Ch.24 The plan For Tomorrow

The nomad ponders, lost in his thoughts,

Voices unknown, from within, it wrought.

Was it himself or something else,

Guiding him on this journey, the story compels.

The chronotex, a rare material, they say,

Sought after by those who tread the wrong way.

Each villain with reasons, a twisted sense of justice,

But who decides what's right, who can we trust?

In this tale, the answers await,

As the nomad's path unravels, both love and hate.

Will he find the truth, amidst the chaos and strife?

Only time will tell, does the chronotex holds the key to life?

The plan For Tomorrow

"Whoa, really?!" Jack exclaimed, a mixture of amusement and shock colouring his tone.

"Yeah! General Setka is considered one of the strongest, if not the strongest, individuals in the entire army," Ramon explained, filling Jack in on the significance of encountering General Setka.

"Well, he seems to think I should leave," Jack shared with a tinge of uncertainty in his voice.

"Don't worry. If you prove to him that you're strong, he'll change his mind," Ramon reassured, drawing from his own experience. "He enjoys testing others to make them stronger. He's like a coconut, tough on the outside but with a good heart."

"I see," Jack replied, contemplating the nature of General Setka's challenges. "Well, I still don't fully understand what he meant by 'two chances.'"

"For now, let's leave it be. We can ask Commander Menes about it tomorrow," Ramon suggested, shifting the focus towards seeking further clarification from their commander.

"Sounds like a plan," Jack agreed, relieved to have a course of action. "But before that, let's go to your room. I asked the chef to send us some food, and a waiter should be arriving soon."

The pair arrived at Jack's room, unlocking the creaky wooden door and stepping into what initially appeared to be a void of darkness. It was like stepping into a black hole, a square pathway devoid of light. However, as Ramon struck a match and lit the candles scattered around the room, it suddenly came alive. The warm glow illuminated the dark wooden floor and revealed the shelves adorned with books; their pages filled with untold stories.

Jack removed his coat, carefully draping it over the back of his chair before taking a seat. Ramon fetched another chair from the corner, joining Jack as they eagerly waited for their food to arrive.

A sudden knock on the door broke the silence, instantly sparking excitement in Ramon. He rushed towards the door, his face beaming with anticipation. With closed eyes and a broad smile, he exclaimed, "Finally, sweet food!" as he eagerly inhaled, expecting the aroma of a delectable meal to fill his senses.

However, instead of the expected tantalizing scent, all Ramon caught was the metallic tang of iron. Before he could react, a forceful blow struck him square in the face. His cry of pain echoed through the room as he stumbled backward, his body collapsing to the ground.

"You fool, Ramon! You can't even handle a simple job!" bellowed Menes, his voice dripping with disappointment and frustration. With his arm still extended, Menes seemed to be warming up his muscles,

Ramon's palm gently caressed his hurting face as he grunted in agony. He struggled to speak; his voice tinged with pain. "It hurts, you know, Commander," he managed to mutter.

Good to see you again, Commander. Jack extended a cordial greeting and got up from his chair to do so.

"You too, Jack," Menes responded, seeming little relieved.

Jack quickly made his way to the other end of the space, where he quickly took another chair and set it in front of Menes. "Commandant, have a seat. He kindly extended an invitation for you to join us for dinner since the food was on its way.

Just as the waiter knocked on the open door to announce the arrival of their much-anticipated feast, Menes slid himself onto the wooden chair and settled comfortable. The waiter delivered their dinner on a tray piled high with freshly made bread, a variety of colourful veggies, and tender meat.

Why don't we take a taste and enjoy the flavors while the dish is still warm before we start talking? Taking charge of the situation, Menes suggested.

Ramon immediately sprung up from the floor, his eagerness obvious as the aroma of food filled the air. He yelled, anxiously expecting the long-awaited food, "Finally, some food!"

10 mins later.

The delicious feast was gone, leaving the hungry trio satiated. Menes went to Ramon and asked, "So, Ramon, tell me, how did you come to falter?" with a measured tone as he held a handkerchief in his hand and gently wiped his face.

In an effort to justify himself, Ramon swung back and forth on his chair while saying, "Commander, he possesses excellent skill, and we made every effort. I didn't use all of my strength though since Jack wouldn't have learned the required lessons if I had."

Menes asked further, "I see," and then nodded thoughtfully while keeping his attention on Ramon. "What progress has he made, then?"

Ramon revealed the details with a trace of joy in his voice. He said, "He has an incredible ability to perceive life and objects even while his eyes are closed. It is a developing skill that hasn't been fully honed, but it is certainly useful."

"So our assumptions were correct," Menes thought with a satisfied tone in his voice.

Jack found the bravery to chime in, "Commander Menes," in the middle of their discourse, eager to contribute.

The question "Yes, Jack?" Menes inquired, paying the boy his whole attention.

"What does General Setka mean when he says that I have two chances to disprove him?" Jack asked, his voice filled with intrigue.

Menes realized his mistake and said, "Ah, yes, I forgot to tell you about that, didn't I?"

"Well," Menes added, "Setka told me that you must convince him of your value if you want to stay in the army. You must do well in the strength competition because that is where the first opportunity is. Tomorrow, Jack, is your second opportunity."

Jack and Ramon leaned forward at the same time, eyes fixated on Menes, eager to take in the information. They echoed each other, "And what do you mean by 'tomorrow'?"

With a steady stare and words spiced with adventure, Menes announced their next task: "You two shall go on a retrieval mission with Setka."

Jack got out of his chair partially out of curiosity and asked, "To retrieve what?"

Menes responded, "The Chronotex."

"Whattt!" Jack's surprised eyes widened.

Ramon said, "Commander, but Jack hasn't unlocked his combat ability yet.

Don't worry, Menes reassured them, "From what I've observed, he can unlock it once he becomes in a state of near death, i.e., when he is about to die.

Ramon, though, mumbled. Menes interjected and assured them that Setka would also be present.

"How will it go then?" Jack questioned Menes.

"Well, if it's a straightforward mission—that is, if nobody else is there to collect the Chronotex except you—you can return home safely. But you might have to fight them to get it back if the news gets to one of the other factions," Menes said.

Don't fight any commander of the factions, Jack, or you'll certainly die. Just take a look at Akhet; while powerful, he is not the only one. Even Ramon, whom I personally taught, would struggle to defeat them. Ramon is strong, even though he doesn't display it. Menes said, "But his strength is destructive.

"What does he possess?" Jack questioned.

It's dark energy, but he's not quite figured out how to control it, Menes said.

Ramon smiled and rubbed the back of his head with his hand, "Yeah, the one time I used it, I nearly killed myself."

Menes stood up from his chair and stated, "So, tomorrow it is then."

Menes started to move in the direction of the door, but Jack hadn't finished his inquiries. Jack sprang from his chair and said, "Commander, one last question."

Turning around, Menes ordered, "Go ahead."

What's the secret you shared with General Setka?

Menes first closed the door, then he approached Jack, placed his hand on his shoulder, and warned him, "Jack, whatever happens, never let anyone know that you have access to the Chronotex's abilities without having one itself for use. Those who already know, it's fine, but once more, from this point on, don't tell a single soul," Menes remarked in a serious manner.

In a serious tone, Jack said, "Okay, Commander," acknowledging Menes' worries about him.

"Okay, well. You two need to go to bed. Menes stated as he exited the room, softly closing the door behind him, "You have a mission tomorrow.

After a little period of silence, Ramon and Jack exchanged a smile as Ramon asked, "The food was nice, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Jack answered.

"Ramon," Jack said.

Ramon answered, "Yeah?"

Jack questioned, "Who is Seraphina Aurelia?"

"Oh, her. She is one of the noble's daughters. Ramon said, "Her family is possibly the only decent noble family in the kingdom.

Jack questioned, "What do you mean?"

Nobles have little regard for the lives of their slaves or other people. They murder them, abuse them, and consider them to be beneath them. They abuse and use them for labour and profit. But that's not what Aurelia's family does. Even with their own slaves, they are honest.

"That's different," Jack replied.

Ramon questioned, "Why did you ask, though?"

Jack responded with a hint of embarrassment, "Oh, because I met her today while handing out honey cake.

Ramon quipped, "Hmm, let me guess, you like her or something."

"NOOOOO!" Jack yelled. "I don't."

Ramon laughed and replied, "That's what everyone says, Jack."

We just so happen to have similar-coloured hair, that's all," Jack said. "I just met her."

"You two are the only ones around with blond hair, yeah. Her father is Egyptian, and her mother is Greek. It seems that her mother was really beautiful. When I went to deliver a few things to her family with Commander Menes, I once ran into her. Why shouldn't you like her? She resembles her mother quite a little.

Jack questioned, "Do you personally know her or something?"

Yes, I am aware of her since Commander Menes and her father are close pals.

"What!" Jack shouted, then proceeded to say, "Well, I guess I will be seeing her again."

Ramon continued, "I suppose you will shortly.

Both Jack and Ramon then rose up from their chairs.

Ramon extended a hand for a handshake and replied, "Okay, so see you tomorrow jack."

Jack shook Ramon's hand and patted his back as he pulled him close to himself. "You too," he added.

Ramon waved his hand and exited the room, shutting the door after saying, "Okay, bye."

Jack carefully picked up the chairs that Ramon and Commander Menes had used and placed them in a corner of the room. Feeling the warmth increasing, he exclaimed, "It's getting too hot in here."

He walked over to the window and opened it, allowing a refreshing breeze to fill the room and cool the air. Returning to the table, he turned his chair to face it and neatly pushed it in.

Next, Jack went to his bed and sat down, preparing it for sleep. He changed his clothes, removing his Armor and stowing his broken spear in the wardrobe. With a gentle exhale, he blew out the lights, enveloping the room in darkness, save for the soft glow of the moonlight streaming in through the window.

Lying down, Jack stared at the wooden ceiling above. The moonlight illuminated his face, casting a partial shine on his chin, while the position of the chair kept his eyes in shadow.

Placing his left hand on his forehead, he lifted his right hand and examined his palms. In a quiet voice, he pondered, "Who was that voice I heard? Who could it have been?"