Chapter 19: The Village, Centuries Ago (Part 1)

Before the weaponry of today came into existence, was there a way to oppose powerful creatures? Before guns, tanks and nuclear missiles were a thing, could any normal human stand up to a supernatural. The answer was more or less no. So what did they do when they got into trouble with a supernatural? Well, they called for help. Whom did they call for help? The answer to that is how it all started. That's where the root of the problem lies. The problem is – no one at present, not even people like Barry or Valdis know about this. But that was the time, Vermillion started to flourish.

They offered their assistance without any charges. They were free help and everybody loves that. So if a psychic threatens someone by showing off their power, call Vermillion for help. If a ghost tries to haunt people, call Vermillion for help. If a Vampire is running rampant and attacking people, call Vermillion for help. And also,

"Dragon, you say?"

Village Chief: "Yes, that dragon has become really aggressive and has blocked our trade route. If nothing is done, we will never be able to sell our harvest."

This happened in one of the farming-based villages in the eastern region of England. A dragon started to act aggressively and caused problems for the villagers. Obviously, there was only one choice for them. They had to call for help, call Vermillion. But after they contacted Vermillion, they found out the real brunt of the situation.

Dragons have never been creatures of low prowess. But the dragon blocking their path was counted among the strongest even among the dragons. This wasn't a mission where they could just send some capable supernatural to help and get it over with. In fact, they were told that at least 200 well-accomplished soldiers working for Vermillion may be needed to bring that monstrosity down. And even then, 98% of them will surely die.

Why would these soldiers go straight to their death when they don't even get any reward for doing their duty? In fact, even if the villagers promise compensation to them individually, can a mediocre-enough village manage a huge enough sum for 200 people? Obviously, the answer was no. So it seemed like all hope was lost. But then,

Village Chief: "We heard you are special."

???: "You did."

The village chief nodded. Indeed he did hear that there was someone special who could defeat that dragon. The problem, however, was if they would be able to make him agree to taking this job. There was no guarantee he would comply. So this man – a blonde-haired, young and charming individual with fair skin and blue eyes – standing here, the villagers somehow had to make him willing to take this mission.

Man: "So, why should I defeat the dragon for you? What would I gain?"

Village Chief: "We don't have a lot to offer, but we can offer you all the crops you need."

Hearing the village chief's words as he bowed his head and offered his crops, he started laughing. Knowing the reason for his laughing, the rest of the villagers who were gathered around these two looked down.

Man: "Ha! Ha! HA! You … you think some crops … will make anyone willing to fight a dragon. Are you insane?"

He said while trying to keep his laughter under-control. The villagers had no answer. They knew something like crops would never satisfy him.

Village Chief: "If that's not enough, then … then we can give you …"

The chief stopped mid-sentence, making the blonde-haired man curious.

Man: "Go on. Tell me what else you are willing to offer."

Village Chief: "… servants. You can take some of our men with you who will help you in any way they can."

He chuckled on hearing that and then looked the chief in his eyes.

Man: "If I am powerful enough to kill that dragon, do you really think I would need help from weaklings like you people?"

The chief fell silent. There's nothing else he could offer. He had made a vow that he would not offer women or children, so this is all this poor village chief could do for him. If he did not accept then, then there's no hope.

Man: "What? Cat got your tongue? Isn't there anything else you can give me?"

Village Chief: "There isn't. I … am very sorry, but …"

He sighed after seeing the pathetic state of the village chief. He did felt a little guilty that he is making a leader bow like that in front of his people, but that won't stop him from using this situation to his advantage.

Man: "Well then, let me tell you what I want?"

Hearing those words, the whole populous of the village turned their heads towards him. The village chief too, while still bowing, looked at him. After running his eyes through the crowd to make sure everyone is focused on him, he said,

Man: "I want the whole village."

Silence befalls the village. No one could speak a thing, no one except the man who had caused that silence.

Man: "Basically, what I am saying is that I will be in a position higher than that of the village chief. You can say I will be the king in whose territory your village will lie. That's all."

He puts his demand forward. It's a demand that's not very easy to accept, but …

Village Chief: "If we don't agree to it, you will leave us here to die?"

Man: "Precisely."

Death because of starvation or submission under a man who would let them starve to death if they don't submit to him? Which would be better? Sure, at first glance, one might think living is most important. But is there any guarantee to how life might be under him? Can they really trust him? He might bring even more pain to them than starvation would.

Man: "And hey, I forgot to tell you all something. The dragon will attack the village today."

Fear suddenly doubled on the faces of the villagers. There's a good chance he was just trying to rush the chief into a decision but they couldn't just dismiss his words like that. At that point, what choice did they have?

Village Chief: "Well … if that's the case, then we will …"

The chief took glances at every direction. The villagers understood what he meant to say and got to their knees and bowed.

Village Chief: "We will submit to you. We will become your loyal subjects."

As he saw the sight of the village already treating him like a king, he smirked.

Village Chief: "But …"

By saying that word, the chief turned everyone's attention to himself. The chief looked at the eyes of the man he had been bowing to and said,

Village Chief: "That happens after you defeat the dragon."

He nodded to the chief's words.

Man: "Sure, I'll defeat him. Just one more thing though …"

All eyes turned to him, all showing worry and anxiety in them.

Man: "Now, now, don't look so worried. I just need to properly introduce myself."

He paused to make sure they were all listening and then continued,

Man: "I am a psychic who will one day take over this country. And this village will be my first domain. You all – will be my first subjects. My name, the name of your king and this country's future ruler is-"

He proudly raised his head to look at the mountain, his destination, and continued,

Man: "Ozyllus"

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