Chapter 10

Artins approached Shumal as they both watched from a distance and whispered: "Is that what I think it is?"

"If you are referring to that sword in that black-haired boy's hand then yes I noticed that too. But, no way a commoner like him can possess a legendary sword like that. Hardly, three of them exist in the whole world." Shumal replied in a hushed voice.

"We only know the whereabouts of two of them. The third one was lost during the Last Great War. It could be that one."

"Doesn't your father possess one?" Shumal turned around to face him.

"Yes, it has been in our family for generations. It was gifted to one of my ancestors by the King of Folkshel Realm as a thank-you gift for his help against the monsters of the Dark Realm. It was a time when monsters from Dark Realm roamed free."

"Sweet deal, and who possesses the other one?" Shumal asked.

"As far as I know it is in possession of the current King of Folkshel Realm and this guy doesn't belong to any noble family let alone to the royal family. I always run a background check of all candidates," he stared at Zeph with a dark expression.

"Hmm, doesn't make sense how he can own a legendary sword made from Cramum and Black Crystal which rarely ever grows. Do you think he probably stole it?" Shumal asked rather curiously.

"I don't think so, if he had stolen it he wouldn't be taking it out in front of a royal. Remember that other guy with them, Xin Li; he is from the royal family." Artins informed her.

"Then I guess we will have to ask him about it if he survives the final task," Shumal replied with an evil grin.

"Let's see if he possesses that sword and knows how to handle it. He won't go down that easily." Artins replied not taking his eyes off Zeph.

On the edge of the lake, the four men stood their ground with weapons gleaming. Ralph disturbed the water surface and shouted: "Hey!!! Mr Monster, show yourself, you nasty cunt." Everyone let out gigs of laughter. Ralph had a knack to make situations look less serious and putting everyone at ease. But right now they had to concentrate.

"Stop being a clown, Ralph. Concentrate on the task at hand." Zeph shouted at him.

"I am, I just wanted to see if the monster understood our language, would be easy to negotiate with him instead of fighting you see?" Ralph chuckled more laughter followed.

Suddenly, ripples began to form in the centre of the lake. Something big was emerging. "Be careful, Ralph, get out of the lake," Zeph yelled.

Too late, a long slimy greenish brown tail whipped him across the chest and sent him flying towards us. We caught him just in time but force threw us all off balance. His armour had protected him and no one got hurt.

"Are you alright?" Zeph asked him helping him stand up. "Yes, I am good but what the hell is that?" He pointed towards the lake.

A gigantic two-headed monster with four limbs and a long tail had appeared. Every head had three eyes, two on the sides and one in the middle, his tongues were forked like a lizard. Its skin was brown and green in shade. The back of its body was covered with hard scales while its belly region had some kind of layered structure. Every limb had three finger-like projections and it was at least 10 meters tall with a very thin physique which meant it will have agility.

It had a menacing look to it and was staring directly at us. All we could do was stare at it back. "Snap out of it, everyone, it's gonna move quickly based on its physique so be alert and take your positions as we discussed," Zeph shouted as they stood there with their mouths aghast.

The monster hissed at us with its two tongues. The plan was to lure it out of the water so they could have the advantage. As they gradually started stepping away from the lake and it began to follow them.

Xin Li had the rope and he was ready to bind it with it. So, they diverted their attention towards them. "Hey, over here come and get us." It attacked with its tail again but this time Zeph was ready. As soon as it came near him with one swift blow he cut the edge of it and it fell on his feet oozing yellowish goo.

The monster shrieked in pain, its rage evident from the sounds it made. It recoiled the rest of its tail. "Eugh, gross" Ralph muttered. Xin Li was creeping closer to the monster from its left side. "Ralph, now," Zeph shouted. Ralph threw his spear with full force towards the belly of the monster. But, it was quick and in the nick of time dodged the spear which went flying and fell into the lake.

"Crap, you sneaky bastard," Ralph shouted at it. Meanwhile, Xin Li had taken his position and threw his rope to capture it and they all held their breaths.