“What the hell was that?” Alan asked the still exhausted Eric. He has never seen such monster before and if they didn’t have Eric they would be in huge trouble.

“Oh, that was a young kimora. Is everyone okay? It didn’t accidentally spit toward you guys, right?” He asked back in a worried voice. It would be a real concern if it happened, but nothing alike took place. Except, if David the driver got something, Alan didn’t see him yet.

“David?” He shouted toward the wagon, to be sure of the man’s health.

“ Me ‘kay, I just shat my pants!” He shouted back with a little quiver in his voice.

“Everyone is fine then,” Alan sighed. “Are you too?” He looked to Eric, then to Max, but the old man was already back on his feet and heading toward the beast.

“There’s nothing salvageable Max, it’s full of acid!” Eric shouted, which earned him a grunt from the old man. “I’m fine,” He didn’t turn back to Alan, still watching Max heading back to their vehicle. “Let’s get going, shall we? I don’t want to meet an adult kimora grieving his youngling.”

Alan helped him to his feet and they also made their way back. He didn’t know why, but his legs were still shaking, and seeing Ellie shivering made him think it was something unusual.

“The kimora’s shriek makes you more afraid than usual.” Explained Eric after taking a sip from a waterskin. “That’s why you are still shivering, you are not used to fear. Yet.” The grin he made toward Alan made him shiver even more. He only hoped he won’t be thrown to wolves as a morning exercise. He also thought about himself, and his current situation, he was powerless against a youngling. What would have happened if it was an adult monster? He needed to get in shape and as soon as possible.

As they got ready to head out again. He closed his eyes and concentrated, gathering as much mana as he can, and focusing it in his hands, while trying to move them as naturally as possible. He couldn’t afford to slack out.

***

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A week later they were finally getting close to the border, they only had around a one-week journey ahead of them to reach it. They had some trouble during that time, Alan was thrown to a barg pack as a morning exercise in the end, but nothing serious. He was getting used to this style of living and he almost longed for more.

***

As they took a short rest, everyone got to do their own things. Max went sparring with Eric, while Ellie watched the two. Theresa was chatting with David and Jonathan, who was finally in full health again.

Alan was training. He focused mana into his legs and took some steps. He no longer fell or had to roll it away, he kept his balance and was getting better and better. He raced through the woods, trying to avoid colliding with trees and bushes and he succeeded. He still needed some time to refocus his mana, but once he got the hang of it, he could move swiftly in a battle.

As he took a short break Eric approached him. “Heya, want to spar?”

Alan nodded.

**

“Can I try using magic?” Alan asked Eric. He wanted to see what he can do against an opponent.

“Sure,” Eric replied with a grin, but he took on a different stance as he said.

Alan focused mana into his feet, pivoted forward, and rushed at Eric, who dodged him to the left. Alan stopped at once and tried to turn, but he was smacked on the head by Eric’s fist. He didn’t lose balance though, and bore through the pain of a throbbing head, and took a leap once again, this time his punch landed on Eric’s shoulder. He flinched for a second, then he kneed Alan in the stomach.

“Your punches are weak!” He said and kicked Alan back. Alan went to the ground as air rushed out of him. He needed some time to recover, and Eric let him.

As he got up Eric was in his face again, punching him in the chest. He barely had the time to cross his arms and defend. He fell back once again, but this time he got up with a roll. Unfortunately, he lost focus on his legs and he didn’t have them strengthened with mana, but he quickly changed his focus to his arms. With that he moved forward again, although much slower, but with a much more destructive attack. As he got closed to Eric, he tried to feint an attack and attack with his left hand which was dodged at once.

“Both!” Eric shouted at him. “You need to strengthen both your arms and legs!” And he kicked his legs under him.

The match came to an end as Eric turned around and went back to chatting with Ellie.

She looked noninterested, but she went with the flow anyway.

Alan although getting a beating, learned his next lesson. Don’t try to fight seriously Eric, he hurts.