Our battle has come to an end.
Rutfush vanished beneath the rubble of the mountain that had been split in two. The mountain, once a refuge for the Negrida from monstrous threats, now lay unrecognizable. The forest behind it was stripped bare, ravaged by the slash of the Blerit Sword, now having ascended to its second phase.
I gazed at Kwanita and the others who were hiding in the woods. They stared at me, a mixture of awe and fear in their eyes. Witnessing a single human capable of shattering a mountain in one strike sent their instincts screaming in terror. Even Kwanita regarded me with the same expression. My body still radiated a golden white aura, as if a god had descended from the heavens. The thick clouds behind me lent an epic atmosphere, rendering everyone speechless.
Slowly, I floated closer. To my surprise, one by one, they began to kneel on the ground, bowing their heads in reverence. They worshiped me as if I were a mighty deity. Only Kwanita remained seated, her mouth agape atop the Vimana. This was beyond my expectations; I hadn't anticipated such worship.
I spoke, "Lift your heads, O people of Negrida. You are now free from the tyranny of the villain who turned your kin into monsters. You may return home and celebrate the reunion you have long yearned for."
Dumba raised his head and said, "Rhinggamana, the divine envoy. We never knew you were the hero who defied the gods five hundred years ago. We apologize for our earlier disrespect. Thank you for your service in rescuing us. We shall never forget your deeds. Forever, we will tell your tale from generation to generation. Is there any reward we may offer to express our gratitude, O mighty one?"
I shook my head. "I do this because I can. It never crossed my mind to seek a reward for my actions. I hope you can live freely in peace from now on. If one day someone needs help, lend them help, just as I have helped you."
Dumba nodded and turned to the crowd, shouting, "Everyone! Today, we have witnessed and experienced a miracle with our own eyes. As we leave this place, let us come together to make a statue in honor of the heroic deeds of Rhinggamana!"
Cheers erupted in agreement with his plan. Kwanita floated toward me above a lotus flower, beaming with a smile. She was awestruck by my transformed form, her hand reflexively reaching out to touch my new armor.
"You look so bright," she said.
"This is Gabriel's armor of absolution, the archangel. Were it not for his help, I would never have defeated Rutfush."
"I was so worried watching you fight alone. I didn't expect you to conquer him by yourself."
I held her small hand, smiling. "That was due to all of you. Without the hope and trust you gave me, it would have been impossible for the Blerit Sword to pierce through the strength to ascend to the next phase and defeat Rutfush. In other words, this victory is the effort of everyone."
Kwanita embraced me tightly. I could clearly feel her affection. She had truly been worried watching me struggle against such a powerful monster like Rutfush. I gazed at the faces of the people, brimming with happiness behind her hair. Only smiles remained, laughter, and tears after enduring extraordinary suffering for decades. They were finally free to see the sun again without the fear of being hunted by monsters.
As I stroked Kwanita's head, I said, "Perhaps I should prevent them from making a statue in my honor."
Kwanita shot me an annoyed look. "Please read the room. You'll ruin their happiness by saying that."
"I know. But, whatever. Let them do as they wish now."
I approached Dumba and Eric, who were shouting with glee. I should have waited until they were done expressing their gratitude, but my task here was complete. Kwanita and I had to continue our journey to the west. There were still other duties I needed to fulfill.
Everyone fell silent when I said goodbye. It might have sounded heartless, but I truly needed to leave and continue my journey. I explained all the reasons and where Kwanita and I would head next.
Eric then spoke, "You're looking for Adam, the first human, right? I have no information about him. But if you're headed west, you'll reach the Kingdom of Adlan in seven hundred kilometers. It's the land of renowned champions famous for their martial arts. The place is a bit unique; they're not involved in any conflict at the moment, but everyone there believes strength is everything. Only the strong are accepted in that city. Strength equals truth. But given your power, Rhinggamana, I don't think you'll have trouble visiting."
"Thank you for your explanation, Eric. You've been very helpful. Well then, we must take our leave now. May you all live in peace from now on. Until we meet again."
I mounted the Vimana with Kwanita and flew away from the land of Dimbessa. Everyone resumed their prostration, honoring me as we departed. I pretended not to see it.
Using this flying lotus, we soared over the expanse of the forest. My body had returned to normal, with white hair and a severed hand. Minutes later, we hovered above the rushing river that roared in the morning light. The Vimana could travel swiftly to various places in an instant. This way, I could conserve energy while exploring all the destinations ahead. Especially after fighting so fiercely, I truly had no strength left to fly.
Meanwhile, Kwanita busied herself admiring the scenery below. Her eyes were fixated on the long river cutting through the woods. Several fish leaped from the surface, splashing cold water onto her sweet face. She was startled to find her face wet with the morning chill. I simply smiled at her antics.
About an hour later, we reached the edge of the forest leading to a magnificent city. I jumped down from the Vimana to take a closer look at this extraordinary city. Skyscrapers with stunningly modern architectural designs rose everywhere. Various holograms floated in the sky announcing martial arts competitions. I didn't know who the two fighters they were showcasing were, but they appeared to be seasoned combatants.
As I gazed around the city, I unknowingly bumped into a group of people neatly lined up around a square. I expected the man to be angry, but instead, he shot confetti and welcomed us exuberantly. The others did the same. Numerous small pops echoed in the air to greet our arrival.
What's going on here?
Suddenly, someone from inside the crowd shook my hand, saying, "Welcome to our city! After years without visitors, we are delighted to receive you. My name is Zoga; welcome to the kingdom of Adlan."
Zoga crossed his right arm over his chest and extended his left arm at his side, nodding. Everyone simultaneously mirrored his movements like trained soldiers.
Kwanita and I exchanged puzzled smiles. Honestly, I was still trying to process what was happening. Everyone in this city had pale skin, many with blonde hair and blue eyes. Zoga led us deeper into the crowd. At the end of the road, I saw a grand stage adorned vibrantly. It seemed the people of Adlan were anticipating an event.
Kwanita and I received special seats at the front next to Zoga. Cheers and shouts had not yet subsided. One by one, the townsfolk began to take their seats around the stage. Once everyone was settled, Zoga leaped onto the stage.
"What a graceful movement," I commented from behind the audience.
Zoga then spoke loudly, "People of Adlan! Today we give thanks for the visit from an outsider after years of no guests. Let us welcome our two visitors together!"
Everyone erupted into joyous applause. I felt utterly confused about how to react. Kwanita was equally bewildered, her smile forced.
Zoga continued, "Today is also the day of choosing the leader of Adlan. We all know that the leader must be the strongest among us, the wisest, the most knowledgeable. A true Adlan can overcome all challenges with their strength. Today marks my final leadership of this nation. But we must choose a leader from those who are truly worthy. Do not choose recklessly. For this, I have selected several candidates with potential. Step into the arena, my champions!"
Cheers erupted once more. Several figures began to leap onto the stage with remarkable agility. Not one jumped poorly; they all performed with style. I noticed many of them wielding traditional weapons—machetes, whips, spears, swords, knives, and so on—starkly contrasting the grandeur of the city's architecture. Only one man appeared without a weapon. As he jumped onto the stage, the crowd jeered at him like a loser.
Zoga addressed the man, "Heiman, where is your weapon?"
The man simply replied with a mocking smile, "I don't need one."
Zoga chose not to engage further. Ignoring the man, the leader announced the rules to the candidates who would replace him. "Everyone pay attention; the rules are the same as we've agreed upon for generations. There's only one restriction: no technological weapons are allowed. All must use traditional weapons. No firearms, no laser pistols. Use only the strength and weapons determined. There are no other rules. Well, actually, there's one; I want a clean match without foul play. Cheating comes from the weak who are unprepared. Cheating is not forbidden, but it is a disgraceful act. A victory won by cheating is still counted, but it remains a disgraceful victory."
I observed the six candidates on stage, each exuding a high level of confidence. At a glance, I could tell they all possessed commendable combat skills.
Zoga then said, "First and second candidates, according to the draw, step forward! I will be the referee of your match."
A tall, slender man armed with a spear leaped onto the stage. On the opposite side stood a shorter opponent wielding a machete. The other contestants, whose names had not yet been called, descended from the stage to the provided seats on the right.
The two contestants stepped forward, bowing to each other, then to Zoga, before the fight commenced.
Just as the match was about to begin, Heiman leaped onto the stage, shouting loudly, "To save time, how about all the contestants face me at once?"
Silence fell throughout the crowd.
No one could believe what Heiman had just said. I too, was taken aback, trying to grasp the intentions of this man. Was he mad? Or overly confident to take them all on by himself? Undoubtedly, my curiosity grew about how this match would unfold.
Zoga asked, "Are you serious about facing them all alone?"
"I'm confident I can defeat them all," Heiman replied arrogantly.
Zoga continued, "Well, let's say you can defeat them all. Are you sure you can face me afterward?"
"Your highness, you can count the time. I will finish this in no more than ten seconds."
Zoga then asked the other contestants, "Do you all agree with this approach?"
One of them responded, "A boastful human like this needs to be taught a lesson. We all agree!"
Heiman laughed heartily.
Zoga stepped down from the stage, allowing all the contestants to surround Heiman alone. As they all mounted the stage, they looked annoyed, closing in on the man. Heiman quickly brought his palms together in front of his abdomen, a resonant hum suddenly echoing from him. He controlled his breath skillfully while observing those encircling him.
He then declared, "Ready your weapons! Prepare your vigilance! Prepare your endurance! Prepare your inner strength! Because I will defeat you all in one strike."
Hearing his provocation, everyone ignited with rage. They leaped, unleashing their weapons from above Heiman's head with deadly intent. They all seemed to exert their energy to the very limits.
Heiman then shouted, "Accept my Broja spell!"
A burst of light exploded from Heiman's body, incinerating everyone around him in an instant. The screams of agony echoed throughout the city before everyone vanished. Zoga stood frozen, watching from a distance. I felt he wouldn't withstand that attack if struck directly. It certainly seemed a deadly technique, yet I sensed something odd about the man's waist. But I kept my mouth shut, wanting to see just how far Heiman would go with this plan.
After defeating his opponents in an instant, Heiman laughed uproariously. He pointed at Zoga from the stage, saying, "Your highness Zoga, it's now your turn. It's an honor to challenge the leader of the nation directly."
Zoga, bewildered and unsure, was reluctantly forced to ascend the stage to face his fate. He had lost all confidence in defeating Heiman after witnessing that deadly move moments ago. His face turned pale, and his legs trembled.
I still hadn't intervened. This was not the time for me to involve myself in the affairs of this nation.