Mac: I must admit, those orcs caught me off guard.
Zodiac: (To himself) If those weaklings surprised you, then you must be worthless.
Mizuda: That's true, but the longer we delay, the more orcs will appear.
Himitsu: I agree with Master on this. (Nods)
Mac: (Crosses his arms) Fair enough. Joe, go demonstrate our superiority to that wall.
Caster Joe: (Enthusiastically) Yes, boss!!!
As Joe leads the way, the others follow. He retrieves his staff, preparing to cast a fire blast.
Caster Joe: Stand back; I don't want anyone getting burned.
They all step back to observe Joe as he conjures his spell. A massive fireball swells larger by the second.
Himitsu: Oh wow, look at that!
Caster Joe: (Addressing the group) Alright, prepare yourselves!!!
He launches the blast at the wall, incinerating everything in its path and causing it to collapse.
Mac: (Lifts his sword) LET'S KILL THESE BASTARDS!!!
Everyone charges in, catching the orcs off guard.
Orc 1: (What the—HUMANS!!!)
Orc 2: (KILL THEM, KILL THEM ALL!!!)
The orcs rush toward Mac and the others.
Mac: (Swinging his sword) Come here, you bastards!!!
One of the orcs attempts to slash at Mac with a wooden spear, but he dodges and delivers a powerful punch, incapacitating it. He then notices another orc approaching from behind, performs a low leg sweep, trips the orc, and strikes its chest, slamming it to the ground with a thud. Mac and the caster work in tandem, covering each other's backs and taking down several orcs. Himitsu and Zodiac stand side by side as five orcs charge toward them.
Himitsu: Alright, Zodiac, let's proceed—
Zodiac disregards him and charges forward alone. Himitsu rolls his eyes.
Himitsu: (Irritated) Or just don't listen to me; that's fine too.
Zodiac, sprinting at full speed, draws his longsword from his left side and hurls it into the air, landing it squarely on one of the orcs' faces, killing him instantly. The orc next to him, bewildered by the source of the longsword, sees Zodiac approaching. He pulls a small knife from his boot and stabs his fallen comrade in the neck before leaping off to tackle another orc to the ground. Seizing the orc's sword, he swiftly slices through its neck. Himitsu observes in disbelief.
Himitsu: (to himself) This kid is way too good—almost scary.He
observes the remaining two orcs preparing to launch arrows at Zodiac.
Himitsu: ZODIAC, WATCH OUT, ARROWS! (Points.)
Both orcs release their arrows. Zodiac turns around, catches both arrows with his bare hands, and snaps them while giving the orcs a menacing glare. Terrified, the orcs attempt to flee, but Mizuda intervenes, swiftly decapitating them.
Mizuda: It seems you missed a few.
Zodiac: (irritated) If you hadn't intervened, I would have managed it.
Mizuda laughs, wiping the blood from her shirt.
Mizuda: (smiling) I couldn't let you both have all the excitement.
As the group continues to engage in battle, they eliminate the remaining orcs in the camp. Mac sits down, taking a deep breath.
Mac: That certainly gets the adrenaline pumping. Well done, everyone.
Mizuda: Indeed, great job out there. However, the odor here is quite unpleasant. (covers her nose)
They glance around, noticing the deceased bodies on the ground.
Himitsu: (wiping his forehead) Now that we've secured this post, do we get to keep their belongings?
Mac: Certainly. They are deceased, after all.
Himitsu smiles, preparing to begin looting.
While surveying the area, Joe spots a large straw building and walks toward it. Mizuda suddenly senses a powerful dark aura emanating from the structure.
Mizuda: (noticing Joe) WAIT, DON'T ENTER THERE!!!
Joe turns around.
Caster Joe: What? Didn't we eliminate all of th—
A massive arm bursts through the door, grabbing Joe's face and lifting him off the ground. It belongs to one of the orc chiefs, tall and muscular, wearing a sinister smile. The rest of the group is stunned. Joe mumbles and struggles to push the orc's hand away, unaware of his incoherent mutterings.
Himitsu: Joe is in danger; we must assist him!
The orc chief tightens his grip on Joe's head, laughing maniacally.
Orc Chief: Puny... human. (carries a sinister smile)
Mac: Wait, he can speak English!?
Joe screams in agony as the orc tightens its grip, causing his eyes to bulge and threatening to crush his skull. Mac and the others tremble in fear.
Mac: N-no, this cannot be happening...
Himitsu: I think I'm going to be sick. (covering his mouth)
Himitsu turns away and vomits on the ground. The attacker, Vince, tightens his grip on his spear, preparing to charge.
Attacker Vince: (yelling) How dare you!
Mac: Wait, Vince, don't do it!
As Vince approaches, the orc lifts Joe's lifeless body and strikes Vince with such force that he is sent flying into a weapon rack, impaling him with a sword through the heart. Mac, with a blank expression, falls to his knees in despair.
Mac: We're dead, DEAD!
Zodiac walks toward the orc with his hands in his pockets, but Mizuda stops him, a serious look on her face.
Mizuda: Step back, Zodiac; let me handle this.
Zodiac silently complies. Mizuda advances toward the orc in quiet fury. The orc turns to her, grinning.
Orc Chief: Do humans want to die too?
Mizuda: No, you're the one who's going to die…
She unsheathes her sword, preparing for battle. The orc, excited, charges at her, shaking the ground beneath him. Mizuda takes a single step and vanishes. The orc halts, confused, and starts to look around. Zodiac and the others are bewildered.
Himitsu: Huh? Where'd she go?
In seconds, the orc loses both arms and begins to scream in pain. Mizuda appears behind him, delivering multiple slashes to his back.
Mizuda: I want you to feel every single drop of pain.
She continues to slash the orc, inflicting numerous cuts, causing his blood to spill everywhere.
Zodiac: (thinking) I've never seen Mizuda like this—so furious and filled with anger.
The orc collapses, trying to crawl away, but Mizuda stabs her dagger through his hand.
Mizuda: Where do you think you're going? It's time to face your judgment.
She draws her longsword, places it in his mouth, grips it with both hands, and pushes it through, severing half of his head and killing him instantly. Mac watches in shock as she approaches, covered in blood.
Mizuda: (walking past them) Job's done; let's head back.
Mac rises from the ground, frightened, and approaches Mizuda.
Mac: W-wow, she killed him effortlessly.
Himitsu walks over to Zodiac to gauge his reaction.
Himitsu: Uhhhh, Zodiac?
Zodiac trembles, turns around, and walks toward Mizuda.
Zodiac: Le-lets go.
As he and Himitsu walk, Mac approaches his fallen comrades, arranging them with their arms crossed. He places their weapons beside them and bows his head in silence. After a moment, he strikes a match, lights it, and throws it to set them ablaze.
Mac: "If only I were strong enough to save you. Rest in peace."
Mac returns to Zodiac and the others.
As they make their way back to the kingdom, Zodiac glances at Mizuda, who meets his gaze with a serious expression. He quickly looks away.
Zodiac: (to himself) I would be lying if I said she wasn't intimidating.
Mac nervously addresses Mizuda.
Mac: I appreciate your assistance back there; I wasn't expecting a large orc to appear.
Mizuda: Let's remain quiet for the rest of the journey; I prefer not to engage in conversation.
As Zodiac and his group proceed to the kingdom, Zenshi and Rito return to his house to meet Daru.
Zenshi: I still can't believe Daru is a Zatarian. That's astonishing! Not to mention, he's one of the sons of Shakiro and Sauro!
Rito: Indeed, it's hard to accept that Daru is the son of Shakiro and Sauro, and that there's another one just like him.
Zenshi: Do you think there are still other Zatarians out there?
Rito: Honestly, I'm not certain. All I know is that there was an explosion after the war.
Zenshi: Explosion?
Rito: (scratches his head) "Yes, I really don't know. I've only heard stories; they could be fabrications, myths, or anything, really."
Zenshi: Interesting, but don't you think it's—
Suddenly, Zenshi and Rito hear someone yelling and something being struck.
Zenshi: (whispers) "What is that? You hear it, right, Rito?"
Rito: (whispers) "Yes, I do. I'm going to investigate."
Rito begins to sneak closer to the noise, leaving Zenshi behind.
Zenshi: (whispers) "What! Rito, you can't just leave me!"
Rito: (looks at Zenshi) "Just stay there for a moment."
Zenshi: No! (runs quietly to Rito).
They approach the sound, and as they get closer, they see Daru punching the brick wall he had been striking earlier with Rito.
Daru: Pain is just an illusion! (punches the wall) Pain is just an illusion! (punches the wall).
Zenshi: Daru?
Daru: (turns around) Oh, hello, Zenshi, with Rito? Wait, did you pick him up from the bar?
Zenshi: What? No, I didn't—
Zenshi looks at Rito, who nods in agreement.
Zenshi: I mean, yes, I picked him up from the bar; he was quite intoxicated.
Daru: Oh, that makes sense. Also, hey Rito, my hands are completely healed! Now when I punch that wall, it doesn't hurt as much as before.
Rito: Really? Show me.
Daru: Alright, watch this!
Daru stands back, assumes a fighting stance, and closes his eyes. After a few seconds, he opens them wide and throws a punch with all his strength, leaving a small crack in the brick wall. Rito and Zenshi's eyes widen in shock.
Rito: Incredible, Daru! You made a crack in the wall! (points)
Daru: I did? (looks at the wall) I DID! That's amazing! (jumps in excitement) I guess this training is paying off.
Rito: (to himself) It's only the first day, and he's already improving. What will happen in a month?
Zenshi: Aww, he's so happy. I love it.
Rito: Yes, he's a good kid. (smiles and watches Daru jump)
Zenshi: (leans toward Rito and whispers) When will you tell him about his real parents?
Rito: (whispers) When he's older; he won't handle knowing his parents are deceased, and the fact that he isn't human complicates things.
Zenshi: Yes, I suppose you're right.
Rito: Alright, it seems you're ready to continue training, so let's proceed.
Daru: Wait, what? We can? (excited) I thought we'd have to wait until tomorrow!
Rito: Well, I'm your teacher, so I set the rules. (smiles)
Zenshi: (muttering and rolling her eyes) Quite the teacher, indeed. Anyway, I'm going to take my leave. I just came to drop Rito off from the bar. (winks at Rito)
Daru: Oh, okay! (runs to her and hugs her)
Zenshi: Oh wow! (laughs) What's this for, Daru? You're a special one, aren't you? (smiles)
Daru: (looks up at her) Zenshi?
Zenshi looks down at Daru.
Daru: I love you! (smiles)
Zenshi: (starts to tear up) Aww, Daru, I love you too! (hugs him tightly)
Daru: Even though you and Rito don't know who my parents are, I love you both like my own parents. (smiles)
Rito hangs his head.
Zenshi: (tearing up) I'm sure you'll learn about your parents sooner or later.
Rito: (getting annoyed) Are you done yet?
Zenshi: (getting angry) RITO! SHUT UP! DARU AND I ARE HAVING A LOVELY MOMENT!
Rito: (rolls his eyes) Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Zenshi: (holds up her fist) Ohh!!! Rito, you're asking for it.
Daru: (laughs) It's alright, Zenshi; I need to train anyway.
Zenshi: Just remember: education comes first, followed by training.
Daru: Yes, I'm aware. (chuckles)
Rito: Indeed, Daru is well aware, and so am I. Now, let's begin your training, Daru.
Daru: Alright, I'll see you next week, Zenshi. (waves)
Zenshi: (tearfully) Yes, I'll bring some treats for you next week.
Daru: (smiles) That sounds great!
Zenshi smiles and starts her walk home as Rito and Daru prepare to train.
Rito: Alright, Daru, you will learn various martial arts, but first, we need to toughen your body to the strength of diamond and build endurance comparable to graphene.
Daru: Graphene? What is that?
Rito: It is the most durable material known to man.
Daru: Wow, that's impressive! So, how do we achieve that?
Rito: Start with 300 push-ups.
Daru: 300? Are you serious? I can't even complete one correctly.
Rito: Not my concern. Now, get on the ground.
Daru: (rolls his eyes) Fine.
Daru gets on the ground and attempts a push-up but fails the first one.
Rito: Are you serious? You can't perform a push-up?
Daru: I mentioned I struggle with them.
Rito: Not my problem. Again.
Daru attempts again but fails.
Rito: Again!
Daru tries once more but continues to struggle.
Rito: Keep going! Again! Again! Again!
Time passes, and night falls; Daru is still attempting push-ups but keeps failing.
Daru: (in pain) Rito, I can't do another push-up. My arms and chest are hurting.
Rito: (laughs) Not my problem. And what do you mean, do another one? You haven't even done one properly yet.
Daru: That's because I don't know how to do one!
Rito: Keep practicing, Daru; you'll get the hang of it. Meanwhile, I'm heading to bed.
Daru: Finally! That's exactly what I need—some rest.
Rito laughs heartily.
Daru: Why are you laughing?
Rito: (serious) Daru, I said I'm going to bed, not you. You cannot sleep until you complete a perfect push-up.
Daru: WHAT! My arms feel like jelly! (waves them around) I can't even touch my toes; my arms and chest are in agony.
Rito: (walking to the door) Not my problem, Daru. Get to it! (shuts the door)
Daru: Man, this is just bullshit.
Rito: (from inside) I heard that.
Daru: (apologetically shakes his head) Alright, Daru, you can do this! It's just one push-up. How difficult can it be? Let's go!
Daru positions himself on the ground and attempts another push-up but fails again. He continues to struggle throughout the night while Rito, relaxed in a chair, listens to Daru's grunts and heavy breathing. Morning finally arrives with the sunrise.
Rito: (Yawns and stretches) That was a refreshing sleep. I could really use a beer.
Rito approaches the fridge and discovers only one beer remaining.
Rito: Just one left! I suppose it's my lucky day!
Rito opens the beer and takes a moment to enjoy it.
Rito: Now, that's what I call an ice-cold, delicious beer. Why do I feel like I'm overlooking something?
Rito contemplates what he might be forgetting.
Rito: Oh, Daru!!
He rushes outside and finds Daru halfway through a push-up.
Daru: Up! Come on, Daru, up!!!
Rito: Keep going, Daru! Push! Push!!
Daru struggles to complete the push-up while Rito encourages him.
Rito: Push, Daru, push.
Daru: AHHHHHHH!!! AHHHH!!! AHHH!! AHH!!!
Both shout as Daru begins to lift himself from his lowered position.
Rito: That's it, Daru, up!!!
Daru: AHHH!!! AHHH!!!
Daru finally manages to push himself up, completing the push-up.
Daru: AHH, I DID IT!!
Rito: Yes, Daru, let's go!
Daru stands and runs over to Rito.
Daru: You see, Rito, I finally completed my first push-up!
Rito: Yes, I noticed. Now you only have 299 more to go.
Daru: THIS IS BULLSHIT!
Rito: Not my problem.
Meanwhile, Zenshi is washing dishes.
Zenshi: Dad's still not back? I hope he's alright.