Chapter 9 – Dream Hunters

DAISUKE DOES NOT WANT to believe what was being told to him. His father wanted him to fail? And why would one of the councils want him to be kidnapped?

“I did what I had to do!” Sequovas and Durant said in unison.

“Quiet you two!” Grumple ordered.

“Yes, ma’am,” the two immediately obliged like some kindergarten.

When Sequovas and Durant finally settled down, Grumple faced Daisuke. “I…We humbly apologize, Daisuke. Seeker Trials are an ancient tradition and we must stand by the decisions that were made. Regardless of irregularities, which there shouldn't have been in the first place, we cannot reverse the results.”

“On a more practical side, if words come out that a tampering occurred for the past three Seeker Trials, past examinees will flood us and claim that they should have passed as well,” Ananais revealed.

“As strict and unfair as it may be, we just can't let that happen,“ Mahogry added. “So I trust that words inside this room will not come out and stay confidential, as it should be.“

“I already knew that something was odd in the trials. But for my father to plan all these?” Daisuke looked at his father, but Sequovas could not look at his son.

“Daisuke. We believe…We know that inside you is immense power,” said Durant.

Mahogry tried to stop Durant. “Durant! Not yet!”

“He has to know the truth!” Durant insisted.

Everyone went silent. But Rango looked at Daisuke and he knows that Daisuke deserved to know.

“Everyone. It’s time we tell him who he truly is.” Rango urged the council to speak.

“Very well.” Sequovas finally broke his silence. “Son, the reason you cannot control your power, aside from me tampering before, is that you are an avatar of an Ishvara named Ariyani.”

Daisuke only knew about the Ishvaras from his book. But how did they even come up with that conclusion? That’s very stupid.

“Me? An Avatar of Ariyani?! That doesn’t make sense!!”

“You were born from the Sacred Tree, came from a Sacred Fruit. You cannot control your ability because the power of Ariyani is too strong.”

“That story again? Really?!”

“Tell me, son. Do you remember what happened seven years ago? When we were attacked and you were in the shrine?”

Daisuke tried to recall the events seven years ago. All he could remember was that an ugly person ripped Maria’s portrait, then he went blank.

“Kid, you came out, carrying a boy named Cobalt. You single-handedly defeated five enemies who are supposedly older and stronger than you.” Durant revealed. “Heck, you even managed to throw me away when I was about to attack you with the intention of killing you!”

“When you came out of the shrine, we were about…to kill you before you went on a rampage. You somehow invoked the power of Ariyani and transformed into its avatar.” Added Ananais. “But when we saw that you fell unconscious, your father managed to save you.”

“That doesn’t explain why you want me to fail the Seeker Trials,” Daisuke faced his father.

“Son, if the humans ever got you, they will use you as a weapon. Worst, they might kill you if they could not control you. This is the only place we can protect you.” Sequovas answered.

“Then why would Sir Durant want me kidnapped? When did that even happen?”

“It happened during our mission to track the humans back at the North River. Am I right, Sir Durant?” asked Rango.

Everyone looked at Durant.

“You got me,” Durant raised his hands. “But let’s face it: Daisuke is a threat to us. If he ever rampages here on the island as a full Ishvara, even we councils will not be enough to stop him.” Durant continued. “This will be the same as when that kid Aeolus suddenly rampaged and turned into Vala, the Ishvara of Air. We were saved only because of Maria.”

“Then why would you ask your son to train Daisuke then?” asked Rango.

“Simple: He clears the trials, and he leaves the island. It’s either he leaves on his own or I do something unconventional to get him out.”

The meeting went on for a couple more hours, revealing more shreds of evidence of Sequovas's and Durant's actions.

Capsian, Koffeera, and the other organizers revealed that they were hired by Sequovas to make three years' worth of trials almost impossible for Daisuke. However, they had a change of heart after witnessing what Daisuke was capable of. And it was thanks to Ananais, her team, and Rango, that Durant’s plans were uncovered.

As a consequence, both Sequovas and Durant were stripped of their council position and demoted to Elven Corps, which they did not argue about.

As for Daisuke, he would still not be able to join the Seeker Trials next year. As strict as it may be, the remaining council decided that they must abide by the law and tradition.

When Sequovas got home, he told his wife Pinelia everything, much to her dismay. They knew that Daisuke may not come home for tonight, which was what exactly Daisuke did.

Daisuke just stayed inside the shrine. He does not want to see his father yet. He has a lot going through his mind; him being an avatar of an Ishvara, wasting his time for two more Seeker trials when he could’ve already cleared the first one, Durant trying to "help" him, whatever that means. Maybe Jack knew something or even Riku. He wanted to ask them. While reading his book though, he fell asleep.

* * * * *

The next morning, Daisuke’s dream was interrupted as he was woken up by the sound of an explosion. He got up quickly and went outside. When he got to the observation deck, he saw a ship at the harbor. It wasn’t an elven ship, that’s for sure. And surely it doesn’t belong to any merchants.

“Hunters,” he reckoned.

Daisuke used his power to quickly propel him to the southern part of the village. As he landed on a roof, he ran as fast as he could towards the harbor. He used his mana to heighten his senses. Luckily, there don’t seem to be any infiltrators that have reached the village proper yet.

As he reached the harbor area, the elven warriors were already fighting a horde of treasure hunters. He does not know who these treasure hunters were, but he decided to join the fight. This was no longer a trial, he thought, so he may go all out.

He used his power to create a tree below him that sent him high above. He then focused his mana on his feet and as he landed, he used his power to create even more trees all over the place.

Not far from him, Riku was also fighting. “Hey, Daisuke! Mind if you do not destroy everything?”

She was fighting seven, eight hunters simultaneously. She was using a rose whip against the hunters. She knew that her physical strength was not great, so she let the hunters attack, and then she would dodge and counter. She was using her enemies’ brute force against them.

Meanwhile, Jack was also fighting several hunters at once. Unlike Riku, he was charging the hunters head-on using his jackfruit mace. One-by-one, they would get hit by the mace on their body and that would send them flying.

The three of them were now on each other’s back.

“So, I guess you guys already heard the news?” asked Daisuke.

Riku made a bow using her power and rose arrows to the hunters charging her side. “Yeah, Sir Rango looped us in.”

Jack created a column of jackfruit trees that sent hunters flying from his side, “I should have known, Daisuke. I’m sorry. I should have known when my father suggested that I train you.”

Daisuke punched the ground and created a gigantic cherry blossom tree that blocked several cannonballs. “You know what, guys, let’s finish this first and have a chat later.”

They separated and charged the remaining hunters. The cherry blossom trees boosted the morale of the elves and managed to push the hunters back. When the hunters were finally outnumbered by the elves, they decided to retreat. Those that were beaten up were caught and will be handed over to United Alliance.

* * * * *

After the battle, Daisuke, Riku, and Jack were sitting on the seawall, looking at the peaceful sea while the rest of the elves cleaned up behind them. Daisuke has always looked at the harbor from the observation deck, but this was his first time to be here since the departure of Cobalt seven years ago.

“I guess that’s why you looked so different. You are an avatar of an Ishvara,” said Riku. “Although that’s not news to us.”

Daisuke looked at Riku and Jack with a surprised look on his face. Jack just smiled at him, which means that even Jack already knew as well.

“I mean, it’s not really a big secret to most people,” said Jack. “Seven years ago, when we were evacuated because of the Fishbone Hunters, you may have released that strong mana of yours.”

“And you guys didn’t think to tell me?!”

“As if you’ll believe us. Plus, you didn’t look that special,” Riku honestly said. “I imagined that avatars looked cool or something.”

“Okay. Now I’m not sure whether to be upset because you didn’t tell me, or because you think I’m lame or something.”

“You know, my father once told me that inside the Sacred Tree was Vala, the Ishvara of Air,” said Jack. “Maria, the legendary warmaiden, used the last bit of her power to imprison Vala. She then vanished without a trace. People believe that the tree itself was Maria. Others believe that Maria became one with her power to create that giant tree.”

“My mother never told me about those,” said Daisuke. “I only knew that Maria was the greatest elf that has ever walked the world.”

“If you really are the avatar of Ariyani, then you just have to control your power. There are tons of avatars before you that managed to do so, I guess, so I am sure you can also control that power too.”

“Maybe one day you will meet another avatar that could help you,” Riku suggested.

“Okay. But how come you guys are so calm about this?” asked Daisuke.

“As much as I want to say a cheesy line like because we’re friends, it’s mostly because I believe in you, in your ability and stubbornness,” said Riku.

“Me too. Besides, we are the ones that trained you. I’m pretty sure you would be able to perfectly handle your mana and Karma sooner than later,” Jack added.

As the evening came, Daisuke decided to go home. He was greeted with a warm hug from her teary-eyed mother Pinelia. His father Sequovas wasn’t there. Her mother said that after being demoted, he was now part of the Elven Corps under Mahogry’s supervision. Tonight was his first night shift.

“I am so glad that you came home, son,” said Pinelia.

“Mom, I have to tell you something. About me being an avatar.”

“I already know, son,” she revealed. “I told you, didn’t I? You were a gift from the Sacred Tree. You and your powers are a gift.”

Daisuke looked at her mother as they both shed tears. “But, aren’t you afraid of me, mom? If I could not control my powers, your life could be endangered. Everyone’s life could be endangered.”

“Avatar or not, you are still my son. You may have not grown from my womb, but you have most certainly grown from my heart.”

The mother and child shared another hug, wiped their tears off, and managed a short laugh.

* * * * *

The next day, Daisuke went to Eastern Beach. He figured that no one will be there early in the morning. The sea was so peaceful and quiet. The breeze was fresh and the birds were happily singing. He watched as the golden sun rose from the horizon.

“You are not leaving without us, are you?” said Riku.

Daisuke looked around and saw Jack and Riku. “What are you guys doing here?”

“We went to your home just after you left. Your mother told us everything.”

“If you’re leaving, then we are coming as well,” said Jack.

“You guys…I guess there’s no point arguing.” Daisuke resigned. “Sir Rango will certainly be furious.”

“Oh, he knows,” said Jack. “He even agreed that we accompany you.”

Daisuke sniffled. “I wish I could’ve said goodbye.”

“It’s for the best that you didn’t, Daisuke,” said Jack. “You are his favorite after all. Besides, he is part of the council now.”

Jack and Daisuke started to load the boat with their supplies while Riku prepared the boat to sail.

On top of the hills that separated the village and the beach, a few people that were close to Daisuke, Riku, and Jack watched them as they depart. The council, their parents, their seniors.

“He really is decided to leave the island,” said Sequovas.

“Let’s just hope that he finds whatever he wants to find out there.” Pinelia rubbed the tears from her eyes.

“As per our law,” said Mahogry, “anyone that will leave the island without the status of a Seeker may never return. From this day forward, I hereby declare Daisuke, an exiled.”

Everyone agreed on the words of Mahogry, but each of them still wished safe travels for Daisuke, Riku, and Jack.

“He is your second child to leave the island, Durant. You sure you won’t regret letting Jack go?” asked Sequovas.

“My firstborn may have not returned. But that shouldn’t stop me from letting Jack do whatever he wants.”

Pinelia looked at Riku’s parents, Blaize and Parfume. “I’m sure your daughter will be fine. She’s the best those boys have got.”

“Thank you, Pinelia. I just hope she returns safely once they’ve accomplished their journey,” said Blaize, Riku's father.

“Don’t worry. I gave her my rose ring. I’m sure it’ll be of great help to her one day.” Added Parfume, Riku’s mother.

Back at the boat, Daisuke and Jack completed loading their supplies. Riku has also finally finished her preparations to sail the boat.

“So, where are we heading?” asked Riku.

Daisuke looked at Jack, but Jack lets him decide on their destination.

“Very well. We sail to the busy port of Port Royale!” Daisuke proclaimed.

The sails caught the winds and they sailed towards the mainland continent of Aria.

End of Maria Island Arc

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A little way down the road...

A young man was drinking a hot beverage and reading a newspaper while sitting on a log. He suddenly spat his drink after seeing something from what he’s reading. He hurriedly got up from the log and ran towards Daisuke.

“Oy! Daisuke!” shouted the man.

Daisuke looked behind. “What is it? And keep it down, it’s still way too early in the morning to be shouting.”

The man huffed as he tried to catch his breath.

Riku was sitting next to Daisuke. “What is it? Are you okay?”

“Read this.” the man gave the newspaper to Daisuke.

The other people around them got curious and went towards Daisuke. He read an article in the newspaper so everyone can hear.

Beware the Dream Hunters!’ by Sonia Holmes.

A few days ago, a battle between the United Alliance (U.A.) and the Dragon Raiders ensued. The U.A. was led by two high ranking officials, Rear Admiral Bolton of U.A. Navy and Major Garuda of U.A. Aviation. However, the joined forces were still not enough as another group of treasure hunters assisted the Dragon Raiders.

The group is composed of a brown-skinned elf, an alluring female elf, a man with electric weapons, a raider from the Drasgard Kingdom, a mage from the Arcanas Kingdom, a female archer from the Emergent Kingdom, and a flame-power user from the country of Elysia.

From our research, it turns out that the leader, the brown-skinned elf, handpicked his crew and convinced them to join by promising them treasures beyond their wildest imagination if they help him make his dream come true.

It is important that even though these hunters are relatively new, U.A. must do everything they can to apprehend them as soon as possible. Until then, we must stay vigilant from these treasure hunters. Beware of the new group of hunters. Beware the Dream Hunters.

“Oh look, our group has been named!” said Daisuke.

“Why are you happy about it?! This is bad!! Don’t you understand?!” said the man that gave the newspaper.

“Daisuke, they gave us the name ‘Dream Hunters’. Hunters.” said a mage girl. She emphasized the ‘Hunters’, hoping Daisuke will get it.

“Ohh…OHH.” Daisuke finally got it. “This is bad, guys.”

“Great. From an honorable thief, now I became a part of treasure hunters. What else could go wrong?” said the archer.

“What you have just said doesn’t even make any sense.” Said the guy with orange glasses.

“Also, I did not convince you guys to come with me! You are the ones who decided that. This article is misleading!” Daisuke protested.

“Well, I guess we’re an enemy of U.A. starting from now.” said the raider. “Might as well earn something out of it, don’t you think?”

“Oooh, I know. We could join the Hunters’ Horde.” Riku suggested.

Everyone laughed at her suggestion. But they all agreed that it wasn’t half bad.

“In any case, we better move.” said the guy with orange glasses.

As the group finished breakfast, they prepared to leave for their next destination as the Dream Hunters.