"Lunch, kick, spikes... Wait. Punch, kick, spikes..." Galum mumbled as he tried to alternate between eating his sandwich and practicing. He was trying to combine the moves he learned from Jai and his earth control.
Jai watched him with an amused face as he munched on his own sandwich. They were having a short break. Darisha had brought them sandwiches and blue tea. As bizarre as it sounds, and looks, it was really blue in color. The taste was actually mildly sweet. And a bit like blueberry. Jai loved it.
Darrion was looking at the sky as he chewed on his cherry tomato. His head was tilting left and right, like a little boy who was thinking of what to play next. But Jai knew he was deep in thought. Probably reviewing about Jai's lecture.
When they're done eating, they continued on with the training.
Sadly, it didn't rain like Jai had hoped. They came home at dusk.
"So if I fly over to
"So, Amano. He is a fire elemer, and can shoot his fires from a few meters away in a clean line. He called it Vapor Arrow, and he will use it for last. So that endurance battle you explained yesterday, well, this might be one of it."Darrion explained after the MC explained the new rule. There wouldn't be any rest until they got the finalists for the top three.Jai had already known the rules, Darrion told him and Galum on the way to the square. But he was listening because he was afraid the rules would suddenly change again. But what the blonde said made Jai looked at him with a rather surprised expression. And then he said, "how do you know all of that?"Darrion shrugged, "the wind told me. And I searched about him two days ago. Well, not just him, everyone."Jai raised his eyebrows, "but weren't we together two days ago? Or did you do it before your battle?""What? No, I searched about Amano and the o
Darrion patted Jai on the back, saying, "oh it's okay, Jai. We can buy a better one at Papa Julio's."Jai only hummed. It wasn't that he disagree with the blonde. It's just that, his shoes, although simple, were some kind of memento of his previous world. His clothes were stored in Barun's house, Miria had washed it for him. He figured with many elemers around, his clothes would be ripped sooner than he could expect it. But there were no shoes in Barun's house that fit his feet, and he was uncomfortable in borrowing from the other villagers. So he dried it in the sun and kept wearing it until today."I just love this shoes somehto, Darrion. Is it possible to have it fixed by Papa Julio? Does he accept shoes reparations?" Jai asked.Darrion smiled, "yeah, he does. I'm sure he accepts any shoes related commission, Jai. And we'll buy new ones for you to use while it's being repaired.""How much does a pair co
Darrion charged in on his opponent. Both of his feet ran while both of his hands were in his stomach. It was as if he was gathering energy between his palms.His opponent bent over and stretched his foot to the side. His calm demeanor morphed into serious as he prepared himself for whatever move Darrion was trying to pull.Darrion pushed his hands forward with a shout. "Take this!"A typhoon formed in front of him and blew towards Zett. The dark haired man stood his ground and received that blow head on. He was pushed back a couple of meters. His feet skidded on the ground and he grunted as he came to a stop.Zett's eyes flared with amusement."You got power, kid. But it's not enough to put me down."Zett stood up straight in his full form. He's muscular, has a thin goatee, and...'Huge!' Jai thought. 'He's even bigger than Galum.'
Jai remembered when he met Miria. A girl adorned in white thin dress, sitting by the well. Her lips puckered slightly and her eyes shone concern. However, that down sided expression lit up when she saw them, more to her grandfather than him of course. She was very happy to meet her grandfather back and safe.He could remember how she didn’t question much about him especially of how suspicious he was. She might’ve been suspicious, but given how she had acted around him, Jai was sure Miria wouldn’t be able to keep it as straight as Barun. And the girl didn’t look like she was suspicious of him. The old man, instead, was very good in hiding it that when Barun told him he was actually suspicious of him, he was in a bit of a panic on how to answer.She acted normal around him, even offered to sew his clothes for him.She asked her to go with her to the market, casually, like a friend simply requesting to another.
"Orvid is unable to continue. Raka wins this round!" The committee announced.The crowds roared crazily, chanting Raka's name. The said winner bowed his head and body slightly towards his opponent before leaving the arena. The one named Orvid was kneeling on the ground, wheezing.Jai swallowed the restriction in his throat and his expression turned serious. As he had thought, Raka was a worthy opponent. Very worthy to be exact.The wind elemer was fast in response. He had managed to block every attacks thrown by Orvid, his opponent. His foe was not a cheap opponent either, which made Jai to think that way.Jai knew Orvid was better than Zett, Darrion's opponent. Zett and Orvid were both fire elemers, but Orvid was more agile than Zett at a significant level. Orvid's stamina was also higher, and he fought with martial arts and his fire element combined. How he moves were inspiring, Jai admitted, and R
The rosters were challenging.Jai learned a lot from their battles. He noticed that elemer martial arts were more flexible than the one his grandfather had taught him.He wasn't sure what kind of martial arts did the old man taught him. But he knew enough about other martial arts in the Before to notice the differences.Raka's and Torfo's battles were the most interesting of them all. Jai learned a lot from their battle, and he felt his body ached to get into action. He wanted to try fighting them.But he knew he still had to wait.The committees were collecting the list of winners from the second match and will announce those who made it to the next round when they're done. So they gave the competitors a short break while they work.Darrion tiptoed, trying to see whatever or whoever it is he wanted to see."Where's Galum?" Darrion asked
Jai let Madam Serena shook his hands and sat on his left."Oh thank you for letting this old hag accompany you for a while, dear Jai," Madam Serena said. Her excitement had receded quite a bit after the handshake. Although the madam still seemed happy, indicated by the wrinkle smile on her face.Jai smiled politely, "It's quite alright, madam. I can relate the feeling when found someone you look forward to."The woman blushed and giggled."Sorry for the intrusion, boys," Madam Rue said with a curtsy.Galum tapped his foot on the ground twice and the pavement a feet in front of Jai moved. It was raised in round shape like a stool. The earth stool was made smooth for the lady to sit on."Your seat, madam," Galum offered to the standing lady."Oh thank you, dear. Galum, was it?" The lady asked nicely as she sat gracefully on the earth
Jai, Darrion, and Galum walked to the South stage with the ladies. The participants were told to go there because that’s where the semifinals would be held.And because it’s the semifinals, they were joined by crowds of people wanting to watch the battle.Darrion observed the crowds of people and narrowed his eyes in thought, “The south stage is going to be more crowded than before. Let’s slip ourselves by the fountain to get to our box.”“Well, boys. We will be in the audience box, cheering for you,” Madam Rue said.“Oh yes! Do your best Jai! I will give you more presents if you win!” Madam Serena patted Jai’s arm a few times.Jai sent a nervous smile, “thank you, madam. I will do my best.”Madam Serena giggled and walked to the audience boxes. “Let us be off, Ruru.”
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But