Chereads / Masked Knight : Enigma / Chapter 9 - Vortisun Desert!

Chapter 9 - Vortisun Desert!

Hayato continued his journey, the wind rushing past him as he rode through the open road. His mind was filled with thoughts of their next destination. He glanced at his phone, realizing he needed some guidance.

Hayato: "Where should we go next?"

Luna's voice echoed through the speakers of his phone.

Luna: "Hayato, I suggest we head east, towards the Vortisun Desert. There's something intriguing waiting for us there."

Hayato nodded in agreement and adjusted his course, directing his motorcycle towards the east. After a few hours of riding, the landscape began to change, signifying their arrival in the Vortisun Desert.

Just as Hayato was starting to appreciate the desert's beauty, his peaceful ride was rudely interrupted by a group of bandits blocking the road ahead. They appeared menacing, demanding a ransom from him in order to pass through.

Bandit 1: "Well, well, look what we have here. A lone traveler. Hand over your money if you want to cross our territory unharmed."

Hayato smirked, unimpressed by their threats.

Hayato: "You must be joking if you think I'll pay you."

Bandit 2: "You've got some nerve, old man! We'll teach you a lesson."

Hayato revved the engine of his bike, taunting the bandits as he prepared to make his move. Without hesitation, one of the bandits charged towards him, attempting to catch Hayato off guard.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Hayato accelerated his bike and skillfully maneuvered around the charging bandit. In a swift motion, he struck the bandit with his bike, sending him crashing into his comrades.

Bandit 3: "What the hell? Get him, you fools!"

The remaining bandits, infuriated by their fallen comrades, launched a coordinated attack on Hayato. But Hayato, displaying his exceptional combat skills, used his bike as a weapon, hitting the bandits with precise strikes.

Several bandits fell unconscious, their heads connecting with Hayato's powerful blows. However, to Hayato's surprise, three bandits stood their ground, unfazed by the attacks.

Bandit 4: "You're not getting away so easily, punk!"

One of the bandits reached into his pocket and pulled out a peculiar coin, consuming it without hesitation. Immediately, his body began to bulge, and a dense aura of evil surrounded him.

Bandit 4: "Prepare to die!"

Hayato dismounted his bike, drawing his katana from his waist. He assumed a formidable swordmaster stance, ready to face the transformed bandit.

Hayato: "Come at me if you dare!"

Luna's voice resonated in his ears, warning him of something amiss.

Luna: "Hayato, there's something strange about that bandit. Be careful!"

The massive bandit charged towards Hayato, attempting to grab him in his enlarged hands. Hayato swiftly evaded the attack, leaping backward with agility.

Hayato: "You're faster than you look, but I won't be defeated so easily!"

Hayato swung his katana, aiming to strike the bandit. However, his attack had no effect. The bandit's skin had transformed into an impenetrable, metal-like defense.

Hayato: "What? Did Edgar give me a dull blade?"

Hayato's frustration grew, realizing that the issue lay not with his katana but with the bandit's extraordinary defense.

The bandit grinned menacingly, confident in his newfound power.

Bandit 4: "You're in for a world of pain, little warrior!"

As Hayato faced the seemingly indestructible bandit, he hesitated to use his EnigDriver against a fellow human. However, before he could make a decision, a swift and precise strike pierced through the air, impaling the bandit's chest from behind.

Hayato: (surprised) "What...?"

The bandit fell to the ground, lifeless, as Hayato and the remaining two bandits looked around, bewildered. A figure emerged from the shadows, revealing himself to be a skilled warrior wielding a spear.

Warrior (Gunes): "Greetings, travelers. I am Gunes, a warrior of the Auran Tribes."

Hayato's eyes widened with amazement as he observed Gunes' display of skill.

Hayato: "Thank you for your timely intervention. I am Hayato, a lone adventurer in search of nearby towns or villages."

Gunes: "Hayato, you're fortunate our paths have crossed. Allow us to guide you to our village."

Hayato nodded gratefully, accepting Gunes' offer. The other two bandits, now subdued by Gunes' comrades, lay on the ground, defeated.

Hayato: "Lead the way, Gunes."

With Gunes leading the way, Hayato ejected the Platinum EnigMod from his phone, causing his bike to dematerialize into thin air. The Aurans observed in astonishment as the strange mount vanished without a trace, but they remained silent, respecting Hayato's unique abilities.

They walked together towards the northeast for approximately 20 minutes until they reached the Auran village. Gunes introduced the settlement as Vortinus Village, home to the Auran Tribes.

Gunes: "Welcome to Vortinus Village, Hayato. Here, you'll experience the vibrant life that thrives amidst this seemingly desolate desert."

Hayato admired the bustling activity within the village, finding it hard to believe that such a lively community existed in the middle of the desert.

Hayato: "It's incredible how you've created such a lively place in this harsh environment."

Gunes: "We adapt and survive, harnessing the resources the desert provides. Our unity and resilience have allowed us to flourish."

As they strolled through the village, Hayato absorbed the sights and sounds, captivated by the Auran way of life. The villagers greeted them with warm smiles, their daily routines painting a picture of strength and determination.

Hayato: "I'm grateful to have found this haven in the desert. I look forward to learning more about your tribe."

Gunes: "You are welcome among us, Hayato."

Hayato's journey had taken an unexpected turn, leading him to the mysterious Auran Tribes and their flourishing village. Little did he know that his encounters in Vortinus Village would shape his destiny and reveal a new chapter in his adventurous tale.

Gunes led Hayato through the village, guiding him to the dwelling of the elder. As they arrived at the elder's abode, Gunes introduced Hayato to the venerable figure who sat patiently, awaiting their arrival.

Gunes: "Elder, this is Hayato. He encountered the bandits on his way here, and I had to intervene."

Elder: "Welcome, Hayato. Please, have a seat."

Hayato took a seat as Gunes stood beside him, both attentive to the elder's words.

Hayato: "Elder, I am curious about the bandit who consumed the strange coin. What happened to him? His transformation was unsettling."

The elder leaned forward, his wise eyes filled with ancient knowledge.

Elder: "Ah, the legend of Erdgigant. It is said to be a colossal humanoid creature made of living stone, covered in vibrant green moss and vegetation. It wields a massive stone hammer and resides deep within the heart of this desert."

Hayato nodded, intrigued by the elder's explanation.

Hayato: "And the coin he consumed? What was its significance?"

Elder: "Those coins are remnants of Erdgigant's power. Consuming them grants temporary strength but also corrupts the individual, transforming them into a formidable opponent."

Hayato absorbed the information, his mind envisioning the legend of Erdgigant unfolding before him.

Hayato: "I see. It's crucial to be cautious around those coins and their effects."

Gunes chimed in, eager to share his own story.

Gunes: "Elder, Hayato is also curious about my spear. How did it pierce through the bandit's chest?"

The elder smiled, acknowledging Gunes' inquiry.

Elder: "Gunes wields the Giganto Spear, a weapon crafted from remnants of Erdgigant itself. Though it may not appear grandiose, its true power lies within. It is a weapon forged to pierce through even the toughest defenses."

Hayato nodded, appreciating the hidden strength within Gunes' unassuming spear.

Hayato: "Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Elder. I must excuse myself now to explore the village and learn more about the Auran Tribes."

Elder: "Of course, Hayato. Feel free to immerse yourself in our culture and meet our people. Gunes will be your guide."

Hayato stood up, expressing his gratitude, and left the elder's dwelling. Gunes led him on a leisurely stroll through the village, introducing him to various villagers along the way.

As they meandered through the bustling streets, Hayato's stomach grumbled loudly, betraying his hunger. Gunes noticed and led him to a nearby tavern, where they found an empty table.

Gunes: "Hayato, you must try our specialty, Saffron Mirage Curry. It's a delicacy you won't want to miss."

Hayato agreed, his curiosity piqued by the unique dish.

Gunes called out to the owner of the tavern, a friendly man named Sam, and requested two portions of Saffron Mirage Curry and some water.

Sam returned shortly, serving their orders with a smile.

Sam: "Here you go, gentlemen. Enjoy your meal."

Gunes and Hayato expressed their gratitude as they delved into the aromatic curry.

Sam, intrigued by the presence of a newcomer.

Sam: "Gunes, who is this new friend you've brought to our village?"

Gunes explained their circumstances, introducing Hayato as an adventurer who had his way blocked by the bandit.

Gunes: "Sam, this is Hayato. He seeks refuge in Vortinus Village and wishes to learn more about our tribe."

Sam nodded, extending a warm welcome to Hayato.

Sam: "It's a pleasure to have you here, Hayato. Feel free to explore and indulge in the wonders of our village. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask."

Hayato thanked Sam, savoring the flavors of the Saffron Mirage Curry as he embraced the warm hospitality of the Auran Tribes in Vortinus Village.