CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Defeat triggers a sense of denial and awakening, especially when a person witnesses a normal set of skills or objects maneuvered in a manner that brings forth its inner excellence.

After a week of complete rest and care Arin was back on his feet. Surprisingly, the first thing that he found himself doing was clutching on to his sword again.

As someone that had never had any special interest in swordsmanship, his skills and training on wielding the blade was a bit beyond the basics. His natural athletic physique had prompted his father to set him under the tutelage of a master.

Even so he had no exceptional curiosity to learn, perhaps because he was one in many children that he had no real pressure or responsibility either. Thus Arin had no actual combat experience to boast.

When he confronted Maere, Arin was completely destroyed to the extent that he was in a state where he was cowering for his life. In that moment he realized that one stroke could have ended his entire life.

These were the thought and emotions that piled up within, as Arin was bedridden. Now he had formed a firm conviction. His current skills needed to be improved if he wanted to pursue the answers to his questions. Throughout his life he would encounter difficulties, he needed the sufficient strength to protect himself.

With his sword held up straight, Arin’s surroundings slowly faded away, replaced by a vague image of an underground structure.

In front of him stood a figure of a young boy. Arin suppressed the fear that was flaring up and charged ahead.

For the next couple of days Arin went through a fixed routine in which he spent most of his time swinging his sword behind the house. Slowly the figure that had started off as Maere slowly melded into a formless existence which he constantly combated.

Yomel saw him several times but had refrained from making any comment. Arin had learned that this man had the most reticent personalities that often made mealtime quite awkward.

Finishing his daily ‘ training ’, Arin stood completely exhausted.

‘ Swish ’ at that moment Arin’s ears picked up fluctuation in the air as a small object sped towards him. Instinctively his body twisted around and swung the blade in his hand and smashed it into smithereens.

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However, before Arin could comprehend the first attack, ‘ swish ’ a second object propelled itself through the air and curved to strike his knuckles that were exposed.

“ Aah! ” Arin let out a groan as the sharp pain settled in.

‘ Clap, clap ’ Not intending on hiding, a tall dark skinned youth entered into Arin’s sight with a light applause.

“ Not bad, but you wield your blade the wrong way,” As Arin faced the new comer he was surprised. The youth had a very large stature that even his long robes could not hide.

Seeing that he had Arin’s attention, the youth continued on “ See I’ve been watching for a while now and I’m impressed,” while talking he played with a rock in his hand “ Not a lot of people have that kind of concentration.”

‘ The heck! ’ Arin felt dumbfounded ‘ who just attacks random strangers after watching them train ’

“ You lack mobility, see ” Ignoring Arin sentiments the youth focused on his lecturing “ your sword is too long making your movements stiff.”

“ Stiff? ” It was that word that cooled the annoyance within, while training Arin had also felt something hindering him. His movements were slow and sluggish. He didn’t have a flow in his moves.

Arin looked down to his sword and observed it for the first time. It was a long sword with a golden hilt. Arin had purchased it for its attractive design, for him all swords served purpose. To cut thing down.

“ How ‘bout this, I’ll take you down to the old man and have him find something that suits you ”

Before Arin could answer to the offer, a third person entered the scene.

“ Avrak what are you doing here? ” Yomel slowly walked over in his leather armor.

“ Ah big bro, I almost forgot why I came here ” The youth, Avrak walked over to Yomel “ I’ve got a few messages for you.”

Avrak dug into his robes and produced an object wrapped in a cloth and handed it over to Yomel. Curiously Arin leaned over when Yomel uncovered the item.

Within it was a wood carved statue of a fox, looking at it Yomel remarked “ Looks like I’m invited to participate in the Swirling dune as a judge. ”

Yomel showed a rare smirk that surprised Arin. This was the guy who Arin thought had no facial muscles besides his basic bland expression.

“ Yep, I look forward to meeting you there ” Avrak was excited. Every year youths were drafted into warrior class by participating in the ‘ Mirage of the Swirling Dune’. This year Avrak had successfully gained the approval of his father to participate in it as well.

“ Huh? ” Arin stood there confused. So this guy, Avrak was Yomel’s brother. Their character seemed to be worlds apart. The other stuff they said just flew over his head.

“ No that I delivered the message, I’m going to take this guy to Ol’Black hand.” Avrak announced as he started to head out with Arin.

“ No.” Yomel returned to his normal look and rejected his brother with a single word.

“ B-but, ” Avrak protested to no avail seemingly ready to argue from the get go.

“ No, mind your own business.” Giving a stern reply, Yomel started to head back in. The discussion was over. The easiest way to make this task not difficult was to control it. As long as Arin stayed here quietly, he would leave quietly when the time came.

This impulsive and crazy brother of his (Av) would definitely drag Arin into something if they tagged along.

“ Oh, ” Avrak pretended to be defeated and started to leave but stopped in his tracks suddenly as if he remembered something “ You know Mom has been after me for some time now.”

Arin saw the calm and collected Yomel flinch after he heard that statement.

“ I don’t know how long I can keep holding her back, ” Avrak let out a mischievous smile “ Always complaining to dad that you’re not married yet, in fact she already has several potential suitors in her hand.”

“ Go, take him with you ” Without wasting anymore time, Yomel flipped his attitude and gave them direct permission to leave.

Arin was left wondering, did this guy hate getting married so bad that he would change his basic approach to avoid it?