Down System

Chapter 30

After eating, we were supposed to leave, but the Samaran woman asked us to tour first in their tribal community. Concerning their culture, I and Keanu willingly accepted her offer. Besides, it would be fun wandering around this place.

While walking, I had noticed some sculptures of Gandor everywhere. Out of confusion, I asked the woman who made them, and I found it was the Samaran men. Like the people living down the mountain, this tribe had also a strong belief in that red dragon.

Aside from that, there were also images of the four animals there— the lion, the bear, the panther, and the eagle. These creatures didn't just serve as symbolisms, but also as messengers of Gandor. Without them, someone's prayer and concerns couldn't be delivered to the highest.

"Does anyone here an unbeliever of the red dragon?" I asked the woman as she was steering us to the big rock, one of their great symbolism.

"No one," the Samaran answered. "Every one of us is required to hold that belief. If someone throws it away like trash, he would receive death as a penalty."

"But, is killing not against to the god?"

The woman shook her head. "If killing has a purpose, then it will not be considered as a sin."

I swallowed my saliva as I turned my gaze to Keanu. "What about in the lower part of Marrior?" I whispered to him. "Should unbelievers be killed?"

"No. We are different from them. We have democracy unlike them. If it's your belief, then go for it. No one cares."

I released a deep breath, hearing that good thing from him. I didn't want to be killed if ever someone heard of my stand about religious stuff; my purpose wasn't done yet. Nonetheless, I also didn't want to change my view just because everyone was into it. I would not make Gandor my god.

Since I was living my first life, I didn't treat that red dragon as my superior. I didn't know him, in the first place. I just praised that One who could not be seen by the eyes but could be felt by the heart.

I had kudos for the people, but I couldn't bear to respect their beliefs. I knew it was wrong, so what would be the reason to be glad about it? Gandor was making the people blind about the truth; he didn't deserve any glorification. If people only knew who that dragon was, they would stop worshiping him, and that was for sure. And if only it was easy, I would open up to the public the sealed fact.

After minutes of heading to the big rock, we finally arrived there. It was literally a boulder. It was far bigger than a human. It leveled the trees, making me widen my eyes.

The Samaran woman walked towards the knag and touched it. "This big rock symbolizes the power of this tribe that holds," she said. "It was said that this fall from heaven, and it lived before us, humans."

"You mean, this community is mighty because you treat that bowlder as a blessing from above?" I asked.

"Almost like that," the woman replied. "Only the Samaran society has this rock, and for your information, it's the biggest. According to the story, the red dragon, Gandor, gave us to always remember how he protects and guides his people. We can prove that.

"Long years ago, wars had started to emerge, and many localities were brought down; they ended up being defeated, but the people living here weren't affected. Petards were thrown in the sky, and one of them had fallen in this land, but nothing was ruined because this rock had protected us by catching the bomb.

"As you can see, there are these black scratches from its surface that prove that it happened really. After that, no explosion had occurred here again."

My jaw dropped after hearing the backstory of this big rock. I could not refuse to say that this one was fascinating, both by its features and the title that it gave the Samaran people.

But, what if there happened a soil eruption? I could not halt myself from questioning the woman about this. Finally, I had learned that the tribe believed that this rock was holding the soil, preventing such a disaster from happening. However, what could Science say about this thing? Probably it wouldn't take their stand. No matter what would happen, natural disasters would still emerge, especially that this big rock was big but wasn't large enough to cover the whole mountain from experiencing soil eruption.

When we had enough viewing the rock, the Samaran woman invited us to take a look at the surrounding from above and beneath. She steered us to the corner where there was like a balcony, wherein you could stay to gaze at the beautiful view with rest assurance of your safety.

I held the wooden grill while gaping at the astounding landscape. All I could see were blue and green. The trees and oceans that filled the entire land were indeed pleasing. Everything that was above and below the mountain could be witnessed by my glimmering eyes. I could not even blink at this exquisite beauty of Hades!

What I was viewing was different from the Hades I had first known. Existing in the administration of King Ferno was just a color of darkness. I couldn't even have a peek of a small light. If only I had first lived in this time, I had spent a worthwhile life, for sure.

Because of great enjoyment, I didn't know the time was passing. The sun was already melting from the night sky. I pouted as I looked at Keanu who was already in a worried face.

"Why didn't you inform me of the time?" I asked, brushing my forehead. "I'm sorry, I think it's dangerous to leave at this hour. How can you forgive me?"

"Dramatic!" Keanu slightly slapped my arm and giggled. "It's all fine. We have no choice but to stay here. No worries, I'll just inform my parents tomorrow about this. Just please show up to them, so I could give some proof I wasn't rebelling."

"If you want, you can stay in my house," the Samaran woman said. "I am just alone there. I'd be glad of staying with you, even for just a night."

I smiled at her and showed my gratitude. Since I was still satisfying myself with the wonderful panorama, I told them to remain there with me. I hadn't known it was more majestic together with the darkling sky.

After I yawned, I had decided to go back to the woman's house. Besides, I was worried them they might be feeling sleepy, too.

I was in the same room with Keanu because the house had only two squares— one for the owner and another one for the guest. Before I could close my eyes, he called my name and asked me something.

"After going home, I want you to always remember me," he said. "If only we could be together every day."

"Why not? If you like, I will always visit you in your house, just to make sure as well that those men won't touch you again."

Keanu smiled. "I've already learned my lesson, Aleera. The next time they will bully me, I will defend myself. You know, you've taught me to be strong."

"Great! But I just want you to know that it's yourself who has taught you a lot. I will always be proud of you, Keanu."

This boy was already close to my heart, even it was just hours of first meeting him. He was like a family to me, and I couldn't bear to lose him.

After some time, Keanu had already taken his sleep; meanwhile, I just lost mine. I was bothered thinking of Namika; she might be already looking for me. My eyes were still open when the Samaran woman knocked. I gave her pleasantries after opening the door.

"I wasn't mistaken, you're still awake," she said. "Can I talk to you?"

"Why?" I puckered my brow.

"Just come with me," she said as she held my hands. "How old are you, by the way?" she asked when we finally arrived outside.

"Twelve," I answered.

"I see. At that young age, you think matured. What makes you doubt Gandor?" From the night sky, she moved her gaze at me. "I noticed you while I was telling stories a while ago. Your view of the red dragon was different. I wonder why."

"Will you report me if I said the truth?"

The woman shook her head. "I don't have the right to do so. You are not part of our tribe, after all."

"And would you believe me for telling that Gandor is not a god, but a demon that will curse the future?"

"What are you saying?" the Samaran asked, creasing her brow.

"I knew it, you won't believe me." I forced a smile and stood. "Whatever I had said, just forget it. May I go to sleep now?"

After she nodded, I went back to the room and tried finding my rest again, but I just could not since I was also bothered by the Samaran's inquiry. If I could not make one person believe that Gandor is not a god, how would I convince a larger population?

Namika was right. It would not be easy to just announce to the public the real identity of the red dragon. As long as there was no physical proof, no one would trust me.

When the sun came up again, I woke Keanu up. But before going home, the Samaran woman invited us first for a coffee hour. When done, I escorted my friend to his home; fortunately, his parents were kind and considerate.

I was walking alone already going to Namika's house, but I stopped when the big bubble from the sky had caught my eyes.

As soon as the old woman noticed me, she went down. She got mad at me for not showing up to her for almost a day. She was like a mother scolding me for not going home and bringing the Hufana leaves to her in a given time.

I asked pardon after riding in her flying bubble. I also told her the story of why it had taken me so much time in the Samaran community; however, it didn't give her a hint to stop rebuking me.

"Because of what you did, we're now too late for the potion-making," Namika said. "Ferno is now returning, and you will no longer witness his resurrection."

"Sorry, I didn't know it," I mouthed, bowing my head. "I just helped Keanu from being bullied. I couldn't bear to just let him suffer from those men."

"I understand your will, but you should've gone home after picking up the Hufana leaves."

"No, I can't," I said. "Keanu told me that it's a disrespectful behavior to the Samaran people for refusing their offers. But I admit it, I enjoyed it there, and that's why I chose to stay."

"Alright, you've said it yourself."

"Can't we really make it today?" I pouted. "There might still be a time."

"We're not gonna change the fact that Ferno's resurrection is happening now," Namika said, sharply looking at me. "But, okay, we're gonna still pursue this potion. However, it's intended for your next task."

"What task?"

"I don't want this to happen again, young girl," she mouthed as we went down. "About the task, you'll know it tomorrow."