The expanse of the sky was breathtaking, stretching from left to right in a canvas of infinite blue. Not a single cloud dared to mar its perfection as the sun began its descent on the horizon, painting the world in a warm and comforting hue. The open field was a sanctuary of serenity, alive with the sweet symphony of birdsong as feathered creatures flitted to and fro. The sun's gentle rays filtered through the leafy canopy, bathing everything in a soothing glow.
In the distance, near the forest's edge, a small group of deer grazed on the near endless field of grass, their elegant forms a testament to nature's beauty. It would have been the perfect spot for anyone in search of peace and quiet, if not for the jarring sight of a gleaming blemish. A short walk away from the tree line, a small bowl-shaped protrusion marred the otherwise pristine landscape. The hollowed-out section of earth was a small, yet it contained something unusual – a passed out human.
As the man slowly stirred from his slumber, his body protested with aches and pains, reminding him of the rough night he had. With a groan, he reached out his arm towards his face, only to be met with a shower of dirt that rained down upon him, blinding him. Cursing under his breath, he rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the irritating grit that clung to his skin. As his vision cleared, he took in his surroundings, feeling a sense of unease settle in the pit of his stomach. Nothing looked familiar, and the man realized with growing horror that he was far from home, lost in an unknown place.
Questions flooded his mind, each more pressing than the last. How did he get here? Where was he? And how much did he drink last night? Shaking his head in frustration, the man searched his pockets for his phone, his only lifeline to the outside world. As he retrieved the device, he felt a spark of hope, but it was immediately extinguished as he realized that he had no signal. Desperate, he climbed out of the earthen hole that had been his bed, holding his phone high above his head in a futile attempt to find a signal.
The ground beneath him was uneven, and the man stumbled and staggered, his muscles protesting the sudden movement. He waited for what felt like an eternity, but there was no signal to be found. Frustrated and anxious, he inspected his phone and saw a flashing icon. With trembling fingers, he punched in his voice mail code and held the device to his ear, praying for a glimmer of hope.
Loud music and talking people filled the background as the message played, "Hey Jun! Where the heck did you go, buddy? I found this girl that wants to meet you. Come to the back yard when you get this. Okay?"
Memories came flooding back to Jun, jolting him with sudden clarity. He had been at a college party with his friend Matt, but after that, everything became a blur. Had he passed out? It seemed unlikely, considering he had only had a drink or two. Was his drink spiked? It was possible, but he couldn't remember anyone acting suspiciously. His mind raced with possibilities as he stood in the field, phone in hand.
Desperate to establish a connection with the outside world, Jun held his phone up again, but the signal remained absent. They must have driven him far away from the city, he realized with growing frustration. Putting his phone back in his pocket, he exhaled with disappointment. If Matt was involved in this, he was going to have some explaining to do.
Surveying the vast expanse of the field, Jun tried to wrap his head around his situation. He was stranded in the middle of nowhere with no idea how to get home. For most people, being surrounded by nature would fill them with a sense of freedom and joy, but not this time. The beauty of the world around him was ruined by the unsettling fear of being lost.
Taking his first tentative steps into the grassy field, Jun continued to ponder the events of last night. His mind raced, trying to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Something was missing, like an equation without a variable. So consumed was he by his thoughts that he didn't pay attention to his surroundings, oblivious to the world around him.
As Jun ventured deeper into the forest, the underbrush thickened and the canopy of trees grew denser, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. Ahead he spotted another clearing in the distance, beckoning him forward. He quickened his pace, heart racing with anticipation. Perhaps he had stumbled into someone's backyard, a hidden sanctuary in the midst of the city landscape.
As he approached the clearing, his hopes were dashed. Instead of a cozy cottage or a friendly face, he found himself in yet another desolate expanse of grass and unfamiliar terrain. Panic began to set in. How had he ended up so far from town? Was he lost? Abandoned? The thought of spending the night alone in the woods was daunting, to say the least.
As he stood there, stranded and alone, the tranquil sounds of the forest faded away. The air grew still and silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the wind. Something was off. And then he saw them. Three wolves, sleek and deadly, their silver manes rippling in the breeze. These were not the lazy zoo wolves he was used to. These were wild and dangerous, and they were closing in on him like a cat creeping up on a mouse.
Jun's heart sank as he realized he was the prey. With no weapons or protection, he backed away, hoping to escape their attention. But it was too late. The wolves had spotted him and focused their attention on him, their eyes locked onto his every move. Jun had no intention of becoming their next meal.
Still backing away from the wolves, Jun thought about a way to deescalate the situation. Jun put his hands up and whispered, "Easy doggies. You don't want to eat me. I am friendly. According to the internet, there has never been a recorded fatality by wolves in the history of Virginia. So, I know you don't want to hurt me. Right?"
As more wolves emerged from the shadows, Jun's situation went from bad to worse. He picked up a nearby rock and hurled it towards the pack, hoping to scare them off. But they were undeterred by anything he did.
Adrenaline surged through his veins as he sprinted through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. But the wolves were fast, and soon they were hot on his heels. Jun knew he had to climb a tree to escape.
As he reached the next clearing, he spotted a boulder that would be the perfect vantage point. With the wolves snarling at his heels, he vaulted onto the boulder and clung on for dear life. But before he could pull his legs up, one of the wolves latched onto his ankle, tearing off his shoe.
In a desperate struggle, the wolves fought over Jun's shoe, snarling, and snapping at each other with fierce determination. Catching his breath, Jun glanced around at the pack of wolves that now circled his location. There were now seven of them. This was very odd wolf behavior. Never had Jun heard of wolves stalking and hunting a human like this.
As time ticked by, Jun remained perched on his rocky island with the fierce wolves stalking and circling him. He was determined not to let fear get the best of him. The wolves could wait all night, but Jun was not planning to jump down anytime soon. He hunkered down, ready for the long haul. The minutes passed as some of the wolves lost interest and wandered off, but two remained vigilant.
As the sun started to dip below the horizon, Jun realized he was in a precarious situation. Trapped on a rock in the middle of nowhere with the darkness of night approaching was not on his list of plans for the weekend. He needed to find a way out of this mess. That's when he noticed something peculiar. There were objects buried under the overgrown grass at the bottom of the flat side of the boulder. Curiosity piqued, Jun investigated and uncovered a trove of items. Among them was an old sword, still sheathed. Jun couldn't believe his luck.
Without hesitation, Jun jumped down from the safety of his boulder and drew the sword. The rusted blade gleaming in the setting sun. In his mind, it was Excalibur, and he was its rightful wielder. The two remaining wolves stood up to continue their hunt, but Jun had other ideas. He waved the sword and yelled, "Well, well, well, the tables have turned! You wanna eat me?! Let's go carnivores! Come get a piece! Come at me bro!"
The wolves froze in their tracks, stunned by Jun's sudden aggression. They exchanged a brief, confused glance, but then their instincts kicked in. They decided to cut their losses and retreat to their pack. Jun lowered the sword, watching as the wolves disappeared into the woods. His heart was pounding with adrenaline. He had done it! He had defended himself against a pack of wolves with nothing but a rusty sword.
As he contemplated his victory, Jun couldn't help but imagine the headlines that would follow. "Engineering Student Fends off Wolves in Epic Sword Fight!" he thought. This was a story he would be telling for years to come.
The taste of victory was bittersweet as Jun gazed down at his mangled shoe. "I paid $100 for these shoes," he muttered under his breath. But at least he was still in one piece, thanks to his quick thinking and the rusty sword that now hung at his side.
As the sun began to dip below the trees, Jun surveyed his surroundings with caution. Nightfall was coming fast, and he didn't want to be caught out in the open if the wolves decided to return. He spun the sword in his hand, testing its weight and balance. It wasn't shiny or even sharp, but it was better than nothing.
Turning back to the stone, Jun eyed something strange. The flat side was decorated with small bags and clay pots, but it was the large wooden shield that caught his attention. It was an ancient design, covered in intricate carvings and symbols that hinted at a long-forgotten culture. Jun reached out to pick it up, but as soon as his fingers brushed the wood, the shield crumbled to dust.
Disappointed, Jun inspected the remnants of the shield. The wood was soft and rotting, weakened by years of exposure to the elements. But as he examined the peculiar carvings he saw they were all images of snarling beasts with jaws that dripped with blood.
Jun looked up, scanning the forest for any sign of movement. But all was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the breeze. He needed to move, to find a way out of the forest before darkness descended. With one last glance at the broken shield, Jun sheathed his sword and set off into the trees. He didn't know where he was going, but he had to keep moving. The wolves were out there, somewhere, waiting for their chance to strike.
The sun sank into the horizon. This made travel much harder. As a city dweller, Jun knew that the city lights could be seen glowing on the horizon. Despite his best efforts, Jun couldn't tell which way the city was. There was a crunching sound as Jun felt stone under his feet. Using his phone's flashlight, he lit up the ground to find a path of gravel below his feet. A wave of relief washed over him. A road had to lead somewhere. He was one step closer to getting home.
As the fiery sun descended below the horizon, Jun found himself stranded in the middle of nowhere, navigating the treacherous dirt path with the feeble light of his dying phone. The path was riddled with small, jagged rocks that appeared out of nowhere, each one causing Jun to stumble and nearly lost his footing. It was a path that hadn't been maintained in years, with weeds and thorns creeping up along the sides.
As the last sliver of light disappeared from the sky, Jun was plunged into complete darkness. There were no streetlights or buildings in sight, leaving him feeling like he was lost in a void. The darkness was thick and suffocating, making it difficult to breathe. He could only hear his own footsteps, and the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.
Desperate for light, Jun looked up at the sky and saw a blanket of stars twinkling above him. They were his only source of illumination in the darkness. The darkness of night was silent except for the sound of a cold breeze that had picked up, causing Jun to shiver and wrap his arms tightly around himself. He wished he had brought his jacket, left behind in his haste to get to the party.
As Jun continued to walk, he felt a growing sense of unease. He had no idea where he was, and his phone was dead, leaving him cut off from the rest of the world.
If he was going to survive the night in the wilderness, Jun needed a plan. The options were limited. He could either try to keep moving and run to generate warmth, but that would also leave him drained of energy, lost and vulnerable. Or he could light a fire, but that would require him to gather the right kind of wood and spark it up without a lighter or matchbox.
Checking his phone one last time, he pressed the power button. As expected, the battery was drained. Jun located a few branches laying around in the dark and brought them over to a level section of ground. He snapped them into twigs and created a small circle of wood on the ground. In the dark, he removed the battery from the back of this phone and placed it on the ground.
Unsheathing his sword, Jun lined it up with the battery and with a singular thrust pieced the battery case. In an instant, the case burst into blue flames as Jun shoved it into the pile of wood. The fire spread, warming Jun's body and soul. It was a primal sensation, the satisfaction of creating something out of nothing.
As he sat back and basked in the warmth of the fire, the tranquility of the wilderness was shattered by a sudden shout. Jun jumped up, his heart pounding as he searched for the source of the noise. A figure emerged from the shadows, an old man with a mule. In a moment of relief, Jun danced around the campfire, shouting, "Thank God! I've been lost out here for hours. I'm so glad to see you!"
As Jun approached, the old man took a few steps back and let out a fierce cry in a language that sounded like it came from another world. He brandished his cane like a weapon, as if he was prepared to fend off any unwanted visitors. Jun had to act fast to avoid a confrontation.
With his hands up, Jun attempted to communicate with the old man, asking if he spoke English or if he could understand Spanish. The old man responded in a dialect that was unlike anything Jun had ever heard before. It was a strange mixture of sounds that must have originated from overseas.
Undeterred, Jun tried to explain where he had come from and where he was trying to go, using a combination of hand gestures and broken phrases. The old man observed him with an inscrutable expression, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind Jun's words.
The old man reached into his pack and produced a cloth bag. From inside, he extracted a fruit that was unlike anything Jun had ever seen before. It was a deep shade of red, with a texture that looked both inviting and strange.
The old man held the fruit out to Jun, as if offering him a precious gift. Jun hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. In some cultures, it was considered rude to refuse an offering, but he didn't know if this was the case here.
Before Jun could make out what kind of fruit it was, the old man took it back and ripped it in half. Returning half of the fruit to Jun's hand, the old man took a bite from his half and nodded his head. He was waiting for Jun's approval or perhaps he wanted to prove that the fruit was not poisonous. Either way Jun took a bite.
The flavor was intense, with a bitter aftertaste that lingered on his tongue. He couldn't quite identify what kind of fruit it was, but he knew it was unlike anything he had ever eaten before.
Jun's face contorted with confusion as the old man cackled, a sound that grated on Jun's nerves. It was as if the old man found joy in making Jun uncomfortable. Jun shifted his weight from one foot to the other, unsure of how to proceed. After a long awkward pause, the old man resumed speaking, but his words were like gibberish to Jun's ears.
Just when Jun thought the old man had lost his marbles, the words began to make sense, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. Jun strained to listen, but only caught the tail end of the old man's sentence, "...help you in the end." Jun's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Wait, did you just start speaking English?" Jun blurted out, unable to contain his shock.
The old man took another bite of the fruit he held and shook his head. "No! You are hearing English. The fruit is for translation. I hear you speaking my language, you hear me speaking your language."
Jun's mind raced as he tried to make sense of what was happening. How could some fruit possibly alter one's hearing and speech? It sounded preposterous, but the old man appeared unfazed by the idea.
"How is that possible? What is this fruit called?" Jun asked, still trying to wrap his head around the situation.
The old man continued to munch on the fruit, savoring it like a delicacy. "It's a Chewro bean from those big trees in Pershaw," he replied between bites. "How about we step near the fire? No need for us to be out in the open like this."
As the old man pulled on his mule's reins and made his way towards the fire, Jun followed, still stunned by what had just happened. Maybe the old man was bilingual and just pulling his leg. But then again, perhaps there was more to this mysterious Chewro bean than meets the eye. Jun had to find out more.
The old man's weathered hands relinquished the remains of his Chewro bean, letting it plummet to the earth below. With his stomach content and his hands chilled, he warmed them over the campfire's flickering flames. A grin stretched across his face, revealing deep creases etched from a lifetime of stories. "I saw you light up your campfire from back there," he said, his voice rough with age. "Never seen anything quite like that. You got Pyrus sap or something?"
Jun, still basking in the glow of his technological triumph, responded, "Oh, no. It was the battery off my phone. It was dead and useless at the time. I pierced the positive and negative side of the battery at the same time. Lithium-ion has a violent reaction with air."
The old man's eyes glazed over, unable to comprehend the jargon spilling out of Jun's mouth. After an awkward silence, Jun clarified, "I'm an engineering student, this kind of stuff is my bread and butter."
The old man's wrinkled face contorted in confusion, and he asked, "I see. You are not from around here, are you?"
Jun scoffed at the notion, "Around here? I don't even know where here is!"
The old man chuckled again, "Well, let me fill you in. You are in the Land of Gulia. To the North is Agaza Peak, to the East is the Mertia, and to the south beyond that mountain ridge is Dellscen. If you head West for an hour, you will find the coast and nothing but open ocean. Now you know where you are?"
Jun still looked lost, "I haven't heard of any of those locations. Is this a joke? Did my friends put you up to this?"
The old man's retort was sharp as a blade. "Your friends? Really, son? I don't even know your name."
Jun realized his mistake and introduced himself, extending a hand in apology. "My bad, umm, I'm Jun. Nice to meet you."
The old man grasped Jun's hand in a firm shake. "I am Lopex of Rommik Village, traveling merchant and collector of odds and ends," he said, gesturing to his faithful pack mule, "And this is my apprentice and business partner, Bruke."
Jun's curiosity was piqued, but Lopex had a sixth sense for changing conversation topics. "Your fire is burning out," he noted. "Death will come for us soon in the form of wild animals."
As if on cue, Bruke began to fidget and snort. Lopex soothed the skittish animal and retrieved a pair of torches from his side pack. With a deft hand, he lit one of the torches from Jun's dwindling fire and held it aloft. "I'm feeling charitable today," Lopex announced. "Perhaps you would like to accompany me to the next town if it suits you?"
Jun's face lit up with delight. This was exactly what he had been hoping for all day. "Absolutely," he replied.
Lopex handed over the torch, the flames flickering as he did so, and then lit a second one on the campfire. With a deft hand, he attached the torch to Bruke's harness and the animal calmed himself. Most creatures would be spooked by having a fiery blaze that close, but Bruke seemed almost comforted by the presence of the torch.
Leading Bruke by the reins, Lopex strode back to the path. Jun followed close behind, his grip on the torch tight. The crimson glow illuminated the trail, casting an eerie light on the forest around them. The scent of burning wood and smoke-filled Jun's nostrils, making him wrinkle his nose in distaste. He had to ask, "What is this thing? It stinks horrible."
Lopex didn't miss a beat. "It's an animal-repelling torch. The scent keeps animals away, and the bright light deters bats."
"Bats? Do we have to worry about them here?"
"Oh yes. The bats in these parts can grow up to the size of a mule. They've been known to snatch small children from their beds."
Jun quickened his pace to keep up with Lopex, raising the torch high to avoid the smoke. The night was pitch black, and there was no sign of sunlight on the horizon. Only the cool, dense air surrounded them. Jun couldn't help but think about the giant bats Lopex had mentioned. Maybe they were in Brazil - they had some massive bats there. He tried to make sense of his situation, hoping that Lopex would lead him to a town where he could find answers.
As they walked in silence, Jun saw the outline of the nearby forest. He strained his eyes but couldn't make out any wolves or bats - only the looming shapes of trees. Every so often, he caught a glimpse of something massive and dark in the distance. After a few minutes, they passed by another one. Jun took the opportunity to ask Lopex, "What is that? That structure over there?"
Lopex turned his head slightly and responded, his voice laced with a hint of caution, "What you're staring at there, my friend, is an Snawfus. A creature of epic proportions, the giant elk has no natural predators, which makes them mostly harmless to humans. But be warned, they can be unpredictable."
Jun lifted his torch to get a better view of the massive beast, and his eyes widened with amazement. Lopex wasn't exaggerating - this creature was a true behemoth. Its antlers were the size of tree branches, and it towered at least three stories tall. For a moment, Jun thought it was a statue until the elk turned its head to meet his gaze, sending shivers down his spine. The sheer power and magnificence of the animal left him awestruck and terrified at the same time.
Undeterred by the presence of the Snawfus, Lopex, Bruke, and Jun pressed on, and the massive creature went about its business, munching on tree branches without a care in the world. Jun's mind raced with disbelief. He turned to Lopex and asked, "Do you know anything about Brazil? Or Africa? Or the United States?"
Lopex shook his head at each inquiry, and Jun's anxiety mounted with every "No." He rattled off every country and continent he could think of, but the response was always the same. The frustration in Jun's voice was palpable, but Lopex remained unfazed. "I've traveled far and wide," he said with a sly smile, "but it looks like you know more towns than I do. Welcome to Mertia, my friend."
As Jun lifted his gaze from the path, his eyes were met with a towering fence made of tree trunks, stretching far above his head. In the distance, the glow of a town was visible, beckoning him towards it. But before he could take a closer look, the thundering hooves of galloping horses reached his ears, flooding his senses. Just in time, Lopex grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him and Bruke off to the side of the road.
In an instant, three knights in shining white armor charged past them, wielding large melee weapons. Lopex whispered, "Alestrian Knights. They are the hand of authority around here. You don't mess with them unless you want to disappear into a dungeon for the rest of your life."
Jun's mind raced with thoughts of medieval castles and dark dungeons. He held his tongue as they stepped back onto the path and made their way into the town, protected by the towering palisade.
As they entered, Jun's worst fears were confirmed - this was not a normal town. It was a medieval town, constructed with wood panels and thatch rooftops, lacking any form of modern amenities he had grown so accustomed to.
As they made their way to the town square, Lopex turned to Jun and said, "Well, thank you for the company my friend, but this is where we part ways. I wish you the best in finding your way home."
Being polite, Jun replied, "Thank you, Lopex. I wish you the best in selling... or whatever you do."
As Lopex and Bruke walked away, Jun couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. There were no phones to call for help, no electricity to charge a phone, and no modern technology to make life tolerable. He might as well be back in the empty forest again.
To anyone else, this place may have had its own charming appeal, but to Jun, it was a nightmare. He couldn't fathom how people could live like this in the modern world.
As Jun strolled through the quaint town, he couldn't help but notice how different it was from any city he was accustomed to. The narrow and winding streets were packed with buildings that seemed to be in a constant battle for space on the bustling town square. Jun's eyes darted from one business to the next, identifying each one by their unique sign or the objects placed outside.
The blacksmith's shop, with its smoldering forge and clanging anvil, caught Jun's attention and he couldn't help but admire the skilled craftsmanship happening inside.
But as he wandered further down the labyrinthine streets, Jun found himself lost and unsure of where to go next. He passed by a dressmaker's shop, complete with a dummy sporting the latest fashions, and muttered to himself, "Looks like I found a place to get my tuxedo tailored." The next building he stumbled upon had plants hanging from the ceiling, and Jun couldn't help but smirk at the thought of a new cannabis distillery popping up in this quaint village.
Suddenly, a beggar approached him, pleading for a coin to spare. Jun had nothing to give, and he continued on his way, passing by countless dark buildings until he spotted a well-lit and bustling tavern half made of sturdy stone. At first, he thought it might be the town hall, but a closer look at the sign out front confirmed that it was indeed an old-fashioned watering hole.
As Jun stepped inside, he was taken aback by the lively scene before him. The entire town seemed to be there, drinking and singing and having a grand old time. The barkeep wasted no time in reminding Jun to leave his weapon at the door, and he complied before venturing into the crowd.
Though a few curious glances were cast his way, Jun paid them no mind, eager to find a table and enjoy the lively atmosphere. He made his way towards the back of the tavern, chuckling at the sight of a man playing a lute by the fireplace. To his right, a rowdy group of drunks laughed and shouted, but Jun found himself at ease in this welcoming and festive environment.
The day was drawing to a close, and the lively group at the bar was determined to make the most of it. Jun's eyes wandered around the room, taking in the sights and sounds. That's when he saw her - a stunning woman with long white hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. At first, he thought she was an elderly lady, but her outfit and striking gray body paint made her impossible to ignore. She was a vision of uniqueness in a sea of drunk and rowdy patrons.
Jun couldn't help but stare and his interest in her did not go unnoticed. The mysterious lady made eye contact with him, and at that moment, he was in trouble. She took a sip from her mug and warned him with a hint of danger in her voice, "Be careful. You can lose an eye if you stare like that."
Jun glanced away, but his curiosity got the best of him. He stole another glance at her youthful face, in her twenties probably, and her skin was the color of slate. Her face was smooth, without a single wrinkle, and her strength was evident by the way she carried herself. But before he could approach her, fate had other plans.
A rowdy drunk on his right bumped into him, causing Jun to lose his balance and fall forward onto the lady's table. The flimsy furniture couldn't withstand the weight, and before he knew it, they were both crashing to the ground. The room fell silent as her mug hit the floor, spilling its contents everywhere.
The lady got up with a groan, wiping food off herself in frustration. She glared at Jun, her once-beautiful face now twisted with anger. "You buffoon! No one touches a Cambrian! No one!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the room.
Jun tried to apologize, but it was too late. She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and lifted him up without effort. He was shocked by her strength, but before he could say anything, she punched him hard in the face. The impact sent him reeling, his mind spinning. He heard someone shout, "Hey, Valene! Take it outside! I'm tired of you guys breaking all my chairs!" The other patrons cheered, and soon Jun found himself being escorted out of the bar.
Despite his protests, the crowd pushed and pulled him outside into the dark town square. Jun was left to pick himself up, battered and bruised.
The crowd swarmed around them, their eager faces fixated on the spectacle before them. It was like they were waiting for something big to happen. And they got it. They got Valene.
The gray-skinned lady had a reputation for being a force to be reckoned with, and the way the crowd chanted her name like a mantra was evidence of that. "Valene! Valene! Valene!" they bellowed, their voices like thunder, building up an electric charge in the air.
Jun, on the other hand, was sweating bullets. He didn't want any trouble. He just wanted to talk things out, to clear up the misunderstanding. But it was like trying to reason with a rabid dog. Valene was itching for a fight and there was no talking her down.
"I like misunderstandings," she snarled, her eyes full of rage and her lips curled into a wicked grin. "It gives me the chance to beat up on little humans!" With that, she lunged at him with a ferocity that left Jun reeling. He tried to defend himself, to fight back. But Valene was too fast, too strong. She pummeled him with blow after blow, her fists raining down on him like a hailstorm.
Jun was no match for her. He was outclassed, outmatched, and completely out of his depth. But he wasn't about to go down without a fight. With a final burst of adrenaline, he clenched his fist and threw a haymaker that missed its mark by a long shot.
It was a fatal error. Valene seized the opportunity, delivering two more punches, and knocked him to the ground.
The crowd cheered as Valene strutted away, her head held high in victory. She spat on the ground, mocking Jun as she disappeared into the tavern. Jun lay there, battered and bruised, wondering where he had gone wrong.
Like a serpent slipping into its burrow, the crowd slithered back into the tavern, leaving Jun crumpled on the ground in a pool of his own blood. Pain surged through his battered body as he lay there, trying to make sense of what had just happened. How had everything gone so wrong? he wondered.
As Jun gazed up at the starry night sky, he heard a voice that he recognized. It was the same beggar he had encountered earlier. The beggar knelt beside him and asked, "You just gonna take that from her? You should get in there and show her what for. Either that or give up and die."
Clutching his bloody nose, Jun sighed and replied, "I will be honest, that sounds pretty good right now. I just got my ass handed to me."
The beggar chuckled, the sound of his laughter like the rustling of leaves in the wind. "You got a lot of 'quit' in your voice, my friend," he said, extending his hand. "But I'll help you up when you're ready."
Jun hesitated for a moment but decided that he wasn't ready to give up just yet. He took the beggar's hand and pulled himself to his feet, wincing in pain.
The beggar slapped him on the shoulder and said, "That's the spirit! Now go back in there and show that girl what you're made of!"
Jun winced again at the thought of another beating, but he had few choices. He trudged back into the tavern, bracing himself for the jeers and laughter that he knew would come.
Sure enough, the patrons laughed and pointed as Jun made his way to the bar. But some of the patrols who had witnessed the fight gave him a nod of respect, acknowledging his bravery in the face of defeat.
The barmaid brought him a hand towel for his injuries. He sat down at a barstool absorbed by the weight of his own self-loathing. At least his nose had stopped bleeding, he thought, trying to find a silver lining in the midst of his misery.
The bar maiden returned to her duties, as the bartender slid a tankard of ale towards Jun. With a mischievous glint in his eye, the bartender declared, "This will help. It's called the Painkiller. If anyone needs it, you do."
Jun was taken aback by the sudden generosity. He took a sip of the bitter brew. He realized it was just what he needed. The ale was a thick, heavy-bodied concoction that he wouldn't order on his wildest nights, but hey, the price was right.
As Jun savored the ale, the lively tavern began to wind down a bit. The crowd dispersed and even the bard, who had been entertaining the patrons with his music, had fallen over into a drunken slumber.
Jun chuckled at the sight of the bard passing out with his lute still in hand. Getting up from the safety of his stool, Jun stepped over to the bard. As he picked up the instrument, he couldn't resist tuning it up a bit.
Once all the strings were in tune, Jun glanced to the barkeep for approval. Then, without a moment's hesitation, Jun began to play.
The room fell silent as Jun's music filled the air. The patrons were spellbound, captivated by his skillful playing. When he finally finished, the room erupted into applause.
To his surprise, the crowd begged for more as Jun was happy to oblige. He played song after song, each one more impressive than the last. But after several rounds, his fingertips were raw, and he needed a break.
With a grateful nod to the bartender, Jun returned to his bar stool. He had made quite the impression on the tavern-goers that night, and he couldn't help but feel the slightest sense of belonging in this strange new world.
Jun was suddenly greeted with a full tankard of ale thrust into his hands by none other than his gray skinned assailant, Valene. She was much more composed now than when she was kicking his teeth in earlier. In the sweetest voice imaginable, she proposed, "Truce?"
But Jun was wary of her, leaning away as he replied, "Thanks, but no thanks. I can still taste your knuckles in my mouth." Without giving her a second chance, Jun stood up and walked past her, headed straight back to an unoccupied table in the back.
Valene took a seat beside Jun at the table. Undeterred, she pushed the "Truce offering" towards him and asked, "The offer still stands. You don't have to take it. I was just wondering, where did you learn to play like that?"
Jun was still unsure whether he could trust her, so he pushed the tankard away from himself and replied, "I learned to play in high school. My band teacher was a huge fan of the classics. He said if I was going to play guitar, he was going to teach me the best."
Valene was baffled by his answer and could only muster, "Well, I don't know where Highschool is or where you come from, but that was some beautiful music. Did you write that song, or does it have a name?" As if to entice him into answering, she slid the tankard closer to him.
Jun couldn't resist and took a long drink before replying, "It was Pink Floyd."
Valene was captivated by Jun's words, hanging on each one with the fervor of an eager student soaking up knowledge from a wise mentor. Her eyes sparkled with fascination as she exclaimed, "Fascinating! Pink? Floyd? See, I knew you weren't from around these parts, mister..."
He managed to shake off his drowsiness long enough to introduce himself, muttering, "Jun. My name is Jun. And no, I'm not from around these parts."
With a sly smile, Valene trailed off, waiting for Jun to divulge more about himself. Jun, still reeling from the effects of a long day, a fist fight, and a few too many drinks, struggled to focus.
Jun's mind began to drift, his eyelids drooping as exhaustion crept over him like a heavy blanket. Unexpectedly, a massive yawn escaped his lips, a clear sign that he was ready to call it a night. A single word escaped, "Tired."
Valene didn't waste a second as she leapt into action, her voice dripping with confidence. "Hold your tongue, my friend! Leave it to me!" With a flick of her wrist, she signaled to the bartender, and bellowed, "A room for my companion here! Put it on my tab, if you please!"
Jun was surprised by Valene's sudden generosity, but he wasn't about to question it. He rose from his seat and made his way to the bar, where the barkeep handed him a key and pointed him towards the stairs. "Up you go, lad," he slurred, "second door on the right."
As Jun stumbled towards his room, Valene prattled on beside him, her words a blur. The alcohol was already beginning to take hold, and all he wanted was to collapse into bed and sleep it off. "Look, lady," he slurred, "I don't know what your deal is, but I need some shut-eye. Can we talk in the morning?"
Valene's smile was as sweet as honey. "Of course, my friend. Rest well." With that, she backed away and disappeared down the hall.
Jun fumbled with the key, finally managing to unlock the door to his tiny room. It was little more than a bed, a nightstand, and a bucket in the corner for his bathroom needs. He didn't care. He collapsed onto the bed and was soon fast asleep, exhaustion claiming him after a long day.
The next morning brought a rude awakening. Jun opened his eyes to unfamiliar surroundings, the reality of his situation hitting him like a ton of bricks. He longed to be back in his own bed, but he was stuck in this dingy tavern room for who knew how long.
As he sat up, he felt the soreness in his muscles from the previous day's travels. He closed his eyes and tried to will himself back to reality, but it was no use. This was his new reality, whether he liked it or not.
In the night he must have kicked off his shoes. Jun put them back on and headed downstairs, before reaching the door, Jun nodded to the wait staff, collected his sword from the entrance, and stepped outside into the morning light. Even though Jun wanted nothing to do with the morning, the world around him bustled with activity, with people running their errands and getting on with their daily lives.
As Jun fixed his sword and sheath onto his belt, a familiar voice echoed in his ear, calling out his name. Valene was holding a lute under a shade of a nearby tree. She waved at him and approached, "Jun of High School. Did you forget something?"
Double checking his outfit, Jun fired back, "Not that I am aware of. Why?"
Without a word, Valene held out the lute for Jun to take.
Realizing her mistake, Jun corrected her saying, "That is not mine. I just borrowed it."
Valene handed it to him and added, "I know, but when the bard woke up from his drunken stupor, I bought it from him for thirteen coins… And now I am giving it to you."
Less than twelve hours ago, she had handed him a brutal defeat for no real reason. It was only natural for Jun to be skeptical of Valene's sudden generosity. He asked, "What is your angle in all of this? Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth."
In a flash, Valene's demeanor changed as she realized her ruse was up, and she confessed, "Actually, I was going to interest you in a business proposition."
Confused by her words, Jun replied, "What business?"
Valene brandished her spear, the glint in her eye betraying her fierce determination. With a metallic clang, she struck her shield on her back and spoke with conviction, "Protection."
Jun hesitated, worried that he had nothing to offer in return for her offer. He didn't even have enough coins to repay her for the guitar she had given him. "I'm broke. I don't have anything to pay you with."
Valene was quick to reassure him, sensing the potential that lay within him. "Don't sell yourself short, Jun," she said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "You've got a gift that people will pay to hear. And with me by your side, you'll have the protection you need to travel from town to town and make a fortune with your music."
Jun admired her confidence. "But I'm not that good," he protested weakly.
Valene wouldn't hear it, cutting him off with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Nonsense! You're Jun of Highschool, trained by the Legendary Floyd himself!"
Jun felt a flicker of joy in her mis telling his words. "Okay, none of that is accurate. You are just throwing words together at this point." he said with a smile.
Valene saw the spark in his eyes and put one arm around him. "Friend, I know an opportunity when I see it. You and I are going to make a lot of coins together. You need food to eat, warm clothes on your back. This works out for both of us. And you know what they say, once you befriend a Cambrian, you have yourself a friend for life."
Jun considered her offer for a moment, weighing the risks against the potential rewards. He had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. With a deep breath, he made his decision. "Okay."
Valene didn't skip a beat after the deal was done. She let out a wild cackle and brandished her spear, declaring, "Alright partner, we're on our way to greatness!" Jun slung his lute over his shoulder and trailed behind her, eager to see where their adventures would lead them next.
But before they could even make it out of town, the blaring of horns interrupted their journey. Jun paused to locate the source of the commotion, but Valene gave him a sharp jab in the shoulder, warning him to keep quiet. "Whoever that is, it's none of our business," she advised.
As they stood there, three Alestrian Knights thundered into the town square on their horse. In the light of day, Jun could finally inspect them, each one wearing identical white robes and armor. The reaction of the townspeople to the knights was mixed. Some kept walking while averted their gazes, while others hurried indoors to avoid being seen.
Valene tugged at Jun's sleeve, urging him to move along, but he couldn't take his eyes off the knights. One of them bellowed out orders from a book, announcing a "Quaerere" under the orders of the mighty King Alestro. Villagers groaned at the announcement, and the knights began searching the buildings one by one.
Valene's sense of urgency had taken root as she drug Jun toward the palisade. Jun stole one last glance over his shoulder, as he wondered - What were they looking for? The question nagged at him as they disappeared out of sight.
As they stepped out of the city walls, Jun signaled for Valene to slow down. Her legs were strong, and she had been leading the way by some distance. Jun caught up, as Valene apologized, "Sorry, I am not used to working with others."
They continued to walk as Jun picked her brain, "So are you going to explain all that?" Jun pointed back toward the village and replied, "The Knights, performing a Quaerere, or maybe why you wanted to leave town so bad?"
A bellowing laughter fell over Valene as she stated, "Those Knights are nothing more than assassins for the throne. King Alestro uses them to keep the people in line. The Quaerere is just a fancy word for forced search. They do it all the time."
As they strolled along, a hush descended upon them, broken only by the soft rustling of their footsteps. As they rounded a bend, a magnificent sight greeted them - an open field awash with the golden rays of the morning sun, and a collection of creatures frolicking about in sunlight.
A regal Snawfus Elk, with its majestic antlers held high, was leisurely munching on leaves from a nearby tree while sprightly deer and rabbits scampered about, adding a touch of whimsy to the idyllic scene. It was a sight that stole Jun's breath away, and he paused to take it all in.
After a spell of silence, Jun piped up with a curious question. "So, you're afraid of being searched?"
Valene's response was quick and sharp, her tone cutting like a blade. "I am afraid of nothing! But nobody likes being searched!"
Jun, shocked by her aggressive stance on the matter, tried to ease the tension. "Ah, right, I remember now. You don't like to be touched. I learned that first hand last night. I wasn't trying to be rude or anything, I have just never seen someone so... gray."
"I'm a Cambrian of the mountain clay," Valene declared with pride as she tossed her spear over her shoulder and flexed her impressive muscles.
Jun furrowed his brow, struggling to comprehend her words. "Mountain clay? Is that why you are wearing that body paint? You cover yourself in clay?"
Valene let out an exasperated sigh. "What? No, I do not wear the mountain clay. I am mountain clay." She held out her hand and added, "You can touch. Just this once."
Reaching out with one hand, Jun touched Valene's skin with two fingers, marveling at its firm yet smooth texture that was reminiscent of clay. A moment of hesitation passed before he withdrew his hand, a question lingering on his lips. "Wait, so you're made of clay?" he blurted out, unable to contain his confusion.
Valene resumed walking, her stride graceful and confident. "We are born from the volcanic mud pits that spew life-giving clay from the ground," she explained, "The spark of life is given to the clay, and within a few months, an infant is born in the spawning pools. Haven't you heard of this?"
Jun's mind was blown by the revelation. He repeated, "So, you're born from mud?"
"Clay," Valene corrected, pointing to the scar on her face. "Now you understand. It takes weeks for the clay to set, months for this wound to heal."
Jun smiled, trying to wrap his head around the concept. "But if you are made of clay, how do you not dry out?" he asked.
Valene reached for her canteen, dangling from her belt. "Water," she said simply. "Every creature requires it to live. Don't act like you're surprised." With a flick of her wrist, she removed the cap and took a sip.
Jun nodded slowly, still struggling to comprehend the strangeness of it all. "Well, I don't fully understand it," he admitted. "But I guess I've seen stranger things in the last twenty-four hours."
As they walked, Jun and Valene chatted about various topics, their conversation flowing like that of old friends. Time seemed to pass quickly, the sun high in the sky indicating that it must have been about noon. When Valene pointed out a shady tree for a break, Jun accepted the hand sized piece of dried meat she offered him. It may not have been much, but to his empty stomach, it was a veritable feast.
Savoring every morsel of his meal, Jun lounged in the shade, basking in the tranquility of the moment. Alas, their lunch was disrupted by the incoming gallop of a horse. Valene's eyes bulged with alarm as she gathered her belongings and took cover behind a bush. Without a word, Jun followed suit, sensing the urgency of the situation.
As they peered out from their hiding place, a band of riders zoomed past at breakneck speed, coming from the direction of Mertia village. Jun counted at least six or seven of them.
Before Jun could speak a word, Valene hushed him by clamping a hand over his mouth. The riders soon vanished from sight, leaving the duo to ponder their hasty departure.
As they were about to emerge from their hiding place, a lone rider appeared on the horizon, his slumped figure perched on the back of his horse. A trickle of blood ran down the animal's flank, raising Valene's suspicion. She darted out from behind the bush, dashing towards the rider with lightning speed. She yanked him off the horse and laid him on the ground.
Jun rushed to her side, his mind racing with questions. Did Valene know this man? Who was he? What had happened to him? His heart sank as Valene asked, "Bryxton? What has happened?"
Turning to Jun, Valene stated, "This is the blacksmith from Mertia village. I fear something terrible has happened."
The sight of Brxyton's gaping wound filled Jun with dread, realizing that the man needed urgent medical attention. But in this land, there were no hospitals, no doctors to turn to.
Helpless, Jun watched as Valene tended to the wounded man, her voice shaking with emotion as she implored him to stay alive.
Bryxton's lips remained sealed shut, and he didn't utter a single word. It was as if his tongue had turned to stone, and his voice had vanished into thin air. The weight of his despair was too much to bear, and he couldn't bring himself to engage in a conversation.
A gloomy raindrop plopped onto Bryxton's face. But it wasn't a drop of rain. It was a tear from Valene's eye. Seeing her friend in such a dejected state was too much for Valene to bear, and she couldn't keep her headstrong demeanor any longer.
Jun was left speechless, lost for words to console her. But then, the sound of hooves broke the silence, and their attention was diverted. With her inhuman strength, Valene lifted Bryxton's body and dashed towards a hiding spot behind a bush, leaving Jun no choice but to follow her lead.
They took cover out of sight as the riders approached their position and came to a halt. Jun peered around the trunk of a nearby tree and saw two Alestrian Knights on their horses. Their white cloths, armor, and weapons sparkled in the sunlight like diamonds.
Bryxton's horse, left unattended, had given away their location, and the Knights knew someone was nearby. Jun and Valene remained silent, making no noise whatsoever. Suddenly, one of the Knights bellowed, "Come out! Show yourself!"
Jun didn't flinch a muscle, unwilling to end up like Bryxton. For the second time, the Knights called out, "In the name of King Alestro, show yourself!"
Jun and Valene didn't budge, and their silence spoke volumes. The two riders dismounted their horses, brandishing their weapons, and advanced into the tree line.
One of the Knights carried a flail with a spiked ball on the end, while the other wielded a steel sword and shield. The crest of the King in blue was emblazoned on the white shield.
Jun couldn't believe that King Alestro allowed these ruthless killers to roam the countryside in his name, terrorizing innocent people.
There was hardly any time for debate - the Knights were on their way, and fast. Valene wasted no time in laying Braxton's body gently on the grass, then quietly grabbing her spear and wooden shield. She leaned in close to Jun and whispered, "Get ready."
Jun shook his head, his heart pounding with terror. He wasn't a trained fighter, and the two Knights that approached them now had every advantage. But with a quick mind and a burst of bravery, Jun came up with a plan.
He would run.
Without warning, Jun leapt to his feet with a ferocious war cry, brandishing his rusty sword and charging towards the bushes. The Knights stood their ground, weapons at the ready, but Jun didn't engage them. Instead, he ran straight at them, stopping only to hurl his sword in their direction. It clanged against their shields and fell to the ground.
Turning on his heel, Jun sprinted north as fast as his legs could carry him, screaming at the top of his lungs. The Knights were baffled, shouting for him to stop, but Jun paid them no heed. They gave chase, but with all their armor and gear, they couldn't keep pace with him.
After thirty seconds of pursuit, Jun realized he was outrunning them. He doubled back towards the road and the horse, his muscles aching from exertion but his mind clear with purpose. The Knights were still following him, barking orders that fell on deaf ears.
With a surge of relief, Jun realized he had a plan. He clambered onto Bryxton's horse as quickly as he could, checking over his shoulder to make sure the Knights were still in pursuit. They were.
This cunning plan had everything going for it... except for one tiny detail. Jun didn't know the first thing about horseback riding. With a fierce determination in his eyes, he snatched up the reins and let out a battle cry: "Heya!"
Well, that was all it took to get the horse charging forward. The beast careened off into the forest, with Jun clinging to the saddle for dear life. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the two Knights mounting up on their own horses, galloping after him with unbridled fury.
As panic set in, Jun steered his mount off the beaten path and into a clearing, urging the horse to go faster and faster. But it seemed like he couldn't shake his pursuers. Every time he dared to look back, the Knights were right on his tail.
Jun took solace in the fact that Valene and Bryxton were safe... but at what cost? He had put his own life in danger just to save theirs, and the weight of that sacrifice was starting to hit him hard.
Still, he pressed on, ducking, and weaving through the wilderness with his relentless pursuers hot on his heels. And then...there it was. A Snawfus Elk, grazing by the roadside. It was the answer to all of Jun's problems.
Without a second thought, Jun whipped out his trusty lute and held it aloft like a weapon. With a skill that would make any baseball player proud, he aimed a swift blow at the Elk's nether regions.
But as the creature let out a bloodcurdling scream, Jun realized too late that he had made a grave mistake. His horse reared up in terror, throwing him to the ground as the Elk thrashed and roared in agony.
The sound of the beast's mighty roar echoed through the air, striking fear into the hearts of the two brave Knights. Their once steady hands now trembled with terror as they turned their galloping horses around the ferocious creature. One of the riders seeking an escape veered off to the south, while the other attempted to turn north.
But alas, the Snawfus Elk was not one to be trifled with. With a swift shift of its weight, the beast locked onto the ill-fated Knight and struck with a powerful backward kick of its hind leg that sent the Knight hurtling to the ground, pieces of his armor and blood flew high into the air.
Despite dodging the brunt of the attack, the Knight's horse was not about to stick around for more. It galloped towards the safety of the nearby trees, leaving its owner behind to face the wrath of the Snawfus Elk on his own.
Without skipping a beat, the Snawfus Elk whipped its head around, focusing its gaze on the second Knight barreling south. With a graceful stride, the majestic creature galloped toward its prey, its branch-like antlers slicing through the air with a menacing force.
As the Snawfus Elk closed in on the unsuspecting Knight, dust exploded into the air and the horse shrieked in terror. The Elk seized the pair in its antlers, flinging them through the air like a child throwing a toy.
The Knight and his mount crashed to the ground in a heap, the horse now a crippled and broken mess. The Snawfus Elk continued its assault, sweeping its colossal antlers back and forth over the helpless Knight until all that remained was a cloud of dirt.
Jun waited in the safety of the tall grass, his heart pounding as he realized the truth in Lopex's warning. The Snawfus Elk truly had no natural predators.
Satisfied that its threats had been vanquished, the Elk gave itself a quick lick and sauntered away, as if nothing had happened at all. Jun waited until the creature was well out of sight before daring to stand up, his gratitude for being spared overwhelming.
Approaching the Knight's broken form, Jun surveyed the carnage. The once-proud warrior's armor had been no match for the sheer power of the Elk's massive hooves, and even his shield lay in ruins. Yet, his sword remained.
Jun reached down and loosened the belt, carefully sliding the Knight's sword from its scabbard. The glimmering blade dazzled in the sun as he gazed at the intricate designs etched into the hilt, a proud symbol of the Royal family's impeccable craftsmanship. Jun couldn't help but marvel at the sword's beauty, realizing that it was a major upgrade from his own rusty blade.
As he glanced around at the desolate surroundings, Jun felt a hint of sorrow for the two fallen riders. They didn't deserve to meet their end like this. But he couldn't dwell on their unfortunate fate for long. He had to stay focused on his own survival in this foreign land, without a mount to ride or any clear sense of direction.
Except for one thing. Valene had mentioned a new town to the east. Perhaps that was all he needed.
With renewed determination, Jun fixed the new sword onto his waist and began his walk to the east. He had no idea what other dangers lay ahead in this unfamiliar world, but he knew that he had to find Valene or some other sign of civilization before the sun set.
Who knew what other surprises and secrets this land held, waiting to be discovered by Jun's brave and daring spirit.