Chapter 24: Bet!

When a Filipino got Isekai'd with a twist! (Pinoy Isekai'd)

"Only I can summon those!"

Chapter 24: Bet!

As Kieth and his escorts reach the outskirts of the dwarven kingdom. They stopped to camp and decided to enter the kingdom tomorrow morning. because the dwarfs have a protocol that no one will enter before dark, so they camp outside for now. As the group was preparing their camp and food, they heard a rustling sound.

The rustling sound came from the dense underbrush nearby, causing the group to pause in their preparations. Aleric, a seasoned traveler, instinctively motioned for silence, his hand raised to signal teammates to stay alert. The flickering light of their campfire cast long shadows, and the air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth.

"I think it's just a rabbit," Garth whispered.

"Yeah, because no one will dare to attack anyone near the dwarven kingdom, so it's probably an animal"lariel added.

"You guys, are you stupid? It's a wild boar," Keriel spoke. Her voice was low but laced with urgency. The group turned to her, their expressions a mix of skepticism and concern.

"Keriel, wild boars don't usually rustle like that," Aleric replied, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the sound. "But we should be cautious. It could be something more dangerous."

The rustling grew louder, and the underbrush parted slightly, revealing a pair of gleaming eyes staring back at them. The group collectively held their breath, tension thick in the air. And Kieth just clicked his tongue and summoned a crossbow and shot an arrow in the direction of the noise. The arrow flew, catching the beast. As Kieth approaches it, he can see a small, cute, but weird-looking cat caught by the arrow net.

The creature let out a startled yowl, its fur bristling as it struggled against the arrow net. Keith's heart sank as he realized he had shot a small cat, not a wild boar or any other fearsome beast. The cat was a peculiar sight, with oversized ears and a tufted tail that flicked nervously. Its fur was a patchwork of colors, blending shades of gray, orange, and white, giving it an almost magical appearance, but it looked like it was injured, but not by Keith's arrow net but by something else.

"By the gods, Kieth! What have you done?" Aleric exclaimed, rushing forward to help the creature. The others followed, their initial tension dissipating into concern for the injured animal.

"Well, I caught what you guys were murmuring about?!" He replied, but still his eyes were on the cat; their eyes met. The cat's eyes were wide and filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. Kieth knelt down, his heart racing as he carefully approached the creature, trying to calm it with a soft voice. "Hey there, little one. I'm not going to hurt you. Just hold still." As he said that, the cat's eyes turned to the food he was cooking.

Keith's stomach twisted with guilt as he noticed the cat's gaze fixated on the sizzling meat skewers over the fire. He could see the creature's nostrils flare, inhaling the savory aroma, and it let out a soft, plaintive meow that tugged at his heartstrings.

"Looks like someone is hungry," Garth said, his voice softening as he crouched beside Kieth. "Maybe we should give it something to eat before we try to free it."

Aleric nodded in agreement, his hands deftly working to untangle the arrow net from the cat's small body. "We need to be careful, though. It might be scared and lash out."

Keriel, who had been watching with a mix of concern and fascination, rummaged through their supplies. "I have some dried fish. It's not much, but it might help coax it out." As she said that, when she looked at her fish, it was already half eaten by her. Oops, I'm so—" As she was about to speak, she was interrupted by Kieth summoning.

"Open window! Open online shop! Buy canned tuna!"

System: successful!

As Keith opened the can of tuna, the cat's eyes widened in anticipation, and the aroma from the food. "Ok, little fella, I'm going to open this net. But don't attack me, okay? I'm going to give you food if you don't bite me, deal?" As Keith said that, the cat just meowed at him, eyes big as a beautiful marble.

With a deep breath, Kieth carefully began to untangle the arrow net from the cat's small body, his fingers moving slowly to avoid startling it. The creature remained still, its gaze locked onto the can of tuna, which Kieth had set down beside him. Aleric and Garth kept a watchful eye, ready to intervene if the cat decided to lash out in fear.

As the last of the net fell away, the cat blinked up at Kieth, its expression shifting from fear to cautious curiosity. Kieth smiled gently, holding out a small piece of tuna on his palm. "Here you go, little one. It's all yours."

The cat hesitated for a moment, then, with a quick dart, it snatched the tuna from Kieth's hand and retreated a few paces, its oversized ears twitching as it chewed. The group watched in silence, their hearts warming at the sight of the small creature enjoying its meal.

"Looks like we have a new friend," Garth said, chuckling softly. "What do you think we should name it?"

"How about 'Tuna'? Like the metal food you summon, Sir hero" Keriel suggested, grinning. "It seems fitting."

"Or 'Whiskers'!" Aleric chimed in, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Though I think it has more than just whiskers going for it."

Kieth chuckled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Whatever we call it, we should make sure it's safe. It looks like it's been through a lot."

As the cat finished the tuna, it looked up at Kieth, its eyes now filled with a mix of gratitude and trust. It took a tentative step closer, sniffing the air towards Keith as if to say, "Is there more?" As he said that, one system notification popped up.

System notification alert!

You have tamed a mythical creature, the "Behemoth cub."

You can now name tamed creatures.

Caution: having a behemoth cub is extremely rare and dangerous because of the rarity of the said creature; a lot of rich nobles will kill it if they see one for its unique abilities and potential. Handle with care.

Please name the tamed creature: ___________?level 1

Kieth stared at the notification, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. A behemoth cub? He had heard tales of such creatures, said to possess incredible powers and abilities, but they were also known to attract unwanted attention from those who sought to exploit them.

The little cat, now munching on the last bits of tuna from her second batch of canned tuna, looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, completely unaware of the potential danger it represented. Kieth felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He couldn't let anything happen to this creature.

"Aww, can I ignore that look? Alright, little one," he murmured, contemplating the name. "You deserve something special." He thought about the creature's unique appearance and the bond they had just formed. After a moment of reflection, he smiled and said, "I think I'll call you 'Mochi.' It suits you, don't you think?"

The cat tilted its head, as if considering the name, and then let out a soft, approving meow. Kieth felt a warmth in his chest; it seemed Mochi liked it.

System notification!

You successfully named your tamed creature.

Bound: mochi. Level 1 . Rating : mythical

Now bonds between master and tamed beast are established!

"Welcome to the team, Mochi," he said, gently scratching behind the creature's oversized ears. The cat purred softly, leaning into his touch, and the group shared a collective sigh of relief and joy.

"Now that we have a new companion, we should probably set up a watch for the night," Aleric suggested, glancing at the darkening sky. "We don't know what else might be lurking out here."

"Good idea," Garth agreed. "I'll take the first watch. Kieth, you should get some rest. You've had a long day."

Kieth nodded, still feeling the warmth of Mochi's purring against his leg. The little creature had nestled close to him, its eyes half-closed in contentment. It was a comforting presence amidst the uncertainty of the night.

"Thanks, Garth," Kieth replied, stretching his arms above his head. "I think I will take you up on that offer. Just wake me if anything happens."

As Garth settled in for his watch, Aleric and Keriel began to tidy up the camp, ensuring that their supplies were secure and that the fire was well-contained. The flickering flames danced in the cool night air, casting a warm glow that felt almost protective.

"Do you think Mochi will be okay?" Keriel asked, glancing at the small creature. "I mean, it's been through a lot."

Aleric nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We'll keep an eye on it. But it seems like Kieth has already formed a bond. That's a good sign. Creatures like this often sense kindness."

Mochi, as if sensing the conversation, lifted its head and blinked slowly at them, its large eyes reflecting the firelight. Kieth smiled at the little creature, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him. He had to protect Mochi, not just from the dangers of the wild but from the potential threats that might come from others who would seek to exploit its rarity.

As the night deepened, the sounds of the forest surrounded them—crickets chirping, the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, and the occasional hoot of an owl. Kieth found it surprisingly soothing, and soon he felt his eyelids growing heavy. He leaned back against a tree with his trusted sleeping bag, allowing himself to drift into a light sleep, with Mochi curled up on his lap.

Aleric and Keriel took turns keeping watch, their eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of danger. Garth, however, seemed to be lost in thought, occasionally glancing at Mochi and then back at the forest, as if contemplating the implications of their new companion. As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, casting a golden hue over the campsite, Kieth stirred awake. He blinked against the brightness, feeling the warmth of Mochi still curled up on his lap. The little creature had fallen asleep, its tiny body rising and falling gently with each breath. Kieth smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Garth said, grinning as he flipped a piece of bread over the fire. "You missed the best part of the morning. Aleric caught a glimpse of a deer just beyond the tree line.".

"Really?" Kieth replied, stretching his arms and yawning. "I guess I was too busy dreaming about our new friend here." He gently lifted Mochi, who let out a soft meow of protest before settling back down on the ground, blinking sleepily.

"Well, we should get moving soon," Aleric said, his voice steady and calm. "The dwarven kingdom is just a short trek from here, and we want to make a good impression."

Keriel, who had been busy packing up her gear, chimed in, "I hope they have good food. I could go for some hearty dwarven stew right about now."

As they finished their breakfast and packed up the campsite, Kieth felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The dwarven kingdom was known for its rich culture and formidable warriors, but it was also a place where outsiders were often met with suspicion. He glanced down at Mochi, who was now playfully batting at a fallen leaf. The little creature seemed blissfully unaware of the potential challenges ahead. As they walked around the city of dwarves, Mochi was lying at Keith's head, not moving, eyes closed like a cat hat, as they reached the castle to meet King Youm.

As Kieth and his companions approached the grand entrance of the dwarven castle, the air buzzed with anticipation. The stone walls loomed high above them, intricately carved with scenes of dwarven history and legends. Torches flickered along the path, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the cool morning air. Kieth felt a mix of excitement and nervousness; he had heard tales of the dwarves' fierce loyalty to their kin and their wariness of outsiders.

Kieth nodded, his heart racing as he adjusted Mochi, who had finally woken up and was now perched on his shoulder, its oversized ears twitching with curiosity. The little creature seemed to sense the tension in the air, its eyes wide and alert.

As they reached the massive wooden doors, they swung open with a creak, revealing a grand hall filled with dwarven warriors and artisans bustling about. The scent of smoke and metal filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of stone. The hall was adorned with banners and shields, each telling a story of battles fought and victories won.

At the far end of the hall, seated upon a throne carved from a single piece of granite, was King Youm. His beard was long and braided, adorned with intricate metal clasps that glinted in the torchlight. His eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"State your business, travelers," King Youm's voice boomed, echoing through the hall. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Kieth and his companions.

Kieth step forward as aleric and the others is trying to stop him because Kieth has a loud mouth that don't know etiquette and maners because he is from another world. But in reality he's just an ordinary man from the slums in the Philippines but all of them widen in shock when Kieth spoke.

"Before that, sir, let us present our gift first! he formally said with a formal voice and demeanor. and bowed gracefully.

The hall was momentarily stunned into silence as Kieth's unexpected formality took everyone by surprise. Aleric, Garth, and Keriel exchanged worried glances because they knew Kieth was not like that, but they realized that Kieth was doing this to sway King Youm not to change sides to the demon lord's army.

"What,what is this?"king Youm ask as he holds a bottle of expensive liquor from Kieth's world.

As Kieth smile internally "come on you dumb drunken king. I search this world wiki it's shows you love liquor like that and that fucker is not just the best it's the rarest in my world. And the most expensive one in my home world money it can range at 10 million a bottle so don't waste it dummy.

"Oh, that's the best and the highest quality of liquor you'll ever lay your eyes on, your majesty," Kieth gracefully said, but his companion is puking and laughing internally because of Kieth's formality.

King Youm raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet skeptical. The dwarven warriors around him exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement. Keith's sudden transformation into a formal diplomat was unexpected, and the tension in the hall began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of intrigue.

"You speak boldly for one who is not of our kind," King Youm said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of amusement. "What makes you think I would accept a gift from an outsider?"

Kieth took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Your Majesty, I understand that trust must be earned, especially in a kingdom as proud as yours. But I assure you, this is not just any liquor. It is a rare vintage from my homeland, crafted with care and tradition. It symbolizes goodwill and respect for your people."

King Youm leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued. "You speak of dark forces, young man. What do you know of these threats? And why should we, the proud dwarves of this kingdom, lend our strength to your cause?"

As he spoke, Kieth carefully presented the bottle, its glass shimmering in the torchlight. The dwarves leaned in, their interest piqued. King Youm's eyes narrowed as he examined the bottle, the intricate label catching the light.

"Very well," the king said, his tone shifting slightly. "But know this: gifts are not merely tokens; they are a reflection of the giver's intentions. If you wish to earn our favor, you must prove your worth beyond mere offerings."

Kieth nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I understand, Your Majesty. We come not just to offer gifts but to seek an alliance. Dark forces threaten our lands, and we believe that together, we can stand against them. And I the 5 hero ask of you to led us your strength"

The hall fell silent again, the weight of Kieth's words hanging in the air. Aleric, Garth, and Keriel exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of pride and concern. Kieth had always been impulsive, but now he was stepping into a role that required careful diplomacy.

Kieth felt the weight of the king's gaze upon him, the scrutiny of the dwarven warriors surrounding them. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, recalling the tales of the demon lord's rise and the devastation it had wrought across the land. "Your Majesty, I come from a world where darkness is rising, where a demon lord seeks to conquer and enslave all who oppose him. I have seen the destruction he leaves in his wake, and I believe that if we do not unite, we will all fall to his tyranny."

A murmur rippled through the hall, the dwarves exchanging glances as they processed Kieth's words. King Youm's expression remained inscrutable, but Kieth could sense the king's curiosity growing. "And what makes you think that your plight is of any concern to us? We have our own battles to fight, our own enemies to contend with."

Kieth took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Because, Your Majesty, the demon lord's ambitions do not stop at borders. He seeks to conquer all realms, and if he succeeds, your kingdom will not be spared. We may be from different worlds, but we share a common enemy. Together, we can forge a powerful alliance that will stand against the darkness."

The hall was silent, the tension palpable as the dwarves considered Kieth's words. Finally, King Youm leaned back in his throne, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "You speak with conviction, and I admire your bravery. But bravery alone does not win battles. What proof do you have that you are worthy of our trust? What can you offer beyond this bottle of liquor?"

"This is what I've been waiting for,you bit the bait you drunk bastard. Now I got you bitch!"as he murmur internally. He fixes his posture and spoke again.

"No , sir my strength!"

Kieth's voice rang out with newfound confidence, echoing through the grand hall. "I may not be a warrior of your kind, but I possess skills and weapons that can aid your kingdom. I have faced challenges that would make even the bravest of warriors tremble. I can strategize, gather intelligence, and rally others to our cause. I have seen the darkness firsthand, and I know how to combat it."

"Weapon, you say? Tell me, 5th hero, what class are you?" King Youm asked, his voice booming into the hall.

"Summoner sir!" As he said that king Youm just laughed histerically at what Kieth answer and all of the royal guards laugh too.

"So you're that summoner? What a summoner can do is summon a sword and sell it to the demon army to death?" King Youm mockingly said while laughing. And Eric glances at his other companions with a worried look. But Kieth spoke again.

"Yeah, I can do that, but are you sure that's all I can do? Let me remind you, Sir King Youm Salazar! I'm still the 5th hero of this realm. Don't you wonder how the hell we made it here alive unscratched"

The laughter in the hall began to fade as Kieth's words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in confidence. King Youm's laughter turned into a thoughtful hum, his eyes narrowing as he considered Kieth's assertion. The dwarven warriors around him exchanged glances, their amusement replaced by curiosity.

"You claim to be the 5th hero," King Youm said, his voice steady but laced with skepticism. "But what proof do you have of your abilities? Words alone will not earn you our trust." As he said that, Kieth just smirked and said.

"If you doubt my ability, you should try it firsthand," Kieth replied with a grin. The hall fell silent once more, the tension thickening as King Youm regarded Kieth with a mixture of intrigue and caution. The dwarven king leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his eyes narrowing as he considered the audacity of the young summoner before him.

"You wish to prove yourself, then?" King Youm asked, his voice low and commanding. "Very well. We shall see if your bravado holds any merit. I will grant you a chance to demonstrate your skills. But know this: failure will not be taken lightly in my kingdom."

"Fine by me, sir king. But let's make it more exciting, shall we?" Keith suggests.

"Ok, I'm listening " king Youm said intrigued in his voice.

"If you beat me, I'll give you a million of that liquor!" And King Youm's eyes widen in shock at just the thought of a million bottles of that expensive liquor. "But if I best you, you'll swear your loyalty to me!" He added. With a confident voice. And all of his companions sprang up, covered his mouth, and spoke.

"We're so sorry you're majesty, this is just a little miss understanding please sir, don't punish him or entertainment his challenge hes just not feeling well. Sorry sir we're leave ." As they said that. King Youm stands up and laughs.

"Ha! You have spirit, young summoner! I admire that," King Youm bellowed, his laughter echoing through the grand hall. The dwarven warriors around him chuckled, their initial skepticism giving way to amusement at Kieth's audacity. "But you must understand, challenging a king is no small matter. You tread on dangerous ground. But…. I accepted.And all eyes of the people in the room widen as the king accepts the challenge.But in one more condition!"

King Youm raised a hand, silencing the murmurs that rippled through the hall.

"What condition?" Kieth asks.

"You'll hand over your little pet if I win!" King Youm said as Kieth's eyes widened in shock.

To be continued....