Dali Ballo
In the kingdom of Daldoria, where the sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson at dawn, and the moon wove a tapestry of silver threads across the night, a realm of unparalleled wonder and magic unfurled. Here, amidst emerald forests that whispered secrets to the wind and azure lakes that mirrored the heavens above, the heartbeat of existence pulsed with the rhythm of enchantment.
Dragons, the majestic guardians of Daldoria, were not merely creatures of myth but living embodiments of power and grace. Their scales shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors, each hue a testament to their ancient lineage and untamed might. When they took flight, their wings spanned the breadth of the horizon, eclipsing the sun as they soared with a grace that defied the laws of mere mortals. Their roars echoed through the valleys, reverberating with a primal resonance that stirred the very soul of the land.
But it was not only their physical prowess that commanded reverence; it was their wisdom, borne from eons of existence, that elevated them to the status of celestial beings. The dragons of Daldoria were not mere beasts; they were keepers of ancient knowledge, whispering secrets of the cosmos to those who dared to listen. In times of need, they would descend from their lofty perches, their eyes ablaze with an otherworldly wisdom, to offer guidance to those who sought their counsel.
Amongst the verdant foliage of Daldoria's forests, the elves danced like ethereal sprites, their movements a symphony of grace and beauty. With hair spun from moonlight and eyes that sparkled like starlit skies, they moved in perfect harmony with the rhythms of nature. Their connection to the land was profound, an ancient bond that transcended mere existence. Through whispered incantations and gentle touch, they nurtured the flora and fauna of Daldoria, weaving spells of growth and protection to ensure the perpetuity of life's delicate balance.
Yet, it was not only their mastery of magic that set the elves apart; it was their unwavering dedication to the preservation of beauty and harmony in all its forms. In the heart of the forest, beneath a canopy of ancient trees, they would gather under the watchful gaze of the moon to celebrate the cycles of life and the eternal dance of creation. With every twirl and leap, they paid homage to the divine symphony of existence, their laughter mingling with the whispers of the wind.
And then there was the magic of Daldoria itself, an omnipresent force that coursed through the very veins of the land, binding all living things in an intricate tapestry of existence. It was a magic born of dreams and desires, of hope and longing, a reflection of the collective consciousness of a realm steeped in wonder and mystery. From the towering spires of the citadel to the humble cottages of the countryside, magic permeated every facet of life in Daldoria, shaping destinies and weaving fates with a delicate hand.
In the heart of the kingdom lay the Great Library, a bastion of knowledge and wisdom that stood as a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit. Within its hallowed halls, shelves groaned under the weight of ancient tomes and scrolls, their pages filled with the accumulated wisdom of generations past. Here, scholars and mages alike would pore over dusty manuscripts, seeking to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and unlock the secrets of existence itself.
But amidst the splendor and majesty of Daldoria, there lurked shadows of darkness, whispers of ancient evils stirring in the depths of forgotten tombs and hidden realms. Forces beyond mortal comprehension plotted and schemed, their malevolent intentions threatening to plunge the realm into chaos and despair. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, the people of Daldoria stood united, their resolve as unyielding as the mountains that cradled their land.
For in Daldoria, where dragons soared in the sky, elves danced in the moonlight, and magic permeated every corner of the land, there existed a bond that transcended the boundaries of race and creed—a bond forged in the crucible of shared experience and mutual respect. And it was this bond, this unbreakable thread that wove the fabric of Daldoria's existence, that would ultimately guide them through the trials and tribulations that lay ahead, towards a future bathed in the radiant light of hope and possibility.
The raucous sounds of the tavern faded into the background as Joon Dodug's voice pierced through the air like a thunderclap, drawing the attention of every patron within earshot. His fiery eyes blazed with indignation, reflecting the flickering light of the hearth as he brandished a bulging bag of gleaming golden coins in defiance.
Perched atop his head, a green raccoon regarded the scene with a mixture of curiosity and mischief, its emerald eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence. Its tiny claws dug into Joon's unruly hair, as if urging him on in his bold proclamation.
The old tavern owner, a grizzled veteran of countless conflicts and hardships, met Joon's gaze with a steely resolve born from years of weathering storms both literal and metaphorical. With a grunt of disapproval, he pushed the bag of coins away, his weathered hands betraying the strength that belied his advanced age. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN'T SPEND MY MONEY HERE?!" Joon yelled in anger.
"I know how you get your money!" the tavern owner growled, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through the wooden beams of the tavern's ceiling. His eyes narrowed with suspicion, his gaze never wavering as he awaited Joon's response.
Joon bristled at the accusation, his jaw clenched with pent-up frustration. He had grown weary of the insinuations and assumptions that followed him like a shadow, a constant reminder of the stigma that came with bearing the Dodug name.
"Is it because I'm a Dodug? But I'm the only one alive!" Joon retorted, his voice tinged with bitterness as he struggled to maintain his composure. His fingers tightened around the bag of coins, the metal jingling softly in protest against his trembling hands.
With a pleading gesture, Joon clasped his hands together, his eyes imploring the tavern owner to reconsider. "Please!" he pleaded, the desperation in his voice echoing the tumult of emotions that churned within him.
But the tavern owner remained unmoved, his expression stoic as he crossed his arms with a resolute finality. "No, and that's final!" he declared, his tone brooking no argument as he settled himself into a sturdy wooden chair behind the bar.
As the tension in the tavern thickened like a suffocating fog, Joon's gaze fell upon a blank wanted poster mounted on the wall, its surface awaiting the inscription of a name that had become synonymous with fear and dread: Dali Ballo.
With a sudden surge of determination, Joon pointed to the empty space on the poster, his voice ringing out with a defiant clarity that silenced the murmurs of the tavern's patrons.
"I'm going to kill that man!" Joon declared, his words hanging in the air like a challenge to fate itself.
In an instant, the tavern fell silent, the weight of Joon's proclamation settling upon them like a heavy shroud. Even the clinking of tankards and the crackling of the hearth seemed to cease, as if the very air itself held its breath in anticipation of what was to come.
The tension in the tavern hung thick in the air like a heavy fog, swirling around Joon Dodug as he stood defiantly amidst the jeers and laughter of the patrons. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, the weight of his words echoing in the chamber like a clarion call to arms.
The tavern owner's grip on Joon's shirt tightened, pulling him close with a force born of both concern and frustration. His weathered face was etched with lines of wisdom earned through years of hardship, his eyes boring into Joon's with a mixture of apprehension and understanding.
"Joon, what are you saying?!" the tavern owner demanded, his voice a low growl that cut through the raucous laughter like a knife through butter. "Do you not understand the danger you're courting by invoking that name?"
Joon squared his shoulders, his gaze unwavering as he met the tavern owner's stern gaze with a steely resolve. "I understand perfectly," he replied, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within him. "But I cannot stand idly by while the shadows of the past threaten to engulf us once more."
The tavern owner released his grip on Joon's shirt, his expression softening slightly as he regarded the young man before him with a mixture of admiration and concern. "I know how it feels to be haunted by the ghosts of the past," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But chasing after phantoms will only lead you down a path of despair."
Joon's fists clenched tighter at his sides, the metallic jingle of his golden coins serving as a grim reminder of the stakes at hand. "These aren't just dreams," he insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "They're visions of a future that awaits us if we do nothing."
The tavern fell silent once more, the laughter fading into a hushed murmur as the weight of Joon's words settled upon them like a heavy shroud. The patrons exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a reflection of the uncertainty that gnawed at their hearts.
But Joon refused to be swayed by their doubts and skepticism. With a determined glint in his eyes, he squared his shoulders and met the gaze of those around him with unwavering resolve.
"I'm not throwing my life away," he declared, his voice ringing out with a clarity that silenced the murmurs of doubt. "I'm trying to save Daldoria. And if that means I have to face Dali Ballo, then so be it."
With that, Joon turned on his heel and walked towards the door of the tavern. But he was soon pushed to the ground by a group of 3 men, the ruckus caused the tavern owner and patrons to stand up.
The three men towered over Joon, their faces hidden in the shadows of their hoods. One of them, the largest of the trio, stepped forward, his heavy boots thudding against the wooden floor. He reached down and grabbed Joon by the collar, hoisting him up with ease. "You talk big stuff for a 19 year old Dodug with a small level of mana, your only friends a raccoon and you were raised by a tavern owner. What can you do? Not to mention that man might not even be alive."
Joon struggled and managed to fall from the man's grip. He dusted himself off and stood tall, his eyes meeting those of his assailants. "I may not have much," he said, his voice steady. "But I have enough. Enough to stand up for what I believe in. Enough to fight for Daldoria. And enough to face you."
The men laughed, their harsh voices echoing through the tavern. But Joon didn't flinch. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small paper that had a glowing orb on it. It pulsed with a soft light, illuminating the faces of the men before him.
"This," Joon said, holding the paper aloft, "is a dragon's tear. I can find it and use it to get stronger. But before that I CHALLENGE YOU TO A MANA CHALLENGE, REAX LEADER JUDE!" He yelled and pointed at the man. "What's this? You wanna fight me? Alright." Jude let out a powerful aura which made everyone in the Tavern go to their knees including Joon.
"E-enough, we apologize for Joon's behavior, please forgive him, Sir Jude!" The Tavern owner yelled in pain. Joon struggled to stand up and even though he didn't want to, he had to kneel. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have challenged the Reax!"
Jude contained his aura causing everyone to groan in relief. "Very well, usually I'm not forgiving, but I don't wanna waste my power on a filthy Dodug, but I can't exactly let you slide now can I? Don't forget you started it." He raised his fist and rained down punches onto Joon. The patrons just watched, the same man who raised Joon; the bar owner, just watched in silence and fear.
After the beating, the trio of Reax left the tavern, and Joon was left on the tavern floor, bruised and battered. His body ached with every breath he took, but he refused to let the pain break his spirit. He slowly pushed himself up, his hands trembling as he clutched the dragon's tear tightly. The tavern was silent, the patrons watching him with a mix of fear and respect.
"I won't forget this," Joon said, his voice hoarse but steady. He turned to the tavern owner, his eyes filled with a determination that belied his battered state. "Believe me or don't, but there's something coming. If I kill that man, then I can become stronger and then everyone will need to respect me."
As Joon emerged from the tavern, his steps were slow but determined, each movement a testament to his unwavering resolve. The door closed behind him with a finality that seemed to echo through the silent streets, leaving the patrons inside in stunned silence.
The tavern owner watched him go with a heavy heart, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry and admiration. "That boy," he muttered to himself, "is either the bravest or the most foolish person I've ever known."
But what Joon didn't know was that the man he sought, Dali Ballo, had achieved feats of unimaginable power at a young age. The tavern owner sighed heavily, knowing the danger that lay ahead for Joon.
Outside the tavern, Joon leaned against the weathered walls, his body protesting with every movement. But he ignored the pain, his gaze fixed on the paper clutched tightly in his hand - the dragon's tear, a beacon of hope in the darkness that shrouded his path.
His raccoon companion nuzzled against his leg, a silent source of comfort in the face of uncertainty. Joon smiled down at the creature, his heart filled with determination.
Suddenly, a whisper caught his attention, and he turned to see a small abandoned building nearby. A girl peeked out from the window, waving for him to come up.
Joon quietly entered the building and ascended the stairs, where he found the girl in a dimly lit room, illuminated only by a small candle. She rolled over his foot with her wheelchair, scolding him for his injuries.
Ignoring her concern, Joon sat down next to her, refusing her attempts to heal his wounds with her mana. "You know you can't do that," he said gently, concern evident in his voice. "Your sickness will only get worse."
But the girl, Alexandria, brushed off his worries, focusing instead on his upcoming birthday and his dangerous quest for the dragon's tear.
Joon shrugged off her questions about his plans to confront Dali Ballo, admitting that he had no clear strategy in mind. Alexandria's concern grew, her voice trembling with fear as she reminded him of the man's formidable power and unknown motives.
But Joon's nervousness gave way to a mischievous grin as he revealed his stolen treasures from Reax Jude - a dagger, healing orbs, and gold coins, all pilfered using his Dodug magical powers.
Despite Alexandria's protests, Joon remained steadfast in his resolve, determined to see his mission through to the end. With a playful smile, he teased her about her stubbornness, but his affection for her was evident in the gentle touch of his hand as she leaned into it.
As they discussed the logistics of his journey, Alexandria's worry for Joon's safety was palpable, but he reassured her with a confident smile. "I can definitely do it, Princess Alexandria," he said, his eyes shining with determination. And with that, they began to plan the next steps of his perilous quest, their bond as strong as ever in the face of the unknown.
A few hours later
As Joon trudged through the blistering heat, his body drenched in sweat and his spirits dampened by doubt, he couldn't shake the feeling of regret that gnawed at his heart. The weight of his mission pressed down upon him like a suffocating blanket, each step a painful reminder of the daunting task that lay ahead.
With a frustrated groan, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of water, the cool liquid providing a brief respite from the oppressive heat. But even as he drank, the doubts lingered, festering like a wound that refused to heal.
"I should've never bought you," he muttered to his raccoon companion, his voice heavy with self-recrimination. "I should've never done this in the first place, goddamn it, especially on my 19th birthday."
As he continued his journey, the paper containing the drawing of the dragon tear bottle clenched tightly in his hand, a silent reminder of the hope that fueled his determination. But even as he stared at it, doubts crept into his mind like insidious whispers.
"What if this is all just a hunch?" he mused aloud, frustration lacing his words. "I don't even know if this is really gonna happen."
With a defeated sigh, he collapsed onto the grassy ground, the weight of his exhaustion finally overtaking him. As he drifted into unconsciousness, a single tear slipped down his cheek, a silent testament to the turmoil that churned within his soul.
Meanwhile, in the halls of Daldoria's palace, the trio of Reax: Sir Jude, Mage Spurin and Captain Amit, knelt before the king, their faces etched with fear and trepidation. The king listened in silence as they recounted their encounter with Joon, his expression betraying a mixture of annoyance and concern.
"So what you're saying is, you let a Dodug scare you?" the king demanded, his voice tinged with frustration. "And then after that, you beat him half to death? Is that right?"
The trio bowed their heads in shame, unable to meet the king's gaze as they recounted their missteps. But their pleas for forgiveness fell on deaf ears as the king's wrath descended upon them like a thunderbolt.
"Why would you raise any suspicion?" the king admonished, his voice cold and unforgiving. "And over a kid's dream? A Dodug at that?"
As the king continued to berate them, the trio writhed in agony, their bodies contorted with pain under the weight of his magical assault. Only when the king finally relented did they dare to raise their heads, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they struggled to compose themselves.
"Dali Ballo is dead," the king declared, his tone final. "He's never coming back, so whatever that boy said doesn't matter. No one's gonna believe him."
But even as the king dismissed Joon's warnings, his apprentice stood by his side, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"You're angry, huh?" the apprentice chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Just hearing that man's name grinds your gears. But there's no need to worry, my lord. I took care of him myself."
The king's expression softened slightly at his apprentice's reassurance, a brief flicker of relief crossing his features before he returned to his usual stoic demeanor.
"All the same," he murmured, his voice tinged with concern, "we can't afford to let this boy continue to stir up trouble. If we hear another word about him, we'll have to take more drastic measures."
And with that ominous warning hanging in the air, the trio of Reax departed, leaving the king and his apprentice to ponder the uncertain future that lay ahead.
Back to Joon
Joon woke up to a delicious aroma and sat up. "What is that smell?" He checked his surroundings and realized he was in a cave. He then looked up and saw a huge dragon head mounted on the wall and on its forehead, was a footprint. "What the hell?"
Joon rubbed his eyes and saw a young man who looked like he was in his early twenties, sitting by a pot. "Excuse me. Where am I?" He asked quietly as his voice was a bit hoarse. The man didn't answer so he raised his voice. "Excuse me!"
"What!? What is it!? I need concentration when I cook you brat!" The man yelled and grumbled, which caused Joon to flinch a bit. "Sorry!" He apologized and walked to the pot and sat down. "S-so what is it? It smells good." Joon nervously asked. "I saw a green raccoon and cooked it." The man casually said. "What?!" Joon yelled and grabbed the man's collar. "I'm joking." He said casually and grabbed Joon's arm and removed his grip. "Your Raccoon's over there sleeping in the corner." The man explained and poured a bowl of soup and handed it to Joon, who took it and immediately started eating. "Hm? THIS IS DELICIOUS!"
"It's called dragon tteok-bokki, it's my own recipe!" The man said proudly since somebody liked his food. "Uhh, so what are you doing out here, why are you living in a cave?" Joon asked with his mouth full.
"What are you doing wandering alone?" The man countered his question with a question. "I'm looking for something and someone. First I'm searching for the demon tears, then I'll use that to kill a man; Dali Ballo." Joon explained and set his bowl down. "Dali Ballo? You mean the man who single handedly destroyed two kingdoms, and killed the king of Daldoria! You wanna go after him?!" The man exclaimed nervously. "Sorry, but did you live in Daldoria before? How do you know all this, mister?" Joon asked as he bit into a piece of meat. "Huh? I read about it, it gets pretty boring here in Claché forest." He answered while scratching his chin.
"Oh that makes sense- WHAT?!THIS IS THE CLACHE FOREST?! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING MISTER BUT I GOTTA GO!" He exclaimed and ran out of the cave. "THE DRAGON TEAR!" He cried and ran to the middle of the forest. "Now, where would you be? If I was a dragon's tear, where would I be?" He asked himself. "Oh there you are." He said and walked up to a bottle. "Welp, bottoms up." As he said that he was punched into a tree by a goblin. Blood spit out of his mouth as he made impact with the tree.
A few muscular goblins came out and walked towards the boy, their faces had a mischievous look. "Stay back, I have a dagger!" Joon yelled and pulled out Jude's dagger. The goblins snickered and walked closer. "Stay back!" Joon yelled and leaped at them planning to strike but he wanna slammed into the ground. "Gah!" He yelled.
Two of the goblins held Joon down while the first one groped his body. Joon squirmed and tried to resist. "STOP!" He yelled but it was futile. He began crying as the goblins continued. "I-I just wanted respect, I just wanted to be strong. I didn't ask for my last name, I didn't ask to be so weak." He cried out. "I just wanted to be loved!"
"It was like that for me too." A voice was heard from behind the 3 which made them turn around. In a flash, one of the goblins' heads was kicked off its body and exploded in an instant. The other one that was also holding Joon down stopped holding him and went to attack the person responsible. The Goblin threw a punch but the fist was destroyed. The Goblin let out a scream of agony then its heart was kicked out through its back and it fell over to its side.
"What the? The man from the cave?!" Joon yelled in surprise as he quickly backed up from the Goblin, which turned to the man. "If strength gives you respect, instead of dread, then, maybe I'm worse off than you." As the man spoke the Goblin roared and a boom came from it, signaling it was powering up. "Kid, strength doesn't bring you respect, it just makes you feel superior," The goblin rushed at the man. "And that isn't fun now is it?" He finished and jumped up, kicking the Goblin through 3 trees. "S-SIR TELL ME, WHO ARE YOU?!" Joon yelled as he weakly stood up.
The Goblin stood back up and growled, blood dripping from its head. It huffed and puffed then picked up a huge tree and rushed the man. "The man you wanted to kill; Dali Ballo!" As he said this, Joon gasped in shock and disbelief. "D-Dali Ballo?!"
"I'll explain later, but right now," He raised his foot and connected his heel with the goblins chest. "HEEL OF THE DEMON KING!" As he yelled this the goblin's body was devoured by black magic and swallowed into nothing.
There was a moment of silence until the dust settled. Dali turned to Joon and smiled. "So, what do you think-" He was about to speak but Joon punched him in the mouth out of nowhere. "Finally, Dali Ballo, I'm going to kill you."
"Jeez, after that entire speech, you still don't get it." Dali held his chin. "Fine, you really wanna do this huh? Well." He raised his hand and rushed to Joon who flinched. "Psych." Dali went behind Joon and chopped him on the neck, knocking him unconscious. "Jeez, the goblins basically destroyed all of his clothes. I'll just have to give him my cloak."
"It's been so long since I've had to use my magic." He said to himself as he walked back to the cave. "I can tell that this won't go well for me."