Thank you Discord “Free Writers Come Mouse” which organizes activities for new writers to write short stories based on each of the specified themes. It was the spark that made us want to write a short story separate from the main plot that we had in our heads. But it hasn't been put into shape yet. (The plot is very big. I don't know why I'm always fantasizing about this lately.

I couldn't resist and had to make a short story.)

Originally on Discord it was stated that you could write no more than 10,000 words. At first I was going to try cutting it down. But the details are so intense. In the end, I was not sent to participate in the event (partly because of the topic fantasy war It's very difficult to tell. Plus, finish it in one chapter with no more than 10,000 words. Still, there are other topics from now on.

Hope to join in sending again????)

Hopefully it will be a good debut and create fun for all readers.

In a wide open area Surrounded by large cobblestones in various places, this place is now used as a battle ground for a decisive war between the two great cities of this region.

The first side is Rock Stone. A group of townspeople on the west side The people of this tribe are outstanding in their use of stones. until it becomes part of everyday life including building houses with stone walls Various appliances that have been modified using special methods. It can be said that everything is created with stone.

Dale, the young male head of the village He was the one who initiated the foundation of living together with stone and developed the city into a unified whole. He was impressed by the hardness of all the rocks, but at this time, he gathered many people from the village to form an army to fight. This was to protect the village and get back at the Iron City Clan. who came to attack them first

Burron Steel City Living on the east side Even though the new foundation has only been established for half a year. But the city's expertise in metallurgical production is highly praised. Therefore, we quickly adapted and created the space for the tools. The city also has a large stockpile of iron ore. which were used to create combat weapons for this victory

Meagher, the bald man who leads the Burron army. The one who started this war without rational negotiations As a result, these two cities continued to fight each other for a long time.

Day 39 of the protracted war The two armies came to face each other in the middle of this square. Dale is convinced that today will be his last battle. With special weapons that were secretly created during the conflict.

“Watch it, Magger. This time, you will see the power of the stone from our city.” After the shouts stopped, Del's men brought out the centrifuge. Loaded with smoldering rocks on the crankcase. It is a stone that has been heated for a long time. It was soon put to use. He threw the said stone at another city's army. The Burrons were so frightened that they had to take cover when the stone shattered and hit the ground.

It spread out into hot sparks. Splashed at them. Smoldering rocks continued to be thrown out without stopping. Burron's side began to lose more ground.

“Of course not. Don't think that I don't have anything good to take care of your army. Get it out quickly.” Magger hurriedly recovered his face. The soldiers lifted up a giant wheeled cannon and aimed it at the rockstones' front line. They stuffed a heavy weight into the barrel of the gun. Just a few seconds after lighting the fire Steel-weight bullets were fired at the opponent.

The Rockstones were hit by this heavy weight. Moreover, he continued to roll over and crush them. Everyone was injured.

Magger laughed heartily. Dale was beyond angry. He quickly ordered his party to fire more hot stones. Like the Burron Cannon, firing without stopping. Both of them focus on long range attacks. I hope to destroy the weapons on each side. Meanwhile, the soldiers of the two cities were more affected by this weapon. But the two leaders continued to clash. Ignoring the cries of the people beside him who were in serious trouble.

However, Magher decided to change the direction of one of the cannons. Del's position near the centrifuge became clearer. He would like to be the one to shoot this shot at the army leader.

Just like Del, who thought of doing the same. So the stone hurler was released and it fell onto the spot where Magher was standing. In the blink of an eye, two objects from each side were released at the same time. Under the speed of what was just released Dale and Magger may not be able to escape in time……

"What? I can't move."

Suddenly, the great war came to a shocking halt. Iron weights and smoldering stones suspended in the air. along with the comrades on both sides who were still and without any movement at all

Dale and Meagher He found that his body was so stiff that he couldn't move any part as he wanted. Even his eyes couldn't blink. The war immediately became silent as everyone could only speak their opinions in their hearts. Do they both think that this is some kind of magical power from one side or the other? But why are they all together?

At that moment, a mysterious giant shadow appeared and blocked the sunlight in the sky. The shadows began to expand. Everyone on the plaza was aware and tried to move. But it didn't work. Until the shadow touched the earth

What was seen was a giant brown and silver mannequin. The entire body and arms and legs are made of steel. There is a wheel attached to the foot. The top of the head is a helmet like that worn by knights. The ground shook and split apart. Due to the weight of several tons, the iron man causing everyone to collapse and freeze.

The yellow eyes inside the helmets stared at the two leaders. before reaching out to grab Dale and Magger, one on each side. Both of them were awkward in this state. I don't think it was during the war. There will be a new enemy coming in the middle of the battle.

“Luckily we arrived in time. Otherwise it will definitely be worse.”

A young voice escaped. along with the giant robot's head nod Dale and Magher heard a noise very close. before meeting a tall young man Who stands on the shoulders of this figure?

“Hey, when was there someone there? I thought it was a voice from this robot.” Magger was astonished.

“Who are you….ah? I can speak now.” Their mouths returned to being able to speak. But it is only one part of the body.

“Is this your work? Make me move again now. It's already getting worse." Bald-headed Max shouted at the top of his voice.

“That's what I have to do. I'm here to stop this bloody war. Including getting rid of your evil spirits that are being used as breeding grounds.”

Both of them were dazed and confused. They wanted more explanation. The young man responded by pointing his finger to the other side of the sky. To see something that is forming on its own

That thing that had the appearance of dark black mist mixed with crimson. From what I see now They changed their shape to be more human-like. They also spread themselves apart to increase their numbers. A single white eye in the middle of his abdomen stared viciously at the iron man. Their current numbers were equivalent to 2500 people fighting.

“Grrrrrrrrrr, you stupid representative of the gods. You dare to prevent our birth into ultimate power?” He shouted hoarsely. They all rushed towards the iron man.

When the puppet's eyes stared at that group of transformation mist, They must be stiff all over. It stopped in mid-air in the same way. Del noticed the boy's palm touching the giant robot's neck. It's like sending hidden power and stopping the movement of the thing it's aimed at.

“They are supernatural beings that absorb the suffering of all living beings in order to grow, evolve their form and gain strength. If left unchecked, they will cause all life on this planet to suffer,” the young man explained. And you could also see the cold-blooded look in their eyes. that wants to come back and move around

“This war has created many hellish entities. But actually it started from the moment you two met.”

They both thought back to where it all started. But it was even more surprising that this young man knew about this.

Three months ago, Del and his friends were searching for rocks in natural areas to bring back to the city. He met Magger and others from the Burron side who were drilling for bronze and iron ore. They both serve the same purpose and love the hardness of each object. During the night So they had the opportunity to talk intimately.

Del firmly believes that everything has a divine representative. or the person who controls it to make it happen He was talking about the god of toughness. One who makes many objects strong and durable. Especially natural stones which is beneficial to humans when using it

But Meagher never believed that. He is proud of the brilliance and effort of us humans. that can invent things around us by ourselves It is very amazing.

Even though at first there was no conflict. Until I believe that we from the two cities will be friends from now on. It turned out that the Burron Group later launched an attack on Rockstone. Extended to the battle of war

However, now they are focusing on a new problem. How to deal with that demon mist?

“First of all, I believe that the two of you have something to tell each other.” The young man opened up an incredible opportunity. He first let Meagher speak before he was stunned for a while. Before gathering up the courage to speak out the thoughts in his heart

“Del….At that time I was just very surprised. The fact that you believe in things that don't actually exist. For me, I don't accept this kind of thinking. But it was too amazing that you had developed such a unified stone village. until being visited by people in various places Praise Rockstone for being as great as my city.”

“I want Burron City to be number one in this region. I want to show how great the work of the people of our city working together is. Since I met you that time I'm afraid that Iron City will lose its rank. So I thought that I had to decide this way……”

“Magger, is this your true intention? Do you know how angry and sad I am? When the commander brought his army to invade on the first day What I should have done at that time was protect my country, my family, and my comrades, but I had no idea that it would turn into this kind of catastrophic war.”

Opening their hearts this time caused the two of them to fall into a dull mood. The feeling of wanting to be number one must have inspired the Mists to come closer to them to absorb their suffering.

“The war lasted almost 40 days. The greatest suffering These are the feelings of the comrades and important people of both cities. The townspeople are suffering from the effects of the war. Both sad and afraid If one person in the army were to be injured or killed.” The young man's voice was filled with sadness.

The eyes of the two leaders looked down. The people who were forced to go to war for the first time in a long time. Every wound and pain that does no good Moreover, it also increases the power of those evil things. While on the fog bank Start using the accumulated suffering power to accelerate your power. Until starting to be able to move out a bit

“Ugh….I apologize. I am the cause of everything. Make everyone suffer Until that evil happened” when thinking back to the feelings of those close to you. Tears flowed from Magger's eyes. It conveys real pain. Meanwhile, Del is dark.

“Don't be sad. It is considered that I arrived on time. We still have a chance to get rid of them.”

“Really…Really, Lord?” Del called him like that in hope.

“Actually, thanks to the faith and confidence of Nong Uru and Nong Zoro. That made me and my partner come here.”

Both of them were shocked by the two names mentioned. That was their son's name. Del's only son, Uru, is now trying to help take care of the people of the Stone Village. with Meagher's determinedly independent young boy Solo

“Your two sons are the ones who pray the most from their hearts. Uru is waiting for Father Dale to come back and teach him how to carve stone for the first time in his life. With Zoro wanting to try making weapons from iron ore following Father Magger's advice.

“Under dire circumstances Uru still prayed with his heart full every night. Hoping that the deity of this land would help stop everything. Zoro, who may not believe in gods, still hopes for everything to end peacefully. without causing any damage to any party There is also the spirit of soldiers, village people, families, relatives of both of you.

Today, that blessing has already seen results.”

Even though he was only a young boy, But speaking, feeling, and sympathizing with humans are It is the form of a holy deity, a magician.

“Listen carefully. How to deal with those mist creatures? It takes the power of coordination between gods and humans. Which will be passed on to this best friend of mine, the Iron Man. I have the two of you come and talk. to adjust understanding before pulling out the courage that is human power It can be said that it depends on the two leaders.”

During the discussion of methods The Hell Mist had already broken this hard spell. He was preparing to vent the anger that had been stiff for a while. This time he was intent on destroying everything. with the overwhelming amount of suffering within Little did they know that the two leaders were changing their minds.

The Iron Man moved them both to stand on the platform in the middle of the chest. When you understand everything and know that this is it. It is the true war to conquer the devil. If there is a mistake, it will affect every life.

“Magger, listen to me, even if it gets to this point. Anyway, I'm ready to give you a chance. Because of my new dream from the beginning It is that our two cities will be friends together. No matter what problem there is. The two of us will fight for it together.” Del was waiting to hear Magger's feelings. who realized a new feeling after seeing every result

“Del….I thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. This time it wasn't just for me. But it belongs to everyone. The spirit power from our two cities will be one. To get rid of those fungus demons.”

Young god beside his shoulder Begin to experience a more focused mind. Plus prayers from people on the battlefield. and two ironstone cities The fusion is given to this iron man.

Smoldering Stone from Rockstone and an iron pendulum from Burron It floated up close to the palm of the iron man who was waving it into a sphere. The wheels beneath the puppet's feet turned faster. Keep spinning and extracting energy. Modified into sharp arrows of gold and silver. gigantic Del and Magher are stunned by the image seen here. It was clearly a divine weapon.

“Take it, the combined power of humans and gods.”

The Iron Man unleashes the power of a combined arrow. to attack all the arrogant mist Just that arrow had just hit a part of the body. Those in the mist also felt the pain of having their whole bodies decomposed. until it becomes pure air The size of the arrow was so large that it wiped out all of them. Their screams, unable to accept this defeat. It was loud throughout the battlefield. The last one's eyes glared vengefully at the young god.

After the great extermination A new day's sun shone in the middle of the field. Soldiers on both sides returned to move as they wished. They themselves saw everything that happened miraculously. Even so, he was still undecided as to whether or not we should continue fighting at this time.

The giant Iron Man sends Dale and Magher down to the ground. They both looked up at the sky, purer than the last time. before announcing in full voice that

“We want to cancel the war!!!!!!!!”

All the soldiers cheered loudly. From now on the excruciating pain will end. Everyone's eyes looked at the young god and the iron man with reverence. The one who made the wish for peace come true. Then, the entire battlefield knelt and bowed before him. Express gratitude from your whole heart.

The Iron Man only gave one cute wink. Then he turned to look at the young boy's divine smile over his shoulder. which is the most impressive feeling

When everyone looked up at the gods again The giant puppet and the youthful god suddenly disappeared. It was as if the embodiment of wonder had finished its duty. The two leaders were momentarily shocked. before knowing the next duty that needs to be done That is, rushing to treat the injured on both sides. This could be a new beginning for the two cities. To come back and make new friends.

It was still difficult for most people from Rockstone City. Will forgive and accept Berron City as one of our comrades. Magger is fully aware of his wrongdoing and vows to find a way to make amends. After the end of the war The two cities kept themselves to each other for a while. without contacting each other

Several months later When the time is right Burron City has decided to send three adults to visit Rockstone City. Their mission is to bring an iron object with them to help the citizens of the Stone Village. which has an official announcement from Dale Even though you may need some adjustment at first. But it was very beneficial.

Especially the house design that combines both stone and steel frames for durability that the three came up with. It is considered very new. After the three people returned to the city at the appointed time, Rockstone City itself sent three adults to visit Burron City. Complete with souvenirs of unusual stones with stone carving activities that were displayed in another city

Starting from this small Received an overwhelming response. until the number of people stopping by to visit each side increased Afterward, people from both cities You can now stop by and visit each other in a friendly way. There are more generations of inter-city lineage families. The history of the war continues to be told to show the mistakes and suffering of the war.

Including the legend of the young god who listened to everyone's hopes. Comes with a partner in the form of a giant iron robot.

The two leaders still carry on their intentions and mottos as before. The city of Dale that believes in the gods Still respect and worship It's not just believing. But it shows the value of one thing that we use all the time. Or it's a rock. Suitable for the new nickname “City of stone lovers”

Magher, on the other hand, has never forgotten the power of the gods. Even though this doesn't change the original idea much. But he also represents human effort that is evident throughout the region. That we all have many responsibilities to do. Determined effort is the key to every action. Even though sometimes it might go wrong or cause harm.

Let's keep this for review. To develop yourself to be able to manage things better from now on.

Although there has not been a clear decision on which city exactly. suitable for one place in this land But in the feelings of most people They hardly thought that the two cities were truly one and the same. They also know well that if one side is obsessed with power and greatness, Until they have to clash again This prosperity that they had had would be tragically ruined. For now, the two of them lived in peace together.

One special night, Uru and Zoro, the children of two leaders, sat at night at the foot of a cliff near Rockstone. On the occasion of the 1 year anniversary of the relationship between the two great cities. So a party was organized to celebrate. Up there, the little boy could still see Father Dale and Father Meagher. Have fun and entertainment with the people. including music, competitive games, and delicious meals.

Little child smiles happily That this picture of happiness comes back From the past suffering that there might not even be a day anymore.

“Look Zoro, I carved a metal man out of stone. I intend to give it to you.” Uru handed over a small statue. After practicing many times, finally, the sculpture in the shape of an iron man like Father Del had described was perfected. Within up to 2 months

“Oh, thank you, Uru, you did so beautifully. I just made a dagger myself.” Zoro picked up a small knife from his belt sheath. The beauty of this knife Reminiscent of the time when the iron was forged. With good advice from Father Meagher It makes Zoro's first knife look really good.

“But I don't have anything for you.”

“It's okay. Just take me on a trip to Burron. I'm happy. Plus, my father gave permission."

“Really? I'll take you on a full tour. And take me to see the blacksmithing room at my house.”

The friendship of the next two generations became much closer. And an important matter that should not be forgotten on this anniversary. is to send thanks to the holy gods In front of the city monuments on both sides which represent which is believed to be the representative god of strength I will know this feeling forever.