Chapter 18: A Killing Method

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Cerien opened his eyes. The cold morning air felt crisp and sharp. He had set up camp while walking along the road towards Beron. Inside the bag of supplies that Kjorn had given him, there was a convenient sleeping bag for him to use. Waking up, he felt a little hungry. He took out an apple and some bread out of the bag and ate. After finishing up his small meal, he got up and continued his journey to Beron.

Cerien walked for a few more hours along the road. He didn’t meet anyone else. It seemed that Beron was too small of a town for people to be constantly traveling to and from. As he walked, he saw the beginnings of a mountain range. The road led to a town at the base of the mountains. That must be Beron. Cerien walked a little faster, his journey coming to an end.

Dian Shasi. The head of the Transcendent Sword Style. The truth was Cerien didn’t actually feel like learning how to use a sword. His gauntlets should be good enough. Swordfighting seemed like a waste of time, especially when it took years to master it. Kjorn had recommended it, but Cerien decided against it. It would just be a waste of time. He would just drop off the goods and find somewhere else to wander. Perhaps he would visit the mountains, where the dwarves lived. He doubted that the dwarves would know that he was a fugitive.

When he entered the town, the villagers eyed him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. No doubt they were put off by his red eyes and jet-black hair. Perhaps he should’ve worn a cloak. No matter, he doubted that the villagers would drive him out just because of his different facial features. He stopped and asked one of the villagers walking around.

“Excuse me. I’m looking for Dian Shasi. I have something to give him.”

“Dian Shasi? That old coot? He lives up in the mountains. I don’t know how to get up there, but his son does.”

“His son? Do you know where he is right now?”

“You’re in luck. His son, Dian Shawu, usually only comes to town once a week for provisions and the sort. I just saw him today in the market. The market’s over there. The boy is short and has short, black hair. But not as black as yours.” The man remarked. “He wears a sword on his hip, so you’ll know when you see him. You’d best be finding him before he leaves.” The man pointed at a bustling part of town.

Cerien nodded and thanked the man. He walked towards the market, noticing the assortment of goods on display. It was mostly just food and produce. Clothes and a few sets of jewelry were on display. Nothing much to look at. Cerien looked around for the boy. As he did so, he felt as if hostile eyes were staring at him. He looked around, but there wasn’t anyone suspicious. Shrugging, he continued to look for the boy.

Over by one of the stands, he saw a young boy who looked around 11 years old talking with the owner of the stand. They seemed to be haggling over the price. The boy was wearing a sword on his hip. That must be Dian Shawu. Cerien walked up to the boy, hearing bits of their conversation.

“Come on lady. I’ve got other things to buy. I come here every week, you know? I’m a loyal customer. You can’t just go and raise prices on me!”

“Sorry, but the harvest’s been tough. Pickings are meager. If you can’t pay the price, then find someone else. Though I doubt anyone will sell for lower.”

“Tch. Fine. Later, old lady.” The boy scowled as he walked away from the stand. He bumped into Cerien and looked up in shock.

“Huh? Who are you?”

Cerien looked at the boy coolly and asked, “Are you Dian Shawu? I am looking for your father.”

The boy’s expression became suspicious and he glared at Cerien.

“What? Another wannabe apprentice? Just when I thought you were all gone. My father doesn’t want any students. If you want to learn to whack people with swords, go somewhere else.”

“No. I’m not here for that. I have something to give him. From Kjorn.” Cerien motioned towards the bag he was carrying.

“Oh! Kjorn! Why didn’t you just say so? My father’s been waiting for his delivery. Go wait over there, I’ll be right with you once I’m done buying provisions.” Dian Shawu pointed towards an alleyway.

Cerien nodded and walked towards the alley. He stood there, leaning against the wall in the shadows. Waiting for the boy to finish. Cerien watched him as he scurried around the market, in search of better prices.

Cerien was so absorbed with watching the boy that he didn’t notice the three men walking towards him. They were only a few feet away when Cerien finally noticed. He frowned, stepping back, further into the alley. The men kept on approaching, menacing looks on their faces. Cerien realized that the hostiles eyes watching him must have belonged to them.

“What do you want?” Cerien questioned the men, but they didn’t answer. They kept on walking towards Cerien, giving off no intention of stopping. Cerien backed up until he reached a wall. Nowhere left to run.

He didn’t want to, but he had no option but to fight.

“Hey there boy. Saw that you just entered town. It’s not safe to be traveling alone, ya know? We noticed you got a hefty looking bag over there.” One of the thugs remarked as he pointed at Cerien’s bag. “I’d suggest handing it over before you lose it or anything.” He grinned nastily.

Cerien bent his knees. His claws unsheathed themselves and protruded from his gauntlets. He was just about to pounce on the thugs, when a voice called out.

“Hey, I don’t think I’ve seen you guys around town before. You guys are new, so you might not know this. But around here, we don’t go around threatening others.” Dian Shawu stood at the entrance of the alley, coldly looking at the three men.

“Another brat. Scram or else someone’s gonna get hurt.”

“Hmm. Odd. That’s exactly what I was going to say.” Dian Shawu put his left hand on the hilt of his sword. The sword was attached to his left hip.

“Ya dumb kid. Let me teach you a lesson.” The thug snarled as he ran towards the boy, pulling a long dagger out of his shirt.

“Transcendent Sword: First Art. [Shooting Star].” A calm voice rang out in the alley. Dian Shawu pointed his hilt at the incoming thug, but he did not draw his sword. Something flashed in his sword’s hilt. A shiny object shot through the air towards the man.

The man cried out, dropping his dagger. Both his hands went to his face, blood pouring down. Dian Shawu leapt forward and drew his blade. It was a simple, one-edged blade. Thin and sharp. Lethal and plain. Dian Shawu slashed the man quickly. He fell instantly.

“Next.” Dian Shawu looked at the remaining two men.

“YA BASTARD!” The men shouted. They rushed towards Dian Shawu brandishing a club and a knife.

“Transcendent Sword: Fourth Art. [Shining Star].” In the sword’s guard, a white jewel began to glow. Dian Shawu raised his sword towards the sky, and a bright, blinding light filled the alley.

Cerien didn't close his eyes in time and was blinded by the light. When his eyesight returned, Dian Shawu was standing over the men's bodies lying on the ground.

His sword was already resheathed. Dian Shawu stood there silently, a few flashes of regret showing on his face. After a moment, he turned towards Cerien.

“Let’s get out of here.”

*          *          *

“Thanks for coming with me. There’s a lot to carry.” Dian Shawu sounded grateful. Cerien and he were climbing up the mountain. After reporting the deaths of the three thugs to the village authorities, they set off to see Dian Shasi. While they climbed, Cerien couldn't stop thinking about how Dian Shawu had fought.

He had first dismissed the Transcendent Sword Style as an ordinary sword style, but he thought differently now. When Cerien watched Slei fight with a sword, he had been elegant and graceful. Dian Shawu’s fighting, on the other hand, couldn't be called a sword style. It was brutal and efficient, it was simply a means to an end. Kjorn’s words echoed in his mind.

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“The man is the real deal. I wouldn’t call him the best swordsman. But I will say that he will never lose in a swordfight.”

Perhaps, Cerien had something to learn after all. Perhaps, he would ask Dian Shasi to take him on as an apprentice.

They had been walking for an hour when they reached a level area. The peak was still far away. This area of the mountain was covered by a dense forest. The trail that Cerien and Dian Shawu had been following led to a log cabin.

“We’re here. My father is probably waiting inside.”

The two walked up to the cabin. Dian Shawu knocked on the door.

“Father. I’ve returned. And I brought someone.”

“A visitor? How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t want any more students.” An elderly, but strong voice came from within the cabin.

Dian Shawu replied, “He’s here to drop something off from Kjorn.”

“Oh? Then what are you doing? Bring him in all ready.”

Dian Shawu opened the door and they entered the cabin.

An old man was sitting on the floor in the middle of the cabin. He was sitting on his knees with his back straight, facing the door. A sheathed sword lay by his left side. His eyes were closed. A calm, slow breathing could be heard.

“Greetings, I am Cerien. I have brought Kjorn’s goods.” Cerien gestured towards his bag.

The old man’s eyes opened. “Hmph. Leave them here. Dian Shawu will bring you the payment.” The man waved Cerien away. His eyes closed again.

“Actually, there’s something I want to ask of you.” Cerien said before he could stop himself. In his mind, he kept on replaying the fight between Dian Shawu and the thugs. A sword style that couldn't be called a sword style. A style of fighting that was not elegant at all. He had only caught a glimpse of it, but he understood what it was.

It was a way to win. A way to fight dirty. A way to kill one’s opponents even if they are more skilled. A killing method. This was what Cerien needed. What he needed to kill Behemet.

The old man opened one eye.

“Please accept me as your disciple.” Cerien asked. This was it. This was his chance. Hope rose inside him.

The old man’s eye closed once more.

“No.”

*          *          *

Savunt stared at the altar in front of him. The room was built strangely. Seven runic circles were inscribed into the floor, surrounding the altar in the middle of the room.

“Garmr. Just what the hell are you planning?”

“Savunt. Haven’t you ever wondered what made the Lagrim disappear? What could’ve made an entire clan of people disappear?”

“No. I’m sure that everyone would be better off not knowing.”

“Well, the Demon King is very interested. Thus, I’ve been searching for the past few years. And I found myself at their underground city. Do you know how hard it was to find this place?  Practically nothing is known about the Lagrim. And when I finally get here, I find you and some children running around. And that got me a little pissed.”

“It was mere chance. I didn't mean to come here. Neither did the girl. And I doubt the boy did.”

“Yeah, that's what gets me pissed. I've been searching for years, Savunt. And you just found this place by chance.” Garmr sighed. “Tell me, Savunt. Do you wish to stop me?”

Savunt stared at Garmr. He didn't answer.

“Well, it's not like you could. A couple centuries old aren't you? You were made for one purpose, Savunt. Win the war. Win the Start. And you did. But you weren't made to last. My eyes can see. Your soul, it's slowly losing its grasp on this world. It's beginning to leave your body. Your soul and your power is deteriorating. You've become a mere shadow of yourself.”

Savunt interjected, “You're right. But I’m still here. Garmr, the Lagrim were wiped out for a reason. They messed with things that should be left alone. The Demon King would be wise to learn from their mistakes.”

Garmr smiled and shook his head. “A new war is starting, Savunt. And this time, the demons will win. Especially with the Lagrim’s knowledge. This is my last warning, Savunt. Leave before I decide to capture you.”

Savunt gritted his teeth. He had no choice. Garmr was right. He was perfectly capable of capturing him.

Reluctantly, Savunt turned and began walking away.

“Garmr. I won't stand by idly this time. This stupid war of yours is not going to start.”

“Oh Savunt, since when did you care about the lives of others? Just where was this heroism during the Purge?”

Garmr's words went unanswered. His laughs filled the room as Savunt left.

*          *          *

Savunt walked through the hallway. He gripped the dagger tightly in his hand. As he walked, he vowed to stop Garmr’s plans. Another war would sever the lives of the innocents, something that Savunt had to stop. Something that he wouldn't let happen again. The mistakes of the Purge would not be repeated, he told himself.

The hallway Savunt was walking through led straight to the exit of the ruins. As he walked through the hall, he noticed something strange. He felt as if something was missing. But he couldn’t quite place what it was.

The feeling grew stronger as he noticed the remains of a battle. Tears and holes were in the wall and ground. Then, Savunt realized what was missing.

A body. Belonging to the boy who had caused Senia’s death. Savunt narrowed his eyes. He was sure that the boy had died. His heart had been pierced. Senia’s innocent smile appeared in his mind. His blue eyes grew cold and glowed with a menacing light.

It seemed that he had an unfinished job to take care of.

*          *          *

Sunlight slipped past a crack in the curtains. The room was dark save for that little bit of light. A girl lying in her bed sighed softly. She slowly got up and dressed herself. She moved slowly and stiffly, like a rusty machine. She equipped her rapier on her hilt and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was disheveled from sleeping. Her face was lacking of makeup. Another sigh escaped her lips.

Melodi didn't want to pretty herself up. In fact, the only person she wanted to appeal to seemed to have lost his spark.

Kuren Sain. She had been enamored with him since they first met. Seeing his shy, innocent face made her feel strange. It made ever want to mess it up and make him scream. So she did. In an empty classroom, she tied Kuren up and carved her initials into his chest. Afterwards, seeing his quick flash of fear made her want to squeal. His apprehension when she was near him made her giddy. He was her plaything. Her toy.

When he fell into the chasm, Melodi felt lost. She felt empty. She felt cold.

And when he miraculously returned, the feeling did not disappear. She felt just as cold. And Kuren felt distant.

She remained by his side, hoping for that spark to reappear. But Kuren was different. The chasm had changed him. He was no longer afraid of her. And thus Melodi no longer felt interested in him.

And then, someone new appeared. A boy wearing a cloak running after Kuren in the streets. She stopped him at the dormitories. Then, they fought.

And she felt it once more. The spark. Every time her rapier cut into his flesh, she felt it. A smile grew wider on her face with each slash.

A familiar feeling that continued to rise. The very emptiness inside her disappeared. And then, it was stopped. The damned man stopped their fight and the boy ran away.

The next thing she knew, the boy was imprisoned for murdering Rai and then he escaped prison. He was gone, and the emptiness returned.

She sighed again. No makeup today, she decided. No one to impress.