Chapter 20: Calm Before the Ocean [STAR]

Three months passed prior to us returning to the city. We reported our findings to our respective guildmasters and they were all shocked at the fact that there was still a survivor from the Demon King’s army. Not to mention we actually found out about Kronk’s secret identity due to that. He had gone undercover for decades now without anyone finding out his real identity. And he would had gotten away with it, if it weren’t for us meddling kids. Just kidding. He was actually thankful that we helped him out with his secret task and he hoped to see more of us in the future. It felt so surreal that we actually met one of the Four Great Powers. You usually hear about them in legends yet we actually met him as our guide. And to think that I had already met two of the Great Powers by now. I am so glad that Sladar was not out to hunt me unlike Tom. Speaking of which, I had not heard news about him after so many years. Shouldn’t he be actively trying to hunt me by now? Hmm.

I am officially 16 now while Rose is 13. Rose and I continued our lives by doing quests and trying to improve ourselves in any way possible. We spar often and I felt like I was losing more often than I was winning against her. So much for being a son of the war hero in the face of a prodigy.

The both of us knew that we had to get stronger should we wish to protect one another. And of course, I continued improving my alchemy during my free time. Getting my skill stats to fifty is painfully slow right now, but I treated it more as a hobby than a chore. I’ve actually made a breakthrough in alchemy where I successfully made a fortification potion that boosted all stats albeit only by one.

Hey, better than nothing, right? This potion is not even being sold by any merchant currently so it’s my prized possession right now. I also discovered that it was actually way easier to create de-buffing potions. Should I wish to poison someone with these potions? Who knows. There might come a day where I might have to use it. Perhaps I should focus more on making a variety of wax coating to combat different creatures. Or perhaps humans too. I definitely won’t hesitate in using it against Tom when I fight with. I know I will be grinning when I see his skin being seared by my coating.

I tried out a little on dual-wielding but I quickly gave up on that idea. Sure, it might look fun swinging two blades around but you need to know proper techniques to wield them effectively. And don’t get me started on three swords. Grandfather only taught me using single bladed techniques exclusively. If I were to dual-wield effectively, I will need to seek out a teacher to teach me. In the meantime, single blade it is.

Rose came to my place one day to ask me out. You’re thinking about a date, aren’t you? It's actually more like an introduction to her group of friends. Apparently, they kept hearing so much about me from Rose that they wanted to see me in real life. Thank goodness none of them was an elf. Phew, dodged the arrow there.

I am glad that Rose had made some friends. I was worried that she became too attached to me to even consider making friends with other people. Glad to be proven wrong. Her friends consisted of members from different guilds to my surprise. One is from the Light guild, another is from the Viking guild while the last is from the Elemental guild. All beautiful in their own ways. Reminded me about a certain Hibari Four.

Her friends teased her often for being a bro-con since she was always so attached to me. Did she not inform them that we aren't blood-related? One of her friend even tried to flirt with me which made Rose glared at me with the scariest glare I ever seen. It made the Dark Lord’s glare pale in comparison. Thankfully I had no interest in any of her friends. What I reminded myself is to never fool around with your sister’s friends should you wish to not get caught in a war between any of them.

***

It was a fine day when some unexpected news came. How do I usually get news? Why, it is none other than Q doing the papers delivery. Apparently, Q decided to take on additional task on top of his letter delivery. Perhaps he needed more money to feed his family or something but anyway, back to the news.

The Viking Lord had perished from their cultural tradition that they needed to perform every five years. Apparently, the Underwater Dragon King went on a rampage this year and was unpleased with the Viking Lord’s performance. No one was expecting the Underwater Dragon King to attack with such fury that caused the Viking Lord’s death. He sacrificed his life to ensure that his escorts were safe. The Underwater Dragon King demanded that the new Viking Lord better be worthy of his time or there will be further consequences.

Yikes, I wished the next person good luck, whoever it may be, if they get chosen to be the next Viking Lord.

The next news took me by surprise even more than yesterday. It was announced that John Gladiolus was nominated to be the next Viking Lord. Did I just cursed my friend with my remark yesterday?

But why him? He is not the oldest member nor does he have a huge list of accomplishments in the guild. Is it due to his ridiculous strength that he got nominated to be the next Viking Lord? I am so worried about him after hearing the news. This is my best friend and he might be walking into certain death facing the Underwater Dragon King who is throwing a fit. Maybe it broke-up with its lover or something but you shouldn’t take it out on someone else.

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I fully expected John to seek me out. But a month passed and he didn't even came to see me once. I went to the Viking Guild to seek him out but the members informed me that he was busy preparing for the incoming tradition and it was not a best time to visit him. Strange, you would think he would at least share this news with his best friend. Wait, am I even his best friend? Did I just assumed on this? Oh no! I should had clarified with him before!

Hold on, what am I even doing? Why the hell am I giving myself an emotional damage right now? Geez, focus on the task at hand.

Rose came over to my place to cook breakfast for me. Truth be told, whenever I look at Rose now, I can no longer recognise her as the little girl that I saved a few years ago. Within just three years she has grown significantly and I am sure it has not stopped ever since. She is close to my height now and has grown more beautiful. I wonder if she have guys going after her. Why do I feel like I am going to be the shortest in the entire group? I felt so emotional thinking about it.

“Onii-chan, you’re staring at me again. Don’t think I wouldn’t notice without me looking behind my back,” said Rose.

“Hm? Oh sorry, I was just deep in thought. Just recalling the first time when I first found you and how different you looked right now. It makes me feel like a dad seeing my child all grown up. Feels so emotional, sniff sniff” I said as I wiped my fake tears.

“But you’re not my dad, so quit it. Next thing you know I might be getting wrong ideas from you,” she said.

“Huh? What wrong ideas?” I asked curiously. What is she trying to say?

“Nothing— just eat your breakfast quietly,” she ended the conversation.

Ahh— the rebellious stage. I get it. She don’t want someone breathing down her neck and telling her what to do. But I never even tried to control her. She was always free to do whatever she wanted. I just told her to meet up with me every once in a while and that’s it.

Ohh! Is it because she does not want to spend time with me anymore and rather spend time with her lover?

“Rose~ Did you find yourself a lover?” I asked her with a curious tone.

She immediately spat out what she was eating upon hearing that. Did I hit the mark? Heh heh.

“Wh— what are you saying? I don’t have a lover! Quit it!” she said while blushing.

Oh ho ho— seems like I found something interesting here.

“Aww come on, good news should be shared. You know you can tell me anything Rose~” I said to her in a polite tone.

“I don’t have a lover. Please stop. Seriously, I don’t have one,” Rose said with a serious tone.

“Really? And here I thought you don’t want to spend time with me anymore,” I put on a thinking face.

“Oh please— I literally spent time with you more than anyone else. If anything—” she stopped midway.

Hm? If anything? What anything?

“What were you trying to say?” I asked with a tilted head.

“Nothing. Please stop asking these questions anymore. I don’t like it,” she said.

Am I seeing her blushing? Which is which now?

“Alright, I’ll stop. Just to let you know, you’re free to pick whoever you want. Just make sure he is a reliable and trustworthy man. alright?” I said to her while smiling.

“Y— you’re not just saying that, are you? I can really choose whoever I want?” she asked.

So she is interested in this topic. Geez Rose, make up your mind.

“Yup, of course. I had always given you freedom to do whatever you want, Rose. Just make sure you bring him to see me, alright?” I said to her.

“But the person I want is—” she stopped as there was a loud banging on my door.

Hmm? What is going on? Seems like whoever is knocking on the other side would appear to be having so sort of urgency. I hope it is not some random member wanting to use my washroom. Oh wait, can it be? No, that's not right. I don’t need to pay rent and I'm not Peter.

I opened the door to find someone who was not a member of the Dark guild. Who is this guy?

“I am sorry for disturbing you sir. You are Zen, right?” he said as he panted.

Did he ran all the way here to see me? What's so urgent that he needed to do that?

“Yes, I am Zen. How can I help you, good sir?” I asked him.

“I am a friend of John. He had already departed for the City of Underwater Marrydia yesterday,” he said.

“He— left? I was expecting to see him before he left. I was hoping that he would invite me to come along. Maybe he doesn't see me as his friend or something,” I said while feeling dejected.

I thought both John and I were closer than that. We had been friends for so many years now.

“You’re wrong! John thought about inviting you many times. But— he was certain that he will be heading towards his death which is why he decided not to invite you. Not only did you save his life, he owes it to you. Which is why he decided to not have you join him when he can't even be certain that he can make it back alive,” said the young chap.

I can see tears forming at the side of his eyes.

“Who are you, really?” I asked him.

“Oh so sorry sir, I am Barry. A member of the Viking guild. John had always a good friend to me and consulted me in many ways. Please lord Zen, I am going against John’s wishes because I want him to come back alive. He always said you were much stronger than him and if anyone can defeat the Demon King if he ever returns, it's going to be you,” said Barry.

“I— see. Well, rest assured. Even if John refuses that I follow him, I will still aid him in any way possible. Trust me on that,” I said to him as I placed my hand on his shoulder.

I was not expecting him to call me Lord when I am not even the guildmaster. I can never get used to that. I never knew John thought of me that way either. And saying that I stand a chance in defeating the Demon King? That is just absurd. If anything, Rose stand a higher chance than me. I turned my gaze to Rose and she nodded. I guess she'll be following along then.

The both of us prepared for the journey as quickly as we could. I had already read about the City of Underwater Marrydia as I was expecting to head over there with John. It is smack in between the Eastern and Western continent.

As for how we are going underwater? Now that's the interesting part. The only way to enter that city is to wait for a whirlpool to suck you in. I kid you not.

How is a boat going to survive the whirlpool? Using the elven’s architecture, they had somehow created ships that is capable of withstanding the damage from the whirlpool. Of course, it is not your typical ship that have sails. These ships are built differently with the sold purpose of going underwater.

I packed both Inazuma and Tengu-kaze along with all the potions, healing items and wax coatings that I have prepared for this day. And I took along my prized possession, Hand of the Lighting God is following me along this trip and I intent to use it. I will not be caught off guard or underprepared unlike my time at the Demon Continent. This time, I am prepared. My supposedly long lost cousin's life is on the line.