Chapter 31 – Blessing

 

…

When the Pendragons came back, Ryan proceeded to the blessing ceremony. He wanted to get a boost in strength as fast as possible. Only Old Man Pendragon and Sarah remained together.

Same time, news compromising about the Ten Talents spread. It quickly became hot topics to each household.

“Was it true that child Sarah is impressive?”

“Aba. I said so before, I knew it when she brought that Beast’s corpse.”

The cacophony filled the area. Everyone became proud. Another countyman once again helmed as a genius in the entire land.

But a voice filled with disgust sounded. “So what if she’s talented? She is rude and only know to make difficult for others!”

“That’s right. Someone like her will only bring headache to us.”

“No.” The voice sounded again. “You don’t get it. I’m afraid, once she becomes powerful, she will oppress the humanity! Just like what she did with us! There are many examples of talented humans who turned evil and bring destruction!”

“Shh. Don’t let someone hear you.”

“I’m sorry. It just that Pendragons becoming more arrogant! I can’t take them anymore!”

Sarah and Old Man walked side by side. They didn’t see the outside ruckus, but they could guess.

The elderly man couldn’t help but stare at his granddaughter. How could he not know how those sly foxes worked? They only portrayed a furious emotion to legitimize their schemes. 

Before, people had already targeted Pendragon because of their inborn talents. Too bad for them, Ryan succeeded to take that last step.

But because of these reasons, their malice now centered towards Sarah, which Ryan used to share.

And with Pure Man’s peculiar intentions, their design towards Sarah increased.

The least he could worry about was the outside gossip.

“You sure dropped a nasty bomb.” Old Man Pendragon laughed.

Sarah pursed her lips. “I don’t like the idea of being isolated.”

“But you think making enemies out of everyone is a good idea.” Old Man traced his short beard. “Your life from here on out will be filled with danger. Assassination will be the least of the expected.”

“It’s alright. It just changed from hidden to open. There’s little difference with it.”

“Hm.” He became happy. The old man whistled, waving his hands as he left. “Just remember, we are on your back.”

Sarah smiled. She had to hurry; she got plenty of things to do. “Main characters have cheats. But unlike others, I am the cheat itself.”

She looked inside her. “As for this thing, it was instead holding me back.” She made a helpless smile.

…

It was in the middle of the hot season. But then, a phenomenon that brought warmth and excitement to everyone appeared. Many humans sang and danced!

There was another Venerable!

Anywhere, regardless of the region, they could see an awe-inspiring giant dragon.

It wasn’t as big as the sky. Yet, everyone perceived it, hovering just right above them.

Many pious people prayed. They knew what it meant. And next, a reverberating voice sounded.

“Warm Dragon.”

The voice echoed through the land. Everything from sky to ground shook. A sacred presence congealed into a mass of power. It overlooked everything; nothing was an exception. Every living beings had their breath taken away.

It was her voice!

Dugen. Everyone’s chest became a drum.

Old people’s eyes glazed while the younger generation became mystified.

“Who is she..?”

“She-She is…”

It may only be a voice, but it represented Mortal Lands!

Another image appeared, coalescing just beside the dragon. This time it was a man. His body was as ferocious as a tiger. His handsome face stayed calm as he sauntered towards the dragon.

Then their bodies overlapped.

The man and dragon superimposed until a body in petal position remained. Ash-grey and gold covered its naked body. After that, it crumbled like an egg and rays of light shot from it.

And then, a silhouette emerged behind the lights cover. It was Ryan Pendragon.

“My name is… Warm Dragon.”

The entire Mortal Lands watched the blessing and the birth of a full-fledge Venerable.

Every human became ecstatic. Their lives could only be better with a new Venerable.

…

“The blessing… it was a great opportunity.” Senior Clown observed from a terrace. He was in a five-story tower and he saw everything from start to finish.

Supporting his arms against the railings, Clown craned his neck. “Don’t you think, the so-called blessing is not positive but a curse. It’s too good to be true.”

Standing behind him was a man with black robes. Everything about him was black except for his pale white skin and golden eyes. His entire body commanded respect and authority. He was also looking at the phenomenon in the sky. Beside him laid their unfinished match of chess.

“You underestimate Mother Ani.”

“In many worlds, everyone was going against their heaven.”

“Hence, their world zapped them with lightning. They called it tribulation.”

“But here in Mortal Lands, Mother Ani has undivided love and affection for her creation.”

“Even an individual goes against her, she will still bless him or her.”

It was hard to describe Clown’s expression because of his mask that covered his face and eyes. Only his exposed lips concaved downwards. “It was like, you are telling a folk story. Be honest, you think she exists? I bet it’s only an invisible law governing the Mortal Lands.”

The man in black robes stayed silent for several moments. “She… might exist.”

“Or maybe not.” Clown interjected. “Anyway, Humans and Beasts are lucky. They have this damnable blessing every time. As for us, we have to scrap everything for Demon Arts or just sacrifice ourselves to Evil Arts.”

The man replied. “This is the difference between us, demon and humans. The latter have weak start. But as long as they keep progressing, their powers will snowball.”

“As for us, we are just lucky to have a powerful body and affinity to powers at birth. But it will be hard to progress in later levels.”

“While Beasts are blessed with stronger body and affinity than us. They only needed to return to their ancestry to become stronger.”

Clown clapped. “An analogy is humans was like an ice ball. But once it starts rolling, it can turn into an avalanche. Beast is like a carriage. Their journey may be bumpy but still smooth and fast, regardless. While us demons have to trek in thorny roads, distorted paths and even stuck to a quagmire.”

“We are unlucky to be in this world. Emotions are very important factor here.”

“The Will, the Heart, and the Path. All of them needed emotions to advance.”

“If only tribulations existed, then it’s possible for us to overcome our limits.”

The man nodded. “The Beast and the Mortal Lands weren’t suppressing us, though. Only humans hated us so deep. That’s why we have to stifle their growth.”

“Let us start the next move. They created a list and we will also do the same.”

“Hades Decemvirate. What do you think?”

The black man smiled. “Just perfect. Oh. By the way, you haven’t moved your chess piece.”

Clown waved his hands. “Forget it. I’ll admit defeat. How can I ever defeat you, my father, Demon Emperor Baidu, the Mistake?”

Clown then aligned the needle on top of the large disc beside him. Soon, a human classical music sounded across the room.

“Human’s invention is chic. All we can do is to copy it, yet only the rich could afford these things while those puny humans can enjoy them every day.”

“Not copying. Stealing. That’s what we are best at, stealing.”

“Oh yes. Let us steal that blessing? Shall we?” Both of them gave malefic smiles.

…

Only a few days since the news of Ten Talents and Ryan’s blessing when the news of top ten talent of Demon and Beast Race spread. 

Many scoffed about the demons’ list. They were already at twilight of their power. Eventually they would crash. People rubbed their palms, thinking of such an outcome.

But the Beasts was different. They remained strong despite hiding in the mountains, forests and seas.

“Why did Beast Race bothered to create a list?”

“Do they have intention to make a comeback?”

“I hope they are not. We, humans, are thriving and living in peace.”

“Just believe in our Venerables. They have justice in their hearts and they will not let us suffer.”

Although many people gossiped, none of the human authorities appeared to explain. Especially in County of Hopes and Dreams. Clans in the county focused on rebuilding the county.

This school year’s batch also turned unperturbed. They went to class and busied themselves with their remaining time.

…

The sky raged and the pitter patter sounded. It seemed to be the last spurt of the season, hence it was heavy.

Looking from the distance, the county didn’t seem to change at all. People teared up seeing this, as if seeing an old acquaintance.

At last, the old county was back!

They might hug their future, but to have similar sights were very welcome.

Only one person remained oblivious. The coldness of the afternoon might not seep to the bones, but Mimosa still shivered. Regardless if he wore the Construct-Suit Type or not. His teeth clattered while his hand squeezed the triggers.

Peng.

One of the dummy flew, a result of his metallic fist. He panted while he ran across the next room. His cursor observed his surroundings, looking for the next target.

He checked the time, he had only one minute left.

The smaller the number of dummies, the faster they got. Now, only one remained and its speed became something that Mimosa couldn’t follow.

Though he knew that. He had been going at it for many days and understood that only using calculated chance one could hit it.

As long as it remained a non-living thing, it won't have unpredictable movements. He just had to grasp the opportunity.

He rolled across before jumping through the window. His laser-like eyes detected a movement a few meters ahead of him.

A chance, Mimosa thought. But his time ticked faster than he could catch his target. He gritted his teeth, not wanting to give up now.

He was always a loser, he knew that. But after trying so many times, he could finally see the light in the tunnel. It had been the first time for him. Yet he understood this was far, far from enough.

Just the first step.

Hence, he stepped to the ground like there was no tomorrow. His mind locked on that light. 

The construct’s movement became precise, simple and efficient. He didn’t realize it as his attention trailed behind that slight movement. 

Following, faster and faster, but his direction differed!

Jigen and Nina, who went to watch, became dumbfounded!

They wanted to shout at him, saying his direction was wrong! But it also scared them to distract him.

The chase became so nail biting. Only a single red digit remained on the clock and their hearts pounded alongside it. They perspired as they kept observing what was going to happen next.

Come on, they shouted in their hearts. Come on, Mimosa. You can do it!

Just a little more!

They tensed up and their skin crawled in anticipation! Their gripped fist raised above their heads. They couldn’t help but scream!

In a miraculous manner, the shadow went in Mimosa’s direction! And it got cornered with no way around it!

“Ahhhh!”

Ring! The time ticked to the last second, and the show had finally ended.

Ayill skidded, producing a screeching noise, and remained in his position by then. The dummy laid inside his arms.

Alas, the result declared that Mimosa failed.

The duo seemed worried. Mimosa was a subject to failure. And what was angering were his failures got failed because no one gave him a chance. Anxious, they quickly arrived beside him.

Woosh. The construct opened and the first thing they saw was Mimosa’s face. The boy seemed preoccupied. Their words got stuck in their throat and they could only stare at each other.

“Next time. I will accomplished it.” Although the sky had been dark all day, sunlight emerged from the depths of the boy’s eyes, blinding both of his friends. Mimosa brushed his messy hair and smiled. This relaxed the duo.

“You improved.” Jigen patted his friend’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, we have a lot of time to do.”

But the green-haired boy shook his head. “I only have two years. Within two years, I need to have a strength able to compete in the main family’s Arena.”

It might seem he didn’t appreciate his improvement. But inside, his performance had thrilled him!

He gawked at his own hands. Tightly gripping it, he felt his heart bursting out of his chest.

He would never forget this day.

No! He won’t forget every step he made to be stronger.

“Why are you hasty? I could somehow accept that freak being hasty to die. Err, reckless in training. But why are you being like that too?” Jigen scratched his forehead.

Mimosa gave a thin smile. “I barely reached level one of my Foundation Arts. And I’m even using a construct to fight. It’s easy to say I’m cheating.”

Nina shook her head. “I have a different opinion. Any weapon as long as an individual can use it, then it’s not considered cheating. I recognized it as part of one’s strength.”

“I agree. Bro, just continue your pace. Also, I need to be there too to record the construct’s specs.”

Mimosa stared at his grinning friend. He blamed himself because he felt the latter continued in this path because of him.

After all, who didn’t want to have strength on their own? Yet, Jigen chose to be construct creator.

Sure, less risk, but once danger arose, the person would have limited cards to protect himself.

Mimosa’s eyes softened, vowing to protect his friends.

“Speaking of those daredevils. Ben looked beaten every time he go to school.” Jigen laughed. He felt joy from other’s misfortune. “While Jed is quite capable. He borrowed weights from me. Damn, I could imagine what he wanted to do with it.”

“Yes. They are unbelievable.” Nina concurred. “Especially Sarah. The first time I saw her, I got scared by her aura. But now, I can’t even see through her.”

“That’s to be expected. She is number one of the Ten Talents, after all. I’m bothered with all people buzzing because of it. Even those merchants and visitors outside of the county, she is still the word of their mouth. She is like an instant celebrity.”

“Mm.” The girl nodded. “Speaking of which, many people became obsessed with those unknown from the Ten Talents. Others even setup a bounty to those who can discover their identity.”

“Not only that, people in my clan said it’s the humanity’s greatest era.”

“Just remember, my clan is engineering construction fanatic. Yet even them became gossipers.” Jigen feigned having a headache.

“I ordered a Memory Image. Wanna see?” Both Mimosa and Nina appeared tempted.

“What is it?”

“The recent stuff. Conference and other events. This is a pirate edition. It’s pretty hard to get. But my mother managed to get this.”

Mimosa spoke. “I heard from my father and the elders that your father is a genius. But we always hear you talking about your mom.”

“Yes. You are always boasting about her. As if you wanted to shoot through the heaven as you brag.”

Jigen laughed. His face changed into derision, as if he couldn’t be bothered to explain. “Genius? That’s how limited plebeian’s thought.”

Nina smirked and couldn’t help but want to tease him. “Now you are still boasting. Just days ago, you were so cool at rejecting Mimosa. But now… tsk.”

Jigen blushed. He retorted to the amusement of the duo.

Mimosa felt he hadn’t laughed for years. He really cherished this moment. Let me laugh for days to come, he thought.

Even though he made a self-inflicted pressure but he knew it must be done.

No one expected from him. He was a good-for-nothing young master of the household. Even the maids or guards couldn’t hide their ridicule when they talked to him.

Worst, the branch family he birthed from was the lowest of the low of Dult Clan. Even with his father’s efforts had resulted in nothing.

Mimosa felt there was no glory for having such a surname. They just became laughingstock of Dult Clan. And he, who was nothing in his family, became laughingstock of the laughingstock.

At least Mimosa existed. That was their thoughts. They patted themselves because there was someone lowlier than them.

Back then, he thought it was okay. Because in a way, he comforted them in his own way.

But he couldn’t anymore after seeing his brother’s punishment, and his father’s anger and nonchalance.

Mimosa saw his brother’s body occupied with violet wounds with blackening blood. His brother already did a lot for him, that was what he felt.

Mimosa’s eyes moistened as he imagined his brother suffering in silence and pressure forced by their father and relatives.

Thus, he had to strive hard, not only to erase his uselessness but also to help his family.

Mimosa also didn’t want to demand his friends either. They had their own life and sacrificing that for him was too much of a loss.

Let it be. If it was a trap of the Dult Clan, then he would plunge to it.

Alone. Even no one expected him.

…