The Weeping Swordsman

Mr Swordsman admired the view outside as the carriage approached Pyrovile. Tori, being an S-Class adventurer, was something he could not believe right off the bat, and he found no reason to test her. She must have her reasons for lying, he thought.

Emilia smiled, crossing her arms and leaning back. Tori told her the day they met. It was a secret between them, but now the crew knew. Well, except Pasta, who’s still asleep.

“So you’re an S-class adventurer?” Hudson asked. “That’s so cool”

“Right?” She sprung to her feet, hands on her waist, “S-Classes have a ton of benefits. We can go to any nation without a pass and eat free food at the guild. Oh, and we also have access to dungeons and lairs from the old times with lots more.”

Hudson and Emilia were filled with admiration, and Tori was eating it up faster than a pope eating offerings on a day of fast.

“So.” The Swordsman said, “Why are you hanging out with the old man”

She chuckled, “He’s my grandpappy after all”

“Grandpappy,” Mr. Swordsman asked, furrowing his brow.

He laughed outside the carriage, “Yeah, I’m her grandpappy, hoo-ha”

“You came to pay a visit?” Hudson questioned.

“No.” She said, “But something like that.”

“We’re listening,” Mr. Swordsman said, turning his gaze toward her.

Tori bowed her head slightly and smiled.

“My crew and I arrived here a few days ago. The guild assigned us a mission for reasons I can’t disclose at this moment.” She said, “We split into groups, and selfishly, I decided to go alone. I also wanted to pass by the same route my grandpappy lived, as I hadn’t seen him since I was little. A few days later, The Weeping Swordsman and his allies attacked them. They escaped with serious injuries, but luckily there was no loss.” She turned to Mr. Swordsman, who resumed enjoying the view outside the window.

Hudson wiped his tears with his one good arm and said, “I understand how you feel.”

“You’ve been through a lot,” Emilia added, wiping away her tears.

Mr. Swordsman sighed. “You all should keep it down. Besides, it was her fault for leaving them alone. If she was strong enough to roam around by herself, she should have stayed with them.”

“Why must you be like that?” Emilia glared at him.

“No one died, so it’s all good. You idiot,” Tori said.

“Hey!! Watch your tone, you grandpappy girl”

“Grandpappy!” Andy screamed.

“Huh? You’re an insensitive idiot. I bet you’re single too,” Tori retorted.

“Wait what?”

“Tell him, Tori,” Pasta said, snoring.

“A human should bear a heart of grace, not of the infernal,” Hudson said proudly, nodding to himself for the powerful statement, while Emilia quietly applauded him.

Tori took her seat and said, “Well, anyway, my grandpappy is off to deliver some materials, so I’ll stop by on the way and go alone.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a great plan,” Emilia agreed.

“Pasta is still asleep, right?” Hudson said, glaring at the snoring Pasta.

“Hungry, hot, and hungry.”

*

The town of Pyrovile appeared immense from the outside, enclosed by towering walls. Guards with gleaming armor stood watch atop the walls, armed with spears and bows. At the enormous gate, soldiers meticulously inspected every carriage for illegal materials and unauthorized individuals.

“Is it just me, or is it getting hotter?” Tori asked, fanning herself with her palm.

Hudson laughed nervously, “Pyrovile can be pretty hot sometimes”

“Quite a situation we have ahead of us,” Mr. Swordsman said, glaring at the armed soldiers at the Gates.

“How are we going to get through?” Hudson asked.

“The town will be difficult to transverse since they must be searching for Hudson,” Emilia said.

“Hmm, I have an idea.” Mr Swordsman grabbed drowsing Pasta and jumped out of the carriage in a flash.

“What the!” Pasta screamed.

“Oh, you’re awake,” Mr Swordsman said, “I’ll explain on the way”

The carriage approached the gates, and Hudson clenched himself, trying to feel as little as possible, ignoring the discomfort caused by his cast.

“Hello there,” Andy said with a cheerful smile.

“Old man. You don’t mind if we checked your carriage, would you?”

“Not at all”

“Hurry Up. We still need to go for that drink, man. I’m thirsty as hell,” another guard said, seeking shade under a nearby tree.

“Yeah, yeah, I heard you,” his comrade replied.

He inspected the bags of mineral resources stored at the back of the carriage.

“Quite a pleasant ride, old man. Not every day you see one with a special section like this.”

“Thank you very much,” Andy said. “I got it from the fifth. A good trade it was indeed.” He let out a belly laugh.

The guard skillfully twirled his spear around his wrist and approached the carriage windows. He noticed two girls inside: one dressed in a fine suit of armor, carrying a small handbag, and the other a foreigner wearing shorts and a tight top that revealed more than it should. On the other side of the carriage, he spotted a familiar figure attempting to hide his face.

“Hey you there, come out”

“No” Hudson mumbled.

“Can’t you hear me?” he asked, “Come out this very moment”

Emilia and Tori forced a fake smile. Emilia looked more like she needed to head to the lavatory. More guards started to gather. The guard nearest to the carriage brandished his spear,

“Open the doors now”

Emilia had no choice; there were too many guards, and starting a fight now would jeopardize their chances of finding the hidden stone. Reluctantly, she opened the door.

“Mighty Pasta!” Pasta jumped from the bushes, kicking off the guard, knocking him unconscious.

“Give me all your goods now,” he said, looking at Emilia.

“What?” Emilia, Tori, and Hudson said in unison. In contrast, Andy hummed a song, swinging his head to the rhythm.

“Bandits at the gate? What are they, foolish?” one of the guards said.

“Attack him”

Arrows flew towards Pasta, he drew out his sword and took a stance, prepared to defend himself. Suddenly, Mr. Swordsman emerged from the trees with remarkable precision and style, effortlessly cutting down all the arrows as his cloak danced in the wind. He landed above the walls. There were more guards there, not too much for him to handle but he lacked the time to dispose of every single of of them.

“Aura burst,” he said in a low voice.

The chaos erupted as some guards were knocked out while others scrambled to call for reinforcements.

“We don’t have much time,” Mr. Swordsman declared, eyeing the lever that would unlock the gates. As he made a move towards it, an arrow, ablaze with fire, aimed at him.

“Hold it right there,” a voice commanded. Mr. Swordsman chuckled, “What a cute flame.”

“Don’t say a word,” the guard said, “Now drop your weapon”

Ignoring all the warnings given to him, Mr. Swordsman boldly walked towards the guard. The arrow was near his face.

“You, you hooligan. Die!”

Before the arrow left the bow, the flames intensified, reducing his assailant to ash.

This is troublesome. I wasn’t planning to end a life; he mused as he pulled the lever, opening the gates.

“Tori, did you see that? I knocked out that guy with a single hit,” Pasta said, “Nothing is impossible for the mighty Pasta”

Tory sighed, “Don’t praise yourself for something such a mundane feat,” she turned to Mr. Swordsman. “He knocked out over twenty without much effort”

Andy was still humming his song as he passed through the carriage. Hudson gave Mr. Swordsman a stare and continued following the carriage.

Upon passing through the grand gates, intricate structures and statues came into view. Elegant lampposts lined the path on either side. The lush greenery all around created a calming ambience. Entering the heart of the town might have posed a challenge, but the presence of several carriages made it easier to blend in. Hudson suggested leaving their carriage with his acquaintance, Cumbleton, who was known for discreetly concealing carriages. He also has some history with Tony.

The town of flames: Pyrovile. The hot environment was the first to welcome its new occupants. Granite made up the floor of the town, and statues, most of which held torches while others held weapons, were found all over. The residents wore revealing scandalous clothes, especially the women. You could hear the banging of hammers and grunts of both young and old men. The town was always in construction, so it was a norm. The smell of well-seasoned meat also welcomed them. It came from every corner, tinkling their noses as they could no longer take it.

“Meat!” Tori and Pasta both said. The smell of fresh and well-cooked meat racked their brains more than any drug could. Their imaginations ran wild on what sort of delicacy could smell so good to the extent they would give their souls for just a plate of its juicy, meaty goodness.

“We should head to the Cumbleton’s place first, right?” Andy said, “Then we can go have meat”

Mr. Swordsman’s eyes surveyed the area, his aura covering as much ground as he could. No one was watching, and the carriage blended perfectly among the others.

“We should split up,” Tori said, her mouth watery. “Hudson and Pasta will accompany Grandpappy to the Cumbleton, and the rest of us can go have breakfast.”

“Huh? I want meat too,” Pasta said, sticking out his tongue.

“And why would I let you join me? You trash”

Mr. Swordsman sighed, “Pasta, Emilia, and Hudson will accompany me. You both can leave”

“Leave?”

“Yes, you’re no longer needed”

“Here you go again, you heartless monster,” Tori said.

Emilia eyed him. “Why are you like this?”

“There’s no reason for them to accompany us. We are glad for the ride and all, but this is where we part ways”

No way am I missing out on this. Besides, you got us into trouble with your little stunt back there. Now we’re fugitives.”

“Little stunt? I did what had to be done, and what do you mean by yourself being a fugitive?” Mr Swordsman said. “Last time I checked, it was Pasta, and I who attacked the guards while you sat comfortably in the carriage”

“So? You’re still obliged to look after us”

“I have no time for this. Hudson, Emilia, Pasta let’s leave”

“No, it’s not right,” Emilia said.

Pasta came closer to Mr. Swordsman. “We can’t just leave them.” Hudson nodded in agreement.

“You all do know she’s an S-class, right?” he said, his face calm.

Mr. Swordsman realized that they were determined and wouldn’t change their minds. He glanced out the window at the volcano, which seemed closer than before, and let out a sigh.

“Okay, then. We won’t split up,” he conceded. “We’ll all go meet Cumbleton, and afterwards, we can grab something to eat.”

After much persuasion, Tori and Pasta finally agreed to the plan. They made their way to Cumbleton’s warehouse, situated on the eastern edge of town, nestled unobtrusively in the neighbourhood. The warehouse contained carriages and horses in separate sectors, with several individuals tending to them. Cumbleton, a portly, bald man adorned with a glistening gold chain, held a chart while a young man stood next to him, showing his concerns about it. Cumbleton nodded and looked across to the entrance. His eyes met that of Hudson.

“No, it can’t be,” he exclaimed, dropping the chart and rushing towards Hudson. He wrapped his arms around him in a comforting hug. “I thought you were killed, master.”

“My arm, Cumbleton, you’re hurting it”

“Apologies, apologies. I heard what happened at the manor. Are you alright?”

“I’m breathing, at least,” he said with a playful grin.

Cumbleton noticed the others and gave them a bow. “You have my thanks for taking care of Master Hudson,” he turned back to Hudson, “Our friends at the manor. Are they aware of your arrival?”

“They do not know, so we should maintain secrecy about my arrival at the moment.”

“Noted, Master Hudson”

Mr. Swordsman walked forward, shoving the drooling Pasta and Tori to the side. Pasta

“You really do trust Hudson, even after what happened,” Mr Swordsman said.

“But of course, Master would never have done that”

“Thank you, Cumbleton. At the moment, I would love it if you look after my friend's carriage, keeping it in the dark”

“I see. I’ll take care of the carriage. No one is getting past me,” he said, showing his muscles.

“I appreciate it”

Cumbleton called his assistant to keep the carriage in one of the free slots. Emilia noticed it’s been way too quiet lately.

“Where’s Pasta?” she asked.

Hudson laughed, “He was here, a minute ago”

Tori returned to her senses. Pasta was no longer at her side. He has disappeared, leaving behind a puddle of his drool.

Pasta could hide his aura to flee from the scene without anyone noticing, Mr. Swordsman thought. His growth was apparent, but his reason was unacceptable. His ability not to grasp what took precedence over the other could eventually land him in trouble.

*

Tony enjoyed his cigarette as he watched a drama performed by entertainers he had hired. The drama depicted a false history of a riot in the ninth realm. In reality, there was no riot, but a secret plan by the chiefs to take control of the realm, while some residents supported it. However, their plans were discovered, and a slaughter was ordered. They presented the chiefs and their families as gifts to a foreign empire known for their extravagant and outrageous lifestyle. The soldiers disguised themselves as citizens and attacked, making it appear like a riot, killing all the residents and their relatives who supported the chiefs. Only the king and a few others knew the truth. Tony watched the play with a bright smile.

“Lord Tony,” a guard said, bowing.

“Yes, what seems to be the problem?” he asked, clenching his fists to signal the entertainers to halt the play. The other guests turned to other activities, waiting for Tony to resume.

“There was an attack at the gate, this morning my lord”

“Bandits?”

“Yes”

Tony stroked his beard. “Hmm, send in the mercenaries to search the town.”

“I will do just that, my lord.” The guard bowed and left. He continued watching the play, laughing at the death scenes. The crowd wondered why he found it so amusing.

*

“I have no idea where I am,” Pasta said, turning his head in every direction. He found himself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a massive crowd of people and carriages. “Pyrovile sure is cramped,” he muttered, moving against the flow of the crowd.

“I’m sorry, excuse me, sorry, let me through, I’m sorry—let me through!” He hurriedly manoeuvred through the crowd, following wherever the wind took him.

The enticing aroma of meat filled his nostrils, but he couldn’t pinpoint its source. His senses led him to a nearby market, where he knew he would find what he desired. Raw, boiled, fried, roasted meat—his mouth watered at the thought. He sprinted towards the market, passing by various stalls. The strong scents of spices and charred charcoal made him slightly queasy, but the promise of meat made it all worthwhile. He scanned the stalls, searching for his treasure, until he finally caught a whiff of something tempting. The steam of freshly cooked meat wafted through the air, teasing his senses. He could already imagine a bowl of rice topped with a succulent steak, smothered in a flavorful sauce, accompanied by a refreshing sake to wash it all down. The anticipation made him salivate uncontrollably, his body craving the delicacy.

With his tongue practically hanging out, he dashed through the market as fast as his legs would carry him. He no longer cared about concealing his aura; all that mattered was breakfast. He ran, his tongue flapping in the wind, until his face collided with a towering figure, sending him sprawling to the ground.

“Hey, you’re in my way,” he exclaimed, glancing up at the imposing man.

The man was even taller than Mr Swordsman, wearing a simple breastplate over his short-sleeved attire, with a massive sword strapped to his side. His aura surpassed Pasta’s, and his piercing stare sent shivers down Pasta’s spine.

“Watch where you’re going. Boy!” the man reprimanded.

Before Pasta could respond, a girl wearing a maid’s outfit approached them.

“Come on now, little Bobby, don’t be so hard on him,” she said.

“Mary, he was the one who bumped into me, so I’m not at fault here”

She passed the basket of groceries to Little Bobby and gave Willy a hand. “I apologize for the trouble. Are you alright?”