Redmont, Serisis.
8:36 p.m. 19 th Banem 1092.
The ballroom’s atmosphere grew rife with tension as Kashi and Vanzuela glared at each other, neither willing to back down. Vanzuela’s expression, in particular, turned nastier with each passing second, seeming like he was about to lose his rationality to rage. Luckily, just when it seemed like he was about to lose it, the adjudicator received a system prompt.
“Tch,” Vanzuela clucked his tongue as he glanced at the prompt. “Time’s up.” He regarded Kashi with a condescending snare as he said, “Count yourself lucky. We’ll continue this another time.” He then glanced at Lunette and said, “And you… it’s only a matter of time. Enjoy your holiday.”
“Hey!” shouted Kashi before Vanzuela could leave. “I’ve decided.” The daeben drew an arc across his neck with his thumb as he declared, “I will kill one of you every time you show up in front of me. I will kill two of you every time you show up in front of my guildmates; And, if you ever dare harm any of my friends,” The daeben’s glare turned hellish. A teasing smile rose up the side of his lips as he said, “ I will render you all extinct.”
Vanzuela snorted in response. “I would like to see you try.” He then turned to his companions and ordered, “Let’s go.” Following his command, the adjudicators unfurled their wings and burst into the sky in a flash of light.
Vanzuela made to leave, but then a thought occurred that made him pause. He stopped, looked at the ballroom guests, and then snapped his fingers.
“What’s happening?” King Parissius shouted as he stumbled, “What’s that shakiiiiiii—It’s not shaking anymore?” The young king paused as he realized the tremors had suddenly stopped.
King Parissius was not alone in his confusion. Vanzuela had unfrozen the Residents. But because, mentally, they did not experience the last couple of minutes, they were understandably confused.
“Humes!”
King Parissius and the rest looked up at the open ceiling, eyes wide in shock as they stared at the adjudicator flying above. No matter which god or deity one served, they’d all heard of the ‘Representatives of the Gods’ or Adjudicators. Legends said they brought the wrath of the gods upon the worst sinners. Seeing an adjudicator was akin to coming face to face with death.
Fear and panic immediately seized many Serians, Rosens, and Merrites. The scared civilians knelt in submission to the higher power, praying they had not somehow run afoul of the gods.
Vanzuela’s eyes shone as he glanced at Kashi with a proud smirk. Without waiting for the daeben to seize the momentum, he spread out his arms and shouted, “Humes of the various Kingdoms! This daeben, Kashi, has insulted the adjudicators’ glory, and in doing so, the gods! In due time, he and his guild will suffer divine punishment meted out by the gods.” A chaotic grin spread across Vanzuela’s face as he warned, “At that time, whoever is caught in cahoots with him might also fall victim to divine punishment. For your sakes, I hope you seize all collaboration henceforth.”
“That!” Leila and Miote shouted in unison, appalled and incensed by the adjudicator’s shamelessness. To think he would go after Kashi this way. Crippling the daeben’s leveling was not bad enough. Now, Vanzuela wanted to make Kashi a pariah to Residents everywhere.
“What?” retorted Vanzuela with a malicious smirk. “Do you dare blaspheme the gods? In public?”
Leila, Miote, and the Maggots ground their teeth in rage, but indeed could not bring themselves to attack, whether verbally or physically. It was one thing to mock the adjudicators amongst themselves, but the rest of the continent was profoundly spiritual. The gods played a part in their everyday lives and were ever-present. As a result, it was difficult to find anyone who viewed the gods with apathy, let alone mockery.
This was a multi-dimensional trap. If the Maggots kept quiet, then their prestige would drop, and it might have a severe impact on the alliance. However, if the Maggots spoke up, they would be seen as heretics who challenged the gods. That might even be worse.
When Kashi could no longer handle the humiliation and chose to step forward, an unexpected voice shouted from above.
“Hey, Kashi!” Everyone in the ballroom reeled back in shock as they gaped at a floating King Parissius who was examining Vanzuela’s wings with an angry frown. “You failed to disclose your discovery of a sentient chicken!” Glaring at the daeben, he admonished, “You do realize you can hang for this!?”
To the room’s surprise, Kashi laughed and then replied like it was the most natural thing in the world, “My apologies, Your Majesty. I only stumbled upon it recently myself. It’s IQ seemed to low to be adjudged sentient, so I hesitated. I did not wish to disappoint you.”
“Mm… I understand,” replied King Parissius with a nod. He then glanced at the gobsmacked Vanzuela and clapped his hands. “Chop chop. Display your intelligence. Can you clap your hands? Like so.” *clap* *clap* “Now, you try.”
Vanzuela froze for a good second, unable to believe his ears. What in the hell? Now a program was making fun of him? These bunch of 1’s and 0’s that were supposed to fear his mere presence? What gave him the audacity!? The adjudicator finally exploded in rage, roaring as he drew his sword. “You cretin! You DARE!?”
“It would seem you are even stupider than we thought.” Rather than panic, King Parissius leaked out a small smile and regretfully shook his head as he brushed back his hair. “Incapable of a task as simple as clapping. Aethir’s Mercy; Calling you a chicken would be an insult to those beautiful creatures.”
Vanzuela’s eyes burned with fury as he glared at Paris. “You, a mere Resident, dare make a mockery of the gods’ representative? You must be tired of living.”
“Gods’ Representative?” muttered King Parissius as he looked around the ballroom. “Where? All I see are my companions and a floating imbecile.”
“You—”
“Also, so what if you are the gods’ representative?” King Parissius questioned as his glare turned heavy. “All that tells me is that the gods are dumber than I thought.” A collective gasp echoed across the room, but the young king continued, “Why exactly do I have to listen to you? Because you represent the gods? Leaving aside the validity of that claim, why exactly must I live my life as the gods dictate?”
“You—”
King Parissius sneered. “You seem to have forgotten, but the gods have been asleep for over one thousand years, defeated by a former Summoned of all things. Even without the gods’ guidance and support, humes learned to thrive, survive, and grow all these years. Now, because the Summoned are awaking them from slumber, we have to obey everything they say?”
“I—”
“There is nothing to say,” interrupted King Parissius, seemingly determined not to let Vanzuela get a word in edgewise. The young king revealed a beautiful smile as he shrugged. “I do not wish to be reincarnated as a frog in my next life, so I will live the life of a good man, caring for my neighbor as I care for myself. However, I shall never surrender my life to the whims of gods who see us as mere amusement and chess pieces. I shall live a life I am proud of, gods’ wrath be damned!” He then looked at the other kings and their constituents with a powerful gaze. “That is the sort of Empire Rosendun shall be. One in which every man, woman, and child can live a life they can be proud of, established norms, practices, and gods’ wrath be damned!”
“Ignorant fool,” chided Vanzuela with a sneer. “You have no idea what you’ve done. Your country and its people are now in our sights.”
“So what?” retorted the proud king. He matched the adjudicator’s gaze with one of disdain. “What’s the worst that will happen? You kill us?” With a mocking grin, he questioned, “You do not know why our land is called Rosendun, do you? Rosendun, the land of Roses. This might be quite taxing for a bird-brain, but do you know the beautiful thing about roses?”
“I—”
“As expected,” interrupted King Parissius. “Do not fret. I will sacrifice myself and bestow knowledge upon you this day.” Ignoring Vanzuela’s glare, the young king smiled and said, “Certain roses, if taken care of well, can bloom continuously, year-round. You just have to cut off the dead petals to let new ones bloom.” Smiling, the king extended his hand and said, “Those dead petals fall to the ground, where they decay and provide nourishment for the next generation.” The king’s eyes shone as he declared, “Ever Rosen man and women is a petal in the country’s rose. Individually, we all live beautiful lives, but our true beauty is exposed when the country blooms. One day, we inevitably grow old and die, but the cycle does not end there. Our knowledge, beliefs, wishes, hopes, and dreams are passed on to the next generations, nurturing them that they might one day also bask in the country’s blooming rose.”
King Parissius grinned as he clenched his hand into a fist. “No Rosen fears death, for it is an inevitability. The only thing we fear is that the next generation does not bask in the bloom we once did. As such, I will not stand by as you attempt to infest the next generation with a useless parasite like fear and submission.” The king then revealed a wicked grin as he said, “But, you know what? Words are useless. Nothing inspires more than action…”
BOOOM!
The entire building trembled as a terrifying pressure erupted from within King Parissius. A magnificent pink aura burst out of the king, the immense ki causing even Kashi to wince. For a second, as many stared at the floating king, they saw what could only be described as a god descended upon men.
King Parissius revealed a radiant smile as he looked at Vanzuela. “As a king, I must repay you for threatening my people.” No one knew when he got it, but he suddenly raised a beautiful, golden rapier. “Now, do us a favor and just die.”
Whoosh!
Before anyone could react, King Parissius disappeared in a flutter of petals. Half a second later, he appeared behind a stunned Vanzuela with his back to the adjudicator. The adjudicator frowned as he examined a flower bud that had appeared on his chest. “What did you do?”
With a weary smile on his face, King Parissius swiped his rapier and said, “Bloom for me, [Morte Rosa]. ”
Vanzuela’s eyes went wide as the rosebud quickly bloomed. BOOOOM! A thunderous storm of ki exploded out of the rose, instantly buffeting and consuming the adjudicator. A giant, four-meter pink rose bloomed from within the explosion, its glowing light illuminating the smiling King.
Moments later, the rose disappeared, revealing pieces of Vanzuela’s shattered corpse floating in the sky.
King Parissius brushed his hair back and then winked at the princesses. “A rose for the divine ladies.”
Chu Ling’s eyes twitched, and as a result, she grabbed her sister’s hand. “Sis?”
Chu Ming, wondering what was wrong with her sister, asked, “Yes?”
“…I’m wet.”
Now, it must be understood that most of the individuals in the room were at least level 100 and above. Part of the perks of that advanced level was slightly better hearing. Chu Ling made no particular effort to hide her voice, and as a result, more than half of the room heard her declaration.
King Parissius stumbled in the air, his cheeks red with second-hand embarrassment. Several ministers and nobles awkwardly coughed and looked at the sky while King Chu glared at his daughter with an urge to bury her underground. No one knew who laughed first, but soon, the entire room burst out in animated laughter. The tension from the adjudicator’s threats was temporarily forgotten as the attendants laughed away, their fear and anxiety.
Chu Ling scratched the back of her head, grinning as she looked up at King Parissius. Her eyes went wide. Her expression suddenly turning frantic as she yelled, “Watch out!”
King Parissius’s gaze trembled as the thick stench of death suddenly overcame him. The young king looked over his shoulder, brows tightening as he spotted a fully healed Vanzuela swinging down his red blade, eyes red with rage. The king spun around, hoping to parry the blow, but as he watched the sword consume his vision, he knew it would be too late.
BAM!
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“Kashi!” shouted King Parissius, delight on his face as the daeben appeared before him with the blade firmly grasped within his grip.
Kashi’s eyes burned with rage as he glared at the fuming adjudicator, “I warned you.” The daeben’s gaze turned cold as he began a low chant. A suffocating, mind-numbing pressure burst out of Kashi as he chanted. The expressions of every warrior present changed as they suffered under that presence. This ki did not belong in the hume realm. It was more akin to something from the gods themselves.
Kashi’s pupils began to change color as the chant intensified, but before he could finish, Vanzuela’s face turned white as he recognized the chant.
“Damn it!” Vanzuela shouted as he quickly retrieved his blade. “Just you wait!” Without waiting for Kashi to finish, he transformed into a bolt of light and shot into the night sky.
Following Vanzuela’s exit, Kashi forcefully stopped his chant. Unfortunately, this resulted in a massive backlash that caused him to cough up blood. The daeben lost his balance and almost fell, but King Parissius caught him in time and then supported him as they descended to the ground.
“You had to steal my limelight, didn’t you?” joked the young king as they touched down.
Kashi chuckled as he looked at the mass rushing towards them. “Apologies, Your Majesty. I’ll be more mindful next time…”
“Kashi!” Stryke called with worry as he grabbed the daeben and spun him around. “Are you okay? Any injuries? What was that earlier? I’ve never seen you chant before! And that blood! What was that ab—” Boink! “Ow!” The young tora yelped in protest as he massaged the bump on his head.
“One question at a time,” Kashi playfully admonished as he blew on his knuckles. He then rapidly answered, “I’m fine. No injuries. And earlier’s a secret.” The daeben’s eyes sparked with deadly intrigue as he said, “It’s my secret weapon.”
“Cheh. Stingy.” Stryke pouted, but before he could protest any further, Absalon tapped his head and then looked at Kashi.
The old general’s eyes held equal parts worry and resolve as he asked, “Will they be a problem?”
“The adjudicators?” Kashi shook his head. “Not directly at the very least. I cannot say for sure what tricks they might pull, though. We have to be on guard.”
“Ah…” murmured Paris as he let out a defeated sigh. “To think you would make an enemy of the adjudicators of all things.” Contrary to his words, however, the King sported a bright smile as he lamented, “It would seem we are in for some hard days ahead.” Glancing at Kashi, he added with a smirk, “At this rate, I might be forced to fight a few battles, don’t you think?”
Kashi, however, responded with a condescending smirk, “Sure. Get some babies, and you can fight all you want.”
“You!” King Parissius spluttered but then harrumphed. “I will leave you to attend to your guild. I must placate the guests. I am sure this fiasco frightened them.”
“Then, I will leave that to you, Your Majesty,” agreed Kashi. “Thanks for the help.”
King Parissius brushed his hair, a twinkle in his eyes as he replied, “Of course. It’s the beautiful thing to do, after all.” He chuckled as he turned and walked towards the nobles. “See you soon, Kashi.”
“Likewise, Your Majesty,” replied Kashi. He watched as the young king walked up to the guests, Paris’s brilliant smile serving to soothe their nerves. The daeben smiled and then took a deep breath. He then slowly breathed out as he turned to look at Lunette, who was supported by her brother.
Kashi hesitated as he looked at the songstress. “Lune…” He started to reach out his hand, but Lunette instinctively pulled back, terror and fear in her eyes. Kashi sharply pulled back his arm and tucked it behind him, a bitter smile on his face.
Realizing what she’d just done, Lunette’s eyes watered with guilt. However, right now, she could not help it. Whenever she looked at Kashi, all she saw was the emotionless eyes that stared her down as she choked. “Kashi… I…”
“No, it’s fine,” retorted Kashi with a shake of his head. “It’s my fault this happened.” The daeben sighed and then looked at the rest of the Maggots, who regarded him with strange looks. “Well, I suppose I owe you all an explanation.” He turned to Jade and mimicked a dome with his hands, “Jade, if you would, please?”
“Sure.” Jade nodded and then cast a spell for an isolated zone. A translucent dome covered the Maggots, blocking out all outgoing sound.
“Thanks.” Kashi, after ensuring the dome was in place, proceeded to spill the beans on his life. Everything from his parents’ identities to his peculiar relationship with Razznik and Suzuki.
By the time he was done, Stryke and Jade were in tears, while Shokō and Syèl sported complicated expressions. Leila, who already knew the truth, gazed at the floor with sullen eyes, while Absalon gazed at Kashi with concern and worry. Meanwhile, Miote sighed and then shook his head, as understanding finally dawned. Now, he knew why he had always felt like Kashi and Suzuki were different people. They actually were from the start.
But if this was the case, then the man that sent him on this mission also knew the truth.
While the Maggots dealt with the truth in their own ways, Shadow stared at Kashi with a mixture of anger and sorrow. The assassin wanted to hate Kashi for what he did to Lunette, but his heart would not let him. Especially when Shadow knew that Kashi was not truly responsible. Also, Suzuki brought Lunette back to life, so he couldn’t even wholly hate the other ‘Kashi’ either.
“Shadow.” Kashi sighed as he observed the wariness and rage in the assassin’s eyes. “That’s fair, I guess.” With a smile, he turned to look at Syèl. “I’m going to look up that dragon. You coming?”
Syèl looked at Shokō, who shrugged. Grinning, he turned to Kashi and said, “Looks like I’m tagging along. I could use the change of scenery too. Too much’s happened tonight.”
“Heh. You could say that again.” Kashi then took out a few paintings from his inventory. “I’ll be right back,” he said as he walked over to the kings. He handed the paintings to them, explaining they were gateways to his inner world. He quickly taught them how to use it and then said that if he did not return in time, they could enter his world. Once they did, Drixali would let him know to help them get back to their respective kingdoms.
After ensuring the kings understood his instructions, Kashi returned to the Maggots. The daeben looked at his companions and said with a warm smile, “I don’t say this often, and I’ll probably never say this out loud again, but I am truly thankful for each and every one of you. If it wasn’t for you all, I, Kashi, as I am today, would never have existed.” Kashi bowed at the waist and then said once more, “Truly, thank you all for accompanying me this far.”
Bam!
Angered by the daeben’s tone, Stryke punched Kashi’s chest, tears pouring down his eyes as he questioned, “Why are you talking like you’re going to die!? It’s not a given that you’ll lose, right? You can’t just roll over and die like that!”
Kashi chuckled as he reached out and patted Stryke’s head. “Thanks, Stryke, but don’t worry. I don’t plan on dying any time soon.”
Stryke’s eyes lit up as he looked up into the daeben’s eyes. “Then!?”
“No, I won’t defeat Suzuki either,” concluded Kashi. He glanced at Leila as he then said, “That blockhead might not realize it yet, but there are people who would be devastated if he’s gone for good.” The daeben looked at each Maggot as a confident smile spread on his face, “All I have to do is find a way where we both win. Easy, right?”
Absalon laughed as he shook his head. “If nothing else, that optimism of yours might just save you both.” A red mage staff appeared in the general’s right arm as he declared, “I’ve decided. As an old man, a gamer, and a general of the Hopeful Maggots, I will help in whatever capacity you require to reach the best conclusion.” Bam! Absalon stomped his staff on the ground to accentuate his point, following which, his howling wolf crest began to glow.
Stryke laughed as a short sword appeared in his hand. “Well, if we’re making promises, then you betcha ass I’m getting in on it.” Bam! “Kashi, you have my sword. Whatever you need, whether in-game or outside, I got your back.” Just like Absalon, his emblem started glowing through his clothes.
Bam! Jade grinned, electric sparks zapping through her eyes as she took stomped her feet against the ground and said, “I have my own reasons, but I cannot let either of you die. So, you have my full support.” The emblem at the back of her right brightly glowed, following her declaration.
Bam! Shokō stomped a sheathed katana against the ground, gaze solemn as she looked at Syèl. “I know firsthand how damaging secrets can be.” She then looked at Kashi and said, “You, Kashi, were brave enough to share the truth with us. That trust you have in us, I will endeavor to repay.” Her emblem, located just behind her left ear, glowed through her hair.
Syèl glanced at Shokō, a bitter smile on his face as he scratched the back of his head. He then smiled as he looked at Kashi, “You’ve got a ton of baggage, and I’ve got some bones to pick with you.” He paused, and then glanced at Shokō and Lunette. “But, I can’t let you die. Either of you. So, for as long as I live, you’ll have my support.” He grinned as the emblem on his chest began to glow. “…If you can handle it, that is.”
“Not bad, is it?” Leila stated as she looked at Kashi. Somehow, her gaze seemed to pierce through the daeben to the other person hidden within. “Having people care for you.” A smile curled up the edge of her lips as she stated, “It goes without saying, but I’m firmly in both your corners. I failed Razznik. I do not intend to fail you both.” The emblem glowed on Leila’s chest, just over her heart, revealing how closely she regarded the guild.
Shadow stared at the Maggots and then glared at Kashi. “I cannot bring myself to forgive you.” He paused, his gaze mellowing as he admitted, “However, I do not want you to die.” He looked away and grumbled, “You need to be alive for me to hate you.” Despite his words, the assassin’s emblem resonated with his heart and glowed brightly.
Kashi smiled as an unfamiliar heat burned his heart. He then hesitantly looked at Lunette, who regarded him with conflicted eyes. The daeben wanted to say something, but Lunette suddenly walked out of Shadow’s hands. Kashi found his tongue frozen as the songstress walked up to him, her gaze getting more and more determined with each step.
Within moments, Lunette stood before Kashi, who still did not know how to react. “Lune—”
Pa!
“Oof!” Syèl exclaimed with amused shock as he looked at the crisp red mark on Kashi’s cheek.
Kashi barely had time to recover from the shock when Lunette suddenly wrapped her arms around him, trapping him within her embrace. The daeben was about to say something, but her trembling arms froze the words in his throat. Only now did he understand. Lunette hadn’t gotten over the trauma—far from it. If violent traumas could be forgotten so quickly, psychologists would have long gone out of business.
Lunette, at the moment, was fighting against her instinct to run away. It was the only way she could show her support for Kashi, so he did not misunderstand. The howling wolf emblem began to glow from her forehead as she buried her head in the daeben’s chest.
Kashi, understanding just how difficult this must be for Lunette, patted her head and said, “Thank you…” He then looked at the rest of the Maggots and said, “Thank you all. I promise I won’t disappoint you guys.”
The daeben wanted to say something else, but a prompt interrupted him.
Warning: Guild Evolution Imminent!
Guild Evolution: The foundations of every famous guild is built on a powerful understanding and trust amongst its members. When a guild reaches a certain level of understanding, they will naturally evolve into the next level.
Currently, two guilds have achieved the first level of Guild Evolution. Work hard, and your guild might join the ranks.
Warning: (Final Guild Evolution Criterion Not Yet Met: Guild Leader’s Enlightenment)
Guild Leader’s Enlightenment: A powerful guild requires a leader with a powerful vision. A guild can only evolve to the next level when its leader realizes its true meaning and purpose.
Kashi raised a brow in interest as he examined the prompt. Well, this certainly brought up mixed feelings. On the one hand, he was naturally excited about the prospect of the Hopeful Maggots’ evolution (whatever the hell that meant.) But on the other hand, two guilds had already achieved this so-called evolution, putting them at a firm disadvantage.
Furthermore, what in the hell was Enlightenment supposed to mean? How would he achieve that? Kashi had a thousand questions, but he decided to push them to the back of his mind. He was not the type to waste time on something he could not solve. Eventually, time and luck would sort things out… hopefully.
Kashi closed the prompt and then looked at Lunette. He held her arms and gently unlatched them from his waist. “Thanks, Lune. You don’t have to try so hard.” As he spoke, Lunette looked into his eyes but then flinched and immediately looked back down. Kashi revealed a bitter smile as he said, “I’m sorry. I truly am. One day, I’ll find a way to make it up to you.” He then looked at Syèl as he said, “But for now, a little distance should do both of us some good. As it happens, I have somewhere to visit. We’ll talk when I get back.”
“…Okay,” said Lunette, her heart torn to pieces as she watched Kashi walk up to Syèl. Although he didn’t show it, she could tell he was hurt by her reaction. He just didn’t want her to feel bad.
Kashi, oblivious to Lunette’s thoughts, tapped Syèl’s shoulder as he said, “Ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” replied the halben. Syèl laughed and then said goodbye to Shokō, before jumping out the now, open roof.
Kashi thanked the Maggots once more, promised to be back as soon as possible, and then leaped onto the roof. Soon, both men had disappeared into the city streets under the pale moonlight.
Meanwhile, as the Maggots returned to their rooms, two maids stared at the ceiling and then at the stones and dust around the ballroom. The first maid laughed as she lifted her skirt and walked out of the room. “Oh, dearie me. This was billed as an all-night event. It’s the morning crew’s business, not mine.”
The second maid, meanwhile, had black lines running across her face as she grumbled, “I knew I should not have asked for that extra shift…”