The Abysmal Territory

[9]

Everyone nodded in agreement to what Dalton had said.

“Sensei, can you tell us about that Abysmal Territory you’re talking about?” Ben asked.

“Sorry, Ben. I couldn’t fill in any information about that place. Only what I previously discussed is all I know. And it's also good that you don’t know anything outside so you wouldn’t try to go there, this sanctuary is already big enough for us to explore, let’s just settle here,” Dalton said.

Hmm, since Dad didn’t do anything about that Abysmal Territory, does that mean that he can’t defeat the beings that are ruling there? Teiko thought to himself.

Anyway, this is just for today, for the next session we’ll try to learn how to use a bow. Go back to your respective tents,” Dalton said.

Everyone got down as they heard about bows. They only wanted to learn swordsmanship since their saviour used swords. They proceed to go back to their tents.

Before Teiko sleeps, he remembered that Saki would add information about being a hero from Saki.

“Anyway, what about that thing you’re saying about a hero? Did I amazed you about my answer to Dalton-sensei?” Teiko asked.

“Well, you do know what is up. But I could say that even having a heart like that wouldn’t mean that you survive in all of the battles you’ll fight and be victorious. I know you are aware of that though. You should be,” Saki said.

“Yes, if a hero could always survive, then I should still be with my dad. But I do think that he thinks that they were victorious when they sacrificed themselves,” Teiko said.

“Correct, though fighting physically is not only the way of a hero,” Saki said.

“What do you mean?” Teiko asked.

“I lived about a thousand of years already so I know many heroes in this world, though I didn’t know much about your Dad since I just strolled on the outskirts of this world, Gekozen,” Saki said.

“Why are you just estimating your age? I know you know exactly how many years you’re here in this world,” Teiko said.

"Hmp! As if I could say that, I’m a girl, too! I don’t want to just blurt out my actual age,” Saki replied.

“If you say so, though it doesn’t change the fact that you’re already an old hag,” Teiko said.

Saki hits Teiko repeatedly. She said, “You’re really mean! I won’t tell you any more information about what you wanted to hear.”

“I’m sorry, okay? But you’re still cute with your size, so you could forget about what I said,” Teiko said.

“Well, if you say I’m cute then I let what you said pass,” Saki said.

She’s too easy. Teiko thought to himself.

“I could still hear your thoughts!” Saki shouted.

“Ohh, ahm. Just tell me what you just wanted to say,” Teiko replied.

“Hmp! As I have said, I have already encountered many heroes so I could tell how some of them managed to win even without using a sword or any other deadly weapons,” Saki said.

“Really?! Tell me more,” Teiko said.

“Don’t be surprised alright! Generation upon generation gave birth to different kinds of heroes,” Saki said.

“So, what’s about them?” Teiko asked.

“As your teacher has said, being powerful doesn’t actually equate to being a hero. There are many instances that a hero doesn’t possess so much power. For example, there’s a guy named Naru the second. Every villain he has fought does not receive any physical attack from him but Naru could still protect everyone,” Saki said.

“How is that possible?” Teiko asked.

“He just talks with the villain, I don’t know the reason but it feels like he possessed the power of making his enemy have a change of heart. He managed to protect his country multiple times just by doing that,” Saki said.

“That’s so awesome!” Teiko exclaimed.

“Though his name is not that famous because he is usually called a lame hero because no one ever witnessed him fighting a single battle in his prime,” Saki said.

“Then how could you know him and remember him?” Teiko asked.

“Because he is a good cook! I always tasted some of his food, though she couldn’t see me. But I know he will be happy if she knows I’m the one tasting his cooking,” Saki said.

“You mean, stealing his food,” Teiko said.

“Don’t sweat the details. We’re going out of our topic already. Focus, alright?” Saki said.

“But it takes up courage and faith just to do something like that,” Teiko said.

“That’s right! Other heroes use magic, swords, brute strength, even trickery and just mere intelligence as their main weapons in war. But as your answer earlier said, the most important thing is about your heart. And as said in the forest, a hero needs to be a good swordsman, right? My point is, it’s wrong. Though, with the current situation, doing what Naru did is just a suicidal act. The thing is, you should be prepared to kill,” Saki said.

“I understand, but what’s with the last part?” Teiko said.

“I’ll tell you more about it on some other day. But for now, you should focus on training yourself. Though I don’t think it will be effective,” Saki said.

“What do you mean you don’t think it will be effective,” Teiko asked.

“I’m deciding if I have to tell you this, just give me time, okay? For now, rest first. We already talk too much and the information you receive might overwhelm your brain since you’re stupid,” Saki said.

“Fine, then let’s continue to talk tomorrow,” Teiko said.