Chereads / Human Weapons / Chapter 9 - Search for Sato

Chapter 9 - Search for Sato

A week passed after the cave mission, and Theodore found himself lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of his inaction. "Ahh, I've spent the entire week in my room. I didn't even looking after Sato-sensei," he muttered to himself, the disappointment evident in his voice. The silence of the room wrapped around him like a heavy blanket, making him feel even more isolated.

With a sigh, he finally sat up, rubbing his eyes as if to shake off the lethargy that had settled over him. "My last search mission was with the family. It's a good thing they trained me to search," he said, determination starting to replace his earlier defeat. He got up from the bed, stretched his limbs, and walked toward the door, his mind set on finding Sato.

As he stepped outside, he was greeted by the crisp evening air. The clock struck 5 p.m., and although the sun was still shining, the chill of the approaching night began to seep into the streets. Theodore took a deep breath, the fresh air invigorating him, and set off toward the narrow street where Sato lived. The streets were quiet, only the distant chirping of birds breaking the silence. He walked with purpose, eager to find his mentor and share the news he had about the magic stone.

Upon arriving at the street, he noticed how narrow it was, with tall buildings casting long shadows. "I just want to ask someone where he is," he thought, scanning the area for any sign of life. His gaze landed on an old lady sitting on her balcony, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands.

"Excuse me, ma'am! I'd like to ask you something. Would you open the door for me?" Theodore called out, his voice polite yet tinged with urgency.

The old lady continued sipping her coffee, seemingly oblivious to his presence. Theodore frowned, wondering, "Is she deaf?"

"Whatever, let me just keep walking and hope to find someone who can help," he muttered to himself as he turned away, feeling the frustration begin to bubble inside him.

He continued walking, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs of life. After about ten minutes, he found himself wandering into an alley. He didn't care; he was determined to find someone, anyone, who could guide him to Sato.

As he ventured deeper into the alley, it abruptly came to a dead end. "Ahh, nothing here," he sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Just as he turned to leave, he felt something strange—a sudden pressure around him.

He bumped into what felt like an invisible wall. Startled, he rubbed his head, trying to shake off the pain. "What the...?" he exclaimed, trying to figure out what was happening. He raised his hand and felt the smooth surface of the barrier that confined him.

"Damn, what is that? Is it possible I fell into a seal?" Panic began to creep into his mind as he pressed against the barrier, trying to find a way out. He twisted and turned, searching for any escape route, but it was no use.

"You are right, kid," a voice echoed behind him, sending chills down his spine.

Theodore spun around, eyes wide, and found a bald man standing there with four menacing figures behind him. "What do you want from me?" he demanded, trying to sound braver than he felt.

"Well, you've been in the seal since you entered this street, and the funny thing is you didn't even know it," the man chuckled, a sinister grin spreading across his face as his companions laughed along.

"Hey, kid, you're a treasure, you know that? I could sell your organs or sell you as a slave. You're in the perfect age for this business," he sneered, clearly enjoying the fear he was instilling in Theodore.

Theodore's heart raced as the bald man continued, "As you can see, the seal shrinks from time to time. When you entered the street, it was large enough for you to walk freely, but no one could hear or see you."

"But how can you see me now?" Theodore challenged, desperately trying to buy time.

"That's because our friend made the seal and shared his magic with us, allowing us to see you with his power," the man replied, his eyes glinting with malice.

Theodore smirked, despite his fear. "So your friend is draining a lot of magic. Sharing a magic skill takes a toll."

"You're right, kid, but the seal is getting smaller, and soon enough, you'll pass out from oxygen depletion," the bald man taunted, his laughter echoing in the alley.

"Damn," Theodore muttered, feeling the air around him growing thinner as the seal constricted. He struggled against the wall, panic rising within him.

"Just pass out, kid," the man said, amusement lacing his voice.

A minute passed, and as Theodore fought against the encroaching darkness, he felt himself slipping away, finally collapsing to the ground.

"Aha, finally," the bald man said triumphantly as his friend placed a hand on the seal and canceled it, using air magic to push oxygen into Theodore's lungs.

"Sir, he's back!" one of the men shouted, panic replacing the earlier bravado.

"Tie him up and let's get him into my house," the bald man ordered, a sense of urgency in his voice.

"Yes, sir, as you wish," they replied, swiftly binding Theodore's hands and legs.

"You guys did it again, huh?" a voice rang out from above, causing the bald man to tense up.

"fuck, we've been exposed!" the bald man exclaimed, drawing his sword.

"Let's just run, sir! You remember what happened last time!" one of the men said, his voice trembling.

The bald man's face paled as memories flooded back of their last encounter, when they had been humiliated and made to cry in pain. "ok, run!" he shouted, and the men scrambled away, fear driving them.

"Ahhh, stupid men," the bald man grumbled as he jumped down from the roof, landing gracefully beside Theodore, who was still lying on the ground, unconscious.

"Who is this kid?" he wondered aloud, quickly untying the ropes that bound Theodore and attempting to rouse him. "Hey, you! Wake up, kid!" He tapped Theodore gently on the head.

Theodore stirred, blinking rapidly as he came to. He gasped, seeing the man's face mere inches from his own. "Ahh!" he shouted, instinctively crawling back and reaching for his dagger.

"Who are you, and where are the other idiots?" he demanded, his heart racing.

"Oh, you're really fast," the bald man said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "Don't worry; I kicked them out. You're safe now." He stood up, his posture relaxed, but Theodore remained on high alert.

"Who are you?" Theodore repeated, trying to gather his bearings.

"Well, you can call me Sato," the man replied, turning his back as if to leave.

"Sato? You mean Sato-sensei? I've been trying to find you!" Theodore exclaimed, urgency filling his voice.

Sato turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Looking after me?"

"Yes! There's a good man named Ramo, the hunter." Theodore explained, eager to share his connection.

"Oh, my old friend Ramo. I remember him. So, he told you to come here?" Sato asked, a hint of nostalgia creeping into his voice.

"Yes, he did. He said you could help me train," Theodore replied, desperation creeping into his tone.

"Well, go back to him. I don't have time to train kids," Sato said dismissively, turning to walk away.

"Hey, wait! I need this training very badly!" Theodore called after him, frustration boiling over.

"I don't care," Sato shot back, continuing down the alley, leaving Theodore feeling defeated.

"I HAVE A MAGIC STONE!" Theodore shouted, hoping to grab his attention.

Sato stopped in his tracks, turning to face Theodore with a raised eyebrow. "What did you say, kid?"

"I have a magic stone inside my body," Theodore replied, his heart racing with hope.

"Come with me, kid," Sato said, a newfound interest in his voice.

"Okay!" Theodore agreed eagerly, a wide smile breaking across his face as he followed Sato, feeling as if he had finally found a glimmer of hope in his quest for strength and knowledge.

Theodore followed Sato closely until they arrived at the old, weathered house nestled among the trees. As they stepped inside, Theodore's heart raced with anticipation.

"Show me it," Sato instructed, his voice firm as he locked the door behind them, ensuring their privacy.

"Okay…" Theodore hesitated for a moment, then slowly lifted his shirt to reveal his chest. In the center lay the glowing stone, pulsating with a faint light.

"This means it's true," Sato murmured, his eyes widening as he examined the stone. He reached out to touch it but quickly recoiled, stepping back as if shocked. "What is this feeling? What kind of magic is this?"

"What do you mean?" Theodore asked, confusion etched on his face.

"Sit here, kid," Sato said, gesturing to a worn rug on the floor. "Tell me everything about your story and how you got this stone."

Theodore settled onto the ground, his mind racing as he began recounting his life he began told him everything. When he was a weapon and until he reached to a forest of dawn.

"Wait a moment. You said Magnus touched your stone?" Sato interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Theodore continued, recalling the moment vividly. "I didn't even know I had a stone because it was embedded beneath my skin. When he placed his hand on my chest, he pulled out the stone."

Sato's expression shifted to one of deep concern. "Kid… if my analysis is correct, the stone inside you has absorbed Magnus's magic. Dark magic."

"Why would he do that? Did he know the stone would absorb his magic?" Theodore wondered aloud, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach.

"I don't know, kid," Sato replied thoughtfully. "But it's known that energy stones can provide immense power."

Theodore frowned, trying to piece together the events. "But is it possible that when he pulled the stone out from beneath my skin, it affected my control over my magic?"

"Absolutely," Sato said, pacing the small room. "When he did that, it could have destabilized your magic."

"well, in my last mission I fought a creature, and I was on the brink of death. Suddenly, an unfamiliar energy surged from within me, and it killed the monster. But I couldn't remember what happened."

"Mmmm, interesting," Sato mused, stroking his chin. "Okay, kid, I will agree to train you. You seem special, like you have potential."

"Really? Thank you, sensei!" Theodore exclaimed, bowing respectfully, relief washing over him.

"Alright, now go back to your house and gather your belongings," Sato instructed, his tone shifting to one of authority. "We are going to another area to begin your training."

"Okay," Theodore replied, his spirits high as he turned to leave. He felt a sense of purpose blooming within him, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.