25 Looking For This? (2/2)

Too many incredible things had occurred to Darius today, none more important than his battle with the Jade Sea Serpent. Remembering what had happened in his childhood, the visage of the serpent-like spirit that had killed his sister, Darius could not help but bite his lower lip and squeeze his shoulder with his free hand.

That memory had plagued the boy's mind for as long as he could remember. Now, today's events had caused it to return to the forefront of his mind.

”I didn't run. I didn't cower. Despite what happened, I wasn't scared.”

Darius looked at his open right hand and wondered, ”What the heck happened to me? When I touched the hammer…”

That's when it hit Darius, ”That's right! The hammer! I haven't done today's quota!” As Darius's thoughts pulled together, he quickly ran to the door, only to have it slide open before he could open it himself.

”Looking for this?”

The old man who had taken Darius through the ceremony walked in unannounced. The hammer floated above his palm in what seemed to be a bubble.

Darius pointed at the old man with a shaking finger. ”Y-y-you!”

”You know, back in my day, it was considered rude to point fingers, but I guess things do change after a few centuries,” said the old man whilst shaking his head.

Darius blinked his eyes, trying to clear the fog that must be covering his mind. He dazedly questioned, ”Uhm, did you just say centuries?

…

”Yes, I did, but that's not why I am here.”

Being the wary person he was, Darius did not take kindly to the fact that an old man he did not know could just randomly barge into his room like this. However, nothing was more important than his life, so he put all his thoughts aside and quickly put on his most respectful expression.

”Respected Elder, I am honored by the sudden visit. I truly am. The fact that one as profound as you would take the time to visit little old me is an honor beyond comprehension.”

The sudden flip in Darius' demeanor stunned the old man.

”However, I am in urgent need of my hammer and would be indebted to you if you could let me have it.”