He won.

It was as simple as that, even though Connor is in pain, his ribs are probably fractured or even worse, broken, he won. It was difficult since Henry did know how to play his game, he knew his limitations and advantages as well as his tools he could use to turn the things to his favor. Thankfully, Connor won this fight, surpassing every odds against him.

Then why doesn't he feel happy about it?

It feels… Wrong. But why? Didn't he do what he was supposed to? He was warned that if he lost he would get in a lot of shit-God-knows trouble, so this win basically saved his ass from whatever things he was destined for. Connor wouldn't get into trouble, right?

“AND THERE YOU HAVE IT LADIES AND GENTS! THE FIGHT GOT DECIDED IN THE LAST HIT AS BOTH FIGHTERS CONNECTED THEIR ATTACKS! IT HAS BEEN SO LONG SINCE WE'VE HAD SUCH A MAGNIFICENT BATTLE HERE IN KOLOSS!”, The announcer gave the cherry on top for the crowd.

Connor ignored it. He wasn't aware of his surroundings, awfully quiet and barely moving from his position. A few keepers came to see the state of the Lacerta and another for the Elf. Some of them gasp seeing the amount of injuries the winner had rather than the loser. It was unusual to see this result, but it wasn't unheard off. Finally, both fighters were removed from the Arena as the stands started to empty.

Connor was brought to the backstage of the Arena but instead of turning left where the dirty hallway is, they turned right. This hallway has a lot more prestige and care put into it. Maybe it's because this is the place for the winners? Hard to tell. After walking a few rooms, the keeper pointed at a doorway.

“Here it is, the person here will patch you up. After you get your medical treatment someone will ask you for your reward. As long as it isn't your freedom and it's within reach, folk will try to give it to ya.”, The keeper explained while removing the chains.

Connor nodded and walked into the room.

He sat on the chair that was near some medical equipment and waited for a bit. The room had white paint with a few golden details reminiscent of a God? He should be able to recognize it right? If it wasn't for this pain, of course. Other small details he could note was that the room wasn't dirty at all. It was really clean in fact, as if this place was used by important people.

“Ok, what do we got…”, A man said.

Connor turned his head and saw a man using a grass green tunic with plain pants. The man was blind in one eye and had sun burns in his face?

“By the Gods… What happened to you?”, The man said as he looked at the Elf's injuries, “The Arena fights were expected to be intense, but what happened there was beyond a mere fight. Sir, you fought a war.”

“Yeah.”, Connor groaned.

“I humbly request permission to attend to your injuries, Sir. I propose a week of respite before your return to assigned duties as a laborer. During this interval, I kindly ask for your cooperation and silence as I undertake the necessary procedures.”, The now supposed healer declared in a very aristocratic tone.

Funny how this guy is the opposite of Yuri.

The healer did his thing, putting bandages where it was needed, applying the necessary fluids to clean the wounds and what not. Connor just waited while thinking about what Henry said to him. He didn't know him, he didn't know his life, his family or even what happened before they even met in that storage room. But it hit too close to home. Almost on target.

“I don't like the likes of you, always ignoring the others and acting as if they owned the place!”

“Oh, it's not the worst that is going to happen with you, you leech!”

“Your kind took away everything you wanted! You expect others to do stuff because you can't do it yourself! Others will give you their treasures, their love and their knowledge, only for you parasites to never value them and throw that away!”

In a way, Henry Zagul didn't lie. Connor… Daniel kind of did what he said he did. Did he ever truly reciprocate the care and love Grandpa Jack had for him? Was he really worthy of Serenity's love? Did he deserve the opportunities life gave him? Did he make whoever had an ounce of respect for him proud? He constantly got into trouble thanks to his temperament and his stubbornness and yet there was always something looking at him, expectant for his improvement.

Looking back at it… No.

Daniel was a pain to deal with. Serenity, even though she was kind and very attentive with his anger issues and knew exactly what to say to calm him down, it was still a constant endeavor. A chore that needed to be frequently checked or else get a lawsuit. Grandpa Jack? He also had his lows with Daniel. He took care of most of not all of the complaints about Daniel's behavior in school, helped him get at least a way to defend himself, even if not the correct way to address his problems and was always there to listen, to hear and sometimes, give support.

But Daniel knew, or at least could theorize that if on that day, if that criminal never appeared, things wouldn't get in the brightest light. As soon as Daniel would get his professional career started and get a lot of money, he would marry Serenity, but they wouldn't have a healthy relationship. He would control how she dressed, how she looked, who she spoke to and God knows what, all of that out of fear of being alone, being rejected. Fear of being forgotten. Fear of being worthless.

Fear.

Fear would dominate his life, always having a reserved space in his subconscious, threatening what he envisioned as his ideal life. No wonder why he was a drunk bastard. He was trying to fill that empty pace he had, or rather, has. Henry, even if he didn't know him, described exactly what Daniel would become if that didn't happen to his life. Daniel wouldn't even bother reflecting on his past, his actions and future.

“Done. I'll ask for them to give you an extra week of rest. If you don't have it, anything that hits this part here will break your rib cage.”, The healer finished his duties and started cleaning his hands.

Connor didn't reply.

Another person came. He looked like another jail keeper, but had some kind of regal garments. He checked the state of the Elf and started talking with the healer in a different language. After a conversation that lasted a few seconds, the keeper spoke out.

“Very well, what do you want as a reward?”

Connor's face lifted a bit, eyes meeting, “Food. Booze.”

His voice was low and harsh, but the keeper managed to hear it, “Sure. Woman to accompany? Get your spirits up?”

The suggestion didn't register that well to Connor, but he nodded regardless.

“It's the usual then. We'll prepare a room for you, good food, good drinks and good women.”, The keeper gave a resigned nod.

With a sigh and weary expression, he left the Slave.

----------------------------------------

The next day

Yuri was practicing in his room. Doing some kind of footwork training while punching a speed bag. Circling around the bag, he used his feet to move and better position himself as he gave powerful jabs and straights. The sweat in his body dropped to the ground as his exhales full of effort and might. He finished the rep with a punch so powerful that one of the cords holding the bag in place ripped, sending the bag to the ground with a thud.

“Guess I took that too far.”, He said with a wry smile, nodding to himself.

“You have quite the punch, Yuri. I'm surprised you didn't get scouted.”, The keeper who was watching said with no surprise whatsoever to the bag being destroyed.

“It's not just throwing a heavy punch. It's all about where you hit and how you move. I put my whole body into it, so no wasted energy, ya know?”, The aborigine explained while fixing the speed bag, “How's Connor by the way?”

“You want to know what he asked for?”

“Yeah, I'm curious.”

“What every other fighter asks when they win.”

That made Yuri stop in his tracks, “What?”

“Yeah. Why are you surprised?”

Connor didn't look like the kind of guy that would ask for such a low reward, right? That basically undervalued the image Yuri had in him. Sure, he can get behind a decent meal and maybe some wine or beer, but to throw himself at the lust and desire? What was he thinking about?

“I'm finished here. Can I see him?”, Yuri spoke normally.

“I guess so. But I'll need to accompany you there.”

“That's fine.”

The keeper proceeds to escort Yuri to the The Lounge, the place where every follower of Aphrodite could have their carnal needs nourished. He never stepped here, but his stupid cellmate decided that his personal needs are more important than his freedom.

The Lounge was a place you'd expect to see if you'd go to a Red Light District or something similar. A bunch of brothels, hotels, soap lands and other similar establishments with the purpose of getting coin out of degenerates and lowlifes, but with the small twist that it was reserved for the fighters in the Arena. Koloss has this culture of allowing people to do as they pleased with their bodies, rejecting their nature or embracing it even further. A small empire can't really apply laws that restrict too much of what they can show and do since the only thing they can show and do is to give pleasure to whoever visits the empire. Even the Royal Families in Koloss are… smut, to say the least. The Arena was one of the few places in the empire where the tourism wasn't about sex, food and drinks.

It's a small empire in the middle of every other nation, what can they do? Can't expand, can't conquer, can't develop…

They can't. Simple as that.

“Here he is. Inside this room is your so-called friend. ‘Hope he isn't fucking right now or this will be very awkward-”

He is interrupted by a couple of women leaving the room. Some were chuckling while others had a face of… pity?

“-and I see that this isn't the case anymore.”

“I'll be back.”, Yuri said as he opened the door and entered.

The room reeked of sex, lust, and expensive booze. Connor, now dressing, was tended to by a woman caring for his wounds. The intimate space was cluttered with discarded underwear, the bed unkempt with soiled sheets, and remnants of food and drink scattered on the walls. Yuri observed with a mix of disdain and disgust. Examining Connor's expression, it was evident that despite his consciousness, he didn't seem to enjoy being there, as if fulfilling a void within, healing a scar, or something of the sort. In short, he didn't appear "normal," replacing Yuri's anger with concern. Was he always like this? No, he was previously filled with anger and determination, evident in his fight where he used all his strength and heart to win.

However, any trace of confidence, security or power from the Elf, simply vanished. As of it never existed in the first place.

“That's all I can do for now, darling.bill be in my way.”, The woman said as she gently caressed Connor's face. The later not showing any reaction.

Now the two of them are alone in the room.

“Oh. Yuri.”, He said, almost whispering.

“Connor…”

The Elf took a bottle from the ground and looked inside, checking to see if he could drink anything else from it. He groaned when he found out it was empty, starting a search of a full bottle, or at least with something to drink. Yuri felt a shiver in his spine looking at this. Connor felt so pathetic, so miserable and so repugnant.

So… Worthless…

And Yuri hated that.

“Why?”, He asked after seeing Connor fail in his search.

“...what?”

“Why did you choose something so stupid as reward?”

Connor scoffed, “That's none of your business.”

The Elf resumed his search and in frustration, threw a bottle at a wall.

“None of my business? Aren't you my friend?!”, Yuri spat at the idea that he wasn't worth as friend, as someone that could hear another person's problems.

“Friend?”, Connor sounded insulted, “The last man I called a friend shot me to death.”

“Huh?”

What was Connor talking about? Death? But he's alive! Maybe it's a hyperbola, since he probably took an unimaginable beating, only to be betrayed again by another group and be sold to slavery. Damnit, this will be harder than he thought.

“Now get lost, would you?”

The concern was immediately swapped by anger.

“Whoa, Connor, seriously? What happened to Mr. Tough Guy? Thought you were all about throwing punches and taking names later. Now you're drowning your sorrows in women and booze? This ain't the dude I used to know!”

“And what you do know? Why do you even care for me? Ain't you got a fight to prepare for? Hic.”

“Gods, you're just being a dick. I won't waste my time on you no more!”, Yuri shouted. Maybe this will make him think about what he's doing.

He took a few steps away but stopped in the doorway.

“Yeah. Another one to the rejection list. Shouldn't be surprised.”

…what?

Did he hear it right? So that wasn't the right thing to say? He sounded so hurt yet… expectant? He became like this after the fight, right? Maybe something the Lacerta said to him? Probably. But this rejection he spoke now, this seems like something that keeps recurring. Sure, betrayal and all, but this goes deeper. How deep? Yuri has no clue.

“I'll be back.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Connor didn't reply, but Yuri didn't need one.

----------------------------------------

Today is hot. Unbelievably hot.

Henry Zagul, despite being a… well… being akin to Lizards and having a literal cold blood, he thought that these past few days the weather department maybe is going too far on the hot criteria. Sure, his body is accustomed to these conditions but even he is starting to sweat. The fact he just lost a fight and is (supposedly) recovering from it doesn't help either. And speaking of it, how the hell did he lose?

In one moment he had delivered the strongest attack to the most vulnerable spot and in the other he was in the recovery room? That doesn't make any sense! He had control of the entire fight, with the Elf for some reason refusing to dodge his attacks and getting damaged over time. This should have been easy! Now thanks to this stupid fight he needs to double his efforts on the “hard laboring” while in every-part-of-his-body-ache.

With a swing of his pickaxe, he unleashed his fury at abnormal speeds at the mine veils. It was both unsettling and impressive how he managed to keep the speed, all things considered.

The mine shafts are one of the most simple jobs a slave can do. They swing the thing to hit the stuff and bring it over to the guy who is a professional smither or something of the sorts. Henry, ever since he can remember, worked on mine shafts, so he knew how things worked. Only these past years he didn't have a paycheck or freedom to use. But oh well, let's get the job done, he supposed.

The mines are as you'd expect them to bem. Rocks with some parts that shined and others that are pitch black even with the hottest of fires litting the place. A bunch of wood columns to sustain some areas and constructions inside the mine and a bunch of carts going here and there to transport the minerals. The place was unmatched in the matters of “lack of hygiene”, since the place is dirty 24/7. Slaves get sick almost on the daily and very few get past the first day without passing out.

With a final swing of his pick Henry packed his things, “Guess that's the quota.”

As he left, he joined a minecart where some other “hard laborers” used it as a transportation cart. Some had ores and coal, others had people.

“This the one that goes to the entrance?”, one slave behind Henry asked.

“Yup.”, The driver replied.

Henry just waited in his seat. The way up the mines was bumpy and messy, but quite relaxing. Just the fact that he isn't working for the time being was a small blessing. His injuries are fresh and he doesn't exactly know the severity of them in medical terms, but by how in pain he is by the slightest bumps in the cart he can tell it's not his cup of tea.

The cart passed by a lot of stops on the way to the entrance. Henry saw a few scenes where slaves mined with a dead face, the “thousand-stare yard” and even some malnourished people being punished for their laziness. He grimaced, since the foreseeable future of his is going to be the same, that if he doesn't do something about it. But what would Henry do? Escape? Sure he can, but the rune in his neck doesn't exactly allow him this option. The rune will always tell that he is a slave and paying for it to be removed isn't cheap.

The Lacerta sighed for a full five seconds of pure defeat.

“Final stop. Anyone going to deliver the stuff, leave. Anyone going to get the stuff, hop on.”

Henry left the cart and got moving towards the Logistics Center. The entrance had the main gate, a few huts with food and water, a foundry with some slaves that could smith and also the keepers, civilians buying or selling items and the Logistics Center. The Center is where slaves drop the ores, coal or precious stones (usually crystals) in exchange for a bit of rest. In Henry's case he is going to ask for a healer to take a look at his overall situation.

He opened the door. Inside were some crates on both sides, probably filled with ores or bars of various minerals, some shelves with papers and documents and a balcony with the attendant there, staring at his face.

“What can I do for you, mustard lizard?”, The attendant asked in a bored tone.

“The idiot has the audacity to ask, as if this place has other services.”, Henry thought annoyed.

“The usual.”

“Ok, let's see.”

The Lacerta dropped the bag on the balcony. The ores inside spread on the wood, shining timidly in the light of the torches on the room.

“Copper, tin, lead, a bit of iron… Oh, a few pieces of silver.”, He said, slightly impressed, “What do you wish for?”

“A healer would be nice.”

“Unfortunately, with the profit you've hit today, you can't ask for a healer.”

“Cut that shit out! Silver has great value, you piece of shit! Ack!”, As soon as Henry complained, the rune in his neck did the job of shutting him up.

“As I said previously, it's not available. Maybe you can ask for a change in your bandages. Maybe not.”, The attendant didn't care at all.

The door opens violently. Both men look at the door only to see a man panting and sweating. He raised his head looking directly at Henry and started walking in his direction.

“Uh… Do I know-”

“You are Henry, right?”, The man cut his line short with a question.

“Who's asking?”, Henry raised his guard.

This guy shows up all of a sudden and asks names? No way in hell he's answering that out of the blue.

“Yuri Poatan.”

“Yuri?!”, The attendant said nervously.

“Yeah?”

“Oh, good heavens! What can I do for you? Did this stupid gecko do something to you? I can easily get rid of him if you want-”

“No, it's not necessary.”, He turned to face Henry again, “You need a healer, right? I can get one for you, if you want.”

“...what?”

“Please! Mister Yuri, there is no need to waste efforts on this-”

“Shut up!”

The attendant bummed down and remained silent.

“What do you want, superstar?”

“I can make a meeting with you and Connor.

“...”

“...”

“Pardon me?”

What did he just say? He can make a meeting with him and the Elf? That sounds too good to be true plus the healer. What would he want him to do? What would he gain from this?

“I can hook you up with a healer and set you up to meet Connor. Just gotta ask for a little favor in return. No biggie, right?”

When the alms are generous, the saint becomes suspicious. But then again, beggars can't be choosers. It's way better to align with those on top than waiting for a miracle to happen.

“None at all.”, Henry finally said after a brief pause.

“Awesome. Now, could you get him a healer?”

The attendant reluctantly agreed.

----------------------------------------

“And… that's the best I can do for now.”, The healer said as he finished the stitching in Henry's wounds.

“No worries, doc. You've done heaps already.”, Yuri said while looking at the fine work the humble healer did, “How ya feelin’, Henry?”

“Better. And you can call me Zagul. That's my actual name.”, He explained while getting a new set of clothes.

“Oh, you're the folks who roll with the last name as your first name? Didn't know, but heard some critters do that too.”, Yuri said with a smile.

They bid farewell to the healer and got walking towards the Red Light District. Zagul didn't care too much about this part of Koloss, since he couldn't be here most of the time. And honestly? His sex drive is nowhere near as high as other races, since most of his offspring are from eggs. A single mating could bear seven children in one go. Maybe that's why Lacertas aren't common to see, since almost every single one is a slave with controlled natality.

That, and the fact that most races can't have half-breed offspring. For obvious reasons.

“This is the room where the Elf is?”, Zagul asked.

Looking around, the place was as one would expect to be. A bunch of moans in the background and the constant smell of booze, wine and semen. Disgusting place to be while sober.

“Yeah.”

The Lacerta opened the door only to witness the Elf and a few women copulating right in front of him. Or rather, the women were copulating with him, since he was just allowing them to do as they pleased, not showing any emotion aside from a hollow pit of sadness and sorrow. The women take time to realize that they are being watched, but don't stop outright, waiting for the Wood Elf to reach his climax. As soon as that is done, they leisurely leave the room.

“Calling this pathetic is an understatement.”, Zagul says with complete disgust.

“You came back.”, Connor acknowledges the presence of them with a frown, wearing his pants.

“I said I would, Connor.”, Yuri returns the gesture.

“And with the lizard I defeated? Why?”

Zagul watched the exchange with a narrow eye. Connor, as Yuri has said, is also full of wounds, injuries and many medical bandages over his body. However unlike Zagul’s, his are full of blood, most of his bruises are purple or black, signaling the amount of stress his body is enduring and most cuts aren't even properly closed.

“I just wanna get how the heck you ended up like this. Something went down in that brawl, and now you're... like this.”, Yuri motioned his hands at the overall appearance of Connor.

Wait, Zagul did something that made Connor look like your average drunkard?

“I am also curious about that.”, Zagul might need to wait a bit before doing something.

Connor showed his face to them. Before, his eyes were filled with determination, fury, and a gleam. A countenance befitting a great fighter, a hard worker unafraid to voice his opinion, always speaking his mind and facing the consequences of his actions without fear, at least in Yuri's eyes. For Zagul, he also seemed to know when to fight, when to speak, and when to act. A calm and reasonable person.

Now he doesn't have a glint in his eyes. His eyes resemble a void, an endless emptiness with deep, dark circles. His skin appears poorly cared for and oily, conveying a constant sense that he is unwell. He seems leaner, with fewer muscles and a diminished stature, as if he's hunched. His hair is disheveled and tangled. His eyes, deprived of sleep and his mind only following the outside stimuli.

“By the Gods…”, Zagul said with shock, “Did I just do that to him?”

“More of what you said than what you did.”

“What he said?”, Yuri probed.

“Despite you”, He pointed at the Lacerta, “not knowing me, what you said hit the spot. I was, and probably, still am ungrateful for a lot of things. I definitely took things for granted, both figuratively and literally, as well as letting people suffer in my own pursuit for purpose.”

Zagul was trying to understand where this was going while Yuri seemed to be deep in thought.

“What are you talking about?”, Zagul asked unsure.

“I've never had a purpose in my life. I never had expectations, never had a goal, never had interest in something… I was just living. My family, human family, sustained me, paying for a bunch of things for me to get my life together. I never got my life together. I've never chased anything in my life. People around me sought things to straighten out my life, only for me to give up on them shortly after. I never knew my parents; they died when I was very young, so I never had a decent upbringing. My grandfather took custody of me and raised me the old-fashioned way, something I didn't appreciate. He taught me boxing just because I asked; I asked because I didn't want to lose, to feel like a failure. I didn't want to be a burden. Even after learning what little I know, I still didn't appreciate it. And it's not even the worst of things I've done.”

Tears are forming in the Elf's face.

“I just want to apologize to Serenity. Apologize… for my horrible mistakes. Apologize… for our few fights. Give her… a proper… goodbye.”

Connor started crying.

“One… last… hug.”

Zagul and Yuri didn't know how to react. Connor opened up, revealing his most vulnerable side. Showing that despite appearing outwardly stoic, rugged, and irritable, there was also a flawed, wounded, and hurt person within. His emotions took over, and he couldn't stop the tears. He couldn't hold back the sorrowful sobs and the emotional memories that, at this moment, would only intensify his sadness.

He didn't lie at any moment. From what was implied, he made uncertain decisions. His lack of purpose, immaturity, and inexperience led him to terrible choices, and when his family tried to help, he probably saw it as them meddling in his life. His grandfather, who likely didn't understand what was going on in Connor's mind, tried to build an emotional connection in the only way he knew, through fighting. And then there was this woman he mentioned. Someone so important that even after all these mistakes, Connor still wanted to chase after and try to salvage something, to confront his errors and say a proper goodbye.

“Who is this Serenity you talked about?”

“Her?”, At the mention of the love of his life, Connor lets a shy smile appear on his lips, “When we had eye contact, she would just smile, without saying a word. And I… would fall for her. She would get herself clumsy with food while in a rush, almost breaking stuff, but always tried her best giving me a pot of food. When we said goodbye for the day she would cutely wave her hands while using oversized clothes. She also had a very sharp tongue, saying she would kick my ass if I got things wrong, but I know she meant well.”

His smile fades away as he noticed how these are just memories and won't ever be able to get new ones, just like these he cherishes so much.

With this new information, it becomes easier to understand why Connor is like this. All the things he wanted to cherish were taken away, preventing him from even being able to fix his regrets. He couldn't reciprocate the feelings and investments placed in his life, even though he now realizes it had everything to succeed. It's ironic how as we age and look back on our memories, we see the options and decisions we could have made for a better life.

And to remember someone with such love and passion, it hurts to see a man that can only imagine what life would be instead of actually living. However this woman probably gave him the best part in his life, the highest of the high moments, only for now the present be what it is. What concerns them is how Connor always talks about Serenity in the past, as if…

“You always speak about her in was and has. Did she…?”, Zagul asked, afraid of what would be the answer.

“I think I got her killed.”, He said with a hollow smile, “Funny, isn't it?”

Zagul had enough.

He picked up the Elf, pressing him onto the wall, “What the fuck is wrong with you?! Where is that man that fought like an untamed beast?! I wasn't defeated by this sorry ass! Get your shit together right now!”

He slapped the face of the Elf with great force, the sound echoing in the hallways.

Connor just put his hand on his cheek.

“You tell me that you loved that woman? All I see is a sorry baby who can't get his mind intact thanks to some words I said! Is this what you want to become? Be remembered? You could beat me in that storage room, but you decided against it! Doesn't that prove you want to change? Because you're doing what you've been doing all this time, which is to give up. A sorry loser that as soon as he is faced with the slightest problem, runs and hides on a glass bottle and women! You'd disgust that woman you loved! Heh, but seeing that someone loved you, it's probably for pity.”

“What?”

Yuri saw a subtle reaction coming from Connor.

“I wonder if that woman started a relationship with you just so you'd cheer up a bit. Dunno, maybe the time you've spent together might be the same time you'd get a job, be a respectable man, so she could dump you since you'd become a respectable man of society. But, as you said, you never changed, she tried and tried even more to get your life together-”

*THUF*

“DON'T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT HER LIKE THAT!”

It was one headbutt. One single motion and that was enough for Connor to break the Lacerta’s nose. Zagul puts his hand on his nose, checking the damage, his hand coming with a bit of blood.

“Finally got a reaction out of you.”, Zagul said with a groan.

And indeed, Connor was a lot more alive now that the love of his life was insulted.

“Connor, Zagul.”, Yuri spoke after being quiet for a while, “I know a way so all of us can escape this hell we call home.”

This got Connor's undivided attention, regaining the glint in his eyes. But it also raised a question.

“You want to leave?”

“It's not because I don't complain about being a slave that it means that I like being one.”, Yuri said with a “I can't believe you asked this” face.

“Well, you could have explained that from the start. Would spare me the broken nose.”, Zagul complained.

“Sorry.”, The Elf bummed.

“Nah, forget about it.”

“So, like I was saying, I can get us outta here, but I'll need you two to join forces for it to happen. Cool?”, The aborigine explained and both nodded, “Alright. Connor, you have another fight next month. You gotta win and when you do, Richardson and Gazeff score an invite to the colosseum, big deal spot for fights. With that invite, we can plead for freedom and boom, we're free. But that can only happen when we do the delivery to the main continent, which is full of the finest wine money can buy. And we'll be delivering that all the way to Shadehill.”

Yuri saw how Connor put a hand on his head after hearing the Kingdom's name.

“That's fine and all, but where do I fit in this plan?”, The Lacerta asked in annoyance.

“Guess who's the perfect training buddy for Connor? The dude he schooled in a fight and is all in for breaking outta here!”, Yuri said with a smile and pointed at Zagul.

“You gotta be kidding me.”, Both Connor and Zagul say in unison.

“And…”, He said while cracking his knuckles, “I'm gonna be your coach. The artist behind the canvas.”

Yuri did a few dramatic poses.

“Okay…”

“How are you even going to get permission to do all this stuff?”, Zagul asked dubiously.

“Chill, I'm here for a looooong time. I have a lot of favors to call. For now, I think Connor can enjoy his reward. I'll make sure the training is a living hell.”

“Fucking hell…”, Connor exhales.

“Exactly.”

The trio of very unlikely allies now have a plan. If it's going to be successful, it's a different story. But hey, what is a fart for someone covered in shit? It's better to do something than nothing. Connor might not have a purpose for himself, but he can settle for this small goal for now.

It is time to prepare.