Zataria's Last Light
Chapter 48: Lith’s Challenge

Chapter 48: Lith’s Challenge

It was nighttime, and Kono, Gram, Daru, and Himitsu were asleep in their rooms, while Zodiac and Ohma remained awake. Ohma walked outside and observed Zodiac sitting on a rock with his weapons.

Ohma: I came out here as you requested, Zodiac!

Zodiac: If you call me "sir" one more time, I’ll—

Ohma: (Quickly shaking his head) S-sorry! I won’t call you that again!

Zodiac: (Sighs) Whatever. Just keep your voice down.

Ohma: My bad, Zodiac.

Zodiac rose from the rock and approached Ohma.

Zodiac: Tonight, I will be testing your skills with your weapons.

Ohma: Oh, you mean my nunchucks? (He displays them.)

Zodiac: Yes, those. I didn’t expect a knight to use nunchucks, but observing you during the trials was interesting. We’ll do something similar to what you and Daru were doing, only I’ll be attacking you.

Ohma: Wait, do I have to make you bleed as well?

Zodiac: No. Your objective is to land a hit on me while I attack.

Ohma’s eyes brightened at Zodiac’s words.

Ohma: Oh, this will be fun! I want to see what you’re capable of. Himitsu and Gram told me you can master any weapon.

Zodiac: (Scoffs) Trust me, I won’t need to try. Now get ready.

Zodiac drew his katana and assumed a fighting stance, while Ohma mirrored him with his nunchucks. After a brief moment, Zodiac charged toward Ohma, targeting his neck. Ohma swiftly deflected the attack with his nunchucks, taken aback by Zodiac’s speed.

Ohma: (Thinking) Wow, he’s fast!

They exchanged blows, skillfully dodging and deflecting each other’s attacks. Ohma swung forcefully at Zodiac’s head, but Zodiac spotted an opening to target Ohma’s body. He ducked and struck the side of Ohma’s stomach. Just as Zodiac’s blade was about to make contact, he pulled back, causing Ohma to complete a downward attack. Zodiac executed a sudoshi and appeared directly behind him.

Ohma: (Thinking) What was that move? He can teleport?

Ohma turned around and swung his nunchucks in a wide arc, prompting Zodiac to identify an opening and dodge out of the way. The confrontation continued, with Ohma inadvertently exposing his abdomen as Zodiac leaped back, momentarily pausing the battle. Ohma began to look confused.

Ohma: Ummm, what are you doing, Zodiac? I haven’t even landed a hit on you yet.

Zodiac sheathed his katana.

Zodiac: We are finished for tonight.

Ohma: Wait, why?

Zodiac: I have identified a significant flaw in your fighting style: you leave your midsection exposed.

Ohma: Really? I leave my stomach wide open?

Zodiac: We’ll continue this discussion another time. I’m getting tired.

Zodiac turns and proceeds into Kono’s house, leaving Ohma with a perplexed expression.

Ohma: U-uhhh, goodnight... then?

The following morning, everyone engages in their daily routines: brushing their teeth, having breakfast, and training. Subsequently, they head to the Order association, where Daru and the assistant, April, assist Ohma in selecting his gear.

Gram: (complaining) Man, how long does it take to choose your gear? They’ve been in there for over ten minutes!

Kono: Ten minutes isn’t that long, Gram. You just need to be patient.

Himitsu: Besides, we have to meet with Lith’s crew today, so it’s not like we’re on a mission or anything.

Gram: You know what? I’d rather be on a mission than sit here doing nothing.

Zodiac: Yeah, so you can just run half the time...

Gram: Hey! Running is part of my strategy! Remember who won the Newbie Event?

Zodiac: Can you just shut up and stop bragging about that event?

Gram: Heh, you’re just mad that I was the MVP and you weren’t.

Zodiac and the others shake their heads.

Himitsu: He’s never going to let that go, is he?

Kono: I’m afraid not...

As they wait, Ohma surveys the arsenal while Daru and April observe him.

Daru: Can you hurry up already?

April: It’s fine; he can take as long as he needs.

Daru: We’re kind of in a rush.

Ohma turns to Daru.

Ohma: Yes, Daru, I will hurry!

Daru: (shaking his head) Just hurry up.

Ohma begins examining the clothing and notices black pants and a white shirt adorned with a gold symbol of The Order. He grabs them and rushes to the changing room.

Ohma: I’m going, SIR!!

Daru: Stop calling me sir!

Ohma: (in the changing room) Yes, Daru!

Daru: Ahh...

April: He certainly has a sense of humor.

Daru: No, he’s just irritating. Sometimes I question whether I made the right choice.

April: Well, Daru, everything happens for a reason.

Daru: Yes, I don’t need a reminder. I’ve heard it all before.

Ohma emerges from the changing room wearing the black pants and white shirt.

Ohma: Uhh...? How does it look, Daru?

Daru: It looks good. Now let’s go.

Ohma: Yes, sir!

April: Let us proceed to the weapons.

Ohma: Oh yeah, I won’t need any of that; I just need the watch that everyone has.

April: Huh? No weapon?

Daru: Seriously?

Ohma: Yeah, these nunchucks are what my mom gave me as a kid. This one’s just fine.

April: Uhh... You’re sure?

Ohma:

April: Very well.

April walks over to Ohma and hands him the Jump Watch.

Ohma: Ahh, I finally got it!

He takes a deep breath.

Ohma: AHHHHHHHH!!!

Daru and April cover their ears as Kono and the others hear it.

Gram: (Scared) Ahhh!! We’re being attacked!!

Himitsu: What was that?

Zodiac: Sounded like that idiot Ohma.

Kono: He’s definitely a strange one.

Daru: What the hell was that for!?

Ohma: Oh, sorry. I get really excited, and when I do, I just have to yell. My idol always said, "As a knight, you should express your excitement with a raging scream."

April: Uhhhh.

Daru: Well, your idol sounds even more of an idiot than you.

Ohma: (Shocked) Aww... no, he wasn’t an idiot; he was the bravest and strongest of all of us.

Daru: Yeah, I don’t care. Let’s go.

Ohma: Yes, sir!

Daru: Stop calling me sir.

Ohma and Daru exit to join Kono and the others.

April: Kono definitely has a unique crew. (Laughs)

They all walk outside the building of the Order, contemplating their next steps.

Himitsu: So you really didn’t want a weapon, Ohma?

Ohma: That’s right! I only picked out the clothes and the Jump Watch.

Kono: The clothes suit you well, Ohma!

Ohma: W-why, thank you, Kono. I hoped you would appreciate them.

Gram: They are decent, but they could be way better. I, the great Gram, should have picked out an outfit for you.

Daru: So you can make Ohma look like a clown? Not happening.

Gram: What do you mean by "clown"? I have a solid understanding of fashion, thank you very much! (Arms crossed)

Zodiac: Should we head to where Lith is?

Kono checks her Jump Watch, which reads "2:40 p.m."

Kono: Oh no! We need to hurry!

Daru: (Sarcastically) Great...

Ohma: Sorry for taking so long, guys.

Himitsu: No worries, Ohma. Kono, did Lith send you the meeting location?

Kono: Yes, let me access the GPS for directions.

Kono accesses the GPS, entering the coordinates as it displays the route.

Kono: Alright, follow me!

Everyone follows Kono, moving swiftly from street to street. After a few minutes, they finally arrive at a large, empty track and field.

Jump Watch AI: You have reached your destination.

Kono: Looks like we’re here.

Gram: They chose a track and field, huh?

Himitsu: Not a bad spot for us to take them on!

Ohma: I can’t wait to fight!

Daru: It’s about time. We’ll shut them up for good.

Zodiac: I agree.

Kono checks her watch again; it reads 3:05 p.m.

Kono: But where are they? I don’t see anyone.

Lith: Glad to see you losers finally made it.

Kono and the others turn to see Lith and her crew, which consists of four additional members.

???: So these are the little pests we’re up against.

???: We’ve heard a lot about you, especially during the Newbie Event.

Himitsu: Wait, Lith has more crew members!?

Kono: Yes, she now has seven members on her team.

Zodiac: Great, more annoying trash to deal with.

Sai, angered by this, responds.

Sai: What was that!?

Zodiac: You heard me. Perhaps you should consider having your hearing checked.

Sai: Alright, smart guy, you asked for it!

As Sai steps forward, the person beside him restrains him.

???: Calm down, Sai. No need to get worked up.

Ohma: (to himself) So, these are the opponents we are up against!

Lith: (smirking) As Kono mentioned, I have a total of seven crew members. Why don’t you all introduce yourselves?

The first person to step forward is a young man with long black hair wearing a hoodie.

Yoshi: My name is Yoshi.

Himitsu: Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Yoshi!

Zodiac lightly strikes Himitsu on the arm.

Himitsu: Ouch! I was just trying to be nice!

Zodiac: They’re our enemies, you idiot.

The next person to step forward is a girl with short blond hair dressed in a simple t-shirt and pants.

???: Do I really have to tell these nasty people my name, Lith?

Lith: Yes, go on.

Souta: (sighing) It’s Souta...

Gram: Hmmm, she’s kind of cute, I can’t lie.

Souta: Huh!? What did you just say, you disgusting pig!?

Gram: O-oh, it was nothing. Forget what I said!

Daru: Can you guys just act normal for once?

Following that, the last two members of Lith’s crew step up together, wearing similar outfits and closely resembling each other—one a girl and the other a boy.

Junko: My name is Junko!

Mako: My name is Mako.

Junko & Mako: Together, with the power of Lith’s might, we will defeat you!

The members of the Mavielance crew exchanged blank expressions, remaining silent.

Himitsu: Um...?

Gram: And I thought I was the weird one...

Zodiac: You still are...

Gram: Shut up!

Lith: Enough! Now that you know everyone, we can settle this once and for all.

Reiji: Y-yeah! We’re going to take you down!

Daru: (Cracking his knuckles) Finally, I get to beat the daylights out of you all.

Zodiac: (Drawing his katana) You will regret this.

Ohma: (Getting hyped up) This is going to be an exciting battle!

Lith shakes her head.

Lith: What are you all doing?

Himitsu: What do you mean? We’re getting ready to fight, right?

Kono: Yeah, isn’t that what you wanted?

Lith: No! I never mentioned anything about fighting with fists or weapons. We will engage in a different type of challenge that does not involve violence.

Gram: Huh!? We never agreed to that!?

Souta: Umm, yes you did, you idiot.

Gram: What did you call me!?

Daru: I agree with Gram on this one. We didn’t come here to do anything but fight.

Sai: Well, that’s your fault, isn’t it?

Daru glares at Sai.

Daru: You better watch your mouth, kid.

Sai: How about you come and make me?

Yoshi begins to show signs of irritation.

Yoshi: Lith, can you just tell them what this challenge is before an actual fight breaks out?

Lith mutters to herself: (I’m surrounded by morons.) Let me clarify what will happen. If you look around the field, we’ll be conducting some track and field tests to determine which crew emerges victorious.

Zodiac shakes his head.

Zodiac: This is a waste of time; I’m leaving.

Kono: Wait, why? Don’t you want to hear what Lith has to say?

Lith: So you’re going to be a coward and run away?

Zodiac adopts a serious demeanor.

Zodiac: Continue.

Junko: Looks like he’s staying.

Mako: You got that right!

Reiji: Man, I’m so glad you chose to stay!

Souta lightly hits Reiji on the head.

Reiji: Oww!

Lith: To clarify, there will be tests for everyone. Here’s the procedure: each participant will face one opponent in 1v1 matches. The challenges will vary based on individual skills. Your objective is to secure more wins than the opposing crew to emerge as the overall winner.

Ohma: So it’s like the trials for the Order, in a way.

Sai: Yes, now shut up and listen to Lith!

Ohma: S-sorry!

Daru looks at Ohma.

Daru: Don’t let that punk tell you what to do.

Ohma: Oh, okay then, SIR!

Daru: I’ve told you many times to stop calling me that.

Ohma turns to Sai, who meets his gaze.

Ohma: Hey, idiot... SHUT UP OR I’LL SEND YOU TO THE JAIL OF JUDGMENT!

Sai: What?

Lith: Now that we are all clear on the process, we need to determine the matchups so we can begin.

Zodiac quickly looks at Sai.

Zodiac: I want your head.

Sai: Oh really? Okay then!

Daru: Hey, I was going to face him.

Zodiac: Well, you should have been quicker.

Daru: Why, you little—

Reiji:

Daru looks at Reiji.

Daru: What, you?

Reiji: Yeah, why not?

Daru: Tch, so be it.

Lith: Alright, we have two matchups established. Who’s next?

Yoshi: (Pointing at Himitsu) I’ll challenge you.

Himitsu: Oh me? Alright then.

Souta: (Looking at Gram) I’ll choose this loser.

Gram: Oh perfect! I’ll show you how great I really am!

Ohma scans the group and focuses on Mako.

Ohma: Hey, how about we face off against each other?

Mako: Let’s do it!

Lith: And I’ll be facing you, Kono.

Kono: Alright, Lith, you’re going down!

Junko stands alone, realizing she has no one left to choose.

Junko: Umm, Lith? There’s no one left for me to pick.

Lith: Well, it’s not my fault they only have six members. You can just be the coach.

Junko: But that’s bor—

Lith: I SAID BE THE COACH, GOT IT!?

Junko lowers her head.

Junko: Yes, Master Lith...

Lith: Excellent! Now that we have our opponents, who would like to go first?

Yoshi: Let’s go first.

Gram: Hey, I wanted to go first!

Lith: What test do you both intend to perform?

Yoshi glances at Himitsu’s spear.

Yoshi: Let’s conduct a javelin test.

Himitsu: Javelin? What’s that?

Kono: It’s a competition in which participants throw a spear to determine who can achieve the farthest distance.

Himitsu: I understand now.

Lith: Well then, let’s begin this challenge.

Everyone follows Lith to a designated area on the grass where the throwing spears are located.

Junko: Okay, the first test will be javelin, with Himitsu vs. Yoshi. You each get three tries. Whoever throws the farthest wins!

Kono: You can do it, Himitsu!

Ohma: We have faith in you!

Gram: You can do this, bro! Embarrass him!

The members of Lith’s crew cheer for Yoshi.

Souta: Make him shed a tear, Yoshi!

Sai: Show no mercy.

Junko: Alright, let’s have Himitsu go first!

Himitsu: (to himself) I really don’t want to go first. I’m too nervous!

Zodiac looks at Himitsu.

Zodiac: You better win this...

Himitsu: I will do my best!

Himitsu approaches the white line, picks up a javelin, and assesses its weight.

Himitsu: This javelin is pretty heavy.

Junko: You may begin when you are ready.

Himitsu takes a deep breath, assumes his stance, and pulls his arm back to throw the javelin. Moments later, he releases it, and it lands 50 meters away.

Junko: Himitsu has recorded a distance of 50 meters!

Kono, Gram, and Ohma begin to applaud.

Ohma: That was an impressive throw, Himitsu!

Gram: Yeah, good job!

Himitsu: Thank you, everyone! (smiling)

Yoshi: Hmmm. I expected you to throw farther.

Himitsu: What? You have to beat my score before saying anything.

Yoshi: Fair point.

Sai: That kid has no idea who he’s up against.

Junko: Yoshi, it’s your turn!

Lith: Don’t hold back, Yoshi.

Yoshi: I won’t, rest assured.

Yoshi steps up to retrieve his javelin, performing flips and tricks.

Daru: This guy is just as cocky as Zodiac.

Yoshi positions himself behind the white line, preparing to throw. He pulls his arm back and launches the javelin, which spins faster than Himitsu’s throw. It lands at 60 meters.

Junko: Yoshi takes the lead with a score of 60 meters!

Lith’s crew erupts in applause for him.

Souta: I expected nothing less from him.

Mako: Yoshi is a beast!

Sai: Great throw.

Himitsu: (to himself) Wow, Yoshi really knows how to throw a javelin!

Kono: It’s alright, Himitsu; you still have two more attempts to surpass that score.

Himitsu: Yes! I just need to make the next throw count!

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