"Test begins!" cried the leader accompanied by loud trumpets. All the participants started running as fast as they could, and so did I. Without realizing it, Nola and I led the race by running ahead of the other participants. The red-lined route led us out of the palace sports arena. The organizers and the High Priest sat down and watched all the apprentices who had committed any offenses.I glanced at Nola and smiled. Running like this is easy for me because I, I mean Rex, am used to it. In his spare time, since childhood, Rex would run in the woods as fast as he could with his father. Nola looked at me with eyes as if she wanted to kill me, then accelerated her run to catch up with me. All the participants were amazed to see my and Nola's running speed.But suddenly, I stopped running, and so did Nola. There is something I feel. This is something terrible. The other participants began to approach where I was standing, one of the fastest among them deliberately nudged me as he passed
'You can't lose now!' Rex's small voice sounded back in my mind.Now I'm sure, he really is in this body, but how come I couldn't hear him before? I can't ask now because maybe people will think I'm crazy.'You have to win, Ares Jones!' he cried."I know," I whispered finally."What? What do you say?" asked Nola."Oh nothing," I replied.I was a little embarrassed because Rex's voice bothered me, but it didn't come again. Rex seems to know that I don't want him showing up for now. However, it made me think that Rex actually knew that I was occupying his body all this time. Where has he been all this time? Why can I only listen to him now? This reminded me of my own body. What happened to my body in my world?Nola with a very fast movement drew her sword toward me and the golden tree helped me avoid it. The attack made me realize that I needed to focus."You can't keep dodging!" cried Nola.Her patience was running out and she was ready to attack me with something really big. I'm sure
The blade was barely touching my shoulder, but I could see that the golden tree's strength was not much anymore. I took that power and used it to move as fast as possible. I rolled quickly and when my feet were firmly planted on the ground, I moved my sword and dispelled the two fake Nolas.The original Nola immediately drew her sword at me while shouting loudly. She didn't seem to think that I could dodge her attack so quickly. This time, the attack was merciless. However, I am ready. Quickly, I drew my sword towards her. Now we just have to wait and see, who can put the sword on the opponent's shoulder.My heart was beating very fast and the arena turned silent. After that, the sound of cheers was heard and they shouted Rex's name. A second later I realized that my sword had touched Nola's shoulder first before her sword touched mine. Maybe, I was just a second ahead.I was still trying to process everything that was happening around me and realized that all the fighting was over a
“I know what you're thinking, Rex Hito, but reality is reality. Don't live in illusions you created yourself,” said the High Priest.'Old man!' Rex shouted in my head.“I understand,” I replied.'What did you say? My father is not a traitor! Tell him, Ares Jones!’ Rex shouted again in his whiny and annoying voice.“Then, get ready for your first ritual tomorrow,” said the High Priest.'Damn rituals! Tell him, Ares!' cried the whiny child again.“Shut up,” I whispered."What?" the High Priest asked me.“Erm… Nothing…” I said awkwardly. I hope the High Priest doesn't inquire further.'Say that old fart deserves to go to the grave!' Rex shouted.I wanted to punch Rex in the face but I was in his body. So I just gulped, trying to calm myself down."Rex, is something bothering you?" the High Priest asked me."Ah no. There isn't anything. I-I'll excuse me, High Priest—”'Don't go, you coward! Face him and pull off his thick beard!’ Rex shouted.“I-I have to go to rest. I mean, there's a rit
I walked with steps that I forced a little because of my uneasy feelings. I didn't know anything about the rituals of the priests of this tribe and my intuition told me something bad was waiting for me.I saw many apprentices walking out of their tents to head to the practice arena. Nola had just come out of her tent too and she was looking at me intently. I try to smile but it seems my smile looks arrogant so Nola snorts and then walks quickly. I blame Rex's annoying face.At the practice arena, the High Priest was already standing in the middle, and the apprentices were standing around him. I quickly got in between the apprentices and stood there."Are you guys ready?" asked the High Priest, looking at all the apprentices who had gathered.I saw that the priests had also gathered and were standing behind the High Priest. They rarely showed up during this time and it dawned on me that there were quite a few of them. Not all of them joined yesterday's hunt."Ready!" answered all the a
I really hope that the golden tree can bring me back to my world. I started to focus myself so I could see the golden tree floating in front of my eyes. However, in this empty dimension, I am unable to do so. No matter how hard I try, I still can't."Uncle!" I shouted.But they didn't hear me. I feel that this white dimension is getting darker and darker. I know what that means."No! No! Please!” I shouted.It felt like I was about to touch my lying body, but I felt myself being pulled away."It's unlikely he will come to his senses now, Mister Jones. However, this has been significant progress for months he has been in a coma," said the doctor whose face I couldn't see.The doctor's voice sounded fainter, but I still wanted to hear his next words."Shit..." I cursed under my breath when I felt myself returning to darkness and emptiness.“Rex! Rex Hito!” someone shouted.I didn't recognize the voice, but I knew it was a woman's. The soft voice finally brought me back to consciousness.
I saw the High Priest looking directly at my hand. Suddenly I hid it by covering it with my right hand. I felt beads of sweat forming on my forehead as the High Priest walked up to me.“Rex,” said the High Priest."Y-yes…" I stuttered.“I forgot to tell you something,” said the High Priest.“W-what is it, Your Majesty?” I asked."Since you passed out before the ritual was finished, then don't be surprised if everyone turns against you after this," he replied.I widened my eyes because I just remembered that there was a warning at the beginning when the ritual started. There must be no mistakes, otherwise there will be disasters or epidemics. Damn! Now if there is an epidemic or disaster, everyone will blame me!"I'm sure you understand, Rex. Be prepared for disaster or plague," said the High Priest.“Your Highness, is there a way to stop it?” I asked as I got up to a sitting position. I don't want to hurt others.The High Priest thought for a moment and finally looked at me again."If
"Can't we try again?" I asked.“All the priests, even myself have tried it. Even though we combined all our abilities, it was in vain. We should probably find another totem to deal with a plague or natural disaster,” the High Priest answered me.He then looked at me and glared at me.“If disaster or plague comes, you will be hated even more and I can do nothing to save you. Too bad, your potential is huge, Rex,” the High Priest said to me.“W-what do you mean, Your Highness?” I asked.'Shit! They will bury us alive!’ Rex shouted in my mind.I widened my eyes and thoughts of Rex immediately flooded my head. Usually, to prevent catastrophes such as disasters and epidemics, they will choose sacrifices to be offered to the gods. They will bury the victim alive in a ritual.'They heal us just to make us sacrifices!' Rex shouted again in a panicked voice.“You seem to know what I'm talking about, Rex,” replied the High Priest."They're going to make me a victim?" I asked in a trembling voic