Chapter 128 - Accept My Gifts
Time went by so quickly as stayed in the city for a few more days before they planned to go South and attend Lance's trial. They still have a few more days left in their hands, with Hope bringing them back at the quarter of time it would take on foot.
They said goodbye to the twins along with the Infernals, the Generals had already formed their council to rule their Realm.
Geneva was the one who would become the speaker while the Generals were the different law-making bodies. They also invited former kings from different kingdoms to join their council, forming a committee of 11.
Cain left not long after the storm with his children, Gomorrah, and Santi. He said that Elliot and his friends will see them again and in that time, he has something to say. When Elliot tried to push the thoughts out, the man made her second daughter morph her son and flew away.
Geneva finally let go of the idea of either Abel's children to rule them. He finally understoo
A few days later and the day of their departure has finally arrived. Everyone said their fair share of farewells, promising themselves that they would see each other again.
"Be safe out there, okay?" Connor said to Geneva, holding her hands. "I will find the Eternal Rock and bring it back to Inferno. By then, maybe, I'll rule by your side."
Geneva nodded, engulfing Connor in her arms as she looked at Elliot, mouthing, "I doubt you'll find the rock."
This made Elliot snicker and shrug. "There are things that are imposibble that we made happen."
"Yeah, boyfriend," Ripple teased. She hugged Elliot goodbye, followed by her sister. "Yo, Lance. You'll fight in that trial, right?"
"Of course," Lance said. "I will never go down without a fight."
"That's ma boy, come here and give me a hug," Ripple teased.
After their farewells, Hope morphed and his friends got on his back, looking one last time at their friends before flying and going back home.
–
It was a new day. Elliot strolled the city for items he would use in the Royal Palace where they'll stay while attending Lance's 3-day trial.
Madam Hoot was the one who personally offered them and Lance trusting the woman, agreed immediately. Of course Hope had his doubts, but he never said anything anymore.
"Great day today," Francoise said. "Had a couple of customers in the shop."
"That's great," Elliot said, smiling as he walked around the old man's shop.
He felt everything inside the shop, touching the equipment displayed in the counters, the ones hanging in the walls, the glass covering of the display.
"It has been a while since I've been here," Elliot said. "Hey Gramps, tell me. Why did you really walk up to me that day?"
Francoise stopped writing in his inventory list and looked at Elliot seriously. "What do you mean?"
"I know you're like a precious metal locator and all, but it seemed so random for you to approach me out of the blue," Elliot thought. "I mean, I'm glad that you did. You literally changed my life. But then, I don't know. It felt so weird."
"You really remind me of someone," Francoise said. "He was the one who made me walk up to you. A man who was dubbed, 'the mightiest Adventurer' by himself."
"Your father was the mightiest Adventurer."
It felt like a bell ringing in his ears, his mothers words echoed in his mind repeatedly.
Elliot walked to Francoise's counter and leaned in, "What was his name?"
Francoise backed away and raised his hands, "Elliot, relax. What the– his name was Gale. And actually, the last Valorium sword I forged was for him."
Elliot gasped, couldn't shake the feeling that his father was the one Francoise was talking about. Inside his gut, in his instincts, his guess was right. It just felt so right to him.
"Describe him," Elliot asked. "His features, his life, his relationships. Why did you see him in me?"
"First of all, you're both short," Francoise started. "Then, you're both annoying. You have the same, err, philosophies in life. Even your choice in weapons and fighting style are similar. Well, there's hundreds of Adventurers like that. But then again, only few peope like that all short."
Elliot dropped to his knees and sighed. "I got all worked up for nothing."
"Sorry, kid," Francoise said. "But you must understand me, you know? Hell, a manequin inside a store reminds me of Midnight."
Elliot nodded. "Yeah, I understand."
The door of the shop opened, Viper's head popping in. "Excuse me, is Mr. Elliot here?"
Elliot turned to the door and his face brightened after seeing the boy. "Viper! Hey, what are you doing here?"
Viper walked inside and bowed, offering Elliot a pouch. "The woman we were indebted to returned the change of the money you gave her. She said she didn't feel right talking too much of the money, so she returned it all."
"She did?" Elliot tilted his head, face confused. "She looked like a money-digging scum though."
This made Viper snicker and chuckle, "Well, she is, but she said she changed after meeting you."
"Good for her," Elliot clapped his hands. "Now, why are you looking for me again? And, kid, stop bowing."
"Oh." Viper raised his head and extended his arms. "This belongs to you, sir. I can't take this much money."
Chuckling, Elliot walked over and took the pouch. This made Viper smile and bowed again. Just when he was about to retract his hands, Elliot took two gold coins and returned the bag to the boy's hands.
"I'll borrow these since I'm kind of broke right now," Elliot said. "Take this money to buy yourself equipment, give the rest to Ma'am Josephine, and start your Adventure by training under me."
Viper's face was filled his joy. But before he could accept, he offered the bag again. "Sorry, sir, but I cannot accept these."
"And why not?" Elliot purses his lips. "They are technically yours already. I gave them to you, therefore they are yours."
Viper shook his head. "But sir–"
Elliot raised his finger, stopping the boy while he took the weapon from his Inventory. "Tada!"
"I-Is that…" Viper trailed off as he watched the dark purple dagger in Elliot's hands. "Sir… the training would be just fine, I really cannot–"
"Oh, why are you so stubborn?" Ellior groaned.
"Now you know how it feels," Francoise snickered from behind them.
Elliot ignored him and thought, "Fine. I'll train you. But the first order I'm gonna give is for you to accept these. Why won't you accept these? Accept my gifts, child."
Viper was left in shock as Elliot placed the dagger and the pouch in his hands. Elliot then placed his hands on his back, hiding them so Viper could not give them back.
When the younger boy was about to argue even more, the door opened and a girl came in.
"Oh, my God. Everyone is looking for–"
She stopped after seeing Elliot. "Hey Elliot."
"It's you!" Elliot gasped after seeing Florencia. "You sly kid. You are in so much trouble, young lady."
The girl was about to close the door and ran away when Elliot took a dagger from Francoise's counter and threw it at the door, barely missing Florencia's hand.
The girl gasped, seeing the weapon that almost pierced her skin. She turned to see Elliot walking towards her.
"Mirror Room!"
Florencia brandished her swords and tried to cast the spell, but failed. She turned to the door who creaked open and saw Ed there, his sword was pointed at her, nullifying the spell she used.
"I'm innocent!" Florencia cried. "I never did anyone any harm!"
Elliot deadpanned and shook his head.. "You're so wrong."