After two days of traveling, we finally arrived at the village of Guyot where Babu's master lived. The village was small and peaceful with only a few scattered houses around. However, upon our arrival, we noticed that the village was eerily quiet and there was no one in sight.
Babu started to investigate the village to see what was going on, but he couldn't find any signs of life. We decided to split up and search for anyone who might be around, but after a while, we still couldn't find anyone. It was as if the village had been evacuated because of some incident.
Amidst this uncertainty, we observed a forest adjacent to the village. The forest stood in stark contrast to the surrounding quietude, reminding us of the vibrant natural beauty that once characterized the area. As we approached, it became apparent that this forest too had suffered, its trees bearing signs of damage and distress.
What drew our attention were notes attached to the trees – these notes seemed to be the wishes and dreams of the village residents. The trees served as a repository of aspirations, where the hopes of the community were symbolically represented. However, many of these notes were now on the ground, and some trees had been irreparably harmed, casting a somber mood over the area.
I noticed faded carvings on the trees – intricate designs that had seemingly lost their intended significance over time. These carvings were a form of unspoken communication, an expression of the village's shared history.
Babu approached the damaged trees, his demeanor transitioning from curiosity to a sense of sorrow. His fingers brushed against a tattered note, his expression reflective. It was evident that these trees held personal significance to him and the villagers. The forest had been more than just trees; it had been a canvas for their collective aspirations.
As Babu stood among the affected trees, emotions played across his face – a mix of nostalgia, sadness, and a determination to honor what had been lost. I observed quietly, recognizing the depth of his connection to this place.
A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, a soft breeze with silence.
But it wasn't too long before we regrouped and heard something disturbing.
As we regrouped, we realized that Lezlie was missing. Hiroshi hadn't seen her either, so we began to worry. Suddenly, we heard Lezlie screaming from a little further down the village. We rushed towards the sound and discovered that she had been taken captive by two young people, who had put a sword to her throat.
They demanded to know who we were and what we were doing in their village. We knew that we had to answer their questions if we wanted to save Lezlie's life.
It was a difficult situation and I didn't expect it to happen so quickly. I had plans, but then Babu appeared and said, "Hey, calm down. It's me, Babu. I'm back."
The young men were surprised to see him. They put down their weapons and ran towards him, shouting his name. "Babu!" They hopped around him, expressing how much they missed him.
Babu laughed and said, "You guys have grown up a lot."
"It's been so long since we last saw you," they replied. "We're so happy you're back."
"Okay, let's save this conversation for later," Babu said. "I want to know what happened here. Where is everyone? Where is Master Yix?"
"Some people attacked our village," they explained. "It was horrifying, but thankfully no one was hurt. After the incident, everyone had to move."
"When did this happen? Does Master Yix know about it?" Babu asked.
"Yes, he does. He's at his home. You might want to talk to him personally."
"Alright, I'll talk to him," Babu said. "But you guys be more careful next time. It's not right to take hostages like this. At least that's what our master taught us."
As they led us through the village, I couldn't help but notice the worn-out features of the houses and the signs of a past struggle that had left its mark on every corner. The village had clearly faced hardship, and its people had endured a great deal. As we approached Master Yix's house, the wear and tear became even more evident. The wooden structure had weathered many storms, and the dim light that filtered through the curtains added to the sense of melancholy.
As we stepped inside, the scent of old wood and memories filled the air. The furnishings were minimal, yet each piece seemed to carry its own story. The walls adorned with aged paintings, some chipped and faded, spoke of days long gone. I could almost feel the weight of history in every creaking floorboard beneath my feet.
Babu's demeanor changed as we entered the room where Master Yix sat, gazing out of the window with a sad yet contemplative expression. His face, weathered by time and experience, reflected the burden he carried as the protector of this village and its people.
Babu walked up to his master, a calm resolve in his eyes. He reached for his straw hat and held it to his chest, as if it were a symbol of respect and tradition. With steady hands, he took it off and placed it gently against his chest.
"Master, I'm back," Babu said, his voice soft but carrying a depth of emotion.
Master Yix turned his head slowly, his eyes meeting Babu's. There was a moment of silence as they locked eyes, and in that brief exchange, I sensed a mixture of relief, joy, and perhaps a touch of sorrow.
"It has been so long, my dear boy," Master Yix finally spoke, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "You have grown into a fine young man."
"It's been quite a while, I know," Babu said in a hushed tone, his voice tinged with a mix of emotional confusion, sadness, and joy. It was evident that seeing his master after such a long time had stirred a whirlwind of feelings within him. As he spoke, his breath seemed to hold still, as if time itself had momentarily paused to witness this heartfelt reunion. Babu's eyes gazed deeply into the eyes of his master, conveying a profound connection that transcended mere words.
But Babu's master was happy to see Babu alive again, so he ignored his words and spoke to him.
"Don't be ridiculous, come here and give me a hug," he replied. It was as if Babu's master was looking at Babu as if he were his son.
Babu smiled and approached him, embracing him in a hug. He also seemed to miss his master a lot.
"I'm happy to see you, Babu. I thought you would never come back." said the master.
"I'm happy that I came back here, but I wasn't expecting to see my village like this. What happened?"
Master Yix sighed thoughtfully and looked at Babu "A lot of things have changed since you have part your ways with us, my dear student." He then looked out of the window once more, gazing at the leftovers from the vast village, "I wish I had better news to tell you, but this is what happened after all."
"But why did Hachi and others leave? Weren't they suppose to restore everything master?"
"I hope they could have stayed longer too, just like you. But as you can see they also needed to give choices upon this thing we couldn't bear anymore." He returned his gaze from the window and continued with a serious facial expression, "The elite soldiers found many ways to attack the village after your separation from the village. The medical team and the army that we had formed only stood a chance for a while and we were running out of options at any moment possible. Hachi and Juiko had to leave as soon as possible, but it was only the order I gave to them."
"Why master? Didn't they wanted to help?"
"It is not about that Babu. Those can be the people of this village, but they are also living beings too. Hachi has her own family and Juiko had made a promise to keep his family safe. I may be wise to teach them to control their life, but I can't convince them to control their death for me. They wanted somewhere safe, and I had no power left to know if I could handle the problems I was dealing with. So I ordered them to leave, just like I did to you."
"I see. I wish I was back sooner, Master. I am sorry for leaving all of you here for a long time, even for the cause to help others."
As Babu said that, Master Yix didn't rush on scolding Babu. Instead, he felt reassurance that his student was back and smiled gently, "We live according to our destiny, Babu. So don't worry, be happy to be alive."
He then patted Babu's back and invited him for some food to eat,
"These are important topics to discuss. Let's eat something before we talk about them." He then rubbed Babu's belly playfully and laughed, "And it looks like you've lost weight. But don't worry, you and your friends are in luck because there's ramen for dinner tonight!"
As we followed Master Yix to his living room, the space seemed to exhale an old aesthetic, a sense of stories embedded in its worn corners. The master's deliberate movements exuded a soothing aura, despite the gravity of the tale he was about to share. This was the unique duality that made him intriguing - an exterior calm concealing the tempest within.
Seated around the table, we began our meal, served with care and precision. The food disappeared quickly, leaving a contented silence in its wake. Around the room, details spoke of a life dedicated to knowledge and tradition. Hiroshi's fingers danced over his pocket knife, etching intricate patterns onto his gun handle. Lezlie's gaze was absorbed by the books lined on Master Yix's shelves, their spines carrying the weight of countless stories.
Amidst this quiet ambiance, Master Yix joined us, his cane marking each step. His arrival felt seamless, as if he were part of the rhythm of the room. With a calm demeanor, he settled down to share our meal, the slow cadence of his actions preserving the serene atmosphere. Kneeling on the floor, he lit a leaf, its fragrance mingling with the air as it burned slowly, a ritualistic presence.
"It all happened a year after you left. The First Epic came to our village."
"The First Epic?"
"You recall the Master of Silver Arts?" he inquired.
"You mean Zabio? The one who posed a threat to the village before I departed?"
"Indeed. He returned, but this time, not merely for a display of power. He came with a proposition," Master Yix gently extinguished the flame on the leaf with the other end of the stick. He fixed his gaze on us and continued, "Zabio didn't return to flaunt his might. No, he had something greater in mind. He believed that I, his archenemy, would compromise my ideals to assist him. And he sought to leverage his followers and their delusions to achieve this."
"But why would they approach you, knowing you'd refuse?" I asked.
"His ego fuels him. Though his initial attempts may not yield power, impatience drives him to unleash his true destructive nature. He challenges himself to push further, to showcase the depths of his malevolence," Master Yix explained.
He continued, "Initially, Zabio pretended to be cordial, attempting to befriend me despite the futility of his alliance. However, things escalated when he demanded our village's submission. He commanded his men to attack, using the resulting pressure to coerce me into collaboration. But I couldn't surrender to such a feeble mind, expecting it to generate worthwhile ideas. Only individuals like him could bring our people to the edge of existence. And so, he ravaged our traditions and accomplishments, leaving our village's pride utterly shattered."
Master Yix gestured towards the window, revealing the desolate forest we had witnessed earlier. "As you all have seen, he brought the war to our cherished forest. Everything we once held dear—carvings, notes, our very essence—he destroyed. He crippled me, rendering me unable to stand or breathe properly. And as if that wasn't enough, he left a scar as a permanent reminder," Master Yix said, pointing to the large scar beneath his throat.
"How many lives did we lose?" Babu asked, his voice laden with desperation.
"Fortunately, I managed to save them all," Master Yix reassured.
Babu sighed deeply, "I understand."
"If everyone escaped, why are you living alone?" Hiroshi queried, blowing away wood shavings from his gun hilt carving.
"My solitude may deceive you, but it is a choice I made to maintain a particular perspective. If I didn't make the decision for my people, someone else would have made it for me. I cannot afford for my mistakes to dictate the choices I'm about to make. So, I sacrificed what was once my home, just to preserve it after the collapse," Master Yix explained.
Lezlie then jumped into the conversation, "But wouldn't be better to reunite with your village, Master Yix? Do you know what happened to them?"
"I have faith in my students and others who journeyed with us. They fought by my side, knowing the odds were against them. I believe they possess the strength to endure life's hardships without me."
Babu lifted his head, filled with contemplation, and addressed his master, "You taught me and many others how to fight, heal, and so much more. Master, I don't think you should be alone. We owe you more than we can ever comprehend. Please, don't burden yourself like this."
Master Yix smiled, his calm demeanor contrasting with the discomfort evident in Babu's eyes. He gracefully closed the lid of the box containing the leaves, rising from the table to carefully place it on a shelf. With a warm smile directed at us, he spoke, "I've shared enough for now. I'd love to hear about some of your adventures."
Acknowledging that he couldn't sway his master's decision, Babu decided to spend this precious time engaging in conversation, gaining insights into Master Yix's opinions and ideas.
"When I wasn't here, I ventured into the mines with the Miner Lineage to assist them. However, we were ambushed by the Shadow Bloodline. We remained trapped there for two long years. Everyone believed our fate was sealed, but out of nowhere, a group of individuals appeared, claiming they would save me and the entire Miner Bloodline. At first, I doubted their words, but here I am now, having this conversation with you. Those people I brought along, Ryuu and his friends, they are the ones to whom I owe a debt, Master. I feel compelled to repay them. I will honor my promise and continue helping others, just as you taught us."
Master Yix attentively listened, responding gently, "I understand. Though I may not be aware of all that has transpired, a life debt is something that cannot be easily repaid. I won't stand in your way."
At night, Master Yix gave us a room and made we were comfortable before we slept. It was a very nice gesture from him, and a nice advantage for us since we didn't sleep for days and everything was happening too fast. We were incredibly tired and Hiroshi's wounds were still opened on his body. Lezlie seemed incredibly exhausted after every spell she used and she also seemed like she wasn't going to be up that easily too. Babu was sleeping on the ground very peacefully, indicating that he was very happy being once again at his "home".
But I couldn't sleep that much that night.
I found myself lying on the ground, gazing up at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts. The words of Master Yix and the recent events swirled in my mind, intertwining with the tales my uncle had shared about the various lineages and powerful magical creatures that existed beyond my own bloodline. He always told me that there were many evil forces that were much more dangerous than thieves or just simple criminals like we faced. I remember him saying that "Epics" were the "Hidden forces of the shadow", lurking on every corner to put pressure on any lineage they can find weak. And it was a possibility that the Epic Master Yix faced could be inspecting the people of this village and Master Yix for a long time, or could have been the stronger one of the Epics.
And I couldn't help but reflect on the significance of their encounter with Babu and the potential it held for the creation of new lineages among kingdoms. The idea fascinated me, sparking my imagination and igniting a fire within my heart. We faced many lineages just as we met Lezlie, and the map brought us to the Miner Lineage, which was also an indicator for us to see someone like a Babu.
He was representative of the Miner Bloodline, had faced incredible challenges, and emerged stronger, aided by the support of others. I pondered the implications of our meeting, considering how it could pave the way for collaboration and mutual growth between different lineages. And witnessing firsthand the strength that came from diversity and cooperation, I thought maybe this could be a lead.
In the midst of my musings, my mind wandered back to Master Yix's words. The notion of an "Epic" intrigued me, as it hinted at a world beyond my wildest dreams. I wondered what other wonders and secrets lay waiting to be discovered, what other lineages and magical beings existed, yet remained unknown to me. And what kind of potential dangers we had, expect the ones we had now.
The weight of these thoughts settled upon my shoulders, mingling with a sense of responsibility. I felt a deep conviction to continue my journey, at least to find my uncle, to explore the world, and to forge connections with others so that I can understand what I exactly fear.
"Fear."
As I stared up at the ceiling, I made a silent vow to myself.
Never leave this struggle to stay hidden, and find the danger under the shadows.
In the morning we were ready to meet with Master Yix for the last time and got ready to part ways once again. We got our stuff ready to set afoot and got even extra supplies from Master Yix. It turned out Babu got up at night and ate a lot, and it seems like this wasn't his first time ever since he started to live with Master Yix.
Master Yix gave us a lot of food to set off to our new destination, and even gave some books to Lezlie so she could read them by herself.
She even questioned if this was right and asked excitedly Master Yix, "Is it alright if I take these? Aren't these important to you, Master Yix?"
But Master Yix answered smiling and calmly, "They are no use to me after I understood what I needed to understand at the time. Now from the information I have, they are of no use to my living. But you can use them to improve your own style and force, so keep them with you and I hope you may learn the new ways of your own skills."
Then he gave one final supply for our travel and asked if we wanted more,
"Before you leave, please take a few supplies from the supply depot. There are enough supplies for me and I would like to give you all some for your travel."
But I smiled and refused his offer gently,
"It was a very good rest for us, Master Yix. We are grateful that you have let us stay in your house but we must set our way for the next destination. We don't know how long it will take so we can't waste any time. But we are grateful for your efforts."