Chapter 2

In no time, they were on their way.

“Really? Amnesia eh? Well, at least that's better than falling out of a freaking Martian spaceship.” The old man who had introduced himself as Glen chuckled.

“Well, Earth is divided into different regions. There’s no need to swim though, they’re all connected by land. The forest you were in just now is known as Esuna. The land that we are going to is known as Panon, the land of the warriors. It isn’t just limited to warriors though, anyone can go to any of the places.”

“There is the God Kingsley watching over the land. By his sides, he has Pura, the goddess of light and Dura, the goddess of darkness. There are also many minor gods that grant people various powers. The people respect and pray to them. Its like a religion.”

“There are 5 classes, the rogue, the warrior, the archer, the wizard and the healer. Some lucky bastards even have some wacko psychic power. I only know the specifics of a warrior. They can either wield a two-handed sword or two one-handed swords. Shields are for wussies!” he exclaimed, beating his chest like a gorilla. Laran rolled his eyes in contempt. The man sure lacked brains.

“Also, in addition to psychic power, everyone has a certain amount or arcane energy. Pretty cool, huh! If only I knew how to harness mine…Then I could be the most powerful guy ever!” he chuckled to himself.

Once they were at the warrior training range, both of them hopped out. Again, Laran analysed his surroundings. They were in a desert area, with a clear increase of temperature from Esuna. There were many huts and houses again, and there were loads of people training with each other. Clang! Clang! A nearby blacksmith hammered the red-hot blade. The blade hissed, and with every strike, it got stronger. Glen waved at the blacksmith, who gave him a nod in return.

“Well, I’m going to test your potential, to see what level of training you should start at.” Glen scoffed, “Looking at you, you’ll barely pass apprentice level.”

After reaching a hut, Glen kicked open the door and dragged out a box stuffed full of weapons.

“Grab a weapon and face me!” Glen shouted, after unsheathing two one-handed swords that hung from his back.

Laran focused on the lone two-handed sword sticking out of the box. He tugged with his mind, and the two-handed sword flew to his outreached hands. Laran weighed the sword carefully. The sword was a little heavy, but it would have to do.

Glen stood, staring in disbelief. “I guess I’m a lucky bastard.” Laran shrugged.

Glen’s mouth twisted into a sinister smile, before charging at Laran with his swords. Laran watched his actions closely, gripping his own sword tightly with both hands. Then, like a cobra, Glen suddenly lunged, his left sword slashing diagonally at Laran.

Laran dodged to the right immediately, but realized that he had fallen into Glen’s trap. Glen’s right sword stabbed at Laran almost instantly, but Laran managed to deflect the blow with his sword. “Nghh…” Laran groaned as he was blown backwards. Laran’s eyes started itching, but he ignored it. Glen slashed ferociously with both swords this time, forming an X.

Instead of stepping back, Laran brought his own sword to bear, clashing with Glen’s blades. Both of them grunted, now locked in a power match. Laran had been caught off guard by the old man’s speed and strength. But he was fully concentrated now. Laran’s eyes started to itch even more.

Glen suddenly pulled back his swords. Laran stumbled forward because of his momentum, temporarily losing control. Glen sidestepped and slashed horizontally. Just then, Laran somehow “released” the itch on his eyes. Time suddenly slowed down. Laran swiftly leapt over the blade, and in one smooth motion, round-house kicked Glen in the face.

Glen skidded across the floor, and his blades clanged noisily. Dust was stirred up and settled. Glen slowly turned his dusty, dirty face to meet Laran’s eyes. He wasn’t shocked, but intimidated. “You…you have the mark of the god of time… The eyes of Terran!” he stuttered.

Laran’s eyes were bright red, with a thin black pupil in the middle. Suddenly, Laran’s knees turned to mush. He dropped to the ground, suddenly fatigued. It must have been those eyes… Laran thought before closing his eyes to sleep.