We found ourselves trapped in the snare that the First Epic had laid out for us. Within seconds, they apprehended us and confined us in a dungeon. Chains that hung from the walls bound our hands, and we knew we were in trouble.
The dungeon was devoid of light and sound, and we were surprised that we had been ensnared so quickly. This setback would undoubtedly harm our plans.
After some time, the First Epic and three elite soldiers arrived at the dungeon. These soldiers were dangerous individuals, not as powerful as the First Epic, but formidable nonetheless.
The First Epic instructed the elite soldiers to illuminate the dungeon, and the place lit up. He then approached us and asked, "Now tell me, where is your 'famous friend,' cowboy?"
Hiroshi retorted, "You're questioning us, even though you won't get anything out of us. You're more foolish than I thought."
The First Epic laughed and said, "Don't worry. I don't waste my time on fruitless endeavors. I will eventually get the answers I seek."
"I would love to play with all of you, but I am pressed for time. So I will start with the one who volunteers."
The first Epic ordered the elite soldier, a sorcerer, to surround Hiroshi with his magic. From the outside, the situation was not getting any better.
"Let's see how long you can endure this torture," said the first Epic.
As the sorcerer tightened his grip, Hiroshi's cries of pain intensified. Despite his agony, he refused to beg or react. It was painful to watch.
Lezlie called out to her in a worried tone, "Hiroshi!"
"So, your name is Hiroshi. It's nice to meet you, Hiroshi," the First Epic said, increasing the spell's power and causing Hiroshi more torment.
"Tell me, Hiroshi, will you reveal the whereabouts of the young boy?"
Hiroshi remained silent.
"I understand. You play the tough guy. A marksman like you must have good eyesight, but it's a pity you can't use them to see the big picture," the First Epic taunted, slowly clenching his hand into a fist and opening a wound from Hiroshi's forehead to his cheek.
Hiroshi's face was drenched in blood, yet he remained quiet, even as he screamed in agony.
After a moment of silence, Hiroshi smiled.
"Even as the First Epic, you fail to see the danger that is coming for you," he said, staring straight at the First Epic. "What a pity."
Just as the first saga was about to get even more intense, a regular soldier suddenly entered the room.
"Sir, the castle is under attack!" he reported.
"How is that possible?" the First Epic demanded.
"We are not sure, sir. But we received information that the Naiton Lineage and a young boy have attacked your castle."
The First Epic's eyes widened in terror.
"Were there no soldiers in the castle? I am tired of your incompetence," he bellowed.
"Unfortunately, sir. While some of the soldiers were searching for the enemy's nest, others were preparing for battle," the soldier replied.
"Recall them immediately. First and second, prepare to leave. Jixus, stay here and execute them in front of the people. Then, take the king and the army and meet me at the castle," the First Epic commanded.
He turned to him again and said, "If you fail, I may have to think of something painful for you."
"You won't regret it, sir," replied the sorcerer.
After the news, everyone in the room left, leaving me, Hiroshi, and Lezlie locked in the darkroom. I struggled to free myself from the chains, but it seemed impossible.
"Hiroshi, Lezlie, hang on, I'm trying to open the lock."
Lezlie looked at me and spoke in a calm but anxious tone, "Babu, for now, all we can do is wait. I don't want to say it, but there's nothing we can do right now."
"I know, Lezlie, but we can't just sit here and wait," I replied, still trying to break free from the chains.
Suddenly, we heard noises coming from the door, and before we knew it, it broke down, with two unconscious soldiers lying in front of it.
Then, a familiar face appeared through the light. It was Ryuu.
Ryuu quickly freed us from the chains and handed me a small bag of healing plants, asking if it would be enough for Hiroshi.
"Yeah, these are good enough. They'll do the job," I replied, grateful for his help.
After making a painkiller with medicinal plants, I tended to Hiroshi's wounds and covered them with cloths, making a bandage for his eye. Ryuu then turned to me and asked, "Can you fight, Babu?"
"Yes, I can," I replied confidently.
At that moment Lezlie protested. "I know Babu is more skilled in fighting than me, but please Ryuu, let him take care of Hiroshi and I'll go with you, only then I'll feel comfortable."
I had to agree with Lezlie on this one, she knew more about magic than I did, and she and Jixus certainly had a history. While I was taking care of Hiroshi, Ryuu realized what he had to do.
"Okay then, let's go and stop Jixus," Ryuu said and they quickly left us.