Olorun proudly led the group through the thick forest, his confidence radiating with every step. "Alright, guys, we're almost there. Luckily, I know exactly where the city is," he said with a smug grin.
Kenji raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Oh, really? You're some kind of navigator now?"
Olorun chuckled, brushing off the sarcasm. "Of course! Just trust me, I've got this."
Tony chimed in, his voice calm but skeptical. "Are you absolutely sure, Olorun?"
Olorun nodded confidently. "Positive. No doubt in my mind. I've got an impeccable sense of direction."
After what felt like hours of wandering, they finally broke through the trees, and Olorun gasped dramatically. "Guys! Look! We've found a road!" he exclaimed, as if he'd just uncovered a hidden treasure.
Kenji pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Cut the bull crap, Olorun. You don't know shit."
Tony tried to stifle a laugh, while Eleo just sighed, shaking his head. "I thought you said you knew where we were going," Eleo muttered.
Olorun scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "Hey, a road's a road, right? It's gotta lead somewhere!"
Kenji groaned. "This is gonna be a long journey…"
As the group trudged along the newly discovered road, Eleo hopped excitedly beside Olorun. "Olorun, how long until we get to the city?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Olorun hesitated for a moment before confidently replying, "Uh… six minutes. Yeah, six minutes tops."
Kenji groaned, rolling his eyes. "Olorun, give it up. You don't know where we're going."
Olorun scoffed, waving him off. "Of course, I do! Look, there's a bar over there!" He pointed ahead, his confidence unwavering.
Tony's eyes lit up at the sight. "Man, I could sure go for a drink," he said, heading straight for the bar without hesitation.
As Tony walked off, Olorun leaned toward Kenji and Eleo, whispering, "Wait… how can Tony even drink? He's a skeleton!"
Kenji shrugged, his expression deadpan. "I don't know. I've only known him for a day."
Olorun's eyes widened. "A day? Same here!"
Eleo giggled, his childlike energy breaking through the tension. "Well, maybe he just likes the taste? Skeletons can have fun too!"
Kenji sighed, rubbing his temples. "This whole journey is turning into one big joke."
Olorun crossed his arms, looking smug. "Joke or not, I'm still leading the way. Six minutes, remember?"
Kenji smirked. "Sure, Olorun. Lead us to the city… or the next bar."
Eleo laughed, skipping ahead. "Either way, it's an adventure!"
The group entered the bar, its dimly lit interior filled with the low hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses. They all slid onto stools beside Tony, who immediately raised a hand. "Three beers for me, Kenji, and Olorun here," he said with a grin.
Eleo's ears perked up. "Hey! What about me?"
Kenji glanced at him, shaking his head. "No way, Eleo. You're eight."
Eleo crossed his arms, pouting. "Aww, but I can handle it!"
The pig-like bartender, a stout creature with a pinkish hue and a gruff voice, nodded. "Alright, three beers coming up. Name's Pinky, by the way."
As he turned to grab the drinks, Tony squinted at him. "Wait a second… I feel like we've seen you before."
Pinky snorted. "Yeah, yeah, I get that a lot. Must be my unforgettable charm." He placed the mugs on the counter. "That'll be three coins."
Tony tossed the coins onto the counter and grabbed his mug with anticipation. "Ah, finally. Can't wait to—"
Before he could take a sip, Tony noticed Kenji, Olorun, and Eleo staring at him intently, their expressions serious. He paused, raising a brow. "What?"
The trio quickly averted their eyes, pretending to examine the décor of the bar.
Tony frowned but shrugged it off. He lifted the mug again, only to catch them staring at him once more, their eyes boring into him like laser beams.
Tony slammed his mug on the counter. "Alright, what's your deal?!"
Olorun leaned forward, smirking. "We're just curious, Tony. How does a skeleton 'taste' beer? You don't even have a tongue."
Kenji chimed in, barely suppressing a grin. "And where does it go? Straight through your ribs? We're all dying to know."
Eleo giggled, adding, "Does it make a funny sound when it hits the floor?"
Tony huffed, crossing his bony arms. "Ha-ha, very funny. For your information, it's about essence, not flavor. Skeletons savor the essence of things, something you fleshy types wouldn't understand."
Kenji smirked. "Right. Essence."
Olorun nodded sagely, barely holding back laughter. "Makes total sense now."
Pinky, wiping down the counter, snorted with laughter. "You lot are somethin' else. This round's on me if you keep the jokes coming."
Tony groaned, muttering under his breath as the others burst into laughter. "I'm surrounded by comedians…" As the group drank, the sound of a door creaking open caught their attention. A tall man with a commanding presence stepped into the bar, his footsteps heavy yet purposeful. He wore a dark, tattered cloak over his broad shoulders, its edges frayed from countless battles. His skin was a deep, rich tone, contrasting sharply with his piercing amber eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. His hair was short and neatly trimmed, with a faint streak of silver running along the side. A jagged scar stretched from his left cheek to his jawline, adding to his air of intimidation.
The man strode to the bar, sitting beside Eleo, and ordered a drink in a low, gravelly voice. His sword, resting in a custom sheath on his back, caught Kenji's eye. It was a magnificent weapon, its handle wrapped in black leather with intricate golden inlays depicting dragons coiled around it. The blade itself, partially visible, gleamed with a faint, eerie purple glow, as though it pulsed with some ancient energy. The guard was shaped like a pair of wings, adding to its mystique.
Kenji's heart skipped a beat as recognition struck him. His eyes widened in shock. "Nova Roland… the strongest swordsman."
Nova turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto Kenji. A faint smirk played on his lips as he spoke, his voice carrying a calm yet commanding tone. "Kenji… the Blue Demon Swordsman. I've been hearing about you." Olorun's eyes widened as he slammed his fist on the table, his voice full of disbelief. "Strongest swordsman here in World 1? What the fuck is this madness?!" He turned to Nova, his face still showing shock.
Eleo leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement. "Oh my God! You're the strongest! Like, the actual strongest!"
Nova smiled faintly, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Yes, I'm the strongest," he said, pausing briefly. "But I'm a different kind of strongest."
Kenji, arms crossed and his gaze sharp, spoke with a firm tone. "Eleo, the strongest you want to face is different. They're on another level entirely, far beyond even Nova."
Nova smirked at Kenji's words, the faint glow of his sword intensifying. "Indeed. I may not be the one Eleo seeks, but that doesn't make me any less formidable. You know that, don't you, Kenji?"
Kenji straightened, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of one of his swords. "I, Kenji, the Blue Demon Swordsman, would like to fight you."
Tony, who had been silent until now, set his drink down and shot Kenji a worried glance. "Kenji, you serious about this? Nova could take over World 1 if he felt like it. You're playing with fire."
Nova chuckled, swirling his drink. "True. The government wouldn't like that, though. Keeps things… balanced. But yes, I accept your challenge. It's been a while since I crossed blades with someone who might actually entertain me."
Olorun stood abruptly, grabbing Kenji by the collar and pulling him close, his voice a harsh whisper. "Kenji, are you fucking dumb? This guy can kill you without even breaking a sweat, and you're gonna risk your life over some 'dream'? What kind of idiot are you?!"
Kenji calmly removed Olorun's grip, his expression stoic. "It's not just a dream, Olorun. It's a swordsman's purpose. I can't remember much of my past, but I remember this: I've always wanted to face Nova Roland. Stories of him inspired me. A true swordsman doesn't shy away from a challenge, no matter the odds."
Eleo, who had been quietly observing, stood up. His usual carefree demeanor was replaced with a serious expression. "I get it, Kenji. I understand what this means to you. If you're that determined, then go for it. You've got my blessing."
Kenji nodded at Eleo, his resolve clear. "Thank you, Eleo."
Nova finished his drink, rising from his seat with an aura of calm authority. "Good. Let's not waste any more time. I'm curious to see if you live up to the reputation of the Blue Demon."