"So, uh— the last few chapters were pretty intense, huh?" I asked Daisy.
"I didn't know daddy was such a playboy," she answered.
"Do tell, I didn't know about so many things either," said someone behind me.
Gah! It's my wife. I totally didn't realised that she was behind me listening to the story.
"Well um, I might have said a little too much on the details. You'll forgive me, right? It's all in the past," I started sweating buckets. I can feel my pants getting wet from all the forming sweats.
"Oh don't worry, I'll forgive you. Do continue your story and don't skip on any juicy bits," said my wife with a scary expression. I might have to sleep on the couch tonight. Please lord, have mercy on my pitiful soul.
"Alright, the next part story is going to be start of the Moon section. This will be the last part of the story until the very end. Get ready your harness because it's gonna be a roller coaster ride," I told them excitedly.
Both of them stared at me with a confused look. I forgot that I start spouting nonsense when I get excited. I really need to keep myself in check and stop blabbering things that doesn't make sense.
"Mommy, why does daddy always say weird things that makes no sense?" asked my daughter.
"It's his curse, my little Daisy. He tend to says weird things that no one seems to understand. Sometimes when I ask him on what it is, even he doesn't know about it either. I'm glad you don't have his curse, my child," said my wife as she patted Daisy's head.
"Do you really have to put it like that, my dear wifey?" I asked with a pitiful face.
"Are you gonna start your story, or do you want to sleep outside tonight?" she smiled dangerously at me.
Hie! Alright I better start now before my death approaches. But where do I begin? Hmm—
***
I yawned even though it was still morning. Things had relatively calmed down after a few years passed. I still remembered that night when I just enlisted as a soldier the day before. We were all suddenly ordered to search the entire City Of Pines just to look for this Zen Hawthorn fella. But we ended up finding nothing even after many nights of searching. He must had escaped way before we even began searching. According to some soldiers, they saw a couple who fits the description fleeing from the city in the cover of night. But they weren't the only escapees reported leaving. Despite our best efforts to put the whole city on lockdown, there were still some people who managed to sneak out.
I am certain that this Hawthorn guy had already left the city a long time ago. Why would he continue staying here when he's literally the most wanted person in the city? But honestly speaking, why was he even a wanted person in the first place? I asked so many of my colleagues and commanding officers and all them just said "Queen's orders"and shrugged. What the hell are his charges exactly?
According to all the guilds that the soldiers interrogated, he was just an accomplished adventurer. Some even called him a hero. The Dark and Viking guild in particular was not happy to see us at all. An all out war between the soldiers and these two guilds almost erupted that night. I'm so glad it did not occurred as there was no way we soldiers would not stand a chance against them.
I yawned once more. There was barely any foot traffic ever since the city went on full lockdown. Many people were avoiding City Of Pines now that the Queen ordered every single person that wishes to enter the city to be checked for verification and their belongings searched. As though he will want to come back here. I most certainly won't, if I were him. The Queen single-handedly made the city unbearable to visit or enter due to such restrictions in place. Traders would rather head towards the port or other locations within this continent than to come here. Of course the Queen would not allow the city to be devoid of any trading. She ensured that a few of the traders to do their tradings exclusively here by offering them attractive prices compared to anywhere else on this continent. Otherwise, this would be a dead city by now with such horrible economy. All these trouble just for one guy.
At least the adventurer guilds are still in good business. Blooming in demand, I would say. There was no shortage of monsters at all. As a matter of fact, it would seemed as though more monsters were starting to lurk closer to our city as of late. Maybe the adventurers were not doing their jobs as a form of retaliation. This means that us soldiers would have to pick up their slacks! Hell no, I don't wanna to fight monsters. I didn't sign up to fight those things. Those adventurers are nuts for even considering to fight such menacing creatures.
I yawned out loud once again. What a hot summer. I hope this day would end quicker so I can dip into a nice cold bath at the end of the day.
"If you yawn once more, just one more time, I swear I'll sock you in the nuts," grumbled Jim.
He was my partner today. We were both tasked with guarding the Southern entrance. Not that he's the only one stationed here though but he happened to the one standing next to me.
"Sorry, didn't slept well yesterday," I said to him.
"I don't care what happened. If you keep yawning, you're gonna make me sleepy too, so stop it," he scolded.
He's right though. I should stop yawning and focus on my job. I removed my helmet to clapped my face cheeks. Hopefully that's good enough to keep myself awake. But I don't know how long that'll last before I start to feel bored again. I wish something exciting would happen today.
Just then, someone can be seen walking towards the city from the main road. Is he planning to enter? Not to mention he's wearing a black cloak. Uh— that's not good. The person we're searching for is fond of wearing a black cloak. Please don't be him. Please don't be him!
All of us stood to attention at the sight of this person. We couldn't see his face as he covered it with his hood. If this is really him, we are screwed. I can literally see dark aura flowing behind him as he approached us. This isn't good. Jim started shouting at him.
"Who goes there? Show your face before approaching any closer!" he shouted at the hooded figure.
He ignored us and continued to walk closer to all of us. We held our spears and sword at this individual approaching us. The situation is getting even more tensed the closer he approached with every step. Damn it, why the hell did I wish for something exciting to happen?! Screw my life!
All of us could only stare at this individual who continued to walk closer while ignoring all of our orders. He stopped short of our spear pointed end and removed his hood. What the hell, this person is stupidly handsome. This is definitely not the person we're looking for. All of us held out our hand-drawn poster of Zen Hawthorn. He only has minimal resemblance to this wanted person. There is the lazy hair standing up. But his face features are not even remotely close. This person is also much taller that the person we are looking for.
"State your business, designation and name," I asked him.
"Looking for a job with the adventurer's guild. Designation, Dark Wanderer. Name— Soong Jean-Wuu," he answered.
***
"Pfffttt— AHAHAHAHAHA!!!!," my wife started laughing uncontrollably.
Both Daisy and I just stared at her while she continued to laugh.
"Ahhh yes, YES! I remember you using that undercover name before! Ahahahaha!!" she continued to laugh uncontrollably.
"What's so funny, mommy?" asked Daisy.
"Ahh— I'm sorry, Daisy. The undercover name that your daddy uses is not a name that we use in this world. We often used flowers, plants or trees as part of our name. But your daddy here decided to use some weird ass name that was completely unheard of. Seriously, why use that name, Zen?" she asked as she wiped away the happy tears at the edge of her eyes.
"H— hey, that is a famous name, alright? He was a cool general who often wore black and could control armies. I just— forgot how to spell his name but I remembered it being something like that," I explained to her.
"Famous in where exactly? None of us had ever heard of such a name before. He certainly didn't exist in this world. Are you sure this is not one of your curse again?" she asked.
"Y— yes, I'm sure. It is a famous name that everyone knew. Can I continue with the story now?" I squinted at her.
"Yes, you may. Sorry for interrupting. I just couldn't help it," she fixed her posture as she almost started laughing again.
I squinted at her again before I started. How dare you laugh at that name. I worshipped that guy, damn it. Or at the very least, I think so? My mind is getting more and more muddled as I grow older. Old age must have been catching up to me even though I still looked young.
***
"W— what kind of name is that? You're messing with us, aren't you?!" I demanded him to explain.
"It's the name that my father gave me. If you have qualms with it then take it up with him. I am fed-up with people constantly questioning my name. And I'm also unarmed with no weapons with me. Do you soldiers point your weapons at an unarmed man these days?" he gave us a scary glare.
Is it just me or did his eyes glowed earlier? We really shouldn't mess with him any longer. And it would appear what he said was true, I don't see any weapons on him.
"S— sure. You don't look like the person we are looking for so you may enter. Do not cause any trouble while you're in there," said Jim.
"I won't. Once I'm done, I'll be leaving here soon," he replied.
He walked past us and I swear I can literally see dark auras leaking out of him. All the hairs on my forearm and behind my neck was standing when he walked by me. He could had taken all of us out if he wanted to despite being unarmed. I certainly do not want any trouble with this person. The further he is from us, the better.
We thought he would be going straight to the adventurer's guild but he stopped at the information board and stared at a specific scroll hung up there. He grabbed the scroll and came running back to us. Why the hell are you coming back?!
"Is this tournament still available for registration?" he asked us.
"I thought you said you'll be leaving as soon as you are done with the adventurer's guild?!" questioned Jim.
"Y— yes, the registration is still available and you can register yourself at the townhouse. It's in the middle of the city that looks like a church," I stuttered.
"Thank you, I won't bother you guys any longer," said the wanderer. After he walked away and out of sight, Jim came up to me and shouted at me.
"Why did you tell him how to register?! I wanted him out of this city immediately!" shouted Jim.
"You should be thanking him instead. That guy gives me the creeps. The further he's from us the better. Good thinking there lad," said one of the other soldier that was stationed with us.
I heaved a sigh of relief. I really hope that guy wouldn't be causing any trouble at the tournament. I do not want to try and apprehend that guy or even go near him.
***
Onii-chan, what are you doing right now? I miss you. It's been so long since you left this city. You told me you'll come back for me but it's been close to four years now. Even Lily is back inside the city but you're still nowhere to be found. Just— where are you right now?
"What's wrong, Rose? Deep in thoughts?" asked Lily.
"Y— yeah. You know the reason why, Lil— I mean Daisy," I sighed.
Lily came back to the city about a year ago. I was fully expecting her to return with a big belly or holding a child; telling me that it belonged to my brother. But surprisingly she came back looking all fit. She changed her identity and her face features. She wore her contact glasses exclusively, cut off her long ponytail and dyed her hair completely blond. Even I was surprised when she suddenly tapped on my shoulder one day and whispered to me on who she was.
Her guild had helped her in modifying most of her details and records that it was next to impossible for the soldiers to identify her. She is now under the guise of another daughter of the Moonshine family. We now have to address her as Daisy Moonshine as part of her undercover. And we are best friends, almost like my real older sister. I interrogated her when she revealed herself to me, asking her what they did together during those three years and whether they are officially dating. She explained that they only trained together for two years before he went and left to the Eastern continent. But she did not elaborate on what they did together during the two years. Although she promised me that they are certainly not together. I guess I should be able to trust her on that.
"He's fine. Don't worry about him. He'll be back any day now. I hope," she smiled awkwardly.
"So you say. But at least you were with him for two years. Me, on the other hand, had not seen him in four years," I sighed out loud.
Lily returned to the city because there were a few things she needed to do. She explained to me that my brother was not just in hiding and sitting idly for the past four years. I should prepare myself for what's about to come. But damn it, where the hell are you? You're not even dating Lily so are you fooling around with other women? I am officially 17 now. You told me you will give me an answer when I'm 16. I've grown more matured and I don't think I'll lose to Lily in terms of sexiness. And what's the meaning of your last words to me before you left? Is it your way to ensure that I shouldn't find someone else or something? I've turned down so many men that approached me with the intention of dating. Argh!!
I unconsciously started pulling my hair while Lily was staring at me with an awkward smile.
"Rose, you're in the tournament as me, right? Let's check out who are the competitors this year," said Lily as she tried to comfort me.
I sighed loudly and stare at the list. Hmm— just the usual competitors so far. Nothing worth noting. I was the running champion for two years until Lily came back. She beat me after catching me off guard. I was not expecting her to be this strong after just three years. I didn't slack off in training myself for the past four years, but her growth in strength was tremendous. I'm certainly curious on what training she underwent while she was away. Is Onii-chan even stronger than Lily? So much for being called a prodigy.
"I won't lose to you this time, Daisy. You better be ready," I declared to her.
"You bet, I'm definitely looking forward to sparring with you again, Rose," she smirked.
I turn my gaze to the list again and spotted something. Hmm? What's this? An outsider? It had always been exclusively between the adventurer guilds every year. Who is this outsider that is willing to enter this city when it's still under lockdown and not to mention, participate in this tournament?! This is way too suspicious.
I called Lily over and asked her about this outsider. She squinted her eyes and scratched her head. She whispered to me that this is most probably my brother in disguised as no one else can think of such a weird name. After spending two years with my brother, I'm certain she had experienced her fair share of weird things that he can think of. Soong Jean-Wuu was the name written next to his Dark Wanderer designation. My brother is finally back in the city and the first thing he does is participate in the tournament without even searching for your little sister first?! I'll show him tomorrow. You don't abandon your sister like this!
***
The following day arrived and I have bags under my eyes. I barely even slept properly as all I thought of the whole night was him. Lily was getting concerned over me but I told her not to worry. I can spar my best today after finding out who this outsider is.
All the competitors sat together but I still don't see him. Only those in round one and two have to get ready. I sat with Lily as it was not our turn yet. Having been champions, we have the luxury of competing with only the victor of today. This means that I will only need to spar with the victor and should I win, I'll be able to spar with Lily after having lost to her last year. While it's not really fair for the newcomers, it is more grandiose to those who are watching. Lily made the whole arena roared with cheers having beaten me even though she had been sparring with the others from the start.
This outsider will be competing first as he is not part of any guild. He will have to compete with more opponents since there are no guild that assigning him the best person to compete with. This tournament is mostly for the spectator's entertainment rather than showing your full strength. That is the sad reality check here.
Oh, here he comes. A guy wearing a black cloak. That's definitely him! Pull down your damn hoody, Onii-chan! I know that's you!
However— this person is tall. He might even be taller than me. Onii-chan had always been the shortest among the four of us. This might not be him after all. I whispered to Lily asking her about what she thinks but she was confused as well. The last time she saw him, he was still shorter than her. Hmm.
His opponent is a member of the Viking guild. Nothing noteworthy of him but he is at the rank of Twin Axe. Let's see if this outsider is really Onii-chan. This person should be a piece of cake to win if it's really him. I wonder if John is watching this tournament as well. He should be sitting among the guildmasters in some glass room above with a clear view of the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen! I bring you— the 75th annual battle tournament!!" shouted the announcer. He was holding a large megaphone which amplified his voice.
"In this corner, we have Balgruuf who is at the rank of Twin Axe! He is known for his aggressive style which continuously attacks his opponent with his signature two axes!" shouted the announcer.
"And in this corner, after a long time, we finally have an outsider who wishes to challenge the adventurers guild!" he continued.
Roar of applause can be heard throughout the arena. There is certainly more spectators here compared to last year. This is must be due to Lily beating me last year and a lot of them wished to see me fighting her again.
"Are you ready, folks? Because it does not matter, as it starts— right— now!!" shouted the announcer as he rung the bell that went ding ding ding.
I was fully expecting Balgruuf to charge towards his opponent like what he did with both me and Lily. He was always really aggressive with his attacks. However— he's not moving. In fact, it looks as though he is shaking. What's going on?
The crowds had stopped cheering and started wondering what was happening. The entire arena was silence as the both of them stared at each other. You can literally hear the crickets chirping in the background.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!" screamed Balgruuf as he suddenly ran off the arena zone.
W— what in the world just happened? Balgruuf had always been fearless yet he ran away screaming like a little girl? Who the hell is this guy?! Did he used Fear spell on him? But he is at the rank of Twin Axe! There is no Fear spell that is that intense to scare off such a strong opponent.
The arena remained quiet despite what happened. Even the announcer was speechless at what just happened. It took all of us a couple of seconds to fully understand what just happened.
"T.. our winner is the outsider! What flawless victory he obtained by scaring off his opponent without even lifting a finger!" shouted the announcer.
Some applause could be heard throughout the arena but it was barely audible. I am sure the spectators were expecting something a little more— exciting but instead, one of them ran away like a coward. There is no entertainment value in that.
"Will this outsider be the champion for this year? Or will Daisy Moonshine maintain herself as the running champion? What about Rose Starr? Will she make her comeback this year and reclaim her victory over Daisy?! Stay tuned folks as we bring in the next round of competitors!" shouted the announcer. But his megaphone was snatched by the outsider. What in the world is this person doing?
"Now that was rather anti-climactic, isn't it folks? To all the guildmasters listening from up there. How about we spice things up a bit?" said the outsider.
"Send in three of your best adventurers and I'll fight against them together. Should I win, I'll fight with both previous and current champions at the same time. How about that folks?!" he shouted to the crowd.
W— what the hell did he just say? Is this outsider insane?!