The Sphere: The Phantom of the West Rim

by Fandy Adams

  “Maybe it is.”

  “Hey, get easy, you’re not about send into some war. Just consider this is all was theme park with magic and uncommon beast, and you’re about adventure on it,” said Aska soothingly. “And now our hero needs weapon so he can fulfill his subject and get A on his test.”

  “Wow, you made it sounds like adventure.”

  ***

  Presently they stopped in front of sturdy old door. From outside Rey could hear a noise inside, sound of clashing metals it seemed, and tireless.

  “Actually there are a lot of good weapons outside, of course with a good amount of florin on the price tag. But since you're still an amateur better you look for weapons in this workshop. Besides the prices is much cheaper when compared to outside.”

  “You sell weapons in the Grove?”

  “Actually this workshop was place for the Metallist to practice. Most of them didn’t bring their works after get out so it piled up here. Grove couldn’t sell it to public so they decided to pass it to new kids with some florin to redeem it of course. Basically this place was some kind of armory cooperative.”

  Aska opened the door and they both entered. Inside it seemed dark, only less light came through the windows in glimmering shaft. The place was wide, here and there they saw many form of weapons, from swords, spears to axes, lies or hanging in the rack while the defected one piled up in the corner of the room. Metals and minerals of many kinds was seen wherever their eyes looked at, and some ores scattered on the floor. Hardware and grinding tools lies silently on the room but the furnaces blazing in heat and groaning loud as someone turn the blade red on it.

  Just then to their surprise a man came with anger. He was a big man with strong and solid muscles built his body. Wrath was his face like God of Berserk and frown always look shaped in his forehead, and he had red thick hair like mane of lion. A big hammer was at his waist, but seems it wasn’t common tool nor it wasn’t for forging the steel, war hammer it might be, with some carvings and ancient writings on the head. The big man ranted about how recklessly that young man on his job and how bad the armor he made while showing one. Sharp and mean was in his tone and being furious seems was his hobbies though nothing has made his day bad.

  “What crap is this? I’ve been told you your method will only produce bad armor. Now look at this!” said the big man holding an armor plate. Nothing wrong about it even it looks good in their eyes but somehow that big man displeased with it, no, but more to disgust it. “Three hit from my hammer and it will be a crap. Well, it is crap now and become crap plus when broke by my hammer.”

  “But sir, with this method we can produce an armor more efficiently. We could produce three times faster and cheaper.”

  “Armor made to protect not to fill your pocket. Who was gave you that idea anyway?! Those craphole politicians on the Lodge who knew nothing but to waste peoples taxes? Why don’t you become one of them?”

  “Now take a look! One thing about these big guy he was short-tempered so be careful when talk to him. But over all he’s fine, he’s very helpful as long as in the good mood.” said Aska, then he turned to the big man with open arms. “Eps, my friend, my little gigantor, you look happy today.”

  “Don’t act like we’re buddy! Tell me what you want and get out of here!”

  “Why? Is my coming bothered you?”

  “Of course you are. Don’t you know the pleasure of being mad?” said the big guy with a high voice.

  “Rey, behold! You’re now stands before Ephedrim, the best metalsmith in Lucretia.” said Aska, he act like a royal servant when introducing him.

  Unexpectedly Eps frowned at him as if some of his word had insulted him and without a word he grabbed Aska and at once threw him into weapon rack. Aska sprawl with weapons scattered around him and Rey was surprised, also scared of what just happened. However that spiky-haired boy seems take it easy like it common things for him.

  “The best metalsmith in Lucretia you said?! I’m the best in the world!” shouted Eps.

  “False words to say.” said Aska, as he stood and clean himself up. “Yeah, you’re the best of the best of the best in the world.”

  “Don’t forget that!” said Eps, then he turned to his assistant “What you’re looking at?! Did I tell you to raise the temperature? And don’t forget to clean up this birdhead’s mess.” Eps yelled without feeling guilty at all, after all it was him who made the mess.

  “Y-yes sir!” said the young man nervously.

  “What do you want?”

  “He’s new guy and he need some gear to start.”

  “Are you kidding me? These frail little guy? What next do you need? A spider suit?”

  “Eps, I’m serious.”

  “Ok, I’m understands. Let’s fit some weapons for you.” said Eps. “Little posture, soft muscle, definitely you still green as pickles. You know, most rookies choose a sword as their standards, easy to use and mobile than any other weapons.”

  Later Eps brought them to the right side of the room where there three racks of weapons, all kinds of swords of all type and size well arranged in the rack from broadsword, gradius, to scimitar. Some of them even have odd shapes that he never seen them in his world. While the swords with great size like Zweihander were displayed on the wall. Eps then take the largest among them. Of the kind Zweihander it might be but the blade were broad like the width of war axe, less sharp the blade was and seems very old, chipped and scratch were everywhere on the surface like it has been used on the battle. Though the blade was as big as a youngster but he can hold it with just one hand as if it is just a common sword for him.

  “Take it!” Eps suddenly put it on their hands and of course, they both staggered backward, and to the left and right, then fall with that big sword pins them to the floor.

  “Seems it wasn’t fit for you.” said Eps.

  “No, it’s perfect. Really.” said Aska. He paused and sighed, and looks upset. “Of course it’s not.”

  They tried to remove the sword but the sword was so heavy that they have to lift it together.

  “Don’t you have something lighter?” asked Aska.

  “How about this?” said Eps while shows a Gladius to them. “Ikarus I named this. This type of short-sword was very popular at the time of Magi War, very light …” Said Eps lunges the air with the sword. “… and sharp.”

  “That’s sissy sword. I saw Llana had one of this. Once he drew it and the enemies will laugh at him.”

  “It’s not sissy sword. Many great warriors used this short sword till now.”

  “I know. It just, I thought that kind of sword will only encourage enemies to defeat him.” said Aska.

  “How about this? a 200-year-old Gouldur sword?”

  “Looks like it's going to break,” Aska mocked it, “Don’t you have something great? Something fierce, so fierce that the babies stop crying when it raise to the air.”

  Later Eps took the sword on the display made of antlers. A broad saber it was, the edge was bright and keen with golden engraving on the blade. “Gorynich, great, sharp and strong, I made it myself with the great quality of metals. And this is Intarma, the magical weapons, the core I was made from the string of Wyvern’s infernal organ, very suitable for someone who experts with flame magic.”

  “That’s what I called sword. How much it is?”

  “5000 florin.”

  “5000? Are you crazy? Just for a sword?”

  “No I'm not. If I'm crazy I will sell it for 5 florin to you.”

  “But this is extortion.”

  “Extortion was there in Nirithrea, we pay taxes but we had medical cost increased. That’s why I moved and become teacher here. I could get free health insurance including dental.”

  “You know, I've seen the same sword in Tajar and just cost 500 florin.”

  “Really? I bet it's just a cheap sword sold as souvenirs and not a real sword like this.” said Eps, stroking the sword to show the power and beauty of the sword
s.

  While two of them arguing about the sword and their price. Rey’s eyes fixed on the sword at the end of the room. The sword was stick in the black stone like a legendary sword in the tales of his world. Beautiful and perfect it was, the blade itself looks glittering under the light of the sun which pierced through ventilation hole and it was clear as a mirror that he could see the perfect reflection of himself. And such a great swords the hilt decorated with gemstones that blazing red by the touch of light.

  “Amazing isn’t it? Tyvelon, the Light of Destiny.” said Eps from behind. “A legendary sword of thousands years old, but still, glittering like was forged yesterday. No one knows the exact origin of this legendary sword, some people told that this sword fell from the sky and only the chosen one who can pull it out and thus he will bring peace all over the world. But others say that it was belonged to a legendary knight and the one who could reclaim it would become the King over Spheria. Tales growth and spread into many versions, which one is true I don’t know but one thing I knew the great sword bring great destiny. Look at it! Even the heaven itself seemed unwilling if the sword stayed on the earth so they pinned it with the light of sun.”

  All of them paused in amazement looking at the sword. Only the assistant who pay no attention at all and still continued his work.

  “Through ages and history many people tried to reclaim it, songs and poems was written to encourage them but still no one successful. Some even spent their whole life only to pull this sword out.”

  “Really?!"

  “You don’t know how far the ambition will bring you kid.” said Eps. “Don’t waste your time even to stare at it kid. It was like popular girl among popular, and geek like you was half-world to even touch it.”

  “Hey don’t be mean like that.” said Aska.

  “I said the fact. What’s wrong with that?”

  “Tell you now, I bet he can do it. I bet he can pull this sword out.”

  “Oh yeah?! What makes you think so?”

  “He had pure heart so I believe he worth of this sword.” Aska grab his hand with faith. “He is the chosen one, it is his destiny. The hand of fate was on him.”

  “Then shall he try.” said Eps.

  “Go on. Don’t fear.” said Aska escort him.

  Rey step forward and put his hand on the hilt. Somehow he felt there’s strength and firmness flows through him, made him feel more than himself. Suddenly all become silent as if the time has stopped and the light from the sky were dimmed, it seems that the heaven itself unwilling if the sword fall in the hand of mortal.

  And behold! As if writing his own legend in this new world he pulled the sword out from its earthly throne. So wonderful it was that the light comes again to the earth and shone upon him as if the heaven give the blessing to the new hero.

  “Amazing, I knew you can do it.” Aska look so amazed.

  On the other side Eps fall to his knees and he look don’t believe of what he saw now. “The sword had raises and so rise the legendary hero of the world.” said Eps. “You’re truly the chosen one.”

  The world seems stunned in silence only to see the great one who held the mighty sword. Rey himself can only be amazed looking at the sword. He was confused and surprised especially when he knew that he was the Chosen One who destined to possess such legendary sword. But suddenly,

  “Pffft, ha ha ha, I can’t hold it anymore.” Aska burst out laughing and so was Eps, his laugh roaring like thunder on that room even the sounds of clashing metal was beaten by his laughter.

  “Ok, I don’t understand.”

  “That sword is just novelty. We used it when play drama six years ago.” said Aska.

  “Mwa ha ha ha ha, you should look at his face.” said Eps laughing mad.

  “Ok, that’s very funny.”

  For few moments they both keep laughing and laughing like mad. Eps cramped on his stomach but he keeps laughing without care, Aska himself can’t even hold his tears when looked at the fool face of him. Aska then round his arm and embrace him. “We just joking pal. We laugh with you.” said Aska with bit giggle.

  “I know. I’m fine with it. Asti often did prank like this. Yeah, I’m happy if you all happy.” said Rey deadpanned. “Beside, I’ve found what I looking for. This sword quite light and fit for me, better I take this.”

  “Are you sure? Such a replica sword made carelessly, single strike from Gorynich and it will break right away. It’s dull anyway.”

  “That’s better. I shouldn’t worry about hurting people.”

  “Well, it yours to decide.” said Aska, “Hey Eps how much this?”

  “He he, it ... he he, just 35 florin” said Eps, his laughter began to lessen. “But since you amused me I'll give you the discount, 34 florin.”

  “Just one florin? You bearded scrooge!”

  “Don’t protests on me! I’m not one of those politicians.”

  “I will not pay more than twenty for that junk.”

  “Then why you don’t make the same junk by yourself.” replied Eps.

  “Ok, how about this … pssst, pssst, pssst.” whispered Aska. “Do we get a deal?”

  “What deal? You just say pssst pssst pssst to me.”

  “You must trim that strange beard.” said Aska. He then whispered something to Eps again.

  “This boy? Are you sure he can do that?”

  "Of course, after all, if he fails, he can deliver your message ... with a very elegant style of course.” said Aska. “So, what’s your answer?"

  “Ok then, twenty florin.”

  “That's all? After all we negotiated?”

  “Twenty florin is the cost of production, though it was only replica I give full attention on the process. And just to remind it is you who biding twenty at first.”

  “Ok fine, twenty florin, do we agree?”

  “Agreed!”

  “Well, then take it from my selling on the cockroaches eyes last day.”

  “What cockroach eyes? Do you think I'm a soothsayer? After all you never sell anything to me, you promised me ‘basilisk scale’ then but until now you never bring it to me.”

  “I know you would bid for less florin so I’m selling to others.” said Aska “Headmaster will pay for this sword. It’s part of his scholarship.”

  “If Alden pays for it why do you insist to bid it?”

  “Well, that’s what I am.” Aska smiled “Besides do you dare to collect 5,000 florin from that old man.”

  “Mmm … ”

  “Don’t take it too hard, or you’ll get old faster. Bye Eps, thanks for the sword.”

  Both of them went out of the room but Rey still curious about what had Aska whispered to Eps till he agreed.

  “If I may know what you’ve whispered to him?”

  “Just men chit chat, nothing special.”

  Chapter 10

  To Create a Flame

  “Oh, I almost forgot. This is a little gift from Eorin, you’ll need them while you’re here.” said Aska, while handed him a gauntlet with two Spheres attached. In both Sphere sealed a little chubby pipsqueak-like creature, both have the same appearance despite slight differences especially their color, one had red skin and the others was bright yellow. Rey was so thankful with the gift. She never thought that winsome girls like Eorin could be so generous to him while they just knew each other.

  “Don’t get too excited, she gave you a gift because she intended to turn you into her minions, two lowlifes under her feet will give more fun to her.” said Aska, then he give the Gremlin Sphere to Rey. “And this one was from Freeya, let’s just say that he consider you worth of it after you knocked down Soren.”

  “If I may know what Spheres is this?”

  “The red midget Eorin gave to you was Ruby Imp, an Imp with fire element. It will give you the ability to create fireball or others low-level fire attack. And the yellow one is the Coral Imp, lightning element sentient. With that you could cast a ball of lightning or little stun from your finger.
” said Aska. “But I’ve heard from my father that the Great Artharis ever did inflict massive lightning attack with that rookie Sphere.”

  Aska then drove him to the Training field, a yard which located in the rear part of the Grove. It was provided for the students to practice their fighting abilities, both in the use of weapons and Spheres. A yard of ten hectares divided by a high wall stretched with semicircular shape. The landscape purposely designed uneven and rough, giving the impression of a real battlefield – even on the left part there’s special area which construct by yellow sand. An artificial pond built in the middle of the Field with large tree stood firmly on little island in the middle of the pond. The trees look so ancient, so old that its gray bark was more like a stone than wood.

  From where he stood, he could see Grove Stadium on the left which looks towering and gigantic. The banners of Grove and the royal flags rose interspersedly and swaying as it is demonstrated the glory of Kingdom of Ishtar. While on the right he could see building that looks like a snail shell. The wall of the field made him couldn’t see clearly what it was, but judge from its cavernous half dome it might be an auditorium. And in the opposite of the entrance there’s a building, contrast to both building on either side which towering high, the building looks like an ordinary building, few meters higher than the walls but it looks wide enough to play Sneakers therein.

  As he walked on the field, he was surprised by a dozen of timber-like monsters which suddenly sprang out of the ground. However they just passed him and everyone else, they running quickly on the grass like shadow of the fox and hop into a man in unison. But as they flew in the air to attack him swiftly he shot them all with fireballs, rapidly and precisely, and the last timber-monster he clove with the sword he unsheathed in a flash.

  “What was that?” asked Rey.

  “It was Yggdrassil.”

  “Eggdrasil?!” said Rey seem curious.

  “You see big tree over there!” said Aska while pointing to the big tree in the middle of the pond. “It was Yggdrassil, Lord of the Fairy Trees, ancient one, people said that one was planted by Queen Astarte herself. It could control the environment around him, ground, water, grass and all around you except those with flesh and blood. In the simple word it was here to help student for practice by creating some kind of battle simulation like the wooden puppet you just saw.”