“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 time, it will be tough training, looking at you—“ Paul gave him a sullen look, “You haven’t tried to wield a sword,”
“Well, I don’t need to wield a sword, I have a gun and a twenty-four-hours guarded house and vicinity,”
“You—“
They finished supper, Zion is somewhat sleepy right after he felt the soft texture of the bed; He fell into a deep slumber.
“Zion, you can’t just wield a sword like that, it’s either you will hurt yourself or make yourself a bottle of teasing, come on, I taught you that!” Taliya chuckled.
“But Master—“ He stopped when Taliya raised her brow, “I mean Taliya, I can’t wield it so good, it’s heavy for my body!” said a twelve-year-old Zion.
“What did I tell you? Wield it like you’re wielding a paper,” they are in an open field near the lake, it was Zion’s favorite place, he somehow found peace when he was there.
“There is no paper as heavy as this,” he pouts, “Okay, I’ll try,”
Taliya let a soft smile and held Zion’s hair, “I will help you until I can, Zion. You will advantageous in the future once you master how to fight by not just using a sword, but by using your heart,”
“But isn’t this too much? I mean, I only see knights using swords, but aren’t we in the 21st century, where everything is possible, without using this sword in fighting?” he curiously asked, while holding a black sword. The blade itself is engraved, seemingly strange markings are carved into the blade, a sheathed sword has a hidden blade and a sword in use will be dirty and bloody, so only the hilt needs decorations. It was made by a former swordsmith from the West; a man who had an undeniable talent for making swords.
Taliya sat on Zion’s level, “Zion, someday, you will use this, things may get ugly, rough, and whatever you want to name it, but you will find some people that will be going to help you, some will even go to their extent of life, all you have to do is act as if it’s the last time you can do this for them, so you have to learn to wield the sword as early as now, because when that time comes, you have no choice but to wield it,”
“Zion!”
“Wield it, Zion,”
“Zion!”
“Hah! Hah!” Zion was running out of breath when he woke up. He immediately roams his adjusting eyes, and all he can see is an unfamiliar room, he can hear his heart beating so loud, that he almost got it out of his chest.
“Zion?” that’s when he realized he was not dreaming about what happened yesterday—no, had a weird dream after twenty years, “Are you all right? You’re sweating all over,”
Zion looked at Anya’s worried face, she was now wearing a long sleeve dress, and her hair is in braided, she looked like someone he knew.
“I-I’m all right,” he tried to say without stuttering, he is still in shock, “What are you doing here, anyway? You shouldn’t enter a man’s room,”
“Mom told me to wake you up, you should have your breakfast before you leave,” Anya handed Zion a robe, “The table is ready, Dad has to go somewhere, he said he will meet you in an hour,”
Zion nodded while tying up his robe, “Okay,” the delicious scent of the curry filled Zion’s nostrils, and his stomach starts to grumble. Anya sat in front of him, and Concepcion put a hot coffee beside Zion.
“Eat before you leave, Paul must be on his way back home, if you didn’t want to get scolded, go and eat,” Zion didn’t hesitate and started to devour the food in front of him.
As Concepcion said, Paul arrived in the middle of their breakfast, Zion had to finish his meal early and prepare himself, Concepcion prepared a packed lunch for them since they will be going to town.
“Where are we going?” Zion asked while they are walking, Paul has been quiet since they came from the house.
“We will buy a weapon that you can use,” Paul said, “We will be using a portal since it’s a black market, and most people don’t know the existence of this,”
“Hasn’t the kingdom in charge of giving all the utilities—I mean weapons for the war? After all, they are the ones who are sending us to that chaotic war,”
“No—get inside that, we will be transferred to the market entrance,” in front of Zion was a huge black hole-colored portal, the moment he entered the portal he felt nauseous, “You will get used to it, let’s go,”
Zion was in awe when he saw how beautiful the market was, he is expecting something dark, and disgusting, however; it is the complete opposite of his expectation. The town is lovely, with different trees, and flowers everywhere, kids are running freely; it was lively and lovely.
“It’s been ages since I saw this kind of market, I was too busy raising an empire,” Zion mumbled to himself. He followed Paul while filling his eyes.
“Hey, kid. Go and pick what you think will help you survive,” Zion immediately look at Paul and realized they are in a weaponry shop.
“Wow,” he mumbled, he starts to look around; the variety of weapons made his heart jump. Swords, bow and arrow, shuriken, crossbow, polearm, sling, axes, dagger, and many more, but he stopped when his eyes land on a weapon that seems and oddly familiar to him.
“Hey, why are you crying?! It’s just a sword!”
A black engraved sword.
“What is this feeling? Why does if feels like—like home?”
"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
As Zion continued his walk, the forest around him seemed to pulse with an energy that matched his own anticipation. Each step brought him closer to his destiny, a fact that was not lost on him. He had been expecting Sagittarius's arrival, his senses attuned to the subtle shifts in the world around him that signaled the demon king's approach."Sagittarius," Zion greeted calmly as the demon king materialized before him. His voice was steady, betraying none of the excitement that churned within him. "I've been expecting you."Sagittarius regarded Zion with a knowing smile, his eyes alight with a glint of something unreadable. "I see you're as perceptive as ever," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "Are you ready for what lies ahead?"Zion nodded, his expression resolute. "I am," he affirmed, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "I've been preparing for this moment."Sagittarius's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and intrigue. "Good," he said, his voice filled with a