Ring Forests

Shira then began explaining what she knew about the world. The world in which they were situated was the Land of Rezgareth. They were inside the forest rings of Celpheus.

These forests were surrounding portions of lands. This was where the cities and lands were located. There were 3 rings supposedly, currently, they were found inside the 2nd ring. The lower the number of the forest ring the more dangerous it was.

These forest rings contained dangerous beasts that only few could get through. 1 out of 5 people survive getting through the forest rings. The Vogius which was the King of the wild was from the 2nd ring. Though in some sense they were also protected from the outside invaders since any army wouldn't be able to march well.

That was the reason why the settlements inside the rings have managed to survive until now.

But to their misfortune, the 2nd ring was mostly a barren wasteland. They could barely grow healthy crops and vegetation. They should have stayed inside but the forest ring of the 3rd was thin. It wasn't reassuring for the King and his citizens. The 1st forest was harder to penetrate since the beasts in those areas were numerous. The main base of the veil spiders were found in the 1st ring.

Thus, they were stuck at the 2nd. The insides of every ring were thousands of kilometers across, spanning almost a country's width.

Melvin was satisfied with the information. Celine found it unusual, however. "If they were more concerned about the outside compared to the beasts of the rings, what are they hiding from?"

Shira shrugged. "I haven't been able to know what is outside the rings of Celpheus but I know a person who."

Melvin was dying of curiosity. "Which one?"

"Her name is Vahenna, the purples hair woman who was a guard of the Marquess. She is also a master of the fierce deep blade technique. I've heard she came from the outside world where living is worse than hell."

"Worse than hell, huh?"

"Something more threatening and dangerous outside the ring forest. Even the people who knew don't want to talk about it."

Rederick was amused. "Anyway, the fierce blade thing sounds a cool technique, so what is it?"

"It's an ancient technique by the Silian people. Basically, it allows them to cut anything. Allowing even them to also slice the iron armors of the enemy."

Celine smiled. "That's something I want to learn."

"But it's too late for those who are above 20 years. To learn it, you must start from when you were below 15. If you are somewhere in the middle then that depends on your will."

Melvin moved his face closer to hers. "Anyway, Shira can you show me some magic."

Shira nodded. She aimed her staff on the corner without any presence that she might hurt. Before, we can perform our magic, we should whisper to the ears of nature. "The burning entity that lives within the sun, pass your strength to me. Production. Formation. Projection."

Specks of flames first started appearing. They formed a fireball. It was then shot out unto the wall at a quick speed, leaving a burn mark on the target.

Shira took a deep breath. She forced a smile. "When I spoke production, I conjured the essence of flames from nature then speak it into existence. With formation, I commanded them to accumulate and with projection, I can aim it to my target."

The three were amused. They then applauded. "Awesome, awesome."

Melvin was chuckling and opened his palm. "Shira, can I have it for a second?"

Shira then stroke her chin. "Please forgive my rudeness, but can I touch your weapon as well." Melvin agreed and they exchanged each other's weapons.

Melvin was dancing the staff on the air. "Rederick, look. I'm a damned wizard. Cool aren't I?"

Rederick applauded. "Fits you perfectly Mr. President."

Melvin aimed it at Rederick. "Wingardium Leviosa."

Rederick panicked. He was running away from his aim. "What are you doing Mr. Pres. Cut it out!"

Melvin was laughing. "It doesn't matter anyway since I can't cast a spell from this. Not stat stilll." He smiled and aimed it at Celine. "Steal!"

Seeing nothing had happened, he chuckled. "Then heal."

Celine took it away from him. "Sir, this is dangerous you know."

Shira was gazing curiously at his gun. She had her eyes peeked to the gun hole, which Melvin panicked and took it. "Shira, that's dangerous."

Shira's mind then finally understood how it worked. "I see, so those things shoot out a fast projectile and hit their targets?"

"Yeah, that's how they work. A lead is loaded and with the force of spring and the reaction from a gun powder, it can spur the bullet into a ridiculously high speed."

Celina was curious about the staff. "Anyway Shira, why can't I conjure a fire. I have been speaking your cast word for word."

Shira explained that only those Silians who have Mendovian blood can access the power of the magic stone. The humans of the pure Mendovian race were able to harbor mana, thus they were regarded as more superior. While the Silians with Mendovian blood had to rely on magic stones. Right now, there was no pure Mendovians inside the rings of Celpheus forest.

The Silian race was regarded weaker since they were unable to use magic.

Melvin was excited. "I'd like to meet a Mendovian someday."

"Sir, I would not if I were you. The Mendovians despise the Silians to their core."

Melvin narrowed his eyes. Knowing it was serious. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know the details but I think the only way you can know is to ask someone who came from outside the rings."

For him, it was a priority to know more about the political affairs of this world. He remembered the races and such. It would be good if he could hire people to supply him with more intel. "Her name is Vahenna, right?"

"Yes, she is a slave warrior by Duke Harges."

"Ah, that bloke who humiliated me. Where are they now?"

Shira was slightly surprised. "Sir, don't tell me that you're going to see her?"

"Of course, I am."

"I'd like to tell you this, but unlike slave scholars, slave warriors are not permitted to speak to any outsider unless they are inside the arena."

It took the attention of his two subordinates. "What do you mean arena?"

Shira explained to them that slave warriors were used by the nobles as entertainment to fight in the death battle arena. Not only that but right now, Vahenna is the strongest gladiator known in the city since she was adept with the deep fierce swing technique.

Withourt further ado, they decided to visit it. It was the usual roman coliseum but before they could enter they had to pay a certain fee. Almost stepping inside any building they were taxed. There were many audiences who poured inside the building.

Melvin cursed as he walked across the hallway. "Damn it, that tax took a toll from me. I'd give the King a lecture if I ever see him."

"Sir, I'd like to remind you that talking ill to the King can cost you, your life."

Melvin sighed. "Let me guess, he can't stand up to the criticism, huh?"

"Criticism? I think it's called defamation."

"The media called me a national clown but I still took it as criticism."

Shira stopped for a second. She stroked her chin. "Anyway Sir, I've been itching to ask you. But how does your President's position differ from the nobles?"

"The world where I came from is vastly different. We treat everyone as equals and almost anyone and even a commoner can rise through the ranks of a ruler."

Shira gasped. "Is that thing possible?" To her knowledge it was an absurdity that she even thought Melvin was joking to her.

"Yeah, if you have the capability and means that is. Names may give us power, but our abilities speak louder."

Shira then kneeled in front of him. "Then sir, I beg you, let me visit your place." Knowing Melvin's mindset, she knew he wasn't lying. Shira once asked herself if equality was possible. She might have found the answer and she was willing to know more.

Melvin was surprised by her sudden action. He pulled her to stand up. "Stand up, don't embarrass yourself."

"Us slaves don't have any pride to speak of."

"I already told you that you aren't a slave. You're my employee. So be sure to be proud of yourself."

For the first time, Shira beamed with a weak smile. Her serious face was broken at that moment. "I'll follow you for the rest of my life."

Rederick went close to him. "Mr. President! The fights are starting."

They then hurried to grab a seat. The commoners were placed on the farther seats while the nobles were positioned somewhere close.

With his yellow badge, he was given the privilege to observe somewhere close to the arena. He was also allowed to bring his team with him.

The arena in the middle was a circular concrete platform made of dried clay. Seeing the competitors were gather, the show was about to start.

Rederick was worried. "That woman is hot I hope her enemies won't cut her up. This could be bloody."

Celine was also focused. She crossed her arms. "Maybe if I had popcorn, this would be fun to watch."

"Hey Celine, this is a deathmatch you know. This ain't your usual MMA."

Celine smiled. "For some reason, I don't know why but I'm so into this. But don't get me wrong, I still hate they are using slaves."

Melvin was slightly suspicious of her. She probably just liked violence.

Just close to them the Duke and Vahenna were taking their seat, they were accompanied by armored men with swords.

"Here goes." Melvin stood up and called Rederick to follow him while the girls stayed.

Harges noticed him approaching. "You from the lower branch, I didn't expect you to be here. Are you still gonna plead for money? Here." He tossed a gold coin to Melvin.

To which the other nobles snickered a bit.

Melvin sneered. He deflected them away. "I don't need that. I need to talk to Vahenna." When he was about to approach her. The soldiers unsheathed their blades and aimed at him.

Rederick also aimed his UZI at them.

Harges laughed. "Ah, my slave? Unfortunately, she's only allowed to speak in the arena and nowhere else."

Melvin got annoyed. But he took a deep breath. He then pointed at Vahenna. "Fine. Then, Vahenna, let's meet at the arena. We will participate too. We will have a good chat after we defeat you."