The Weeping Swordsman

Lord Mikah poured himself a cup of his favourite tea, the fragrant steam rising gently as servants laid out snacks. He was at a noble’s district, paying a diplomatic visit before he travelled to the second. That’s when he heard what was going on at the third.

“Hunters,” Mikah whispered, swirling his cup as the sugar slowly dissolved. “Adventurers are monitored by the General Council across the realms, a system that’s been in place since the beginning. It binds nations that would rather remain apart.”

Ed Sheknar, a popular merchant, sat across from him, dressed in his formal golden robes, accented with black stripes. His glasses shimmered as he took measured spoonfuls of cake.

“Hunters are indeed the worst kind of humans,” he said, sipping from his tea. “Mercenaries don’t even compare since they chase the coin, but hunters instead chase lives”

Lord Mikah chuckled. “Do you know why I like you?” he asked. “You have a way with words. Five degrees at different great aspects of life. You’re almost like a second Sparrow. Sheknar”

He smiled. “Five degrees pale in comparison to that intellectual giant. But as for the hunters... it seems we’re not going to take any immediate action”

“I see those five degrees are speaking again”

Sheknar gave a quiet laugh but quickly faltered as a piece of cake slipped from his fork and splashed into his tea. He set the cup aside, signalling for fresh servings.

“Their masks also make it hard to do anything. Dvalin may not be the friendliest guy, but his people have no role to play in that,” Mikah said.

“Those masks are the only thing that makes them human,” Sheknar said, drinking from his fresh cup. “It allows them to live among us, but removing one in a city... well, it’s either a declaration of surrender or an open act of rebellion”

Lord Mikah chuckled. “See us. Old men talking about history and the problems of another lord”

He stood up, adjusting his garment, and turned to Zyrion, who stood at the entrance.

Sheknar bowed his head. “That girl… I’ve heard she’s in the Fourth Realm. Why would her father agree to such a reckless move?”

Mikah frowned. “Bloodborne gave us his word, and so did her father. Her brother and guardian are said to be more than capable,” he glanced at Zyrion, “and even my trusted friend assures me there’s no need to worry.”

Sheknar stood as well. “The future of the Nine Realms shines brightly, but storms still gather on the horizon. Lightning crackles in the distance. We must prepare for the storm before we can see the rainbow.”

Mikah forced a smile as he walked towards the door. “Your territory is flourishing, Sheknar. Keep it that way.” he paused, turning. “Oh, and send word to Bloodborne. Tell him to get to the Fourth. It’s better to be cautious.”

Sheknar nodded, watching his lord depart.

*

Emilia swayed, cocooned in blankets, while Tori lay sprawled on a nearby bench next to Pasta, who was unfortunately still struggling with his newfound illness. His groans echoed beneath the festival’s vibrant chaos, where distant crowds revelled in the celebration, their laughter and excitement blending with the colourful night sky.

“So,” Emilia said, clasping Tori’s hand. “What are you doing in the fourth? Why the fireworks festival? Where’s Grandpappy? Is he here? Do you like fireworks? Yeah? Yeah?”

Tori cringed. “Hold up, girl, calm down a bit. I’m still recovering here. And your brother, aren’t you worried about him?”

“He’ll be fine. He’s just overreacting,” Emilia said, though Pasta’s groans suggested otherwise.

Mr Swordsman came with some new clothes. “Here”

Tori raised an eyebrow. “When did you become so nice?”

“Yeah, he’s been so strange lately,” Emilia said, taking the coats and turning back to Tori. “So back to the questions”

“Girl, you don’t give up, huh,” she said, clasping Emilia’s hands back. “Alright, here’s the deal. The Fourth Realm was always my destination. My crew’s here. And Grandpappy? Well, he insisted on bringing me here himself, because apparently, his adorable granddaughter can’t walk on her own in a realm where people like your brother exist. I love fireworks, sure—but I love food even more. That’s why I’m really here. Any other questions?”

Emilia’s eyes sparkled with excitement, relieved to finally have some female company after being surrounded by non-elves for so long. “Nope, that’s all I needed to know.”

“Good,” Tori said, releasing Emilia’s hand. “Now it’s my turn. You all came here just to explore the city, right?”

Emilia nodded.

“And not any crazy shenanigans like last time?”

Emilia nodded.

“Is that a no shenanigans or yes, we are doing something crazy”

Emilia crossed her hands. “No shenanigans”

I heard rumours of a war around here, but it doesn’t look like it’s affecting the festival.”

Emilia nodded once more. “Yeah, the city’s staying out of it. It’s mostly the hunters and adventurers battling it out.”

“Who’s winning?”

“I don’t know.” Emilia held her hands again. “Oh, do I have a lot to tell you? Where should I start? Oh, I know—the marriage commission!”

“Marriage commission?” Tori asked.

Mr. Swordsman wandered away from the group, looking for something to keep himself occupied. Soon enough, he came across a stall where a man was shouting at a gathered crowd.

“Hey, you! Yes, you!” the man called out, pointing directly at Mr. Swordsman. “Wanna prove your strength? For a small charge, you can”

Mr. Swordsman gave a slight nod. He was bored, and listening to the endless chatter wasn’t his kind of entertainment.

“Strength doesn’t just come from muscles and life force,” the man said. “It’s about your mindset, too. Test your might with this!”

The man held up a small glowing sphere. “This device lets you confront a powerful beast, but in your mind. Your score is based on the damage you deal. Fighters use this to train before they can master the technique on their own.”

Mr. Swordsman gazed at the orb, recognizing the method—Pasta used the same for training, only without the need for such technology.

A boy raised his hand. “Why can’t we fight a real monster here? I’m not afraid! Bring it on!”

The crowd chuckled.

“Why are y’all laughing?” the boy grumbled. “I’ll take any of you on!”

The stallkeeper joined in the laughter. “We don’t want to wreck the festival, do we? Now, let’s get started! Your scores will show up on the orb.”

The participants each paid and placed their hands on separate spheres. Mr. Swordsman followed suit.

Suddenly, he found himself in darkness, standing on shallow water. A towering beast loomed before him—its face nothing more than a gaping mouth, and grotesque arms sprouting from its back. It growled, rubbing its oversized belly.

The creature shot its arms toward Mr. Swordsman.

He didn’t even flinch, slicing through the beast’s arms without stepping an inch. “This is the test? How pathetic.”

The creature howled as its arms regenerated almost instantly.

The beast lunged again, its fingers sharp as blades. Mr Swordsman adjusted his hat and dashed forward, weaving through the flurry of attacks. In this mental realm, parallel space won’t work, so ordinary speed would have to suffice.

With a single leap, he reached the creature’s face. His sword flashed, cleaving the beast clean in half and sending it to dust.

He stood, sheathing his sword. As always, it was an easy fight.

Mr Swordsman closed his eyes and opened them, returning to reality. The crowd stared at him in disbelief.

“Your score, sir,” the stallkeeper said, his eyes wide. “Over a thousand!” He rushed to plaster the score across the front of his shop. “A new high score!”

Mr. Swordsman glanced at the other participants. The boy from earlier puffed out his chest, even after getting a two. “The monster was scary, but I punched it right in the eyes! Heh.”

The other players praised him. The one with the new high score just stood there, with little praise. Not like he cared about it.

They were all given different monsters. The boy must have been given something less terrifying.

“Mr Swordsman,” Emilia tapped his head. “Congrats”

Tori stayed silent, head smoking out from all the gist. She dragged Pasta on the floor.

“The fireworks show is about to start,” Emilia said. “We should start moving”

Mr. Swordsman trailed behind them as they made their way deeper into the festival. Crowds were already heading uphill, eager to catch the best view.

“Hey Emilia, shouldn’t you be the one pulling him? He is your brother, after all.”

Emilia whistled, flipping through her brand-new novels, ignoring her.

Tori sighed, meeting Mr Swordsman. “I’m hungry”

“How is that my problem?” he said, not even glancing her way.

“I’m dead broke, Mr Swordsman. Help a girl out”

He turned to her. “I already had to pay for that little contest between you and Pasta. You owe a lot to me already”

Tori’s eyes sparkled as she moved in closer to him. “B-but because of Emi, I threw up everything I ate! Now I’m starving…”

“Still not my problem- “

Pasta shot up, stretching his arms. “Yeah! Full of energy. Yeah!!!”

Tori hit him back down. “We’re in public, you moron. Keep it down!”

Pasta groaned. “What are you, Emilia?”

Tori turned back to Mr Swordsman. “Come on man, give me a break and buy me something”

“So you can be nice as a beggar,” Past laughed. “You should be like this more often”

Tori tried hitting him, but he kept on dodging.

“Hey guys!” a familiar voice yelled.

Shot and Kabal appeared, rushing over to clasp their arms around Pasta.

“I see you’re having the time of your life, Pasta,” Shot said, lighting up a cigar. “Why don’t you introduce us to the lady here?”

Kabal leaned in close, whispering, “What do you think you’re doing, man? You gathering them up for a collection?”

Pasta scratched his head, trying to keep his cool. “Trust me, fellas, Tori’s the last girl you’d wanna get mixed up with.”

Meanwhile, Tori walked over to Emilia. “What are those guys whispering about over there?”

Emilia stood still, crossing her arms. “You don’t want to know.”

“Emilia!” Shot waved at her. “How’s the festival going?”

“Fairly well”

“Gotta give Jiji credit. She’s amazing,” Shot said. “You know she convinced more than half the city vendors—and even more from other towns—to come here just to sell and entertain?”

Mr. Swordsman strolled over. “Are you sure she’s not some adult trapped in a child’s body?”

They all chuckled, except for Tori, who furrowed her brow, clearly missing the joke.

“Had no idea you’re funny, swordsman. Take it here,” Kabal said, clapping Mr Swordsman back.

“How about her promise?” Pasta asked. “Did she later fulfill it?”

Kabal and Shot crossed their arms with wide grins on their faces.

Two beautiful girls bounced over, linking their arms with Shot and Kabal.

“Let’s go check out that stall next, Shot,” one of the girls said, tugging him along.

“I’m hungry, love. Let’s grab something to eat,” as she dragged Kabal toward a food stall.

As they left, both men turned back, smiling at the gang. For now, being an adventurer is the best job in the world.

“I have no idea what all that was about,” Tori said, tummy grumbling. “But, I’m starving also”

Pasta scowled after them. I should’ve taken that job, he thought, clenching his fist and bringing out his purse.

“Pasta,” Mr. Swordsman said, noticing Pasta’s coins. “You and Tori both owe me. Now’s a good time to settle up-”

Pasta grabbed Tori’s arm. “Let’s go eat something,” he said, pulling her away. She didn’t argue. It did involve food, after all.

Mr Swordsman tried to call after them, but Emilia stepped in, placing her hand on his shoulder. “We’ll meet up with them on the hill,” she said. “Let’s get moving ourselves.”

*

Jiji strapped the fireworks to her back and pulled her goggles down, drums pounding in rhythm to her celebration. Maracas in hand, she twirled around, laughing. “Yeah! I did it!”

Her father smiled. It was a treat to the eyes to see her act this way. They stood on a separate hill reserved for VIPs, a perfect vantage point to witness the festival and, of course, the fireworks.

“You really outdid yourself,” Hanna said, patting Jiji on the head.

With a triumphant pose, Jiji placed her hands on her hips and snapped her fingers, signalling for the drummers to stop. “And the best part’s still coming!”

John chuckled, walking to the edge of the railing to gaze down at the festivities below. The festival was alive with singers, dancers, games, and an endless variety of food. He thought back, smiling to himself. Give a child a huge allowance, and they’ll do the craziest things.

“It didn’t take you long to analyze those ores. You must have studied hard,” he said.

Jiji took a slow, deep breath to compose herself, walking over to join him. He leaned down, scooping her up.

“I’m not a kid anymore!” she yelled, squirming in his arms. “You see what I did, right? A kid couldn’t pull this off. I’m a grown-up now!”

Her mother kissed her forehead. “You’ll always be our child, even when you’re old and wrinkly”

John nodded. “Yes, and we’re so proud of you. One day soon, you’ll become a scholar. That’s your dream, isn’t it?”

Jiji’s eyes glowed, golden. A bit teary. “I always thought I’d become a firework maker, like the two of you…”

The mother smiled. “Yeah, if you want to,” she rubbed Jiji’s head. “Just follow your dreams”

Jiji cried out, burying her face in her mother’s chest.

“Hey, Jiji!” Shot called out, his arm wrapped around his girl. Kabal followed, doing the same.

Jiji quickly wiped her eyes and jumped out of her father's arms. “Of course, you all had to show up now of all times, huh?”

“This must be the special spot Shot told us about,” Emilia said, arriving with Mr Swordsman at her side.

Pasta and Tori trailed behind, each holding a steaming skewer of grilled meat.

Jiji hopped up onto a table. Supremacy in height mattered, after all.

“The show’s about to begin, everyone,” Jiji said, her voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. “And before it does, I want to thank every single one of you for your help. This wouldn’t have been possible without all of you!” She spread her arms wide in gratitude. “Now, let’s kick things off!”

All eyes turned to the darkened sky. A single blue light shot upward, soaring toward the heavens before exploding in a brilliant burst of colour. The night erupted into a dance of dazzling fireworks, each new flare giving birth to more vibrant hues.

Then, as if reaching across the city itself, the fireworks formed the realm’s crest in the sky, each symbol lingering for a moment before fading away, leaving the crowd in awe. The applause was deafening, while some stood speechless, mesmerized by the display.

Mr. Swordsman couldn’t help but admire the spectacle.

Shot sidled up to Mr. Swordsman. “Hey, man. You’re heading out for ice fishing tomorrow, right?”

Mr. Swordsman nodded.

“Well, you’ll need a good sniper to keep the day interesting, so count me in,” Shot said with a wink.

“I have no problem with that.”

“Who knew eating and watching fireworks could be this good?” Pasta said, sinking onto the bench beside Tori, another skewer in hand.

Tori glanced at him, setting down her half-finished meal. “Emilia mentioned you’re planning to fight some hunters tomorrow.”

“Yeah, that’s the plan”

Tori fell her eyes on the floor. “Do you hate hunters?”

Pasta paused for a moment before finishing his skewer and grabbing another. “Nah, no personal grudge. Same goes for Emilia,” he said, chewing thoughtfully. “Mr. Swordsman, though... He seems like the type to have a grudge against everything. But I’m sure he doesn’t or I think so at least”

Tori chuckled. “You’re right,” she said, getting up. “I should take my leave”

“Already?”

“It was nice seeing everyone again,” Tori smiled. “I’ll say my goodbyes and start leaving”

Pasta watched her walk off. His food buddy was leaving again. Now who was he going to share this last skewer with? He turned to Mr Swordsman and shook his head. I’ll just eat it, he thought.

Still, it didn’t still feel right.

Pasta raised his head, noticing Emilia tearing up again as she hugged Tori before they parted ways.

As the fireworks continued to light up the sky, Jiji approached Emilia.

“It looks beautiful,” Emilia said, watching the colours dance above.

“Thanks,” Jiji replied, crossing her arms. “We need to talk, Emilia.”

“What’s wrong”

Jiji sighed. “I’ve never told anyone except my parents, but... I have the gift of perception”

Emilia’s eyes widened. “Why are you telling me this?”

“So you’ll believe what I’m about to say,” she said, eyes glowing. “I can take note of every detail, information, feeling, and if I concentrate harder, even thoughts. Nothing gets past these eyes. Because of them, I knew how to handle people from my papa’s teaching.” She met Emilia’s eyes. “Do You remember what happened yesterday?”

“Yes”

“That man you’re following. His life force has a strange feel to it. Watch your back around him,” her eyes returned to normal. “I’m only telling you this because I consider you as a friend who helped us with the dungeons riddles, even when I could have done it”

“You’re wrong about him. Yes, sometimes he can go out of control,” Emilia said, turning away and then facing Jiji again. “But he’s a great and protective man”

This was her answer back when the disciples met and warned her. But she wasn’t able to speak back then, now is different.

“I hope you’re right,” Jiji said.

The night came to an end with the final burst of fireworks, the last spark fading in the sky.

*

They set out early the next morning, heading towards the closest town, the usual spot for ice fishing. Shot had packed his gear while Emilia prepared meals for the group. They’d spent the night at Shot’s place since all the inns had banned them, and an adventurer was likely on the lookout for them. Emilia planned to settle the damages after their trip, an idea Pasta had suggested.

“Why do we have to leave so early?” Pasta yawned, stretching his arms. “I’m starving, too.”

Shot chuckled, wrapping an arm around Pasta’s shoulder. “You’re always hungry, man.”

“That’s just being human.”

“If you say so, man”

Mr Swordsman walked forward, with fishing equipments in hand. It’s been ages since he went fishing. These days he hardly has any fun, so he does deserve it.

After hours of walking, they arrived at a frost-covered forest. Emilia’s gaze was drawn to the crystals hanging from the tree branches, glittering in the light. Where she had grown up, it rarely snowed, so seeing the little things like this was always a wonder for her.

The wind howled, carrying along a faint energy. Mr Swordsman stopped in his steps, hand reaching for his sword.

Suddenly, the air shifted as the wind grew stronger. Mr Swordsman and Pasta drew their swords as quickly as they could. The once subtle energy had grown to something more devastating.

Shot stretched out his gun. “Hunters”

“Emilia,” Mr Swordsman said. “Shouldn’t the ruins be ahead?”

She nodded, “Yes it is”

Pasta walked forward. “They may be adventurers-”

“No,” Shot whispered, frowning. “We’re on hunter’s territory. Keep your guard up, Pasta”

“We should up a formation, just to be safe, “ Emilia said. “Shot, you take the trees and cover us. Mr. Swordsman will lead the frontal assault, and Pasta can support from the sides.”

Pasta glanced over at her. “And what about you?”

“I’ll stay hidden so I won’t be a distraction”

Mr. Swordsman sighed. “No need to complicate things. We’ll take care of this quickly and get back to fishing,” he said, dropping the fishing gear.

Both Emilia and Pasta smiled and nodded in agreement.

Shot still stayed behind. Long-range attacks were his strong point.

They continued forward, emerging from the forest into the ruins, an abandoned site now half-buried in snow.

A shirtless man sat on a rock, a group of individuals behind him, each busy with something inside the ruins. A boy about Pasta’s age stood next to the shirtless man.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Darius whispered. “Weeping Swordsman- “

Mr Swordsman was already face to face with him, sword raised, eyes burning with rage. The energy he felt in the forest was coming from him. If he could take him out, the fight was as good as over.

A loud sound echoed through the ruins as snow swirled violently, energized by their clash, shattering nearby rocks. Ryder stood with his arms crossed, smirking, before entering the ruins without a word.

Bastian walked out of the ruins, laughing as he read a children’s book.

The storm of energy settled.

Mr. Swordsman’s eyes widened. Impossible, he thought, trying to free his sword.

“Hey, hey,” a voice said slowly. A beast of a man. “Keep your toy down, child”

Thorne held Mr Swordsman’s sword, looking down at him. “We’re just here for the girl, bring her to us”