Koloss Arena, Present Day

“UN-BE-LIEVA-BLE!!! The Wood Elf in a surprising turn managed to defeat the Acolyte, The Iron Titan with a blow so powerful that even I heard it! And everyone is screaming!”

The announcer started from his personal stand, flabbergasted by the end result of the fight. Connor was triumphantly walking away from the Arena waving his hand to the onlookers that praised him for his victory. However his walk was short-lived as the pain in his leg started to ride again, which made him sit on the ground, waiting for the healers to come.

Connor glanced at Donovan's unconscious body. Despite his lack of movement, his body was in complete wreck, with stains of blood and very visible bruises that would concern even the toughest of individuals. The Elf wanted to feel sorry for the Human, but his self happiness was overwhelming any sense of guilt that he could feel right now. It was so long that Connor felt genuine joy that he couldn't, or rather wouldn't allow himself to ruin the mood he has right now. So much shit happened these past months, so much hidden meanings and second intentions, for once he wanted to just feel something honest.

And there is the matter of Hughes too. A soul-mate, another soul that lived inside his body. What could he make of this? Connor was cursed with an artificial soul? Is he more special in any way? Because if it is he isn't seeing anything particularly “better” for having a second soul. Hell, just checking the past of his ancestors, the fact that he is a slave already doesn't ring a good bell for him.

Well, for now he is going to rest. His leg and his mind demand it. And so do the healers. He was quickly brought to the previous room he'd been a month prior waiting for a doctor or whatever to come and analyze his injuries. Connor this time, paid attention to the room, noting that it was a lot more sophisticated than he gave credit previously, if he gave any credit at all. It was just like a hospital room of his previous life, minus the unbelievable amount of patients waiting for their turn to be attended. He could see the tools used to examine the patients, the cabinets filled with files and folders, maybe some reports of medicine, a bookshelf with a bunch of scriptures that aren't written in the language he knows…

“By the way, what language do I speak in this world?”, Connor asked Hughes.

“Petruvian. It's the most spoken language in this Continent, if I am not mistaken.”, Hughes explained.

“But how could I understand what Abe and the other primates spoke?”

“They spoke Petruvian with you. But they spoke another language when you arrived at the village.”

“Oh.”, Connor spoke aloud.

Just remembering the scene made him want to bury his head in a hole. That would be way less awkward and humiliating than whatever he did previously. Even he was asking what the fuck was he thinking when he just dared one of the Elders to fight him. If Connor could go back in time he would 100% slap the face of his past self to try to calm him down. Jesus, just how stupid was he back then? Hopefully less than now.

He reflected once again on what Abe did to him, his betrayal and all. Honestly, in hindsight, Connor didn't really give a good reason to think against selling him as a slave. Not to mention the obvious fact that the Primate had his first-born with Richardson prior to Connor's arrival. He couldn't imagine how it is, to have a son, not even how it is to be separated from them for so long. Maybe he would try to get him back as soon as possible too? Maybe try to save the boy by himself? Hard to say, but no actual answer would be absolute. Just like Yuri says, there is no absolutes.

Connor's thoughts were cut when the healer came through the door, sparing a glance to the slave before doing something on his table. He picked up a case and removed his glasses from it, putting in his nose. The healer then looked at Connor's leg and grimaced slightly. The subsequent procedures continued for a while before both Yuri and Zagul appeared in the room, one quite happy and the other in a subdued smile. Well, as subdued as Zagul could do, at least.

“Damn, Connor! Never thought you'd be like pow-pow there.”, Yuri punched the air in emphasis, “You like, locked in so hard even I was surprised by it!”

“Your adaptability is… I guess calling it ginormous is an understatement.”, Zagul said with a half smile.

“Thanks guys. Though my leg could be better.”, Connor looked at the doctor, “How's it by the way?”

The doctor sighed, “Well, if I am completely honest here, you almost broke your leg. Twice.”

“What?”, The three said in unison.

“It's amazing you are walking. By my own evaluation, you should be in agonizing pain but… Well, your demeanor is self explanatory.”, The Healer shrugged, “This is the first time I've seen something like this. I recommend you walk with the help of a cane so as to not force your leg.”

“Didn't you say you were going to help me with my leg?”

“I did. I made sure the pain would go away, at least most of it and I am protecting it from harm. Can't do more than that, Lad.”

Yuri and Zagul looked apprehensive about it, but the Healer quickly brushed it off, offering a minor healing spell to at least make the Wood Elf capable of walking without bother, as well as offering a cane to help in the overall recovery time. Connor sighed and begrudgingly took the cane offered by the healer, who started using magic. It's the first time he has seen magic with his own eyes, and the sight is mesmerizing. The green hue that came from the hands of the healer gave a cozy warmth that he was not expecting, but allowed himself to feel pleased all the same. The pain diminished a bit and he stomped the ground slightly, testing the effectiveness of the spell.

“With that, you can walk normally without risking new injuries. I believe your recovery time would be of a month with a healer at your side doing regular check-ups, but in the absence of one, two or three months should do the trick.”, The healer said as he readjusted his glasses, “I will call the Foreman and the Keeper to give you your reward. Please wait here.”

As he left the room, Yuri directed his attention to Connor, “Gotta say man. What did you do there in the Arena? That's special. Ya feel me?”

“How did you survive that smite to your face is what I am dying of curiosity to know.”, Henry said and Yuri couldn't really say that he wasn't interested in knowing.

Connor's next words need to be very careful, since the Wood Elf doesn't know what the reactions of them would be. I mean, how many times do you see someone with two souls inside the body? Connor never saw this before coming to this world and if someone told him this, he would probably tell them to fuck off or something similar. Now, how can he lie about this without sounding ridiculous—

“That would be me.”, The Star entity spoke as he revealed himself.

“…”

“…”

“…”

“WHAT THE HELL?!?”

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

After a very very abridged version of what Hughes is supposed to be, that put everyone's mind on the brink of mental breakdown, because not only they didn't know what a “Twin Soul” is, but what it should represent. Even Yuri didn't know what to make with that information and that's not usually a good thing. Henry, despite processing this information slightly quicker than the rest, eyed skeptically to the Star. Sure, Connor might have been saved from a super concussion with Hughes’ magic, but that doesn't really explain why Hughes exists.

“Can't reveal the identity of my creator, my ass.”, Zagul thought with a sneer.

“Look”, Connor redirected the attention to himself, “I know it's a lot to take in all at once. But, I just wanted to thank you all for helping me out. Even though it's for your plan, Yuri.”

That made the Lacerta and the Aborigine look in minor awe at the Wood Elf. Connor being grateful? That's some news that they didn't expect to get today. Then again, they didn't expect most of the things that did happen today, so this one gets the pass of “least weird thing that happened today”.

“No stress Connor. I mean, you really needed some help.”, Yuri admitted awkwardly.

“That or have you moping on the floor, being a bitch most of the time.”, Zagul chuckled at the image that popped in his head.

“Fuck you, Henry.”, Connor smiled.

“Fuck you, Connor.”, Henry smirked.

“The three of you look like longtime friends.”, Hughes said, “Only friends can insult each other like this without taking it to heart.”

The trio looked to themselves, they could only nod at the statement.

“Honestly, even though this is kind of ironic, becoming a slave might be the best thing that happened to me.”, The Elf said with a nostalgic smile, the images of better times popping in his mind.

“You take that back, right now.”

The tone was stone, icy and vicious. Deadly, even. The vibe of the room changed so abruptly that Connor was taken off guard by the change, since he was still feeling that sense of bliss. Yuri, who was proud of his kind-of-protege winning the fight in a way brighter and better tone than his previous fight, was also taken aback by the words that echoed in the room. Hughes was just listening to it, like an innocent bystander that happened to be in the same place as them. The Star could only narrow its single eye at the sudden outburst of the Lacerta.

“Zagul?”, Yuri asked cautiously.

“Take that back, Connor.”

“Uhh… Alright?”, Connor was also cautious, but was more confused on why Henry was reacting like this.

“Good. Never say something like this again.”, His tone left no room for discussion.

“Did I offend you by any chance?”, However Connor didn't get the tone.

Henry sighed, “Connor. Let me ask you this: Have you in your time as a slave, even felt hunger?”

Connor thought it was going to be a super complicated question, but this simple one didn't make it easier to answer, “No?”

“Have you ever been beaten for being a, and I quote it, Stupid slave that doesn't know any better?”

“Sometimes, I guess?”

“Have you ever been punished unjustly because of other people, by the simple reason you are a slave?”

“Uhh…”, Connor was starting to understand what Henry was saying.

“Hey man, what are you doing with all of this?”, Yuri asked, wondering if Henry just wanted to humiliate Connor.

“I guess it's better you let this happen, Sir Yuri.”, Hughes said, placing himself on the Aborigine’s shoulder.

“Ever been pushed around and had to apologize for being in the way of someone else? Ever been scolded for a missing crate of goods that you checked twelve times before delivery? Been almost choked to death just for the sake of fun? Been shown to others, completely nude, just so they could inspect you for imperfections? Left around in the cold winter with only cloth and rags to call as clothes? Put on to witness mass acts of cruelty, lust and gluttony? Tortured for information you never even thought of knowing or even just for fun? Have you ever in your life fought for the right of having a meal, even if it was just a plain piece of bread? Have you ever been so weak thanks to malnutrition that you couldn't lift the weight of your own body? Have you ever felt so sick that even with the help of others you still felt like dying? Have you ever lost your hope or getting yourself the will to end your own life? Have you ever been raped or foced to rape someone else, just to the delight of others twisted sense of humor? Have you ever lost your children because someone thought how tasteful they might be? Tell me Connor, tell me if at least one of these things happened to you.”

At each passing word, Connor felt more discomfort, to the point of being unable to hide his face of disgust, “No, none of those ever happened to me as the same way you said. But… I understand. Maybe not by the same extent as you or in the same context, but I do know.”

Zagul nodded, “So, imagine someone else hearing what you just said, who has suffered some of the things I said. Maybe even worse than what I said.”

“They'd think I am an asshole.”

“Brother, you say that as if you have experienced it yourself.”, Hughes said, now orbiting Connor.

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

“I did. But that's not my point.”, He turned to Connor, “Just… Be mindful of what you say, alright?”

Connor didn't say anything, but Henry saw that the face the Elf was making, the message was clear.

The room felt silent for a while, before some footsteps could be heard on the outside. Hughes immediately hid inside Connor's body before being spotted, much to the latter's relief. The first to come back was the healer while the second was Richardson himself. They spoke in a language that Connor has no idea what to make of.

“(So, he will still be able to go to Shadehill, right?)”, Richardson pointed at Connor.

“(Yes and with no repercussions to his health whatsoever. Although it would be faster if a healer traveled alongside him, making sure he is at the peak of his condition before he arrives at the Colosseum.)”, The Healer explained while writing something on a piece of paper, “(In theory, he should be completely healed while on the way there.)”

“(In the middle of the Arno Sea then.)”, Richardson pondered while switching to Petruvian, “Well, Connor. You got yourself a reward for winning the fight. What do you wish for? The usual?”

Yuri and Henry eyed Connor at the mention of the usual award. Both of them had the slight doubt that maybe he would say “yes” right away, but the Wood Elf seemed to be deep in thought, carefully thinking on what to ask. It's very unusual for a fighter not to know what to wish for when the opportunity presents itself, but if it's Connor we are talking about, it's to expect the unexpected.

“What are the rules for the wish?”, Connor asked after a few seconds.

Richardson blinked, “Same as before. If it's achievable and not your freedom, we can make it happen.

“Yuri, Zagul, you guys are my crew, right? Like, we are a team with a coach and a sparring partner.”, Connor explained before they could ask what a “crew” is.

“Yup.”, The Aborigine agreed with a thumbs up.

“I guess.”, Henry shrugged.

“Which means…”, He turned to the Foreman, “...these guys need to be with me so I can train properly and win the fights I compete in.”

“So what you are saying is that you want to make it official that you are a… crew?”, Richardson asked, confused and intrigued. It truly is an interesting request. Gullible? Sure, but interesting nonetheless.

“That counts as a wish? I mean, Yuri wouldn't fight anymore, so I guess that would be troublesome.”, Connor said, not realizing the weight of his words.

Richardson thought about it. Yuri is an excellent fighter, maybe better than Richardson himself or other Martial Artists around the world. His understanding of fundamentals and his charisma make it so anyone could learn under his watch with great speed and precision. The human, for all intents and purposes, is a better teacher than fighter thanks to his overwhelming tendency to presume things rather than actively working to find a definitive answer. It's a miracle that Connor won, thanks to his impressive adaptability, but if it was any other person, the one with 20 broken ribs wouldn't be Donovan. And besides, Yuri already fought on Granits territory, so despite still being useful, it wasn't totally necessary.

The three of the slaves could only watch how Richardson seemed to consider the request, sweat dripping from their faces.

“It can be arranged.”, The Foreman spoke evenly, “I obviously will request your utmost performance, Connor.”

“I will try.”, The Elf nodded suspiciously.

“For now, rest, all of you. We will be going back to Eldora, delivering that shipment and preparing for the Colosseum on Shadehill.”, He said as he left the room.

“Oh, mind you I still need to finish the healthcare procedures, so I ask everyone else to leave.”, The healer, who was still in the room, spoke.

And with that, Connor was going to mentally prepare for a trip. By ship.

And he doesn't know how to swim.

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

A few days later, path to Eldora

“So, let me see if I get this right.”, Connor said, trying to understand something that was still weird, “Vyzar is the Main Continent, Shadehill is the United Confederation and Edhelraen is one of the countries of said union.”

“Yeah, all checks out.”, Yuri nodded.

“Then what the fuck is Caeledrisc?”

The four of them (if you don't exclude Hughes) were traveling back to Eldora with the big Caravan that Richardson managed to gather. Apparently, the fights on Koloss were a side job while the Foreman and Gazeff Walton did other things, some of them being this big wagon with tons of jewelry, stones and crystals. All things that the trio of slaves could care less about, but then again, the things were really pretty, showing without stress the amount of money needed to gather all of these precious items.

Back to Connor's question, he was just asking what Shadehill is about on the way back and this small overlook appeared: What Caeledrisc means?

“I don't know, maybe it's an Elvish word. I was wondering that you might know.”, Zagul said.

“Well, I don't know Elvish, so…”, Connor shrugged while glancing at the forest.

The woods gave him a sense of security and homecoming, which confused him since he never felt this way towards fauna or flora. Connor always hated the mosquitoes, bugs, snakes and other animals in the more dense parts of forests, always tending to go to metropolitan areas where things were relatively easier compared to foraging for edible berries. Buying already gathered food is way better than hunting for food. And yet, Connor felt as if he always lived in the forest his entire life.

He didn't feel this way when he was in the Primate Village, so what's different?

“Ya don't know your homies lingo?”, Yuri asked, confused.

“No?”

“Damn.”

“And yet you can speak Petruvian with no problems.”, The Lacerta pointed out.

“To be fair, I didn't even know I was speaking Petruvian. For me everyone spoke this language.”, Connor defended himself.

“Connor man, like, how old are you? ‘Cause it's no way normal a Wood Elf wouldn't know Elvish. It's like, already in your soul, the type of shit you are born knowing, just like breathing.”, Yuri emphasized the last part by dramatically breathing in and out.

“I am 20.”

“What?”

“Dude, no way.”

Connor looked confused at the supposed friends he has. They are looking at him like he told the unfunniest joke ever, so unfunny and unbelievable that they are still waiting for him to correct himself, but after what felt like hours, plus the fact that Connor's face remained straight all this time, the Aborigine and the Lacerta were in absolute disbelief.

“You are like… A baby for Elves!”, Yuri exclaimed.

“Baby? Yeah, I wish. No baby can punch like that.”, Zagul snorted.

“Why? How long Elves usually live?”, Connor asked, more curious than mad at their jokes about his age.

“A millennia, more or less.”, Zagul said, brushing it off, “This makes them be so… I will deal with this later kind of people, y'know? That and the fact they are so stupidly condescending, like all other species can deal with life the same way as them do.”

“Add insult to injury when we remember you are a Wood Elf, and the unfortunate past the species has as a whole.”, Yuri commented, following the line of thinking.

“And then you have me.”, Connor pointed at himself, “An idiot.”

“An idiot.”, Henry agreed.

“Our idiot.”, Yuri also agreed.

The wagon they are in started to stop. The wagon this time wasn't fully closed leaving no room for the smallest shine of light. It has a window and it is wide enough for them to accommodate themselves, although they are chained inside this time. Still, way better than the pitch black moving cell Connor was in before. The wagon stopped because they were approaching Eldora’s inner walls, so the Guards there were probably doing routine service before allowing passage. The Elf was too focused more on the fact that this was the happiest he's ever been in the last year, despite what happened recently. He was so caught up in his own satisfaction that for a brief moment he forgot that it was taking too long for them to enter Eldora.

“Things are unusually slow today.”, Henry comments as he looks out the window, “It's been what… Half an hour?”

“Sure feels like it.”, Yuri said, noticing the passage of time, “Does that happen often or nah?”

“It's the first time since… ever.”, Zagul said as he got back to his seat, “That's odd.”

“Did something happen while we were on Koloss?”, Connor asked, already knowing the answer.

“I don't know anything that could do such a thing aside from the yearly festival. Sana Maris Festival if I recall it.”

“Oh yeah! The one where they thank the sea and all for allowing passage to the Petruvian Continent, right?”, Yuri remembered, showing a bit of excitement, “Food on this festival is always the best.”

“Lucky you. I hate seafood.”

“What do you guys mean by allowing passage? What happened?”, Connor's interest was perked up.

“I dunno.”, Yuri shrugged, “Never really paid too much attention to specifics.”

“Shaglacktör… I need to explain everything around here?”, Zagul mumbled under his breath, “The Sana Maris Festival is a yearly commemorative date that celebrates the exact day Eldora left the Main Continent. They left thanks to what is called The Great Dry, when it didn't rain for years in the original country. They send small toy-like boats with a small ceramic pyramid in it to the sea as a way of thinking about the calm passage of the migration.”

“So they came from a desert?”, Hughes asked.

“We want to know if they came from a desert.”, Connor said.

Yuri squinted his eyes trying to understand what Connor meant by “we”, but suddenly snapped his fingers with a “ooohhh” face. He looked at Henry who was already explaining, “Yeah, they came from the Japowhird Desert, once a place rich in natural resources. Well, that is before the wars against the Dwarves.”

“There was beef between the Dwarves and Eldora? Brutal.”, Yuri said, masking his annoyance at being bested on what Connor meant by we.

“You know an awful lot about Vyzar and the shit that happened there.”, Connor pointed out.

“That's because I am Vyzerian.”, Zagul’s brow softened, “I became a slave there and I was transferred to Petruvia.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”, Both said in unison.

“So, my only guess is that the majority of soldiers, guards, keepers and the like, are tending to the safety of the commoners.”, The Lacerta concluded.

“Still, there is a mandatory minimum for the guards. There shouldn't be that little quantity of soldiers there.”, Yuri looked at the window checking for himself.

“As I said, it's odd.”

After a few minutes, finally came the time for the guards to inspect the wagon the slaves were in. A few glances and a quick chat with the keeper driving the wagon was enough to allow them to continue their path. They expected the streets to be filled with people, the market street be full of great aspiring vendors trying to overprice their products, the smell of food intoxicating the air they breathed and the overall atmosphere of an actual festival, a happy one to celebrate a time when these people left the troubled land.

And yet the streets are almost empty.

“Is this a red flag?”, Connor asked uneasily.

“Crimson.”, Henry joked.

“Quit the chat in there! We are going to the Harbor. Save your lungs for the sea.”, The keeper shouted from the outside of the wagon.

“Yeah, I can already smell the saltiness.”, Connor sighed.

The wagon continued to travel slowly between the streets. The passengers couldn't shake out the feeling that not only there aren't many people around, but also… patrol soldiers, like, there aren't any lawmen at all. Although, when they got close to the Harbor they saw a lot of people practicing the offering part of the Festival. Small boats with a pyramid and a letter, probably with wishes and gratitude in its contents.

“Why is it a pyramid on the boats?”, Connor asked.

“Something about the top only being what it is because it has a solid foundation.”, Zagul explained while looking at the offerings, “It's part of Eldora's culture. You have to consider also that the nation is surrounded by mountains, protecting them from other nations' invasions. Granted that they are forced to live in the coastal part of Aurumbras County, but it's way better than a Desert.”

“If you say so.”

“Enough.”, The keeper said as the wagon stopped, “We've arrived. Take this walking stick of yours and don't get yourself in trouble.”

Connor took the cane as the keeper removed everyone's chains. To say that he wasn't mildly annoyed is the same as lying, but oh, details details. It's not like he can fight in this state with an almost broken leg, so he will have to use this anger later. Apart from that, the Harbor is really big, with loads of different ships that Connor doesn't have the slightest clue what they are named or what the Captains’ named their precious ships. For all he knew, ships are just very big boats.

“Never seen a Harbor before, Connor?”, Yuri asked, seeing how the Elf looked around.

“No, not really.”, He lied.

Of course he has seen a Harbor before, just never in person. The fact that the previous world could work with a great percentage of the world wide population not knowing how it is to travel in a ship or by plane has a great impact on people's basic capabilities. People might never leave the country, so some people don't learn how to swim or to use a parachute. And yeah, Connor can't really say he is from another super-technologically- developed world, that would just be silly.

So, lying was way easier.

“Next thing you gonna tell me is that you don't know how to swim.”, Yuri sighed.

“...About that…”

“Dude.”, Yuri just stared without saying another word.

“You truly are a hopeless piece of shit, aren't you?”, Zagul was chuckling to himself.

“Haha.”, Connor sarcastically laughed.

He walked with the help of his cane, trying his best to not put as much weight on his leg. It was very uncomfortable to do it, since he never really injured his leg at all. Despite Hughes reducing the pain, it was still very much noticeable how the Elf struggled to walk properly. If the Colosseum wasn't on Shadehill it was more likely that they'd allow him to recover before another fight, but since Connor won't be fighting anytime soon, he can be healed as they go to Vyzar.

Meanwhile, another Elf, a True Elf, drinked her tea peacefully for the first time for what felt like ages, and if you think about it, maybe it has been ages. Fynsell looked at the Harbor from the window of her room on a three store inn as Jay entered with a few papers. The Magna Guard did some paperwork while Fynsell reminisced about the last month of sailing.

The way to Eldora was surprisingly calm and serene, with a lot of people and sailors of the ship not even knowing how she looked, thanks to the fact that commoners never really saw nobles or merchants face to face… ever, she was respected, or maybe even feared. The only trait that commoners from Caeledrisc know from the important people is that they are True Elves, so it was better to be safe than sorry when dealing with them. Fynsell could honestly get used to this amount of authority real quick if she doesn't take care of herself.

Granted that she took the scenic route, as to not get plundered mid sea.

“My Lady.”, Jay’Ky asked in Elvish, “We are meant to be departing back to Edhelraen tomorrow. The reports say that the crystal is already on the ship in the personal room they allocated you.”

Fynsell finished her cup of tea, “Good. That's at least one less problem do deal with.”

“What's on your mind?”

Fynsell frowned as she looked at the Harbor again, “There are a lot of slaves on the ship. Is this a wise decision of the captain? Or the Foreman?”

“Well, the ship needs a crew in order to keep sailing.”, Jay shrugged, “Besides, it's not like they can do anything towards you, My Lady.”

“I suppose.”

The Elf Woman prepared her mind to what might happen next, but she knew it was going to be way easier and better than what she lived with constantly with the nobles of Shadehill.

Maybe she will take this as a trip.