To get to the fighting arena, Conner had to navigate from the tavern across the marketplace, where some merchants loudly advertised their goods, and the clamor of prices drowned out everything. The stalls were neatly lined along the path, while the clientele flowed through the streets like a river of people.

Occasionally, cries of helpless people who had noticed their coins being stolen could be heard. But when one of the thieves was caught, it ended publicly at the pillory, where they could be pelted with old food. This served as a deterrent, but often it wasn't enough, so for further offenses, the fingers of the respective thief would be severed.

Conner had an advantage in this bustling activity, as no one dared to approach his purse. This was not only because his father was a trainer for the guards, but also due to Shadow, who most of the time walked beside him.

He sliced through the crowd like a good sword cutting through flesh. This allowed Conner to make good progress without fear. He affectionately patted the head of his friend, who looked at him happily. Speaking was useless here since one couldn't even hear themselves talk.

Amidst the violent murmurs of many voices, Conner could still make out a familiar voice.

"You owe my father money. Do you think you can take what you want without repaying? Should I show you what I do to debtors?"

"Who do you think you are? Taunting on a holy day, with only the first hairs growing on your face. I'll show you what I do with people like you."

The surrounding people gathered before the first punch was thrown, and Heinrich was struck right on the nose. Dazed, he staggered two steps back before finding his footing again.

But his opponent is a medium-sized man with a round face and a slightly stocky stature. His clothing is typical of a craftsman, and he often wears an apron indicating his work as a butcher. His hair is cut short, and he has a beard framing his aggressive face.

Heinrich's outward appearance may deceive at first glance, as his loose clothing suggests a slender build. Yet, he utilized this to his advantage. His clothes concealed well-trained arms, developed as the son of a blacksmith. His father, an experienced blacksmith, taught him not only the craftsmanship of forging but also the art of employing strength purposefully and efficiently.

As Kunesch launched his next attack, feinting a right hook that quickly turned into a straight punch, Heinrich had to act swiftly. He turned his body sideways at the last moment and took a quick step aside to evade Kunesch's blow. The inebriated Kunesch stumbled past, unable to stop his course, and the force of his own attack pulled him further forward. Staggering, as if walking over a ship at sea, only added to the chaos.

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Heinrich cleverly took advantage of Kunesch's passage, extended his foot, and Kunesch lost his balance. As he fell, Heinrich landed another blow to his side. Kunesch's face revealed pain as he crashed onto the earthy ground.

"That was for the punch in the face, you miserable debtor," Heinrich said in full rage, holding his hand to his forehead, quickly dyed red by the blood flowing from it. Slowly, the blood collected and eventually flowed over his eyebrows. With a single, confident motion of his left arm, he wiped away the blood, while the crowd watched the spectacle intently.

"How do you plan to pay off your debts if you spend all your money on drinking? Do you have no honor at all?"

"Maybe you should be accused of theft, as it seems no different to me."

From the crowd, occasional voices rang out expressing their frustration. These were likely the ones to whom Kunesch also owed money, whether for buying food, drinks, or gambling debts, but they had never dared to claim it.

Kunesch's angered look gave way to a clarity that quickly turned into fear. The punishment for theft depends heavily on the severity of the crime and the number of repetitions. For a first offense, such as stealing bread, it remains with a reprimand and a fine. For a second offense, corporal punishment is imposed to encourage the offender to reform. If this proves ineffective, the penalty can escalate to hanging or the loss of a hand.

Kunesch wanted to avoid all of this, which is why he suddenly pleaded to settle his debts. Even though he had nothing of value left, he still had items he could sell for a few coins. With a sad expression, he reached into his pocket and took out his house key.

"Take everything to settle the debt as much as possible. I don't own much anyway."

"At least you can settle some of it," said Heinrich after taking the key, slowly heading towards Kunesch's house to gather the items and fulfill the tasks his father assigned to him.

POV Conner

"That was a quick fight, if you can even call it that. It ended too fast, but he could have improved a thing or two. Seems like I'll have to address that in today's training."

"Let's see how well he observes his surroundings. Father always says knowing your environment and being aware of changes can save your life in many situations."

Heinrich was barely recognizable in the crowd. Yet, I think this is the right distance to follow him – not too far for him to escape, and not too close for him to notice me too quickly, just right.

I signaled to Shadow that we were following Heinrich. Despite the urge to rush directly towards him and greet him, I held Shadow back.

"We'll pay him back for last time," I whispered. As if understanding every word, Shadow nodded in agreement and stayed by my side.

POV Nobody

Conner hid in the shadows, patiently lurking as Heinrich entered Kunesch's house. Darkness enveloped him like a protective cloak, and his loyal companion, Shadow, waited patiently by his side. The night seemed to harbor its own secrets as the wind gently swept through the empty streets.

Heinrich lingered inside the house for a while, and Conner used this time to observe the surroundings attentively. Every sound, every movement could carry significance. Shadow, lying patiently like a vigilant shadow next to Conner, shared his silence and composure.

As Heinrich eventually exited the house, Conner emerged from the shadows. With trained movements, he approached his friend, ready to startle him. A low growl from Shadow hinted at the tension as he prepared to accentuate the scene.

When Heinrich was unexpectedly startled by Shadow, he found himself on the ground. Conner couldn't suppress a broad grin. "Guess it pays off to redirect the surprise in the other direction, huh?" he said with a mischievous smile, while Shadow triumphantly barked.