Chapter 6 - 06 - Roads of Blood and Fire
Upon arriving, he found the tribe's warriors alongside a group of strangers. In the clearing, Lonar Dedoldia, the warrior responsible for the tribe's security, was exchanging blows with an unknown man. Instinctively, Rygar activated his Magic Eye. The world around him shifted.
The stranger was tall and athletic, with black hair tied into a ponytail and a focused posture. He wielded a long, elegant sword that seemed to dance through the air. His movements were precise, combining direct strikes with a fluid style that Rygar couldn't entirely recognize. There was something deeply unsettling about him, a strange instinctual feeling Rygar couldn't quite explain.
The fighters exchanged intense but clearly friendly blows. The sound of steel clashing reverberated through the air, and the crowd watched in fascination. Yet, Rygar felt something stirring deep within him—an aggression that began to take over his senses.
When Lonar stepped back after deflecting a particularly quick strike, Rygar couldn't hold back any longer. Letting out a roar, he charged at the swordsman with explosive force, aiming directly for his throat.
Rygar's attack was swift, but the stranger didn't flinch. Instead, another figure intercepted him. Before he could land his strike, Rygar was firmly grabbed and thrown to the ground in a motion as smooth as a flowing river. He tried to resist, but the strength holding him down was unshakable.
"Calm down, boy," said a deep, commanding voice. "No one here is your enemy."
Looking up, Rygar saw an older man with short graying brown hair and an imposing presence. He held his sheathed sword at his side, clearly ready to act if needed, though his expression remained calm and controlled.
"Rygar!" Lonar rushed over, placing a firm hand on the young boy's shoulder. "Stop this. They are not enemies—it's just a friendly sparring match."
Rygar was breathing heavily, shame burning his face as he slowly stood, avoiding the eyes of those around him. "I'm sorry... it was instinctive."
"Hah! You tried to kill me over an instinct?" scoffed the swordsman.
Lonar, still stern, crossed his arms. "If he did, it's because he saw something in you that we don't. Our instincts rarely fail."