Chapter 20: The Village Intruders

     "Hey, it's Chief Feldor. I think he's fighting with someone."

     "Is there an enemy? I think the Chief is serious this time. He's not using magic though."

     "Oh, watch out, they're coming this way—."

     "Wait, is that…"

     The villagers were talking about the alarums and excursions during the night. When they saw Feldor's enemy, they were shocked.

     "Is that Master Cimmerian?" The drunk Mado also joined the crowd.

     "Y-Y-Yeah. It's him. His swordsmanship is superb. Yooo! Go, Master. Go!" Alfredo answered while no longer sober.

     There were also people who were in awe.

     "I thought that kid isn't skilled. He's very silent."

     "Look closely, he's on par with the Chief. No. he even overwhelms him? The Chief is on the defense."

     "Hey, they're on a completely different level."

     The crowds were very hyped, and some were even shouting and cheering with words that were completely unrecognizable to the two who were fighting. Actually, they didn't bother listening to them. Instead, they were focused on the vibrations of where the sword might emerge next in the dark environ. It was only a few minutes later when the winner was determined. Feldor became overly focused in defending the heavy slashes and kicks when his slippers slipped from the slushy brick roofs. He wasn't able to recover right away and when the two of them landed on the plane ground, he was hit by an unexpected kick in the flank. As a result, he lose.

     "Chief Feldor, sorry. Are you okay?" Cimmerian asked but his sword was still pointing at Feldor's neck.

     "…" Feldor remained lying down. The villagers became worried that he was hurt. But—

     "Ha-ha-ha. You're very wise and smart. You asked if I'm alright but you never put your sword down." Feldor laughed while still down at the ground.

     "Of course, I'd never believe that a simple kick like that would really put you down. I knew you were pretending to be hurt."

     "Ha-ha-ha. As expected from you. Okay, I lose. It's your victory." He raising both of his hands and stood up.

     "Thank you for the duel, Chief Feldor. I look forward for another duels." He bowed his head to pay his respects.

     "So, you enjoyed it as well, huh? Fine. I'll be your opponent."

     The sword that Cimmerian used was one of the reasons why he won. It was well suited on his hand. It wasn't heavy nor big enough to hinder his movements. In short, it was a perfect weapon for him.

     "Here's the sword—"

     "You can have it. You like it, right? It's yours. That's a gift for your extraordinary improvement and talent." He stretched his joints again.

     "But, I think this is very expensive. It's too much for me..." He wore a worried countenance and extended the sword again.

     "Don't worry, it's not really a special sword. You can find it at any shops in the kingdom. That was forged by my late friend, who was a great blacksmith, and only its materials are rare. The design is normal..."

     "But, isn't this important to you???" He queried further.

     "It doesn't matter. That sword was not forged for me. I have my own sword. Anywise, I have a favor to ask to you." Feldor's expression became serious.

     "What is it, Sir?"

     "Please, take care of it. Consider that as a part of your body. And most importantly, choose wisely when and how to use it. Okay?"

     "Yes, Sir! I promise to do that. Thank you very much."

     Chief Feldor went to the flocking villagers.

     "Oh, everyone, I'm sorry. Cimmerian and I were just having some fun." Feldor scratched his head. "Don't worry, I'll pay you for the repair of the damages tomorrow."

     "Cimmerian, when you want a duel with me, bring your brother, okay?" The Chief added.

     "My brother?? O-Okay!"

.....

.....

...

     The villagers continued talking. In the audience, everyone was laughing, except for a single person. Cimmerian was looking at the raven-black sheath of the sword when a huge kick landed on his back. Since his body was too strong, he was only a little outbalanced and did not fall.

     (Oh, its Cimmerian's problem. I better go now. He-he-he.) When Feldor saw

Cimmerian being kicked hard, he immediately sneaked into the crowd and headed home. He immediately went away to escape from trouble.

     "Cimmerian, what do you think you're doing? You idiot!!! You just did something dangerous." A tiger-like blonde girl shouted at him.

     "Wait, Big Sister, I'm sorry! Please, listen!" He tried to calm her down.

     It was futile. He was dragged home by Belle, while Vaissien was waiting for them silently outside the circle of crowd. He wasn't smiling like usual. His wore a bland expression as they went home.

.....

.....

...

     During the commotion, two unknown people cladded in black hoodie immersed in the crowd and watched the duel.

     " Interesting. Ke-ke-ke!" A man cladded with a loose black hoodie muttered in a cricket voice.

     "Yeah. Very interesting but it's done, shall we go now?"

     When the duel was closed, the two suspicious individuals disappeared like bubbles in the air.

     "Alfredo, did you know those people near you just now?" The drunk Mado asked.

     "Huh? I don't now. Were there people like that? You're just drunk, idiot!"

     "Oh, they're gone." Mado shook his head, "no, I saw them. But never mind, I don't remember their looks anyway... Here, have some booze..."