“We already told you, what else you would want to know, huh?!” Paul exclaimed.
“Take me back to where I was supposed to be! Take me back to my office! I am a fierce billionaire! I am a businessman, and what the fuck just happening, this may not be believable, but I am forty-four years old!” Zion exclaimed, he was hysterical and cannot think straight.
“Young man,” Concepcion called Zion in a very calm way, “You must calm down; this will not be solved if you will stay like that,”
“How can I go back the last time that I remember was, I got this pain in my chest, and I think I fell asleep, then I woke up here in your goddamn place, with me, looking like a seventeen-year-old kid, how would you think that I’ll react? Happy—“
“You fool! Don’t you dare raise your voice on my wife! You foolish thing!”
“No, this can’t be happening, this must be a dream, I have to wake up, I have a meeting to attend, and my day is fully packed for my appointments—“
“Then, get out!” Paul lost his temper with Zion, “We don’t even need a tackles, arrogant, asshole and self-centered human like you in our household!”
“You didn’t have to say that, I will go even if you stopped me!” with that, Zion stormed out of the Cortiluz house, and slammed the door.
“Hon, you shouldn’t have said that, maybe he is just too shocked, we didn’t know what and where he came from, like what we are told, we summoned him from another place or another world?”
“Conny, there is no such thing as a different world, a parallel world is just fiction,” Paul said and sat on her divan.
“Dad, I told you, there it is!” Anya their only daughter was persistent that there is another world, outside of theirs, “I read it in books, from the people who successfully went back here!”
“Anya, how can you prove that they are spatting fact?” Paul sighed, “Let’s cut this nonsense conversation, let that arrogant child go, he will bring no luck to us,”
“Then what about the war?” Concepcion starts to open the fire in their kitchen, it is quarter to four in the afternoon.
“I’ll try to look for other ways, we still have a few weeks,” Paul said and shrugged, he stood up and get the casserole.
“But we already sold everything valuable, how can we look for someone to volunteer to stand in your shoes?” Anya seemed uneasy, trying to figure out what will be their next move, “Dad, we still have a choice, like what mom said, maybe Zion was just shocked and he just—he just needs a good explanation? We have to utilize the money that we spent,”
Paul’s expression is shouting rejection, his pride is getting in his way, and he felt disrespect as a former soldier of the kingdom.
“Your daughter is right, Paul. Go, and get that kid,” Paul looked at his wife and daughter, waiting for his positive response to their suggestions.
“Fine!” Anya chirped and clapped in happiness, “I’ll just get my jacket,”
“Bring your sword too, nights are longer than days to this time, for your own safety,”
Shortly after the talk, Paul made his way to the forest, good thing that he had a strong sense of smell, he can still smell a foreign scent of Zion.
His wife and daughter are right, he did not come from this city, this town, or even in this world, Paul knew the man came from nowhere near where they grew up. He is just too prideful to admit that Anya can possibly be right.
“Shit,” he muttered, as the scent of Zion came stronger, there is a familiar scent along with him, “This asshole,” he run as fast as he can, even though his legs were not as strong as before his accident, he can still run a little faster than normal people, “Hah! Hah!” his uneven breathing made it a little harder for him to run, “This is what I fucking thought about!”
In front of him is Zion, frozen on his spot, looking at the huge creature in front of him, just before the monster killed Zion with its sharp claw, Paul run and wielded his sword.
“Hey, asshole! Get to your senses, or you will be killed!” Paul exclaimed and slap Zion straight on his face.
That’s when Zion gets to his senses and tried to dodge death, “What the fuck was that?!” he exclaimed with his eyes widening while looking at Paul, “I-is that a sigbin?!”
A sigbin, a monstrous bear, is usually awake at night until dawn to search for its prey and sleep throughout the day. It’s one of the common monsters that hunters hunt when training or preparing for something.
Zion was in awe, looking at how Paul swiftly jumped and waved his sword, which creates a huge slash on its neck, Paul didn’t waste any second and swang directly his sword at the huge eyes of the monster.
Both gentlemen saw how the sigbin falls, and made a loud thud. Paul fished his sack and starts to cut the sigbin’s trousers. Zion looked at him with disbelief.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Zion said, he looked around, he has been walking for twenty minutes in the middle of the woods when he encountered the huge guy.
Paul gave him a questioning look, “Getting some for dinner? What?” He said continuing to get some meat, Zion had a grimacing expression, looking at the green blood flowing from the sigbin’s eyes, “Don’t worry, it won’t kill you, it tastes just like meat, I haven’t heard anyone who died by eating their meat,”
After getting a portion that could last for a week, Paul sealed the sack and put it on his shoulder, then walk on his way home, he halted upon realizing that Zion wasn’t walking with him, and just looking at the monster.
“What are you still doing there? Let’s go, it’s getting dark, I haven’t brought a torch with me,”
Zion frowned, “What—”
“Get your ass on here, and spend your supper at our home, it may be your last?” Paul jokingly said, Zion rolled his eyes and skipped some steps which surprise him because he had never done that, Paul chuckled, but hide it, “Let’s go,”
They took a shortcut going home, Concepcion greeted Zion with a knowing smile, and Anya too. They cooked the meat, and served it to the family, before saying their grace.
“Paul was right, it tastes just like meat,” Zion commented while devouring a large part of the dish, “This tasted like hella heaven,” he added, which made Concepcion and Anya chuckle.
“Shut up and just eat your food,” Paul’s sullen voice echoed through Zion’s ears, giving Paul a side eye and mockingly laugh, “What are you laughing—”
They all stopped and looked at the door when they heard someone outside. Paul stood up, and the three walk behind him, Zion was still holding his meat, and simply looking outside while chewing it.
“We came from the kingdom, today, we are starting to list down all the participants for the upcoming war, and everyone is required to bring at least one of the household, but by the looks of it—” The army guard looked at Paul with such disappointment, “You will just deliver yourself to your own grave,” They exchange looks at mocking laugh, “Now, let’s go back to the business,” both of them lustfully looked at Anya, “Like what the law said, if a household won’t be able to participate in the war, they need to send a woman to be a palace servant, from what we are seeing, you will still greatly help the kingdom, by sending your daughter—”
Paul was about to respond with the demoralizing words when Zion tapped his shoulder, shooking his head.
“What kind of rubbish would a man from the kingdom,” Zion said, and walk in front, “We will send no woman from this household, young man,” Zion smirked and tilt his head to the soldier in front of him, “Write my name, Zion Reed, I’ll be participating for the Cortiluz family, and also—” Zion almost cut the space between the perverted soldier, “Remember that night, because once I got home from the war, I will fucking kill you, dumbhead,”
“What the hell was that, huh? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” Paul exclaimed while walking phase and fort.“What? You told me that I was summoned to your time, or to your world with a sole task, that is to replace you in participating in the war, am I wrong?” Zion said while sitting with cross legs on the divan.“What are you taking me for? Dumb? You haven’t been here for at least twelve hours, and you’re telling me that you’re willing to risk your life for that?”Zion shrugs his shoulder, “We only have three weeks right? Might as well teach me what I need to learn so I can still go back to my world, who about that?”Paul gave him a suspicious look, “Don’t play—““Jeez, you know, in my world, I didn’t have to explain nor repeat myself twice, people will line up just to be able to set an appointment with me, and here I am, trying to convince this whoever you are to just teach me what I need to learn,”“Fine, make sure to prepare yourself for tomorrow, since we have a little ti
"You have to hold the sword this way, Zion!" Annoyed, Zion looked at Paul and set down the heavy sword he had been holding for hours. "I thought you came from an aristocratic family. Why can't you just hold that sword and swing it with force?""Then do it yourself! First of all, I don't have a family! Secondly, I never said I came from an aristocratic family. I just said that I'm a successful man now!" For the first time in twenty-six years, Zion raised his voice and spoke his mind."Oh, come on, you're a man-""Paul." A threatening voice came from behind. It was Paul's wife. His face immediately changed. His long, angry face turned into an awkward smile, as if he had been caught doing something wrong. Well, he was indeed doing something wrong—forcing Zion to do something he had never done before, shouting. Is he insane?"Hi, hon. I was just teaching this child what he needs to learn." Zion almost felt sick. He was old, but it was disgusting to see men act submissive when their wives
As they arrived at the park, Anya pointed out their favorite spot. "There used to be a man-made waterfall here," she said, "but it was removed for some reason. It's been a year since we last came."He didn't voice his reluctance. It wasn't that he wanted to be here; he was simply pressured by Anya and Conny. But deep down, he had no desire to join them."Lay out the blanket, Paul," Conny instructed, and he complied without complaint. Conny then placed the two baskets they had brought on the ground.She took out bread, two types of jams, fresh milk, a small container of sliced fruits, and some meats. So, this is what they do at picnics? Just sitting and eating? What's the point? Why not just eat at a restaurant? Why choose to eat outside when it's sunny?Anya called him over to sit beside her. He realized he had been standing alone, everyone else already seated and looking at him. They must have thought he was spacing out, which he was."What's the point of having a picnic outside the
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the training grounds as Zion and Paul prepared for their practice session. Both were dressed in simple training attire, their focus sharp and their determination unwavering."Let's start with the sword today," Paul suggested, his voice echoing with authority. "We'll work on your footwork and defense."Zion nodded, taking his position opposite Paul. They began their dance of combat, the sound of their blades clashing filling the air. Paul's strikes were powerful and precise, each one aimed at testing Zion's skill and reflexes. Zion defended himself with determination, his movements fluid and controlled.After a series of exchanges, Paul paused and stepped back, signaling for a break. "You're doing well with the sword, Zion," he commented, wiping sweat from his brow. "But there's another weapon you should be familiar with."Curiosity sparked in Zion's eyes as Paul reached for a bow and a quiver of arrows. "A bow and arrow?" Zion echoed, a hint of
As Zion continued his solitary practice in the secluded woods, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the training grounds, highlighting the intricate patterns of light and shadow that danced around him. Each movement was deliberate and precise, a testament to his unwavering dedication to honing his skills. Unbeknownst to him, a pair of keen eyes watched from the shadows, observing his every move with a careful gaze. Sagittarius, disguised as a commoner, approached Zion with cautious steps, his presence masked by the serene tranquility of the forest. He waited for a lull in Zion's practice before stepping forward to greet him. "Good morning," Sagittarius greeted Zion with a warm smile, his voice carrying a hint of familiarity. "I couldn't help but notice your impressive swordplay. I'm Sagittarius, a humble commoner who shares your passion for the art of combat." Zion paused in his practice, eyeing Sagittarius with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Good morning," he replied, his tone
The forest stretched out before them like a vast emerald sea, its dense canopy of trees casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow upon the forest floor. Towering oak and maple trees stood sentinel, their branches reaching towards the sky in a majestic display of nature's grandeur. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that dotted the forest floor.A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, creating a soft, soothing melody that danced through the air. In the distance, the sound of rushing water could be heard, a clear indication of the nearby waterfall whose cascading waters shimmered like liquid crystal in the sunlight.The forest teemed with life, small creatures darting to and fro among the underbrush. Birds sang sweetly in the treetops, their melodious tunes blending harmoniously with the rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the waterfall.Despite the cloudy sky that hung overhead, there was a se
As Zion continued his practice, the weight of his sword felt familiar in his hands. Each swing was deliberate and measured, a testament to the countless hours he had spent honing his skills. His movements were fluid, a seamless blend of strength and precision, as he sought to master the art of combat.In the midst of his practice, a familiar voice called out to him from the edge of the clearing. "Impressive as always, Zion," the voice said, its tone filled with a quiet confidence.Zion turned to see Sagittarius approaching, a warm smile on his face. "Sagittarius," Zion greeted him with a nod. "What brings you here today?""I thought I'd join you for a bit of practice," Sagittarius replied, his eyes scanning the training ground. "It's been a while since we've had a chance to spar."Zion nodded in agreement, gesturing for Sagittarius to join him. As they began to practice together, the rhythm of their movements echoed through the clearing. Sagittarius moved with a grace that belied his
The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light, casting long shadows across the floor. Taliya lay on the bed, her breaths shallow and labored, yet her beauty remained undiminished. Her features, despite the pallor of illness, still held an otherworldly grace, reminiscent of a goddess in her final moments."Taliya, what's happening?" Zion's voice was filled with concern as he approached her bedside.Taliya turned her gaze toward him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and urgency. "Zion, my time is running out," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.Zion's eyes widened in alarm. "No, Taliya, you can't leave," he protested, his voice tinged with desperation.Taliya reached out a trembling hand, placing something in Zion's palm. It was a black ring, its surface adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. "Take this, Zion," she instructed, her voice growing weaker with each word. "It will be your seal, your guide in the days to come. Promise me