Chapter 9

Author: Thanks for reading.

Den: I love my life.

Author: No one asked. If you have nothing to say, don't come here.

Den: I love my life.

Author: You're a broken record alright.

Den: What?

**********️️*****

For the first time, both Den and Mira found it hard to leave after solving a case.

Zil refused to let them go. Crying like a new born baby. Sulking, acting so stubborn!

Truth be told, Den and Mira were surprised but then, this meant the kid really liked them and it made them happy.

Too bad, they had to knock out the kid before they could leave in peace.

(Well, captain Ger took that job upon himself)

In other words, they did not say goodbye properly.

To bid them farewell, everyone in the village showed up. Including all the guards in the village, Eld, Mr Tin and his two children, Mrs Ja and her son, the manager in Live Inn,...... everyone showed up to bid them farewell and this made them really happy.

Guess........... people can change, after all.

Den never thought but found, it could be possible.

Come to think of it,.........they never talked about the payment and didn't ask for it before leaving.

*Sigh,........well, sometimes, it was better to do something right and not take anything in return.

Now, they were on their way to Ric Town which was in the south.

The murderer gave them a clue. Ric Town and black market.

Den also got a clue about the murderer from chief Sable and they were set to go.

Given food and water to sustain them on their journey, Den was pretty sure they'll make it there in one piece.

Well,........ only the free Den thought so. Mira, the carrier, carrying the bags of supplies on her poor fragile back while her master, the strong man, walking freely, with no care in the world, had other thoughts.

And she (Mira) couldn't help but feel annoyed.

What a master she had.

*Sigh, she sighed. Looking at him, she realized he was now lost in his thoughts and wondered what he was thinking about.

Den couldn't stop thinking about what the chief said.

During their conversation earlier, curiosity got the better of him and he asked about the first guest.

Surely, the first guest had nothing to do with the case cause he showed no hesitation talking about him.

It seemed the first guest was someone called Yu.

The chief was an old friend of his master and he came by to say goodbye or something.

Also,.......he left the village yesterday night.

Den couldn't stop thinking about him and he couldn't help but think, if only he took the opportunity that day (When he went to Live inn with Mira) maybe they would have met.

For some reason, not meeting disappointed him. Not to mention, his name which brought an important and familiar face in mine. Igniting the almost forgotten feeling.

It definitely wasn't what he (Den) was thinking, right?

"Master"

"Huh?" Den replied, coming out of his thoughts.

"You told me why we're heading south. Told me all about the chief and Ger's involvement in the case"

True.

The moment they left the village, Mira pleaded—no, commanded him to tell her and he did.

He told her everything the chief told him.

And also, about the letter the murderer left before he took off.

"But you never told me about the magic the murder used or why you sided with the chief"

Why he lied to the people when he loved revealing the truth so much.

"Just drop this subject and let's talk about something else"

Ah, he didn't want to share. But that was okay, she'll get it out of him anyways.

**********️️*******

NIGHT

WOODS

Exhausted and hungry, the two took rest under a huge tree.

It was still a long way to Ric Town but there was nothing they could do when their bodies has given up.

Bread and water, what was given them to sustain them on their journey. These two never went well for Den but there was nothing he could do.

He was hungry and that was all he had.

Talk about being poor.

*Sigh, he sighed.

"So, master, what kind of magic did Spider use to kill the four?"

Huh?

"Spider?"

What the heck was that?

"Well, we don't know the name of the culprit and the only thing we know is,....he has a tattoo of a spider. Calling him spider will be right"

Hmmm, that did make sense.

The chief had told him and even made a sketch of him (The culprit).

The man wore dark clothes. Half of his face hidden with a black mask, showing only his eyes.

Just like him (Den)

Though his mask was that of the colour white.

Talking about masks, wearing this damn mask everyday and everywhere was getting pretty uncomfortable!

He took off the mask and place it on his lap, revealing his handsome face in all of its glory.

Once again, Mira couldn't stop staring at her master. Her master was good looking, this was something she'll never argue about.

Back to Den's thoughts,

Everything about the murderer's body stayed hidden under his clothes. Of course, except his muscular arms.

Yes, the murder was pretty much,....built. Judging by what the chief described and the drawing he made of him.

A perfect drawing with details. He could see why the chief of Live village was known as one of the best artists in the world.

Anyways, the murderer, or should he call him Spider? Okay, Spider. On Spider's left arm was a tattoo of a huge spider.

This was the only clue they had as a lot of people could have a body like his, right?

Still, Den had to admit, he was jealous of the soon-to be dead body.

People say his body was more feminine. Don't know if that was a thing but he had no problem with that, though he was jealous of men with built bodies.

He could never have that even if he trained intentionally for it.

Yes,.....he tried and it didn't work. Maybe because he hit the gym once a week and then had a huge bowel of pork afterwards, who knows.

(Yet he never gained weight)

But that was okay! Being a pretty boy was nothing to be ashamed of!

He was only waiting for the one person for him.

Surely, the heavens arranged one for him, right?

"Master, am waiting"

*Sigh, she really won't shut up unless he tells her.

"Fine!" He exclaimed and sighed again in defeat.

"I won't say he's a changer. More like an ordinary magician. However,.......he has one terrifying magic"

"The one that turned the four into rocks?"

Something like that.

"I won't say they were petrified, but something like that. That kind of magic has a name, 'Dream Butterfly'. Is a magic only used for killing. It could be used on anyone, either you're asleep or awake"

"More details please" she requested and he smiled, "When alseep, you dream of butterflies and these beautiful butterflies, invade your memories, showing you the best days of your life. The more you lose yourself in your dream, the more you lose your life. These butterflies, sucks out your soul, your life"

So, if it was information Spider wanted, there was no way he could have get it, unless, he questioned them before using his magic.

Also, using this kind of magic, only the victim can see the memories. They can't see or hear anything else.

"Hmmm, so,....if am right,....when you're awake, you'll still see these butterflies. They'll bring out your best memories which will be more like an illusion. The more you lose yourself in the memories, the more you lose your life. And the effect is you turning into a rock after losing your soul or life"

Watching her with a proud look, Den confirmed, "Exactly"

"The smile on their faces indicated they lost themselves in their dreams. Happy in the illusion"

"Exactly. You feel no pain but is still an unforgivable way to die. Your life, stolen from you without any............." *Sigh, he couldn't continue. He was so angry.

"It is. I hope we find spider soon and punish him for what he did"

"Yeah"

He hoped so too.

Also hope, this wasn't a joke and he really was in the location he gave them.

"Now!" Den exited his thoughts, looking at Mira with a bewildered look.

"Why did you side with the chief?"

Ahah, of course, she was not letting go of this one too.

Not until she knew.

"Well,...........The chief wasn't exactly at fault. He was deceived. And,.....sure, He hid a few things and did a few bad things but it wasn't really his fault, right?"

Seriously?

*Sigh, she sighed, is okay. He didn't have to tell her if he didn't want to cause she even knew the reason why.

Mira had an idea.

Only wanted to hear it from him.

"Your master was too soft hearted and I guess you inherited it"

Hearing this made Den smile,

"I know, and he was not the only one. Every master I had was also softhearted. That's why they died unfairly and justice was never served. Not now or tomorrow"

"And I wonder why you chose this path"

This girl.......she really knew where to hit.

"I'll keep my word no matter what. No revenge. No causing trouble and no killing. I'll let karma do the job. I'll stand by this promise, my dear student" he replied, smiling.

"Even if the other one doesn't agree?"

"Even if I have to kill myself to fulfill it"

"You're too good master"

And that as well might be his end.

But then,..... She looked at Den who was now staring at the starry sky, smiling.

As long as she was alive, she'll make sure it never happens.

**********️️*****

MORNING⛅

As the sun rose, Den and Mira got ready to leave.

All bags were given to the poor disciple while the master, intentionally, heartlessly using his status as her master, walked freely with no load.

Mira still hasn't gotten used to this but she dare not say a word.

Not only was Den her master but her chief as well.

He was older than her and had more authority.

As usual, is better she kept her mouth shut.

After more than two hours of walking, Den noticed his student was exhausted.

Literally dying from it and it showed on her beautiful face.

Concern and feeling a bit of guilt, he suggested they take a break, and then leave an hour later.

A bit of guilt, huh? This man was really something else.

A bit wasn't enough!

Resting under a tree, a bright smile showed on Mira's face.

Relief running through her tiny body.

She was grateful, thankful but chose not to say a word of that to her master.

After all, she was in this state because of him.

Smiling, Den said, "My dear student, I think you're forgetting something" making her roll her eyes in annoyance.

He still wanted his thanks? What kind of man was he?!

Then again,......she already knew the kind of man he was.

Why was she even surprised?

Sensing something, suddenly, both were alert. Sharp eyes wandering up the trees nearby.

The movement of the tree leaves as the light breeze blew, the sounds of insects, everything in this natural place was taken in, nothing missed, and the strange feeling of being watched wasn't missed either.

Though they found nothing amiss, no one around, they still felt something wasn't right. They were cautious, blamed themselves for not noticing this earlier.

Must be because they were too exhausted.

"Come out!" Den yelled out, getting up and Mira did the same.

They were proved right and the threats showed up. Jumping down from the trees ahead.

Facing them, the two showed no fear. Their faces revealed, the two realize they knew none of them.

However!

Judging by their clothes, it looked like they were bandits.

Probably,......... the infamous south bandits.

Meaning, they were already in south. And won't take long to reach Ric Town.

Talk about having a bad map. Seriously, he had to change this map of his.

The men, fifteen in total, watched them, smiling maniacally as if they already had a plan in mind.

And they did.

They've been watching them for some time now and were really curious about what they had in their bags.

They wanted them (The bags)

They had their dirt—sorry, they had their eyes on them.

So the plan was simple. Kill them and take the bags.

However, they're forgetting something.

There's no such thing as 'simple' in this world.

Mira drew out her sword, 'Young Mira'.

This was the name she gave her sword. You can just count the number of times he (Den) tried to tell her to change it and the number of times Mira refused, saying it was her sword and the name suited it perfectly. Ignoring the fact that, her sword might not have the same thought.

"Leave this to me, master" she said to him (Den) and a smile lit on his lips. He (Den) took a step back and leaned against the tree, indicating he had no plans of helping.

Dealing with danger alone was his way of training Mira and she has been doing well so far.

Just in case this was too much for her, he'll step in.

However, for now, he didn't plan on doing that.

The bandits were mere weakenings.

At first glance, he could tell. And also from what he heard, these bandits could not use magic, surely, Mira can take care of this.

Drawing out their weapons (Sword), Den, good in swords, could tell they were nothing special.

And also, the cheapest he has ever seen.

"Attack!" The order was given by one of them and they bandits charged on them with their swords. Mira wasted no time, meeting them with her own.

'Young Mira' was no ordinary sword. As she got close, it began to emit a bright light, going through a transformation and the results was a gun.

A pistol. Silver in colour, and the frame had a sliver bird design on it.

Though surprised, the ignorant fools made no attempt to run and this was their end.

Like he (Den) usually said, being ignorant wasn't always good or bad.

Depended on the situation, condition and the kind of world you live in.

If only they knew the origin of that sword, that alone would have saved them.

They would have flee and since he and Mira had no plans of fighting, they wouldn't have pursue them.

There would have been no fight.

And on one would have lost their precious life.

Then again,......there was no way they would known.

After all, this gun was a hidden treasure and few have been blessed to see it.

Though they all ended up dead.

Den watched as Mira pulled the trigger, shooting them on the head one after the other as she skillfully dodged their attacks.

Mira was faster, smarter, crueler and she showed no mercy.

This was a pleasing sight for Den.

In just a few seconds, the battle was over and the men dropped dead on the ground, blood flowing down from their wounds.

It was over and Mira stood before the last man, her back to Den.

The battle over, the gun turned back into a sword and she put it back into the scabbard which was around her waist.

Amazed and pleased, Den began clapping, "My favorite student, when did you become so fast? You did a good job in just a few seconds"

Smiling, Mira turned to face him and he gave her a thumb up as in 'You did great'

Mira was overjoyed but she was even more proud of herself. Seems she has gotten stronger. If she could do this in a few seconds with ease,.......she really has gotten stronger.

"You said it! Won't take long and I'll surpass you" she said smiling.

"I might as well make you the new chief" He joked laughing and Mira joined him.

Suddenly, a deep frown covered Den's face as he sensed danger while Mira stared at him, confused.

She was just about to ask him what was wrong when Den yelled out, "Silent arrow!"

And the arrow really showed up. Heading towards Mira who had her back to it.

Just when he thought of using the forbidden technique to save his student, someone beat him to it.

He actually thought it was too late to save Mira even though he had plans of using the forbidden technique to save her.

But then,........ someone beat him to it.

This person was faster and with his sword, he took the hit.

Surprised and in disbelief, he watched as the arrow fell on the ground, same time, Mira turned back to face the person who has just saved her life.

His back to her.

Without a word, the man threw up his drew sword and it hang midair for a few seconds.

After whispering a few words they didn't hear, he touched the pommel of the sword and gave it a light push.

Sensing the danger, the culprit jumped down from one of the trees, not far from where the three stood.

Definitely, one of the bandits.

He sensed the danger and the moment, he landed on the ground, he ran.

Ran, like his life depended on it.

And it did.

He ran but didn't get far. The sword pierced through him and he screamed out in pain.

Surely, having second thoughts about his life and the choices he made.

But it was too late now.

That's life for you.

Anyways, he dropped on his knees, and the sword came out, forcing him to scream out, again. Whimpering in pain, he fell on the ground, on the road to death.

The sword hanging midair then went back to its master.

Like it had conscious, it went back into the scabbard which was around its master's waist. The two (Den and Mira) watched, taken back.

Shock out of their mind.

Admiration filled their eyes as they stared at the man.

This guy.......Who was he?

None of them knew, but Den knew about the sword.

He knew everything about that sword!

"Heavenly sword" he said, excited, literally finding it hard to believe what he was seeing.

This was crazy!

This could not be happening?!

But it was!!

Den watched as the two turned to face him and just when he thought he'll finally see who it was, this showed up!

The man wore a white mask. Just like his, and the white clothes he wore suited him perfectly!

This guy,......he looked great in the clothes he wore. Definitely, he must be good looking, Den thought, scanning the man from head to toe. Eyes meeting his, Den couldn't look away.

And it seems the guy couldn't either.

Those eyes of his.......

For some reason, he (Den) was drawn to them.

He felt like letting his guard down. He felt.......safe, which was crazy cause he was not in any danger and even if he was, he alone could get himself out.

But for some reason...........

"Who......." And before he could let out another word, the guy disappeared into his shadow.

Leaving no trace of himself.

Surprised and confused, Mira began looking around, asking, "Where did he go?"

Amused and amazed, Den blurt out, "Shadow" smiling.

What an interesting turn of event.

This......was definitely fate.