Chapter 97: The Kama Blades
Ty, placing a finger on his chin, mused, "I suppose it makes sense. Back on Earth, you couldn't let someone walk around with a butter knife without causing a stir."
Nana, staring up at Ty, stated blankly, "That's kind of pathetic… a planet full of people so powerless. I guess in that context, it's normal to be afraid of just about anything."
"Well, we weren't exactly helpless," Ty replied. "In the absence of some crazy magic talent or ability, we humans relied on our intellect. We were able to create powerful weapons ourselves. Maybe I'll show you some of them one day if you ever visit Earth."
"What do you mean 'maybe'?" Nana interjected. "You already promised you would, so th—" She was cut off as Lady Amaris placed a hand on her shoulder, her finger pressed gently against her red-glossed lips, signaling silence. "Shhh, the next stage is starting," Lady Amaris whispered.
Ty's attention shifted upwards towards the spectacle unfolding above. Hands still floated in the air, now releasing a cascade of weapons. Some were as whimsically unique as a pair of dice, while others were as absurdly oversized as a greatsword twice the size of a child.
"Some of those weapons must weigh an insane amount," Ty wondered aloud to Lady Amaris. "How are these kids able to lift them so casually?"
His eyes widened in amazement as a new set of items began to materialize. First, a shield, embossed with the image of a snarling wolf, its eyes glowing a fierce green. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the details so fine it was as if the wolf might leap out at any moment.
Then came a pair of gauntlets, each etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the dim light. Ty noticed how the runes seemed to shift and change, almost as if they were alive, telling a story only known to those who understood their ancient language.
A bow appeared next, its limbs carved from what appeared to be living branches, still adorned with leaves that shimmered between shades of emerald and gold. The string hummed with a barely audible melody, resonating with a power that Ty could feel even from his distance.
Amongst the falling arsenal, a pair of boots landed softly on the ground. They were sleek, made of a material that looked like liquid midnight, absorbing the light around them. As Ty focused on them, he realized they were not just absorbing light but subtly shifting, adapting to their surroundings like a chameleon.
Finally, his gaze settled on a helmet, unlike any he had seen before. It was crafted to resemble a dragon's head, complete with scales and a pair of horns. The eyes of the helmet glowed a deep crimson, creating an aura of majesty and terror.
Ty turned to Lady Amaris, his eyes reflecting the awe he felt. "The craftsmanship, the magic imbued in each piece... it's unlike anything on Earth. These aren't just weapons and armor; they're works of art."
Lady Amaris nodded, her eyes also following the display. The word "Weapon" is a bit of a barbaric term really.
Though they all boost something about fighting directly most abilities help out in other ways like there is a man that works under the King with a "weapon" that was a pen and has an array of abilities when it comes to writing contracts and other forms as well as being able to "I see, that makes sense, considering the kingdom's current state," Ty mused thoughtfully.
"But what about other nations? My studies didn't cover them much. Do they acquire weapons in the same manner as we do?"
Lady Amaris replied, "Yes, they do have their methods of weapon acquisition, though I'm not certain if their processes mirror ours exactly. Our interactions with neighboring countries are mainly for resource exchanges. As for direct conflicts, we haven't experienced any since before my birth."
"King Griswald, as well as the kings before him, possess immense power, capable of devastating large swathes of land. That's likely been a significant deterrent for potential aggressors."
Ty's curiosity deepened. "So, there was a time of war?"
"History books say there was a big war about 200 years ago," Lady Amaris stated. "After that, they built this kingdom for safety. But it seems like it's never really had to defend itself."
While they were talking, Nana interrupted with excitement. "Hey, look! Some of the weapons are starting to glow blue and purple."
They all turned to see. The weapons and armor were glowing, surrounding the kids in a soft light. The kids looked amazed at the glowing colors, which faded away after a short while.
Lady Amaris watched and gave a small smirk. "That glow means the weapons are special. When they're used, they light up like that. It shows the user has a strong spirit."
"Even though they're just kids now, it'll take years for them to figure out their talents and abilities," Lady Amaris explained. "And if they prove themselves worthy, they'll be invited to the kingdom's academy. There, they can train to serve in the army or other parts of the kingdom."
Leaning against a piece of wood, Ty responded with a hint of awe, "Wow, that's quite a unique system you have here."
"Yeah, and those who are—" Lady Amaris words were suddenly cut off as three more weapons fell from the hovering hands above. A soft chuckle filled the air as a ball of golden light, accompanied by two balls of platinum light, started to descend.
The crowd grew quiet around the gathering, their attention drawn to the unfolding spectacle. The children, now each holding a weapon, watched with a mix of awe and uncertainty. The priest, an old man known for his steady presence, looked on with a rare expression of surprise, his usual calm demeanor momentarily unsettled.
In this moment of collective anticipation, a brilliant display of light began to weave its way through the space. It surged forward, a river of gold and platinum, moving toward Ty and his companions. The light, shimmering and vibrant, halted just before them, wrapping them in a warm, inviting glow.
Lady Amaris, usually so composed, couldn't hide her excitement. Her eyes shone brightly, reflecting the spectacle before her. She stepped back slightly, as if to fully appreciate the scene unfolding before her.
The priest, typically a figure of wisdom and age, stood wide-eyed. His face, usually marked by lines of experience and contemplation, now showed a flicker of childlike wonder.
As the golden light began to fade, it unveiled its final revelation. Hovering in the space where the light had shimmered, were two Kama Blades, linked by a platinum chain. The blades themselves were a marvel – sleek, deadly, and exquisitely crafted.
Their hilts were black, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to dance and flicker like shadows under the moonlight. The chain, shining with a platinum sheen, provided a stark contrast to the dark mystery of the blades.