Yawnnnnnnn
What kind of dream was that? I wouldn’t mind dying by that half-half knight. The part when my head spins… It feels so satisfying…
“Hehehe.”
Zzzzzzzzzz
“Morn—”
Zzzzzzzzzz
Is he still asleep?
Zzzzzzzzzz
I’m pretty sure 6 AM is the best time to wake up, according to my parents. If I were to wake up later than that, I would be immediately grounded.
After washing up, I strolled around in the Immortal Castle.
Having that map makes navigating around this enormous castle so much easier. This place has passageways that lead to areas such as the back of the castle, the lobby, the throne room, courtyard, and a lot more. Convenient, and easily accessible places without walking the main path.
GROWL
“I know, I know.”
I ambled to the Banquet Hall to see a myriad of Summoned having a feast.
“A roasted chicken, the size of a human; a blue salmon as long as a piano, a bottomless pot of ramen and broth!”
A banquet! More like a buffet! This hall practically has everything! But there’s one thing I can’t unsee… Some of these… Summoned… They’re eating their own kind!
The pig wizard is happily eating barbecue pork ribs! A half fish, half human tank is eating sushi! And that human! He’s eating an arm! Wait… And it’s one of those things where the meat slides off the bone! THIS IS SICKENING!
“Whatever… let’s see what I’ll be getting.”
I just realized the Banquet Hall was an enormous room similar to a food court in a mall. As if the walls and ceilings have no limits.
“The wall… It’s moving!”
“You must be a new Summoned.”
This person has short silver hair, wearing a white sleeveless outfit down to her lower thighs, a silver bracelet, and light-gray leather ankle boots. The astonishing part was her rounding eyes… A blue shiny diamond iris like you can mine it with a pickaxe. Well she also had small black studs on her ear lobe, but I find those disgusting.
“H-how do you know?”
“Everyone here knows the walls and ceilings move…”
“Ahem. I knew that. I was just testing out your logic to make sure it is correct and all.”
“Right… Anyways I’m part human and part slime.”
“Tha—”
“That doesn’t make sense?”
How does she? It? Know what I was going to say?
“F-for your information! I am a girl!”
I-impossible! It’s as if—
“I’m reading your mind?”
“Okay who are you?”
“Shelley and you?”
“Luca.”
“Like look at these nuts?”
“Haha… very funny…”
“Hmmm you seem weak too.”
T-this!
“I’d watch your mind if I were you…”
“You can read minds?”
“My ability is telepathy.”
“Doesn’t that mean you’re also a support?”
“W-well…”
“So we’re on the same level?”
“N-n-no not really.”
“Your abilities are only used for communications and information gathering right?”
“H-huh? N-nope…”
Usually people with these abilities have a poker face…
“I-I-I do!”
“Your face is bright red.”
“Sh-shut up! Anyways you sure talk a lot! Keep that to yourself!”
Even if I do, you'll still know what I’m thinking…
“I get it! Can we just go grab food and talk normally!”
While I was getting food from the buffet, I wondered what’s happening with Zach. It’s already 7 and he’s still sleeping…
“Haaah.”
I walked to an empty seat near the wal—nope. It’s gradually extending outward. Well… what was the wall is now the outer middle of the hall.
“Pretty cool right?”
“Yea— wh-what are you eating?”
I had no clue who I was talking to. No, that's not right. It’s more like I was talking to a food monster that is as high as a mountain.
“It’s Shelley! And this is how much I eat! You have a problem?!”
“No ma’am… slime…”
“Just shut up and eat— you’re only eating that?”
“Yeah why?”
“Carrots…”
“Mhm.”
“Broccoli. Spinach. Asparagus. Mushrooms. Peppers. Sweet Potato. Okra. Tomatoes…”
“And a side of mixed salad with dressing. This place really does have everything to eat!”
“By any chance… are you vegan?”
“No, I eat meat.”
“WHERE?”
“I usually save that for dinner.”
“Pfffft! No wonder you’re built like a pencil!”
And you’re going to be skinnier than tomor—
“Hey. What were you going to say? Or you know what? Finish your thought.”
“I may have thought too far ahead of myself. You know a teacher once said to a student that wisdom has been chasing them but they have always been faster.”
Suddenly the mountain of food disappeared in a flash.
“Are you trying to say I’m an idiot?”
“Woahhhh. I didn’t say that!”
“I thought by being nice to you, we could be friends… But I guess I was wrong.”
“Look I’m sorry… Okay?”
Stolen story; please report.
“Sorry? SORRY?! Heh. I’ll meet you at the Arena. See ya.”
She walks off in the distance, exiting the hall.
“She probably doesn’t have any friends… Anyways, let’s finish our breakfast.”
After finishing my lovely breakfast, I exited the Banquet Hall and started thinking about how to approach the new situation… Yeah right! I’m no strategist!
*
Okay I got to stretch! While I’m waiting for the fool to get here! I’ll be preparing a strategy on how to defeat him!
“Let’s go! Huff Puff.”
“Arms! Shoulders! Hands! Fingers! Wrist! Neck. Back! Hips! Sides!”
“Legs! Hnnnghhhh! Haaaaaa!”
“And done! Now what?”
To think one of the secret passageways would lead to a tunnel right under a tree; a hollow tree to be specific. I’ve been observing her for a while and it doesn’t seem like she knows what she’s doing.
Doing this might have been a gamble, but it doesn’t seem she detected me, so her range is probably… I don’t even know the measurement… Whatever! I’ll prepare a surprise attack!
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
What is that noise? It’s annoying… Can I mute it or something?
Step. Step. Step.
Ohhhh that’s what made the noise…
“Hmph so you cam— Wh-what are you three doing here?”
“We overheard you and that guys’ conversation about some duel?”
“Y—you’re not part of this duel…”
“Honestly, we don’t care about that… We just want to have our way with you.”
“You are mistaken if you think you can win against me!”
Whew… A massive, young human mutant wearing a white torn shirt and ripped black pants, holding a wooden spear; a young rabbit-human creature wearing an orange wool fabric for the top and bottom with light boots, and holding a wooden bow. And last but not least, a middle-aged human knight? He’s wearing thin chain armor over a blue padded shirt with a cross embroidered on it, and silver plate boots. He’s also equipped with a steel mace. He’s probably the leader since he’s the one talking.
I’ve never seen Shelley fight before… Wait, isn't she a support Summoned? I completely forgot! Let’s calm down… It’s not like a support Summoned can’t fight right??? I’m sure she knows how to.
“Angelo, you tank. If she gets overwhelmed, crush her with all your might. Lenard, you stay back and keep a range of 20-30 feet between you and that girl. I’ll chant a stun, immobilizing her. Got it?”
“Got it boss.”
“Easy peasy.”
“I-I-I-I’ll defeat y-y-you!”
Shelley… Your legs are trembling in fear and anxiety…
WOOOSH WOOOSH
“HEHE HAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“I pray to the Gods above for the use of our gifts! The light that shines bright and guides our way! For the great or good! JUDGEMENT!”
BOOOOM
Oh yeah. She’s losing this. Not only that but it’s time for our “duel”.
“AAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”
“No one is here to save you! Give up!”
“DIE! DIE! DIE!”
WOOOOSH WHACK
“NOOOOOO!!! AHHHHH!!!”
“SHE’S HIT!”
“GET HER ANGELO!”
“ROAAAAARRRR!”
As the blood oozes a small trail of blood on the patchy ground, the three close their distance and corners her.
“It’s over, you're dead!”
Tears started streaming across her cheeks, and gradually walked backward, only to have her back against the wall.
I don’t want to die like this! Please someone! HELP ME!
“HELLLLOOOOO SHELLEY!”
“What’s that?”
“It’s coming from the man wearing weird clothing.”
Since when is wearing a smooth black long sleeve, comfortable black joggers, and white casual shoes ‘weird’?
“Can you snipe him, Lenard?”
“Are you kidding me, Duke? That’s toooooo far!”
“Angelo and Lenard… Go face him.”
“A mere peasant? This is like peeling an orange…”
“HEHE!”
In front of is a massive mutant whose arms look like he can bench a sixteen wheeler. And the clothes he’s wearing… IT’S SO TIGHT! IF HIS CLOTHING COULD SPEAK! IT WOULD SAY ‘I CAN’T FIT YOU!’
I shifted my body to peek around this giant freak to see the archer is so far away.
WHY IS THAT SMALL HUMAN STARING AT ME LIKE THAT?
“ROOAAARRRRR!”
“Damn it, Angelo! Wait for me to get ready first before you start swinging!”
*
HUFF PUFF. HUFF PUFF.
“As I said guys, let’s take a break.”
“How is this peasant dodging everything?”
“HEY ANGELO WHAT’S GOING ON?”
Everytime I try to hit the small human, he just dodges! I threw wooden spear at him, but he just kept dodging! He’s not fast…
“Hey idiots!”
“!”
“!”
“He has Sixth Sense!”
“Oh that’s what it is!”
“Way to go boss!”
“Shut up and kill him! NOW!”
“Yes!”
“ROAAAAAR!”
Okay! Covers blown! But I’m getting nowhere just by dodging…
“HE’S STANDING STILL! GET HIM ANGELO!”
“GOT YOU, LENARD!”
“YOU FOOLS!”
THESE IDIOTS! I’LL SHOVE THE HELL OUT OF THIS DISGUSTING GIRL!
WOOOSH THUD
“Ouch…”
“I’M COMING!”
This guy… is no joke… A new Summoned?
BOOOM SPLAT
“Wh-what…”
“BOSS! I ACCIDENTALLY KILLED LENARD!”
“WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!”
Whew! That’s one!
“H-HEY! WHAT’S YOUR CLASS!”
“Should I answer that?”
“YES! ANSWER NOW! OR ELSE!”
“I’m a healer.”
“YEAH RIGHT! GET HIM ANGELO! WE HAVE TO KILL HIM NOW!”
“GOT IT, BOSS!”
“STOP ANSWERING, AND START HITTING!”
Sixth Sense is sooooo efficient! Just follow my body!
“I pray to the Gods above for the use of our gifts, the light that shines bright and guides our way, for the great or good! JUDGEMENT! HURRY ANGELO!”
“ROOOOOOOAR!”
THUD THUD
“SANDWICH!!!!”
Sandwich?
Oh… I’m between them. Not good.
SPLAT
“I GOT HIM BOSS! BO—”
Oh, well.
“NOOOOOO!!! BOSS!!!”
I ran to Shelley and healed her.
BONK
“THAT’S NOT HOW TO HEAL!”
“I’m new…”
“Don’t you feel any mana?”
“I have no clue…”
“How about when you meditate?”
“Like this?”
“Y—yes! Like that! Now concentrate on my wound!”
She was wounded in three different areas. Fortunately, none of them were deep enough to disable her.
“Woahhh I can see green effects!”
“That’s your healing ability!”
As the green effect disappears, her wound vanished as if it never happened in the first place.
“Look at me! Good as new!”
After respite, we saw that the massive freak was on his knees with droplets of tears, grasping their body… Actually, it’s all blood. And I mean a jug of blood covered the patchy ground.
I walked to Angelo and crouched down in front of him.
“BOSS! LENARD! WAHHHHHA! I’M SORRY!”
“If you’re really sorry… You should join them yourself…”
“Wh-what?”
“Think about it, Angelo. It was your fault to begin with. All that guilt… Built up inside of you…”
“Should I— really join them?”
“Yes… My secret to defeating you three… was exploiting the hell out of you…”
“What are you talking about?”
I just need to push it further. A whisper will do.
“Come close.”
“Okay…”
“You know how I have Sixth Sense?”
“Y-yes.”
“I used it so you can friendly fire your two pals.”
“YOU B—!”
“First, when that orange archer was keeping his distance between me and him, I was dealing with you right?”
“Y-yes.”
“You know how big you are right? You’re like a goliath! So I said ‘why not lead him to his teammate?’ and when I did that… You didn’t think to stop hitting unless you were told to…”
“I… I swung at him.”
“Swung???? You hammered-fist him to the ground! He ate shit! That first pool of blood was you!”
“...”
“Second, that sandwich idea was great and all if I couldn’t sense it… But I have Sixth Sense. Your ‘boss’ probably thought ‘if we overwhelm him then Sixth Sense won’t be enough?’ however it ended with his demise… why?”
“Because you’re smart?”
“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You’re stupid. He died, because you simply lost your balance and your body flopped on him! You practically dog piled on his body! HAHAHAHA!”
“You’re lying!”
“After all I said… You think I’m lying?”
“Look!”
“...”
“I! SAID! LOOK!”
I forced his eyes to look at the pool of blood slowly soaking the patchy field.
“No… No…”
“Their blood… is on your hands! No! Scratch that! They're all over your body!”
“How do I make it gone?”
“How do you make it gone??? Be gone yourself!”
Yes… that’s the face I want…
“Let’s go, Shelley.”
“R-right…”
After we ambled to the front entrance we suddenly heard something falling from the sky.
“OH MY GOD!”
“PFFFT HE ACTUALLY DID IT! HE SKEWERED HIMSELF! BARBECUE STYLE! HAHAHAHAHA!”
The giant-massive freak took a leap of faith, diving head first into his wooden spear. His eyes showed no reflection of light, just an empty gaze upon the patchy ground. His brain matter erupted out of its skull with its eyeball hanging from its socket. The putrid scent of bloodied guts filled the arena. His intestines unfurled like toilet paper, spewing and dangling its content in a spiral. The lonely sound of gagging could be heard painfully echoing in the arena. His legs feebly kicked the air before coming to a final rest.
I’ve never heard silence this loud before.
At the heart of the arena stood a masterpiece of a giant-massive freak skewered by his favorite wooden stick, and a bloodied circle surrounding its body, oozing dark red liquid. The Sun shined a question of empathy over his body, but I know a genuine sculpture when I see one… This is the one!
What I witnessed… It was truly spectacular… It feels like I’m getting closer to death everyday…
“Look at that! It’s a beautiful day outside!”
“Yeah…”
We exited the arena and entered the halls.
“Thank you, Luca. I’ll see you around!”
“...No problem. See you, Shelley.”
I went to the men’s bathroom after a long, couple of hours. Then entered the stall, pressing a brick in the wall.
CREEK WOOOSH
CREEK WOOOSH
I followed the tunnel, leading to our Quarters’ to see what Zach was up to, but he was still knocked in bed! Like a cat sleeping in its natural habitat… Unbelievable! It’s already two o’clock!
“Zzzzzzzzz.”
“Hey, Zach…”
“Zzzzzzzzzz.”
“Zach!”
“Zzzzzzzz.”
“ZACH!”
“H—huh?”
“It’s already two! What time are you going to wake up?”
“You’re right! W—wait, what happened to you? Your clothes are covered with cranberry juice!”
“It’s noth—”
Suddenly, our door blew in and a bunch of men in armor lined up.
“Are you the Summoned; Class: Healer; they call Luca Osorio?”
“Yes.”
“You are hereby detained by the court of the Immortal Castle, for the killing of three Summoned! Angelo! Lenard! And Duke!”
“Uh oh.”