Disrupting the Banquet

"I still have two hours to escape from this guard duty and join the festivities. Urgh! Why are they teasing us?" A twenty-something guard expressed his displeasure while doing his guard duty at the South Gate.

"I hear it will last until the next day. So you don't have to worry about not missing the fun. But I am luckier than you this time. I am in my last hour, patrolling this area. Hahaha!" The other guard responded whose tan features belied a stronger physique than the other.

"Damn you, Dick! Are you really going to leave me here?"

"Sorry, Bud. Assimo will replace me later. But I will wait for you in this new tavern inside the Chua Complex."

"There are many new taverns, you idiot! How will I know where you're going to be? By that time, you'll be wasted."

"That's not my problem. Check on my energy signature. Simple as that."

"I guess. But I am also planning to go with my girlfriend later, that is if she's still up to it. That's why it pains me to perform at this hour."

"You don't have a choice, Bud. This is your job."

The two guards on duty were standing on each side at the barbican which was over the gate area of the South Gate section of the village. While the festivities were going on, many guards were patrolling the area at the South Gate. They had colleagues patrolling at the Fort while many were on standby near the Chua Complex.

Moments later, they heard cracks exploding in many successions. They noticed many colored explosions in various forms. They even saw pentagram shape explosions and heart shapes.

"Wow! That's the first time I am seeing this!" The guard named Bud was awed at the fireworks display.

"Shit! I can't wait to get out of this armor and join in the fun!" Dick, the other guard, remarked with excitement and agitation.

"Lucky bastard! By the way, do you think those giants will come exactly right when the festivities are going on?" Bud, still gazing at the display, asked.

"You're killing the fun… Huh?"

"What?"

"Are you smelling some weird stench?"

"I thought it was you. Hahaha!"

"Nope. I am serious!"

"Why…"

The guard named Dick turned around to check the area at the periphery of the gate.

"That's a huge head!"

"Idiot, go strike that bell!"

—----------------------------------

At the banquet…

"Lord Rainier, it's an honor to visit our small village of Greston again. I apologize for not approaching you during the banquet earlier. I was tied to some unexpected circumstances."

"Don't worry about that Chief Rafa. Seeing you well and lively and from what I see, you manage to ascend, makes me glad. Gentleman Sigmund sure knows how to take care of his guests." The viscount looked at the village chief, hiding his surprise at the latter's progress.

"It's thanks to Sigmund and his son, Gary here, who help me through with the ascension." Rafa Libera did not forget to leave a sincere smile, though he intended to rile the viscount.

"I am sure they did more than that. Anyway, Chief Rafa, I am sure we have many things to discuss, right? But considering the circumstances, I think you will have to consolidate the mana within so you will not suffer from any backlash." The nobleman remarked as he tried to gaze at the village chief.

The village chief, knowing of the viscount's purpose, reacted differently, "I think it's still early to leave the party. We can have Sigmund be the additional party to our discussion."

Rafa Libera shifted his glance and looked at Sigmund, "What do you think Sig?"

"If it's not inconvenient for you, then, by all means, I can do more than just have a single discussion with you," Sigmund responded. "I think my son mentioned a collaboration with you regarding that matter. But we like it to be 'ethical' now. So what do you say, Rainier?"

Those in the vicinity were astonished to hear about the seeming lack of respectful gestures towards the viscount. Lord Rainier's subjects were the most affected as they felt that their master was undermined.

"But, gentleman, I don't think that will happen right now. We currently have a pressing matter to attend to?" Sigmund spoke, which left the viscount, the village chief, and other parties startled.

"What's…"

By then, someone uttered, which caused some momentary. "The giants are here." it was Gary.

"They sure know how to pick the date to join in the fun." The master of the ceremony chuckled, which brought more people to become anxious. Meanwhile, some were dumbfounded when they glanced at Sigmund, who lacked any trace of anxiety.

"Gary, Barry, Perry!"

"Yes, Father!"

"You know what to do."

"As you wish!"

Briefly, the guests at the banquet witnessed those who were called to have disappeared from their midst.

Lord Rainier was the most surprised. He didn't know that the moment of his visit would be the time he would likely encounter the giants.

"This percussion of giants is not small," Sigmund stated, which made others weary and more anxious. Some were astonished at how he managed to learn about it while he was seated in his area since the beginning of the banquet.

Momentarily, four screens appeared magically above the double-door entrance area. The guests immediately were shown different segments where the giants could be seen outside the vicinity of the South Gate section.

"Woah!"

"They are here!"

"They are too ugly and huge!"

"Fuck! I can't imagine myself being eaten by those giants!"

Sigmund watched and listened to the different reactions of the guests. He heard one of his clones announce, "Adventurers, you can help fight the giants but I suggest you stay here inside the palace if you want to be assured of your survival." That was Harry.

"Mr. Harry! My guards at the South Gate need my help." It was Gen. Simo Lora. He then turned to his father and the village chief as he bowed, "Father, your excellency Rafa, I will take my leave."

"Go on, son!" Markito Lora affirmed.

"General, use this portal to take you directly to the South Gate," Harry informed as he immediately conjured a spatial rift near the entrance door. "Don't worry. It's safe."

"Thank you, Mister Harry!" Simo Lora hastened as he went through the portal gate.

"Harry, our team will also go!"

"So will mine!"

Bryan Berry and Jameson Nolan expressed their will to leave the banquet and go to the South Gate.

"Bryan, be careful!" Ricaford Berry shouted his concern.

"Don't worry, grandfather!" The younger Berry reassured.

"Shura, are you wearing your protective talisman?" Zemeni spoke as she asked her great-granddaughter.

"Yes, great-grand! Don't worry, we will come back!"