Lightning Is the Only Way

Gravis continued on his way to Body City. He didn't keep what happened in mind. Even though he had learned much and now knew more about Heaven, that didn't change a thing. He was still without luck, and he still had to create his own lucky chances. He could know as much as he wanted about Heaven, but he couldn't do anything without enough strength.

"Stop!" Another bandit jumped out from a nearby bush. Why were they always hiding in bushes?

This time, Gravis actually stopped. He was interested in how this whole thing worked. He looked at the bandit with a curious glint in his eyes.

"I have paved this road! I have planted these trees! I have watered this grass! I created everything here! Pay a toll to pass or receive judgment!" the bandit shouted loudly and imposingly to the heavens.

To be honest, Gravis was a little impressed by the sheer magnitude of the bandit's boasting. Many of the trees were at least a hundred years old, yet the bandit was only a young man. He wondered if anyone would actually believe that.

"How much is the toll?" Gravis asked. He wondered how expensive all those tolls actually were that the bandits always wanted.

"I see that you are a man that follows the law. I am also a man that follows the law. The toll is the same for everyone. The toll is 50 copper coins," the bandit narrated.

Gravis was really surprised. 50 copper coins? That was only half a silver coin. That was way less than he had thought. No wonder, the merchants were still walking the streets. Gravis thought more about it and realized that, due to all these bandits with tempered skin, the road was actually rather safe. What ferocious beast would dare to run around this road?

the main trading road clean with only a little money. No wonder, the guards didn't

bandit waited for Gravis to answer, but Gravis didn't react. Slowly, the bandit lost some of his drive. "Hey, is 50 copper too much for you? 40

that other thing would go, that the earlier bandit told

for the trees for many years.

pay," Gravis said. He was not good at this whole

came. Suddenly, the bandit deflated. "Really? That's all you have? Way to kill the mood," he groaned and rolled

felt a little embarrassed. "Sorry, it's my

nonchalantly waved his hand. "Ugh, don't worry. It happens sometimes. It's

sheepishly. "Sure, let's just

go without some fore-play. How about this? You try to pass me, then I stop you and say another phrase, and you just

to pass the bandit, who quickly jumped in front of

violated the law! Pay a fine or serve your sentence!" the bandit shouted

as instructed.

the bandit shouted and drew his sword. With a heroic jump, which was full of openings, the bandit slashed at Gravis' shoulder. Gravis just stood there, and the bandit slowly grew

CLANK!

side, the bandit looked at his chipped