Chapter 18 - Arrival At Latom

The horse carts was trudging for a long time through the forests. This time it was taking too long to reach next destination. From what he heard this journey was to be of twelve hours. Gojo could very well understand the disadvantages of the medieval lifestyle.

From what Gojo heard about Latom, it was a small town with a population similar to that of Bardin. The mighty river of Setven flowed at one side of the town. Also it was Sid's hometown.

Another feature of Latom was that it was surrounded by colourful forests. Soon enough a lot colorful trees started lining alongside the road. They were arriving to Latom.

Soon the town became visible to them. It had high walls. After entering the town they started seeing the well decorated roads and all different types of houses.

After parking the horse carts at a certain place Eric Flavel went to see other fellow merchants in the town. Meanwhile Sid invited Gojo and Grisella to his house.

Sid's house was located at the eastern end of the city along the banks of Setven river. The house was small but bearable. Afterall Gojo had lived in the Jujutsu dorms for a long time.

Sid's father was a former adventurer. At present he works odd jobs like fixing roofs and as a local guide. Sid had three young siblings. His mother used to look after them.

The afternoon passed and when evening Gojo, Grisella and Sid were walking along the Setven river. The air was refreshing. As they were walking they heard some commotion coming from an alley.

Following the noise they entered the alley and reached the end of the alley from where it was coming. There in front of a wall stood a frail old man with his hands folded and in front of him facing towards him were standing two huge men.

The old man looked like he was begging. Gojo could tell from the clothes of the two huge men that they were thugs. Thinking little about the situation he stepped towards the three of them.

" Hey, what's going on over here ? " said Gojo as he approached them.

" Back of little brat, none of your business. " said one of the men.

" I see, are you guys bullies ?" asked Gojo.

" Kid, please don't get involved. They are dangerous people. " said the old man with concern in his voice.

" Keep quiet old man. This kid doesn't seem to understand how important our business is. I guess I'll teach you a little lesson. " said the previous man as he and his companion started walking towards Gojo.

As the man rushed towards him clenching his fists. He threw a punch at Gojo but he dodged it. Gojo first punched in his stomach and then used his legs to trip him. With this ruffian fell flat on the ground. The other man also attacked him but met the same fate.

After knocking the ruffians out the three of them along with the old man exited the alley.

" Young man, looks like you invited trouble for yourself. Well thank you for saving me. " said the old man and walked away.

" Who were those guys ?" asked Gojo turning towards Sid.

" Well one of the men you beat in the alley was Polus, the brother of a well known adventurer of the town named Bolus. They have recently left adventuring and started working as debt collectors. Obviously they pressure the clients to pay extra money to fill their own pockets. " said Sid.

He went on " Actually Bolus and Polus are sons of Blandot an adventurer who helped in suppressing a goblin attack on this town some twenty years ago. The local townspeople are aware of their ways but don't complain fearing repercussions. "

" That sounds pretty serious. Not that I care much. " Gojo said and started walking back towards Sid's home.

The next day the three of them had come to the market to buy some goods for the next journey. There was a great commotion in the middle of the market. A huge crowd had gathered there. Gojo, Grisella and Sid pushed through the crowd to see what was going on.

They saw the old man from the previous day grabbing the leg of a large man with dark brown hair and a beard.

" That is Bolus. Looks like he is out to get revenge for his brother who you knocked out yesterday. " Sid whispered to Gojo.

" Where's the punk who beat up my brother yes ? Come forward quickly or this old man may die by my hand today. " shouted Bolus.

" Please don't do this Master Bolus, hurt me if you want but don't involve other people. " begged the old man.

Gojo walked forward confidently as he approached Bolus. Not far from Bolus his brother Polus was standing and watching. He recognized Gojo.

" Brother, it's that brat over there. He was that bashed me. " he said.

" I see, so how about you and I have a little conversation ?" said Bolus turning towards Gojo.

" Sounds good by me. " replied Gojo.

Just nearby the market place there was a open space where children played. At present there stood Gojo and Bolus ready to spar with each other.

" You sure about this ? I'll demolish you completely. " Bolus said.

" Let's already begin the fight. " said Gojo.

In the blink of an eye Bolus vanished, the next moment he appeared Just inches from Gojo. Gojo was also fast and dodged the punches and went in to deliver his punch.

Bolus also fell back and avoided the punches. He then charged at full speed behind Gojo's back and attacked but he again dodged it turning back for a punch. But Bolus understood this and swiftly dodged them.

Gojo finally charged at Bolus at full speed. After reaching him he started punching him over and over. Although Bolus did blocked some of them and tried to run but Gojo noticed his movements through his six eyes and again started hitting him.

He hit him continuously like he had hit Miguel in his previous life. After hitting him for long he delivered a final punch which landed Bolus on a wall and he fell unconscious.

Sooner a group of adventurers arrived from the adventurers guild. They apprehended both Bolus and Polus. It was over for the two brothers.

The next day they set off on their journey again.