"In my hand is a pistol given to us by the people of Earth. When fired, it launches a bullet that can kill anything alive, from beasts to gods-if you hit the target even slightly. Even a scratch from the bullet would work. But if you miss the target, you instantly die at the spot. It is a curse that is imbued on this pistol by The Great Entropy Manipulators. Now, tell me- if you were facing off against a very strong enemy- one that you're sure you'll lose against with just your power and you had this gun, would you take the chance with this gun?" Master looked at me with eyes that burned with a desire, a desire for a good answer to his question .His face was lit up as if he had hope in me. He would ask this question to every single one of his best students. and when they gave him the answer- he would walk away with a disappointed face.
"I would not take the chance, no. Not unless I'm sure that I can hit it. If the enemy's really fast, I would try to find some other way to defeat it. I won't gamble with my life" I respond as I try to catch my breath. I'm down on my knees, gasping from the combat training I just had with Master—that's when he surprised me with this question.
His eyebrows furrowed and his wrinkles deepened as soon as he heard that answer—he definitely wasn't happy with it. Frowning, he turned around and began walking toward the other end of the training ring. He placed the pistol down and reached for a pouch, chugging water as if the response itself had made his throat go dry.
Without turning back, he spoke.
"I lied to you about the pistol. I hope you figured that out, at least. It's just an ordinary gun."
"I expected more from you, Adel. I'm not mad, just disappointed."
He started to head out, leaving one last remark over his shoulder.
"Anyway, you still have time to figure it out. Come tell me when you have the right answer."
With those words, he left the training room.
I could only stare as he left. What else did he want me to say? I stood up and brushed the dirt off my training suit.
"What did he say?"
Dhalia, my cousin who had joined this special combat training, walked up and asked. She had been observing both me and Master since we arrived an hour ago.
"It was the same question he asked you."
"The pistol one?"
"Yeah."
"Well, he didn't look happy. What did you say?"
"That I wouldn't use the pistol."
"And what did he say to that?"
"He told me to think about the right answer."
"What? Seriously? He told you to think about it?" She frowned. "He told the rest of us to just give up thinking about it."
"Guess it's probably because you're his son" she scoffed, walking away.
I felt hurt. She was jealous—I knew it—but I wasn't offended. I respect Dhalia. She's strong and she works hard. She says she wants to reach the highest levels of combat and master Entropy Manipulation just so she can work as a bodyguard for the King.
My dad.
As I'm about to leave, someone pats me on my back—a friendly, firm pat.
"Yo, Adel. Are you going back to the castle? If not, we can go out and grab some lunch." It was a deep, pleasant voice, one that could easily persuade anyone. He comes to my side and gives me a wide smile.
"So, what do you say?" he asks, that wide smile still on his face.
"I was planning to head to—"
He grabbed my arm and dragged me out.
"Hey—what are you doing—"
"It doesn't hurt to have fun sometimes, Adel," he says over his shoulder as we run out of the training building and climb into the carriage.
"Take us to the town and find us the best place to have lunch," he tells the young man driving the coach.
"My dad doesn't like it when I eat from outside—he only wants me to have royal food. If he finds out, he won't be happy. And you know him, right? He won't punish me, but he'll go after the ones who served us. He might even punish you," I say to him frantically.
"Just tell him you were with me."
I froze. How could I be so stupid? That's right. I'm with him. Him. My childhood friend, the only one who has stayed by my side. But his friendship isn't the only reason Dad agrees to whatever Miro does.
Soon, we reach the town and make ourselves comfortable in a tavern. He lets me order, insisting it's on him. Even though I'm rich, he's still determined to pay.
"Miro, this is really good," I say, helping myself to the crab soup.
"I know, right! I knew you would like it."
"I was getting fed up with the royal food back home... there was always something off about it. The perfection the chefs wanted so badly just ruined it."
"Yeah, I figured you'd like the change. I usually don't eat in town, though. I cook for myself."
"You can cook?!"
"Of course I can. Mom taught me while she was still healthy. Now it's just me cooking for her while she's bedridden." His eyes sparked with sadness and his voice dropped. He was silent for a while before I broke the quiet.
"Miro, have you talked with my dad about helping your mother out? The royal healers could save her."
"He said he would," Miro replied, "but only if I complete what he has tasked me with."
"What? What has he tasked you with?"
"To defeat the Decay Mutation in the east and obtain the compass which points to The World Beyond."
"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE—" I stood up with such force my chair nearly toppled. "YOU SHOULD FORGET ABOUT IT! I'LL TALK TO DAD. I'LL GET HIM TO HELP YOU WITHOUT THIS—"
I paused as realization hit me. My voice dropped to a shivery whisper. "Why would Dad bestow such a burden upon you? A task that will cost you your life..."
"You don't need to worry, Adel. If there's no other way, I'm happy with this."
"Miro, no. I won't let you risk your life."
"Risk my life? Do you think I have a life left to risk?" I looked at him, my mouth gaping in shock. "My mom is the only part of me that remains. If I can't help her, then I can't help myself, Adel."
He stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I will win. Don't worry, Adel. Next week, I'll be back here with both the compass and the corpse of the Decay Mutation Devil. I'm the strongest warrior in Vibran, after all."
I didn't see him after that. Not until a week had passed.
He returned with the compass. And he brought the corpse of the Decay Mutation Devil with him.