In Wendlock, Alexunther was successfully enabled to reach the area, but it was almost dusk as they came. there was a temple hidden beneath the colossal trees. Old people met them, welcoming them openly. Alexunther's son accompanied the children to the camp facilities as they were approached to go there, to be assessed.
Over there, there was a man, looked old, but he still young man at glance. Then, he stared curiously to the group of children as he saw a young warrior look like big brother of all the children there.
"I am a young warrior...My name, Matheros Esqaniel," Matheros and Xerxez get closer to the man. "And here, Xerxez Herzthroven, the son of a monarchs, we're relative, after all."
"Well, I am Devein. Elder teacher in Wendlock." He immediately assessing them by prioritizing them, first. But as he observed the surroundings, everywhere was seriously in chaos. His chest pumped with control, and understanding. I know how to handle this chaos. "Order!" He pulled the rope to clang the small chime. "Please, seat with order!"
As Xerxez seated with Matheros, his eyes filled with sadness. He was just a little boy, he know nothing behind the Thallerion border back then, until this happened, a beast, an Ursa warrior came, his parents sacrifices their lives for the sake of their escape.
"Starting tomorrow, I will be your teacher, to train you into a true warrior... If you think it is just a typical warrior, then you were wrong." Teacher Devein was excited that finally the Wendlock Temple will now full of new students.
"Believe me, you will be able to defeat the Moonatorians beasts." All the children were quietly listening to him as if they were in a school in Thallerion. Teacher Devein was not a totally strict, since he was teaching warrior, he always deal with young adult like as age of Matheros, but many of the children were same old as Xerxez. "Hmm, age like them, could be challenging."
"Excuse me, Mr. Devein or Elder Devein..." Matheros stood up facing towards him. "What exactly, your teaching here can turn everyone here into a true warrior? And what exactly is that true warrior you mean?"
Teacher Devein was glad as someone in the group was curious about the true warrior. He moved to the stage as Matheros chased him with a constant stare.
"Tomorrow you will find out what we are going to to do first to become a true warrior. But, remember this, everyone of you here must learn and accept the reality that we are abandoned people of Orion."
"So, today, enjoy your dinner time."
....
Later, Elder Devein approached the prince of Thallerion. He smiled, as he talked to him personally. "Come with me in the temple, young prince. As your mentor, let me lecture you in advance."
"I'm in too! Me, as his bestfriend... there's no reason to split us together." Matheros mumbled. "We're brother!"
"Oh, this old brat, still immatured." He stared, think silently, then he smiled. "Why not.... It is a good idea for a prince to be in a temple with friend."
"Bestfriend." He clarified. Old teacher kinda weird.
Meanwhile, Alexunther and the other leaders discussed about the situation in Thallerion. The elders were shocked,
"Come Xerxez, let's follow his command." He said, excitedly. " Ohh, I heard elders here in Wendlock are wizards." Dunno exactly!
"Are they performing magic?" The boy run.
"I dunno, my dad told me... they were like shaman. So careful with them, they might turn you into rat or a bat."
"A bat?" The boy was stunned.
"Shaman? Pfft... foolish tales. Did Alexunther really taught you that?" Elder Devein stopped as as he heard the two at the back talking about the elders.
"Hey, we didn't talk anything...about elders."
"Well, good to hear .. but please, stop scaring him with lie.
"Aren't you performing wizardry?"
"Elders don't play at curses. We are teller of Orion, not conjurers of tricks."
"Teller of Orion...like a fortune teller? then, where is guardian Orion, exactly?" The young prince asked him intently.
"Listen,
Matheros can't accept the truth they were conquered by the Moonatorians people. He wanted to learn about magic weapons so that he can avenge his countryland.
'I can't accept this situation, many Thallerion people are now suffering by the oppression of Moonatoria. Maybe, I can ask to the elders, to fight against those beasts using their Magic.. ehh? Those high rank leaders, why are they just standing there? If only I am not a teenager...maybe...I will tell them to do something.'
'Look, they do nothing, but to keep silent?'
'How long will the Thallerion continuously suffering? There are many lives left in Thallerion, battered, oppressed, and exhausted?'
'Hmph, why are they afraid of the beast? If the king and queen, fought with all their might, sacrifices their lives, yet they are not afraid to confront the beast! But, now, the elders, and the leaders are afraid? What a coward!'
'I might be a teenage warrior, but does not mean, I will not going to avenge my brother, my king and queen, and my relatives. Me, and Xerxez, promise each other to give justice for the lost of our love ones. I know we both are still incapable to fight against those beasts.'
"Look, Xerxez, there is a man inside the temple! Come with me!"
"You two, come here...grab a crystal fragment."
"I heard the name of Prince of Thallerion, was Xerxez?"
"Uhm, yes, elder." As the Prince answered, pressing the blue crystal.
"What about me, do you know me too?" Matheros said.
"I know you...you are Matheros....Minister Alexunther's son, right?"
"Aye, hehe hehe!"
"Well, I am Devein, one of the elder here in Wendlock, we train individual to improve their ability to fight."
'I think elder Devein want to test something. What are these crystal fragments in the pavilion for? It shines with different color...oh I like Orange. Xerxez grab one too, and it was blue.
"Press it with your thumb."
TAP! TAP!
"Hahaha, look, the prince of Thallerion, a twelve years old, got only one bubble inside the crystal. Well it is normal for a young like him, compare to you Matheros who train always as a warrior."
"Huh?" They pondered.
'How that possible? The Crystal produce a tiny bubbles inside. Xerxez's crystal create only one bubble. While mine, there are 4 bubbles.'
' As Me and Xerxez befriended with elder Devein, he said, my body possess spirit energy level 2, because I am already a warrior, I already have experiences in real combat, but unfortunately, Xerxez, even his solo adventure in hunting birds nest, still got no improvement on his spirit energy. Maybe, he had no so much effort of snatching eggs. Haha, I know it... hunting bird nest is too easy. Nothing too special.'
'But, elder shaman, named Devein in Wendlock, said, we can defeat a beast, but first, we must learn how to control spirit energy, before fighting to the Ursa beasts.'
'Aye, indeed, I learn to control my spirit energy in my body. But, poor Xerxez, he can't even upgrade to level 1 spirit energy. Devein said, once we can control this spirit energy, even a twig can break a bone.'
'According to elder Devein, after Orion left, Thallerion ancestors discovered the copy of book of Orion, that book is one of the twelve weapons of Orion. But, after Orion disappeared, the content of the original book, erased magically. Luckily, the previous user of the book, wrote the knowledge he gained, and shared it to his colleagues, that's how the magical weapons originated. Though, only few people could understand the process of the book. Many of the crucial information was omitted by the writer, only the knowledge how to control the spirit energy and how to apply it using the physical weapons.'
"Elder, what we should do to level up faster?"
"Hmm, both of you listen carefully...in life, there is no shortcut way to gain success, all you have to do, practice. We, the abandoned people, we have to rely on our own efforts, strength, and mind."
"Uhm, Elder Devein, why does Thallerion people are different with the method here in Wendlock?" Xerxez asked.
"Yeah, why it is so different?" The young warrior pondered too.
'Come to think, my father didn't know about teaching spiritual energy as a power or strength? Most people in Thallerion rely on physical strength alone.'
"Well...after the Cyprioxian emerged in Thallerion, all people was reprimanded to avoid practicing magic, necromancy, and even crafting of magical weapons."
"Who are they?" The prince look firmly at the elder face.
"They are a believer of Crux entity, a holy entity that will bless according to the righteousness of human. Magic is a forbidden aspect, Crux entity hated it, as they believed, it ruin, holy body of a human."
'Actually, Thallerion has Crux religion, the Cyprioxian church was established so many centuries ago, it was so creepy the last time I visit the church, and so boring!'
"Why did you practice magic here if magic can ruin the body?" Xerxez continued.
"No, What the Crux entity mean, aligning with magic, mean you are not following the holy path, Crux are preparing for."
"We, separate ourselves because of the religion, after the Orion left, Cypriox came as a light to the forgotten people. Removing all aspects of magic practices, and prioritizing the religious beliefs... follow their god, is a foundation of peaceful life."
"But, grandpa told me, we were hunter of demons and beasts, back then. He said, Orion entity vanished, so people stop hunting too. Did your separation in Thallerion also a result of the disappearance of Orion?" Xerxez composed.
'Why is Xerxez, so knowledgeable about Thallerion history? Maybe, his grandpa told everything about adult story...ehh?'
"That's a good question... Well, the practices of spirit energy was originated through the book of Orion, but Cyprioxian stop us. Ordered to destroy our books and manuals, because they said, Orion was no longer existed. Hence, they said, we have to stop, following the Orion. Those Hypocrites!!!! They don't really understand, what we're doing...yet... they believed we were doing evil practices?"
"But—but... I think there is no wrong of practicing the lesson for the spirit energy... hehehee...I want to use spirit energy to give justice for the people in Thallerion... if I could do it now, I will fight."
"Enough, you think, if you have level 2 spirit energy, you can defeat the Ursa beasts? You are 15 years old now, right? And that level 2 spirit energy at your age was incredibly rare."
Elder Devein saw the dagger hilt decorated with precious stone.
"Ahh...Young prince, who gave you that dagger, did your father gifted you that?"
"No, actually, I just found it, during my hunting."
'I thought, king Cerceux was the one, gifted him with that high-valued treasure? Hahahahah, I never thought, his hunting journey can find such valuable dagger, he might become rich, if he continue hunting. Eh? By the way, is elder Devein has interest with treasure, too?'
"Can I see it ?"
'Huh...ehh, he is seemingly interested? Don't tell me, he will trick, Xerxez to get the treasure, hmm? Not suprise! I know...I know, it was bad...thinking adult people as most cunning, when talk about treasure..ehh? Xerxez , don't be fool... that's an adult trick. Hehehe, I will not let that happen.'
"Okay, elder Devein." The dagger glinted from the moment it move in the sheath. "Here."
'How innocent the kid was, he is just smiling. Unaware of adults tricks?'
"When I was young... I heard the legend of 12 weapons of Orion." Devein said upon his hand grip the dagger. "One of them, called...the dagger of Orion... they said... all weapons of Orion decorated with precious gems."
'Oh now, looks like he assumed the dagger, belong to the Orion's weapons, ehh? Why does Xerxez didn't tell, he got a treasure there? Maybe, I can find one for me. I mean, a weapon just for me too.'
"Dagger of Orion?" The boy gasped in suprise, and pondered.
'Dagger of Orion? I never heard it before from old people in Thallerion. But anyway, this prince didnt tell something about his treasure hunting?'
"Hey, Xerxez, I thought, we were bestfriends, why are you not sharing your treasure hunting...huh?" Matheros whispered loudly, even elder Devein hear it.
"Huh? hehe... I was grounded for two days, that day." He reasoned out.
"Yes, ahem... uhm...young prince, if you don't mind...can I get this dagger of yours? My fellow elders notice it, since you've been arrived in Wendlock...we wanted to inspect your dagger...just to verify one thing ...and we assumed ...this is the lost, Dagger of Orion."
"Whoa!!" The boy amazed.
"Wait, wait..."
'Hahahah, like what I've said, adult cunning always on the run, this dagger is pure high-valued treasure...no doubts, adult people will be interested.'
"That's Xerxez belonging! I knew it!!!! Did other elders planned it... to trick the young prince, ehh?"
"What are you talking about? If you can't trust them, you can come with me."
"Brother, why are you talking like that? You offended elder Devein." The prince furrowed his brow.
'If the elders borrows it... he is really ignorant. If they will find out... it was a real Dagger of Orion...huh! I'm sure, elders will not give it back, ehh?'
'If I were Xerxez...I will not allow it. C'mon... Orion is the powerful entity... how come they can just trust the dagger to a kid like Xerxez ehh? I can't trust elders method, they have more talk rather than actions.'
"Ow, well, that's a great deal, then, let just ask Xerxez first, if he will agree."
'Please don't agree! If only I had a telepathic, I will talk to young prince to refuse. My eyes, twitching at him, hoping he could understand me.'
"Brother, I think there is no problem if they want to borrow my dagger." The boy contemplated.
END OF FLASHBACK
'But now...I was now 22 years old. But, the elders stopping us to revolt against the Moonatorians. I trained myself, pushing my self to reach the level they are labeling of. But, I couldn't able to reach the level 5 spirit energy, though a bit more training... perhaps elders will let me do a move to fight against the invaders.'
'My father Alexunther and the leaders back then, said, we will going to avenge our family, our lands, our people , and the throne. In the forest, all children, young warriors, train everyday. I, as the new leader in the training camp, I teach them how to control our spirit energy by the guidance of the elders.'
***************************************************
**************************************************
PRESENT DAY
'Seven years. Yes, Seven years of waiting, but the elders still not decided to allow us to attack the Moonatorians, they just say:
"All of you, you are still weak, lack of spirit energy. You can't use magic weapons to fight against Moonatorian beasts. You must have at least level 5 spirit energy. But most of you, has lowest level...enough of your incessant dream about defeating them, if you only have that low level!"
Matheros was now a 22 years old, matured, yet, he level up into level 4. His sword can slit hard rock and even break a tree in just one hit.
SWOOOSH!!! CRACK!!! BOOOGHSS!!!!
"Haha, look at that!" He laughed. "Bullseye!" The trunk cut into two pieces.
"Brother, why the elders still not letting us to revolt against the Moonatorians? Look at your strength, you can even cut the tree in just one hit."
"Even my father, reprimanded me not to confront the Moonatorians...ehh. I don't understand them. Well, we can't change the order of the elders, we have to listen, for the sake of others ehh!"
'I feel like, brother Matheros has change, he is no longer, the Matheros I know, willing to do anything. My Father's people in Thallerion still suffering. And I can't accept it any longer, now that I am 19 years old. I need to do something, something that can change the fate of Thallerion.
"Brother, I have a plan. Can you help me?"
'His entertainment... his sword... and his smile... pause for awhile and stare at me.'
"What's your plan?" Matheros walked towards Xerxez location, leaning on the tree.
"I want to go back in Thallerion." His voice lace with firm tone."
'I've been training on my own, cultivating my spirit energy and I think, those are enough, to take action for the people of Thallerion. If the elders afraid of lack of spirit energy, then, I will no longer depend on that energy, if my parents' people are waiting, oppressed, and trampled down for so many years. Imagine, seven years, yet they just stare calmly. If they really have that gut to rely at spirit energy, then, why they are just standing? How long we have to wait?'
'Why don't they stop talking and take a chance to reclaim the Thallerion?'
"Are you not joking?"
Matheros voice, a deep of scrutinizing, his eyes crawling like insect, deepen the understanding of Xerxez new idea. A hint of doubt that Xerxez might be joking at him.
"No, we have to help the people in Thallerion. I, prince of Thallerion, willing to face the savagery of Moonatoria. Only if, you come with me."
"Hahahha, finally... finally, you're now awake of the truth. I really thought, you are like other people, keeping their mouth shut at the elders order. I was just acting, but deep inside, I was waiting for you."
"Huh?"
"We will not follow the footsteps of the elders. We will both make a path for the Thallerion fate, you, as a prince, and me as your loyal warrior, we will march towards Thallerion...wait, when do you plan to go back, ehh?"
"But first, we have to train each other, on our own way... without the method of the elder's training."
"Hahahha, no problem, but are you sure you are willing to revolt against the Moonatorians...you're still 19 years old ehh?"
"7 years ... I can't accept that... People in Thallerion suffered from Seven years...but no one try to reclaim our land ...they were coward!!! .. against beast, infesting our land!"
Alongside with Matheros, they trained in the secluded forest, though during his immense training he tirelessly sought answers about the mysterious dagger and the voice that echoed, after its electric pulse, Xerxez remained cloaked, in uncertainty. Yet, the young prince was resolute, he would alter Thallerion's destiny, despite the grim truth that he, too, was becoming an instrument of war—a sorrowful reality that war forever scars hearts with pain and defeat.
'As we secretly entering in the Thallerion, I found out that, day and night, the slaves toiled, their sweat mingling with blood, a grim testament to their suffering that no hand could wipe away. As they shared their feelings, I was so touched, if only, I am not a child back then, I will try my best, to reclaim them as soon as possible.'
'They shared that, the once-plentiful now gnawed on hunger, the robust withered from thirst, and those once fragrant were cloaked, in the stench of rags. Women's dignity was trampled underfoot, and the elderly were mercilessly driven to labor—how much longer could they endure, their very teeth worn to nubs?'
'I sighed, everytime I heard, their complaints, their agony, and pains. They said, they are waiting for so long, hoping one day, the Orion will come and rescue them...Hmph... why the people still insisting of Orion's comeback, and protect them? Now, look at them, I can't believe...they just let things happened, even they were battered, chained, and whipped?'
The land, chosen by Orion himself, wept crimson tears under the Bear's iron grip. Each day brought forth fresh complaints of the whip's relentless sting, like thorns endlessly pricking, delivered by the Moonatorian soldiers who, seeing the slaves writhe in agony, merely choked back, chuckles of cruel delight. Thallerion had long yearned for the dawn, yet the night persisted, cold and unyielding, like a statue bound by vines, silently watching the encroaching wilderness.
But even the longest night, yields to the stars! And bright they would shine, like a plummeting meteorite!
'I believe, when the Bear, ensconced in its cave, it slept soundly, at night, a lazy, grizzly snore echoing through the silence, this is the only opportunity, we can do to roam around in the districts.'
Under the cloak of night, the slaves of Thallerion united, galvanizing around Xerxez's audacious plan to revolt against Moonatoria. Like bolts connecting disparate points, their resolve solidified.
"I am Xerxez, son of king Cerceux and queen Xurien Wrez. I am here to ask your help, to reclaim our land, our rights, and our freedom. Enough with your incessant dream about Orion's return, he abandoned us! Our freedom, and our fate, rely on our hands."
"That's right, we need to work one another, help us to revolt against the Moonatorians!" Matheros echoed.They silently agreed.
He led his burgeoning rebellion, secretly infiltrating Thallerion's districts to ignite the flames of resistance among the enslaved.
***
As the dawn erupted, Xerxez stood in the Thallerion facade, waiting for king Hedromus appear, however, the Moonatorian soldiers, merely scoffed, buzzing dismissively that Xerxez's challenge was akin to merely poking a sleeping Bear. They fully expected him to flee once the slumbering giant awoke.
"Hahahha! Over seven years, now finally, the prince learn to trace his wayhome!! Do you think, You can defeat my king, Hedromus?"
"You still a teenage, why don't you eat more, and train more, in your hiding playground?" One said, sarcastically.
'If I die, atleast, I can prove to them.... I can fight even without the help of entity or magic. Those Moonatoria's soldiers laughed at me, they really think, I come here just to surrender my life? That's insane, if the ants can bite, surely, I can fight too.'
"Where is your king?"
"Hahahha, really? But, are you sure, you will challenge us and king Hedromus? With that number of soldiers you have? "
'I remember this man, stood infront of the Moonatorian's soldiers, was none other than, the nuisance vanguard. Look at him, he is now obese too. Hmm, did he really sleep in the kitchen?'
Nevertheless, the young prince, emboldened, fearlessly challenged the King of Moonatoria himself, vowing to reclaim the very race and nation of Thallerion from King Hedromus's unbearable oppression.
HOOOOOONK!!!
Matheros blown a trumpet. All the slaves, appeared in different directions, holding weapons, torches, explosive. Every Moonatorian soldier agape and stare with awe.
Upon learning that the son of the Thallerion King has returned, Hedromus did not refuse; indeed, he reveled in the prospect, intent on Xerxez's demise.
"BEHOLD, King Hedromus, the king of Moonatoria, the great conqueror of 47 nations, the crown breaker...kneel all of you Thallerion!" Shouted by the vanguard.
'I heard, King Hedromus didn't change, he is a lazy chubby bellied king of Moonatoria, sat on the Golden chariot...like...like an onion bulb, or perhaps, pumpkin chariot? His slaves lifted the golden chariot, but his presence was still intimidating, I know but, Matheros said, if the king will declare for a challenge, he will volunteer himself to fight.'
'I saw some of Thallerion Citizens, kneel down and bow before the king. In front of us, the chariot stop and then the curtain swayed, removed by a slave. There, we saw a neckless conqueror, a chubby bellied king. He is wearing white robe, his belly protruding, even the button's grips stretched. I don't know how his obese body can move? His fat muscles was a testament of his unmeasurable strength hiding beneath his muscles and bones.'
"We, Xerxez, and Matheros, come here to reclaim our land, prepare because we will initiate a war against you!" The Moonatorians warriors and soldiers laughed mockingly, like hyenas barking loudly.
'I know, our chances of winning is impossible. Even though the elders in Wendlock didn't know our decision, we still continue our plan to revolt and confront the king of Moonatoria. Well, the King Hedromus warrior beast are not present in Thallerion, they said, they returned at Moonatoria after we were defeated that time. Only king Hedromus, and other loyal beast warriors are here. Many of them was non-gifted Moonatorians are here, serving their duty.'
"Why engage in strife with all our forces?" King Hedromus boomed, his voice resonating through the hushed multitude, "when we might instead, decide this fate, by personal encounter—a duel 'twixt you and I?" He brushed his belt, an arrogant smirk playing on his lips, as he tilted on a carriage borne by groaning slaves, weapons heavy at his waist.
'Hmm, I know, his influence in Moonatoria become obsolete, for seven years, they said, king Hedromus lost his comrade-beasts, because, many hates him. But I don't underestimate him, he still known, the "fierce Ursa beast", in Moonatoria. I know, my people cannot defeat, the Ursa beasts who stand at the back of king Hedromus. Glaring like a wolf, waiting for the command of their leader.'
"Hearken, ye souls forlorn! For the one of us who wins shall be declared the conqueror!"
Every soldier, every commoner, hung on King Hedromus's every word. "Here stands the covenant! Should Xerxez prevail, he shall reclaim the dominion of Thallerion; but if I triumph in the fray—all of the Thallerion kindred shall forever pull the ropes, of my magnificent chariot!"
He snickered boastfully, flaunting his colossal physique, and, in a shocking display of contempt, seized a spicy chicken thigh, devouring it before Xerxez's allies—an unparalleled insult to all of Thallerion.
'Now he is acting like a pig! In the hallowed grounds, between the districts of Mintaka and Rigil, now transformed into a colossal gladiatorial amphitheater, created by the Moonatorians, the blood-pact will be made for a momentous wager! But, Matheros stand before me and said.'
"King of Moonatoria, I, Matheros, in the name of Prince Xerxez, son of king Cerceux, As his guardian, I hereby accept the challenge!" His large machete tapped his shoulder, glinted in the air.
"Excuse me, my King, Hedromus, dislikes to challenge people like you...only noble people was permitted to challenge our king...so step aside... wait for your turn, later. And I think, your title, are just match for our front pawns. Hahaha!!!!" The vanguard laughed sarcastically.
'I know, I don't have super strength, or spirit energy like Matheros. I only have dagger, and pistol. While the agreement stated, there is no pistol allowed, only weapons made of blade. This is very unfair! Hedromus is a beast, how can I defeat him? I can't use Matheros machete, it was too heavy to use it.'
'I saw my people, how they are expecting at me too much, but, I won't failed them.'
"Xerxez is not a good fighter." Matheros worried, echoing in the ear of Thallerion citizens. "So, we have to backout, or tell them, we will not agree for the challenge."
'I know how much worries etched on his head, but, if this is my fate, how the life and death break me down into pieces, I shall amend my destiny.'
"What??? We expected too much for his return, hoping we will be saved from the oppression of Moonatorians, and yet, he is weak?"
'Their voice, pressed me down. I am weak! Weak! Weak!! I am not good at fighting. But, I promise with myself, I will fight no matter what will happen. They said, how can I defeat my opponent? King Hedromus was a fire Ursa beast, a formidable monarch who could manipulate flame through his very being, possessing the strength of a hundred bears, capable of wielding the heaviest of weapons. Who could not tremble such a powerful opponent? '
"Ho hooo, are you guys stand there and chatting without accepting the king challenge?" The vanguard mocked.
King Hedromus was brimming with confidence, certain of victory, due to his mountainous frame and vastly superior fighting experience compared to a mere youth like Xerxez. His mastery of the sword and combat was beyond dispute. Yet, arrogance was his twin, blinding him to Xerxez's true capabilities. In King Hedromus's mind, Xerxez's life already dangled precariously on the precipice of his sword!
"We better go back to our activities, and dig soil, than witnessing the inevitable defeat of the prince of Thallerion." One of Thallerion citizens said. "Let's go!"
'My grandpa told me ...I am the bravest boy in Thallerion...If they think I am afraid... it's better to die with honor than to get older with shame. I am not afraid of king Hedromus. They start moving thinking I am weak.'
"I accept!!!" Xerxez's defiant echo pierced the silence.
Everyone, looked at him, with suprised, and king Hedromus sneered violently on his cheek. The citizens of Thallerion stop with awe, astonished, and blurted their gaze upon him.
'I know it was hard decision. If this is the final moment of my life, I could say, life and death, will truly devastating. I know , perhaps, my mind, understand the meaning between the two words.'
"I accept your challenge!!!!" He cleared it at king Hedromus smiling face, with a hint of malice.
"Aye???" Hedromus's eyes widened in amazement at Xerxez's audacious confidence.
"Nooooo!!!" Matheros shocked, and trembled. "Xerxez, stop it! Tell them, you will not going to fight." His eyes wetted with tears.
"Brother, you don't have to worry about me, if I die, atleast—We try!"
Xerxez strode forward, confirming his acceptance of the king's terms. From his waist, he drew forth a palm-sized dagger, raising it aloft, its surface gleaming ominously in the eyes of the onlookers. This very dagger, a treasure found in a flowing stream, had electrocuted him once, and from that moment, he had kept it as his personal weapon throughout his arduous journey.
'I am ready now...but today...I am not going to hunt bird's nest...I am going to kill, the beast!'
Then, with a deliberate motion, Xerxez slit his own palm. The wound, a mere ant's bite, stung sharply as living blood welled, yet no trace of pain marred his stoic face. But the eyes of his allies bulged, and their mouths hung agape, like forgotten scraps of food, at his shocking decision. A spoiled, sonorous disbelief filled the air!
"Behold, the challenge was officially accepted! The prince of Thallerion, confirmed it by the blood compact."
They feel a heavy burden settled upon all of Thallerion, a foreboding weight akin to a meteor poised to strike. As he stood in the arena, his dagger impulse with electric, surging through his veins, then, his mind was like teleported into the dimension.
ZOOOOM!!
'My mind was being teleported. Yes, I was indeed, teleported again, but not physically, the familiar space bestowed beneath my sights. The wall, move forward with a flickering light, then, a voice echoing through it.'
'I know that voice, he is Martheuw Cereun, if I am not mistaken.'
"Yes, I am indeed,"
"Huh, why didnt you tell me, the Four-legged was the Moonatoria?"
'I was so angry, if he just tell me the future then, maybe, my parents were still alive.'
"I'm sorry for your lost, but that is not our responsibility to discuss about the future of this world, if only we're allowed to, why not?"
"I hate you!"
"Why are you hating me, did I make evil thing?
"For seven years, where have you gone? I was looking for you."
'I wanted to ask if he is belong to any of the Constellar entity...but, I don't know, Martheuw Cereun, is sound, a name of a guy..ehmm.'
"I said, you will know me in due time, but today, you must choose, between, Life and death."
"Why?"
"But, If you wanted to save your people, who were suffering, writhed in pain, and if you win, without accepting the presence of death entity—"
'Uhm, Death entity?'
"Then, I am willing to be your guardian entity."
"Really?"
'But who are you actually?'
'Wait a minute, what is this death entity? Is he belong to the Constellar entity too?'
"Humans are not actually mortal being, but after the apocalypse in the universe, death entity was born. Human, became mortal."
"So, you came from the universe, huh?"
"After so many generations, people fought one another, kill each other. However, they will dying eventually, even without the presence of violence."
''May I ask you...?"
"Go on...ask me!" Xerxez said.
"Are you able to win in the challenge, without accepting the presence of death entity?
'Winning in the challenge....without the presence of death entity? Who is it, the death entity?
"That powerful entity....destroyed so many lives"
'Like king Hedromus, who destroy my family, my people, and my country?'
"Always remember, what your grandpa told you."
Then, he Vanished!
[RETURNED]
"Alright!"
'Whoa, did I take a nap here for just a minute while standing in the great arena? '
"Ho there, young man! One bout doth suffice for this field. Yield thee now whilst thou yet standest—else press on, and rue thy folly ere the duel be done."
'whaa...I forgot, I was standing in front of the chubby bellied king.'
"What? I can't really understand you?"
'Oh, look at his poised, he can't stand straight, maybe his chubby belly was too heavy, his legs position in a strong defensive stance, I'm sure I can't let him down if I will try to stumble him.
[Let the battle....BEGIN!] The speaker reverberating through out the amphitheatre arena.
THUD!!! THUD!!!
'His eyes, flickering with fire, but he is not transforming, into a grizzly bear, yet. I can say, he is not moving. Ow, I get it, he can't walk, so, he let me approach him. Obviously, he is obese. He locked his feet on the ground, a testament of his powerful weight, if I get closer, his clutching arms brimming with smoke, an Ursa energy radiating through his skin, one grip, my bones will be shattered. I have to be careful.'
"Come hither, and fight!"
'I move slowly, anticipating his possible attacks. From his position, a punch is possible. But, if he try to break my arms by gripping— I will be toasted!'
"Are you afraid, little man? Come make a move, show me what you've got in seven years of hiding. You know, your father... His sword, melted like a molten rocks, and died...like a rooster, choked! And your mother...died in the same, painful agonizing, and grotesquely helpless!"
"I know..."
'It was hurts, and I hate him, but, now, the pain that still lingering , was not all about my parents anymore, but it is all about, my country, my people, and our future...but I know he is trying to make a move verbally, attacking his prey, internally. Hmmm, an obese cannot fight with an aggressive attack, therefore, he rely on his trap.
'With his position, the weakest point of king Hedromus was at his back. He cannot move fast at human form, but, if he transform into a beast, it will be dangerous. The only option is to attack him at the back, while he is not in a beast form.'
"Everyone, don't be afraid, look at him, I know he is calculating the situation, we have to trust him!" Matheros said.
"Look, prince Xerxez is now running, gliding toward at the back of king Hedromus!" Someone shouted.
"Whoa, that's it, Hedromus weakness is, movement, and so, his back is his weakness."
CLIMB!!!
King Hedromus laughed with suprised.
However, in a swift movement, Xerxez feet climb at the chubby bellied king, like a climbing on tree. His knees, poke at the shoulders of King Hedromus, as he ride on him, and his dagger, gleaming at the air, like a flying robin. The blades sharply stop at the mid air.
"This was it!"
'Head...neck...or back? You killed my parents, you killed Matheros brother, and oppressed the Thallerion's people.'
"I WILL KILL YOU!"
King Hedromus, in his disparate move, grabbed Xerxez and hurdle him hard in the ground, his dagger, fell. He was wounded, by the grip of king Hedromus.
BOOOGHSSSS!!! Awwww!!!!
'Almost there! OUCH! It hurts, I feel like my bones was dislocated. I saw Matheros shocked, but still encouraging me to stand up.'
"Don't give up, you can do it, trust your heart, trust your mind!" He shouted.
"Hahahha, pheeeew!! I never expected that move!" King Hedromus exhaled. Then, Moonatorian soldiers start banging their shield and screeching.
BANG-BANG-BANG!!!! SCREEEECH!!!
'Is he dancing? His belly jiggling by rhythmic noise of Moonatorian soldiers. Well, make yourself busy!'
He run again, grabbing the dagger at the ground, but as he expected, king Hedromus response will step on it, so, then, Xerxez, kick his knee, as strong as he could. Allowing the gravity pull him down, so, king Hedromus fell loudly like a giant boulder fell from the cliff.
WHOOSH!!!! BOOOGHSSSS!!!! SCRRRHHHHHHHHSSSS!!!!
'I saw the dagger, electrocuted him, forcefully. His leg was paralyzed, and his eyes flickering...I think he is trying to transform into beast, but he can't.
'The people around me was shock, their mouth wide open, and stunned like a statue. With that situation , I know he was so embarrassed, he can't even move now because his right leg was paralyzed, and due to his obesity. I grab the dagger and walk beside him, and stare at him with a grim.'
"No, don't kill me." Hedromus eyes flickering, but the power of Ursa entity was weakening that's why he can't transform.
'What? He is begging?'
"Xerxez, kill him!!!" Matheros shouted.
A man echoed in his mind "Choose, Life!"
"Please, forgive me...spare my life and I will promise, I will never destroy your land again."
'He is sincere with his word, I utterly, utterly...feel... mercy? Hump, he killed my parents, brutally, mercilessly?'
"Please... please... I want to go back in Moonatoria. I want to live with my son, Harthur, he hate me, if I can return, I wish he can forgive me.
"No, kill him!"
"He is a murderer!!!! Kill him now" A collective chorus of people around him shouting.
'My grandpa told me, forgiveness is a blessing to everyone. What is this trouble in my mind?
After a few stare, he then, move back, loosen his grip on the dagger.
'He...He still a Human, pawn by the Ursa entity.'
"Go back now in Moonatoria, and seek forgiveness to your son."
****************************************************************************************************
'What is he doing? He supposed to kill him! A beast is a beast, they are not worthy of forgiveness!'
"Xerxez!" Matheros shouted, and the prince look at him. His large machete gleaming in rage.
"Matheros, enough." The prince stop him, gripping his hand. As he rage, towards at king Hedromus.
"Why, Xerxez?"
'How can he defeat him? He just kicked him? Is his spirit energy, level up? I can't believe, he will just defeat King Hedromus by just one blow of kick!'
"We have to kill him, or else we will be toasted!!"
"Look at him, he is paralyzed, he can't transform into a grizzly bear."
"That's it?!!!!" Matheros snorted. "How about the lives he had destroyed? I can't believe you can just forgive him?"
'If not because Xerxez holding my hand, I will beheaded the king of Moonatoria infront of his people!'
"What for? It's been seven years had passed, killing him is not worth satisfying, besides, he just spook us in the forest. He still human."
'whaaaa, how can he so naive about violence? Anyway, king Hedromus is a beast, why he never transform during the duel?'
"What did you do to him?"
"Ah, nothing, I just kicked him! A kick power."
"What? Kick power!?" He mused. But suddenly, the reporter came and rushing.
The prince walk leaving the king of Moonatoria on the ground. His hand, hold a dagger, his vengeance was gone. He inhaled. But, in that very moment, Matheros saw a growing object behind Xerxez, it was black, bearded with grizzly fur.
"Xerxez!!!!" Matheros shouted desperately, hinted with absolute fear. A fear that he never been expected. "Growl!!!!" It lunged at him, with ferocious moved. King Hedromus now was trying to kill the prince but... The prince's hand, with a dagger, flaring with intense heat and light, electrocute him grotesquely. And stab him forcefully with full of vengeance.
"How did you—?"
****************************************************************************************************
"Prince Xerxez, there was unknown group was incoming in the border! Maybe they are Moonatorian soldiers!"
From the east...there was an incoming object crawling in the verdant valley. Echoing, with a rhythmic thud, covered in the haze.
"Moonatorian soldiers?" Matheros astonished. " I told you, Moonatoria will come and will destroy us!" He then, walk in Hedromus location and grab his collar.
"Did he call a backup to rescue you?"
****************************************************************************************************
The Moonatorians soldiers agape terrifyingly, as they saw their king Hedromus was stab be the powerful dagger. They surrendered, without even resisting against Thallerion. King Hedromus was killed. His bestial form lay on the ground beneath on prince feet. He stood up, rising his dagger, with valorous stance. And, the unexpected incomer, was the group of Alexunther... rushing through the valley, together with warriors.
All Hail Xerxez!
The elders from Wendlock came, thinking that they could rescue them in the Moonatorian. They saw Xerxez standing atop of the bear triumphantly. Moonatoria under the agreement, followed the order to the Thallerion's leaders. King Hedromus's warrior, surrendered, and go back in Moonatoria.
The chains of tyranny, forged in the fires of King Hedromus's cruel reign, lay shattered! Xerxez, the dawn-bringer, slew the night, allowing the radiant sunlight to once again drench Thallerion.
"No longer shall you grovel, no longer shall you be slaves! Cast aside the ropes that once bound you to the tyrant's heavy carriage, for a new age dawns—an age of prosperity under a king most just!" Alexunther said to all Thallerion citizens.
The whispers of the Moonatorian king's defeat echoed through the lands, turning the dreams of other nations into nightmares. Who could have foreseen that a mere youth would fell the "Fierce Bear," as the Moonatorians had so grimly dubbed King Hedromus?
Like mushrooms, after a cleansing rain, rumors sprouted and spread across Thallerion. Was Xerxez, the next champion of Orion? Or was he the prophesied one, destined to reshape the very fabric of their world? Though the memories of yesterday's sorrow faded, the gratitude of Thallerion burned bright. Every heart swelled with joy, for all that was stolen by the Moonatorians was now reclaimed!
Every Moonatorian soldier, every mercenary in the treacherous Bellatrix district, was driven from their soil, expelled without so much as a coin to their name!
"BEHOLD, citizens of Thallerion! Your new king! Call him from now on: KING XERXEZ." He was appointed by the venerable council led by Matheros's parents.
"Let the anthems of exaltation ring out!"
CLAP! CLAP!!
Thus began the glorious reign of Xerxez. With every fiber of his being, with every ounce of his soul, he poured himself into serving as an exemplary king. Under his guidance, the army of Thallerion swelled in strength, becoming a formidable force. His tactical brilliance, his unparalleled skill, garnered the respect and admiration of nations, far and wide.
The elders were give the right, to teach the spirit energy lesson, to make sure all soldiers were capable to fight with enough strength against nation with super entities.