chapter 5:Swallowed Whole
1478 Words
chap 5:Swallowed Whole
Quigo poured a golden-amber drink into three clay cups. He handed them to us and said slowly,
“Don’t think you’re safe yet. The things that follow you… won’t give up so easily.”
I held the cup but didn’t drink. “You once said… your friend went through the same thing we did. How did you meet him?”
Quigo sat down across from us, his eyes fixed on the fire as if searching for something in the flames.
“He appeared in the forest too… on a moonless night. Back then, I hadn’t been here long. He was different from you—though he was lost, he already knew something about this place. He told me he had seen it before… in his dreams.”
I felt a chill. “In his dreams?”
Quigo nodded. “And every dream… always ended with the sound of a bell.”
Taichi frowned. “So… is he still there?”
Quigo let out a long sigh. “If you can call it ‘there’… then yes. But it’s not a place a person can ever return from.”
I searched his face for a clear answer, but all I saw was a deep darkness—like the forest that had swallowed us whole.
Quigo poured more of the drink, his voice dropping lower.
“You’ve stepped into this game… there’s no turning back. The only way is to go all the way to the end, no matter what waits for you there.”
Outside, a gentle night wind began to rise, slipping through the cracks in the door and making a faint whistling sound. The firelight danced across the walls, casting long, distorted shadows. I gripped the cup tightly, feeling that the warmth of the amber liquid could not chase away the cold seeping into my bones.
“Go all the way… what does that mean?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
Quigo set his cup down on the table, his eyes still fixed on the fire. “It means… even if the road leads to a place no human should ever set foot, you still have to walk it. Because if you stop, whatever is behind you will swallow you whole.”
Taichi glanced at me, his expression a mix of fear and disbelief. I didn’t answer, but deep inside, I already understood one thing: turning back was no longer an option.
"Haizzz," I let out a long sigh, wondering why my life was filled with so much trouble. From being bullied at school to suddenly ending up in a chaotic, otherworldly realm — and now, these strange tournaments. My luck really couldn’t get any worse.
“A.”
I turned to Mr. Quigo and asked,
“So, in this world, do you have magic? You know, powers that humans can release, or different fighting styles like martial arts?”
Quigo looked at me and chuckled.
“Well, since you’ve just arrived, I suppose you don’t know much about this world yet. Here, every person is born with a natural flow of energy within their body. If that flow is strong, we call it mana. Mana can awaken hidden potential and create many types of powers — what you might call magic. Magic can take countless forms: fire, ice, or even the control of other natural elements.
As for fighting styles, we also have what’s known as battle force. This is when a person’s flow of energy enhances their physical abilities — granting immense strength, endurance, and durability. Those with battle force can leap over mountains, punch through stone walls, or run for days without tiring. Battle force itself comes in many forms: some train for absolute speed, others strengthen their bodies until their skin is harder than steel, and there are even warriors who focus on heightened senses, allowing them to anticipate their opponent’s moves before a strike is made.”
Quigo’s gaze turned distant as he continued:
“People still tell stories passed down for generations. A mage with mana so powerful that he once swept away an entire army, turning the wind itself into blades. Or a warrior with battle force strong enough to stop a landslide with nothing but his bare hands. And then there are those who can master both — possessing the raw strength of battle force alongside the creative power of mana. Those are the ones who can change the course of history.”
His body was both powerful and commanding, able to wield elemental forces — each strike like a nightmare on the battlefield.
His voice deepened, as if to emphasize:
“But power isn’t limited to sheer brute force. It can also come from other forms of energy — not just raw muscle or physical might. There is Mental Force, the strength tied to the mind, and Dream Force, the ability to make dreams into reality. When such forces appear, history itself changes.”
I listened to Quigo, my curiosity growing. Each type of force seemed like a piece of the world’s great puzzle, and I wanted to fit them all together.
“So… how can you tell which type you belong to?” I asked, my tone caught between curiosity and concern.
Quigo’s lips curved slightly.
“The simplest way is through a Power Stone Test. These stones store traces of energy from across the world. When you touch one, it will resonate with the current flowing inside you and shine with a unique color. But… not everyone dares to try.”
“Why not?” I asked.
He hesitated for a moment before replying:
“Because those who touch the stone and emit a dark, unstable glow — known as Corrupted Force — risk losing control. It can drain their energy or even harm the people around them. Seeing such a reaction often means there’s danger in that person’s future.”
A strange unease stirred in me, though I couldn’t say why. Still, I pressed on:
“So… where can I find one of these stones?!”
Taichi suddenly leaned forward. “I know! There’s one nearby. If you want to test your strength, we can take you there. It’s inside a sacred temple in the next town over.” His voice carried the excitement of someone announcing a grand adventure.
Quigo gave a small nod, as if expecting this question all along.
“It’s not just any place,” he said. “It’s inside the Sanctuary of Origin, the holy ground of the Radiant Order. This Order exists across the world — in every town and village — and its members are among the most powerful forces alive. Entering that place is no small matter.”
I tilted my head. “The Radiant Order? Sounds like… some kind of ruling army?”
Quigo nodded.
“The Radiant Council is not just a group of officials. They are both guardians of peace and keepers of power. They are divided into many ranks — from the Protectors of small villages, to the Holy Knights who safeguard great cities, and the Grand Saints, whose decisions can alter the fate of entire kingdoms. Above them all stands the Divine Lord, the one who holds the deepest and most sacred authority in this world.”
Taichi raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like something out of a fairy tale — all noble heroes and high ideals.”
Quigo shook his head.
“Don’t think they simply sit on thrones. Every member of the Council has endured the Stone Trial, proving their worth with their own strength. Those who survive and rise above are unmatched in combat, magic, or willpower. Even the faintest hint of their presence can silence any threat.”
Taichi stayed quiet for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pondered Quigo’s words.
“Hearing this… it sounds like almost the entire world falls under the Council’s influence.”
Quigo’s voice grew lower, almost solemn.
“You’re right. No matter where the sun shines, the mark of the Council can be felt. Even the most distant corners of the world are touched by their golden paths of authority. Whether in grand cities or frozen wastelands, their symbol — the Divine Seal — demands respect and obedience.”
A faint, rhythmic chime of bells drifted from afar, growing louder with every passing second.
“One day,” Quigo continued, “you’ll see those bells ring over the mountains in the east, and the valleys will shine red in the morning sun.” He paused, his gaze turning distant. “When that day comes… will you stand with the Radiant Council, or against them?”
Taichi laughed softly. “Stand with them? Or be crushed by them? Sounds like there’s not much of a choice.”
- Writer
