Rise of Yahunyens: Origin

Episode 68: Strong People Are Often Strange People

Back To The Present:

Saka, still shaken by Yesdar's intensity, found herself at a loss for words. She was typically quick-witted, always ready to speak her mind, but something about the way Yesdar had gripped her wrist and stared at her with that sudden, unnerving calm made her thoughts scatter like leaves in a gust of wind. She hadn't expected to be caught off guard by him, but now, sitting next to him, she couldn't help but feel her nerves still trembling.

Yesdar, on the other hand, was lost in the memory of the past—back when he had first taken hold of the mysterious sword that now rested so innocuously by his side. It was an odd, yet a satisfying sensation, how those moments could resurface without warning. It had been both a moment of weakness and strength, of crushing defeat and renewed determination, a moment he would never forget.

But that moment had passed, and now, as the memory faded from his mind, he returned to the present, his eyes settling once again on Saka. She looked like she had more to say, her brow furrowed in thought.

"Why did you stop talking?" Yesdar asked, his voice smooth, his demeanor completely calm now as if the brief storm of tension had never even happened. "You looked like you had plenty more to say."

Saka blinked, snapping back to reality. "Oh... I... you just scared me for a second back there. I mean, I wasn't expecting... that," she admitted with a sheepish grin. "So, my mind went totally blank."

Waji, who had been silent up until now, laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, man! You scared the hell out of us! I mean, after seeing what you did to that giant, it's pretty clear you're not someone to mess with."

Yesdar chuckled, a low sound that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm not dangerous to people who don't deserve it," he said, his voice laced with subtle amusement. "You deal with the crooked; you get crooked results. That giant was a loudmouth, a braggart. He needed to be silenced." His eyes softened a little, showing a more human (Aearthaling) side. "But you guys? You're talking to me like friends. I can respect that."

Saka relaxed a little, her shoulders lowering as she smiled. "Oh, I see," she said, finally feeling at ease. "So, how did you end up as this... warrior who can knock out giants with a single blow, without even touching them?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Yesdar could see she was genuinely interested.

He leaned back, his fingers tracing the edge of his sword's scabbard. "The full story would take a lifetime to tell," he said with a slight grin, "but I can start from the point where it all began and brief you the events after."

"Yeah, man," Waji chimed in, leaning forward, eager to listen. "Wherever you start, it's gotta be cool. But wait—before you begin, which city are you from?"

Yesdar's expression shifted slightly at the question. He hadn't expected that, and he wasn't sure how to answer. "Well... uh..." he stalled for a moment, thinking quickly. "Which city are you guys from?"

Waji grinned, clearly unaware of Yesdar's discomfort. "Oh right, yeah! Should've told you that first before asking, huh? Manners? We're from Mawlyana. It's a small village on the outskirts."

"Yes... Mawlyana," Yesdar repeated, the name unfamiliar but pretending to know it nonetheless.

"You don't know where that is, do you?" Waji chuckled, sensing Yesdar's lack of recognition.

Caught, Yesdar nodded. "Nope, not at all."

"Not ya fault mate. It's a lesser known village, not even a city. But its beautiful, doesn't have any rich history. And by rich, I mean, no wealthy history, pun intended, haha. But it has good food, the Banetore Street, it's big and is a food court on its own. If you ever visit, we'll throw you a feast," Waji said with a broad grin.