The cloths themselves were still damp but they weren’t drenched. He concluded that they would get dry as he went along. So, he gathered himself and set off to the shrine quickly to get the rest of his gear. Entering the shrine Ent went to tying the rope around his waist. By impulse Ent started to talk to the statue.
”Forgive my haste but I saw a grand sight. A dragon after all this time. I must know where it’s going so I can gather my family for a capture. Maybe then I can revert this growth stunt I’ve been blighted with all my life. Then I can finally look my father in the eye without having to stand in his shade. Forgive me neglected God, but I need to chase after it. I do wish I can come back ill give you another spread should you have me again.” Ent blurted out.
The moment his rope was tied Ent grabbed his sword and pole and dashed out the door. Eyes on the sky. Thankfully the beast was not traveling as fast as he thought but he still had to keep an eye out for it. He nearly lost it after tripping over an unfortunate stone. However, the next one spelt trouble. This trip sent Ent tumbling down a hill. Ent was unsuccessful in stopping himself from the fall. But he was saved by a very flat but hard surface. Lying on his back he can still the dragon though the tree branches. But this surface was strange. It was hard cracked and extremely level. Getting up he was greeted to what appeared to be an obsidian black road that cured around the hills in the forest. There were strange lines that stretched down the middle of it. Some a solid yellow line that followed the curvature of it. Looking down it the line became perforated when the road was straight but due to the hilly nature the lines were a solid yellow.
Getting up the road was solid and provided great traction for his boots. Now determined Ent followed the strange road as it seemed even it was going after the dragon. Ent then would gain speed that he never though he was able to do, having to slow himself or else he would be overwhelmed by his momentum. Eventually though he finally exited the forest and was greeted with a bizarre sight. Stopping to catch his breath he saw the most bizarre structure or structures he’d ever seen. Large buildings that glinted with the sun, structures that seemed to be homes on the outskirts and roads just like this leading in all sorts of directions. Above all of this was that dragon still in the sky. But it seemed to be going down.
Maybe this place was its home? Ent said catching his breath. Though as he was breathing in he saw a strange object coming his way. From where he was at it looked like a stout shiny blue creature. Its eyes pure white with yellows and read mixed into its scalar and its teeth made of metal. It was approaching fast, and Ent had to think quick. Pulling out his sword he prepared himself for battle with the unknown beast. But as it approached, he heard a horn, but it did not stop. If he timed his jump right, he could stab it in the brain finishing the fight. Ent now focused, tensed up ready for combat. But instead of a battle the creature instead swerved around him, honking as it was passed. Along with what sounded like an angry yell.
Ent was dumfounded for a moment. For a second there he thought he was in danger. But he guessed whatever that thing was, was in a hurry and could not bother him. Sighing in relief he holstered his sword in his rope belt and continued down the road. Looking up at the sky it was around early afternoon. The only thing he cursed having forgotten was his helmet that he neglected to repair. The face plate could have been used to shield his eyes from the sun, so he had to resort to his free hand to be used as a visor from the sun.
Eventually he had followed the road to the point where now a strange gray stone accent now adorned the sides of the black road. He got on it is feeling that this was much better than the black path. His theory however was proven right. Walking a small distance along the gray path he heard another creature zoom by. It was close but it ignored him and did not honk or curse him as it passed. He also managed to catch a better look at it. From the back it appeared to also have eyes much like the front though they were different. He also saw what looked to be a silhouette of a human inside of it. Ent called out for the strange thing, but it was already out of earshot when he uttered a word. Looking back at the forest he had to guess he was about a mile away from the forest. He still had more distance to cover at least until he hit the houses. Immediate surrounding land were mostly what looked to be unoccupied farmland. Or at least it seemed there wasn’t anything growing in them now.
He walked more now 2 miles away from the forest. Some more strange creatures passed him by but ignored him if he stayed on the gray path. He had tried to block a couple of them passing so he could talk to whoever is controlling them, but they would get out of the way and honk loudly as is passed. However, this time he was lucky. One of the strange creatures then decided to stop a short way ahead of Ent seeing this dashed at the creature. Hoping that he will get answers on what this place is.
Getting closer to the being, He was able to get a good look at it. It was purely black all around except for the red and orange eyes that are transparent giving of a reflection of the sun as Ent looked closely at it and its feet were also mate black but were round and had a silver rim that spun as it moved. It also gave off a strange purr as it sat there exhuming a grey smoke every time it did from a pipe in the back. Ent after observing the back went up to the front and was surprised to see that part of its black body started to move rolling down with a monotone hum. Ent was greeted with the first human; he had made contact ever since he got here.
He was sitting in it wearing black squared and tinted spectacles. He had an insolent smirk to his face looking up at Ent. He also wore a black suit like a butler’s uniform, but it was unkempt and had a looser feel to it. Ent stared at the man not knowing what to say until he broke the silence.
“Oi, are you lost friend?” the man said using his finger to pull his tinted glasses off his eyes.
Ent simply stared at him not knowing what to say.
“Oi! I asked you a question.” the man said a hint of impatience in his voice.
Ent shook his head and blinked. “I’m terribly sorry. You’re the first person I’ve spoken to in half a fortnight.”
“Ohhh? Well, you certainly look like you’ve been though an adventure.” The man said leaning out the window to get a better look at Ent.
“Are you a cosplayer? Cause, you’re rocking that knight outfit. though you’re missing the helmet. Did you lose it while walking here?”
“I don’t know what a “cosplayer” is, but I am a knight. Sir Ent Lockheed at your service.” Ent gave a slight bow.
“Oh you must be one of those what are they called again?” the man snapped his fingers trying to remember the word.
“Its Larpers, Arty.” A feminine voice spoke up from the inside.
Hearing the voice Ent leaned down to get a better view of the inside. It was too dark though and all he could see was the spectacled man looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Ya a larper. Are you one of those geeks?” The man said pushing his glasses closer to his eyes now looking a bit irritated.
“I have not a clue on what a “larper” or even a “geek” is, but I am a knight, and I am indeed lost.” Ent said now a bit glum.
“Well then “sir knight” If you keep on following that sidewalk down south, you’ll hit Yokoga; the melting pot of the world. Up north where I’m guessing you came from is the Bever woods.”
“Yokoga? I’ve never heard of such a place. Umm are we in the eastern kingdom by any chance?” Ent asked innocently.
The man presumed Arty then laughed.
“Bud, I don’t know what time period you came from but there is no ‘eastern kingdom’ around here.” He then gave another laugh.
“Arty we should get going, I don’t want to spend all day talking to this loon.” The feminine voice scolded.
“Alright, alright your highness.” He then reached into his pocket and handed Ent a crumpled up green note
“Here buddy, a welcoming gift. Be sure not to spend it all in one place.” Ent accepted the note holding it in both hands.
“See ya later cosplayer.”
Before Ent could say anything else Arty skidded off in the strange carriage. At least that is what he assumed those creatures were. He wanted to ask about them and what this strange note was. Sighing in defeat. Ent continued his way towards the city of “Yokoga” maybe that place holds the answers to all of his questions. While walking Ent unfolded the crumbled note. It had the visage of an unknown woman looking off to the side with strange decorations on both sides, containing the likeness of a large goat staring off a mountain side. It also had a quote on both side “United we stand alone we fall” as well as the number 5 on it. Ent scratched his head looking at the note. There might be some meaning behind it. So, for now he held onto it. Placing the parchment in his pouch for now.
Now 3 miles away from the forest, Ent was now in the exurb of Yokoga. Though still a way from the city itself. He looked around taking in the sights of the small homes that litter the area. He wanted to knock on one of them, but they were all surrounded by fencing and having bold red signs written in multiple languages including Terran saying “keep out" Ent ignored them not wanting to spark any ire with the locals in the area. So, he continued down the road, a few carriage-beast coming and going from time to time but for the most part the exurbs were quiet. Though Ent encountered something. It looked like a store at first glance. Having signs with money signs and the word store in Terran as well. Ent decided to look inside maybe there might be someone in there that could help him.
Opening the shop door Ent heard ring and was hit with cool air which made him stop and feel the breeze. “Uhh, you gonna stand their all-day guy?” a voice said inside. Ent looked around he saw and older man behind the counter. His face was clean shaven, and his dark hair was cut short and had sprouted a few gray hairs, He had bags around his eyes too, but he did not look tired. His face also had signs of age, wrinkles on his forehead as well. He also had a comforting smile perhaps the day was slow, and Ent had provided him with some form of entertainment.
“My apologizes shop keep, I was enamored by the cool wind.” Ent said still enjoying the breeze.
“Well come on in it’ll feel a lot better if you do.” he said gesturing with a finger.
Leaving his walking stick by the entrance, Ent entered the shop with the door closing behind him giving another ring. Inside the shop Ent saw shelves of what looked to be prepackaged meals ready to be eaten as well as some strange trinkets the closer to the counter he went. In the back of the store there was a row of glass doors that led to an array of shelved bottles also in a very chilled environment. Ent had to stop and take in the sight. This place was very strange to him.
“You must be new around her are you a tourist? Or maybe you’re here for the cosplay convention. If that’s the case, can I offer you a map of the city? Only 5 Goh.” The shop keep said with a smile on his face.
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“What is this “cosplay” that people talk about. I’ve been mistaken for one, and I don’t know if I should have taken that as a slight or commendation.”
“What? You really don’t know what a cosplay is? Cause if I’m mistaken you look exactly like one of those knights from the cartoons all the kids like.”
“What are you speaking of? Ever since I’ve gotten to this “Yokoga” I’ve been nothing but bewildered at those carriage-beast and that statue you call a city an- “
“Whow whow whow, guy you need to slow down. First off why are you talking like you’re in a play? Second are you talking about cars?”
“Shop-Keep, enough of these games. Ever since I’ve been abducted by those damned Kobolds, I’ve had nothing but misfortune. My supplies have been ransacked, my horse butchered, and I’ve had nothing to eat but creek water and horrid grain for almost a fortnight.”
The shop keep took a moment to assess the situation. He closed his eyes and grinned
“Alright I’ll play along with ya, Business has been slow, and I’ve always wanted to try my hand with roleplay. So, then Sir knight what might your name be?”
Ent was taken by surprised by the complete 180 the man did.
“My name is Sir Ent Lockheed. What be yours shop-keep?”
“The name’s Pean Buckso. I’ve been running this shop for nearly 10 years ever since my dad had to retire. So, Sir Ent what brings you here? You look like you have a story to tell. So, I’ll lend you my ears for now.” Pean said leaning on the counter.
Ent then told Pean his story from his journey to Panax, to being captured and sent into a portal, and his recent interactions when coming to the city.
“That’s quite a backstory dude, how long did it take you to come up with that?”
“This is no tall tale Mr. Buckso. What I’ve told you is my record told to you to the best of my abilities. I thought you’d understand. But perhaps I’ve gotten my hopes up.” Ent gave a sigh now looking glum.
Pean was about to try and cheer Ent up, but the door rang. The 2 looked to see a group of 3 well-dressed men walking in heads held high and smoking. Pean was surprised but quickly averted his gaze upon seeing the men. Ent however did not. The tallest of the 3 made his way to the counter looking Ent directly in the eyes, while the others went around the aisle picking out anything that caught their eye. Ent and the man both stared at each other for a while until the man turned his head to Pean.
“Yo, Bukso. You should tell your little friend here that he’s liable to get his teeth kicked if he keeps staring at me and my boys like that.”
“I’m sorry Oren, He’s new to the area.” He said keeping his eyes on the ground.
“Oh? A fresh guppy to the streets of Yokoga? Well then, let me be one of the first to welcome you. Now get out I have some business to discuss with this geezer.” The tall man said taking a drag of his cigarette and exhaling
Ent stood his ground still eyeing the tall man.
“No I refuse. You lot should get out otherwise I will escort you all out myself.” He said
“Oh? You think you can back those words little man? There’s three of us and only one of you.” He said with a wide grin.
Pean eyes widen when he heard Ent stand up for him but still did not take his eyes off the ground. The 2 other men also decided to stop their looting and come over to the counter drawing small knives from their pockets.
Ent now had his back to the counter with the men’s focus all on him. Things were about to get messy, but this is exactly what he wanted.
“Well then boys give this knight the good ol Yokoga welcoming gift.”
One of the men then lunged at Ent knife aiming for his gut. But Ent anticipated this and effortlessly dodge the attack leading to the man stabbing the wooden counter instead. Pean hid behind his counter when this happened. The other man seeing his friend miss the attack slashed at Ent while shouting a profanity in his foreign tongue. Ent grabbed his wrist and disarmed the man and kicked him to the wall. However, his back was now to their leader and got a good punch on the back of Ent’s head momentary dazing him. Oren then went to kick him in the gut. But Ent was quicker and grabbed Oren’s leg. Ent then used his strength to throw him into his friend that was charging him from behind. Both collided, crashing into the aisle and making a mess. Now the pair were on the ground groaning out for the count for now, Ent then turned his attention to the one trying to dislodge his knife from the counter. Feeling Ents leer the man stopped and quickly jumped up and quickly got into a very stiff fighting stance. This guy did not know how to fight by the looks of it and so Ent quickly kicked the man’s knee bending it in a painful way and forcing him down on the ground in a scream. Ent smirked at the sight, but the fight was not done. Heard one of them get up and click something. Instinctively Ent ducked down quickly. He heard a loud bang and then he kicked Oren in the face with enough force that he was launched out the door while dropping a strange object. The final man was about to attack Ent again, but Oren shouted something in another language outside causing him to instead grab the injured man and get out of there as quickly as he can.
“You fuck! I’ll remember your face. The next time I see you, you’re fucking dead! You hear me? Dead!” Oren shouted from outside with a broken nose. He then went to help his friend. Putting him in the back of a black carriage beast that made and awful noise as it skids off in the direction of the city. Ent stood there scratching his head. “Guess the guy could not take a lose huh?” he thought to himself. As he was scratching, he felt a wound on his scalp. It wasn’t too much to worry about, so he decided to ignore it for now. He then remembered about Pean he was still hiding. Peering over the counter Ent saw Pean cowering.
“Mr. Buckso you may come out now. I’ve chased off the ruffians.” Ent said looking over.
Pean looked up surprised
“You did? But how?” he asked slowly getting up.
“They were nothing but hooligans that relied on browbeat ploys and attrition tactics. I knew I could take them on by a glance.”
“But I heard a gunshot. Are you okay? Do I need to call an ambulance for you”
Ent stared at Pean with confusion.
“What do you mean by “gunshot” and “ambulance” Mr. Buckso? If that is an apothecary, I don’t think I’ll be needing that.”
“But Ent, your head. You’ve been grazed. Let me get something for that.”
“No need Mr. Buckso I`ll deal with it.”
Ent then concentrated his mana into the tip of his left index finger to the point of it glowing a faint green. Then he ran it through the length of the graze instantly mending the fresh wound. Buckso looked, eyes full of amazement.
“Wha- What did you do there? did you do what I think you just did?” Pean asked eyeing the scared area.
“Just a touch of healing magic Mr. Buckso. Though, I am a bit upset about the scaring, but you seemed to be at unease at my wound.”
“I’m more anxious of you now more than ever. You come in here asking about stuff that everybody knows and making me think you’re one of those hardcore role-players for that cosplay convention in town. Then you beat up my loan sharks 3 to 1 with just your hands. Now you somehow heal yourself and calling it magic. Just, what are you.”
“Like I said Mr. Buckso, my name is Sir Ent Lockheed. Everything I’ve told you has and is the truth. If I you believe I’ve been jesting you this entire time, I apologize. I only wish to know where I can get back home to the central continent and tell my family about this wondrous place. So please Mr. Buckso show me to the nearest caravan.”
Pean then eyed Ent. Looking at him from head to toe deep in a thought.
”So you really are a knight like from the old world? As in one of the 4 other families?”
“4 families? There have always been 5.” Ent barked now angry and putting a hand on the hilt.
Pean now eyeing the blade realizing if Ent is the real deal, that the beat-up sword must very much also be genuine. Instinctively he raised his hands up.
“Look bud. I never really paid much attention in history class when I was young. So, forgive me for missing some bits here and there. We can go on over to the museum and we can get a refresher.” Pean now almost pleading.
Ent squinted at Buckso in his eyes. He then sighed and took his hand of the hilt.
“Very well Mr. Buckso. We shall make post haste to this ‘museum’ you speak of. Your words have me intrigued on what this whole farce is about. But I don’t have any leads and you’re the only person who I can trust as of now.”
“Trust me buddy I want to get to the bottom of this too. Cause, either you’re just the most diehard role-player, or you’re an actual knight, and right now, I’m thinking you might be a genuine knight the longer I talk to you.”
“Thank you Mr. Buckso, your aid will be greatly appreciated. I don’t have a lot to offer you for your services, but I do have this.”
Ent then gave the green note to Pean sliding it across the counter. Pean gave one look at the note and was not amused but accepted it, placing it in his pocket.
“Never thought I’d be escorting a knight for just 5 Goh. But better than having my register emptied or stabbed with a sword. I gotta close and clean up shop first before we get going. If you help it’ll be faster.”
“Then together we shall vanquish this mess Mr. Buckso. It will give us time for you to answer my burning questions about this place. Like what is Goh and this strange device.” Ent said holding up he black object that once belonged to Oren.
“Oh well Goh is just you know the current means of exchange and that, WAIT A SECOND PUT TH- *BANG*“
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After a few hours of cleaning and some scolding by pean. The 2 exited the shop. Ent now with and expanded glossary, finally knowing what cars, guns and Goh are. Thanks to the help of his associate; Pean Buckso to help fill him in. Though he’s upset that his shop now has 2 extra bullets sized ‘ventilation holes`. Pean put the gun in his pants waist band and Ent grabbed his stick. The 2 walked behind the shop. There was Peans car. It was a matte blue with patches of rusted around the edges and somewhat dirty windows. With a little help from Pean on how to enter a car and about seatbelts. With both now seated, they were ready to head into Yokoga.
Turning the key, the engine sputtered to life with a loud bang which startled Ent causing him to look back, but Pean treated it as routine. Shifting into gear the car started moving and the car headed towards the tarmac and drove south to Yokoga. Ent was surprised to see such a machine work wonder if these contraptions will replace the horse as a means of travel should it be made available to the rest of the world. But for the most part of the ride the 2 were in silence. Until Ent broke the silence.
“Mr. Buckso I’ve been wondering, who are those loan sharks? They seemed to have had quite a history with you and I’d like to know.”
“Oh those guys? Well, I had to borrowed money from one of the mafia’s and they gave my contract to those fools. Thing is I know that I’ve paid off what I owe but they keep on asking for more because of “interest” in other words they’re pocketing it for themselves and using me and my shop as a place to get free money and food whenever they want.”
“So you’ve known this for a while? Why even bother paying them if you debt has been fulfilled?”
“Because if I don’t, they will cry to their boss, and they will either give me a hell of a beating or burn down my shop both of which I’m not fond of. But I think you should be more worried about yourself Ent. They may not seem like much, but I’ve seen their gang and they don’t mess around. Especially to someone that broke the nose and leg of one of their own.”
“You seem to have a bit of insight on this gang? I should be fine if those three are anything to go by, but do you have any other mentions on what to expect?”
“Well if you’re asking, Keep your head low and your face hidden. Like Oren said he won’t forget your face I guarantee you that.”
“Noted Mr. Buckso. But now I must ask, why did you get a loan from them in the first place.”
“That’s a story for another time Bud. Right now, its 3 pm and I’d rather get you to in town before rush hour.”
“Alright then. I suppose I’ll ask you another time when the conditions are more favorable.”
Pean gave an annoyed sideways glance at Ent. But sighed and shook his head, not say another word. As the 2 drove into the city. There was a big, vandalized sign overhead saying “Welcome to Yokoga. Population: 9.4 million.”