It was the day of the festival.

The early sky was filled with columns of chimney smoke raised by many baking hobbyists. Each individual baker challenged themselves to win the baking contest. People often found themselves by stands filled with cakes, tarts and many pastries presented before them.

Things early morning would be the busiest. Villagers were given an opportunity to enjoy the exquisite day of festive cheer and laughter. All around were shops. The plaza was pack full of performances.

Children would be given play tokens by their parents and be off. The older kids would challenge themselves to competitions. The elders would sit on the nearest bench to enjoy a relaxing meal, sometimes joined with their family.

Was what Hannah reported before she raced back to the village. Lucky her. She got to enjoy the festival.

“Now then.”

I ran through my equipment one last time. Sword, check. Strange contraptions, check. Armor, check. Dagger, check. Weird looking shield? Check.

A towering figure loomed over the shack. Kridas, the giant, took residence near my home in exchange for providing insights for my plans. Kridas had a military background. It was natural of him to help correct the habits I had.

The village was aware of Kirdas’ presence as the Elder announced he had plans for his aid in the future. It’s not like Kridas was in a hurry to go home and he wanted to stay to learn about my kind.

“Hey, I thought you understood me when I described what the weapon looked like, but this is way off the mark.”

“I already made it. It looks good enough.”

“Do you really think it’d work?”

“It might be the worst time to test it, but it should be enough. I put a lot of effort making it.”

“I was here for that. It doesn’t seem practical. It looks like a long board wrapped around your arm. It’s going to be hard to defend yourself against arrows.”

“Lucky me. Irvan doesn’t use bows. Besides, I’ll never know if this works until we try.”

“I’ll leave that part to you.”

The concept of this shield was intriguing. I modified the shape after tower shields and is essentially a long plank of wood. If it was made entirely of metal, I doubt I had the strength to lift it. The width and length were about the size of my forearm. The bottom edge of the shield was metal and took the teeth design of Kridas’ “Sword Breaker” with many metal rods fitted in a row much like a comb.

Many fragments of flint hammered snug into the top rim of the shield. If I struck them with my sword, a shower of sparks would come out. This would serve a good distraction.

“Are you ready? You have huge hurdle ahead of you.”

“Ready or not.”

If I could inflict a large enough wound on Irvan, victory would go to me. However, the same could be said for him. I would suffer defeat if I received said large wound.

Just as I was prepared to leave, I saw a familiar face leaning against the tree with her arms crossed. It was Sorah. What does she want? She gave me a troubling look, not the kind that’d start an argument or anything, I think.

I returned her gaze with a confused expression.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Kridas slowly raised himself and walked a few paces away.

A few moments of silence later, Sorah made a fist as she marched up to me. She stopped about a meter away and hid something behind her back. From what it sounds like, I heard some crumpling. Is it a letter?

“Er… here to wish me luck?”

She replied with a quick nod. To be honest, I never saw this side of her. I don’t know what to say or react.

“Umm, thanks? If you don’t need anything else, I need to get going.”

“Wait. I have something to give you.”

“A letter?”

“R-read it after you win the duel!”

“Easy for you to say. You make it sound like I can win.” I tucked it in my back pocket. “You’re making me more nervous than I already am. I think you made my chances of winning slimmer.”

“Judging by your tone, I know you’ll win. You always have a plan. That’s why other hunters call you a rat.”

“Not a cockroach? I thought it was because they see me as a pest for digging up trash.”

“You’re such a pessimist. I was trying to compliment you.”

Like I’d believe that. I gave her a silent stare.

“W-what?”

“Your face is kinda red.”

“Don’t you have a duel? Go! Go and win!”

“Alright, stop pushing me.” I sighed. “Kridas, I’m done here.”

“Oh, you’re ready? Then shall we?” Kridas plucked me off the ground and onto his shoulders. “Excuse us, Holy Sorah. I shall bring Holy Kihet to the battle arena.”

Technically we don’t have an arena designated for duels. It’s always been in the biggest open field next to the lake.

“Good luck, Kihet!”

“Thanks. Just watch me.”

And this was what I’ve been waiting. I hopped on Kridas’ hand and was slowly lifted up. A flow of wind hit my face when I surfaced above the trees then I saw the sky. There were only clouds and the blue sky.

“Wow!” I cried.

Looking down, I saw the top of the trees. The wind made the leaves more water-like blowing on them like waves. When Kridas began moving, carefully brushing aside leaves, it felt like I was sailing above the forest. This rare scenery that would only be possible riding on a giant’s shoulder.

“Like the view?”

“It’s amazing! I climbed trees but never found one this high before! I can see everything from here!”

“How’s your injuries? Healed?”

“My foot’s a bit sore. It shouldn’t pose a problem.”

“HAHA! Excellent! I’ll be rooting for you!”

“Kridas, I thought you promised to not to laugh that loud! It hurts my ears.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it. My kind gets excited over fights.”

“Is that so? Anyways, thanks. For helping.”

“Win first, owe me a barrel later.”

I suppose a barrel would quench a giant’s thirst instead of a glass.

Dong, dong, dong. The bell from the village rang.

I saw villagers finished what shopping they needed to spectate my duel. They were like little ants crawling to their seats around the stage set with a small crystal ball magnified by water and light magic.

“Kridas, I think you can drop me off here.”

“And I thought you wanted to have a grand entrance.”

“I do, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself.” I frowned. “I know my friends need me to win. I can’t afford to embarrass them. Especially Sorah. She ordered me to read her letter after the duel.”

And my ticket out of the village depended on this.

“A love letter?”

“Yeah right. After what I did to her parents, it should be anything but a love letter. It’s the Elder’s writing. It might be the country I’ll be visiting when I get out of the village.”

“And here I was, thinking that young love could bloom.”

“Kridas, how old are you?”

“I’m nearing two hundred.”

“I’m a few hundred years older than you.”

“EH?! And you look that young?! No way!”

“My kind could live up to a few thousand years if we live a healthy life.”

“I can see why you’re desperate to leave the sacred forest.” He sighed. “Alright, the sooner you win, the sooner you can have your wish fulfilled. Go get that Enui, boy!”

I met Irvan by the lake.

Should I be flattered he decided to be armored from shoulder to toe, wearing his best hunting equipment against me? The last time I saw him this well prepared when he was preparing for the yearly tournament.

He held a longsword in his hand while two more floated behind him. While he looked like a renown swordsman in his metal plated armor with two swords hovering behind him. I was dressed in mismatched leather armor. He brandished his third and newest longsword compared to crude weapons I had on display.

“What’s with that shield? It looks silly!” Irvan snorted. “You can’t hide behind that!”

“What do you mean? It’s not a shield.”

“Huh?”

“It’s a shield, duh. I can’t believe you believed in the words of a coward so easily. You’re so gullible.”

“Y-You!”

Things appeared to be going as planned. I needed to rile him up and make him loose his temper.

“Are the contestants ready?” The Elder’s voice echoed from the magic crystal.

“Bring it. I’m going to kill him.”

While Irvan threatened me, I looked towards the Elder and put my hand up. “Can I reschedule the duel? It’s a nice day. I don’t want to die.”

“Rejected.” The Elder sighed. Through that sigh, I could tell he somewhat sympathized with me.

“I suppose. Let’s get this over with.”

“Then, start!”

Before Kridas was able to drop a branch to signal the start of the battle, I put away my sword and drew my sling. At the same time as the branch touched the ground, I began flinging pebbles at random.

Irvan ran to one side, ducking and dodging my projectiles. He dragged his longsword behind him, putting me within his reach.

“Die!”

“Woah!”

He was quick. I raised my shield and managed to deflect the first strike and avoided a kick. His other hand reached back for another sword, aiming for my neck.

I pulled my head as far back as possible and still, the point of his blade scratched my chin. Before I regained my balance, he was already bringing down a third strike. I threw my shield in front and was sent tumbling backwards.

If I hadn’t installed a metal rim where he struck me, I would’ve lost an arm.

“How’s that? I’m just getting warmed up.” Irvan smirked.

As expected, he was leagues above me in terms of physical strength. I blocked the last attack with my weight, and he threw me across the floor. It was impossible to fight him head on.

I quickly put some distance between us and reached into my bag. I tossed a deck of paper that resembled Elius’ talismans and scattered them with the help of the wind.

“Magic? If you think that’s going to scare me, you’re dead wrong! I can use magic too!” Irvan slid a paper talisman over his sword. “Sei, Ulos, Larv, Exles, Val!”

A coil of flames wrapped over his weapon bringing the metal blade to a bright orange glow. He waved his blazing sword above and cut the air, unleashing a wave of fire burning all my talismans.

I hid a smile behind my shield as I tanked against the incoming flames. It was like a mass of hot air briefly blown over me that was enough to make me sweat. The flames were weak at this range. I only needed to protect my face.

My papers had crushed fragments of crystallized flash bug extract and other flammable ingredients. I spent a lot of effort to crush and forged fake copies of magic talismans. I planned to ignite the papers myself when the time came, but his fire attack caused a chain reaction of light exploding around the battlefield. It was brighter than I expected, but my eyes were safe by hiding behind my shield.

“You and your cheap tricks! Fight fairly!”

“I can’t. That’s why I’m using cheap tricks.”

I grabbed a handful Fugel berries from my airtight flask and flung them at Irvan. I was surprised he blocked my projectiles while blinded. Fortunately, Fugel berries don’t get deflected and instead splat over his body and sword as he cut and blocked them.

“Ugh! What did you shoot at me?!” It was at this moment he lost his concentration, but as he was more concerned about strange objected pelted at him, he failed to recognize his [Ribbon]s dropped his other weapons.

“Relax. They’re berries.”

“This… you’re insulting me!”

It took a moment for his eyes to recover. After rubbing them vigorously, he dashed towards me. I felt an impact on my side. A sword towered over me, and I instinctively raised my blade to block it.

“What’s wrong? You shouldn’t be surprised. You were always weak! Give me my crest already!”

Should I use the seal? No. It’s not my power. If I used it, it could stir up something unnecessary and prevent me from going to the outside world.

Before I decided, he tilted his sword slightly, throwing me off balance. Irvan ducked to my side, striking a heavy blow at my rib. I was lucky I wore protective plates under my jacket to prevent a critical wound there, but I felt that attack and I was bleeding. His sword tore through several protective layers.

I didn’t have time to react. He brandished his longsword and knocked my weapon into the lake. He grabbed my shoulder then kneed my stomach. I felt my stomach churning inside out and the impact crumpled my plated armor protecting my stomach as I rolled backwards on the ground.

Even without needing to use his second hand to support his blade, he overpowered me. His kicks were just as deadly. At this point, I felt like a ball being kicked around by a child.

“Give up, you’re finished with all your tricks gone! Give me the crest and I might not kill you.”

“I never intended on fighting you in the first place.” I spat. “You should pay attention to your surroundings a bit more.”

I felt continuous trembling gradually increasing.

While he was focused on me, a small herd of Felk raced towards us. Him mostly. I picked myself up and ran as fast and far as I could from the stampede. In no time, the Felks swarmed him, butting their heads to lick Fugel berry leftovers he was splattered with.

“Ack! What is this?! Get off me!”

He tried to flee, but the Felks were glued to him. The heavy scent from the Fugel berries sent them into a frenzy.

“You’re looking down on me!”

His sword scorched brightly. He turned the point upside down and plunged the tip of his blade into the ground. An explosion erupted from his position and blew the herd away.

I didn’t think he could do that.

He emerged from the smoke with ragged breath and a bit of bruising on one of his arms. The Felks did more damage than I considered, but not enough to put him down.

“Coward!”

“At least I was honest to admit I’d avoid fighting you head on.”

“Dammit! I’m going to kill you!”

His eyes were bloodshot and wild. I could tell he was going to try to cut me down for his next attack. I’m no expert, but Irvan was a prideful but a straightforward fighter. He brute forces his way through if the flow of the battle in his favor became disturbed, which I never gave him a chance to control that flow.

I’m weaker than him, but I’m cleverer as Kridas pointed it out. Why waste effort to force my way through when I could just go around to reach the same goal? I have an entire arsenal of equipment devoted to any possible situation I could think of.

I braced myself with my shield arm up. Right before he could bring down his sword and cleave my head apart, I scraped my dagger on the top edge of my shield over a row of flint. Sparks flew into his face.

He shielded his eyes only by closing them and flinched. I took it as an opportunity to catch his sword between row of comb like teeth with my shield. With a twist, pull and a headbutt to the face, I disarmed him and shoved him onto the ground.

“Give up, Irvan.”

“Give up? I didn’t lose yet!”

He’s stubborn. Thankfully, he can’t keep a calm mind. He bounced back up like a simpleton and tried to punch me using too much strength. His anger completely took over his actions and his movements gradually became more sluggish and untrained.

“What’s with those eyes? Why are you staring at me like that? I haven’t lost! You didn’t do any damage to me!”

“Look, I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I have to. You’ve lost. I took your weapons away. I can safely say if you continue this fight, you won’t be able to move.”

“Yeah right. What can you do-…? Why am I… Why is everything… blurry…?”

It’s time.

I brought up my handkerchief and pressed it over my nose. Inside were petals of the infamous Stredhime plant to cleanse the mind of uneasiness. They also contain unique properties to boost resistance effects of other drugs for a duration.

“Surrender.” I said, stabbing his longsword firmly into the ground. “You’re in no shape to fight anymore.”

“Ngh… I won’t… dammit…….”

Irvan then fell face flat into the ground, snoring. He didn’t know, but since I knew we were going to fight by the lake I rigged the place.

I was planning to activate the trap myself during the fight, but ironically like the talismans, his fire magic was his undoing.

Few nights before, I planted pots of sleeping incenses in the ground and camouflaged the wicks as plants. Even with my tricks, I knew it wasn’t enough to stop Irvan. I made myself appearing to be losing to become bait for my own trap. I was fortunate to have ran so many test, I could distinguish the smell of sleeping gas burned from those incenses and gave Irvan enough exposure to the building smoke around us.

I was hoping to use my shield to light the wicks while moving around, but I lucked out that Irvan ignited half of them in my stead.

I am a cheater, a rat, whatever you call me. I was not fighting to prove myself. I needed confirmation about who destroyed my home and got Hannah injured.

Kridas scratched his head. “I can hear the village’s complaints. They don’t seem happy with your victory.”

“I lack muscles, so I’ll do anything I can to make up for it. Everything I have would be gone if you haven’t helped. You should know by now I’m not the type that plays fair.”

“No one fights fair in a war. I’m speaking from experience here.”

“True. I just don’t like fighting fair in general, I guess?” I picked up my shortsword and walked towards forest. “I’m looking forward to see if Irvan’s the culprit who hurt Hannah.”

After today’s battle, I appear to have given the village a negative impact because I was too prepared for my duel against Irvan. They didn’t like a sinner winning because the method I used to achieve my victory was dishonourable.

Like I gave a damn.

The rest of the day flew by after the duel that everyone appeared to have forgotten about my victory. The villagers were preoccupied by entertainers, carnival booths and delicious food. Too bad I couldn’t participate. My replacement cuffs and mask weren’t repaired in time.

I still have to learn if Irvan was the culprit behind the destruction of my home. I guess that’ll have to wait until today’s over.

I found myself a spot on the tallest tree I could climb, watching and listening from my home. I watched different sparks of colors and heard the explosive cheers through the air. In my mind I wondered what delicious food were being served that I’m missing out.

Ow, ow, ow… my sides still hurt. I wonder if I treated it properly. I’ll ask Lemi to look at it when she’s not busy. I think she and the others were having too much fun and forgot about me already.

I think I should sleep soon. I’ve packed up the things I needed for tomorrow’s departure. It’s finally time for my wish to come true. I can’t wait!

As I was removing items from my bag, a letter fell out. It was the letter Sorah passed to me before I fought Irvan. She said I could open it after I won against Irvan.

“Now what’s this?”

I unfold the letter and saw it was a document of the place I would be designated to in a few days. The country I would be responsible to gain the support was the Empire of Xu. That’s the place the Elder decided to send me.

Xu was a land of horned people up north. Devils, I think it’s what they call themselves. Their warriors aren’t as physically adept as the Scaleman and Giants. They aren’t as fast as Beastmen and Insectoids. Their magic isn’t as strong as Fairies and Alfs. They rely on their nimbleness and techniques adapted to counter specific opponents.

If I recall, they value the sacred blossom tree more than anything in the middle of their capital. I read from a book once; the sacred tree had the ability to purify the land of toxins, cleansing lands that were corrupted so long as the roots were undamaged.

“I’ll be going to Xu, I’m already excited. I wonder where the others are going.”

Another letter dropped out of the envelope, this time with Sorah’s writing.

“Well, isn’t that nice? I bet she peeked the contents of the letter before I did. Let’s see what she has to say.”

To Kihet,

If you’re reading this, that means I should congratulate you on your victory. And yes, with the Elder’s permission, I took a good look to where you are being sent. Take a guess where I’ll be going?

Anyways, there’s something that’s been stuck on my chest. I need to be forward with you. It’s important to talk about it for us. Can you row a boat over? I’ll be waiting by parent’s grave tonight.

Sorah

“Tonight? That’s now.”

I looked around to find the ground beside lake on the opposite side where I won my duel. The quietness of the lake captured and reflected a picture of the night sky. Like a portal, you would think you would step into space the moment you dip your feet its waters.

The opposite side of the lake was where the gravestones of Sorah’s parents and the other hunters caught in the accident. I’m not going to lie, but I wasn’t fond of the idea to meet her there. Every time I visited, I was overcome by guilt and expect the dead to resurrect just to criticize me.

But it’s important. I guess I have no choice to go and find out what she wanted to talk about.

I quickly climbed down and gathered some offerings. It’s a way to ask for forgiveness since Sorah and I will be bothering them for a bit.

I turn my attention towards the tower and decided to take a detour. Sure enough, the boulder used to seal the Shadow Knight was there. The symbol would glow when I stepped close to examined it. I can feel a subtle flare in my arms as if the mark is reacting to it.

“You said I have the key to open the tower but how am I supposed to open the tower that doesn’t have a keyhole? What’s the point of this tower anyways?”

I was returned with silence. Figures. I’m literarily talking to a rock.

I heard stories the tower was built eons before the first Enui was born. I don’t exactly know how long ago, but I could tell the superstructure endured harsh climate changes and stood against the deadliest natural disasters. Some of the wears on the walls were ancient. The most damage I found was a small chip on one face. I don’t know what the outers walls were made to withstand against nearly everything.

I tried digging through it once and that resulted in all my tools breaking.

The only clue were eight identical symbols matching the one on my arms on all faces of its octagonal shape. Nothing else.

Who built this and for what purpose? I wanted to find out what’s at the top of the tower, but it was built without an entrance. Don’t tell me to climb it. There’s no way in hell I could climb something stretching beyond the clouds. Who knew how many floors it had?

“It’s not like I can suddenly find answers.”

Taking one last glance, I noticed one of the symbols on the tower flicker. The light dissipated as I walk farther and farther from it and towards a small port built near the temple.

I hopped on one of the small boats near the temple and followed the light on the other side. I took my time enjoying the calm ride until I reached the shore.

I found Sorah kneeling before two piles of stacked stones under a tree.

The passing wind brushed her red hair, the moon’s shine gave her smooth skin a soft blue glow. I found myself standing there, watching her. I was entranced.

“One second. I’m almost finish cleaning the area.”

“O-oh, ok. I-I brought some flowers and incense sticks for your parents. Here.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll be watering the area. Come get me after you’re done.”

“Okay.”

She neatly put a bouquet of freshly picked flowers and offered burning incense sticks in a vase between the two pile of stones.

As she removed overgrown weeds, I took a pale of water and splashed the surrounding graveyard to water the area. The fallen trunks with charcoaled patches were still there. I found myself trapped under there in my nightmares.

My head ached by recollecting my memories. I made a mistake that costed twenty hunter’s death, including her parents and mine.

“Kihet? You look pale. Are you okay?”

“GAH!”

“WAH! What, what is it?!”

“Holy shit! Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

“It wasn’t my fault you couldn’t hear me. What were you daydreaming about?”

“It’s nothing.” I brushed her worries aside. “Why did you want me to bring the boat out?”

“Lemi and the others invited us for a late-night party by the Heroes’ graves. I want to go there by boat tonight. It’s rare to have the stars and moon shine so brightly tonight in this season.”

“Wouldn’t walking be much faster?”

“Do you want to carry all the food I brought with me?”

Fair enough. Driving a carriage through the forest would take a while. There was a river that passes by the hill where the Heroes’ grave sits and that would be the fastest method to get there.

“And I’m guessing you want me to be the ferryman.”

“Do I have to say anything when you’re already volunteering?”

“I never volunteered. You called me. Help me get the things on the boat.”

I load the bags on the boat then climbed aboard. I chose my spot by the head of the boat and kept it steady for Sorah. After she counted everything, she hopped on.

Usually, we’d sit on opposite ends of the boat, but today she chose her spot close enough our legs fought for space.

“Um… Sorah. You’re kind of close.”

“Are you trying to make me move?”

“I’m pretty conscious about my personal space. Isn’t there room on the other side?”

“The boat you chose is small to begin with. Stop complaining and start rowing. We’re going to be late.”

It’s not my problem to begin with. You were organizing the bags on the boat. Knowing Sorah, she won’t budge. I let out a sigh and quietly rowed us towards a connecting a river.

“Hey, congratulations on winning.”

“A bit late.”

“I know, but I’m the first one to say it to you, right?”

She wasn’t wrong. Since I directly headed back to my den, no one could really congratulate me on my victory.

At this moment, she became strangely quiet. Her eyes stayed on me making it hard not to notice as I tried avoiding direct eye contact.

“Something on my face?”

“No, just thinking.”

“Well, look at something else. Your stare is bothering me.”

Was I too harsh? I didn’t think so. I talked to her like I’d always have. She’s the one acting weird today.

Tears suddenly flowed down her cheeks.

Sorah quickly blew out the flame from the lantern. She tried hiding her face in the dark, but I can still see from the moonlight.

“You’re crying...?”

“N-no. Something’s in my eye.”

“Riiiight. What’s with you tonight? I can’t read you at all.” I scratched my hair. “By the way, on your letter you wanted to talk about something.”

Did I do something wrong? Sorah’s staring intensely at me. I bet she’s about to ask what happened between Megith and me. If she tries to hit me, I’ll throw us overboard. That’ll teach her to listen before she misunderstands my side of the story.

“Did-.”

“Look, I didn’t do anything with Megith. She was the one who crawled in the bed and used me as her body pillow. I know you want to hit me, but I don’t deserve that kind of treatment from you. Think about how many times Megith gets me in trouble and she does those stuff to me all the time. I have to admit, I am a guy and I admit I like her kind of approaches, but I’m able to control myself. Anyways, before you get mad at me, I also have the right to be mad at you. Who goes peeking at another person’s letter? I wanted to be the first one to know where I was being sent to. There’s something such as privacy, you know? What if I opened your letter before you? I bet you’d get mad at me.”

I took a deep breath and exhaled. It felt good to let loose once in a while.

“Eh? I… what? I knew Megith was just teasing you. I was about to ask how your injuries were.”

“Oh… this is awkward.” I paused for a moment. “They’re healed, mostly. Was that all?”

“And, umm… I want to talk about the incident decades ago.” She clasped her hands and made an apologetic gesture. “Do you still blame yourself?”

“Everything I did led up to the point I got Hannah hurt. What do you think?”

“You didn’t know.”

“You’re right. I didn’t know better. I accidentally released a seal that killed twenty hunters along with your and my parents. There are people who haven’t forgiven me and through that hate, Hannah almost became a victim.”

Speaking of which I made a bargain with Irvan. He lost and should’ve been tested by the crystal of truth.

“I don’t want to talk about the past anymore. What’s done is done. No matter how much I apologize it won’t change a thing that I was responsible for it. I won the duel. Was Irvan the culprit?”

“Oh right, after his injuries were treated, the Elder immediately put him for trial.” Sorah then shook her head. “He’s innocent, but Kridas, the Giant saw who it was and reported it to me after your fight. By my request, I asked him to keep it a secret. We know anyone who provokes a Crest Holder deserves severe punishment. The culprit could be given a worse punishment than you were given.”

“Are you trying to talk me into giving mercy?”

“I’m offering facts for you to decide. Although the result almost costed me Hannah, I don’t know if I could condemn him after knowing who it was.”

“Why couldn’t you? That person almost took your sister away from you. Who was it anyways?”

“A child. The baker’s only son. Same age as Hannah. His father was one of the hunters that was caught in the accident.”

“You’re kidding… a child?”

Even children hate me. I can say for certain my relationship with the village will never improve. I should give up the dream of being welcomed back with opened arms forever.

“What are you going to do?”

I stopped rowing. I went silent and let the boat drift along the still waters.

I mean, I get it. I killed a child’s father and in return he pursued his vendetta against me. He’s still young and has a long life ahead of him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for punishing to teach the child a lesson but not in a way that’ll ruin his life forever.

I looked around hoping to get an epiphany or an answer from the Gods. No idea came to mind.

“I don’t know.”

Just then I heard a small faint sigh slowly changing to a laugh.

“Hehe, ah hahahaha!”

“What? What’s so funny?”

“No, it’s just… I’m glad you’re still you.”

“You’re not making any sense today. You were crying and now you’re smiles and giggles?”

“Yes, because the Kihet I know would be indecisive and wants what’s the best for everyone. You’d go out of harms way to protect people even if they were mean to you.”

“I don’t want to escalate the problem more than it has to. It’d ruin my peaceful lazy life.”

“Except when you claim yourself to be ‘lazy’ when you fiddle around in your workshop everyday.”

“What’s wrong with that? Everyone has their hobbies.”

“And I love you for that.”

Did I hear that right? She doesn’t like, but loves me because of that? Is she leading me onto something or was I imagining things?

Sorah rested her chin on her hands, elbows on her knees and gave me a delicate smile. It was an expression I never saw but it was pleasant to look at. I can feel my heart feeling ticklish, my face burning.

Suddenly my embarrassment took over and I leaned back. Yeah, yeah. Say all you want about me not having some backbone. I don’t want to make assumptions and look like the fool here especially when I can’t predict what Sorah’s going to do next. Seriously, these couple of days she’s been acting strange to me.

“Why are you staring at me again? Are you sure there isn’t something on my face?”

“I can’t look at you?”

“You’re too close.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

I feel like the tables were turned on me. I was the one asking her questions about her and now I feel like I’m on the receiving end of the lure. She’s definitely hinting on something, but I’m not confident to ask. The last thing I need from today is some misunderstanding making me feel like a fool for the rest of this day.

I rowed the boat slightly faster trying to get out of the waters as fast as possible. My saving grace came when Sorah pointed towards a light by a small docking area.

“There you two were. We were starting to get worried food might not arrive. By the way, congrats on your victory, Kihet!”

“Yeah, congratulations!”

“C-congrats, Kihet!”

“Thanks guys.” I docked the boat by a small port and steadied it while Driagh and Malth removed bags of ingredients. Megith was just there to observe us.

“What’s up Sorah? You seem a little happy.” Megith asked. “Ho oh~, don’t tell me something good happened while you two were alone?”

“I guess you could say that.” Sorah answered gleefully.

I can’t wrap my head around it. All we did was talk and… that’s it. I shot Megith a look of confusion while I went and help with bringing food up the hill for the late-night party. She grinned at me all the way up towards the campfire.

The others and I stood beneath the tree where the rest were. Lemi tended the campfire while Vol sharpened wooden skewers. As for Elius, he was reading, nose dug deep into his books as usual.

“Finally, food is here!” Vol shouted as he ran up us and helped move the ingredients onto the table he prepared. “I’m hungry! I’ll start putting stuff on the slate!”

“What was Elius in charge of?” I asked.

“Drinks.”

He pointed towards a frozen crate behind him. There was a magic circle traced around it, constantly pouring out cold air. Magic are sure convenient aren’t they?

“Took your sweet time getting here.”

“Hey, I only have so much I can carry. I was rowing all those bags across the lake. Could’ve used some help.” I grunted. I then sat beside Elius and whispered, “Besides, Sorah’s acting weird. Does she ever smile that much towards me?”

“I’d say you’re the weird one. Maybe if you aren’t that dense-.”

“I’m not! I’m just not sure.”

“Then ask, but after the main event.”

“Wow, not even a word of congratulations?”

“I predicted you would win. Even bet on it and got some money. The outcome was obvious.”

“You got money off my hard work?”

“It’s called calculating, something you need to work on. But a person as reckless as you aren’t a calculative type.”

“Alright smarty pants. Anyways, what main event?”

“You’ll see. Everyone, attention please!”

Elius holstered his book and took out an envelope. Everyone else mimicked him.

Oh! I still don’t know where everyone’s being sent to. I quickly took my envelope from my bag.

There were eight of us and seven countries. I believe one of us will go with Lemi to keep an eye on her. The most likely candidate going to the same destination as Lemi would be Sorah, Megith or me.

Since I’m being sent to Xu, Vol was likely going to Stusis, the mountains of Scaleman. Vivrus would scare him as he isn’t good with dealing with insects.

“Everyone’s votes are in?” Draigh asked.

“Hell yeah! Whoever has the most correct guess gets to demand one wish from someone!” Vol shouted. “I think I got this, and I know what my wish will be!”

“Forget it Vol, you’re the last person who’ll get anything right.” Lemi said curtly.

“That’s terrible! I can rely on luck you know?!”

“Not that you had any to begin with.” Elius replied with a smug grin.

“AH?!”

“Since was that in the bet?” I interrupted.

“We forgot to tell you. G-guess you didn’t know… haha.” Malth laughed. “You in?”

“Well, everyone’s in so I’m in.”

It was a no brainer Elius would be going to Easul, dominated by magic users called Alfs. Draigh should be going to Rozzosea, the great fortress of Giants for his stature. Malth would be sent to Vivrus, and his sister would be sent to Pamalyra. I think Sorah would be going to Sancutary, the forest of Faries. I wrote Lemi would be accompanying Sorah. That must mean Vol is going to Stusis.

I obediently grabbed some charcoal and paper. Since I’m in the game without knowing, I guess I should participate for the fun of it. If I win, I could get Megith to stop playing nasty pranks on me every now and then.

“On three!” Draigh cheered. “One, Two, Three!”

And the results were much different than I expected. I got the second worst score; three of seven correct. Vol got the worse; two out of seven.

As expected, Elius was appointed to go to Easul, Sorah was sent to Sanctuary. Malth and Megith are both going to Vivrus, leaving Draigh going to Stusis, Vol to Pamalyra but surprisingly, Lemi was sent to Rozzosea alone.

I looked around and found everyone guessed my location correctly. Was it that obvious? To my shock, Sorah was spot on for everyone’s destination. She had the advantage as she looked at the letter addressed to me, but how did she guess Lemi’s place?

Already I can see she set her eyes on me. Given her behaviour so far, I’m expecting a troublesome request from her.

“Sorah, did you cheat?” I doubted.

“What are you talking about?” She quickly denied.

“Well, you peeked at my letter before the game started.”

“Everyone else did too.”

H-huh?! I’m playing with a bunch of cheaters! Now that I read everyone’s guesses, they had me written going to Xu as the first one on their list. Everyone else wouldn’t look me in the eye as I demanded an explanation.

“Though, I am surprised.” Lemi interrupted. “Sorah, how did you guess I would be going to Rozzosea?”

“Kridas is here. I thought the Elder would send an escort familiar of the land. I then deduced the places with the information I had.”

“Man, Kihet and Elius are lucky.” Vol sighed. “I heard there are beautiful ladies in Xu and Easul. It wouldn’t be surprising if a few were trying to whoo you.”

“I’m more interested about the Alf’s grand library. I could read all the books I want.”

“I just wanted to leave the village.”

“Figures.” Draigh laughed. “For once, I’m just excited as them. Although I’m envious of Lemi, I heard the Scaleman are quite tough opponents for wrestling.”

“The Elder made the right choice, I think.” Malth spoke up.

“Unlike Kihet, I heard from my other friends that Vol was a mega pervert. So, I can say the Elder definitely made the right choice.” Megith shook her head.

“Why are you trying to shame me at a time like this?!”

“Weren’t you spying at them too much while they were swimming?”

Lemi and Sorah shot Vol a disgusted glare. They took several steps away from him and took cover behind me.

“Pervert.”

“You’re the worst.” Lemi added. “Perhaps I should prepare some sort of remedy to help reform your behavior.”

“I-I can’t help it! After all, I’m a man! Who wouldn’t get excited when their bodies are just covered by a few pieces of clothing and seeing their chest and butts bounce in front of you!? You people are just cruel!”

As others threw their insult at Vol, I dropped a look at Sorah who tugged my sleeve. “You looked like you want a wish from me. What do you want?”

“N-nothing- no! I mean yes!”

“And that is?”

“There’s too many eyes. I’ll tell you later.” She shyly said.

We cheer and danced all night long. One by one, my friends fell asleep soundly under the full moon.

Everyone laid wasted on the ground fast asleep. Sorah and I had somehow remained the only ones awake. She tended the flames while I volunteered doing the cleanup. Even though everyone said we’d clean the place by tomorrow morning, it would’ve been my turn to come back up to clean the grave. I rather finish my regular duty now than leave it for tomorrow.

“Sorah, you’re acting too weird tonight.”

“A-am I?”

“Your words are stuttering and you’re fidgeting too much. Are you drunk?”

“I might’ve drunk too much…” She laughed.

“Might’ve? You chugged down four bottles after Megith challenged you. Those bottles aren’t exactly small either. I’m surprised you’re still sober.”

“Kihet, were running out of firewood.”

“Hm? Oh. I’ll go get some.”

“Wait. Bring me with you.”

She opened her arms, as if asking me to pamper and carry her. She was drunk for sure, but she was really good at hiding it up until now.

“You sure?” I asked cautiously.

“Yeah!”

Even drunk, she’s as adamant as ever. She’s going to pester me until I bring her.

“Don’t go vomiting on me.”

“I won’t! Carry me already!”

“Yeah, Yeah. You’re not light so stop wiggling.”

“What?!”

I’m surprised the others are still asleep after all the drunk yelling Sorah was making.

I crouched in front, showing her my back as she slowly crawled on after she lightly punched me for my remark. She wasn’t light at all, but she wasn’t as heavy as I expected.

I carried Sorah down the hill on my back to gather some deadwood and barks. A basket with strings hanged around my neck as I command Sorah to break off wood we could use for the campfire. We journeyed through the forest about ten minutes before deciding to head back.

Someone’s enjoying the ride. While I was her pack mule, Sorah kept silent ever since we began collecting.

I suddenly feel a tap on my shoulder.

“What is it now?”

“My wish.”

We are away from everyone else. However, I shouldn’t forget Sorah was drunk. She might get me to do something crazy.

“Let’s go to my parent’s grave first.”

“You want me to row over there again?”

“Now!”

“Geez, I get it. Stop wiggling so much. I might drop you.”

After the boat ride, I waited for her to finish praying and faced her with my arms crossed. I’m at the point where I don’t even care anymore with her antics. I silently waited for her to piece her request. I couldn’t read her expression as her back was faced towards moonlight, but she had a serious air around her.

“You’re not really drunk, right?”

“That was an act to see if any of them were still awake.” She turned to me.

“I swear. You’re too good at acting.”

“So, Kihet.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think,” She held her hands together. “Do you think you can say what you said when we visited my parent’s grave for the first time? We won’t see each other for a long time. I want to give you an answer for what you asked me on that day before we leave tomorrow.”

“How the heck would I remember something I said that long ago? I don’t even remember what I ate for breakfast either.”

“You don’t remember?”

Don’t make a sad face like that. I was just teasing you.

“No, I do.”

I once confessed to her on the day her parents were buried. I know I should’ve waited, but I made a mistake because my guilt and desire to make things right got the better of my emotions. I ended up confessing on a whim.

But this time, I was given a second chance.

I held her hands, looking her right in the eye.

“Sorah, will you, umm…” I stuttered. “I wove yu-.”

I messed up. It’s not my fault I’m not used to saying those embarrassing words. I can hear my own heart pounding as I turned my face away to hide my expression. She’s going to make fun of me now.

I wanted to dig a hole and jump in it.

Sorah didn’t reply. She was silent, questioningly. She just made a bittersweet smile that was mixed with other feelings. She was trying to keep face, but I can feel her hands trembling, grow hot and she was staring at the ground.

It’s awkward now. What should I do next?

We both waited out the silence until my nose began to tickle and I sneezed.

“Are you cold?” She asked.

“I’m always cold. I’m starting to wonder if I gathered enough firewood for the rest of the night.”

“We should be fine. We can share a blanket together if you like.”

“So uh, about your wish. Was that it?”

Sorah was dumbstruck by my sudden question. I can see her brows furrowed and her gazed turned somewhat hostile. She was glaring at me, and by her expression I knew I broke the mood.

“Umm…”

As I try to pull away, her finger wrapped tighter around my hand.

“Answer me honestly.”

I subconsciously gulped.

“Did you say it with the same feelings as you did the first time?”

“I did.”

“And still?”

“I guess, I never gave up on you.”

“Neither have I.”

Her frown was completely replaced with a sweet smile. I felt a hot rush of blood crawling over my face as I continued looking at her.

“I’m sorry for rejecting you back then. I actually wanted to accept, but I couldn’t feel anything after watching my parents get buried.”

“I mean, my timing was inappropriate.”

“It was. What were you thinking? If it was before or after, I would’ve said yes already.”

“Does that mean…”

“It took you a while.” She blushed and snuggled in my chest. “Let’s go somewhere a bit more private.”

Kihet was exhausted. He quickly fell asleep after hauling the firewood back to the group.

The way he slept while sitting upright looked uncomfortable. She carefully lowered his head onto her lap.

She poked his cheek several times and was always replied with a groggy groan. At some point, Kihet would sneeze like a tiny hamster which made her giggle. She heard a noise on the opposite side of the flames and called to the person she thought was pretending.

“Megith, I know you’re awake.”

“Ah ha, you got me. I wanted to listen you play with Kihet~.”

Those words somehow hurt her. It didn’t actually hurt her, but it made her uncomfortable, jealous of Meight’s opened minded flirting with every chance she got. In Sorah’s mind, she wondered why Megith had been acting clingy to Kihet. She knows Megith had no real feelings towards him, but her actions made it uneasy.

“I have something to talk to you.” Sorah decided it was time to assert her position. She cupped her hand over Kihet’s ear and took a quick breath.

“Uh-oh. That sounds serious…”

“It is. Megith, I don’t want to hate you but deep in my heart I do. I don’t like it when you play around Kihet like he’s your toy. He’s mine now. We left a mark on each other.”

“Wow! You two did the deed?”

“Megith.”

“Okay, okay. If you don’t like it, I’ll stop. Just say so.”

“There is more. Whenever you get your results, you put on that sad face after. There must be a reason you need to tease Kihet.”

Megith’s hung her head down enough for her green curly hair to cover her eyes. The once energetic Megith went silent and clenched her hand. She shifted upright and placed her hands over her mouth as if fighting a torrent of negative emotions.

“Did… did I touch on a sensitive topic? I’m sorry, if you don’t want to talk about it-.”

“I used to have a person I like.” Megith began. “He was as clumsy as Kihet, as awkward as him, and as brave as him.”

-Used to? Does that mean he’s with another person?-

“He passed away. He was sick or something.” She responded to Sorah as if she could read her mind.

“I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine. It was something long ago before I met the two of you. And when I saw Kihet, I thought he came back. I’ll confess, I did like Kihet back then because they looked the same. But when I saw how close you two were, I couldn’t bring myself to have the same feelings as I did for him.”

Her eyes formed droplets but refused to run down her cheeks.

“You two reminded of him and I, but I still have that empty void inside my heart. That’s the only reason why I tease him. It’s to remind me of him.”

“He must’ve been a great person for you to keep loving him.”

“Right? I wonder if his spirit is around? While we’re at this topic, I’ll tell you something real funny. On the day Malth cross dressed, he thought Malth was me and asked him out on a date.”

“Really? No way!”

Sorah quietly laughed, and in return Megith did the same. Their chattering went for a while when suddenly Kihet yawned.

“Then I’ll pretend to sleep. I expect to hear something romantic between you two~.”

“Eh? W-wait!” Sorah waved her hands. Megith had already pulled the blanket over herself ignoring her cry for help.

“What’s wrong Sorah? You look flustered.” Kihet rubbed his almond like eyes.

“N-nothing, I feel a bit cold so I’m keeping the fire up.”

“In that case. Come closer, you can sleep. I’ll take over.”

“Using me as a shield against the fire?”

“Yup.”

Her little behind made a cute buhump as she sat between his legs. Kihet lend his chest for her to rest her head and the two watched the sky together.

“Did you pack everything for tomorrow?” She asked.

“I did. And you?”

“Already did. I’m just worried about Hannah.”

“Isn’t she going to stay with the Elder?”

“She isn’t too happy with it.”

“Figures. I wouldn’t worry too much. She has other friends.”

The moon surfaced from the clouds bringing everything in a soft blue glow. The wind had died, along with the rustling of grass and leaves. The night croaking and chirping of nearby critters took over the quietness.

“Hey Kihet?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t let Megith toy with you anymore. You are mine. I should be the only one to make you show your embarrassed face.”

“So I’m like your pet now?”

“Yup and, err… Turn your head down.”

“Okay-?”

In the corner of his eye, he saw her hands reach around his head and pulled his face towards hers.

Under the blessing of the starry night, Sorah and Kihet shared a kiss. But unbeknownst to them, Lemi witnessed the whole exchanged with a smug grin on her face.