Chapter 6: Someone Help Me Use A Dragon Core!

Teus quickly regained his composure before snapping his fingers and pointing at the old man.

“But that’s where you can come in, Mister Fluff and Puff! I may not know how to wield the core yet but since you used to be a Beast Breaker I’m sure if you showed me some secret technique to do it I could learn it in no time! And if you add that with you teaching me swordsmanship, I could easily find the King’s Crest! And if…”

The old man listened to Teus continue his ramblings for a while longer before deciding to interrupt. He heard his ideas for training, his plans for what techniques he wanted to learn first, about how he wanted to learn about the maps and history about where the crest could possibly be located. 

Though, it was clear…that ever since Teus found the dragon core, he had been obsessed with trying to awaken it.

He attentively listened to him go on and on, trying to convince him that this very dangerous idea was something worth partaking in.

He smirked, part of him was glad to know that this boy was an even bigger dreamer than he was. Though, that did not change the obvious.

“Teus, I’m losing count how many times we talked about this. With or without the dragon core, you’ll be no match for those fiends in their home territory. And it doesn’t matter how many different things you want me to teach you. If you really want me to teach you the way of the sword, the conditions are the same as they always have been. The first step is you must swear to me that you’ll never go looking for the King’s Crest.”

The boy recoiled back in frustration. He grit his teeth.

“There’s no way that’s happening!”

“Then there’s no way you’ll learn the sword.”

“Gah, but I need you to teach me!”

“Then give up the King’s Crest.”

“Never!”

Teus grabbed his head with both hands out of annoyance.

“Argh! Just you watch! I’ll find a way to use the dragon core and be an incredible-mindblowing-extraordinarily-awesome sword user one day, even better than you!”

“You can try,” The old man said unbothered. “but there’s nothing that’s going to convince me to teach you how to wield a blade if you’re gonna keep being a suicidal fool.”

In the middle of the argument the old man’s stomach grumbled. It was loud. It was aggressive. And a clear indication that there was more to be desired.

About five seconds passed of Teus staring blankly at the old man.

“...I bet you would do it for more fish?”

“H-hey are you trying to bribe me! It’s not going to work!”

The old man’s stomach gurgled more aggressively. His thoughts raced with anger of his body's disobedience.

“Why are you betraying me right now!”

“I knew it! Everybody has a price! I’ll bring double the portion tomorrow!”

“Wait, Teus I still wont…!”

Before he could finish his sentence the boy had left the alley and ran off into the distance. Leaving the old man to scowl at the empty pathway. 

“...Curse this belly of mine!”

He pondered the dragon core after the boy was out of view.

“He actually found a dragon core in the dungeon, huh. After two years of foraging through an abandoned dungeon it only makes sense he’d come across something like that. Looks like his crazy idea paid off. Back in the day, any breaker who could properly wield those things might as well have been a natural disaster. If he really can control that thing… his potential would be off the charts…”

Simply reminiscing about the power he witnessed as a Beast Breaker sent shivers down his spine. Their presence alone could change the tide of battle, entire terrains would be destroyed after their clashing, some people questioned whether or not they were deities. Indeed it was still a reckless idea to jump into dragon territory even with that power, but its potency could not be ignored.

One thing remained certain in his mind, if the child could harness the forces of his newfound gem he would be an incredible force to be reckoned with in the future. 

****

The next day was a cold one in Thorinhil. The chilled wind added to the gloomy atmosphere and the sun was covered by thick clouds, as if refusing to grace the town with its morning light.

Though the marketplace was still in business, albeit with much less people chatting, buying and selling. Teus appeared before the shopkeeper again in order to exchange more goods for the usual purple coins, at his usual time.

With an unusual amount of fish.

The shopkeeper rolled his eyes after inspecting Teus’ haul, then gave a slight chuckle.

“I have to admit, it’s inspiring to see you trying so hard to buy this thing as a peasant. It’s okay to accept our place in the world, you know.”

“You think I’m inspiring? Wait a minute, I know a backhanded compliment when I see one!”

“Haha, You’d get a lot closer to getting that set of armor if you just sold that scarf.” The shopkeeper teased.

“I told you that I’m not doing that!" Teus barked back.

The shopkeeper grinned while handing him two purple coins. Teus’ face went pale.

“Hey! This is worse than last time!”

“Looks like you spent more time gathering fish today than you did looting. Sorry, but I can’t buy scrap from you that doesn’t exist.”

“Aw man, but I didn’t think it’d be this low though…Feels like I really risked my life for nothing this time!... Wait a minute!”

Teus spun his head around to see a noticeable lack of people roaming the streets of Thorinhil, almost nobody actually. It clicked in his head at that moment. Nobody had yelled at him earlier for causing a commotion on his way back to town. Something was amiss.

The boy’s eyes met with the new hire, who was currently moving around some items to the front of the shop.

“Hey, is something happening today? Why is nobody out here?”

The new hire, with a startled look, quickly answered.

“Yeah, there’s a reason, it’s because-”

“Because, they all got sick and tired of hearing your noise in the morning so they all decided to stay home and shop later. You should also get out of here too while it’s still empty, so that you don’t start ruining everyone's day!” The shopkeeper quickly interjected. Giving a stern look to his employee.

Teus tilted his head to the side, completely unconvinced. He began to ask more impatiently.

“Seriously, what’s going on here! Is it something I should know about-”

Before he could utter his thought, the ears of everyone were perked when they heard the chatter of some nearby citizens. Notably, one that was running towards the rest of the group.

“I saw them! They’ll be here soon! The kingdom’s Beast Breakers are going to be arriving here shortly to slay the dragon!”

“Oh rats, let’s wrap up shopping here before they come, things could get ugly.”

The child’s eyes lit up at the mention of Beast Breakers. The shopkeeper's initial calm and taunting demeanor had evaporated, unveiling an unnerved appearance.

“Crap! I was hoping that they would show up after Teus left! This brat has no idea how to act in front of royalty. It won’t take long before he’ll get himself killed!”

Stopping his lips from quivering, the shopkeeper attempted to call out to the boy. Hoping to get his attention before the Beast Breakers entered Thorinhil.

“Teus, let me explain something very important to you about Beast Breakers-”

“Is that them?” The child asked innocently whilst pointing at the town gates.

Throughout the town of Thorinhil, a wave of hushed tones elapsed. There was no banter anymore, only tension. Not a sound was heard in the town but the precise rhythm of boots hitting the ground.

Entering Thorinhil were four figures emerging from the bleak fog ahead.

As they soon approached their silhouettes became easily distinguishable. Their armor, polished and gleaming. Their pauldrons were sturdy and well fitted for each individual. Heavy cloaks that were diligently threaded, with the insignia of the kingdom on their backs danced in the air as they walked. They more than stood out amongst the dirty, dusty clothes that were typical for someone to wear around these parts.

The air tightened around everyone as they watched the group make their way into the town. Teus’ eyes widened as he got a closer look from each member’s appearance.

One member had a spear attached to his back almost double the size of a fully grown man. His eyes were that of a hawk, with intense focus and uninviting nature to him. His armor was primarily green in color and his size large in stature. At least a head taller than every man in Thorinhil.

The second member was significantly more relaxed. His face carried an eerie smile that sent chills down Teus’ body. The weapons he brandished were two twin daggers that were adorned with red stripes along the blade’s edge. His hands twirling one blade between his fingers with a practiced motion while the blade remained in sheather to the side of his waist.

Then came the third most enigmatic member. The shortest member of them all, a child who did not appear to be much older than Teus himself. His hair was silver and his face carried far too much composure for someone his age. His eyes swept the town, as if to inspect the town’s every detail making sure it was up to his standard, he seemed less than impressed. Notably, he had no weapon to be seen. His gaze briefly met with Teus’ before he snarled as he looked away. 

Leading the march was a man that everyone would so obviously guess was their captain. He exuded an aura that was not violent but overwhelming in power. Each step he took gave the impression he could shred the town to ribbons if he wanted. A subtle, stoic scowl was worn across his face. His weapon was a sword that looked more meticulously crafted than any of the weapons of the rest of the team. With a golden lion sculpted at its scabbard, distinguishable from any distance as its glimmer was so distinct. However the most important thing that Teus noticed was an extremely soft and faint glow from inside of his scabbard. He recognized it. It reminded him of the dragon core that he had looted himself.

“This guy… No way! That’s a dragon core! Is he a dragon core user?”

The town awaited with bated breath as the group had approached the marketplace. 

“Here they come.” The shopkeeper muttered nervously.

“They look even more terrifying in person.” The new hire quietly yelped.

“...Why do I have this feeling? I feel like something bad’s gonna happen.” Teus said whilst staring into the distance with a slightly worried look on his face.

The shopkeeper had a bead of sweat roll down his chin.

“So you feel it too? You’re not as empty-headed as you look.”

“Oh yeah, well you look scared!” Teus chided.

The shopkeeper responded without looking Teus’ way.

“Of course I’m scared! In a world ruled by dragons, they are the highest of us peasants. Those there are the Beast Breakers sent by the kingdom. And they're some of the most elite warriors you’ll ever see.”