New opponents?

Chapter 9

Eidrin kept chasing Zen, who was galloping away at high speed on his horse.

Eidrin (thought): I can’t let him go. I need to catch him at any cost.

Eidrin then unleashed his Warrior Madness and channeled its energy into his horse, making it race forward with immense speed. Within moments, Eidrin overtook Zen and threw him off the horse—but he made sure not to harm Zen’s horse.

Eidrin: So, I finally captured you.

Zen: Not yet.

Zen stood up and tried to attack, but Eidrin struck him once and knocked him out instantly.

Eidrin: Now surrender and accept your defeat—unless you want me to use more force.

Zen: Okay, I accept my defeat. Now what do you want? To kill me or capture me?

Eidrin: I’m not interested in killing you. I just want to know—was it you who sent those terrorists to the coronation ceremony?

Zen: I can explain… that was—

Before he could finish, Zen quickly pulled a saber from behind his back and lunged at Eidrin. But in the same instant, multiple arrows pierced Zen’s chest. He collapsed to the ground, dead on the spot.

It all happened in the blink of an eye. Eidrin’s Warrior Madness had warned him of Zen’s attack—but he couldn’t comprehend what had just occurred. Looking around, he spotted a tall, muscular young man with long dark hair standing atop a boulder. His attire was minimal, tribal, and hand-crafted. He held a handmade crossbow, with several men standing behind him.

Eidrin’s anger flared—he wanted Zen alive.

Eidrin: What did you just do?!

Tribal Man: I came here to capture that man. But I realized you’d either kill or capture him first, so I had no choice.

Eidrin: Oh, that’s a savage reply. I spent two whole weeks tracking him down—and you killed him right in front of me?!

The tribal men turned to leave.

Eidrin: Hey—stop! I’m not letting you walk away after this.

The tribal man fired an arrow from his crossbow. Eidrin dodged it effortlessly and struck the boulder he was standing on, shattering it. The man leapt away and landed safely.

Tribal Man: So you want to fight, huh?

He signaled his men to attack. The tribal warriors surrounded Eidrin and began firing arrows from all directions. Eidrin slashed through every arrow with his sword in a graceful, dance-like motion. He then dashed forward, knocking out one opponent after another.

Suddenly, the tribal man leapt into the fray, blocking Eidrin’s sword with his own.

Tribal Man: Looks like I’ll have to handle you myself.

Eidrin: Fine. Let’s see how strong you really are.

A fierce battle erupted. Though Eidrin already had a cut on his chest from the earlier fight, he fought fiercely, blocking most of the man’s strikes—but one blow grazed his shoulder.

Eidrin (thought): I’m still exhausted from fighting Zen. I need to end this battle quickly.

He unleashed his Warrior Madness once more. His speed and strength surged as he countered every strike, eventually pushing the tribal man to the ground. The man rolled, stood up, and stared at him intently.

Tribal Man (thought): He also possesses Warrior Madness!

Tribal Man: Then I’ll use mine too.

He unleashed his own Warrior Madness. Eidrin realized his opponent had the same power. Both of them clashed again, moving with blinding speed and earth-shaking strength. Each strike echoed across the landscape like thunder, and sparks of energy burst out whenever their swords collided. The tribal men watched in awe.

Eidrin (while fighting): You’re pretty good.

Tribal Man: You too. What’s your name?

Eidrin: Eidrin. And you?

Tribal Man: Bagheera.

Eidrin: Never heard that name before. But it’s quite stoic.

Bagheera: I wasn’t born as Bagheera. I became him. I turned myself into a killing machine—for my people. Now, they call me Bagheera.

Eidrin (thought): He’s tough. He also have warrior madness. The only people I know who have warrior madness are me, Romero and master.

Bagheera (thought): This man is stronger than I expected. Is he as powerful as ‘him’? I need to end this fast.

Bagheera suddenly switched tactics, pulling out his crossbow mid-fight and firing several arrows at Eidrin. Eidrin dodged them all—but Bagheera focused his energy through his Warrior Madness, enhancing his aim, and one arrow struck Eidrin’s shoulder.

Eidrin didn’t flinch. He knew he’d be hit, but stayed calm, gathering his strength. Bagheera expected him to fall—but in the next moment, Eidrin vanished. He understood it is the time to use that attack.

Bagheera (thought): Where—?

Eidrin appeared above him. His sword suddenly glowed. Hunleashed a powerful energy slash against Bagheera's leg. It didn’t cut Bagheera’s leg, but the force shattered his bones.

Bagheera fell to the ground, unable to stand. Eidrin approached him with a stoic expression.

Bagheera: So, are you going to kill me? That wouldn’t end well for you.

Eidrin: I won’t kill you—but you’ve caused me enough trouble. I can’t let you walk free either.

Bagheera: Is that so? Then mark my words—if anything happens to me or my men, our leader will hunt you down and burn your entire nation to ashes.

Suddenly, Eidrin’s mind was flooded with a horrifying vision—the palace gates of Francia engulfed in flames. A man with long brown hair and glowing orange eyes stood amidst the fire, as if he had caused it himself.

Eidrin froze. Then, shaken, he stepped back from Bagheera. His will to fight vanished. Bagheera’s men quickly carried their leader away.

Eidrin (to himself): That vision… it was terrifying. I can’t believe I failed my mission. Now where’s Romero? I’ll have to go back to that gambling den because of him.

At the Gambling Den

Romero stayed with Merina to protect her until someone from her nation came to take her home. Soon, Prince Lucaris of Groacia arrived with his guards. He was a boy of about sixteen, with dark blue hair and eyes resembling Merina’s.

Merina ran to him.

Lucaris: Merina, are you alright?

Merina: Yes, I’m fine. I’m so happy you came so quickly!

Lucaris: You made me worry so much. What actually happened here?

Merina: Some thieves tried to abduct me—but this man saved me.

She pointed to Romero.

Merina: Romero, this is my younger brother Lucaris. Lucaris, this is the man who saved me.

Lucaris: Oh… alright.

Romero: Nice to meet you. I’m impressed you arrived so quickly. Groacia must have an efficient communication system, huh?

Lucaris: Yeah, we’re pretty advanced in that regard. Groacia isn’t that far from here anyway. Now, take this as a reward—

He offered a pouch of gold coins.

Romero: No, I can’t take that. I didn’t save her for a reward.

Lucaris: Come on, I know people like you. You act humble but always expect something in return.

Everyone nearby was stunned by his rude remark, but no one dared to speak. Romero just laughed quietly. As he turned, his cloak shifted—revealing the golden handle of his sword. Lucaris’s eyes widened when he recognized the insignia of the Francian army engraved on it. It was a weapon of elite craftsmanship, one even noble knights dreamt of owning. It had been a gift from Alexander.

Lucaris immediately realized Romero wasn’t some common fighter—but the others remained unaware.

Lucaris (calming down): Fine. Merina, let’s go home.

Merina: Okay.

Romero: See you again, Princess Merina.

Merina: See you too.

Soldier (whispering): Man… I don’t like this.

Romero smiled faintly and went back into the den.

Merina (to Lucaris, while walking): You should’ve been more polite. He saved my life. You’re acting like a spoiled brat.

Lucaris: Okay, okay… I get it. I’ll be polite next time.

Later, Back at the Den

Eidrin returned.

Eidrin: Oh, you guys are safe. I’m relieved.

Bandit 1: Master Eidrin, we’re glad you made it back. Anyway—what about Zen? Couldn’t you catch him?

Eidrin: A lot happened. It’s hard to explain. Where’s Romero?

Bandit 2: He’s waiting for you over there.

Romero approached.

Romero: Eidrin, you’re back. I’m relieved. So—what about Zen?

Eidrin: I’ll explain everything on the way back. Let’s leave before it gets too late.

Romero: Right. Guys—it’s time to part ways.

Bandit 5: Yeah, we know.

Eidrin: You all helped us a lot, even when you had chances to betray us. You stayed loyal—and because of you, I found Zen, even if I couldn’t capture him.

Bandit 3: Don’t mention it, Master. We should be thanking you two. You showed us what true warriors look like.

Bandit 4: We’ve decided to quit the bandit life. We’ll train and become real warriors—like you.

Eidrin: I’m glad you’ve changed.

Romero: Farewell, then. Maybe fate will bring us together again someday.

Bandits: Goodbye!

Eidrin and Romero: Goodbye.

They traveled through the desert. Eidrin recounted everything to Romero along the way.

Romero: So Zen is dead—and our mission failed?

Eidrin: Yes.

Romero: And what did you see in your insight?

Eidrin: I don’t even know how to describe it. It was terrifying.

Romero: You know that visions we see during Warrior Madness often come true, right?

Eidrin: Yeah. That’s what worries me the most. Anyway—where were you while all this happened?

Romero: Oh, I forgot to mention—I met a girl.

Eidrin: (sighs) This happens every time. You’re always chasing girls.

Romero: No, listen! This time, the girl was a princess, and then......

Romero trailed off, unable to get Merina out of his mind.

Meanwhile, in a Distant Forest

Bagheera returned to his tribe, unable to walk on his own. In the heart of the forest sat a massive, muscular youngn man on a throne-like wooden chair. His long brown hair and burning orange eyes radiated intimidation. He held a leaf roll—like a primitive cigarette—lighting it with a lantern.

Many tribal warriors surrounded him.

Man on the chair: What happened, Bagheera? Where’s Zen? Didn’t you capture him?

Bagheera: I’m sorry, Simbha. When I found Zen, another man was already fighting him. I knew you wouldn’t want anyone else taking our kill—so I killed Zen myself.

Simbha: And what about that man?

Bagheera: His name was… Eidrin, I think. I fought him—but he defeated me. Broke my leg.

Simbha : Someone who could defeat you?! Interesting… I’d like to fight that man myself someday.

Continue........