"Are you sure you were not followed?" A figure concealed behind a tree asked. From the sound of its voice, it should be a female.

"I am sure. No one is following my trail." I kneeled before I answered.

"Good. How about your companions? Do they suspect you?" The figure asked once more.

"No. They don't suspect a thing. The mission will go smoothly I promise." This is my one shot. For my future, I must make it work.

"Hmph. We're just making sure you won't botch this one like you failed from your first mission." Another figure, a male from the sound of it, chimed in.

The first figure raised his hand to motion the other to stop talking. "I reckon you are aware of what are at stake here should you fail."

"Yes, I am. I promise. Even if it cost my life, I will make this succeed." I clenched my hand so hard that it turns white.

"Good." The first figure muttered. A few seconds pass before he continued. "The seal on the Void-touched, is it secure? I couldn't feel the taint anymore but we must be sure that it is not unleashed to the world. The world depends on it."

"It is secured. I used the blood seal to contain it." I answered.

"The blood seal? Why did you use that? Did you use it to save your neck if ever this mission fail?" I can feel the amount of spite dripping from the man's words.

I can feel my anger boil up inside me but I keep my calm appearance. No need to drag my reputation in the mud more by showing a shameful display such as lashing out in anger. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself before I answered. "I am not afraid of dying. From the start I am willing to lay down my life for the cause. When I failed the first time, I was prepared to take my life, but instead you chose to exile me with oath that I do not take my own life as punishment." For our people who are proud, to live an eternity in shame is a punishment worse than death.

"Heh. Tha-" The man was about to continue but he was cut short.

"Enough." A single word from the woman was enough to make the whole forest become quiet. After a few moment of silence, she then turns her attention back to me "I will not question your decision. I just hope you will have a clear head and stick to the plan. No more attempting to kill the Void-touched. We understand the first attempt for you are not aware of our plans, but the second was uncalled for. Reign in your emotions. We need him still."

"Yes. I apologize. It will not happen again" I bowed my head in apology. I just can't help it. To see the hated enemy of our people since ancient time sends me to indescribable anger and hate.

I can feel that the man wants to speak but a look from the woman was enough to shut him up.

"I trust you. We are in the most crucial part of the mission now. The success of the mission falls on you. May the Goddess Luna bless you on your endeavor." With magic she then whispered in my mind "Stay safe sister." All of the figures then vanished, as if they melted with the forest.

I clutched my chest as feelings surge inside of me. The feeling of longing and regret flows down with my tears. This time. Surely. I will not fail anymore. I don't care at what cost, even if I need to lay down my life.

I wipe my tears away as I approach the camp. Everything must look normal. They must not suspect a thing. Cool down your heart. Steel your resolve. Even if you have to share the camp with the Void-touched, you must reign in your hate lest you make a mistake and fail the mission once more.

A few moments after I calm down, I continued to walk towards the camp. I could see that Ortho lain down some traps, the non-lethal ones. I still feel a mixture of anger and gratitude towards the dwarf as I look at the traps. Angry for electrocuting me with that Gods forsaken rune-metal net but also grateful that they stopped me from killing the Void-touched. The dwarf really have a mind for rune and magic. A shame that he is a dwarf who is not blessed by the Gods with mana. Mark Anthony on the other hand is blessed with Mana and mind for Magic, but is only focused in learning about the world instead of focusing on strengthening his Magic. If he put his mind to it, the people who attacked the camp would not be his match and not get himself captured in the first place. I pray to the Gods that they watch over him. Kurtis however is not blessed with Mana but his life-force is strong. There is not much I can think about him other than he likes to train and teach Philip about the Path.

I stop on my tracks when Philip came to my mind. But why I stopped, I don't have any idea. When I was exiled with nowhere to go, he was the first person who reached out to help this downtrodden Elf who was wallowing in her despair in a tavern. He asked me to join his party and did not treat me differently from how he treats his other companions. He does not look at me with lustful eyes like the other humans, instead his eyes are full of kindness and true care for his friends. He care not for the race or how the member of the party sometimes makes his job harder for him, what is important is that we are his friends. That is mostly why he stress himself out to make sure we all stay safe whenever we go out on a mission. Which is also why we find much trouble to finish our quests. For him, it is more important that every one of us comes back safe than to flawlessly complete a mission. Truly a kind soul.

I didn't realize I was smiling as the thought comes to mind and I shake my head to clear my thoughts. With my enhanced hearing, I could hear sound of fighting in the camp. I rushed towards the camp, jumping from tree branch to tree branch to avoid the several traps to see what is happening. Landing on a branch of a tree near the clearing, I was on time to see the Void-touched duck under Philip's hook and is ready to counter only to get shoulder charged by Philip, causing the Void-touched tumbling across the clearing.

This time, I smile sincerely. Even if I am ordered not to harm the Void-touched, at least Philip and the others could rough him up in their spars. Although the monk will surely heal him of his bruises later, still it counts as a blessing.

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

As I roll in the ground, out of breath after getting hit face first by that vicious shoulder one thing is in my mind. This son of a bitch knight is heartless! This should be a spar using equal strength but this bastard is using maximum output of his Mana Aura against me, who was already tired from earlier spar. Although I can read crude unarmed fighting style, it amount to shit since if I my body can't react fast enough.

"Stand up. I didn't hit you that hard didn't I?" The hateful man said as he wait for me to get on my feet. Oh what I will do just to wipe that smirk on his face.

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"Yeah. Just a sec. I need to catch my breath." I slowly rise and brush of the dust on my face and beard. Bleh. I think I got some dirt in my mouth! This beard is the worst!

As I cough out the dirt from my mouth, the bastard suddenly charged at me once again. "Break's over! The enemy will not wait for you so you should always be ready to fight!" He roared as I blocked a clothesline and I was sent tumbling once more.

I can feel my veins about to pop. This bitch! If only I have my Ki from before, I would've moped you to the ground and wipe my butt with your face.

As I push myself up, I see that the Elf was back and sitting by the camp fire. Is she smiling? Does my pain amuse you? Shit, even the monk is not helping me as he truly believe this draconian way of training will push my limits.

"We will be fighting enemies who will be stronger than you. This is a good practice in preparation for that." The monk stated while brewing tea.

"I know. But, can we at least take a rest? I can barely stand as it is." I pleaded. But it fell on deaf ears.

"You said you were able to fight against two mages at the same time. That is even without Ki. I would like to catch a glimpse of that prowess." Philip said. This time he is just standing there with no hint of him sucker punching me.

You want to see how I fight eh? You asked for this. I thought as I clenched my hands while I push myself up. With both fist on the ready, I shouted. "Ready when you are!"

As if I sounded a gong, he suddenly charged against me once more. With his right fist raised while his left fist cocked and ready from bellow, it looks like I am going to get swallowed by a wild beast. But this is the opening I was waiting for.

I threw the dirt in my hand at his face and he roared as he try to remove the dirt in his eyes. Not missing a beat, I kicked him as hard as I can in the nuts. My Ki enhanced kick would've crushed it if not for his stronger Aura taking the brunt of my attack but I was still able to do some damage as he coiled in pain, with both hands clutching his family jewels. I then delivered repeated knee to his face before he was able to push me off of him. But I will not relent. I charged right back as he threw a punch to keep me at bay. It was still faster but I can see it from miles away and I ducked under the punch that would've removed my head from my shoulders. He then tried to grab me but I then threw an uppercut to his balls and once more he doubled over in pain.

Sorry Philip Jr. You will be missed.

I can hear Ortho laughing his ass off at Philip who was protect his future offspring against my relentless assault. To be honest, I got carried away which earned me a kick in the chest. I was able to make a last minute jump back which reduced the damage but still it took out the air from my lungs and possibly broken a few ribs. I can see Philip stood up, frothing in the mouth but Kurt quickly moved to block his path.

"The match is over." The monk declared.

"I still need to get back at him. That man fights dirty! He threw dirt at me and kicked me in the groin. Two times!" He complained.

"Well yeah? What else can I do in this situation? You're stronger and faster than me by a mile! What do you expect me to do? Just stand still and let you pummel my face in?" This bastard didn't complain when he use his max output to ragdoll me earlier, now he has the nerve to complain?

"Using such underhanded tricks on a spar. Do you have no shame?" Oooh. Playing the noble card aren't we?

"You said this fight is to prepare me to fight against people who far outclass me. This is how I fight against those people. Down and dirty." I snorted in reply.

"Why you!" The man is barely holding his temper but when he saw the Elf sitting near the fire, he quickly regained his composure. "Hmph. Oh well. It was just a spar. Let me give you some advice. Fighting dirty have no place in battle. It will only drag your reputation down the dirt."

"And fighting against an opponent levels stronger than you in a fair fight will drag your literal face down the dirt. Besides, I would rather be shameless than dead." What good will reputation be if you're dead? I need to stay alive by all means if I want to return to my family.

"True. Down and dirty is where it's at, I always say." The dwarf chimed in. When he saw Philip frown he then let out a hearty laugh. "Oh don't pout lad. You need to loosen up. Sometimes the rules need to be broken, yea?" he slapped Philip in the back. It was a strong slap but Philip seemed unfazed, clearly he have his Mana Aura covering his body to endure such blow.

"At first I hoped this spar would teach Cloud to further push his Ki mastery. Although it did succeed, it looks like we earned more than we have hoped from this." Kurt have this satisfied smile on his face. Although it is a welcome compliment, I still have this urge to hit him squarely in the face for making me go through that ordeal. To learn what? That benefits of fighting dirty against a superior opponent? I know that already from my high school days.

Wearing a serious face he turned towards Philip and continued his lesson "When you can end a fight. End it quickly. Least you may find you back on the ground caused by carelessness. You could've knocked out Cloud any time you chose since he couldn't do any damage to you with your Aura multiple times stronger than his. See what it led you. With a bruised groin and bloody nose." He put his hand over Philip's shoulder before he continues. "When faced against a weaker opponent, one must not lower their guard. For even a well-trained warrior, if naked and without a weapon may fall against a group of farmers with nothing but pitchforks." He then put on his normal smile. "I believe it is a blessing from the God's that you learned this lesson. Don't take it too hard and keep this lesson close to your heart. It may save you one day."

Philip's face was still serious, but I can sense he is in deep thought. He still looked annoyed at me though. Oh well. Can't help it. I did bashed his nuts twice. I would hate me too if it happened to me.

The monk then continued. "Someday you will face an opponent that you may not best. There are two ways to deal with it. Either you run and fight another day, or you will face your opponent and best him either by breaking through your limits or finding creative ways to close the gap and even get a heads up against your opponent. The later was clearly demonstrated by Cloud. Though I would've preferred the former."

I frown upon hearing his statement. I did what I can okay? Call it tricks, but I call it tactics. I will only fight fairly if I have a chance on defeating him without resorting to underhanded tactics. I also have my pride as a fighter you know.

As if knowing what I was thinking, Kurt continued. "Tactics is well and good. But, there will come a time when it will not be enough. Come and hit me. I will show you." He stood there motioning for me to hit him in the face.

I hesitate to take his offer. Although I am itching to hit the monk for getting be roughed up, he does mean well. I think.

"Go on lad. Hit him. He insists." Ortho chides me to taking the monk's offer.

"Okay. But don't blame me if you get hurt." I prepare myself to attack.

Without warning I quickly charged towards him. Raising my fist for a straight punch aimed at his face. But it was a feint, as instead of throwing the punch, I kicked his groin with all the strength I can muster. The smile in my face as my foot connected faded as quickly as it appeared as the recoil of my kick registered. The feeling of hitting a concrete wall reverberated as the force of my own kick threatens to break my shin.

"Grahhh!!!" I roared as I roll in the ground in pain while cradling my leg. God. I think it is really broken. I took a quick peek and saw blood gushing out of the wound in my leg. Shit! It hurts like hell!

I can hear Philip and Ortho laughing like crazy at my misfortune while Alora is chuckling quietly at the side. These motherfuckers. Laughing at the misfortune of others. I curse them quietly in my mind as I try to stem the blood from my wound.

"See? Tricks won't work if the difference in strength is too wide. Techniques and tactics may bridge the gap between strength but one must never forget to train their body as well. Body, mind, and soul. That is what completes a true warrior." He explained. "Now, I was thinking of teaching you how to use Ki to hasten your recovery if ever you get injured. Since you already have an injury, this is a wonderful opportunity for a hands on experience. Now. Close your eyes and focus your mind on your wound." He kneeled beside me to help me sit comfortably while the others went back to their business.

This insane monk! Just heal me first and teach the lesson later! I am losing a lot of blood here!