7 Years Later
The autumn breeze that began to blow brought cold air, spreading the scent of wet soil and falling leaves seen starting to rot along trade routes far away in the suburbs of Solmaria. A carriage was running and in it there was a young man sitting still with a cold look on his face that seemed fixed on the scene before his eyes, the capital that was beginning to move away from his sight.
Now that he is seventeen years old, his body is now much more robust and his muscles look like beautiful sculptures compared to teenagers his age. Wearing simple, well-equipped clothing—comfortable light leather armor with Solmaria's sun emblem prominently displayed on the chest. On his back, there was a black Heavysword that looked big and powerful as well as a sword that had no decoration at all.
Now he is not a child to be underestimated, the last seven years he has spent training under the guidance of strong people, his face now feels cold. Like someone who harbors emotions and can't express his feelings.
"You're too tense, son," said the coachman, a man who was a veteran former imperial soldier named Hannes. It breaks the silence along the way. "Oakhaven is just a small village at the end of the northern forest. You were assigned there with the rest of the guards, to make sure that the monsters and low-level abyssals didn't wander all the way to the village, you just needed to be with the guards to report the situation to the center. Although Oakhaven is a border village, it tends to be safe from attacks, so relax a little."
Jun turned his head. He just nodded softly, he wasn't too tense now, maybe Hannes' words had swept away some of his tension.
"I might just be nervous, sir," Jun replied briefly.
Hannes chuckled. "Is this your first experience? It's rare that there are a rookie guard force sent to the Northern forest border, did you do anything to the superiors at the center? Haha."
Jun was silent. Hannes' words have some truth. His move to Oakhaven Village was the first experience in official duties he had experienced, for the past 7 years he had only trained under the guidance of the Solmarian Imperial Knights.
For him, he was an orphan lucky enough to enter the military world, with countless obstacles and obstacles, he was able to face, the 7-year wait was not in vain for him, he hoped to find something that could change his outlook on life.
The journey to the village takes about three days. The farther away from the city center, the more rare they saw abandoned magic towers. And most of the scenery along the way that they saw and passed through was just dense forests and beautiful towering mountains
On the third day as the sun was about to set, the horse-drawn carriage finally reached the top of the last hill. Right at the foot of the hill below, lies a beautiful grassy savannah, a clear river flowing and there is Oakhaven Village. The village is also surrounded by a fairly high wooden fence reinforced with river stones. The yellow-looking wheat fields glistened in the twilight light, and smoke billowed from the chimneys of the villagers' kitchens.
It really felt like a peaceful scene. Jun was amazed by just seeing the view of the village from afar, but he also saw that the village felt very vulnerable to attack, Jun saw the forest not far behind the village, the forest that was thought to be the Northern forest, where the abyss sprang up in the past, known as the Abyss north forest, it was really unbelievable that there was a village right in front of the forest.
Thinking maybe it was just a matter of waiting for days, months or years, which was obviously just waiting for the time until the abyssals could roam freely,
But for some reason there was a very peaceful feeling that came just like that, a feeling of security and comfort from the village,
"We've arrived," Hannes said as he stopped their horses in front of the village gate.
At the same time as the horse-drawn carriage stopped, a middle-aged man in slightly dirty clothes with a wooden axe on his shoulder approached. "So you're the new Guard Troop?"
"They only sent one person, the Village Head, Hahahaha! Interesting, isn't it?" replied Hannes, pointing towards Jun. "It seems that the Empire is busy with state affairs, so this village is only getting these young people. But don't worry Bram, don't look at his young looks, I can guarantee his ability."
The Village Head looked at Jun from the bottom up, there was doubt in his eyes when he saw Jun's very young face. "One person? Yes, there's nothing wrong with believing what you say hannes? Well maybe, better than nothing. Come on, son. My name is Bram. I'll show you where you live."
Jun got off the train, carrying his large bag. Before Hannes left, the old man patted Jun's shoulder. "Don't worry son, I know these villagers, they are all nice and friendly, so don't be too tense, when will I see you!"
Jun gave a smile and a small nod in gratitude. And then following Bram walking in the opposite direction to Hannes the Returning in his horse-drawn carriage back towards the empire, they walked along the slightly rocky village path.
The house that Bram mentioned was a small two-story building located on the northernmost side of the village, right near the edge of the forest. On the first floor there is only a small amount of furniture, Only a wooden table, a storage cupboard, a kitchen and a small fireplace. On the 2nd floor there are only mattresses that are still suitable for use, a small table, and a wardrobe for clothes.
"Sorry, this place is a bit messy," Bram said as he placed the oil lamp on the table. "We rarely have guests, and we heard the empire would send additional new guards, let alone direct orders from the empire. You can count on Barry, he's the captain of the guard here, because of the fact that Barry was seriously injured, and although Barry can still fight, he can't be as active as he used to be."
Jun put his sword on the table. The sound of heavy metal banging made Bram jump a little.
"What happened to him?" asked Jun directly to the heart of the matter.
Bram sighed, his face tired. 'Two weeks before your arrival, the income of the residents decreased drastically. Many livestock are lost. Then there was a group of lumberjacks... They entered the forest even though we warned them.'
He paused for a moment.
In the end they were attacked by the abyss lurker. The last survivor said... The one attacking is a different lurker than usual.'
But unfortunately the survivor also died a few days later.
Barry and the other guards are trying to investigate where it appeared. The lurker... But the lurker... corrupted. So in the end Barry was seriously injured, and the creature just left."
Hearing that, Jun narrowed his eyes. And was sure that it was the Corrupted Abyssal. Actually very strange, corrupted abyssal is something that is very rare.
There may be something different.
"I understand, tomorrow morning I'll try to walk through the area," Jun said flatly.
"Are you sure, son? It would be nice if you met Barry first, to talk about it, but unfortunately Barry is not in the village."
"I won't act carelessly, I'll just check it out, if the situation is dangerous, I'll Come Back"
"If that's what you want, on the condition that you just walk through the forest without going into the deeper parts, take a break tonight. And also tonight there's a party in the shop, if you want to join—"
"Thank you, for the invitation, sir. But I'd rather be at home to watch," Jun cut out politely but firmly.
"Okay young man, if you change your mind, just come!"
After that Bram left, Jun just sat silently sitting on the bed. It turned off the oil lamp, and let the room sink in darkness. He closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing. He applied a technique taught by one of his teachers—a technique to stabilize the flow of resonance.
From inside his chest, he could feel the 'energy pulsating along with his heartbeat. Sometimes Jun felt that energy was a result of the struggle of the past seven years, under the guidance of powerful people in the empire. Jun still remembered Arthur, he felt he was the cause of Arthur's disappearance, he cursed himself at his young age, a curse that would one day swallow him, he was sure it was
An Unspoken Wound
Jun touched his chest feeling that the resonant energy was already in a stable stage. Jun was daydreaming again and thinking all this time that he felt that maybe the empire thought of him as just a puppet, arranged in such a way for a certain purpose.
Jun got up from the bed, walked towards the window near his bed, the window facing directly towards the forest. In the distance, behind the lush trees He briefly felt the energy of the abyss that seemed to be struggling in the depths of the forest, he also saw a flash of red light behind the forest.
Jun could only see from behind the window. He realized he was strong enough to defend himself. But on the other hand, he is also aware that physical and mental strength alone will not be enough to face what lies behind the depths of the forest.
"Tomorrow," he muttered to himself. "Tomorrow at least I'll test what I've been training so far."
That night, in the seemingly calm and quiet village of Oakhaven, the seventeen-year-old stood alone behind a window, bathed in moonlight.
thinking that he would join the guards tomorrow. The guard army known as the Forest Guardian, an army whose reputation was quite considered in the empire, an army that for generations had been able to maintain stability in the Northern forest, so that it was rare for an abyss creature to enter the human continent, the army was also led by Barry with the nickname the slaughter abyss. It's unfortunate that a great figure like him can be hit by a fatal attack that causes him to be inactive in fighting.
The light of dawn began to sneak in between the cracks in the wall and the window, Jun who had been awake since earlier. Even before the rooster crowed, Jun had completed the usual training routine at the start of his morning: a hundred repetitions of vertical slashes, breathing meditation to hold his energy, checking and cleaning his gear thoroughly
He came out when the cold dew was still covering the village. Only a few villagers had been active this morning, staring at the foreign youth who was walking. Jun ignored them. The focus is only one, which is to rush into the Northern forest.
On the edge of the forest, he found tracks of wild animals, probably just wild boars. He squatted down, touching the ground that seemed a little still fresh and warm, indicating that the wild animal had just passed through this area.
"What are you doing?"
Hearing the voice, Jun stood up and turned his head. A girl of his age, he was standing not far away, carrying a basket of herbal plants. Her hair was tied practically, wearing a red hood, with a soft voice and her eyes staring at Jun carefully.
"Just doing my job," Jun replied shortly.
"My name is Elara," the girl stepped closer, she ignored Jun's words that felt cold. "What are you looking for?" He continued to ask.
"Nothing, it's just that I'm looking at a wild boar trail right now"
"Wild boar? Why did they come out of the forest?" asked Elara.
"They just pass through this area, wild boars won't enter the village!"
"You're sure? Why are you so sure?" Ask Elara again
Jun stared at his black sword for a moment.
"I'm strong," Jun said flatly
Hearing Jun's answer, Elara couldn't help but laugh.
"Haha, you're such a weird young man," Elara laughed and continued to smile at her.
Elara smiled, she saw jun who spoke as if confident in her confidence.
Elara turned around, before stepping away Elara warned Jun not to enter the forest, Jun only accepted his warning. Now the girl is back in the village and leaves Jun behind her back.
Without heeding Elara's warning, Jun is now entering the forest, the deeper Jun enters the forest, the atmosphere around is getting more tense. The sounds of birds and insects that were usually noisy are now suddenly disappeared by the lush trees, the sound is now replaced by the silence that presses the ears. Even Jun could hear his own heartbeat with great alertness, he realized that—he sensed a danger signal.
Not far from where he was standing Suddenly, the bushes in front of him swayed violently.
Srak!
Appeared Three creatures jumped out from behind the bushes. They were the Abyssal Lurker—a wolf-shaped monster with peeled skin and fiery red eyes and clearly visible signs of abyssal corrupted marks enveloping the creature, insane behavior, dripping saliva, a body covered in thick black smoke.
Jun didn't feel panicked. His heart rate felt stable
one of the three Lurkers jumped towards Jun at high speed, his claws extremely sharp towards Jun's neck. In a very fast motion, Jun drew his sword.
SLASH!
It sounds like the sound of air splitting. With one perfect horizontal slash, the monster's head fell lying on the ground, as long as black left its fallen body.
The other two Lurkers were not afraid to see this, their hunger was more dominant than survival instinct. After all, they have been corrupted. The two remaining Lurkers instantly attacked simultaneously from the left and right sides.
Jun closed his eyes, feeling a hint of energy in his chest flowing into his arms.
"Slow," Jun whispered.
Jun made a low body turn, slashing the first Lurker's front leg and in a follow-up motion, he thrust the tip of his sword right into the second Lurker's heart. A movement that felt perfect in the eyes of the swordsmen, in an instant the lurkers were lying on the ground.
That indicates that the fight is over. Jun was standing around the corpse of Lurker's corpse, the smoke that had enveloped the creature suddenly began to disappear like a swept away wind, Jun felt something strange and immediately checked around,
Shortly when Jun was checking around, it turned out that Jun's allegations were true. In the tree not far from the battle site, there was a crudely carved Token—a magic circle with the Logo of an owl clutching the skull.
Shadow of Oath Symbol.
Jun's face immediately widened in shock, he found a token with the symbol of a highly sought-after organization, watched out for by the entire continent, Jun didn't understand, who and where the owner of this token was.
As Jun was moving from where he was standing Suddenly, a low laugh sounded from inside the forest accompanied by applause. "Spectacular, great show... A boy beat my sweet dog dog very easily. Who are you really, Son?"
From a distance in the forest, a man in a black robe with a plain silver mask and not having a single hole that covered half of his face. In his hand, the man held a red crystal that was the same color as the red eyes of the lurkers.
Jun grasped the hilt of his sword again, with full vigilance he knew the figure in front of him would not be easy to deal with, Jun felt a large resonance energy that was also stable, along with the figure that was now right in front of him.
"Only one guard got lost," Jun replied,
The man in the black mask began to step forward. Every step he took made a pressure that Jun could feel, a very strong pressure.
"The boy who brought the big toy," the man mocked. The man raised his red crystal high. "You think I'm stupid? You'd better go home, and pretend you didn't see me, I'll let you go!" The man warned Jun to just get out of this forest.
Jun, who refused the request, instantly made, the man waved his hand. Which makes any shadow around them into the shadow of a snake that is ready to wrap around at any time.
Jun reacted quickly by lunging forward.
Clang!
The Sword's voice pierced one of the snake's shadows. As a result, the shadow vanished, but before it disappeared the shadow was able to spit out snake venom that made Jun's clothes melt slightly.
"What is this? It looks very troublesome," Jun hissed.
Jun came back forward and twisted his body, to gain heavy momentum that resulted in the remaining shadows disappearing. The masked man just laughed. The crystal in his grasp lit up, and for a split second the man cast an incomprehensible spell, which made the ground around where Jun stood explode.
From the ground, a huge creature appeared that was the size of an adult elephant and that creature was—the Abyssal Ravager. The creature had four arms with sharp claws and a creepy face and the creature was often underground.
Akiba the explosion just now Jun was thrown into the air.that brief moment, Jun smiled at the monster, still able to think even in a critical state like this.
Jun skewered. In mid-air, he already had a plan to finish off the creature in one strike.
In the air, Jun drew a sword and threw it to the earth. Shortly before landing, he channeled energy into his legs, then kicked the tip of his sword hilt vigorously. The thrust made the iron blade shoot much faster and hit the ground
"Dead," Jun muttered.
BOOM!
An instantaneous shock wave of energy struck the Abyssal Ravager right on his head. The creature shuddered in pain as the sword stuck right above his head, as soon as it landed he immediately pulled out his great sword with a powerful struck.
The masked man was stunned. "Essentials that feel pure.... Who are you!"
Jun jumped off the collapsed Ravagers, approaching the masked man using his intimidating aura, an aura powerful enough to make the man freeze silently.
"That's exactly my question, who are you? and what are you doing in this village?" asked Jun. From the enemy's point of view, every word that was said made the atmosphere around very heavy.
The masked man trembled. He realized that he was dealing with the wrong person. "You....who are you really... Why does a boy like you have an essential that almost feels pure!"
The man tried to escape by entering the shadows, but it wasn't that easy for Jun to let go. From afar He swung his sword vertically. A smooth slash like the wind that was able to cut through the air and ground in its path and force the man to be thrown back to the surface with a wound to his shoulder.
Jun walked over, dragging his sword he slowly approached the man who was fighting for his life,
"Answer, or maybe you'd rather if I cut off your body and I serve it to the inhabitants of this forest," Jun threatened.
Just before the man wanted to open his mouth, a black arrow shot out from within, the arrow piercing through the man's heart until he died instantly. Jun, who was shocked because he didn't realize the arrow was coming, immediately stood by him, but no one had ever appeared. Now all that was left was June himself, leaving behind the corpses and the remnants of the fight,
June took a deep breath. He endured the pain that arose after using the energy that was still unstable. He knelt down for a moment, clutching his chest, cold sweat pouring out.
"Not yet... I still need to practice," he muttered to himself.
Jun went back towards the village of Oakhaven, all the way back he thought about what the shadow of oath was doing in this village.
Back to the Village
Jun returned to Oakhaven, the sun high overhead. He chose to walk by the river, the dust and blood on his body did not want to trigger panic so he had time to clean himself first. At the village gate, Elara, who was carrying firewood, ran a little after seeing Jun's arrival, she approached her, "You... You were the one, weren't you? Are you from the forest? I heard a voice from the forest."
Jun looked at him flatly, hiding the pain. "Yes, there's nothing there, just a wild boar." Elara narrowed her eyes. "Wild boar? Guards, are they heading here?"
"No, by the time I came they had already gone into the forest again," Jun replied briefly, continuing walking. Elara breathed a sigh of relief. "Huft, get lucky. The village is safe from wild boars."
"Thank you, guard. I'll go first, see you soon" said Elara, going to put firewood However, his steps stopped when Jun saw Bram, the village chief, who was talking to two foreign men dressed as tax officers, maybe it was a tax officer from the landlord, especially since Oakhaven was the domain of the Duke icarus.
Now Jun was just watching them from a distance. He returned to his house, climbed the stairs to the second floor, and immediately opened a slight window opening. From up there, it was clear that Bram looked very upset about the arrival of the two of them, especially when one of them held out a parchment which made Bram even more emotional after seeing the contents of the parchment.
"Something is wrong," Jun muttered quietly, after seeing the incident.
At night, Jun doesn't sleep, he sits on his bed, puts his big sword on the bed, he focuses himself, meditates and introspects on himself.
In the dark room, Jun felt his chest throbbing again. But now it didn't feel painful anymore, slowly the accumulated energy made her body feel warm.
Jun closed his eyes. "Apparently, it still takes time for me to move up the ranks."
Open Betrayal
After finishing meditating precisely in the middle of the night, Jun decided to investigate the arrival of the two strangers.
Jun jumped down from the 2nd floor window, landing silently. He headed for Bram's house, leaning his back against the wooden wall. Inside, the voices of Bram and two other people were heard.
"But sir, we don't have the requested supply of wheat yet. It's too sudden," Bram said trembling.
"What is our business, Village Head? This is an order from Duke Icarus," said one of the men in a cold tone.
Jun realized something was wrong. Duke Icarus is known to be wise and fair. How could he give such an order?
Knock.. Knock knock...
"Village chief, are you inside? I'm Jun," said Jun, straight in.
Jun's presence shocked Bram. "Aa, village chief, forgive me. I didn't hear an answer, so I went in."
"Jun, I'm sorry I didn't hear it. Thank you for worrying me. Right now I have a guest, you can come back tomorrow," said Bram with a fake smile.
"Who do you want? How dare you interfere with adult affairs," snapped one of the men.
"I'm Jun, the new guard sent by the empire. I was tasked with guarding this village, under the leadership of Captain Barry," Jun said flatly, exuding an aura of intimidation.
The faces of the two men paled in. "May I join in on this conversation? Do the village heads object?" asked Jun.
Bram allowed. Jun joined, and the two men started demanding absurd things like 50% more wheat, all 2-year-old cattle were handed over, and taxes were raised by 20% for the next 5 years.
"Stop this nonsense!" said Bram. "Duke Icarus wouldn't give such an order. I know very well what his nature is."
One of them was instantly emotional. "Are you going against Duke Icarus's orders?!" he yelled, but was stopped by his friend.
"Wait, Vik. Let the village chief answer," said one of them, holding his friend who was ignited by emotion.
Bram took a breath. "Tell your majesty Duke Icarus... We have not been able to agree to the order. The village still has a lot of shortcomings, so we can't meet such demands."
The man who had held his emotional colleague earlier, he looked calm and smiled.
"are you sure of this" he said with a slight smile towards Bram
"At least that's my decision now as the village head," Bram replied, which he now firmly said he did.
"Then we say goodbye, and before that I hope you don't regret your decision" they both got up from their seats and hurried out.
"And one more thing, you haven't introduced ourselves yet, my name is Neil moister and my colleague is Vixon diks" just before they left, one of the 2 men introduced himself to the two people who were still inside.
After departure. Those two people, now Jun and Bram, Bram who is thinking hard now, he knows very well what the consequences will happen next. "June, go home. I'll go to Barry and tell the residents to stay in their respective homes," ordered Bram who seemed to be planning something, from his point of view something troublesome would definitely happen again.
Without refuting, Jun returned to his small house, walking along a quiet path, the residents seemed to be doing their own activities in his house
When Jun stepped into the corner of the room, he picked up a sharpening stone. Calmly, he began to rub the stone on the blade of his great sword. Srit... Sri... The sound of metal colliding with the stone of Asahan and his voice could be heard decorating the quiet atmosphere of his house
On the same night
On the roof, a glimpse of three shadows flashed. 3 people with shiny Daggers. Without warning, they immediately lunged from three directions at once.
**CLANG!**
Jun was swiftly able to hold the three dagger blades with the back of his sword. "Slow rat rat," he hissed flatly.
"Kill you, boy!" shouted one of the attackers, who tried to press his dagger towards Jun's neck.
Jun grinned slightly. "Your voice is so noisy." With the stroke of his sword, he smashed them to the ground. *BOOM!* the energy that exploded from his great sword.
"Damn, he's not an ordinary boy!" exclaimed the female attacker, gasping for breath while vomiting blood. "We have to hurry, we don't have time to keep fighting here"
Jun stepped closer, the tip of his sword touching the woman's neck. "Where do you want to go? Now Speak. Who sent a rat like you here?"
Feeling cornered by the wounds they received, and with no other choice, they finally confessed. After all, they wouldn't be able to escape Jun's sight
"We... we are from the Night of Snake Guild*," groaned the man next to him, his body trembling in pain "We are tasked with watching and retrieving something!"
"Guild Night of snake?" It wasn't that a guild that was very famous among the underworld, Jun thought while raising an eyebrow. "So Who paid you guys for all this?"
"You don't know, but he is Someone... who wants to lure Duke Icarus out," he replied stammering. "So you're just a bait being thrown"
Jun pulled out his great sword, "Go. Now tell your master that you have succeeded in finding the location of the object he is referring to, though I do not know what it is."
"You... Why?" asked the woman in amazement.
"Don't make me change my mind, just say you can't get it because the thing is being guarded by Captain Barry" said Jun who sold Captain Barry's name. Hearing that, the three of them immediately disappeared from the front of Jun.
Speaking of Captain Barry, he has not known him, let alone met him until now.
As soon as they were gone, Jun knelt down, clutching his chest which felt hot again.
Under the light of the candle, he began to write letters to someone in the capital city of Solmaria. A letter that can determine and reverse the situation in this village if something very bad happens.
Jun plans to meet Captain Barry, who is rumored to be returning from the capital soon for treatment of his wounds.
Three days have passed since the attack on June. Bram, the village chief, decides to hold a welcome party for Barry and Jun, which has not yet had time to be celebrated, this is aimed at raising the spirits of the residents.
The torches in the village square began to glow, decorating the dim night that enveloped the village. In the corner of the wooden chair that was not too far from the hustle and bustle of the party, Jun just sat alone. His eyes stared straight at the festive party as if he was enjoying the party with just his eyes.
"Normally, the main cast wouldn't sit in this lonely place" Elara's voice sounded soft, a voice that sank amid the laughter of the residents.
Jun didn't turn his head. He still noticed the people who were having fun. "I'm not used to all this, so it seems like I'm not a match for any of this"
Elara sighed, stepping forward towards Jun, the scent of roses from her hair faintly smelling. It leaned against the railing next to where it was, letting it go. "Since you're already part of this village, you have to get used to this atmosphere, it will make it easier for you to get to know this village better!! So there's nothing wrong with trying"
Jun was silent. His tense shoulders slowly softened. "I'll try," he muttered briefly.
Elara turned her head, a little sullen at the choice of words spoken by the young man beside her." You know? You speak as if I'm your boss!."
Jun was silent for a moment, he looked at Elara with a flat expression." I'm sorry, it's my habit."
"It's cheating, I heard when talking to the village chief you didn't speak formally, but why are you so only with me?" cut Elara with a soft chuckle. "We're the same age, —ah, that's right. I don't even know your name yet, The inhabitants just call you a new boy or guardian."
Jun let out a short sigh, feeling a little Ridiculous for missing such a basic thing as an introduction. "My name is Jun. and Hanya Jun."
"Well, Jun. From now on, stop using the word 'I' or 'you' on me. It makes me feel like I'm talking to the administrative officer in the capital," Elara held out her hand in a relaxed motion. "Just call me Ela, just talk normally, from now on."
Jun looked at Elara's face, her outstretched hand felt smaller than her arm, The smile the girl gave also had warmth in it, a warmth that wasn't too bad for her.
"I... will try it, Elara," Jun replied, trying to speak True
"It's been a long time"
"Elara..."
"Elaa!!" with a suppressing smile
"The... Well Ela, I understand."
"Well, so much better!" Elara smiled widely.
While engrossed in talking.
Suddenly, Jun felt horror coming. A dense energy from behind him—feeling heavy and stable,
Jun swiftly grabbed his knees, preparing to hold the sword he kept near him, he almost moved from his seat before a heavy voice held him back.
"Sharp instinct, son. You have noticed my presence, even though I have been careful"
A stout man with his arms wrapped in a white cloth stood there. His eyes were sharp brown His face showed a permanent scar on his face, the man then sat down next to Jun.
"I'm Barry Captain Forrest Guard. I'm sorry for just coming to you now. I have lately been in the Capital of a dull place; The content is only the doctor who likes to babble about my meal schedule," he said while giving a faint smile.
Jun was about to stand up to formally salute her, but Barry shrugged her shoulders. "No formalities are needed now, son."
"Just relax,. Don't be too stiff," Barry patted Jun's shoulder, . "Bram has told everything. Your brave actions in the face of those suspicious messengers... Honestly, it impressed me,"
"I'm just doing what Captain should do."
"What a boring answer!" Barry laughed freely, his eyes staring at the residents who were having fun. "Listen, Jun. This village is indeed small, but the people here are precious to me, Behind this forest there is also an abyss region, do you know why this village is safe even though it is directly adjacent to the abyss region?" Barry asked, it was true too, this village bordered the abyss region, and maybe the conditions should be worse as in Jun's shadow. "That's right, but I don't know the answer to that question" Jun shook his head.
"Haha. Over time, you will know the answer."
Elara smiled, tossing a glass of honey water towards Jun. "Hear that? Captain Barry already likes you, Drink, Jun, take it as a sign of our friendship."
Jun stared at the glass, then turned to Barry's eyes that looked very sincere. He finally raised his glass slightly. "I accept gladly."
Dance Under the Moon
The sound of the lute and bamboo flute colliding creates perfect harmony. Bram stood up and raised his glass high.
"For the return of Captain Barry and the arrival of a new member of the Forest Guard..." he shouted.
"Yeeeeeee!" shouted the crowd in unison.
Jun just smiled smallly, drinking his honey water. He felt the warmth created by the festive atmosphere, deep down in Jun he wanted to continue like this.
"Jun... Will you dance with me?" asked Elara suddenly, extending her hand towards Jun.
Jun was stunned. "I can't dance."
"I'll teach you to be a real man," Elara teased.
Having hesitated, Jun finally stood up. He lets Elara pull him into the crowd. At first, Jun's movements were very marketable and awkward.he repeatedly accidentally stepped on the hem of Elara's dress. However, Elara just smiled and continued to lead her slowly.
"Follow my footsteps, Jun. Don't think about anything else. Just feel the groove," Elara whispered as they moved closer.
At that moment, time seemed to slow down for Jun. He smelled the scent of jasmine flowers coming from Elara's body. For the first time in Jun feeling comfort among all the things he had experienced, Jun's fingers gripping Elara's tightly, creating a sweet moment in the middle of the party, the people who watched it were just silent and smiling at what they saw. And in the end, in the future, Jun and Elara's story will continue.
Conversations by the River
As the party gets more festive, Jun and Elara go sneaking to the bank of the river that flows on the outskirts of the village. The sound of gurgling water provided the calm they needed. They sat on a large rock, staring at the reflection of the moon on the surface of the water.
"Jun," Elara called out quietly. "What do you think about this village?"
Jun looked at his calluses hand. "Why do you ask that?"
"Okay," Elaine said with a smirk on her face.
"Alright, I'm comfortable in this village, even though I've only been here for a week, it feels more comfortable than in the capital"
"The capital? Isn't it the dream of the person to live in the capital?? ... And you're even more comfortable living in a remote village like this."
"Maybe you're right Ela, the capital city is beautiful, and prosperous, where you can get it all there... "I'm a little tired of being stuck there."
"You can run, you know?" Elara turned her head looking at him seriously. "You once said you were strong, with your strength, you can go anywhere easily, right?"
Jun shook his head. "I used to think so, to leave the capital quietly, but it would only betray the feelings of the people who cared about me, the people who had taken care of me and trained me to be like this, and I wasn't that strong."
Elara leaned on Jun's shoulder. Jun was shocked, but he didn't move away, in such an atmosphere he didn't want to leave.
"It must be hard... You are always like someone who is carrying a heavy burden.. I haven't known you for a long time, but I know you're suffering, but you know, the villagers, Bram and even Captain Barry accepted you, so did I, I'm grateful that you came to this village," Elara whispered.
Jun was speechless at that, he looked at Elara who was asleep on his shoulder, he smiled at her and then looked at the moon that was shining brightly.
At the same time, far away from the direction of the depths of the northern forest, a pair of eyes watched the village of Oakhaven from a distance, he just remained silent and kept staring at the village.
The figure then disappeared in an instant as if he had never been there.
Jun suddenly felt that something was wrong, he got up from his seat and suddenly woke Elara from his small sleep.
"What's wrong, Jun?" asked Elara anxiously.
Jun stared intently towards the forest, "it's okay"
"Hmm really?.. Then it's better for us to go back to the village, here it's starting to feel cold" invited Ela, she probably didn't remember since she had fallen asleep on Jun's shoulder, she could have been very embarrassed if she was aware of doing that.
(in the end Elara remembered when she was at her house)
Although the party was still going on, Jun knew that the next morning, he would have to start training the villagers no longer to repel monsters, but to face the coming war. A war against those who sent him here to die. And this time, Jun won't be fighting alone.
In the morning there was a high-pitched sound of trumpets, a signal and sign of the coming of a direct messenger from the empire.
From the window of his house, Jun looked at the village gate. Eleven horsemen in his black armor, and a centurion in a maroon robe something tubular in the shape of a tubular.
Jun headed to the village square, the villagers began to crowd with anxious faces.
The officer dismounted from his horse, his haughty eyes sweeping through the crowd until he stopped just in June. "Where is the captain of the forest guard?" his voice was loud and emotionless. "Come here because. The Emperor's decree has arrived."
It didn't take long for Captain Barry to appear out of nowhere. He just stood tall in front of the officer with. "I'm Barry Saint, the leader of the forest guard. So what brought you here? Victor..." Barry replied. It seems that he knew the officer.
Some of the soldiers around Barry drew swords towards him, but the officer raised his hand, restraining their actions. He smiled faintly—a very suspicious smile. He opened the tube he was carrying, and inside it was a scroll with an imperial decree inside.
"Based on reports of anomalous phenomena that often occur in the Solmaria region, the empire decided to conduct an expedition into the abyss forest, and provide an official report on the anomalous phenomena that occurred"
Silence had enveloped the square. Bram, the village chief, he stood tall "expedition ? Into the abyss forest? What do you mean? It's been 30 years since the empire was safe from the threat of abyss creatures, right?"
The officer looked at Bram. "It's true, empires are always safe from the abyss, but that doesn't mean forever... You don't know? Is there always a case where humans are corrupted? Not only in solmaria... government. Tenebral and others also had the same case, but this village has never reported or has never had a case, right? I wonder why this village is not corrupted even though it is directly adjacent to the forest," he explained
"And this expedition will be led by Duke Icarus as the landlord here"
The statement explaining that Duke Icarus took part in this expedition, for some reason feels so strange.
Barry approached the officer and he was now staring at the crowd.
"Who ordered this expedition?" whispered Barry, his voice sounding like someone holding back his anger." is this the Emperor's order?"
The officer calmly answered Barry's question." Is the seal here unclear to you?" The officer showed the direct seal of the emperor of Solmaria, His Majesty the emperor Aleric Valtor lll
After showing the decree the officer got back on his horse and moved towards the village, and began to prepare the tent.
Barry turned towards Jun who was standing on the doorstep of his house with a haggard face. "Victor... we've met, and it's a really crazy reunion and what the hell is that decree, we can't argue with it," hissed Barry.
"Really?" replied Jun shortly.
Elara who was near them approached Jun, her face tense. "So what are we going to do?"
Barry stared at the sword he was holding. "Gather the members of the forest guard, we will carry out the direct orders of your majesty the emperor, if anything happens, I will be in charge"
In his heart, Barry was reluctant to accept the order, as he had not fully recovered, he regretted the emperor's sudden order, but he was also part of the empire, the safety of the people was in his hands.
Jun entered the House, took the equipment, and supplies that would be brought on the expedition.
"Jun," Elara called from behind the door
"What's wrong?" Jun who opened the door, Elara was right in front of him now.
"Something I want to talk about!."
Now the sun is starting to rise, leaving people who are gathering in the middle of the village square.
Jun stood in the middle of the forest guard troops, he stared at the sun that was starting to shine brightly. It only took one night to turn the atmosphere in this village, which had been filled with laughter from the night's party, to be quiet and filled with imperial troops and forest guards.
The night before when Elara was at jun's place
"Poison?" asked Jun as he approached her.
"Hybrid plant root extract.," Elara replied without turning her head. "This will be able to affect the abyss energy that exists in monsters and humans, so bring this, in addition to who knows you need it."
Elara got up, helping Jun tighten his leather arm guards. He looked at Jun "do you think they're good? I'm worried about you guys!"
Jun shook his head. "I'm not sure, but I can assure you that you won't worry about me let alone Captain Barry."
. Elara approached, fixing the position of Jun's slanted shoulder protector. "Don't die, I don't want to see death anymore, run when the situation becomes more dangerous"
Jun grasped Elara's hand. "I can't promise, but as your friend I can be sure that I and the others will return safely."
As noon came, the maroon-robed officer returned to the square with his troops, while Barry and Jun had just arrived, along with the officer's arrival.
"It seems to be time Barry," said the officer as he pulled on his white gloves. "Your army is the same as it used to be Barry, are you sure by bringing this small group—" He said he saw a Forest Guard force that could be counted at about 100 people, far compared to the imperial army which brought 5,000 troops, and 10,000 other troops ready to be reinforcements.
Barry did not respond to those words. He turned to face the team, the forest guard.
"Listen," Barry's voice thundered, so that the other's voice was disguised
"Entering the deep forest is a common thing for us, forest guard also means entering an area without law. There, we just need to do what we often do, it's just that this time it will take longer than usual, so be proud of yourselves, the empire finally sees our struggle all this time."
Barry drew his sword. The blade was shiny, so that the sunlight could reflect the light towards the forest guard troops, some people said it was a god-endowed troop.