Thorin

Chapter 4 : Thorin

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Kaoru asked Takeshi to buy the spear. Takeshi stared into Kaoru's eyes, questioning the reason behind this strange request. But he bought the spear.

At that moment, someone came running into the market, shouting, "He's here! Hide!" The entire market panicked and the calm turned into chaos. The vendors started closing their shops quickly, as if they had trained for this event. Men, women, and children raced to find hiding places.

The market was crowded with vendors and buyers, but the atmosphere was filled with tension, as if everyone knew something was about to happen. Takeshi looked around cautiously.

The old man who had sold the spear to him, looked at them and said, "Come, quickly!" He pulled both Takeshi and Kaoru to a secluded corner behind the shop and locked the heavy door firmly. The place was dark and seemed like it was made for emergencies.

The sound of heavy footsteps grew closer. Takeshi sensed the danger of the situation and knew he had to be alert. He looked at the old vendor who was carefully listening to the increasing sound.

Takeshi asked, "What is going on? Who are they talking about?"

"It's Thorin and his soldiers, who come to collect the tax by force," the old man replied. "His presence here means something terrible is about to happen."

Takeshi raised his voice slightly and asked, "Thorin? He's one of the nobles. Are you sure?"

The old man sighed and answered gently, "Yes, Thorin is the one who came to the market, causing everyone to rush to close their shops and find hiding spots."

He added, "There was one who tried to resist, and Thorin didn't hesitate to eliminate him mercilessly."

The old man was tense as he thought of a way to escape, knowing that the chance to get away became more difficult with each passing second.

Then Takeshi went to leave and put an end to the situation himself, but the old man grabbed his arm tightly and said, "Please, stop! If you go now, we will all die."

At the same time, Kaoru ignored his words and stepped out.

Kaoru moved toward Thorin, ready for any confrontation that might occur. The tensions were increasing significantly, and every breath felt heavy.

Thorin was standing in the middle of the square, watching every corner and every movement. He wasn't alone, but surrounded by some thugs.

Shop doors were being forced open and boxes were being overturned. The sound of some artifacts breaking on the floor could be heard.

When Thorin noticed, Kaoru began approaching slowly, his footsteps audible and clear.

Thorin spoke, "Someone dares to come out?"

Kaoru, ready to speak and confront, said, "I am here to protect the people from your tyranny."

Thorins' anger flared in his eyes as he took a step toward Kaoru, saying in a voice filled with menace, "Do you not know who I am?! No one will stand against me."

Kaoru did not back down; instead, he formed letters in the air from mana and directed them toward Thorin. The letters gleamed with light, and they were drawn with precision. Each letter bore part of Kaoru's magical power, launching toward Thorin in waves of energy. But Thorin easily deflected them when he raised his hand and uttered a magical word, "Dainalis." The letters created by Kaoru disintegrated and melted into the air like snowflakes under the sun.

Thorin stood smiling with admiration, looking at Kaoru, saying, "Impressive, I didn't think anyone in this market could craft letters from mana."

Kaoru unleashed a second strike, as powerful as the first. The mana letters shot out swiftly, heading toward Thorin with greater force. Yet again, Thorin raised his hand and uttered the same magical word, effortlessly shattering the attack.

Silence enveloped the area for a moment, then suddenly, Thorin attacked Kaoru. His movement was like a storm, and all Kaoru could see were blurred shadows. In one moment, Thorin was meters away from him, and in the next, he was almost touching his face.

Thorin's attack was savage. His arm extended like an arrow toward Kaoru, and his movement was akin to a flash that could not be perceived. Kaoru tried to move to parry or escape, but his feet felt like they were bound. He couldn't move his body because of the speed and weight of the attack.

At the moment when Thorin was about to land a lethal blow, Kaoru froze in place, his eyes wide with fear and disbelief.

In the last moment, Takeshi appeared out of nowhere and blocked Thorin's strike with great force, delivering a powerful blow while his hand was enveloped in a thick layer of Earth element, amplified by the mana coursing through his veins. This blow forced Thorin away from Kaoru. Takeshi's interception was swift and decisive, sending a shockwave throughout the entire arena.

Dust rose from the ground as Thorin struck the earth, creating a cloud that obscured vision for a few moments. When Thorin got up, his eyes were filled with shock and anger, and he took another step toward Takeshi.

Takeshi, standing firmly, cast a sharp glance at Thorin and said, "Why does a seventh-rank knight attack a student and rob the village?!"

Thorin's face showed astonishment for a moment, then his eyes hardened as he said, "Who are you, old man?"

Takeshi replied, "I am Takeshi Ryoji, a council member. Now, do you have an explanation for what you are doing here?"

Thorin suddenly stopped, and signs of concern crossed his face. He knew that the council did not tolerate such actions and that he could face severe consequences. Takeshi's words carried the weight of the law, and Takeshi's presence added credibility to his stance.

Thorin gathered his strength and tried to appear calm, but he couldn't hide the panic in his eyes. He said in a trembling voice, "I was just following orders... I didn't know things would escalate this way."

Takeshi approached with steady steps, closing his eyes slightly as if trying to analyze Thorin's words. Then he slowly opened his eyes and stared directly into Thorin's, saying, "Who gave these orders? And why should you rob the village for them?"

Thorin stepped back, trying to think of a way out of this predicament. "The orders came from above," he said hesitantly, "but I don't know the details. I was just doing what I was told."

Takeshi sighed deeply, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "So, let me make something clear, Thorin. In this world, everyone is responsible for their actions. If the orders are unjust, we should stand against them, not follow them blindly."

Takeshi's words were promising change, perhaps the first seed of an upcoming revolution. As Thorin stood there, devoid of a response, he knew that the village's life and future depended on this encounter.

A heavy silence hung in the air, while the wind rustled through the surrounding trees, as if witnessing the fateful conversation. Thorin tried to muster his courage, but he felt fear creeping into his heart.

Takeshi wasn't expecting an immediate answer. He let his words resonate in Thorin's mind, then turned slowly, pointing to a group of villagers standing at a distance. "These people rely on their leaders to protect them, not to destroy them. Will you stand with them? Or against them?"

Thorin looked towards the villagers, who showed signs of both dread and hope. He felt the weight of the decision and knew that his path would determine the fate of many.

He whispered softly, "What can I do?"

A mix of hope and courage swirled in Thorin's heart, and he realized that the moment ahead would be a new beginning for everyone.

Takeshi approached and placed his hand on Thorin's shoulder. "Start by

telling the truth. Admit what's happening, and you'll find that strength lies not in compliance, but in resistance."

Thorin felt something stirring inside him, a new pulse pushing him forward. He sighed deeply and said, "The commander of the third squad, Hayato Okami, is the one who issued the orders."

Takeshi looked at Thorin with a gaze filled with firmness and understanding. In a calm but firm manner, he said, "That's expected from someone like him. Now, go from here and do not harm the public anymore."

Thorin hesitated for a moment, realizing that the way back would not be easy. He asked in a troubled voice, "But what should I tell the commander?"

Takeshi smiled confidently and replied, "Tell him that Takeshi stopped me."

Thorin turned slowly, hesitant for a moment, but he made his final decision and began to move away with his soldiers, each step away from Takeshi and the bustling market feeling lighter on his shoulders.

In the market, joy began to seep into the faces of the people. Everyone who was there felt a great relief as Takeshi had saved them from an unknown fate. The voices began to rise gradually, expressing gratitude and happiness.

The market was bustling and noisy as usual, filled with the smells of street food and the colors of various goods under the clear sky and bright sun, it seemed like an ordinary day at first glance.

Beside Takeshi stood Cairo, who looked more anxious than ever.

They began walking towards the corner of the market where it was less crowded and quieter. When they reached the corner, they stopped for a moment.

While everyone was celebrating, Takeshi asked with concern, "Cairo, are you alright?"

Cairo smiled weakly and said, "I'm fine."

Takeshi and Cairo were standing in the corner of the market, away from the noise of the celebrations. The atmosphere was charged with complex emotions. Cairo looked down at the ground, avoiding Takeshi's gaze.

"I was defeated, Takeshi... Am I weak?" Cairo said in a hoarse voice, filled with disappointment and dejection.

Takeshi answered confidently and firmly, "You're not weak, Cairo, your opponent was a seventh-ranked knight. Even I might not be able to defeat him if he fought me seriously. But he is only afraid of the law, so he couldn't do anything in front of me."

Cairo lifted his head and looked at Takeshi with eyes full of doubt and amazement. "But how can I continue fighting knowing there are enemies much stronger than me?"

Takeshi smiled gently and said, "Strength is not everything, Cairo. Willpower and determination are what make you strong. Remember, true strength comes from the heart and soul."

Takeshi's words were like a balm to Cairo's psychological wounds, but the doubts hadn't left him yet. "What can I do now? How can I improve myself?"

Takeshi placed his hand on Cairo's shoulder and said firmly, "Learn from your mistakes, Cairo."

Everyone felt an unparalleled joy after Takeshi had saved them. One of the merchants said loudly, "Takeshi saved us, he is our hero."

Another said, "We should throw a celebration to thank him."

People gathered around Takeshi, talking and expressing their joy at having him among them. The air was filled with positive emotions and renewed energy. Takeshi felt an even greater responsibility towards these people who had trusted him.

Takeshi smiled and said, "I just did what needed to be done. Now, we must ensure that this village becomes a safe place for everyone."

While people were celebrating their small victory, signs of hope began to appear in their eyes.

A villager approached Takeshi and asked enthusiastically, "What will we do now, Takeshi? How can we ensure that Thorin won't return with the oppressive orders again?"

Takeshi responded with confidence and calm, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. We need to ensure that this situation doesn't happen again."

One of the merchants said to Takeshi excitedly, "Where are you going? We are going to hold a celebration to honor you." Takeshi stood among them and smiled hesitantly for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry, but we have to go."

To be continued…

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