As we got higher and higher up the mountain, the air became thinner and harder to breathe.
But we had finally reached the place where the golems were supposedly seen. The light of the sun shined through the mountains, giving us all a bit of warmth. We hadn't even slept yet.
We spread out in a circle around the area to make sure we could trap the golem once it came out of the ground.
Vino pulled out his huge red sword and held it with both hands, ready to fight.
Then Evin drew her two daggers, and after that, Van — who also had a sword, but a blue one.
"Alright, I guess it's my turn. Inventory."
Alright, let's pull that sword out. I reached my hand into the inventory and pulled my thin sword free.
"WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!"They all immediately yelled.Everyone froze for a second.
"HOW THE... did you just do that, Ario?!" Vino shouted out loud.
"Did you just pull your sword out of the air??"
Evin stepped forward, eyes wide."I was already finding it weird you not having a sword — therefore I thought you were the kind to fight with your fists. But I did not expect THIS,"
Good — this means they can't see my inventory. And it also tells me they don't know anything about this system thing. I didn't pull my sword out for no reason — I wanted to test their reactions, and now I know a lot more.
"Oh, this? Yeah, it's just a skill I learned, haha," I said, forcing a laugh.
"A SKILL?? TEACH ME IT, ARIO, PLEASEEE!"
ARGHOGHOOOO—
A loud noise echoed. A huge golem appeared from the ground — and two more followed behind it.
"Watch out, guys! There they are! Be ready, everyone!"
All three golems swung their massive hands, trying to hit us. The wind from their strikes sent huge gusts of air blasting toward us.
Vino jumped high into the air and brought his sword down toward the golem's head, aiming straight for its glowing pink crystal.
His blade pierced the crystal, shattering it and causing the golem to collapse into a pile of small stones.
Okay — so just jump, aim for the crystal, and stab. Easy. I can do this.
I copied Vino's move exactly.
SPLASHHHHHHH— with my thin sword, I destroyed the golem completely, turning it into dust.
"WHA— HOW DID YO—"
Before they could finish, I spun around and slashed at the last golem.
SPLASHHHHH!
A wave of air blasted around me.
Both golems were now nothing but dust, carried away by the wind.
Once again, everyone was in shock.
"I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE THIS STRONG, ARIO!" Vino shouted, still frozen in disbelief.
The shy guy, Van, just stared at me, clearly impressed. Evin stood there speechless.
After defeating the golems, we gathered the remaining crystals that weren't completely destroyed. I apologized later for breaking two of them. Then we headed back to the city of Edrin.
While on the way back, they asked me all kinds of questions — most of which I either avoided or answered with lies.
But back then, when I was cutting through those golems... my heart — I felt so much excitement.
It took us a whole day to return, and by the time we reached the city gates, the sun had already risen.
As we got closer, we noticed a tall, muscular man with short black hair. He wore black and red clothing with a golden symbol on his left chest. His face was serious — and cold.
As we tried to walk past him into the city, his arm shot out, blocking our way.
"Yo, yo, yo. Slow down, kids."
"Ha! What do you want, old man?" Vino barked at him.
The man's expression grew even more serious. In that moment, we all felt just one thing.Fear.
"Wait, wait— Vino, show some respect! Don't you see his clothes? He's a Warden!"
"A Warden, you say? Hmm..." Vino looked closer at the man. "Oh sh— you're right!"
He immediately stood straight and saluted. "I'm sorry, sir!"
"Yes, yes, it's fine," the man said calmly. "Now just stay still for a second, will you? I have important business with your friend here." He turned and looked directly at me.
"You're that suspicious kid, huh? I've been sent to take you to the capital — Arden. So just stay quiet and follow me, will you?"
I looked straight into his eyes and just nodded.
The man muttered, "I wonder why they sent me for this kid. I mean, sure, he looks strong, but why would they send a Grade 1 Commander just to collect some unknown kid...?"
He started walking ahead, giving me his back.
He's showing me his back? This means he isn't afraid of me attacking him. Just how STRONG is this guy.
"What are you doing, Ario? I know he's a Warden and all, but don't just go with him," Vino whispered to me.
I honestly didn't even know what a Warden was, but judging by their reactions, it was something big. I didn't want to cause trouble, so I decided to do as he said.
"Don't worry, guys. I'm just going to see what he wants. I'm sure I'll be back soon," I said, forcing a smile.
"Fine, fine. But don't let your guard down, Ario!"
"Yo, kid — you coming or what?" the Warden called.
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And with that, a journey Ario had never expected was about to begin...