However, a disembodied, holy voice suddenly said, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Let the dead rest in peace, and
may you find peace with yourself.”
The voice sounded like it came from the heavens, but at the same time, it was booming right beside Zeke. Well, this
is weird. He had a strong feeling that the voice was talking to him.
He gave it some thought. In the end, Zeke decided to look deeper into the matter. A short while later, he found out
where the voice was coming from.
An old monk with white brows and a white beard was fishing beside the river quietly. He looked calm and content
with himself as if nothing could perturb him.
For some reason, Zeke thought the monk looked oddly familiar the more he looked. I think I've seen this guy before.
Zeke spoke first, “Have we met somewhere before, old-timer?”
The old monk nodded. “That we do, young man. That we do.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtZeke asked again, “Where have we met before, then?”
The old monk gave him a cryptic smile. “You shall find out soon enough, young man.”
Zeke said, “I heard someone saying dust to dust, ashes to ashes earlier. Was that you?”
The old monk nodded.
Zeke asked, “What is that supposed to mean?”
The old monk answered, “It is as you have heard. Dust should be left to their own devices, free to fly in the air,
while ashes of the dead should be scattered across the earth, so that their soul may rest in peace. That is what I
was trying to say. You are not of this world, young man. Your existence is illogical and paradoxical. Let us leave,
young man. I shall take you to where you rightfully belong.”
Zeke frowned. “Are you mad, old-timer? If I don't belong here, then where do you suggest that I belong? One more
word of nonsense from you and I shall show no mercy.”
Zeke decided to ignore the old madman and was about to leave, but the old monk stopped him. “Wait, young man.
Heed my advice. You are no longer suited to be in this world. By staying here, you'll only disrupt its balance. I am
here on orders to take you to our world, where you belong.”
Zeke laughed mirthlessly. “Is that so? Then tell me, old-timer, where do I rightfully belong?”
The old monk pointed at the ground. “Hell, of course.”
“Insolence!” Zeke was furious. “You have just insulted a Great Marshal. Do you know what punishment awaits you,
old man?”
The old monk quickly said, “That is just your title in the mortal world. You are nothing but a stray soul in the
underworld. Besides, I did not insult you. That was the truth. To be honest, you are already dead.”
Zeke growled. “You should rejoice in the fact that my Alpha Suicide Squad is not here with me. If they were, you
would have been dismembered just because of what you said to me.”
The old monk smiled bitterly. “I knew you wouldn't trust me, Great Marshal. But I have proof. Come with me.” The
old monk got up and walked around fifty yards to the east.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe light there was dim, but Zeke could make out the shape of a tomb there. More shockingly, however, were the
words that were engraved on the tombstone. Here lies Zeke Williams, the Great Marshal. Wait, this is my grave? Did
this old man make this?
Flames of anger flared within Zeke's eyes. “You made this fake tomb just to deceive me? I have to say, that's
commitment, old man. You just gave me another reason to kill you.”
The old monk replied, “If you still don't believe me, feel free to crack the tomb open and see if it's your body that's
lying in the casket.”
Zeke answered coldly, “If it's not my body in there, it shall be yours next.”
He released his energy to crack the tomb open and exploded half the casket's cover.
When he saw what was inside, he had to do a double-take, and his legs turned to jelly. It's true! That is my body in
there! I'm dead? When did that happen? Impossible! This can't be true!
“Follow me, young man. Let us not tarry any longer,” the old monk said again.
“Piss off!” Zeke lost his cool, and rage took over. He molded his energy into a Dragon King Sword and cut the monk
in two.
However, the monk did not even bleed. In fact, he slowly healed up, and a moment later, it was as if the wound was
never there, to begin with.