= Tales of the Lone Warrior =

It was a normal day when the sun cleared up the clouds, and the audience cheered above the ground. The excitement of the watchers were waiting for a fight that takes place deep within a tournament called Armageddon.

A forever battle arena where prisoners, slaves, gladiators and warriors will have to fight for a showdown. The giant warrior marched inside the arena, listening to the announcement calling the opponent and their name. He is as big as a giant race. He doesn't hold any weapons, nor any magical items.He just wanted to use his fist and physical strength to fight like a true warrior.

He doesn't care for his reputation as one of the greatest warriors in Armageddon.

Speaking of that, The name of this place reminds him of his name, Agravvor. Could his parents name him based on this arena? He doesn't know but what he needs now is to focus on the present. His opponent was a slender man, wearing silver armour. He carries a pair of feathering fans. Maybe he is a Magic user?

Agravvor doesn't know. What he only needs to focus on is the battle. He took a heavy breath and blinked once before the announcer gave them a signal of their match starting now.His opponent wave his fans and proceeds to charge first while Agravvor opens his eyes and lets his mind out to give all of his strength out.

~~~~~

It only took 10 minutes to finish the fight and so far, the audience cheered that their battle was truly remarkable. The opponent was on the ground while the announcer checked he's really unconscious. The announcer points to Agravvor as the winner of the battle and everyone congratulates him with loud cheerful noises.

However, Agravvor ignores the victory noises as he went back to the underground, leaving the audience with no word to say. He doesn't mind being the winner and taking all the glory but, his mind gives him a couple of questions on his purpose for this everyday life.

Does he come to the arena to find strong people? Is he fighting to make himself stronger?

Agravvor doesn't know why he's acting like that. Perhaps he may be bored? Or not finding this place a paradise? His mind always thinks of some strange questions and purpose until,

He didn't notice he was already at the back of the arena, the dead end way that only slaves can fit there. Curse his mindless silent behaviour, maybe his mental thoughts brought him here.

Agravvor took a facepalm, decided to turn back until he smelled a sweet aroma coming from the small hole of the wall.The giant warrior took a closer look until he heard the side moving their rocks, where the wall suddenly moved backward like how they unlocked the secret puzzle doors.A small figure crawls out and soon, he finds a young boy, wearing a rusty metal helmet.

By the looks of his attire, he is a slave of this arena. Not a warrior and he doesn't find it interesting. When their eyes met, the slave took something from his bag and tried to give it to him.

"A fresh bun, here you go." A small voice of a young lad called out to him. He sounded so joyful and lively when he wanted to give it to him. Agravvor looks at the food. He didn't expect there were three buns in one package. It also smells like the one from the hole.

He wasn't hungry but eating something will refresh his mind.

"Is it edible?"

"It's not poison or something. I made it to give you some refreshing treats after the battle. I just.. woah!! What..." The slave was surprised as he watched the giant warrior eating the whole buns he made. He didn't expect that this warrior was really hungry.

After eating, the Warrior looks at him, who gives him a small smile in return. "It's delicious. Giving this far for me, I really appreciate your efforts, young boy."

"You're welcome. I'm really glad you like it." The slave scratched his head and felt happy to hear the compliments of his homemade. He continued, "If you want to, maybe I can clean you up and treat your injuries from your body and warm you up. I'll give you more warm snacks and.."

"Why are you caring for me?" Agravvor suddenly asked, his serious expression giving this Slave a shiver down his spine. They were silent except for the wind blows, the warrior extends more questions just to make the young boy understand his questions."Are you doing this for the winner of the battle? Or did you do this for order?"

"Everyone asks the same thing but, what's the problem with that? Someone's gonna have a friend to talk to, otherwise, you're just gonna be left alone, dealing with your problems coming up from your mind. Besides, I've already had a recent friendly alliance with different warriors like you and they don't mind. Why don't you try and I'll tell you what you want to know".

This kid.. Why does he give him a friendly expression that makes him pissed off. Agravvor couldn't help but want to know his intentions. Does he want to be friends with the strongest and mightiest warriors for him? Maybe he'll try to learn if he wants to get on good terms with him.

"Go to the 88 cell and follow me. you can bring those warm snacks as a so-called friendly alliance thing. We'll talk it out and don't call me a friend everywhere, okay?"

"Yes Sir!" The Slave salutes him and crawls down to that big hole before he closes the way out to turn back to the Dead end way.

Agravvor turns back but doesn't look at where the Slave runs off to. He sighed as he didn't want to think more of his proposal to the Slave.

"Good grief, kids these days have so many troubles to face. But.." He recalls the warm buns that the Slave made, it turns out he wanted to try more of those snacks because eating them makes his mind relax. He smiles as he feels excited to taste them back. "But honestly, his snacks aren't bad."

Oh boy, if only Agravvor understands what he said to that slave. If only he answers them in small words. And yet, he made a big mistake.

====Minutes Later====

For some reason, there are two warriors sitting on the ground with their food and drinks on the small table in his prison 88 cell. To think he saw they are gossiping about him, thinking he allows them to join their secret dinner.

Of course Agravvor knew those carefree trespassers, they were warriors like him. One of them is a lady with golden hair and wears a witch hat and silver dress that never gets dirty. She looks very patient but has a humble and cunning personality. According to those previous announcements, her name is Weyshence the Spirit Witch.

The other person is a man, hiding his face with bandages and he has different scars and tattoos in his arms. His name is Blade the Desert Assassin.

He has a hoodie who looks like he is hiding something. But nevertheless, these two are inside his prison cell, taking his peaceful dining moments. The lady took some bowls of salad and ate them, earning a satisfied look on her face.

"It's delicious and warm, if only today's weather was raining, I would've made some warm soup and eat them together."

"Hey, if you do that, you'll get fat." The man with scars on his arm chuckled. He turned to Agravvor and tilted his head, "Can I help you?"

"About that... Why are you guys here?! and why are you bringing so much food?! I thought you two prefer to dine in your own cells rather than this place?!!" Agravvor shouted while clenching his fist. The two Warriors looked confused before turning back to Agravvor.

"Oh? You think we came here to mess you up?" The man replied with a sly smirk.

"No way. It's not just us. It's Christer over there, when you invite him and us, he couldn't stop working as he cooks those delicious foods and rushes to invite us" The Golden haired lady explained.

"What a good kid he is" The scar man smiled while getting his next drink.

"That's not the point, you made a kid working like a slave!" Agravvor said

The Golden haired lady startled but made a fact, "Uumm.. he's a slave but-"

She stared at the cup that the scar man gave her and smiled gently, "Isn't it great for us here, talking like some so-called Warriors with a good circle of moments like this. If it wasn't for this kid, your mind would've ended up like a zombie."

Those answers made him feel surprised but refreshed his mind and heart. Aggravor didn't expect this kid was the one inviting those warriors. He thought that slave was just an ordinary guy, pretending to be friends with the strongest. He knew those warriors aren't easily befriended but he couldn't believe this slave could pull it off. Not only that, he made those foods just to help the warriors enjoy themselves.

Speaking of that, this golden lady seems to know his issue. He used to hear the rumors about her, who can read the minds of everyone and find their weak spot. He didn't think it would happen so easily. His thoughts got interrupted when they heard someone approaching inside this cell.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, here are the special favorite foods that you're asking for. I didn't steal it. I cooked them all for sure."

The two warrior's eyes sparkled when they turned to the Slave and they were staring at his warm food he's holding right now. Agravvor could also see more warm buns gathered in one bowl.

This kid.. to think he could warm up those foods not only him but those warriors as well.

"Young boy, come here." The slave that those warriors called Christer heard his call and came closer. He placed the food near the warrior's dining area and waited for Agravvor's orders. "Sit here, eat your food."

"But what about.." Christer couldn't finish his line when Agravvor grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to sit beside him. Crister and the two warriors wondered about his actions as they looked at him back.

"If you want me to feel better, I suggest you join our meal. A warrior won't be satisfied unless their friend will join their feast." Agravvor said, taking one of the warm foods that Christer made.

The slave looked at Agravvor again and wondered why he called him friend in front of those two warriors, who were mostly surprised as much as him.

Agravvor thought that effort isn't achieved by using strength alone but seeing this Slave's hard work finally paid off and all for the three warriors to have a good time, he finally respected this slave as a so-called friend despite not knowing what that title means.

The two warriors turned to each other and whispered and they giggled before joining the table. The slave gave Agravvor a grateful nod and turned his head to the food. He picked the fresh bun and took a closer look until he finally thought of the right answer and said it with a pure kind hearted gratitude smile.

"Thank you Mister."

~~~~~

=Tales of the Betrayal=

*Blade POV*

It's been two weeks since meeting that young chef slave and hanging out with him was quite enjoyable. Not to mention that I'm having fun talking to those two strongest warriors he invited. I never expected this slave could easily help my life become more peaceful and refreshed when eating all of his foods that are warm and delicious.

Never have I thought I would be starting to live things up and satisfied to spare the slave and enjoy his delicious meals. The young slave Christer also tries to open up with me and puts up a brave smile to serve his dishes whenever I tease him, showing how I'm threatened and menacing to him, which he offers me without forcing me to do it. I admit he was finally showing his true colours by becoming friends with me.

I can see his role but for now, I decided to pretend to be someone just to live things up. The time I spent with him alone in the Old Ranch was a coincidence, but I'm still bothered about his actions. I never thought he wanted to plant those harmless seeds in a secret base, which doesn't pose a danger to my peaceful routine.

Everything was doing well until the next day, when I went to my prison cell and find out the area was messy, my first thought was-

"My Blood Daggers? Where could it be?"

It's not only my weapons that are missing, those two as well. Though we respected our strengths and combat powers, the three of us are still at each other's throats. It's not easy to trust just because we dine with a little slave together.

To get to the bottom of this, the four of us are staring at each other, thinking about the culprit behind the missing person's belongings inside Agravvor's prison cell.

Though Agravvor's complaint of using his room is easy to ignore, this meeting place was big enough to make it private. All thanks to that slave's suggestion, I guess.

"So, who did it? Who stole my weapon?" I looked at the three people and suspected them. I tried to cut to the chase and asked randomly but their expressions remained quiet.

"I don't know." The little Slave Christer broke the silence as he pointed to the wall outside the cell. "I was going to ask the staff and that creepy shadow guy until you brought me here."

"It's okay, we really need you to be there, friend." Agravvor replied with a small smile and looked back to his broken axe. "And aside from the young boy, who among you broke them!"

Agravvor held the part of the silver shattered blade carefully and turned his head to me, "Blade?"

"Don't look at me, look at her, Weyshence hasn't said anything." I pointed to the Girl in White dress, who seemed upset and clenched her fists.

"Are you kidding me?! I don't use those heavy weapons and also, when was the last time I held a sword, huh?!" Her impatient and angry voice surprised Christer, who took a step back and hid behind Agravvor.

"Yeah! But we can't trust you till you show us some proof!" I folded my arms and said with a straight face.

"Enough! Who is it?!" Agravvor suddenly smashed the ground to his precious room, which brought us to attention. Christer wasn't scared but he shivered a bit and didn't say anything.

"Why is it so important to treasure those toys?!"

I twitched my eyes and stood up to feel like I'm on a higher ground than the giant. "Listen here, lad. If you were a genie who stores their soul inside the Lamp. What happens if that thief grabbed their lamp and smashed it? Not only the object was destroyed but the soul and body of a genie as well! If someone finds out that my bloody daggers have... no, I mean-"

Once, those you think they're toys are destroyed, the owner and their loved ones will be gone in the process."

I wasn't planning on revealing my secrets to them. And my answer without thinking kinda regretted me for being serious in this mess.

I was supposed to maintain my emotions unless precaution but I spilled the beans, in front of a half golden sand kid and two warriors whom I respected.

Just great.

Everything has gone silent because of me. Weyshence looked down but Agravvor raised his chin and stared at me,

"Well, if I were that and let my swords and things stolen, I will never forget that person even if they're reduced to ashes." He gave me a thumbs up, which confused me.

He didn't understand what I'm talking about. A Loner Giant with a brawl but a small brain is hard to make things so serious.

I guess he's not the person who stole my blades. That leaves with-

"Say guys, is it just me or is mister nice kiddo quiet all of a sudden?" I looked at the boy in a helmet suspiciously.

"Christer, you can't be-" Weyshence tried not to doubt.

"...." Christer opened his mouth but was shaken and couldn't say anything. He looked at us with fear, as if he had some secrets up his sleeve.

"Hey kid, say something! I have a feeling you know where they are?!"

I stepped closer to the boy while picking up one ordinary dagger. Agravvor blocked me, trying to shield the young boy from me. He looked back at Christer and asked,

"Christer, whatever it is, you can say it to me. We're friends, right?"

"Christer, I know you're a nice kid. But if there's some problem, you can rely on us, okay?" Weyshence gave him a soft smile and said.

"Hey Christer! Don't just space out! Just because you offered us a good meal, doesn't mean we're treating you nice! If you know everything, say it or I'll kill you!" I interrogated him as I pointed an extra dagger to him.

"Calm down Blade, that child needs more time." Weyshence said, blocking my path like Agravvor did.

"You know I would be calm if only you could read their minds, you powerless witch! Or should I say, the Witch ghost who got her non important Tiara got stolen!" I mocked her, which turned out she finally snapped out and showed a small tear from her eyes.

"Excuse me?! That magical item was the last gift given to my siblings before we separated! Of course you don't understand what it feels to lose the last precious item given by the loved ones who lost their lives for me!"

Weyshence's emotional answer felt so real and her face was getting closer. I feel like she's trying to be higher than me.

"Friends, I don't think we should argue when we're having the same situation." Agravvor tried to calm us down. Seems he's having had enough of hearing two people arguing in his prison cell.

"Alright big guy. It's not us who take and break stuff." I said as I spread my arms and relaxed.

"That's right, what's important right now is to-" I glared and pointed my hand back to the young boy "To find out Christer's goal over here."

"Not only did he get his guts to pretend to get on good terms with us, but he did make us pissed off for stealing our stuff!"

"Christer, as a friend, may I ask if you really steal my Trophy Band? Are you... trying to betray your trusted friend?" Agravvor asked, trying his best to get the side of him.

"Christer please.. it's for the best of us. We're friends, right? We shouldn't betray one another." Weyshence said with a soft smile.

"Come on kid, speak or I dare you betray us and slit your throat in five seconds." I threatened him again but I couldn't get closer because of those two.

"Christer..."

"Christer..."

"Christer..."

"Christer..."

"Christer..."

"Christer..."

"...."

"...."

******************************************************

= 8 Daylights Ago From Now (Present Timeline) =

*Christer POV*

When my eyes looked up from darkness to some clouds moving beyond the sky, I lifted my hand and stared at it.

"A dream?" I asked myself, realizing that I'm laying in a carriage moving from nowhere in the present timeline.

"Or a Nightmare?" A chuckled voice of a friend replied. I sat up and stared at the guy who was going to say something next.

"You know Christer, a real merchant must not fall asleep when you deliver something in a strange place you haven't seen before."

A masked guy waved his hand while relaxing with a book on his hand in the carriage. Meanwhile, the old driver who controls the wooden magic horses looks back to us.

"Some guts to say, Ash. Given the fact a merchant like you was just sitting in a carriage doing nothing while I'm doing my job."

"Relax Dad, I can take your place if you give me extra." The masked guy named Ash replied with a sly voice.

Before I wanted to help the Driver, I looked at the surroundings and found out it was foggy. Going to the nowhere place is very strange indeed.

But looking at it closely, I saw a small light that had a kingdom silhouette beneath from the surrounding fog.

"Well fear not you two, we're here."

"Is it? I can't see anything in this foggy place." Ash said, doubting my abilities. "Who would've thought that early morning with good weather could be spreading fogs around here?"

He still hasn't trusted my word and he looked back at me for a second, observing with his suspicious eyes and to my surprise, he changed his mind and started to believe me with a smug face. I don't know what's gotten him from being disbelief to being hopeful but I'll ignore that and continue.

"As far as my eyes can tell, we can make it for 3 miles now. We just need to keep it going."

"Neh eh! I'd say we move it now!" Ash said as he immediately pushed the Old Driver to the seat while he's going to drive.

He whips up those Wooden magic horses to speed up, which causes the carriage to lose their balance and control speed.

"No idiot! What if the road is offb-" The Old Driver couldn't continue if it was interrupted by a long cliff.

The fog may be gone but our land is gone because of a reckless merchant driver, forcing the carriage to lay in nature's trap.

"Aaahhh!"

The Old Driver and I shouted in fear as we're falling. Ash was laughing as he called his powers to summon some rocky platforms and then, a few seconds later, we landed on the platform without having a long fall.

Ash lifts his hands down, forcing the rocky platform landed to the ground.

"We're safe, and the carriage too." He looks back at the rides and smiles that they're fine.

The carriage was not badly damaged, their wheels could use some repairs and the horses looked barely okay but he believes the Old Driver can work it out.

Speaking of them, the two of them were having a breathing contest to see who's going to relax first, by which we didn't approve any of that.

I was meaning to find this Ash reckless for being a driver. And look at him being all smug and glory for creating a dangerous stunt as a shortcut.

The old driver wanted to punch and break him but I stopped him, not wanting another commotion after they survived from falling.

While the Old driver fixes the carriage, I decide to scold Ash again but he interrupts me as he grabs on my shoulder, forcing me to stare at what he's pointing at. The Old Driver, who doesn't care about Ash's shenanigans has also looked at where we focused.

"There it is, fellow Friends! This land, this kingdom, this place where Merchants like us will soon be richest and baddest to make this world exciting."

Asher spread his arms while reflecting the sun and looking at the reveal of a kingdom in a new day.

"The Vera Kingdom!"