Luna shouted, "Big Sis!, Brother!, come here!" Choenil and Qshon, exchanging a look of curiosity and apprehension, cautiously approached Anon's imposing mansion. Their measured steps and darting eyes reflected the simmering rivalry between them. The heavy silence spoke volumes.
Luna's impatience was evident in the slight twitch of her lip. "Why the snail's pace?" she asked, her voice breaking the tension.
Qshon, a flicker of nervousness in his eyes, quickly gestured to Choenil, a silent plea for cooperation. He muttered, "Sorry, Luna, old habit," his voice unconvincing.
Choenil mirrored Qshon's attempt at nonchalance. "Yeah, military training, you know how it is," she said, their footsteps on the gravel a stark counterpoint to their forced casualness as they entered the dimly lit mansion.
The four throne candidates—Anon, Luna, Qshon, and Choenil—settled around a massive wooden table. The air thrummed with unspoken tension; the rich scent of aged books and polished wood did little to mask the palpable unease. Anon's fingers drummed restlessly against the table; Qshon's gaze darted between Anon and Choenil, his jaw clenched.
Luna, sensing the need to break the ice, spoke calmly but firmly. "Mmmm, okay, let's introduce ourselves and a little bit about ourselves," she suggested, her voice a gentle nudge towards civility.
Luna introduced herself first, her words flowing smoothly. Anon rose, a slow, deliberate movement, a confident smile playing on his lips. "I know almost all of you knew about me as one of the richest nobles in this kingdom, and I am independent from the control of the king," he began, his voice a low rumble that filled the room. "Let me reintroduce myself, I am Anon Xembo. I have 300 branches of my business as a producer of the kingdom's items, accessories, and weapons. I am 27 years old and now chosen to be one of the candidates for the throne." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
Qshon followed, his introduction less polished, more direct. "Hello, fellas, I am Qshon Shun, the adopted son of the king and I am the vice commander of the kingdom's soldiers," he stated, his tone clipped. "I am unbeatable when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, no one ever wins in a fight with me. That's all, and I hate arrogant people, like someone around here." His gaze flicked towards Anon, animosity clear in his tone.
Anon's face tightened, but he controlled his anger. Qshon's glare intensified. "Looks like someone is already not worthy to be a king in here," he sneered.
Choenil's soft yet firm voice cut through the rising tension. "Ehem, are you two done?" she asked, a gentle reminder to keep the peace.
Choenil continued, her voice filled with conviction. "I am the only successor for the throne, but because of my father's ideals, he even adopted and let a selfish noble person into this kingdom. My name is Choenil Lina, the true princess of this kingdom, the leader of the kingdom's soldiers. My power and strength come from the goddess's blessings that she gave me such powers, meaning I am the chosen one and no one else." Her eyes shone with determination.
Luna, her eyes fixed on Anon, suggested a spar, a subtle test of their allegiances. "We have now known each other's names, so I would like Qshon and Anon to spar," she proposed, her eyes hinting at her anticipation.
"That's a great idea Luna," Choenil agreed, a hint of excitement in her voice.
Anon smirked. "I am honored to have the opportunity to witness your glorious first... defeat, heheh," he said, his words laced with sarcasm, further fueling the tension between him and Qshon.
The group moved to the training grounds, their footsteps echoing through the halls. Choenil, taking her position as referee, spoke with authority. "I, Choenil Lina, witness this fight and shall look and decide fairly the outcome of this sparring." She then instructed Qshon, "Qshon Shun, fight with pride, and don't show any disrespect towards your opponent," and then turned to Anon, adding, "And Noble Anon Xembo, accept and learn from him."
Qshon replied, "I will!" his voice filled with confidence.
The fight began. Anon assumed a modern fighting stance. Qshon mocked him, "What is that stance, hahaha, a stance of a coward is it?"
Anon smiled. "Unfortunately, you're wrong, this is what I call a boxing stance."
Qshon snorted. "Hahaha, box-ing? Hahah, what's that?"
"Yes, boxing, and I will put you out of the ring," Anon retorted.
Luna shouted, "Stop talking, start the fight!!"
Qshon charged, fists clenched. Anon launched a punch; Qshon dodged with ease, countering with a blow that sent Anon sprawling.
Qshon taunted, "Heheh, look at yourself, so pathetic and disgraceful to the kingdom's noble," his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Anon quickly recovered, surprise evident in his eyes. "Looks like boxing isn't the right thing to beat you," he said, shifting his stance.
The air filled with the sound of clashing fists and feet. Anon's attacks grew stronger, faster; Qshon dodged and weaved, a blur of motion. Their heavy breathing and glistening sweat spoke of their exertion.
Luna and Choenil watched intently. Choenil asked, her voice low and curious, "Hey Luna, what is your relationship with Anon?"
Luna's face remained serene. "Huh? I just know him when I was buying some weapons at his shop, and he's very polite and gentle. We're just friends, nothing more than that," she replied calmly.
Choenil raised an eyebrow. "Gentle, huh. Wow, look Luna, Anon is sent flying by our brother."
Luna's expression didn't change. "That is what I expected to happen. But that's not enough, and that's just like a wind that cannot hurt Anon," she stated steadily.
The fight continued, blows landing with precision and power. Anon's intense gaze locked onto Qshon. "This stance is what I call karate, and I will surely send you running towards your bishe," he declared.
Qshon's face set in determination. "From now on, I'll let you attack me first, and I will only need two moves to make you cry and beg for your mother to fight for you," he retorted firmly.
Anon launched a powerful kick; Qshon dodged it with ease. Anon's attacks continued, relentless, but Qshon avoided every blow. The sound of their movements was like thunder.
Qshon jumped back, chest heaving. Anon asked, amusement lacing his voice, "Huh? Where are those two moves that will make me beg for help from my mother?"
Qshon's face was determined. "I underestimated you," he admitted. "From now on, I will fight you as a strong foe."
The fight resumed, each blow landing with precision and power. Luna and Choenil watched silently. Qshon landed a powerful blow to the back of Anon's head, but Anon remained unmoved.
Anon stopped, smiling. "Is that all? Heheh, looks like my win is sure. Let me tell you that I am not serious at all, and I am only using a fragment of the one percent of my strength," he said, amusement in his voice.
Qshon's determination hardened. "I have acknowledged you as a worthy opponent, but I am wrong, you are not worthy at all, you are just one of those scum arrogant people that boast about their talents and strength. I will show you my true power!" he declared firmly.
Luna's voice cut through the air. "Stop!!" she shouted, her eyes locked onto the combatants.
Anon's fist hovered inches from Qshon's face; Qshon's fist was pointed at Anon's belly. Choenil's voice was calm, her words firm. "Choenil Lina declares this fight a draw, and both of you seem equal."
Anon and Qshon smiled, relaxed. Qshon said, amusement lacing his voice, "Next time, I will surely make you cry."
Anon retorted, his voice light, "Heh, in your dreams, my friend."
The tension dissipated; laughter filled the air. They became fast friends, eating together at Anon's mansion, the atmosphere warm and convivial.
Three days later, Qshon approached Anon, his eyes locked onto a beautiful young lady. "By the way, Anon, who is that beautiful young lady over there?" he asked, his voice low and curious.
Anon's face contorted in disgust. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice firm.
Qshon's gaze remained fixed on the lady. "You know, the one standing over there," he said, his voice filled with admiration.
Anon's expression turned cold. "Qshon, you must not know that my mother is the only person living in this mansion," he said, his words dripping with warning.
Qshon's eyes widened, his face pale. "Huh, th-the-then she is...?" he stammered.
Anon's voice was firm. "Yes, she is."
Qshon's face fell. "Anon, you must be joking, right?" he whispered.
Anon's expression didn't change. "No, I'm not."
Qshon's face turned red. "Ahh, I...I can't accept it," he stammered.
Anon's voice was laced with amusement. "Accept it, my friend. That you have a crush on my mother. Hahahaha."
Qshon's face burned. "It's impossible...Hey Anon, you're 27 years old, right?" he asked, his voice shaking.
Anon nodded calmly. "Yep, you're right. And if you're curious about my mother's age, unfortunately, she is 49."
Qshon's face contorted in shock. "I...I...am dead. She is so beautiful than anyone else. How come she is your mother?" he asked, his voice filled with despair.
Qshon, unable to accept the truth, and his sister returned home, their minds reeling with shock and embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Anon and his mother, Lux, talked and ate together peacefully. Lux's eyes held concern. "My abnormal son, are you sure you can suppress your powers? You might end up killing someone with that. I know everything about you, even though I lost my power, I have my memories and knowledge in me," she said softly.
Anon's expression was calm. "I know myself, mom. And I will surely fulfill my father's wish. Everything I said to Luna must be lies, but I know she already learned about it. After all, she is the first person I met with such wise demeanor and brain," he replied firmly.
Lux's eyes narrowed. "Hmm, you are really his son. You two always do selfish things," she warned.
Anon's face relaxed. "Mom, I know you always see me as an abnormality of your life, but you still care for me, and I am grateful for it," he said softly.
Lux's expression softened. "Yes, you are abnormal, and you destroyed my life. But I will always fulfill the duty that is given to me as a mother," she said, her voice filled with love.
The two continued to talk and eat, their bond strong and unbreakable.