Zataria's Last Light-Chapter 36: The Newbie Event

Kono: Wait, he's dead?

Fin: I'm afraid so. Apparently, it occurred in his home. There was no trace of his body, only his blood.

Gram begins to ponder.

Gram: Don't you find that strange?

Himitsu: Huh?

Daru: What are you talking about?

Gram: Well, as soon as we passed the trials and became part of the Order, he passed away the following day.

Zodiac: You may have a point, but he is the least of our concerns.

Daru: You truly don't care about anyone, do you?

Zodiac: And I never will...

Daru shakes his head.

Fin: Well, enough about death. I have something special for you all.

Kono: Special?

Fin: Yes. You know how you qualified for the Newbie Awards? You are now eligible to participate in the Newbie Event.

Himitsu: Wait, really? What kind of event is it?

Gram: (with a cheeky smile) I bet there will be a lot of money.

Fin: (laughing) I hate to burst your bubble, but there's no cash prize.

Gram: HUH!?! NO MONEY?! BUT IT'S AN EVENT!

Daru hits Gram on the head.

Gram: Ow!

Daru: We're right beside you; stop yelling.

Himitsu: So what do we receive then?

Kono: YEAH! What's the prize?

Fin: The reward for winning the event is a ship module, specifically a tank capacitor.

Kono: Ooooo, a tank capacitor! I'll definitely need that for my ship!

Daru: That could be useful.

Zodiac: I agree.

Kono: So what do we have to do to win this event?

Fin: I'm glad you asked. This special event will be a game.

Gram: A GAME? Like what, chess, poker, pool, checkers, blackjack?!

Zodiac hits Gram on the head with the handle of his katana.

Gram: OWWCHH!! THAT HURT!!

Zodiac: Shut up and let him talk.

Gram: (mocking Zodiac) Shut up, let him talk.

Zodiac: Mock me again and you'll lose all your limbs.

Gram: (scared) Okay... I'm sorry...

Fin: As I was saying, this game will last from afternoon until night. You'll be competing against the other four crews that also placed in the Newbie Awards. If you wish to accept this, I'll need the crew leader to sign this document.

Kono looks back at her squad.

Kono: Are you all in for this?!

Himitsu: Count me in!

Daru: You're the captain.

Gram: I never have a choice.

Zodiac: Whatever.

Kono takes the pen and signs the document to accept the event.

Fin: Perfect. I'll arrange for a helper to escort you to the rest of the crew. Have fun!

Fin signals a helper, the same one who assisted them with their uniforms.

Helper: Oh, hey, everyone! Hi, Gram!

Gram is surprised she remembers his name.

Gram: Huh? Oh, hey...

Himitsu: It's you again! How are you?

Helper: I'm well, thank you! I'm pleased to see that you are all participating in the Newbie Event.

Zodiac: I couldn't care less; just get on with it.

Helper: (to herself) Still as rude as ever.

Daru: What is our next step?

Helper: Please follow me, and I will guide you to where everyone else is located.

As she speaks, they begin to follow her. Gram runs up beside the helper.

Gram: Hello!

Helper: Oh, hello, Gram.

Gram: Hi... umm, I'm surprised you remember my name.

Helper: It's simply an easy name to recall. You were the first person I encountered when I arrived.

Gram looks blankly at her.

Gram: (to himself) And to think she had a crush on me.

The helper looks back at Kono and the rest of the group.

April: By the way, you can call me April.

Himitsu: Aww, April, that's a lovely name.

April: Thank you, Himitsu.

Himitsu: (to himself) SHE REMEMBERED MY NAME! I KNEW GIRLS LIKED ME, HEHEHE.

After walking through the hallways for a few minutes, they arrive at a set of doors. April opens the door, leading them outside behind the building, where the other participants are waiting for the game to commence.

April: Here we are. Please head over there where everyone else is, and the instructor will arrive shortly.

Kono: Okay! Thank you for bringing us here, April!

As Kono expresses her gratitude, they all walk to where the other contestants are standing. After that, Gram starts to feel something unusual on his leg.

Gram: Umm, everyone?

Everyone looks at Gram.

Himitsu: What is it, Gram?

Daru: Please don't tell me you need to use the restroom.

Gram: No, but do any of you feel something tickling your legs?

Zodiac: What? No.

Gram looks down at his legs and sees two members of the Hunsor crew rubbing them.

Hunsor 1: Ouuu!! What soft legs.

Hunsor 2: So tender, like our father's legs.

Gram: AHHHHHH!!!! AHH!!!

Gram jumps onto Daru.

Daru: Get off.

Gram: AHHH!! (Crying) AHHHH!! I'M GOING TO DIE! THEY'VE POISONED ME!!

Hunsor 1: My father enjoyed leg rubs.

Hunsor 2: Yes, he said it was courteous to rub people's legs.

Himitsu: Rub legs? That's so weird! Who does that?

One of the Hunsor members draws his sword at Himitsu.

Hunsor 1: DO NOT DISRESPECT OUR FATHER, OR WE WILL HAVE TO END YOU.

Zodiac and Daru both look at him.

Daru: Come any closer, and you won't just lose your arm.

Zodiac: Kill him, and you die.

Kono: Ugh...

Gram: (Crying and yelling) We're GOING TO DIE!!!

The members of the Maivelance and Hunsor crews exchange glances as tensions escalate. The instructor enters and observes the situation.

Instructor: Whoa, whoa! Let's refrain from resorting to violence just yet.

A member of the Hunsor crew retracts his sword.

Hunsor 1: Disrespect my father again, and you will meet a terrible fate.

Zodiac: I could not care less.

The Hunsor member glares at Zodiac, who meets his gaze with defiance.

Instructor: Now that everyone is present, we can commence this event! As you have already been informed, we will be engaging in a game of capture the flag. Let me explain the rules.

The instructor activates a large projection device displaying an image of the battlefield.

Instructor: This will be the battlefield for the game. Each crew will have a flag to protect, located within separate bases. Your objective is to invade the enemy's territory and capture their flag while defending your own. Once you secure the enemy's flag, you must return it to your base without losing it. Successfully capturing and returning the flag will earn your crew one point. However, if another crew captures your flag and brings it back to their base, you will lose that point. The first crew to reach three points will win the game and receive a reward. This game will last from the afternoon until nightfall. To clarify, killing is strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates this rule will be disqualified, imprisoned, and will permanently lose their position in the Order.

Himitsu: Wow, you can lose your title for killing someone.

Zodiac: (Crossing his arms) Hmmm.

Instructor: Now, let's assign colors to each crew. The Blue Trooper, led by Kora, will be designated as red.

Kora: Damn, I was hoping we would get blue.

Instructor: The Flaming Grills, led by Becan, will be green.

Becan: Let's make sure we crank up the heat!

Instructor: The Hunsor crew, led by Koda, will be yellow.

Koda: I will make my father proud!

Instructor: The Virgos, led by Lance and Iris, will be orange.

Lance: They will bow before us!

Iris: These peasants are nothing more than garbage.

Instructor: Lastly, the Maivelance crew, led by Kono, will be pink.

Kono: The Maivelance crew never backs down!

Gram: (complaining) Why did we have to get pink?

Himitsu: I know, pink sucks!

Instructor: Now that we've addressed that, please bring forth the ships!

As the instructor signals with a watch, five large ships descend from the sky, each color-coded, landing on the field.

Instructor: Please proceed to the ship that matches your color and collect your color bands to wear on your arm. Once you are inside the ship, we will initiate a dimension jump to the battlefield where the game will take place. After the pilot transports you to your base, you will have five minutes to prepare before the game starts. A map has also been sent to your jump watch so you can review the battlefield layout and the locations of the other bases. When the game begins, you will hear a trumpet sound as your signal. May the best team win!

Everyone heads to their ships as each pilot distributes the color bands to the crew. Kono and the others put them on and move to the back of the ship.

Himitsu: I can't lie; I'm feeling a bit nervous about this game! I've never done anything like this before.

Kono: I feel the same way, Himitsu, but I believe we can succeed!

Gram: I still wish we were playing for money. (disappointed)

Daru: All you care about is money...

As they converse, the pilot speaks over the intercom.

Pilot: We are now ready for lift-off. Please hold on tight!

The pilot inputs the code for dimension #034 and presses the button to start the ship. The vessel lifts off the ground, gaining speed as it enters a colorful portal, breaking down into particles. Upon arrival in the dimension, they look out the window to see the battlefield—a vast city filled with trees and buildings, surrounded by a barrier.

Kono: Wow, so this is the location of the game!

Zodiac: Now I understand why it will take all afternoon until nightfall.

Himitsu: But aren't there people living here?

Daru: That wouldn't make sense if we're going to be fighting.

Kono: I'm pretty sure all the people in this dimension are gone, so we won't have to worry about that.

As they descend, the pilot approaches their base, which features a flag in a park. The pilot lands the ship and opens the back door.

Pilot: Good luck with the event!

Kono: Let's get going and explore our base.

Kono takes the lead as the others follow her. Upon entering the park, they notice their flag prominently displayed beside a tree.

Gram: Oh, come on! Why is our flag exposed like this?

Zodiac: Instead of complaining, let's devise a plan to address this situation.

Daru: He makes a valid point; we only have five minutes to prepare.

Kono: Let's check the map for the other bases.

Kono and the others activate their watches to view the layout.

Himitsu: The closest base belongs to the yellow team—the Hunsor crew.

Gram: So, we should target them first, correct?

Zodiac: No. While they are the nearest, that would be too predictable. They will likely anticipate our attack.

Kono: We also need to assign roles for defense and flag retrieval.

Daru: I'm not staying here; I'll grab the flags.

Gram: Same here! I'll go with you, Daru.

Daru: No, you're not coming.

Gram: What do you mean, no?

Daru: I mean no because you can't defend yourself, and I would have to.

Gram: That's not true!

Everyone: Yes, it is.

Gram: WOW! I see how you all think of me. Fine! I'll go off by myself and show you what Gram—GRAM THE GREAT!—can do. Just watch.

Zodiac: In any case, I will remain here to defend the flag.

Kono: Alright! I will stay back with Zodiac.

Himitsu contemplates his role.

Kono: What about you, Himitsu?

Himitsu: Oh, me? I suppose I can stay here as well.

Zodiac: No, you can join Daru or Gram.

Gram: Huh?! Wouldn't having three people defending the flag be better?

Zodiac: It's fine; I should be more than capable on my own.

Daru: (Shaking his head) You're quite the cocky one, aren't you? Thinking you can do it all alone.

Zodiac: I don't think I can; I know I can.

Daru: (Upset) Oh, you!

Kono checks her watch and notes that the game starts in three minutes.

Kono: Well, in the meantime, we can relax before the game begins.

Everyone sits down as Himitsu approaches Zodiac.

Himitsu: Are you sure you don't want me to stay back and help?

Zodiac: I meant what I said.

Himitsu sits down, deep in thought.

Himitsu: Zodiac, have you reflected on what Zodek said to you?

Zodiac: I have; why do you ask?

Himitsu: Because I have been considering it as well.

The scene transitions to a recap of Zodiac and Himitsu conversing with Zodek and Cindy at the hotel.

Zodek: What is your purpose in life?

Zodiac: What do you mean? I just want to see Mizuda again.

Zodek: And when you meet her again, then what?

Himitsu: I have never considered that far ahead.

Zodiac sits in silence. Zodek rises and approaches the window.

Zodek: Think about it, kid. You are a Zatarian who arrived in our dimension, landing in Leorea. Mizuda discovered you, cared for you, nourished you, bathed you, and trained you. She aspired for you to become one of the finest assassins, but as you developed, she recognized that you possessed more potential than that.

Zodiac: What are you trying to say?

Zodek turns to face Zodiac.

Zodek: Zodiac, you are a prodigy with weapons. Any sword you pick up, you instinctively know how to wield it, including the accompanying techniques.

Cindy: Wait, is that true?

Himitsu: Yes! You can give him anything, and he knows how to use it.

Zodek: Do you recall the day I first trained you in that field?

Zodiac: Of course. That was the day you advised me not to rely solely on myself.

Zodek: (Laughing) I'm impressed you remember that. I hope you still keep it in mind.

Zodiac turns his head, arms crossed.

Zodek: However, when I observed you utilizing various types of weapons, I realized you were exceptional.

Zodiac: Can you simply get to the point?

Zodek: For someone like you, who can effortlessly wield any weapon, I can confidently assert you are "The Kamigurken."

Cindy and Himitsu look astonished.

Himitsu: A Kamigurken!? OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! WAIT, what is that?

Zodek and Cindy laugh.

Himitsu: But isn't he a Zatarian?

Zodek: No, no, a Kamigurken is a special title that means "The one who wields all."

Zodiac: And what does that mean?

Zodek begins to smile.

Zodek: I'm afraid you will have to discover that for yourself.

Himitsu: No, you must tell us, Zodek!

Cindy: Yes, please explain its full meaning!

Zodek: I'm afraid I cannot. Sorry.

Zodiac: Kamigurken, hmm.

Zodek: By the way, I want you to examine your dual blades again.

Zodiac: Why?

Zodek: Trust me, you're in for a surprise.

Zodiac retrieves his dual blades from his back and places them on the table, scrutinizing them.

Himitsu: I don't see anything extraordinary.

Zodek: Look closer; it's right on the handle.

As they scrutinize the handle, Zodiac identifies a peculiar symbol resembling his neck tattoo.

Zodiac: Wait, it has a Zatarian symbol on it!

Himitsu: It certainly does!

Zodek: When I spoke with Mizuda, she informed me that theseare Zatarian weapons.

Himitsu: Are you serious?!

Cindy: (Placing her finger to her lips) Shhhhh, people are sleeping.

Himitsu: Oops, my bad. (Scratches his head.)

Zodek: I assure you, I am telling the truth. I have no idea how she acquired them, but here they are.

Zodiac: That likely explains the visions I experienced when I used them the first two times.

Zodek: Most likely, but don't tell others what they are or that you're Zatarian. There are greedy people who will try to kill you for them.

Himitsu: Can we at least share this information with our friends?

Zodek: Feel free, but ensure they are trustworthy friends.

Zodiac: You don't have to worry about that.

Zodek smiles.

Zodek: Well... Zodiac, I must ask you once more. What is your purpose in life?

Zodiac pauses for a moment, standing as he gazes at Zodek.

Zodiac: To become the greatest weapon wielder who has ever lived.