“Faster,” Lorna shouted at the trainees running laps of the training grounds. SJ's lungs felt ready to burst from endless laps. One of the trainees, a large Orc, had stopped, leaning forward on his knees, panting, and Lorna had whipped him on his rear with a wooden stick, making him move again. “No pain, no gain,” Lorna shouted.

Eventually, after two more laps, Lorna called them to a stop as they reached the training rings again. “Ok. Take five minutes,” she called. SJ placed her hands on her head, trying to steady her breathing, and paced backwards and forwards. Slowly, she recovered and walked over to one of the water buckets before dunking her head. Her long hair was drenched with sweat from the exertion of the morning's training. Pulling her head back out of the barrel, her hair trailed down her back, the cool water soaking into her dress and bringing relief from the heat of the day and the heat of the exercise. The sun had been blazing since first thing, and running had been difficult. It had been a week since the Hobs raid, and this was the second three-day training session SJ had attended, having to take at least one day's rest in between.

The training was helping. Her Kata had improved to Level 5, and she hoped it would reach Level 6 soon. She had been practicing the forms daily as part of the routine she had fallen into. Knowing that at Level 6, she would unlock a second skill for her martial arts branch, she had held off selecting her next Subterfuge choice until she knew what martial arts offered to see if anything would align with the other attributes and skills.

“Your running was much better today,” Lorna said, walking over.

“Thanks,” SJ replied.

“I spoke to Jurgen. He has said he will teach you about fighting with claws.”

“Really,” SJ replied, grinning.

“Yes. He has agreed that he can train you on your off days as it won’t be as arduous and is more about precision and accuracy.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“We will see what you are saying after a session with Jurgen. He is a hard trainer; he doesn’t take mistakes lightly.”

“I will do whatever it takes to improve,” SJ replied, happy at having another opportunity to grow her skills. The fluidity she had gained with reaching Level 5 in her Kata was impressive, and even with her flexibility because of her dexterity, she felt even more agile. Her strike rate had increased, and she had regularly practised on one of the training dummies. Her ankles were also getting much stronger, and she could break the thinnest pieces of wood they used for training. They were literally only a couple of millimetres thick. She still had a long way to go to get anywhere near the level of Lorna, who could splinter two-inch-thick pieces of wood with a single strike.

After the rest period, Lorna called them all to the training ring. “Ok. We are going to do some sparring. I will pair you off, and we will use a two-strike rule. Once two strikes are received, you will be knocked out. The last person standing will win.”

“First pairing is Greb and Pru.”

Greb was a male kobold. He was a guard member and had been training under Lorna for a long time. He was much better than SJ. Pru was a female Gnoll who had taken up martial arts a year ago from SJ's conversations with the other trainees. She was not as proficient as Greb, but her size gave her a significant reach advantage.

Watching as the two sized each other up, standing on either side of the sand ring, SJ knew that Greb would win. His smaller frame improved his agility, and his speed was insane.

“Fight,” Lorna called.

The two trainees inched towards each other, circling, before Greb, in a flurry of motion, moved in and struck a kick into Pru's stomach. The speed surprised her, and she staggered backwards from the blow.

“One point to Greb. Face off again,” Lorna waited while they did. “Fight,” she called again.

Pru didn’t wait this time and came out on the offensive, making Greb dance backwards around the ring. Her punches kept him at bay and forced him to block repeatedly. SJ thought Pru might get the point when Greb suddenly ducked and swept his leg into her thigh. As he connected, there was a crunching sound, and Pru screamed, falling to the ground.

“Cleric,” Lorna called, walking over to Pru, who now sat on the ground holding her leg, grimacing in pain.

The training ground Cleric, who SJ had learned was named Kenzie, walked over and cast a healing light at Pru. Within moments, Pru could stand and move around again as normal.

“Fight to Greb,” Lorna concluded once Pru was back standing in the ring facing him. The pair shook hands and walked out of the ring chatting.

“Next fight. Quilti and SJ,” Lorna announced.

They had previously completed a couple of sparring bouts since SJ had trained, but she had always sat watching as the newest member. Feeling the eyes of the other trainees look at her, she stepped into the ring. Quilti was an Orc, he towered over her diminutive frame. Taking his position opposite her, he smirked. SJ’s anger flared at the smirk, and listening intently for the call, SJ waited. As soon as she heard the first syllable of Lorna calling "Fight", she reacted.

Launching forwards before Quilti had even had an opportunity to move, she kicked straight out at him, catching him in the one place that no male of any species ever wished to feel the weight of anything forceful. His eyes flew open, and his hands automatically dropped to grab at his crotch, his knees giving way, and he fell to the ground holding his precious possessions, groaning loudly, rolling onto his side.

“That was a little evil,” Dave said.

SJ turned away from his sprawled body and whispered a reply. “He shouldn’t have smirked at me.”

“One point to SJ. Quilti are you good to go again?” Lorna asked.

The large Orc was still lying on his side and waved his hand in response to Lorna’s request. “Unfortunately, healing will only help so much with a blow there,” she stated, trying to hold the amusement back from her voice. “Forfeit by Quilti, SJ wins.”

The bouts continued until all trainees had faced off; there were only eight of them left, and SJ wondered who she would face in the second bout. It didn’t take her long to find out.

“Greb versus SJ,” Lorna called.

SJ gulped a little, knowing she was facing off against the most proficient trainees. She entered the ring and stood calmly, waiting for Lorna to call the start. When it came, so did Greb. He was slightly shorter than SJ, but his movements were fast. Fists and kicks flashing towards her, she parried and blocked what she could until he found the opening he had been waiting for and brought his elbow inside her defences, crunching into her chest. The wind knocked from her lungs. Dropping backwards, gasping for air.

“One to Greb. Face off.”

SJ walked back to her side and again faced her opponent. She switched to her Shotokan stance rather than using the usual form Lorna had taught her. It was more defensive and didn’t leave the same openings.

“Fight,” Lorna called.

Greb came at her again a whirlwind of movement, with SJ using her different style though was throwing him off slightly and where he had been expecting to find an opening he found resistance. Her naturally improved abilities through Kata practice increased her confidence and the form of her previous studies. The bout continued for a few minutes, SJ on the defensive for 90% of the fight before she saw an opening. Sweeping her leg around to strike at Greb’s ankle. Greb saw it coming, though, and performed a jump kick, spinning his foot out as he did. Seeing the kick coming too late to react, Greb’s foot caught her squarely on the side of her face, making her see stars and stagger from the blow.

“Two to Greb. Winner Greb.”

SJ stood, rubbing her face, looking at Greb, who walked over and offered her his hand. She took it, shaking it.

“Good fight,” Greb said. “What style did you use?”

“It is one I have known since being a child.”

“I was not sure how to get through to hit you. It looked more defensive.”

“It is, but unfortunately, still not enough to stop you from winning,” SJ replied, smiling, rubbing the side of her face where his foot had connected.

“I think that is the longest round I have ever had to fight,” he replied, acknowledging her ability to last against him.

“Thanks, but next time, I will win,” she replied, smiling at him.

Laughing, Greb walked to one of the water barrels to get a drink.

“That was some impressive movement,” Dave said.

“It didn’t feel like it,” SJ whispered, sitting at the ring's side.

“He is a much higher-level martial artist than yourself, and to last as long as you did was very well done. It obviously wouldn’t help you in a real fight because you would still have been killed, but for a training ground, it wasn’t bad.”

SJ let out a sigh. “Your confidence in me is astounding.”

“I am just being honest. If he had activated his skills, he would have creamed you in an actual fight. I doubt your head would have stayed on your shoulders.”

“Wow. Thanks,” SJ replied sarcastically.

The bouts continued, eventually reaching the final round. Greb would fight Mertylic in the last bout. Mertylic was an Elf. He was a beautiful creature, all subtleness and grace—until he started fighting, and it was as though a lion had been released. He fought with such aggression that it was eye-watering to watch.

“The last bout will be first to three,” Lorna announced.

Watching the two best trainees fight it out in the sparring ring was a sight to behold. Their speed and precision were uncanny, and SJ knew the only person better than either was Lorna herself. They both fought with passion and confidence in their own abilities. The bout reached two a piece, and they faced off in the final round.

“Fight,” Lorna shouted.

Mertylic came out of the blocks with his usual aggression, but whereas Greb had previously met him, this time, he remained where he was. As he approached and began to launch his assault, he shifted his stance slightly, and SJ knew what he would do. She had seen him perform it only once before, and if it worked, it was a spectacle to behold. As Mertylic moved into him, he sprung into the air like a gazelle, throwing his legs out like a whirlwind, spinning as he did. SJ saw Mertylic’s eyes widen slightly, already committed to his attack and unable to block as Greb’s first foot struck him in his head swiftly, followed by his second. Greb spun so quickly before he landed back on his feet again. It reminded SJ of a Van Damme movie.

The other trainees, including SJ, jumped on seeing his move and shouted excitedly. “That was awesome,” SJ called.

“Fight to Greb,” Lorna called.

Greb walked up to Mertylic, who accepted his hand with his usual grace and composure. He whispered something to him, and he laughed in response.

“That’s the fun over for today. Three full forms, and then you can call it a day,” Lorna said. The trainees, including SJ, groaned as they moved to various areas of the ground and began their forms.

Another thirty minutes later, after being scolded frequently and having to restart her forms, SJ finally finished for the day. Her muscles again ached with a pleasant sensation, and tomorrow was a rest day. However, she would be back to meet Jurgen and begin claw training. Filled with excitement at the prospect, she headed back towards the Inn.

“I need some more Dryac. I am nearly out,” she whispered.

“You know where to go,” Dave replied.

The shop always seemed to have a customer whenever SJ walked past, and on entering Grewlas, the Gnoll was busy talking to a female Ratkin.

“Apply it twice daily, and it will bring the swelling down,” he said, smiling at the Ratkin, who turned to leave carrying a jar of some ointment.

“Hi,” SJ said, smiling.

“Hi. What can I do for you?”

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“I would like some Dryac, please.”

“What size would you like? I have small, medium, or large pots.”

“I may as well take a large pot. I assume it doesn’t lose its potency?”

“Only after a year will it fade slightly.”

“Excellent. I will take a large pot then.”

Grewlas walked to one of the shelves behind the counter and lifted down a large pot, placing it on the counter. It was four times the size of her previous purchase and should last her a long time. She didn’t have to use as much now after exercising compared to the first day as she got used to the regime more, but she still had a general ache most days.

“I need to ask. What other healing tonics or lotions do you do?”

“I have several, but I specialise in muscular ailments. You would be surprised at how many customers I see daily with strains, and purchasing healing potions is not viable for most.”

“Are healing potions that expensive?”

“It depends upon the grade. They scale in price depending on how many hit points they can heal. Each level basically doubles, if not triples, the previous price when getting to the greater potions. It is a lucrative business for those in major cities or established near dungeons. I prefer my quieter life here; I still have time to spend with my family without worrying about gathering all the components continually.”

“I am just starting in my profession, and it’s not quick to level.”

“What profession are you? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I am an apprentice tailor.”

SJ watched Grewlas wince. “Now, that’s a difficult profession to level. At least with Alchemy, you can find most ingredients easily enough in the different territories. Tailoring some of the material needs gets very difficult to find at higher levels. My father was a Tailor, and there was no way I could have done what he did. He was always chasing materials.”

“I am in no rush,” SJ replied, smiling.

“Actually, while you are here, could I ask you a favour?”

“Sure, what do you need?”

“I am running low on one of my key ingredients for Dryac. A specific mushroom grows in the caves in the next valley. I normally get a supply every three months or so, but I currently can’t get time to go with our newborn.”

“When do you need it by?”

“Not that urgently, but I am almost out, so probably in the next week, I could do with some more. I would obviously pay you for your time.”

SJ’s display triggered.

Quest – Gather Sancasia Mushrooms

Sancasia mushrooms grow in moist caves throughout Amathera, where the temperature is maintained at a constant. Gather a basket full for Grewlas to allow him to maintain his production of Dryac.

Rewards: 240xp, 2 silver

Do you accept the quest? Yes/No

“Which valley? The one through town or on the far side of the lake?” SJ asked.

“Through town and past the meadow.”

Considering that SJ was planning on returning to check on the cottage, it would be a good chance to complete a quest at the same time. She had been looking at the board in the Inn regularly, but it had basic quests all the time for finding lost pets or getting rid of rats. Not that she objected to doing them, but if she had concentrated on the lesser quests, she would have gained experience. The issue was that she was training so hard that she had not focussed on experience. The chance to get a quarter of the experience she needed towards her next level would be a nice boost.

“I can do that for you,” SJ replied, accepting the quest.

“That would be amazing, thank you,” Grewlas said.

“I will be back within the week with the mushrooms,” SJ replied as she collected the jar and placed it in her inventory before leaving.

“Wait!” Grewlas called as SJ turned.

“Sorry?”

“Here,” Grewlas ducked beneath the counter and pulled out a basket. It was much larger than SJ had expected and reminded SJ of a baby's carrycot. “They need to be transported in this; it will keep them fresh.”

“I am glad you stopped me. I forgot to ask what the mushrooms look like?” SJ replied, feeling a little embarrassed.

“They are blue topped with a white stem. Once you find them, you will know, they are the only mushrooms that look like that.”

“Ok. That will help rather than guessing. Thanks,” SJ turned to leave this time, carrying the basket. She went to place it in her inventory, and her display triggered.

This item will take up two slots. Do you wish to store the basket in your inventory? Yes/No

SJ selected yes, as her inventory was virtually free. Smiling, she began to return to the Inn. If she was going back to the cottage, she wasn’t sure if she should take something with her for the Skeletons, as she didn't know if they needed anything.

“Dave,” She whispered.

“Yep.”

“Do skeletons need anything?”

“What do you mean? Such as food, then no.”

“Clothes?”

“You will have seen Floretta wearing clothes, but I think with some Skeletons, it is a personal choice. When we met them, they wore their class gear but nothing else.”

“That was probably due to the necromancer.”

“Perhaps. I would ask them when you visit. After accepting the quest, I assume you plan on doing it.”

“I am, but I really want to get to Kata level 6 as well.”

“If you keep working on your Kata even without doing all the training you are doing, it will level, just not as quickly.”

“That’s good to know. I was a little worried that I may have to maintain the training level I had been doing to keep it after my Kata level drop.”

“No, the training is just helping with your fighting technique overall and ability to adapt. The basic Kata is the skill adjustment trigger.”

Walking through the vendors in the town square, SJ noticed a stall selling various pieces of hardware. Stopping to glance at the equipment it had. There were all the basic hammers, mallets, rakes, brushes, etc. If she was going back to the cottage, she might take some items back to make it a little more homely. After looking at the various items, she mentally listed what she wanted to buy. Returning to the Inn, she grabbed a coffee and headed to her room.

“I will need a cart or wagon to transport items to the cottage. I can’t carry them all in my inventory,” SJ said.

“No.”

“No. What?”

“I will not allow you to buy a wagon.”

“What? I didn’t even mention about buying a wagon.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“But how will I get stuff to the cottage?”

“Borrow one, perhaps, and the way you just answered means you were thinking about it.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Yes, you were. I know that tone in your voice. You get an excited little oooo shiny voice.”

“I do not,” SJ grumbled.

“Yes, you do. Every time you spend money, you get the same tone. I think you may have a problem.”

“Me? I am not the one who attends AIGA,” SJ complained.

“Now, that was a low blow. Addiction is real.”

Silence.

“Sorry,” SJ said eventually.

“For what this time?”

“I am trying to apologise for what I said. Don’t try to make out it is about anything else,” SJ was still frustrated, knowing that Dave had hit closer to home than she ever liked to admit. She had always been a spender, which contradicted her job and role completely, having been frivolous with money at times and running up several credit accounts back on Earth. It had always been so easy to obtain.

“So, you aren’t sorry, really, are you.”

“I am,” SJ snapped.

“If you were, you wouldn’t be snappy.”

“But…” SJ stopped herself from replying and took a deep breath. “I really am sorry, Dave. I shouldn’t have mentioned the AIGA meetings.”

“Now, that wasn’t difficult, was it.”

Biting back her immediate reply, SJ counted to ten.

“No, it wasn’t,” she replied through gritted teeth.

“I think someone is a little tired and could do with a nap,” Dave replied sarcastically and then burst into laughter.

“Damn you,” SJ cursed.

“You forgot about buying a wagon, didn’t you?” Dave chuckled.

“You can be so annoying at times.”

“I know. You could ask Lythonian if you could borrow the cart and Humberto.”

“That isn’t a bad idea. I will grab some food and then go and see him,” SJ huffed.