Chereads / 7th Weapon / Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Conversation

Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Conversation

In the final moments of the tournament, he approached. The head of the event made his way to where Elzid stood, a congratulatory smile gracing his features. With a respectful nod, he extended his hand to Elzid, acknowledging his remarkable performance throughout the competition."Congratulations, Elzid," the tournament head said warmly. "Your skill and prowess in battle have truly been a sight to behold. You've proven yourself to be a formidable warrior, worthy of the highest honor.""You are responsible for this tournament?" Elzid asked."Yes, I am Novitel," he proudly said.As the conversation continued, Novitel broached the topic of rewards, inquiring about Elzid's desires for his hard-earned victory. "As the champion of this tournament, you are entitled to a reward of your choosing," he explained. "Is there anything in particular that you seek?"As the realization dawned upon Elzid that Novitel was responsible for the hardships Orris and other villagers faced, anger ignited within him. His hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword, his grip tightening around the weapon.Novitel stood frozen in confusion, his eyes darting between Elzid and the crowd, uncertain of what to make of the warrior's sudden change in demeanor. "What is the meaning of this?""How about you bring back what you took?" Elzid said firmly.Novitel's laughter echoed through the arena. "You truly are a fool, Elzid," Novitel taunted, his laughter filled with scorn. "Do you honestly believe that you can threaten me?"As Novitel gestured with his hand, a group of wielders emerged from the shadows, forming a protective barrier around him. Their presence was imposing, their stature and demeanor exuding strength and confidence as they closed ranks around him.Elzid's eyes narrowed as he assessed the formidable group before him, his gaze flicking from one wielder to the next. Each of them bore the unmistakable marks of seasoned warriors, their weapons at the ready and their expressions steely with determination.The crowd murmured in apprehension as they watched the tense standoff unfold. The tension in the arena was palpable as Elzid and Novitel's protectors faced off against each other.As the tension in the arena escalated with the appearance of the group of formidable wielders surrounding Novitel, confusion rippled through the crowd like a wave. Spectators exchanged puzzled glances. Their brows furrowed in uncertainty as they struggled to make sense of the unfolding spectacle before them.Novitel ordered his wielders to attack Elzid, and Elzid ready himself for the assault. Before the wielders could attack Elzid, a figure appeared above Novitel, descending with the grace of a silent predator before landing behind him in a swift and decisive motion. Novitel's wielders, caught off guard by the sudden intrusion, faltered in their advance, unable to respond in time to prevent the swift approach.All eyes turned to the unexpected arrival, and a ripple of astonishment swept through the crowd as Aria, her commanding and unwavering presence, stood behind with her sword drawn. The air crackled with tension as she pressed the sharp edge of her sword agonist's Novitel's neck, her expression unreadable.Aria's sudden appearance and the cold touch of her blade against his neck sent a shiver of fear down Novitel's spine, his bravado crumbling like a fragile facade. In that moment, all his arrogance and bluster evaporated, replaced by a deep-seated terror at the prospect of facing death.As he felt the sharp edge of Aria's sword pressing ever closer, his breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding with the realization that he was now at the mercy of this formidable wielder. His wielders stood frozen, their weapons poised, but the sudden events stilled their movements."Elzid," Aria called.Elzid stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he addressed Novitel with a voice filled with conviction. "You've caused enough suffering," he declared, his tone ringing with authority. "It's time to right your wrongs and bring back what you've taken from the people and villages."Novitel, held captive by Aria's blade, could do nothing but nod in silent acquiescence, his earlier bravado replaced by a sense of resignation. He knew that there was no escaping the consequences of his actions and that the time had come to face the truth of his misdeeds.With a heavy sigh, he raised his trembling hand, gesturing to his followers with a silent command. As he knelt, his fear palpable in the air, a hush fell over the arena. His once proud demeanor had crumbled, replaced by a sense of resignation as he awaited his fate, his eyes cast downward in silent acceptance of his wrongdoing.But before the tension could mount any further, a new presence entered the arena. The official wielders from Cerradova's steps echo off the arena's walls with a steady rhythm. The crowd watched in anticipation as the official wielders of Cerradova approached, their expressions inscrutable beneath the masks they wore.Cerradova is a place shrouded in mystery and legend, known far and wide as a place of exile and punishment. It is a prisoner."I believe you are Novitel, the one they called Mister Sleight," the Cerradovian head began.Cerradovians were not just wielders—they were the elite enforcers of justice. They were renowned for their skill in capturing and containing even the most dangerous criminals.Novitel's fear deepened as he mentioned his name.As the Cerradovian wielders surrounded him, their leader stepped forward, his voice low and commanding. "We have been searching for you for months," he declared, his words carrying the weight of authority. "You are now ordered to come with us to Cerradova, where you will face judgment for your crimes."Novitel's eyes widened in shock at the severity of the pronouncement, his heart sinking as the total weight of his situation dawned on him. He had thought himself untouchable, beyond the reach of justice, but now he realized that his past sins had finally caught up with him."Your wielders are also ordered to come with us for their judgment."As Aria released her grip on the head, the Cerradovian wielders swiftly took charge, escorting him away with a firm yet gentle hand. Aria watched in silence as they disappeared from view, her expression unreadable as she pondered the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Elzid approached the leader of the Cerradovian wielders, his expression serious as he addressed him. "What will become of the properties that he had taken?" he inquired, his voice tinged with concern for the villagers who had been wronged.The Cerradovian head met Elzid's gaze with a steady, unwavering stare, his demeanor as stoic as the stone walls of Cerradova itself. "The properties rightfully belong to those from whom they were taken," he replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "They will be returned to their rightful owners, and restitution will be made for the injustices done."Elzid nodded in understanding. The Cerradovian wielders prepared to depart with the head and his wielders.As word spread among the competitors of Novitel's capture and the impending return of their stolen properties, a wave of relief and jubilation swept through the arena. Competitors who had witnessed the head's reign of tyranny firsthand now rejoiced at the prospect of justice being served and their grievances finally being addressed.Amidst the rejoicing and jubilation, the competitors exchanged words of encouragement and solidarity. "I can't believe it's finally over," one competitor remarked, relief evident in their voice. "We've been suffering for so long, but now justice is finally being served."Another competitor nodded in agreement. "It's about time," they replied, a note of defiance in their tone. "We've waited too long for this day to come, but we are returning to what belongs to us."A third competitor chimed in, a sense of optimism coloring their words. "With that greedy man out of the picture, we can finally start rebuilding," they said, determination shining in their eyes.As the Cerradovian carriage disappeared from their sight. Elzid and Aria went back inside the lobby."Elzid, Aria!" Adara called out, "Lili is still unconscious." pointing to where Lili was. "Was the responsible for this really captured? Everyone is rejoicing here.""The fugitive was captured. Those shouts are the sounds of rejoicing," Elzid explained.Samo interjected, walking towards Elzid. "Really? Does that mean we can take the spring back? Our water will be restored?" his concern about their village's water source weighed heavily on his mind."Yes, everything will be alright."Samo's expression softened, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Elzid," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Finally, we no longer need to labor so much."Meanwhile, Lili stirred from her unconscious state. Adara ran towards her and felt her gentle hand on her shoulder. Blinking groggily, Lili looked up to see Adara kneeling beside her, her expression filled with concern."Lili, are you okay?" Adara asked, her voice laced with worry as she helped Lili sit up.Confusion clouded Lili's mind as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. "What's happening?" she asked, her voice hoarse from disuse.Adara's brow furrowed with concern as she explained, "You... well, you became unconscious after your fight with Aria."Lili's memory slowly began to return, and she recalled that she was facing Aria. Still, her vision became cloudy, and everything went black.Lili's brow furrowed in confusion as she heard the crowd in the arena shouting. "But what about the arena? What's going on out there?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.Adara hesitated for a moment before replying, her expression somber. "Novitel, the man called Mister Sleight, has been taken into custody," she explained, her voice tinged with relief. "The people in the arena are celebrating his capture."Understanding dawned on Lili's face as the pieces fell into place. "Really?" she said, "So Orris and Samo's water source will be restored?"Adara nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes," she said as they both smiled at each other.Elzid, Aria, Lili, Adara, and Samo made their way back to Orris's house, their footsteps lit with the weight of good news ready to be delivered. Samo,, walked with a mix of pride and relief, knowing that their victory would bring great joy to his father.Upon reaching the doorstep, Samo took the lead, his hand reaching out to knock on the familiar door. The sound echoed through the quiet street, and moments later, Orris opened the door, a smile forming on his lips."Samo," Orris greeted them warmly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What happened? Is everything alright?"Samo beamed with excitement, unable to contain himself. "Father, we have wonderful news!" he exclaimed, his voice ringing joyfully. "Novitel has been captured, and our village's water source will soon be restored!"Orris's expression shifted from curiosity to astonishment, then to overwhelming pride. "Truly?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief and happiness.Elzid stepped forward, confirming the news with a nod. "Yes, Orris," he said, his voice firm with conviction. "The Cerradovian also captured him and promised that all Novitel would be returned to their rightful owner."Tears of joy rose in Orris's eyes as he embraced his son and the rest of the group, a sense of relief washing over him. "You have done our village a great service," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you. Thank you very much. You have done more than what I requested."With a smile, Orris invited them to join him for a meal, a gesture of gratitude for what they did."Please come inside. We will prepare a meal for everyone. I know you have fought bravely in that tournament, so please let me thank you with this," Orris said warmly, ushering them into his cozy abode.Grateful for Orris's generosity, the group followed him inside. The aroma of home-cooked food greeted them as they entered, filling the air with mouthwatering scents that made their mouths water.Aria stood still outside. "I'm not hungry. I will be staying here for a while."Lili wanted to protest, but Elzid spoke to Aria."If you get hungry, we'll ask Orris to save some."And Elzid went inside. As they settled around the table, they engaged in lively conversation, their spirits buoyed by the camaraderie and warmth of the moment.Orris poured steaming cups of tea for each of them, the fragrant aroma filling the air as they settled in for a relaxing evening together."Everyone," Orris began, his voice tinged with curiosity. "How did you manage to defeat the enemy?"Samo launched into a tale of their daring exploits in the tournament, recounting the challenges the wielders had faced and their strategies to outsmart their adversary. Adara chimed in with their own perspectives as she witnessed everything, adding color and detail to Samo's narrative.As the conversation flowed and laughter filled the air, Orris, with genuine warmth in his eyes, extended a heartfelt offer to Elzid, Lili, and Adara."My dear friends," Orris began, his voice gentle yet sincere, "you are all welcome to stay here for the night. Consider my home yours. It's the least I can do to show my gratitude for everything."Grateful for Orris's generosity, the group exchanged glances filled with appreciation and nodded in unison, accepting his kind offer."Thank you, Orris," Elzid said, his voice resonating with gratitude. "Your hospitality means a great deal to us."As Lili glanced outside, the warmth of Orris's home contrasting with the cool night air, she felt a sudden urge to share their decision to stay with Aria. But before she could go outside, Elzid placed a gentle hand on her arm, his expression conveying a silent message."Lili," Elzid said softly, his voice filled with warmth, "I'll talk to Aria about it later. Right now, let's enjoy the moment and the hospitality of Orris's home."Lili hesitated momentarily, her gaze flickering between Elzid and the window, but ultimately, she nodded in understanding. Trusting Elzid's judgment, she settled back into her seat, content to let him handle the conversation with Aria in his own time.Outside Orris' home, Aria leaned against the weathered fence outside Orris's home. The quiet of the night enveloped her like a comforting shroud. Her thoughts drifted, carried away by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft sigh of the evening breeze.Lost in her thoughts, Aria gazed up at the twinkling stars above, their distant light offering solace in the darkness.As Elzid went outside to talk to Aria, he noticed her leaning against the fence, lost in deep thought."Aria," Elzid called out gently, his voice breaking the silence of the night. He stopped beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the darkness.Aria turned to face him. "What?" she replied curtly. She avoided his gaze, her eyes fixed on some distant point in the darkness."Is everything alright?" he asked tentatively,Aria's voice tinged with frustration. "I'm fine," she replied tersely, her words clipped and distant."I anticipated our fight earlier in the arena," Elzid admitted, his words hesitant yet honest.Aria's brow furrowed in confusion, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "What?" she asked."Let's just say I wanted to parry with the strongest female wielder in my own town," he said as his gaze met Aria's.As Elzid's confession hung in the air, Aria found herself at a loss for words. The revelation that Elzid had wanted to fight the strongest female wielder in Viralinn took her by surprise, leaving her struggling to comprehend the depth of his intentions.As the silence stretched between them, Elzid's smile softened, a bittersweet expression playing across his features. He averted his gaze, his eyes tracing the patterns of moonlight dancing across the ground."It's a shame," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "I didn't have the chance to test myself against the strongest female wielder in Viralinn.""But I don't understand... Why did you give up in the arena?" he added.Aria met his gaze, her expression a mixture of surprise and contemplation. She paused for a moment, considering her response carefully before speaking."I gave up because..." Aria started, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words to say to him. "Because either of us win is still a win." she said almost a whisper and gazes away.Aria knows how strong and powerful Elzid is and how he can control his energy. Fighting Elzid won't be a good idea. I might lead to a severe battle and might force her not to hold back and use her full potential. She just avoids the worst-case scenario.Elzid chuckled softly. With a smile, he reached out to gently touch Aria's shoulder, his expression one of understanding and camaraderie."Well, it seems we have one more night to enjoy Orris's hospitality," he remarked, his voice laced with gentle amusement. "I don't know about you, but I could certainly use another night of rest." he turned back to look at Aria again. "You should eat," he added.As Elzid turned to head back inside Orris's home, Aria's brow furrowed in a subtle frown. She watched him walk away, his figure illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight, his footsteps echoing softly on the path."What the heck?" she muttered as she didn't fully understand what happened in that conversation with Elzid.