Chapter 8
“In the center of this town you will find the shops where you may exchange your kill count for weapons, clothing, food, and any other items you may need to survive the tournament. To our left you will notice many stands have symbols that represent what they are selling. To the right you will notice taverns where you may sit and relax with spirits from all over the galaxy. You do not have to pay at taverns unless it is for food. Drinks are on the house. However, you must pay with your kill count at other shops.”
“So how exactly do I know what my kill count is?” Rainer asked in confusion.
The tour guide stopped walking and pointed at Rainer’s wrist. “That device inside your wrist will inform you of your kill count and will also provide additional resources, such as a map of the planet.”
“Wait seriously!?”
“Well yes, have you not learned to use it?” The tour guide looked at Rainer with surprise.
“I thought it was just to monitor me or something.”
“I see… If you speak to the device, it will reply with the information you have requested. Go on and give it a try.”
Rainer lifted the device to his mouth “What is my kill count?” The device beeped once and displayed a holographic image of the number two.
“My...only two kills.” Said the unimpressed guide.
“Two is better than nothing!” Rainer yelled back
“Two is, how do I put this lightly. Terrible.”
“Two is the number of horns you won't have if you keep talking.”
“Duly noted, sir.” The guide continued to walk down the street and Rainer followed. He led him to a large device that looked similar to a mirror, but instead of a reflective surface it was blank.
“This device is used to communicate with anyone on your planet. If you wish to speak-”
Rainer interrupted, “Not interested. Let’s move on.”
“Very well, we shall make our way to the housing area.” As they walked towards the housing area, the guide continued to explain. “The housing area is a marvelous addition to the zone. We provide individual apartments to our competitors and they can use it however they desire. The apartments change their style in accordance to the competitor’s liking. It will mold itself into your ideal room simply by reading your thoughts when you touch the doorknob.”
By the time he had finished explaining they arrived at the building. It was nothing more than a large wooden cube. “This is it huh?” Rainer asked, hoping to finally get some sleep.
“Yes it is, sir. Please do enjoy your stay.” The guide departed and Rainer turned the knob to his room.
Inside it was similar to a wooden cabin. There was a fireplace in the living area with two comfortable leather chairs. A kitchen in the back, and a bedroom with a bathroom up the stairs.
“Whoa, this is really nice.” He stared in awe.
“Isn’t it?” replied a voice from one of the chairs.
“Who’s there?!” Rainer yelled, ready to unsheathe his sword.
Merlin sat in one of two chairs close to the fireplace with a book in hand and a bright smile on his face. “You do know if you use that sword, you will be kicked out of the zone, right?”
Rainer stared at him, as if he was still thinking about cutting him down.
“Rainer, let go of the hilt,” said Merlin anxiously. “Rainer?” he whimpered.
Rainer sighed and let go of the hilt. “What are you doing here Merlin?”
“I asked if we could be roommates when you arrived.I have trouble sleeping alone.” Merlin sat back down in the chair and enjoyed the heat of the fire.”
“I swear you’re following me at this point.” Rainer whispered. He leaned his sword against a wall and threw his coat on top of the other chair. He sat down and sighed.
“So Rainer. Only two eliminations?”
“If animals counted I would have plenty of points.”
“Animals do count. Just not for the big boy points.”
“Then what kind of points do they count as?”
“The type of points you can attribute to survival.”
“Survival eh?” Rainer lifted his hand above his chest and conjured a sphere of ice. It remained suspended in the air just above his hand.
“When you first arrived you were barely able to swing a sword. Now you’re using magic without much thinking. Don’t you think those points count towards your survival?
Rainer clenched his hand into a fist and shattered the ice. The remnants slowly dissipated into nothing. “Merlin. What would you wish for if you won?”
Merlin looked up at rainer from his book. “Unfortunately my wish is beyond the king’s abilities.”
“And what kind of wish would be beyond the ability of someone who rules over an empire of worlds?”
“The king cannot resurrect the dead.”
“Are you sure? In a world of magic, wouldn’t there be a way to bring the dead back?”
“Not as they once were. As a mindless zombie, perhaps, yes. Listen carefully Rainer, no matter what ability there is that claims it can bring back life, is a sweet lie. In every universe there is but one painful truth. Everything must end someday. No matter how hard we try to preserve a life, eventually it will all fade. Death is absolute.”
Rainer leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. “I see.”
The moment he felt his eyes shut, his body relaxed. He sank into a dreamless sleep.
Merlin looked back at his book, his smile faded and he whispered to himself. “Esper Arden once told me that not even the greatest of kings are immortal. They will eventually fade into obscurity. Yet the actions they take will be immortalized in the hearts of the next generation.” Merlin softly closed his book. “So much remains to be written in the empty pages of this unknown tale.” Merlin lifted himself from the chair and walked towards the exit.
As he touched the door’s handle the room quickly changed. It was a small room with raggedy clothing scattered around on the floor. An unmade bed sat in the corner and light from the tiny window showered the room. Merlin gazed at the picture that was hanging near the exit where he stood. A sad smile flashed across his face. “My, what a cruel joke this spell plays.” He snapped his fingers and the room reverted to the way it was before. Merlin left the room without another word.