Their army kept moving forward, passing through dense forests and over tall mountains. They hadn't faced any Hóngyèse troops in over a week. Reports had come in that they had backed off to regroup and left some strongholds abandoned. General Nasir said that Omari's performance at Fort Halda must have scared them off, but Omari wasn't so sure.
Along the road, their Maltan army had passed by some groups of civilians. One haggard old woman and her eldest son walked alongside the large army, meeting on the same path and heading up the road to a town not too far away. She was struggling to walk, some sort of stiff limp in her leg, and Omari, in his magical form came to help. When he approached them, the pair's eyes shone with amazement and the son asked, "Are you perhaps the Hero Omari?!"
Omari felt a bit awkward so he muttered, "Just Omari is fine."
He offered to help carry his aching mother and they moved together. She spoke in his ear, "You look more powerful and amazing than the rumors say."
"Really?" Omari internally rolled his eyes. He could only imagine how sensationalized his whole existence was becoming to others.
"Yes," she said. "They speak of a glowing and majestic person, who shines like the dawn."
Oh my god. How embarrassing, he wanted to find a hole to crawl into.
"One who can leap great heights!" her son remarked. "And has the strength of ten men!"
Ten men? He supposed he was that strong. But he didn't know where the measurement of men came from or how it would work.
"I never thought I would meet a real hero," the old lady sighed. "I supposed this long life was worth something."
Omari was rather queasy at their idolizations. If they really knew how reluctant and unpatriotic he was, perhaps their dreams of a hero would be shattered.
"I'm not all that amazing," Omari tried to be sincere. "It's just the powers. Without them, I'm just your regular guy."
"It's not just the powers that make one a hero," the old woman nodded. "It's what you do with them."
He didn't know what to say to that. It sounded whimsical and romantic, but he just didn't feel like he fit the bill. To be a hero… he wasn't sure what that was. He had lived so long in a life surrounded by soldiers who thought of themselves as heroes, that he had forgotten what being a hero meant to him. Right now he didn't feel like one. He was just being pulled around and ordered to do a lot of things he'd rather not. And his biggest 'accomplishment' by 'defeating' General Tao Liu wasn't true and he almost got everyone killed. Omari supposed if he had done anything heroic, it was with that burning building in Vells.
Saving people from choking on smoke or being engulfed by flames. Perhaps that was pretty heroic. That's something firefighters do after all and they're heroes. He had to do that too in the army sometimes, pull people away from danger, taking them somewhere safe. That happened a lot if the camp got attacked or in his earlier years, he would pick up soldiers from the frontlines who weren't too almost dead and could be saved, taking them back to the medical tents. But Omari only did that later part for like a year until he realized that anywhere near the frontlines was too crazy for him and would rather stay in the tents, thank you.
"We could really use a hero," the old lady said. "To end this pathetic war."
Hm, that was a lot of pressure to put on one guy. He would also like this war to end as well, but he wasn't the guy for the job. No one man can stop a whole war and keep it from happening again. No one man can make people stop fighting after decades of hate and death. No, this was going to keep going until one side shrivels up and fades away.
"What about you?" Omari wondered. "Where will you be headed while this war continues?"
"Oh, we're going to Luxenburg," the son answered.
"Oh, we are too," Omari blinked.
"Mm, it's a nice town down in the valley," the son nodded. "We're thinking about living there with some relatives since it has been out of the way of all the fighting for a few years now."
"We'll know when we're close when we see the great dam," the old lady sighed. "Then we just have to cross the lake to the valley."
"Have you been there before?" Omari questioned.
"Mm, it was my hometown when I was a little girl," she hummed. "I would like to relax there in these later years."
"Sounds like a good plan," he agreed.
"Indeed," she replied. "Is the army just passing through?"
"Basically," Omari said. "We plan to grab some supplies for food, then head out."
"You're not fighting the Hóngyèse?!" the son excitedly asked.
"Uh no," Omari replied. "We haven't seen any Hóngyèse troops in a while, so we have some downtime."
"Yes," the old lady muttered. "Hóngyèse troops don't usually come too far up here."
"Why's that?" Omari questioned.
"Because before the dam and in these forests there are demons," she whispered.
Omari's shoulders stiffen and he quickly glanced about, as if to see any.
"Though demons aren't seen too often nowadays," she explains. "There are still instances where they attack. I've heard that they are more likely to target smaller groups of stragglers. But I have also heard them attack great armies."
"Me too," Omari nervously spoke. "I had a friend who was part of a small regiment that got eaten by a large monstrous demon. That was a few years ago though."
"Yes," she nodded. "That's why the Hóngyèse troops have backed away. They are a crowd that are very religious and wary of demons. And since Hóngyè has banned magic in their country, only used by their generals, they are far more vulnerable against demons than Maltans."
"But if that's the case," Omari wondered. "If it's so dangerous, why did you two come by yourself?"
The two looked at each other, then turned to Omari with solemn eyes, "Oh great hero… We unfortunately have nowhere else left to go."
"Our home was burned down by a Hóngyèse raid," the son muttered. "They killed everyone."
"Oh…" Omari sorrowfully nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for your loss."
The old woman smiled and gently patted his head, "There, there hero. So is the way of war."
He felt like sighing again but then saw a light pour into their right side. The trees grew apart and an opening on their traveled path cleared a spot on that side where they could see a deep slanted slope. In that opening they saw a small river below and before that was a giant towering dam. The soldiers slowed their step to stare and the old lady happily cheered out, "Ah, we are so close now."
"So this is the dam of Luxenburg?" Omari awed. It was a gigantic concrete marvel. Holding back large heaps of water while a small river poured out from the bottom.
"Hm, Luxenburg used to be prone to large floods," the lady hummed. "So the king of Malta erected this great dam and now the town lives in peace."
Omari gazed at it, amazed by its size. The thing stood high above everything in the forest and was something to be very impressed with.
The old woman smiled and rested her head on Omari's shoulders, "Thank you, Omari. With your help, it was easier to get this far."
"No problem," Omari replied. "Now we just need to get you two the rest of the way."
The son grinned but then said, "Hero Omari?"
"Yeah?"
"We apologize, we haven't given our names to you yet," he told him. "Where we come from, such information is private unless you can know and trust the other party reasonably."
"That is wise," Omari remarked.
"Yes, but- I feel like we can trust you," he stated. "Right Nana."
"Hm, he's a good boy," she patted Omari's head again.
"I'm Wesley," he answered. "And Nana is Jacqueline."
Omari peeked at her and smirked, "Nana Jack?"
She chuckled, "Yours truly."
The army traveled down the road and found themselves at an opening to a large crystal lake. The clouds parted, breathing sun beams onto the soft waves. A few cranes flew overhead, soaring in the direction of the town.
They would have to take their time going on the path alongside the lake, but in the meantime, everyone quietly enjoyed the scenery. The gentle waves crashed on the shore, large bass could be seen jumping in the water, clumps of seaweed washed onto the sand.
It was a very peaceful spot, calming to the mind. Jessi walked up to Omari and brought a basket of bread, handing one to him and each of the civilians. She said, "I've never been to Luxenburg. Have you?"
"No, I don't think I've ever been this far east before," Omari stated. "I think we're headed a little north too, aren't we?"
"Think so," she muttered. "I was just talking with the general and he said that there are a few magicians in town."
"Really?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "There's usually a few magic users in each town. Far safer than any Hóngyèse slum."
"What do they do to ward off demons?" Omari wondered.
"Pft, it's pretty stupid from what I've seen and heard," Jessi chuckled. "They put these pieces of paper up, tied on string around their town's borders. Apparently that wards off evil spirits. Yeah right."
"Huh, that's weird," he mumbled.
"Yeah, but hey," she grinned. "Maybe you can get some magic pointers from those magicians."
"Hm, maybe," he replied.
He then gazed out to the pretty blue water, watching the shine of the waves. But he suddenly noticed a strange movement under the surface. Omari stopped in his step, causing Jessi and Wesley to stop too. They all followed his eyes to the water and Wesley asked, "What is it?"
"I… I thought I saw something weird," he muttered. Then in the corner of his eye, he spotted another odd movement, like a weirdly shaped shadow.
Omari stiffened then put Nana Jack down, giving her to Wesley. A few more soldiers halted to watch him walk a little closer to the shore. One called out, "What do you see?"
"Sh!" Omari snipped, focusing on the water.
More people stopped to see what was going on, peering at the waves. He stared at it, waiting to see another movement, but then saw a shadow. It slowly rose up to the surface, and what emerged was dark black hair. Everyone flinched back at the sight of it. Jessi quickly stood in front of the civilians, the other soldiers following suit. She whispered, "Omari! Get away from that thing!"
The head rose up more from the water to show a bobbying pale white face, dead looking and sunken. It's skin was slimed with algae and it's eyes were pure white. It looked like a corpse of a person, until those lifeless pupils moved. It croaked in the water, whispering illegible words.
"Is-Is it a demon?!" someone gasped.
Omari felt a chill run up his spine and he slowly started to back away, but suddenly the hair stretched and leapt out from the lake. It darted towards him and grabbed his arms. He shrieked, and it attempted to drag him in. He thrashed about, the creature trying to pull him under. Omari took his sword out and slashed at the hair, snapping away the strands that held him. Once free, he yelled, "Get away from the water!"
The thing then rose up more, gliding through the waves as its hair chased after him. He cut and slashed, trying to back away from this ghoul. Then he heard Jessi call and say, "Omari, jump to the side!"
He did as he was told and watched a fizzing small explosion fly past his head and land right before the monster. It exploded and the beast howled. It stumbled back, but when the smoke dissipated, it showed that the normal explosion hardly made a scratch. It more so just startled it.
Omari got to Jessi and archers came to her side. She pulled out a sword and ordered, "FIRE!"
They unleashed their arrows, shooting at the monster. Once they hit, there were more explosions, but this time, it tore up its skin and flesh. It still survived, but howled and retreated back into the water. Omari panted then turned to her, "What was that?!"
"Arrowheads tipped in Black Gold," she said. "Dangerous stuff, but only causes small explosions. And if it hits an intended target, such as one with demonic energy, it'll maim the thing."
"But!" they turned to the old woman, who had a frightened expression. "But the demons never came up this far north. They just never did. Why now?!"
"I… I don't know," Omari answered.
Then they heard a loud yelling old man who was our charming General Nasir. He stormed in and shouted, "What was all of that?! Why the hell did you use the Black Gold explosives?!"
"General!" Jessi rushed to him. "There are demons in the water!"
"Wh-What?!"
"It attacked Omari," she stated. "So as the nearest and highest ranking officer, I commanded the closest archers to fire at it with Black Gold."
"... Hm, I see," he grunted. "Was it the only one?"
She glanced at the water, eyeing it, "As far as I can tell, General."
He thought for a moment then looked at Omari, scoffing, "Why didn't he use his sword? We didn't need to waste so much expensive Black Gold if he just used his sword."
Omari was centimeters from losing it on this guy. He gave a strained smile, "General, I've never fought a demon before. I have no idea if my sword would be effective against it."
"It's a magical sword," he huffed. "Of course it would work."
"It had hair that stretched out great lengths," he countered. "I can't use a short-ranged weapon on something with a long ranged attack. Especially something that could drag me into the water and drown me."
"Huh?" he said. "You can't breathe underwater? Are you even useful?!"
Omari's face was becoming red.
"All this sounds like like excuses to me."
"Sir, if I may," Jessi cut in. "Omari's right. The thing could have definitely drowned him if he fought it like that. So I ordered him back so we could use the Black Gold."
The general stared at her then clicked his teeth, "I don't think I asked for your opinion, Lieutenant."
Omari's temple snapped and he barked, "Well we're alive, aren't we?! She did a good job!"
The general's eyes widened and he yelled, "Is this insubordination I'm hearing?!"
"Who cares?!" Omari yelled. "Where the hell were you?! Hiding out in the back like you always do!"
"You little bastard-!"
"Ahem!"
They turned ahead to see a small cloaked figure ahead of the group. They stared and saw him pull his hood down, to reveal a young man with straight chestnut hair. He called, "Hello, I'm the wizard in training Eren from the town Luxenburg."
They all blinked and gawked. He was nervous with all of the eyes on him and said, "I was checking the waters again today when I saw your explosions, so I thought I could come over and help."
The general was the first to react and approached the young man, taking his hand to shake, "Ah yes! I am General Nasir! It's a pleasure to meet a wizard from Luxenburg."
"Oh, thank you," the man quickly pulled his hand away, slightly bowing. "And you too, General Nasir. Have you come to rest in Luxenburg?"
"Indeed, indeed!" he nodded, all cheery. "To rest and buy more supplies."
"That's good," Eren hummed. "It will definitely be safer there. So I would advise that we move to the town as soon as possible."
"Yes, thank you," he looked back at everyone else and sharply tilted his head forward, with everybody complying. But then he turned back to Eren, all smiles, "Ah, so I had to fight off a demon just now. Are there any more?"
Omari kind of wanted to stab the general. Not to kill him obviously, just a little poke.
"Yes, unfortunately the lake has been infested," Eren answered.
"The whole lake?!" the general gasped.
"Mm."
"Why?"
"Well…" Eren fretted. "A few years ago there was a fight up river. Between the Hóngyèse and Maltans. Many Hóngyèse soldiers perished and their bodies flooded the waters. Sometime after, vengeful spirits emerged from the lake and started attacking our fishermen. They had a stark resemblance to the dead Hóngyèse soldiers. At least, that's what my masters believe."
"The master wizards of the town?"
"Yes, sir," Eren nodded. "But do not worry. They will soon set off and get rid of the ghouls. And then Luxenburg will live in peace yet again."
Nana Jacqueline who was listening, let out a long sigh of relief.
They traveled alongside the lake until the army procession reached the entrance of Luxenburg. It was a sizable fishing town with well off buildings and a happy bustling community. It was alive and friendly, people spotting the soldiers and waving as they came in. Omari felt warm the moment he stepped inside.
He's been to towns where people look at the soldiers with disdain, but such a neutral place, they must not see a lot of the action. Though this time they have been hit hard by the war thanks to a battle long ago.
But he forgot he was still in his giant magical form and when people saw him, their eyes lit up. They pointed, oohed, and awed. People slowly approached and crowded around him, quickly figuring out that this must be the famed Hero Omari that was so popular to talk about. Everyone wanted to greet him or shake his hand or just be near him, and though he was flattered, he was also overwhelmed. Omari quickly squirmed out, detransformed and rushed to Jessi's side, kind of hiding behind her small frame.
He'll never get used to the idolization, he swore it. He didn't know how anyone could.
As he retreated to the back, he didn't notice that someone else slipped in to get closer to him. Omari got slightly startled by the wizard in training Eren who was suddenly next to him.
Eren peeked at Omari and said, "You wield a magical artifact, right?"
"Uh, yeah," Omari answered.
"I see, that's so interesting," he remarked. "I have such weak arms, I couldn't possibly."
"Well…" Omari muttered. "It transforms you into a big person with unnatural strength, so you probably could."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
They were quiet for a moment but then Eren spoke up, "Your commander was very hard on you."
Omari grimaced at that then grumbled, "He's hard on everybody."
"But… you're a hero," Eren countered.
Omari peeked at him then said, "If that matters, he doesn't care. Anyone could be a hero and he'd still look down on them."
Eren's eyes widened and he mumbled, "... Oh. I apologize."
"For what?"
"For speaking out of line," he replied. "I brought up something you didn't want to talk about."
"Uh…" Omari's brows furrowed. "Thanks…"
"Mm," Eren nodded. "My masters always say I am too curious and talk too much. I apologize."
"You don't talk too much," Omari said. "I know plenty of people who talk too much. And there's nothing wrong with being curious. Especially with things you personally saw and are concerned about."
"But it was rude," Eren stated.
"I don't know about that," Omari sighed. "Besides, it's not like you're the annoying one." He glared at the general who walked ahead, waving at the public, "No, you're not the annoying one here at all."
Eren followed his eyes and nodded. He spoke up, "Well, for my rudeness, if the Hero Omari needs something, I can gladly fetch it."
Omari chuckled, "That's not necessary, but thanks."
"Mm," he nodded.
They reached a large hexagonal wooden building in the middle of town. One that peaked over all the other houses and showed great importance. The general, other fellow high-ranking officers like Jessi, and Omari approached. At the top of the stairs were five violet robed men who looked down at the approaching group. Eren stepped forward and bowed to the five men, calling, "Masters! I have brought the Maltan Army led by General Nasir."
The man in the center, the high wizard of this order, had cold narrow eyes and balding hair. He was tall with long limbs and wrinkled skin. His expression was one of displeasure and annoyance, but he welcomed them anyway.
"Maltan Army, welcome to Luxenburg," he announced. "I am the high wizard Ferdinand Bellcove, the leader and protector of this small humble town."
General Nasir moved forward, saying, "Hello High Wizard Ferdinand. I am General Nasir. I led my army here, coming to seek food and supplies to continue our expedition."
"Hm," Ferdinand murmured. "I am sure you are all greatly tired. Please, many inns in town are open for travelers. Will you be staying the night?"
"Indeed, High Wizard," he replied.
"How long do you intend to stay in Luxenburg?"
"A couple of days at best," he responded. "Then we intend to set out on our march."
"That's good," Ferdinand nodded.
The general then approached closer, asking, "May I actually have an audience with the high wizard? I wish to discuss any more possible dangers reported in this area."
"More?"
"Yes," General Nasir nodded. "Our group was attacked by a water demon coming into town. I wish to know if there will be more dangers up ahead and if perhaps our army could assist this town with its jeopardization."
The high wizard glared at him but then cleared his throat, "You may. Come in three hours from now and we shall discuss."
General Nasir eagerly nodded, then yelled at his soldiers to gather supplies and seek rooms. It wouldn't be possible for the whole army to rest in town, but definitely the higher ranking ones. The rest would unfortunately have to set up camp in the valley at the back of the town. After traveling for a whole day, the light started to fade and dusk was finally setting. Everyone went off to do their own thing, so when no one was looking, Omari slipped away. He borrowed a cloak from their supplies and just started pursuing through town.
People weren't so familiar with his normal appearance more than the glowly one, so for a good long while they didn't pay much attention to him. He began wandering through the late-night market, admiring the trinkets and goods on display. Warm-smelling food wafted through the air and the revelry chime of the townsfolk was pleasing to the ear. There was gossip and excitement amongst the people at the sight of the Maltan army and the Hero Omari. All very curious about their appearance and what was to come of it.
Omari didn't pay much mind to the talk about all his glorified exploits and instead focused more on wanting to buy some pastries. Each soldier always has some coin on them, used for emergencies, but Omari never took that seriously and just bought what he wanted. In fact, he felt like he should be paid more than what's in this purse, especially after all the shit he's been put through. But whatever, there's no point in always complaining.
He just wished to enjoy these small hours of solitude until the soldiers noticed he was gone and came looking for him. Omari was marching about, looking at some beautiful wares when he heard another small conversation, "Trade's been pretty slow thanks to those demons in the water."
"Yeah, I can't even fish now without the fear of getting capsized."
"Town's been running low on money, but thanks to these soldiers coming in with their coins, the economy should benefit from it."
Omari sagely nodded. Yes, it was always very profitable for a town when an army was just coming through instead of staying to fight.
"And when the wizards get rid of those demons tomorrow, trade and fishin'll be so much easier."
"Thank god for those magicians."
Now, Omari had never lived in a town before, but from what Jessi said, each town at least had one or more magic users. Stationed by the government, not to fight the Hóngyèse but to ward off evil spirits and demons that plagued those towns. That, Omari could agree, was a good use of magic users.
Then to his surprise, he felt a small tap on his shoulder. He turned and saw Eren, startled to see him.
"Ah- Eren!"
Eren shushed him and calmly said, "Hero Omari, you've been missing for a couple of hours. You are being looked for."
Omari huffed, hiding his face further under the hood, "Let them look for a little longer. It's not going to kill them."
"I guess Hero Omari didn't want to be found," Eren gently acknowledged. "That's why I didn't draw attention."
Omari gave him a small smile, "Thank you."
"But you should still return to the Wizard Hall."
"That hexagonal building?"
"Mm," he nodded. "They wish for your audience."
Omari sighed, "Fine. We'll walk back there… slowly."
Eren fidgeted, "Is that a good idea?"
Omari glanced down at him, "Why? Will you get scolded harshly?"
"I…" he glanced down. "Yes. I could be punished."
Omari's brows furrowed and stated, "Eren, your masters are kind of shit."
"Ah! Hero Omari?!"
Omari quickly shushed him, trying not to get too many eyes. He whispered, "Sorry to sound blunt and rude, but from what you've told me, it's true."
"I!" Eren was wringing his hands as his face fell, "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," Omari muttered. "I understand what it's like working with shitty bosses."
"Oh… I see," Eren murmured.
They made their way to the Wizard Hall and entered. It was a grand building with many tapestries hanging across the walls and candles lit along the inside. The hall was one large room with a statue of some ethereal god standing tall. A scroll in one hand and a pen in the other. The wizards and General Nasir were impatiently waiting there, the masters speaking up when the pair arrived, "Eren, you took your time."
Eren stared at the ground, not daring to look up at his masters. Omari grimaced at that and stood in front of Eren, calling out, "Well, we're here now. What do you want?"
The wizards flushed an angry red from that, muttering between each other, "What a foul mouth."
"How uncouth."
Whatever. These guys looked like assholes too.
"Hero Omari!" Nasir barked. "Watch your tongue!"
Omari glowered at him and cockily repeated, "What do you want?"
The wizards huffed and the Head Wizard Ferdinand scoffed, "This way."
They gestured for them to follow downstairs, going to some lower levels of the building. The group reached a small private room and sat down at a table.
Down there, Ferdinand began, "As you all know, we have been dealing with vengeful spirits for a good long while now. They threaten the livelihoods of anyone who dares to venture out onto the water. People have been killed, boats have been destroyed, and commerce has slowed."
Omari rolled his eyes. Way to sound noble by adding money into the mix. He knew the town needed it, but it shouldn't be spoken with just as much importance as people's lives. What noble wizards.
"So, we have agreed to meet and discuss these matters," Ferdinand flatly said.
"Yes," General Nasir hopped on. "I would like to offer my subordinates to assist you in your hunt for these vengeful spirits."
Ferdinand harshly narrowed his eyes at the general and replied, "What do you intend to do?"
"I have Black Gold in my cargo," the general stated. "Using magic enhanced with that could be greatly beneficial in this fight against said monsters."
Omari squinted at the man. He was just scolding them a few hours ago for using it on 'said monsters'.
"Black Gold is expensive," Ferdinand noted. "Wouldn't the general prefer to hold onto it until it benefitted him in battle?"
But what everyone in the room was silently agreeing on was that this would benefit the general the most. In his own mind at least. Saving a town does look good on one's record and does make it nice and shiny for the king.
"But we also have the Hero Omari!" he patted his shoulder, irking Omari.
Ferdinand narrowed his eyes on the hero and questioned, "We have heard of the great tales."
"But have you ever fought demons before, Hero Omari?" one wizard asked.
Omari straightened up at that but then muttered, "Um… actually no. Earlier today was the closest I've ever been to a demon before."
The wizards grumbled between each other, whispering amongst themselves, sending scrutinizing eyes toward Omari.
"And did you kill that demon?" Ferdinand wondered.
"Uh no," Omari for some reason kept feeling like his voice was getting smaller and smaller under this guy's gaze. Is this how Eren felt every day? "I was called back by Lieutenant Bellows and she had archers shoot arrows laced with Black Gold at it."
Ferdinand glowered at that then spoke in a cold voice, "I see…"
"But we could still offer assistance," the general quickly inferred. "Perhaps we could become cover in your plan."
"No, I think you would just become a hindrance," Ferdinand stated.
The general shrunk at his words, his head falling with dejection.
"I don't believe that your army and soldiers will be of any help," Ferdinand scoffed then looked at Omari up and down, "Especially an inexperienced and amateur magic user such as this."
One wizard added, "It isn't even known if your 'legendary' sword can kill such monsters."
"Yes, no point in risking something like that," Ferdinand huffed. "Besides, it would be more beneficial for us wizards to protect our own town. No matter the danger. No matter the cost. Don't you agree, General?"
General Nasir didn't look him in the eye but just nodded.
Omari could see. They were also doing this to gain benefits, to appear as the heroes. The glory and honor and reward was what drove them. He internally sighed.
"We will be heading out tomorrow," Ferdinand said. "I suggest, General, that you and your army get your things in order as soon as possible. Loafing around here won't end the war."
"Ah- High Wizard-!" General Nasir tried one more time.
"Thank you for your 'valuable' input, you may leave now," Ferdinand waved off.
General Nasir looked drained and defeated, but Omari just felt insulted. So what if he was an amateur?! They didn't have to say it like it was a bad thing! Ugh, getting worked up over nothing. If they don't want his help, fine! It's better that way so he can explore the town more. He just kept getting so worked up because people kept insulting him for really no real reason.
Eren led them upstairs and outdoors. When Omari was about to leave, he called, "I apologize."
"Huh? Eren?" Omari turned to him.
"My masters… they…" his eyes were troubled and he just said, "I'm sorry."
Omari gazed at him, and remembered that at least he wasn't their student. No, Eren seemed to have it far worse off than Omari did when it came to those wizards' criticisms. He hoped Eren wouldn't have to deal with that forever.
"It's okay," he nodded. "There's nothing that could have been done."
"... Yes…"
"At least they're professionals," Omari sighed. "They can deal with all of this tomorrow."
"Mm," Eren muttered. "Well… goodnight, Hero Omari."
"Goodnight, Eren," he waved goodbye and headed down those steps. At the bottom, he saw a familiar frame sitting there. Jessi was at the bottom, seeming to be waiting for him.
"Jessi?" he wondered.
"Ah, Omari," she looked up. "What's the consensus?"
"Oh yeah," he sighed. "They don't want anything to do with us. They'll do this by themselves."
"Really?!" she gasped. "That sounds a bit foolhardy, doesn't it? I mean, we have Black Gold?"
"Yeah but…" he leaned in and whispered into her ear, "I think they want the fame and glory to themselves."
"Oy vey," she huffed. "Oh well. I guess we can just focus on getting supplies tomorrow."
"Mm."
"Hey, this way," Jessi nodded to the left. "There's an inn room with your name on it."
Omari brightened up at that, happy that he'll get to lay in a bed tonight. They headed down to the inn, but passed a small house on the side with a familiar voice calling out, "Hero Omari!"
He turned to it and found Wesley leaning out an open window. He smiled at the sight of him, "Wesley!"
The young man said, "Are you heading in for the night?"
"Mm, to an inn," Omari answered. Then he glanced at the house they were staying at, "Is this where your relatives live?"
"Yeah," he chuckled. "Thanks to you, we got here in one piece."
"That's good," Omari hummed. "Where's Nana Jack?"
"Oh, she turned in early," Wesley stated. "You know how old people are."
"Well, at least you two are off the road now."
"Yep," he chimed, then said, "But Omari, Nana wanted to make you something as thanks."
Oh, food?
"She doesn't have to-"
"No, no, we insist," he hummed. "When can we get it to you tomorrow?"
"Uhh," Omari thought about it then replied, "How about three in the afternoon by the docks?"
"Sounds good," Wesley gave him a thumbs up. "See you there!"
-
In the morning, the wizards were wished off by the townspeople and flew towards where the spirits nested. Their stronghold being up the river and past the dam. A crowd of citizens waved them off and they were gone.
Omari only groggily watched from his inn room as they departed and when they left, he took about an hour to get dressed and headed out for the day. It was time spent perusing through the marketplace, meeting up with a few soldier friends than seeing Jessi. They hung out for a bit and she followed him to the docks to meet up with Nana Jack and Wesley. The two only needed to wait for a little while until the pair showed up.
But before they did, Omari saw someone else pacing at the edge of town, before the water. He called out, "Hey, Eren!"
Eren jumped at his name and saw the two. He approached them and greeted, "Hero Omari. Lieutenant Jessi."
"Wizard Eren," Jessi nodded.
"Ah um… wizard in training," he meekly corrected.
"Sure," she replied.
Then Omari spoke up, "What are you still doing here? Don't you have to go defeat the demons with your masters?"
"I… My masters said I am not skilled enough to fight the demons," he answered. "So they instructed me to stay behind in town today. So I've been waiting."
"They said that when they had you check the perimeter of the lake yesterday?" Omari questioned.
Eren's face fell at that, his expression ashamed, "... Yes."
Omari pitied him, sympathizing with his situation. He asked, "Then, since you aren't doing anything today, do you want to hang out with us? The old lady and her son who were with us yesterday wanted to thank me with some food. Maybe she'll bring enough for everyone."
"I!" but he stopped himself then muttered, "I apologize. I simply don't deserve something like that."
"Eren…" Omari softly spoke.
"I um… It would be best for me to head back to the Wizard Hall," Eren murmured. "Many things to organize and um… do." He gave a small bow and said, "Thank you, but I must go now. See you later."
And he departed, heading back into town.
Jessi watched him go then remarked, "Man… Those masters really destroyed that kid's confidence."
"They sure did," Omari sighed. "What assholes. Why do they even treat him like that? Their own student?"
"Maybe they're jealous."
Omari chuckled, "You get that from your own experience?"
"No," Jessi huffed, looking directly at him. "But I just know someone who is in a similar pickle."
It didn't take long for Nana Jack and Wesley to show up. They brought over a steaming pot pie dish, filled with fish and vegetables. The group gleefully ate together, chatting for over an hour until Nana and Wesley decided to depart. They were beginning to walk off when suddenly a loud boom could be heard throughout the air.
Everyone grew quiet as they turned to where it had come from. An explosion emanated from the other side of the lake, no, past that. It was past the trees and up the mountain. They could see in the distance, an explosion happened in the middle of the woods.
Omari stared and his heart dropped. He turned to look at Jessi and she faced him, eyes filled with realization and dread. Then he peered out there and saw movement where the small river from the mountain met the lake. Five tiny figures could be seen out there, flying as fast as they could away from the mountain. If you were near them, you could see it was the masters and you could hear them cursing at each other, saying, "You've doomed us all!"
Omari then blinked and saw a different shape, one large and quick, breaking down trees and colliding into the surface of the lake. He saw a giant wave of water that must have been held back by the dam, now crashing down towards them all. It raced and pushed across the lake, coming in to raise the water level and would eventually smash into Luxenburg.
They watched those five figures unable to outrun the wave and were swallowed up. Everyone looked on in horror as the water was inevitably impending. He could hear people in Luxenburg spotting the giant tidal wave, coming to swallow their small town, and they started screaming. Panic erupted behind him as every townsperson rushed to fruitlessly escape the wave. There was pushing, fighting, and fear. Everyone violently shoving everybody out of the way to flee. But there was no way anyone could make out it in time. The valley was flat, the houses were small, and every single one of them would soon drown.
Omari turned to the chaos, but his eyes didn't catch the pandemonium of the villagers. They instead saw Nana Jack and Wesley, standing there in shock. They stared out at the looming wave, horror crowding their eyes and hopelessness snuffing out their hearts. They did not run but instead held each other as the wave approached.
Omari then turned to Jessi who was watching the water with the same level of shock. Unable to move, frozen in place. But even if she did run, she wouldn't get anywhere away in time. And even if Omari transformed right now, he didn't think he was fast enough to get her and him out of there before the wave hit. He doubted he could save anyone let alone himself.
He looked out at the wave. It was coming and it was fast. He took Jessi's hand and spoke in a mournful voice, "I'm so sorry, Jessi."
"It's okay," she croaked.
"You… You are my best friend," he said. "In this whole world."
"Are they all going to die?"
Omari heard a voice. One he usually heard crying. And then he blinked and found himself in that white space. That void. He felt confused for a moment but then recalled this was the place where his sword took his consciousness. That meant-
He turned and saw the indiscernible shadowy red figure, still uncertain who it was. He faced them and dropped to his knees, saying, "Yes! They are! We are all going to die!"
The figure's shoulders curled in on itself and they spoke sadly, "Really?"
"Yes!" Omari cried out. "Please! Please I beg of you! We're all going to die! And I don't know what to do! I don't know how to save everyone! Please help me!"
They stood there watching, but appeared hesitant, "I… I don't know…"
Omari was aghast, "You-You don't know?! Everyone will die if we do nothing! And you don't know?!"
"I have… I have failed everyone before," the figure delicately whimpered. "I may do it again…"
"You'll only fail everyone here if you do nothing!" Omari shouted, then begged, "Please! I'll do anything you want! I'm begging you here! Just show me how I can save them! Please!"
The figure stared, watching large tears fall down his face.
Omari blinked again and he was back on the dock. Back holding his friend's hand and facing the wave. The voice whispered in his ears and he stepped forward. He let go of Jessi's hand and held both of his palms out. A white glow emanated from him and he transformed. Omari felt a new power stir inside of him, one that the voice was telling him how to use. He felt a pull, a tug then connected with something. His magic touched something in the water and in the land and he summoned it to him. It was expanding, growing bigger, coming, like the wave. The wave was close now, almost across the lake and ready to hit Luxenburg. Screams soared through the air and tears poured down people's faces.
He stood, twisted his hands then pulled up. Suddenly, something burst from the lake, something big and long. It splashed water everywhere and startled those who saw it. Impossibly thick seaweed emerged right in front of Omari, but it didn't just come from the lake.
Trees.
Bodies of trees and vegetation soared across the water, aligned with Omari's hands and were summoned to connect and wrap around the seaweed. Every plant and branch tangled together, thick and bulbous. They all formed a giant wooden wall. It spread and grew, first shielding the front of Luxenburg where the docks were, then encompassing around the entire town and military encampment.
They stared in amazement as trees and seaweed grew together to magically create an enormous wall that surrounded the town. And then, the loud rushing sound of the wave came and crashed into the wall. Parts of it could be seen splashing against the top, drips leaking through the cracks of wood. But then it was slow and sunk down, sliding around Luxenburg, eventually riding away, draining past.
Everyone stared, falling silent. Then they cried out, cheering with relief and gratitude. Many lunged into the air, absolutely astonished at what befell them and overjoyed to be alive. Those near him or saw what he had done rushed to Omari's side to give their thanks.
They all came patting his back, sobbing out thank yous. Jessi stood there, amazed and proud, but then she looked at Omari's face. It had grown a horrendous pale and a strand of blood poured down from his nose. His eyes rolled back into his head and he fainted. Everyone was panicking and rushed him off the docks.
-
Omari woke up amongst soft cotton sheets and gentle waving curtains. The window looked out to the lake, still and peaceful, but what was also there was a giant wall he made from seaweed and trees. His eyes widened at the sight, something so mutant and insane, it was hard to take one's gaze away from it.
As he stared out at the bizarre formation, he heard Jessi's voice to his other side, "Omari!"
He turned around to see her worried expression melt into relief, "Hey..."
"Hey."
"Jessi… wha… what happened to me?" Omari tried to sit up.
"You used some crazy powers back there," she answered. "They built up a wall of… I guess the correct word is vegetation and blocked the water from flooding the town. Afterward, you lost all strength and passed out. We rushed you to the nearest hospital where our last local magician has been tending to your magical fatigue."
"Eren?" Omari questioned.
"Yeah," she nodded. "All his masters were swept away and killed by the wave."
"But… how?" he wondered. "What happened out there?"
"An investigation team was sent out," Jessi explained. "Apparently the masters were able to slay the demons, but in their fight, they accidentally blew up the dam. They tried rushing back to town, but instead were drowned." She fell silent for a moment then said, "In fact, if it wasn't for you, we would have all died that day." Jessi gave him a soft and grateful smile, "Thank you. For whatever you did. Thank you."
Omari stared then nodded. He soon asked, "How long have I been out?"
"A little over a week."
"... Damn, that long?" he gasped. "Holy hell."
"Do you want me to get Eren? To check you?"
"Yeah, that'd be for the best," he agreed. She left the room to retrieve Eren, but wasn't gone for too long. She came back with him in tow and he entered, spotted Omari awake, and immediately had tears swell in his eyes. The two became startled but he croaked, "You're okay…?"
"Hey, Eren," Omari smiled.
"Oh my gods," Eren gasped. "Thank the gods. Thank the gods."
Omari gestured him over and Eren sat down on the bed eventually casting some spells to check Omari's vitals or "Meridians?"
"Hm," he nodded. "I learned it in my travels alongside the borders of Hóngyè. Apparently it's a better method for checking one's vitals. Better than basic medical magic. So I studied it."
"Does it have to do with cultivation?" Omari wondered. "Does it have to do with magic from Hóngyè?"
"Ah yes," Eren answered. "As you know, that practice is illegal in Hóngyè, so it was very difficult to acquire those types of books, but I got lucky. I had a friend find some for me in secret and studied up."
What an interesting friend. Able to attain such illegal books.
"But that was a long time ago," Eren stated.
"What about now?" Omari questioned. "What happens now after you masters…?" He saw Eren uncomfortably avert his eyes and he rephrased, "After this incident?"
"Ah um…" he muttered. "While you were asleep, the town elected me, the last magic user, to take on the duties of the Head Wizard."
"What?! That's crazy?!" Omari gasped.
"It is happening all so suddenly," Eren answered. "I'm just a beginner and I only know so much. I don't know if I'm capable. Perhaps a new wizard who is more powerful should take such an important role."
"No!" Omari said, startling them both. "You work hard, Eren. You deserve this."
"But I can't-"
"Yes you can," Omari countered then peered into his eyes with determination. "You can do this."
Eren stared at Omari's unwavering confidence in him then dipped down with a happy smile. He lightly nodded, "Mm."
He fidgeted and then said, "Um, Omari?"
"Yeah?"
"The town would also like… with your permission, to erect a statue of you."
Omari turned to stone.
He froze in place and slowly croaked out, "Whaaattt?"
"They want to make a statue of you," Jessi clarified. "To commemorate you for saving their lives."
"What-no!" Omari countered.
"No?" Eren gasped. "Bu-But they want to show their appreciation somehow."
"Listen," Omari sighed. "I'm not a crazy amazing hero, okay? Anyone would do what I did. Cause honestly, I didn't want to die!"
"Liar!" Jessi suddenly scoffed. "If you didn't want to die, you would've transformed and hopped on out of there."
"There's no way I would have made it to the woods!"
"OMARI!" she barked, startling him. "You're a hero. This time you are a hero whether you want the spotlight or not. You literally saved everyone. That's not something a 'soldier' does. But a hero." She huffed, "Just say thank you and take the damn statue."
Omari's lips pursed and he murmured, "But it's embarrassing…"
Then the door slammed open, catching everyone off guard and in came General Nasir. He had a horrible glare to him that shot out daggers at Omari. He scoffed, "So you're awake."
"Yeah, I am," Omari grunted back.
"That was quite the crazy spectacle," the general growled. "Trapping us here for several days because of your stupid wall. You know how long it is taking us to hack through it?"
"I don't know," Omari mocked. "How long?"
The general flushed and shouted, "You sharp-tongued brat! You get these powers and speak to your high commanding officer like that?!"
"Fuck off, Nasir!" Omari snapped back. "No one respects what you have to say anyway!"
"You wretched-monstrous boy!" he yelled. "You think powers like that make you a hero?! They make you a freak-!"
He stopped, interrupted by Eren who stepped between him and Omari. He gave the general a glare and then politely said, "General, I can not tolerate anyone bad mouthing the man who saved mine and my people's lives." He moved forward and pointed at the general's chest, "And your own."
The general was speechless at this behavior.
"I advise-," he glanced at Omari then turned back, "As High Wizard of this town, that you hold your tongue unless you wish to be removed from this building."
"You-!"
"I do not intend to bring conflict to Luxenburg," Eren said. "But I will not standby as a good man gets punished for saving us all. I ask you to leave now. The Hero Omari has much more resting to do."
General Nasir scowled, then with a huff, left the room.
Eren breathed in then out, collapsing on Omari's bed, muttering, "That took a lot out of me."
Omari smiled, "See, I knew you could be brave."
Eren gazed at him then smiled, "Thank you, Hero Omari."
"Thank you too, Eren."
-
After Omari rested, they left Luxenburg, waved goodbye to the people and traveled down their road. As he departed with the army, he saw Eren in regal robes waving them off. And near the end of the parade were Wesley and Nana Jack who gave him their best wishes. He marched with the army, heading East.