Part 1:---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What the hell!" Those were the words that came out of my mouth as I saw a being whose appearance stood out among the others. Yes, I had already encountered the beauty of elves, the intimidation of orcs, the phantasmagoric nature of dwarves, and the perfection of angels, but no one could match the otherworldly aura this being exuded. His wings, made of solidified light, already filled me with awe, but his immense height would tower over any huge orc in this city. The most noticeable feature of all was his head—a lion's head sitting on his broad shoulders.
Suddenly, I felt something being pulled out of my body. The air grew chilly, and my strength seemed to fade so suddenly.
For some reason, my instinct told me to look for my wolf. While I was kneeling, I tried to peek and look for Pen-Pen, who seemed to vanish into thin air right after the glow began.
"What's the matter with him!?" I muttered, anxiety suddenly building up within me. His presence had become a crucial part of my consistency in this new reality. Without him, it was not only a feeling of loneliness, but he had also become my emotional support and, due to his ability-sharing, my source of confidence as well.
"Children!" A booming voice resonated through every corner of the vicinity.
All the people here, except for Diwata and A'Yeel, were kneeling in his direction.
"The angels did everything to ensure your safety, to maintain order in the streets; however, threats are always present. Beyond the city, evil creatures lurk." The lion-headed being began to descend onto the stage and raised one of his hands, signaling that we could rise from our kneeling position.
The power and authority of this being were palpable. As he walked closer to each person, he would step into their personal space and look them in the eyes while speaking, like a general addressing his soldiers.
"There are reports from patrols lately about activity on the seaside of Lucena, and they confirm that it is the Bakunawa!" he said.
My ears rang at the mention of the word *Bakunawa*. This was the third time a local mythical being had been confirmed to exist.
"I know some of you are asking why common folk such as yourselves are being sent to slay the monster instead of deploying the angels," the Light Father said.
"Firstly, I want someone from among the citizens to contribute to the new basilica that will be built, and one of the key materials is the head of that monster." He looked at everyone.
Then his gaze fell upon me, and his attention turned in my direction as he began to walk towards me while speaking.
"Secondly, and most importantly, it has been on my mind lately. We continually share our powers with outstanding citizens, yet for thousands of years, this particular Silver City has failed to expand, not only in territory but in order. Luzon is large enough to accommodate hundreds of Silver Cities, so why does it remain in this condition?"
He paused his walking to lock eyes with someone. "Quality of divination! Quality of applicants! That's what we need!" He raised his voice slightly before resuming his approach towards me.
"I can grant the divination to A'Yeel, our High-Sword, and at the same time deny you the chance to prove yourself. DO YOU WANT THAT?"
"NOOO!!!!" the crowd shouted in unison.
He then stopped in front of me and looked into my eyes. "Neither do I! Angels, dwarves, elves, fairies, orcs—it doesn't matter! You are all equal in my eyes, and as your Father!"
He stepped into my personal space and bent his head so low that I had to tilt mine to avoid collision. He looked at me as though he were trying to read my mind through my eyes.
"I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!" he shouted, and his words were followed by the cheering and shouting of the crowd. He had successfully uplifted and motivated the assembly.
"TO WHOEVER SLAYS THE BAKUNAWA! A DIVINATION WILL BE GRANTED, WHICH WILL SURELY BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU, MANIFESTED IN POWER! AND IN ADDITION, THE HERO WILL RECEIVE WINGS LIKE MINE!" he added, and the crowd's excitement grew even more.
Niela shouted, "ARE WE GOING TO WAIT FOR MORE WEEKS TO BE PREPARED?"
"NOOO!!!" the crowd responded.
"ARE WE READY NOW?"
"YESSSSS!!!!" The crowd cheered even louder.
I saw Mikay becoming flustered by the stoic posture of A'Yeel, who received a glance from the Light Father, giving the elf permission to speak.
"QUIET!!!" A'Yeel's command, delivered with an authority that even the angels could rival, silenced the crowd.
Everyone, like a herd of sheep, followed the direction of those standing on the stage.
"All of you will be grouped according to the method we have decided upon," the elf said in a serious tone. "Groups should be determined by strength, and we need to see how you match with each other. Therefore, combats should commence right here, right after the Light Father enjoys the banquet."
Suddenly, I felt a grasp on my left arm. I quickly recognized who was trying to get my attention as I was pulled down to my knee.
Part 2:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You will not participate! Do you understand?" Persis said, his voice filled not only with worry but also insistence.
"I didn't want to in the first place! Remember the underground arena?"
"Glad to see you've learned something from experience," he smiled at me, like a father pleased with his mischievous child who has finally learned a lesson.
"Glad to see you've learned something from experience," he smiled at me, like a father pleased with his mischievous child who has finally learned a lesson [https://img.wattpad.com/07e9dfbe1e1dbaee50e5b91be3bbf639b36005fb/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6936734b67552d2d6c734a4750413d3d2d313439373438393931352e313830613365383135303030316232653233353436393330393131312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
*Cough!!... Cough!!... Cough!!... Cough!!...*
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!... WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
*Cough!!...* I coughed violently. Grumbart had already broken my nose this afternoon, and perhaps it was destiny that A'Yeel would be the one to smash my face to a pulp.
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
"FUCK YOU!!!" I cursed him defiantly.
The crowd was shocked by my words directed at the High-Sword, as if this was the first time someone had disrespected him in such a manner.
"VULGAR!" he responded.
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
"UNCIVILIZED!"
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!" This time, he kicked me in the stomach!
"MUUUSSSAAAANNNGGGG!!!" Persis shouted from the sidelines, held back by Gorg and Grumbart to prevent him from intervening.
"BARBARIC!"
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!" A'Yeel returned his attention to my face.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
After the luxurious banquet, where no cup had not been refilled with wine, no orc's belly had gone unfilled, and no dwarf had remained sober, the surroundings were in high spirits [https://img.wattpad.com/23f39d816d4ac9f6204d2a7c12fad53775bc17d3/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4e34555a52735f384e76546139513d3d2d313439373438393931352e313830613365623633386339363662663939323735393437383633372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
After the luxurious banquet, where no cup had not been refilled with wine, no orc's belly had gone unfilled, and no dwarf had remained sober, the surroundings were in high spirits. Even as the sun set, the angels stayed with us. Naturally, I sought out Mikay, hoping she was not with the wretched and narcissistic elf.
Since I was with the most famous dwarf of all, we were surrounded by people. I had to squeeze my way through the crowd. As soon as I freed myself and reached the people I knew from training and the construction site, I immediately began searching for Mikay. My eyes scanned every corner of the venue, a difficult task due to my height discrepancy compared to the average height of those around me. Most of the trainees were elves, dark elves, and orcs, who were taller than me, and the fairies often blocked my view when I stood on higher ground.
Thoughts were swirling in my mind. The party offered an opportunity for some romantic moments with her. As I diligently searched for her, excitement built up inside me. I couldn't imagine the possibilities, nor how lovely it would be...
There.
Under the moonlight.
Away from the crowd.
There.
A lovely melody played from somewhere.
The fireflies enhanced the dramatic mood.
My heart raced.
There.
She is...
With her hair flowing in the air and her almost see-through dress, she picked flowers. I was stunned by the sight, blinded by the smoothness of her skin touched by the moonlight. I found myself walking towards her.
"I brought you a cake!"
"Ooohhhh! How sweet of you! Hehehehe!" she giggled. My heart stopped when I saw A'Yeel bringing food to her. Once again, I saw that genuine smile—the same smile I had cherished every night we spent together.
"It's for you!" Mikay extended and offered the flowers she had picked to the wretched elf.
"Thank you, my lady! But these flowers will never match your beauty, and I desire that beauty."
Mikay giggled even more; it seemed those insipid words had an effect on her.
"Oh! Come on, you already know something about that!"
I gasped at what I heard. They noticed my presence, and Mikay looked over her shoulder in shock. Tears flowed under my headgear, and I knew I was crying. I immediately ran away, hoping she would chase me, hoping she would explain. But just a few steps away, I glanced back, and it seemed as though nothing had happened for them.
My heart broke further as I returned to Persis, who was busy attending to other guests. Grog, unable to see my face but sensing my distress, sat beside me and simply tapped my shoulder. He didn't speak but stayed with me, offering silent companionship in my misery.
The night seemed destined to remain uneventful for me until the Light Father decided to start the mock battle. This battle would determine the party groupings and our positions in the expedition to slay the Bakunawa.
The venue was swiftly prepared by the fairies to create an arena stage in the center. Using their magic, the earth was raised enough for the onlookers to view the battles that would unfold. Meanwhile, the banquets continued with only minor adjustments.
Niela, the master of ceremonies, emerged from the middle.
"The time has come to show the fruits of your training, although we didn't complete the intended program design for our expedition preparation," she said, casting a brief, disdainful glance at the Light Father, who responded with a stern look. "It's not just about the time spent in training, but the strength we draw from within our hearts. GLORY TO GOD!" she shouted.
"GLORY TO GOD!... GLORY TO GOD!... GLORY TO GOD!... GLORY TO GOD!..." The crowd chanted in unison.
Thus, the mock battles began. Match-ups were decided, and the fighters showcased their strength, agility, and abilities. Though it was called a mock battle, everything was permitted: every weapon, every tactic, and every technique... even death.
I noticed that the fight had less magic involved than I expected. I know this isn't the first battle I've encountered, but Persis warned me not to speak of it. But really, where did the magic go? I thought magic was so precious that it couldn't be used in mere fighting pits and day-to-day work. Fairies are so reserved with their magic, and I have never seen elves attack with magic, even though I know they have an affinity for it. Yes, angels fly and shoot light beams, but that's all.
The child in me is frustrated and yearning to see battles with real magic involved. I'm not complaining about the spectacle the combatants provide—there are moments of amazing moves, and sometimes the results are dramatic, with heads flying or at least one of the four limbs being lost.
Persis and I are exempt from the battle, but the Light Father is present, and Persis is inclined to comply.
Persis was summoned to the battleground along with his opponent, the mighty Taag! Taag, the largest orc in our band, is not a typical green orc but a red one. With his Mohawk, barbaric armor, and two axes, his appearance screams brutality.
Persis, in contrast, wore no armor. He simply held his two-handed battle axe and prepared himself, as if he knew his opponent would strike first.
"STAAANNNNGGGGG!!!!" Metal clashed! The dwarf met Taag's pouncing attack, sparks flying as the two warriors exchanged blows.
"PERSIS!... PERSIS!... PERSIS!..."
"TAAG!... TAAG!... TAAG!..."
The crowd seemed electrified by the duel between these two renowned fighters. Their names were spoken with the same reverence as A'Yeel, the High-Sword of the Silver City, and Mua'Ti, the win-streak fighter.
Persis was known as the High-Axe of the Silver City, a mockery of A'Yeel that the latter disregarded. The orc was called Brutal Taag.
Taag's attacks were powerful but lacked finesse. Persis parried each strike not only with his axe but also with his hands, demonstrating his precision. Even in battle, Persis disciplined himself, choosing never to use the blade of his axe against Taag. Instead, he struck with punches and the hilt of the weapon, but Taag absorbed it all.
The orc continued taunting, hurling curses and jinxes to unsettle Persis. In his attempts to distract him, Taag mistakenly mentioned the invasion of his hometown. Before he could finish his taunting, Persis struck Taag's left arm with the blade of his axe.
The crowd erupted in cheers, declaring the match over!
Yet, the two remained in their positions, staring at each other. The tension was broken when Taag burst into loud laughter. He walked towards Persis and congratulated him. The Light Father clapped his hands, and the crowd joined in the applause. Meanwhile, Taag picked up his severed arm with a grin.
"Thank you for the match, my friend! But next time, please stop holding back, hahahaha!" Taag said, reattaching his arm, which healed almost instantly.
I was astonished by what I saw. I had never expected regeneration to be a reality in this new world. In fact, it's the first power I would choose if given the option.
Then Gorg fought as well, and as anticipated, it was very challenging for him to fight with one hand. The mock battles took things to the next level when I noticed that the wretched elf didn't participate. It felt unfair to me that even Persis, who was exempted, had to fight.
"WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!" I shouted. "Why did A'Yeel not participate in the first round?"
"Because A'Yeel is part of our crew and doesn't need to prove himself for the expedition," Niela answered. I immediately noticed Mikay, who had just arrived and stood beside her mother. My temper flared again as I remembered what had happened earlier.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, KID!?" Persis grasped my arms, trying to shake me from my course of action. Even Gorg attempted to convince me to stop.
The crowd's attention abruptly shifted to us.
The guards were on the verge of intervening, but the Light Father's hand gesture halted them.
"Oooooohhhhhhh!" I exclaimed as I managed to slip between Gorg and Persis. "Is that so!?" I responded sarcastically, striding into the arena. I raised my voice louder: "IS HE TOO GOOD FOR US!?" I shouted. "IS THAT HOW THE MIGHTY A'YEEL LOOKS DOWN ON US!?" I smirked. "HOW DID HE GET THE TITLE ANYWAY!? IT SEEMS CONVENIENT, DOESN'T IT? WHOSE BALLS DO I NEED TO LICK TO GET THAT TITLE?" The crowd burst into laughter as I unexpectedly injected some humor into the situation.
The guards held Persis and Gorg back, preventing them from pursuing or stopping me.
"HALT THIS FOOLISHNESS OF YOURS, CREATURE!" Finally, the wretched elf stepped in.
"Hed-Seier EYyy!" I mocked him out of frustration. "I see the resemblance of Gun'Ter in you." The crowd gasped at my statement, as if they had heard a curse so vile it would surely enrage the target.
"Don't compare me with my uncle. I am warning you!" He gave me a stern look.
"Or what? Hahahaha! Will you use your family connections to do your dirty bidding!? Sounds very much like Gun'Ter to me, hahahaha!"
"You know my family, so you know that everything we do guarantees victory! So stop this nonsense and go back to your friends!"
"Wait! Are you sure he's just your uncle and not your fath—" Suddenly, I felt an intense pain in my stomach, and I realized that A'Yeel was already in front of me, his fist buried in my gut!
I stepped back and fell to the ground, coughing up blood for the second time that day.
"You want to see me in action!" A'Yeel said furiously.
"WAPPAKKKK!!!" He struck me again.
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
"Cough!!... Cough!!... Cough!!... Cough!!..."
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!... WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
"Cough!!... Cough!!..." I coughed violently, my face already bruised from Grumbart's earlier attack. It seemed fate had chosen A'Yeel to further pummel me into a pulp.
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
"FUCK YOU!!!" I cursed him defiantly.
The crowd was shocked by my words to the High-Sword of the city, as if it were the first time someone had disrespected him in such a manner.
"VULGAR!!" he responded.
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!"
"UNCIVILIZED!!!"
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!" This time, he kicked me in the stomach!
"MUUUSSSAAAANNNGGGG!!!" Persis shouted from the sidelines, held back by Gorg and Grumbart to prevent him from intervening.
"BARBARIC!!"
"WAPPAKKKK!!!!" He focused his attention back on my face.
Then my vision went blank.
When I awoke, I found myself in a cart, with Gorg tending to me.
"Where am I?" I asked.
I held my aching head and glanced around, realizing I was in a cart with my fellow trainees.
"IS HE AWAKE!?" Persis shouted from the side of the cart.
"HE IS!" Gorg shouted back.
He hopped onto the cart and immediately struck my head with his fist.
"OUCH!!" I responded.
"You stupid prick! What's with you? You really love to cause trouble, don't yah!" He struck my head again.
"Sorry! Sorry!" I said sadly, realizing I had gone too far with my outburst.
"Where are we, anyway!?" I asked.
"Where? To the expedition, of course!" Persis replied.
"Wait!? To?"
"Lucena!" Gorg answered.
"What!?" I exclaimed.
I remembered the Mithril Ore I had left in my room and the betrayal of my friendship for it.
"No!" I muttered.