After some time, Damon approached Johan and extended his support, saying, "Hey, don't worry. We're by your side. I'll protect you from anyone." Annoyed, Johan retorted, "What can you do? You're far weaker than me, and you want to protect me? Don't make me laugh."
Damon, taken aback, responded, "Hey, I was just trying to comfort you. Besides, you're much younger than me. You should call me 'big brother' from now on." Johan scoffed, saying, "As if I'll say that cringe word to you."
Damon, growing frustrated, retorted, "Do you want me to kick your ass?" Johan smirked and replied, "I'd like to see you try."
Their exchange escalated the tension between them. Damon, usually calm and composed, was pushed to his limit. He clenched his fists, contemplating his next move. However, taking a deep breath, he managed to regain his composure and reminded himself that Johan had been through a lot.
Damon turned to Johan with a stern expression and said, "Today, I won't punch you, but be ready for next time. I'm going to knock you out for sure." Johan, undeterred, retorted, "Even as a baby, I could knock you out."
Damon's anger flared up, and he snapped back, "What did you say?!" He glanced at Sani, seeking some support, and said, "Look, Sani, this fool is getting on my nerves."
Sani, trying to diffuse the situation, quickly interjected, "Okay, okay, let's not fight. We need to move forward now; we're spending too much time here."
Damon took a deep breath, attempting to regain his composure. He knew that escalating the conflict wouldn't lead to a resolution. Turning to Johan, he said, "Fine, let's put this aside for now. But don't think I'll let it slide next time."
Johan smirked, seemingly satisfied with Damon's reaction. Sani, sensing the tension, stepped in and said, "Guys, remember why we're here. We need to support each other and focus on our goal. Fighting amongst ourselves won't get us anywhere."
Damon chuckled and responded, "Sani, sometimes I forget that you're 10 years old. Haha, it really feels like I'm talking to an adult." Annoyed, Sani shot back, "Almost 11, remember??" Damon nodded and replied, "Yeah, yeah."
After walking for nearly four hours, Damon, Johan, and Sani successfully navigated through the forest, encountering no issues along the way. They made steady progress, ultimately managing to exit the forest unscathed.
After finally escaping the forest, Damon exclaimed, "Finally out of this forest! What a long journey." Johan swiftly responded, "Don't celebrate yet; it still takes an hour to reach the town. There's no time to rest." Annoyed, Damon retorted, "Yes, yes, I know that. Just let me rest for a second." Sani chimed in, agreeing with Johan, "Johan is right. We have to move forward before sunset. Reaching the town is our priority." Damon, frustrated, replied to Sani, "Not you too. Alright, let's go then." Understanding the urgency, they set off towards the town, putting rest aside for the moment.
As they walked towards the town, Damon grew curious and turned to Sani, asking, "What type of place are we going to?" Sani smirked mischievously and replied, "You'll know when we get there." Damon persisted, "Why can't you tell me now?" Seeking answers, he turned to Johan, who responded, "Just wait and see." Damon's frustration grew, and he exclaimed, "Whaaaat?" Feeling teased by the secrecy, Damon couldn't help but wonder what awaited them in the mysterious town.
After their long journey, they arrived at a bustling town where people were dancing with joy. The town was adorned with magnificent buildings, lively casinos, and a bustling market. Every place was thoughtfully designed, radiating an air of grandeur. The streets were filled with a heavily populated crowd, engrossed in various activities like buying and selling goods, carrying out their work, and, of course, dancing. Known as "the beginning and the ending" town, it was aptly named Kashi Town. Its vibrant atmosphere and vibrant people hinted at the town's reputation for new beginnings and unforgettable experiences.
After entering the town, Damon inquired, "Sani, what does this town signify? Why is it called the 'beginning and the ending' town?" Sani gestured towards a large boulder nearby and replied, "Do you see that big boulder over there?" Damon confirmed, noticing the crowd gathered around it, and asked, "What's happening there?" Johan suggested, "Let's go there and find out." Curiosity piqued, they made their way towards the intriguing gathering near the boulder.
When they reached the gathering, Damon observed a peculiar sight. A sword was firmly lodged in the side of the boulder, and a crowd of people attempted to pull it out. Perplexed, Damon questioned, "Why is that sword stuck there? And why are people trying to pull it out?"
Sani explained, "That sword is the reason why this town is known as the 'beginning and the ending' town." Intrigued, Damon inquired further, "What does it have to do with the sword?"
Sani began recounting the town's history, "Around 400 years ago, there was a man who wielded that sword. It was during that time that the power system was established, coinciding with the appearance of numerous 'Gufa' caves. People gained powers from these caves and became consumed by greed, considering themselves godlike. They formed countless groups, attacking and plundering various places."
Damon realized, "So, that's when this power system originated. But what happened afterward?"
How did this Kashi person manage to defeat all those powerful groups?"
Sani replied, "Legends say that Kashi Nath possessed unrivaled strength. His sword was said to be so powerful that no other power could compare."
Damon was astounded, "Thousand groups of people with powers, and a single person defeated them all? Just how strong was this Kashi?"
Sani nodded, "Indeed, Kashi was an extraordinary individual. His skill and power were unparalleled."
He couldn't have done without that sword.
Still bewildered, Damon questioned, "But why is the sword stuck in the boulder?"
Sani answered, "Kashi himself lodged the sword into the boulder. It is indestructible, and if it were to fall into the wrong hands, it would bring about destruction. Kashi chanted a spell, ensuring that only a worthy person could wield the sword. No one has been able to pull it out in the past 400 years."
Damon absorbed the gravity of the situation. "So, the sword serves as a seal, preventing anyone unworthy from accessing its power. It's a symbol of protection and serves as a reminder of the responsibility it entails," he concluded.
The tale of Kashi and the mysterious sword left Damon in awe. He couldn't help but wonder if there was someone out there who could prove themselves worthy and release the sword, possibly to confront new challenges that lay ahead.
Johan reminded Damon and Sani, "Alright, it's time to go now." Sani agreed, adding, "Yes, you're right. There's something I'd like to buy here too." Sani turned towards Damon and said, "Let's go, Damon." However, Damon's attention remained fixated on the sword. He couldn't tear his gaze away and uttered a single sentence,
"I want that sword."
CHAPTER 6 ENDS
NEXT
CHAPTER 7- FIRST COMMANDER