Chapter 8 - The Kingdom of Eldoria

Alex's journey was grueling. He encountered numerous beasts and got lost several times. It was kind of okay if not for the system, which kept mocking him every time he made a wrong decision. Not only was it sarcastic, but it was also a dickhead.

Even with its constant mocking, Alex still appreciated the system. He did not know what or why it was in his head, but the fact it gave him the chance to have a new life with a fresh start while also giving him the ability to get stronger to protect himself was a blessing in itself. If only it wasn't so annoying.

The scenery around Alex kept changing every day. The walk was tiring enough, but the need to always be vigilant against possible threats on the road kept him on edge.

Luckily, he met a nice farmer named Lito. Farmer Lito was an old guy with a freckled face full of smile lines, indicating he was a kind soul. He helped Alex with his journey.

The kind man even offered him his home in the kingdom when he heard Alex's fabricated story about how his parents died in the war and he was the only survivor, saying he was on his way to Eldoria to find his way back to society. Even the system complimented him for being able to lie without batting an eye.

Well, it was a believeable lie, considering the fact there are a lot of people going to Eldoria for that reason. Luckily, Eldoria is an old kingdom with roots as deep as the history of mankind, it was also big enough to house this refugees in.

Lito lived on his farm just near the kingdom. His home, well, shack, was used for storage purposes, and he would live there only when he had something to sell in the kingdom, which was once a month if he had a good harvest.

Even though Alex thought Lito was a fool for believing his little sob story, he was still very appreciative of him. It was very hard to find people kind enough to treat strangers like him with respect.

Alex thought of ways he could repay the old man as he sat on the cart being pulled by two donkeys together with Lito.

"So, Lito, can you tell me more about the kingdom? How does it work?" Alex asked, genuinely curious.

Lito chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Eldoria, lad, it's a place of great opportunity if you know where to look. It's ruled by King Alden, a fair and just ruler. The kingdom's divided into several districts, each overseen by noble families. Trade is the lifeblood of Eldoria, and the markets are always bustling with activity."

"What about the military? How strong is it?" Alex inquired, eager to understand the kingdom's defenses.

"The Eldorian Guard is a force to be reckoned with," Lito said proudly. "They're well-trained and loyal to the king. Each district has its own militia, but the Guard is the backbone of our defense. They keep the peace and protect us from external threats."

"Eldoria is known for their amicable relationship with every Kingdom, it was the only Kingdom with peaceful to neutral term with everybody. This was once a strong kingdom, with a strong army. But that was all history."

Alex nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about the people? Are they welcoming to outsiders?"

"For the most part, yes," Lito replied. "Eldoria is a melting pot of cultures and races. As long as you're willing to work hard and contribute to the kingdom, you'll find a place here. Just be cautious and don't trust everyone you meet."

"Good advice," Alex said, smiling, thinking Lito should've done that as well. "Thank you, Lito. You've been more help than you know."

Lito waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing, lad. I've seen my share of young folks looking for a fresh start. Just keep your wits about you, and you'll do fine."

Suddenly, some rustling in the bushes disturbed their conversation. Alex narrowed his eyes, his hand on the hilt of an average-quality iron sword he bought from the system shop.

"What's that?" Lito asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Alex held up a hand to silence him. "Stay back," he whispered.

As Alex expected, it was a beast. Standing two feet tall, it had a furry body burly enough to rival someone in the Mr. Olympia, and the head of a wolf. It growled menacingly, baring its sharp teeth.

Alex drew his sword, positioning himself between Lito and the beast. "Stay back, Lito. I'll handle this."

The beast lunged at Alex with surprising speed. He barely had time to react, raising his sword to deflect its claws. The force of the impact nearly knocked him off his feet. The beast was stronger than he anticipated.

"System, any advice?" Alex muttered through gritted teeth.

"Try not to die," the system replied sarcastically. "And aim for its eyes. They're a weak spot."

"Thanks for nothing," Alex grumbled, focusing on the beast. He circled it warily, looking for an opening.

The beast lunged again, and Alex sidestepped, slashing at its side. His sword connected, drawing blood, but the wound only seemed to enrage the creature. It howled in pain and turned on him with renewed fury.

Alex's survival skills kicked in as he dodged and parried, but the beast was relentless. His arms ached from the strain, and his breathing became labored. The beast's claws grazed his arm, leaving a painful gash. He stumbled back, trying to catch his breath.

"Alex, watch out!" Lito shouted, readying a pitchfork.

"Stay back!" Alex shouted, regaining his footing. He couldn't let Lito get hurt.

Drawing on his swordsmanship training, Alex adjusted his stance. He focused on the beast's eyes, waiting for the right moment. The beast charged again, and this time, Alex was ready. He sidestepped and thrust his sword forward, aiming for its eye.

The blade pierced the beast's eye, and it let out a deafening roar of agony. It thrashed wildly, trying to dislodge the sword. Alex held on, using all his strength to keep the weapon in place.

With one final, desperate effort, Alex twisted the sword, driving it deeper into the beast's skull. The creature convulsed, then collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

Alex pulled his sword free, panting heavily. "That was… tougher than I expected," he said, wiping sweat from his brow.

Lito rushed over, worry in his face. "Are you alright, lad?"

"I'll be fine," Alex replied, though his arm throbbed with pain. "Thanks for the warning."

Lito nodded, looking at the beast with wide eyes. "That was incredible, Alex. I've never seen anyone fight like that."

"Just… doing what I can," Alex said with a weak smile. He sheathed his sword and took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

"Well, at least you didn't get yourself killed. That would have been embarrassing," the system quipped.

"Not now, System," Alex muttered under his breath.

Lito clapped him on the back. "You've got a lot of spirit, lad. You'll do just fine in Eldoria."

Alex smiled, despite his exhaustion. He was grateful for Lito's help and encouragement. The journey was far from over, but he felt more determined than ever. He would face whatever challenges came his way and carve out his place in this new world.

Alex had barely caught his breath when the bushes rustled again. His eyes widened as a second beast emerged, larger and more menacing than the first. Its eyes glowed with an eerie light, and its fangs dripped with venom.

"Lito, get behind the cart!" Alex shouted, his exhaustion giving way to a surge of adrenaline.

Lito scrambled happily to safety, like a penguin, as the new beast advanced. This one moved with a deadly grace, its muscles rippling under its fur. Alex tightened his grip on his sword, readying himself for another battle.

The beast roared and charged at Alex, its claws outstretched. Alex rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly swipe. He slashed at the beast's leg, but the creature was too quick, leaping back and avoiding the blow.

"Come on, you ugly brute," Alex taunted, trying to keep the beast's attention on him.

The beast growled and lunged again, this time feinting to the left before striking from the right. Alex barely managed to block the attack, the force of the impact sending vibrations up his arm. He grit his teeth, feeling the sting of the earlier wound.

"You're wearing it down. Keep moving," the system advised, its tone uncharacteristically serious.

Alex followed the system's advice, dodging and weaving as the beast continued its assault. He struck whenever he saw an opening, his sword leaving shallow cuts along the beast's body. But the creature seemed almost impervious to pain, its attacks growing more frenzied with each wound.

Sweat dripping on his face, Alex fought the hardest in his life. Each strike he delivered would cut wounds on the beast. Yet, each strike he delivers only wears him down. The beast is now in frenzy. He couldn't keep on dodging the beast.

How could a mere prey fight him with this vigor? The predator is enraged.

Desperation fueled Alex's movements as he fought to stay one step ahead of the beast. His muscles screamed in protest, and his vision blurred with sweat and exhaustion. He knew he couldn't keep this up much longer.

In a moment of clarity, Alex remembered the system's earlier advice. He needed to aim for the eyes. Summoning the last of his strength, he waited for the right moment. The beast lunged at him, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his face. Alex dropped to the ground, sliding under the beast's body and thrusting his sword upward with all his might.

The blade found its mark, plunging into the beast's eye. The creature let out a blood-curdling scream, thrashing violently as it tried to dislodge the sword. Alex held on, his knuckles white with the effort.

The beast reared up, its movements growing more erratic as it struggled against the pain. A beast no matter how strong is still a beast. It has no control on its thought, especially when its so much pain. Primal reasoning is what's fueling it right now. Alas, Alex was as desperate as it is.

With a final, desperate roar, it collapsed to the ground, its body convulsing before finally lying still.

Alex lay on the ground, panting heavily. He could barely move, his body spent from the intense battle. Lito rushed over, his face etched with concern.

"Alex, are you alright?" Lito asked, helping him to his feet.

"I'll live," Alex replied, wincing as he stood. "Just… need a moment."

Lito looked at the fallen beast, shaking his head in amazement. "I've never seen anything like that. You're a remarkable fighter, Alex."

"Thanks," Alex said, offering a tired smile. "I had a good teacher."

"You're welcome," the system chimed in, its usual sarcasm tinged with a hint of pride.

'Not you, dumbass', Alex thought to the system.

"No need to be shy.", the system replied. Alex ignored the shameless system before his veins popped due to annoyance.

"Let's get you to the kingdom," Lito said, guiding Alex back to the cart. "You need rest, and I think you've earned a warm meal."

Alex was weary, but he still needed to be vigilant. Lito gave him a warm meal. They proceed to their journey in a hurry, afraid that another beast might surprise them. They also took the head of the body as an evidence for Alex's feat.