No! This is just… this is just a toy, you see!"
Hoi. Do not lie to a small child, Boss!
Due to his ever-increasing nervousness, he unhanded his wooden sword from his right hand and left it to the ground while making hand gestures for his defense against the small girl.
There! Now is my chance!
"HIYAH!!!" I shouted as I swiftly stood up and slashed the abnormally-tailored satchel on his chest.
The sound of my slick sword making a small puncture into the linen-like surface of the bag rang minutely into my ears, signifying that I became successful on attacking it. The small hole in the satchel widened even further as the Boss moved around due to his surprise on my unhanded assault. Because of the enlarged hole, the satchel bursted its contents and let it flow into the ground. The contents within the satchel were familiar and the moment I saw them, I clearly identified them as Geisha seeds- those helpful grains that helped us restore our Essences when we were beaten up by the Boss yesterday.
"NO!!! The satchel!!!" cried by him as he helplessly tried to grab them one-by-one.
Hmph. This is my victory, then.
As his way of portrayal of his internal frustration and tantrum, the Boss shouted mightily in the fields of the training grounds.
I know…it was definitely underhanded, but a win is still a win!
I triumphantly stood up and sheathed my sword back to its original place with a satisfied smile on my face. It was about time that we had our victory, I thought as I watch our Boss bawl helplessly due to my pure underhanded tactic. He definitely had us tormented with that disappointing defeat from yesterday and smelling the scent of victory certainly made me proud of myself.
However, as I let my senses savor the triumph and pride from my victory, I sensed two piercing eyes that are judging me from my back…
Alright! Alright! It was definitely cheating at this point… so there, I apologize!
The little girl in the name of Amenthia upheld my request and so, she came here rushing for my aid, sealing our decisive battle with the Boss for good. She still stared at the Boss who is basically locked in a breakdown right now, as she tilted her hair.
"S-Sir Boss! Are you alright? Why are you crying all of a sudden?" she asked while rushing to the side of the shouting Boss.
Amenthia patted the trembling head of the Boss the moment she got close to him while soothing his pain with gentle sounds from her small mouth.
"There, there…you will be alright, Boss." she cutely whispered to the ears of the Boss.
Looking at them like this, it looks like the roles of their ages were reversed.
After a lot of comforting, the Boss calmed down and embraced Amenthia gently. Even if she was locked on a heartwarming hug, the adorable girl kept her straightforward face while she asked something to the smiling man who was hugging her:
"Now that your weeping is done Sir Boss, would you please explain to me as to why are you holding a detestable weapon such as a sword here in the village?"
The whole body of the Boss jolted upon hearing that ice-breaking comment of the little girl that he locked in his welcoming embrace. His expression changed from a face of relief earlier, to a resurrected fear that he have produced earlier when she showed up.
"Ah! Eh…about that…huh…" he stuttered into his own words.
Oh no…perhaps, I did too much for this plan???
My step-by-step strategy in order to beat Boss was indeed came to fruition which was, undoubtedly, our victory against him.
But…having his villagers find out about his secret as a sword-user did not cross my mind at all. I originally intended it to serve as a distraction for him so that I can deliver a perfected blow into that satchel! Perhaps…I became too desperate to win against him, that I resulted into this.
Well now, Astoria! There is no need to panic about this yet! I mean, look at Amenthia! I am sure that Boss can reason out something for this little child, right? After all, children tend to gloss over the important things about intricate matters such as this! They know nothing about this!
Besides, it is not like the whole village will find out about this, right?
"Ah! Amenthia! There you are! What were you doing here with the Boss and the outsiders? I was looking for you, my child!"
Suddenly, a brusque and middle-aged man entered the training grounds and called for the name of Amenthia.
Oh, sharps…
"OH! Papa Alois! My deepest apologies! This big lady here asked me to come here in order to watch her prowess as a person… I do not know what prowess means but I agreed with her anyway…" Amenthia replied as she hurriedly went to the direction of the man, who I presume is her father.
I bowed in front of Sir Alois with a proper greeting to start us off while trying to suppress this surfacing panic in my heart…
"It is a pleasure to meet you! My name is Astoria and those are my comrades. We are the Myrmidons of Estocia, a city that is not that far from here!" I hastily said.
In the face of my warm greeting, Sir Alois only stared at me without properly returning my pleasant gesture. Instead, he said something in a distasted tone:
"Heh! Of course I know the three of you. How can I forget the rag-tag trio that destroyed our good night sleep in the past, huh?"
Oh…so that was you. I am so sorry for what happened back then…
"Hey Papa Alois, hear this! When I got here, I saw the Boss holding something…" Amenthia said out of the blue.
Oh no-!
"I do not know exactly if it looks like it, but I saw him holding a sword!" she then continued without any much of a change on her straight expression.
T-This situation…there is literally nothing that could make it worse!
"Hey dear…have you found little Amenthia?" suddenly, a beautiful woman appeared yet again in the grounds with a worry on her face.
"Oh, dear! Yes, here she is. But take load of this! Amenthia saw the Boss here holding a sword!" Sir Alois reported in front of the woman.
Upon hearing the words and registering it on her consciousness, the lady took some time to process it all, then exited the training grounds abruptly.
Not long after that…
"HEY EVERYONE! HEAR ME OUT! THE BOSS WAS DISCOVERED TO BE POSSESSING A SWORD!"
A high-pitched shout reverberated so loud that everyone inside the village must have heard it.
I am so sorry, my Boss!
***
Back to the headquarters.
Our training session ended abruptly due to numerous reasons. One of which is because it is already dusk. The atmosphere had a conflicting yet mixing hues of dark blue and orange, signifying the approaching and inevitable nightfall into the peaceful village. The small, yet active noises of various bugs are piercing the ears of the inhabitants in the place as it mightily combats the serene and gentle peacefulness of the emerging darkness.
In other words, I am experiencing yet another peaceful time inside of this village.
That would be the entire case for this situation, but…
"What is the meaning of this, Boss?!"
"My, I even trusted you with me whole pride and life!"
"No! You are one of them?! How could you do this to us?!"
The serenity outside of the village became a huge contrast compared of what is happening inside of the room of the Boss.
Various villagers are currently raging in the room of the Boss with an irate and furious expression from their faces. A lot of them are angrily talking to the Boss as they shower him with a lot of questions and accusations concerning with the discovery of a sword in his possession. On his table, the Boss is looking blankly at his villagers while sitting straightly into his chair. He is accompanied by a close-eyed Cardamon on his side, making small movements every now and then.
The outraging verbal assaults are still gushing around the room as I watch the Boss helplessly take all of these accusations, when Roy whispered something to me:
"Tori…now what? The thought of our plan coming into this extent did not even cross my mind!" he said, his voice is somehow trembling.
Me neither Roy, me neither.
To my right side, Malthur said something as well:
"This is your fault, smitha! You have exposed the secret of the Boss and now, he really is into a dangerous situation!"
Agh! I hate to agree with your words but I think you are undoubtedly right!
This is my exact plan to begin with, so the liability of this entire mess is just for me!
"It is alright…"
Out of nowhere, while I am still agonizing about this, I heard a gentle voice that minutely rang into my ears. I surveyed the area and saw the smiling face of the Boss who was looking intently at me.
B-Boss…
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT, BOSS?! YOU DO KNOW THAT THIS IS THE VILLAGE OF THE SWORDLESS, CORRECT?!" one from the villagers irately shouted.
"IT IS TRUE!"
As a response to that irate person, the Boss gave his response with clarity, force and might on his voice. In an instant, everyone in the room suddenly became silent, not daring to make any sound. He cleared his throat to begin his case, then he spoke without a smile on his face:
"It is true that this is Mantleta, the village of the Swordless. A village in which, though small and simple, is a perfect place for those people who were shunned by the Swordsfolk on their respective regions. This is the place that kept me, your Boss in my time and need when I needed help the most…"
Boss…
I tried to go nearer to his side, but Roy stopped me.
"My dear villagers, I have been dreading a thought in the past years about what will happened if my villagers knew who I really was… my entire personality, my identity, and my past roots. Seeing all of you here, gathering around while you angrily ask me with your questions that will quench your personal doubts about me, it suddenly made me feel reassured in the face of that apprehension that I still feel. That is why, unironically for this case, I feel thankful that I now have this opportunity to say this to all of you…"
As he said those words, the Boss looked at me again and shortly grew into a smile.
"I, Boitesy Dû Halcyon, was a Myrmidon in my past."
Collective sounds of shocks and gasps erupted in the room.
"I initially intended this to be a long-forgotten secret…I wanted to forget everything that happened to me in my past and just move along with it, since I was given another fresh start here in the village…"
Even though most of the villagers became visibly appalled and hurt, the majority of them still listened on what he had to say about this matter.
"You wanted me to proclaim my past, correct? Then if that is the case, allow me to fill your own curiosity together with my villagers here…"
Once again, the Boss stared at the three of us with a gentle smile on his face.
"My dear villagers, when I was in my younger days, I became a renowned swordsman in the city that is located not far from here. There was a title that is bestowed for those individuals who were tasked to uphold the peace of the said city while proclaiming the messages of the Heroes. Those people are revered as Myrmidons and together with my two comrades, I became the protector of those lands for a limited time." he said while reminiscing on his past.
Some villagers are still whispering with each other, but the majority of the people are now listening intently to his words.
"I was beginning to adapt to my duties as a Myrmidon while I steel my craft and swordsmanship and through my experience, I was able to help a lot of people on my time. My intentions to keep the expectations for me were true for myself and I made sure to push myself every day in order to not fail my own folk that kept me. However, no matter how hard I please everyone by helping them, some of them still despised me…"
Boss stopped halfway through on his words as he trembled on his statement. He lowered his head, meeting the face of his table as he shivered for a brief moment. On his side, Cardamon comforted him, his tears were about to drop also.
"…On that day- a fateful and unforgettable day, a massive weapon of an enemy was about to explode, threatening to wipe off the entirety of the small city. The weapon was seconds away on detonating and I had no choice but to act upon it because if not, a lot of people will inevitably die. Through my efforts, I was able to isolate the destructive potency of the weapon, but it still exploded."
B-Boss…
"…Despite my harshest efforts to minimize the casualties, some people still died. Their lands were devastated thanks to that massive explosion. Panic and pandemonium still enveloped the city and all of it happened because…of me."
Falling in a deep sob, Cardamon was not able to contain the emotion in his face and hugged the Boss tightly.
"After that tragic incident, the Swordsfolk despised me. All of their sorrows, all of their repressed emotions and anger…they poured it all on me- a person who was helpless at that instant. If all of their anger towards me were not enough, the voices of those who died at that explosion made it worse as they all called out to me every night in my sleep. At that time, I became lost and confused in most of the times, thinking the pile of those bodies that were murdered because of me. I was lost. I became hopeless…"
Even I did not manage to keep my tears from swelling from my eyes.
"…The majority of the folks insisted that I should drop my status as a Myrmidon. Some of them even pushed me to leave the city for good, never seeing its walls ever again. Everyone hated me…the people that I have sworn to protect, the people that saw me as their servant, now regarded me as a trash that must be eliminated. They all spewed heavy accusations on my name saying that I did all of that because I wanted to overthrow the head of the city. The countless shaming and torment overflowed into my senses, not understanding why I did that action in the first place that it left me question my worth as a person."
After quivering as he said those words, the Boss smiled a bit, then continued:
"After a couple of days of fighting against this unsalvageable situation I was in, I finally left the city. Even though I loved all of the inhabitants inside of that place, I still chose not to see them anymore because... it was probably for the best of all. Afterwards, I traveled the outside portion of Ea. I practically became a homeless dog… no home to arrive to, no friends to talk to, and no smiling faces awaiting for me."
Cardamon, who was still crying helplessly yet silently, freed the Boss from his embrace and let him speak again.
"The life that I had for those days were hellish. If I will not do something about my unstoppable hunger and comfort, I will die out of vain. I felt like an outlaw who was banished from a land and still trying to run away from it. Those days continued until an old lady invited me in the land that was peaceful on its entire foundation. I agreed on her invitation since I had no place to go and I was on the verge of dying…then."
The Boss raised his face in front of everyone inside of the room with a bright smile on his face.
"The rest was history."
"B-Boss!!! My Boss!" Cardamon cried even further.
"Now, I am not expecting you to be your Boss anymore but…I hope you understood where I came from as a person. That is all that you need to know from me. No more secrets and affronts." he said, his smile reinforcing.
I felt that silence for the majority of the people. It seemed that his story pierced their anger somehow.
"DO NOT GIVE US THAT!!!" suddenly, while still feeling the agreements of others, Sir Alois shouted at Boss.
"What, are we going to forgive you just because you told us that tale of yours?! The rules of this village will be firm! Those villagers who will be using a sword in this village shall be punished or eliminated! That is the rule ever since the foundation of this land!" he further continued while pointing at his direction.
"Haa…I guess you are correct there, my friend." the Boss responded, he smile reduced a little.
Hmmm…I guess it is only expected.
If Estocia bans or discriminates a person without a sword, same are the rules in the land of the Swordless…only reversed.
Growing up, I only shrugged off this system of unfair prejudice towards people who possess a different sets of culture than us. I did not mind how serious nor hurtful it is for the person who is being judged by other.
However, seeing this unfair treatment right now up-close... made me feel something.
Because of his connected roots as a Swordsfolk, the Boss will be punished. Probably because of me.
"That is right! You must be punished, Boss!"
"Yeah! Make him pay!"
"Pretenders must pay the price!"
Hearing Boss proclaim his agreement with a voice of defeat, various villagers raged on once again.
Suddenly, upon hearing those irate voices, a warm sensation crept up on my head…
Well, I guess it is time to clean up after my own mess…
I attempted to move in the center of the room but Roy stopped me. However, due to the ever-increasing anger that I am feeling, I pushed his body away from me and proceeded to go to the middle of the room so that everybody can see me. I inhaled deeply, then shouted:
"HEY IDIOTIC VILLAGERS! LISTEN UP!"
On an instant, the lively and irate villagers became silent.
"Are you all pulling our legs here?! Will you really eliminate and punish your leader just because he possessed a sword?! I mean, no mistake…I also despise these swords myself, but to turn your backs on the person that protected and lead you for a lot of years…that is downright shameless!" I mouthed off irately while feeling a vein sticking out in my forehead.
Some villagers looked at each other when they listened to me- confused and shocked.
"Do you have it in your consciences to abolish the very person who helped us in subjugating the fierce creature which, if I recall, is a troublesome animal that terrorized your 'peaceful' village for a lot of times?!"
The majority of them became perfectly silent. Even Sir Alois became surprisingly mindful of my statement.
"He was the primary reason why that creature is not here anymore! Without his plea for our help, who knows how your village would look like for the next month?! What, just because he was different in his past, you are going to forget the things that he did for all you as a leader?! My, how heartless!"
I kept my breathing in-check. I do not want to collapse clumsily while disciplining these fools.
"…"
All of them remained tranquil. They wore an expression of repentance and contemplation on their faces.
"I…agree with Big Lady Astoria, Papa. I think Sir Boss protected us very well. Not just him, but also her and the two big brothers with swords as well!" a tiny voice rang on the room.
When I looked carefully, Amenthia stepped forward into the vicinity of the Boss and patted his head. Both Malthur and Roy stiffened up upon hearing her words as they watch her comfort the crying man in front of us.
"Well, that much I cannot deny…" into the child's back, I heard the agreeing voice of the now-calm Sir Alois.
Oh…I think I am seeing the transition of this situation now…
I was enjoying the emerging warmth in the atmosphere of the room when all of us heard a bloodcurdling scream.
"YAHHHH! MY CHILD! NOOOO! WHERE ARE YOU??!"
Due to the suddenness and intensity of the scream, everyone hastily exited the room with a terrified look on their faces. I also tried to look the person who shouted the voice since it sounds very familiar to my ears.
Once all of us were outside, we saw the image of a completely twisted and terrifying Maria. She was full of sweat in all over her body while her jet-black hair was soaking on it, making it ragged and ravaged. It has been a while since I saw her like this, but her deranged image right now gave me the flashbacks of our traumatic meeting for the very first time.
She shouted the same phrase in repetition, her voice increasing every second.
"Maria! Maria! Tell me, what happened? Calm down, Maria!" the Boss quickly went in front of Maria and tried to talk some sense into her.
As a response, Maria trembled even further and replied as if to howl like a dog:
"M-My son… m-my N-Nada is missing! He is not back yet from the c-city! P-Please…!"
N-Nada…? He is missing? I thought he was in the city since he has-
At the very second when I realized it, I felt a sudden surge of shock and fear in my system.
"…C-Come on! Let us go! We are going home! I have a bad feeling about this!" I suddenly said to the two while pulling them.
Oh no… this is bad!
"NADA!!! NADA!!! MY NADA!!!" as I pushed the two to come with me, Maria howled even further.
The Boss, tried his best to calm Maria down while you can see the sadness in his face. On a second, he signaled Cardamon for something and in response, Cardamon swiftly obeyed.
Afterwards, with a quickness on its tracks, I saw the ever-familiar wagon that is pulled by two Estocian oxen. Cardamon hastily forced us to enter the wagon and due to his forcefulness, we had no choice but to comply.
"B-Boss? How about you and Maria?" I worriedly said as we were about to take off.
The Boss smiled at me resolutely and said:
"Do not worry, kid. We will settle your mess when this is over. For the meantime, go home and get Nada for me, okay?"
"B-Boss… you got it!" I smiled as the wagon accelerated outside of the village.
The wagon traveled so fast that it prevented the three of us to even make a conversation. Due to the simultaneous scenarios that were happening earlier, I have to find it in me to calm myself. Otherwise, I will not be able to repress this panic that I feel right now.
From my past experiences in my Myrmidon duties, I can proudly say that I have become adaptable into situations like this.
However, for some reason, I cannot manage to drop this feeling of increasing tension in my heart.
As I look in my comrades while we watch the zooming scenarios in the slick windows of the wagon, I noticed that they are somewhat troubled as well.
The entirety of the trip went silent, yet troubling for a lot of minutes until Cardamon shouted on our backs:
"Oh my-! The three of you, look!"
Roy, Malthur, and even I became confused on his uncharacteristic words but decided to follow his order.
The moment we did that…
In the darkness of the night, we saw a humongous and still-growing hue of crimson on the atmosphere that is originating on the city.
My panic intensified in the greatest heights…
This simple, mundane, and unassuming day turned itself against us.