The Abysmal Territory

[10]

Dalton is teaching his student on how to use a bow.

“Remember, there would come a time that you needed to have something aside from your swords and the bow may be one of them. Having a way to hunt wild animals in the distance will surely help you a lot. So starting today, you will learn how to use a sword and bow simultaneously,” Dalton said.

They started doing some basic techniques and also proceeded to have target archery.

“Hey, Teiko. I'm sure that you suck at using swords, but what’s up with your skill with bow and arrows? Even a little kid could do better than you,” Reto mocked Teiko as everyone laughed with him.

It’s just that I don’t want to learn this. My concentration on learning swordsmanship may be affected by it. Teiko thought.

“Just don’t bother with them, brother,” Saki said.

“It’s still irritating that you’re calling me that way. Anyway, would you tell me more about the Abysmal territory that Dalton said to us yesterday?” Teiko said.

“Hmm. I could do that, but your sensei said that it’s not alright for you to know about this,” Saki said.

“That’s alright. I won’t do stupid things anyway, I’m just curious,” Teiko sad.

“I doubt that you’re really thinking that way,” Saki said.

“Well, you do read minds so there’s no point in keeping it a secret. I don’t want to be caged in this place knowing that some people need help,” Teiko said.

“But your mom and dad created this place. Are you really sure about what you’re saying?” Saki asked.

“Of course, I’ll treasure this place. But I don’t want to give up my dream of becoming a hero,” Teiko said.

“Fine, I’ll tell you what I know. The abysmal territory encompassed almost one tenth of the whole Gekozen. That includes the vast ocean, and that territory is mostly land area,” Saki said.

“I don’t know how big this world is so I couldn’t imagine how big it is,” Teiko said.

“Fine, then just imagine how big your village is, then think about seeing one hundred thousand times like that. That’s how big the abysmal territory is right now,” Saki said.

“That’s very large, are you not overestimating it?” Teiko said.

“That’s one tenth of the whole world! And I might be underestimating the size. Anyway, the total area of that territory is not that much of an issue,” Saki replied.

“Yup, even Dalton-sensei said that the Hamori Mountain where the trial will be faced is now in abysmal territory,” Teiko said.

“Yes, some time ago, that place looked like a tourist spot. There are tons of people at that place and vendors, weapon dealers and many more come at that place to sell their items. The royalties also put many soldiers there to provide protection to everyone,” Saki said.

“Then, who's ruling that territory?” Teiko asked.

“I’ll tell you first about what abysmal territory is before answering your question,” Saki said.

“I’ll listen,” Teiko replied.

Saki became serious and took a deep breath before continuing her story.

“From what I know from hundreds of years back, that place has many powerful magicians, swordsmen, archers and other soldiers which excludes the other five Demigods. I think the number of powerful beings there right now might increase by a lot already. Though, of course, there are still five Demigods there,” Saki said.

“Five Demigods? Just how many Demigods are present in this world? And why did your information come from hundreds of years ago?” Teiko asked.

Saki laughs. She said, “That’s the last time I’ve been there, I said last time that I’m just exploring the outskirts of the Gekozen.”

“Really, huh? So what about the other Demigods, if they are in the Abysmal Territory, that means that they are evil, right?” Teiko asked.

“As far as I know, there are only seven Demigods, that includes me. Though the other Demigods thought that I am not existing anymore,” Saki said.

“That means, there is just one other Demigod that is against them? That means, they could conquer the world in that current situation,” Teiko said.

“Well the other Demigod is not against them and not even caring about them or even about this world,” Saki said.

“That’s you, right? How about the other one?” Teiko said.

“I’m not talking about myself! I think I care for this world, you know!” Saki exclaimed.

“You just think, huh?” Teiko said.

“Hmp! Believe what you want to believe. Anyway, what you said about the five Demigods conquering this world would be nearly impossible since they are selfish beings. They don’t want to be surpassed by one another so they are limited on how they act or else the other four Demigods might go against them. So they're just expanding their own territories little by little,” Saki explained.

“That means that I need to get stronger, leave this place, become a Hero and defeat them before they could expand to a larger territory. Please, tell me more about them,” Teiko requested.

“Then, I’ll tell you about the Demigod that doesn’t have a care for this world first. Since if you really wanted to defeat them, he might help a lot. I think?” Saki said then put on a weird smile.

“You think? You’re really not sure about everything,” Teiko said.

Teiko continued on using a bow while talking with Saki in his mind. The others don’t bother him anymore since they become used to Teiko not hitting any part of the target.

He seems too serious. Is he really trying his best? Then why is he not hitting anything? Taiya thought to herself while looking at Teiko.

Saki becomes annoyed that Teiko is mocking her even with a serious look. She said, “Ugh! Do you really want information or not?”

“Just kidding. Who is he and why do you think he could help me?” Teiko said.

“First of all, I already said that the last time I got there was a hundred years ago. Meaning, my information will not be that accurate so we need to know it from someone that is living there,” Saki said.

“Living there? I thought he’s not in abysmal territory?” Teiko said.

“I just forgot. The place he’s hiding became part of that territory a while ago, maybe two hundreds ago?” Saki said.

“I am amazed by the definition of ‘while ago’. So that’s the case, meaning he’s not really participating in any evil deeds,” Teiko said.

“Right! Like me, he’s also hiding his presence to the other Demigods. I think he also decided to stay in that area so they wouldn’t find him. They’ll never expect that he’ll hide in their own land,” Saki replied.

“I see, so why are they finding him? What’s with him?” Teiko asked.