Is it just me? Why is it so hot out in the open?

“Do not underestimate him because of his smaller frame.” Ean says.

My breaths. They are erratic. Calm down.

“Just fight him like you always do. Quick and nimble, find a weak point. Attack that.” Blago says.

Am I sweating? I think I am sweating. If I lose… I cannot go outside. They will not let me.

“And I will be here to heal you, so fight as hard as you can.” Julie says.

“You held your own against Eadwald… For a minute… You can deal with this too.” Sylvar says.

“Shut up.” Dariy shouts.

Dad’s shout draws everyone’s attention for a second, before they all pretend like nothing happened. At least my breathing has gone back to normal. For now. Did he do that for me?

“Thanks, dad.” I say.

“I got you, son.” Dariy pats my shoulder.

“It appears we put severe stress on you, my friend. I apologize.” Sylvar says.

“Remember when we barely talked? When everything was fine?” I ask.

“What?” Julie responds.

“I mean… Sure, we three were almost inseparable anyways.” I point at Julie and Meuko. “This, though… I never worked with anyone else in the Village. I talked with Sylvar but he just taught me a few things about knives and- and that is all. We barely did anything important. We just laughed. Now- Now we have Blight Dogs and goblins and trolls and Ogres and all the tests and the training. It just all feels enough to crush me.” I say.

I was not expecting to be this honest.

“I am sorry. Forget it- Just have not slept enough, nothin-”

“You are wrong.” Ean interrupts me. “I love you, kiddo… But you are not making any sense. Julie and Meuko always do something important. Sylvar tried helping as soon as he started staying in this place. Your dad and I both struggle keeping the food supply stable.”

“He means well.” Dariy intervenes. “We talked about this, being parents and all that. A lot. We are always worried. Every single time you walk out this place. But we understand. You never felt right with yourself.”

“Stop.” I say.

“You never liked the fact that you could not find a place to work around here.” Dariy keeps talking, almost ignoring me. “But you always, always wanted to find it. And you did. Being a hunter. It was not fine before all this, kid. You were not fine. You simply had nothing to lose.”

“What they said.” Meuko adds.

“Nobody is blaming you for this, my dear friend Volter. Nobody.” Sylvar says.

“Maybe they should.” I say. “If I was-”

“You ready, kid?” Thando shouts from a distance.

“Shit.” I whisper. “If I lose this fight- If I- Shit.”

“Focus on me, kid.” Ean grabs me and pulls me closer, making sure I concentrate on his voice. “Alayne told you to not trust anyone. We heard talking the other night. Alayne is also trying to tell everyone that you should not go outside, even though… From what I can gather, at least… You have taken down a troll, lost an eye and then somehow found a way to get one back. You are not him. Trust us. Trust her.” Ean points at Ana.

What is she doing here? Why is she watching the fights? Why is Sylvie still by her side? I think she is holding something. Is that-

I am such a useless sack of manure. All this time… Wondering about whether or not I can go outside, whether or not I can stand up to the Hunters. All that stress, for what? Stressing about Alayne’s discouraging words?

“Almost. Just need one more thing.” I shout.

“Really? Just do it fast. Unless it is a heavy one.” Thando responds.

“What? No, I just want to talk to Ana.” I say.

I run towards her. I kneel in front of her, petting Sylvie.

“Is that for me?” I point at the wooden knife that she is holding.

Ana nods. It is.

“Do you mind if I use it in this fight? I feel more confident with a knife.”

Another nod. A bright smile. I avoided talking with anyone but my family. And Sylvar. I thought Ana would have hated me for not saving Kianel. She just wants someone to talk to her normally. I should have known. That is all I wanted when I was a kid.

“Thanks.” I step away.

“Finally. All this waiting… That knife had better be one strong weapon.” Thando points at me with his wooden sword.

It is modeled after his actual weapon. His scimitar. The metal one is heavy, meant to be used with both hands. I can only assume the wooden one is strong as well. It has a simple thin guard and a pommel.

I should avoid blocking it directly. Look at me… Already thinking about the fight.

“On my signal.” Eadwald says.

I look over at Ana. Then I take a look at my group and my dads. I think they are going to be a part of the group pretty soon.

“Shall we?” I mock.

Eadwald conjures a faint orb of blue light, which then bursts into multiple dissipating shards.

The fight starts.

I rush Thando, wielding a wooden sword on my right hand and Ana’s wooden knife on the left. Thando maintains his stance, extending his wooden scimitar towards me and keeping his free arm in a motion ready to grapple.

I knock away his scimitar, thinking I will expose his defense. Instead, he follows the momentum of my strike, swinging his weapon above his head. He swipes at me from above before I have a chance to hit him. I move backwards, trying to dodge.

He rushes me with another swipe to the left, which I deflect with the knife. I raise my sword to go for his head, but he grabs it with his arm. I fake stab him with the knife, pressing his sides and smiling. His scimitar is not good at this close range fighting thing.

He pushes me back. We are moving so fast. But… Somehow, I can see everything clear. Details about Thando’s body I never paid attention to before. Even through all the dust we just raised.

His clothes make him seem really thin, but his muscles are tight. I can see his bones. He can clearly hold his scimitar effortlessly, though. I felt it when I deflected it with the knife. It is heavy. And he is wielding it with one hand. There is more to his strength.

“Watch o-”

A thrusting attack hits in my left shoulder. So much for seeing everything. The edge of the scimitar then flies towards my face. I drop on the ground with my back, dodging the second strike. Is he going to raise his bla-

Thando swipes my legs. I raise them just in time to avoid the blade. Was that Dad’s shouting? No time. Roll away. Another swipe at my feet. Wait a minute. This is still a wooden scimitar. I put all my strength into my legs, kicking the scimitar away. Thando gets pushed back but keeps his grip on the weapon.

I use my legs to propel myself away, rolling backwards and standing up in one smooth move. I am perfectly handling this. I look at Sylvar, wanting to see his reaction. He is not supportive of my skill. He just gestures at Thando.

The green orc I am facing makes a long range swipe at me. He is trying to hit me with just the edge of the weapon. Is he going for a cut? He is serious about this. I think I just made a plan. I might win thi-

Another swipe. Damn, he is fast. I can do this.

He has the weight advantage with his weapon but I am heavier than him… Probably. I deflect the swipe with my sword. He is smart. He definitely has more experience than me. Just once. I need him to raise his weapon just once.

I rush him, trying to create the opportunity I need. I push his scimitar upwards with my knife. I go for the stab but he slaps my sword away. I let the sword drop and put both hands in this grapple. All that matters is that he loses his scimitar.

He changes his stance, making a small jump backwards and lowering his knees. I try to follow him but, before I can get a good grapple, he grabs the scimitar with both hands and lowers it on my head. I forgot about the pommel. It is probably heavy. Of course it is.

I try to dodge the strike but it hits my shoulder. I try to use the same maneuver I used during the armored hobgoblin fight. I push Thando away, rolling towards the sword I dropped just a moment ago. I rush him once more.

This time, I feint a stab with my sword, pulling it away as soon as Thando tries to swipe it defensively. I hit the scimitar’s guard upwards, timing the strike with Thando’s effort to reset his stance. His weapon gets knocked upwards and he struggles maintaining his grip that high. This is it.

I imitate Sylvar’s movements, spinning away like I am about to load an arrow. Instead, I quickly throw Ana’s knife towards Thando’s knuckle. It hits, causing Thando to drop his weapon. As soon as the scimitar hits the ground, I dive towards him, hitting his side with my sword. I put all my strength into the strike but he barely moves.

Does not matter. I win. I cannot believe this. I wi-

Thando grows in size, muscles bulging, sounding like rope being pulled. This is familiar. Meuko, she does th-. He screams, the force of his body growing pushing my sword away. He backhands me, sending a shock to my spine. The attack was so sudden, I lost the grip on both of my weapons.

He is bigger than me now. Stronger than me.

I am in trouble.

I can feel the fact that I am drooling right now. Just how hard did he punch me? How hard do I have to fight him?

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

I try to move away only to be rushed, knee hitting me in the abdomen. I gasp for air before an arm raises me high.

“Want to go easy on me?” Thando says.

A punch sends me flying away. I bounce off the ground and land roughly, throwing dirt everywhere. I check my nose. Thando broke it and I am bleeding. Badly. I try to get up, barely raising one knee before he appears in front of me, raising his fist.

Think.

I will lose.

Think.

I have to win.

Something.

A punch makes me drop on the ground again, blood splattering around the area my face dropped. Of course it did. Thando kicks me in a way that makes me get up. Not completely. Just on my knees.

What do I have?

I lost the sword.

I dropped the knife.

He grabs me by the cloak, raising me up once more. This is going to end it.

“Enough. You are done.” Thando says.

He drops me on the ground and begins walking away. Never.

“Never.” I shout.

A powerful shockwave comes out of my mouth, sending Thando flying away. My voice is reverberating all around me. The ground in front of me gets dug up, sent in all directions. Thando lands even more roughly than I did just a minute ago. I think something cracks as he does so.

The sudden burst of air in front of me is gone as soon as it appeared out of my mouth. Probably for the best. It was still strong enou-

I spit blood. More than normal. What did I give for this magic shout? Blood fills the area in front of my teeth. I should call for Ju-

I cannot talk. I must have ripped my vocal chords. This is bad. At least the fight is over.

Spoke too soon.

I fail to notice that Thando landed next to his scimitar, which he throws at me at an insane speed. I try to roll away, raising my hand. I am not fast enough. The scimitar lands just above my left elbow, breaking my arm. The shock is enough to make scream.

Instead, I make a broken, drawn out, wheezing noise, followed by severe bleeding from the mouth.

My vocal chords feel like they are trying to rip through my throat. At least it was strong magic.

Thando runs towards me, his right arm flailing around. It has turned purple around the shoulder. Did I do that? Did he really make that accurate throw with his off-hand? Maybe it is not his off-hand. Focus. This is not the time. I need time. Do not have that. A few more steps and he will knock me out.

Time.

Got it. I have to use everything. I cannot speak but I can still activate it. Focus…

Reveal the magic around me.

My left eye glows brightly, green light escaping it. I have to use magic to win this but it cannot be anything too strong. I do not want to kill Thando and I do not want to break my body down even worse.

Thando reaches me, readying his left arm for an uppercut. I need to give myself some space but I cannot move. I can barely breathe. What can I- I know.

I suddenly raise my knee and open my mouth wide. Just like I did when I created that wave. Thando falls for my fake attack, using all the muscles in his body to jump away from me, trying to find cover. He rolls near the tree stump that Meuko left after using Eadwald’s shield.

Figure something out. Just think. Thando takes a peak outside the stump.

Wait. Why am I still seeing everything normally, even though I activated my eye? So using it requires focus. Even if it is active does not mean I can only see magical sources. It makes sense, given the fact that when I do not activate it… I can still see normally.

I blink once more, trying to give myself the intent of perceiving magic. I can see the lines moving in the ground, magical lines that look like roots. The trees carry faint magical properties. Definitely nothing like the Varuna tree. Thando must be-

There is a very faint glow coming off Thando. I would expect this transformation to cause a more intense signal. The source moves closer to me. I am almost out of time. He figured out that I cannot use my voice again.

Every stomp causes a change in the flow of energy around him. I wonder why…

What do I have?

A broken arm, no weapons. So… I have an arm. Varuna, can you hear me? How do I use magic? I can see the wind properties carrying dust all around me. How can I use it?

No answer. I spit more blood. My breaths are unsteady, changing with the shocks of pain traveling through my body. My legs are somehow numb. I used magic just a moment ago. I thought about never letting him win then I took a breath and shouted.

I cough with all my strength, trying to clear my throat of all the blood. My vocal chords react violently to that but there is no way I can deal with that right now. I try to calm my mind, focusing on one thing and one thing only. My arm. I can hear Thando’s steps moving closer. This is it.

I extend my arm towards him, inhaling intensely with the hope of absorbing any magical properties. Thando kicks the dirt and rolls to my side. His plan is that the dust and dirt will blind me, giving him a chance to hit me. I may not be able to see everything but I can see him. His source.

I follow his movements, keeping my arm aligned to his chest. Empty ones need to sacrifice their own body to use magic. I used my voice without realizing it. What if I try to use a specific part? No time to figure it out… Other than right now, of course. Thando dashes through the smoke, staying still for a split moment, realizing that I knew exactly where he was.

This moment is all I need. I focus on what I want. A projectile. Four projectiles fly towards Thando. He gets pushed back but he manages to block them with his left arm. The smoke clears… My fingers are bleeding.

Thando’s left arm hands loosely on the side. It has been pierced in two places above the elbow, one right in the wrist and one has managed to find his chest. He looks at my bleeding arm in clear surprise. He did not expect me to use my nails.

It worked.

My arm drops and my head simply rests back, eyes looking at the sky, as if it is the first time I have felt the Sun giving me that weird tingle I get every time I look up. My mouth is open, letting excess blood flow down my body.

A stomp.

No.

Another.

“I can still use my head.” Thando says, excited to the point his tongue almost lashes out of his body.

Come on.

He move closer, laughing as he does.

The sound of dirt kicked behind me draws my attention.

“Not another step.” Meuko says, dashing ahead and raising her fist right next to Thando’s neck.

“What she said.” Sylvar says, bow and arrow on the ready, aiming Thando’s heart from a kneeling position… Right next to me.

She dived in to protect me.

He rolled in to cover me.

My group.

“I got you.” Julie says, her arms gently place in my back.

I weakly turn towards her. I blink, the magic in my eye dispersing.

“The fight is not over.” Thando says.

“You are both hurt plenty. I call that enough.” Julie says.

Her tone sounds weirdly… Commanding. Is she mad?

I grab her arm, placing it on my throat.

“Modesta. Could you kindly transfer blood to Volter?” Sylvar asks.

There is no response. I see no movement being made from the Villagers.

Ana… She saw me getting beat up like this.

“Go. We would not want to lose the kid now, would we?” Alayne growls.

Modesta moves towards me, starting his incantation.

I keep pressing Julie’s arm on my throat, trying to communicate.

“Did your voice break?” Julie asks.

I nod.

She focuses there first, restoring my voice. Not fully, of course.

Are the Villagers… Scared?

“Thanks...” I say, voice sounding like a drawn out whisper.

“Shit.” Thando says, muscles subsiding to their original size.

He immediately rests on the ground, realizing that the duel is truly over.

Meuko and Sylvar finally let go of their stances, relaxing. I was not expecting that outcome.

“Bite this.” Julie offers a stick.

I bite it, expecting the searing pain that will occur.

“Igragor.” Modesta says, completing the incantation.

Blood begins flowing inside me. This is a weird day.

My nose cracks into shape, sending signals to my head that it should… Well, hurt. My eyes keep themselves shut, reacting to the various pulls of flesh around my body.

The Villagers gather around us, Ana nervously moving between Sylvar’s shoulders, trying to check on me.

“Can you be quick?” I say, my voice already sounding better.

“Just your arm left. This is going to hurt.” Julie responds.

“Of course it-” My uncontrolled groans interrupt me. “Thanks again.”

“When are you going to stop hurting yourself like this?” Sylvar asks.

“I made it this far, did I not? It worked.” I say.

Come on, Modesta. Take the bait.

“Worked? Look at you.” Modesta mocks.

“Look at him. Any Villager that forced Thando to change forms, please… Say so.” I say.

Nobody steps forward. Nobody claims to have done so.

“I proved enough strength to go out there. That is all that matters.” I say. “Did not know you could do that.” I raise my arm towards Thando.

“You forced me to use it. You are good, kid.” Thando chuckles.

“Use what, exactly?” I ask.

“It is a spell I could do for longer… Way back in the ages. It is a berserk state of being. Take that dumb look off your face, it means angry.” Thando explains.

“Right. Good one.” I say.

“Hey…” I nod at Ana and gesture for her to come closer. “Sorry you had to see that.”

“N-No, you were… You were so fast. And that light was so awesome.”

I quickly flare the magic in my eye for a moment, making Ana’s face light up in excitement.

“Did you see your knife? It deflected that. You really are good at this.” I point at Thando’s scimitar.

“Maybe, I should teach you a few things.” Blago says, gently pushing Ana’s shoulder.

Ana starts mumbling, surprised by Blago’s sudden arrival.

“Hey, no pressure. You just learn what you can.” I say.

“Okay.” Ana says.

“That was nothing like the stories Mom talks about. It was so cool.” Angzod suddenly appears.

“You were watching? I did not see you.” I respond.

“Can you do that voice again?” Angzod asks.

“Sorry, I cannot. It hurts. A lot.” I say, laughing in an effort to make it seem funnier than it actually is.

“How did you do that with a knife? Throwing it after spinning and all that-” Angzod’s eyes almost get brighter by the second.

“Lots of practice. Blago was the one who taught me.” I say.

“Can I learn? Can I?” Angzod asks Blago, grabbing him by the clothes.

“What? I agreed about one kid but two? Fine. But it will not be pretty.” Blago says.

“Would not have it any other way.” Murat says.

“Thanks, Mom. I am going to beat you one of these days.” Angzod walks off proudly, nose higher than normal.

“You know.” Murat leans in closer and whispers. “This is the first time he called me Mom. Thanks.”

“The kids were watching?” I ask.

“They stayed for Meuko, mostly.” Brinout says.

“Makes sense.” Meuko flexes her muscles.

“But they were inspired by the last duel.” Brinout continues.

“Seeing me getting beat up was really inspiring. I get it. Nobody takes a fall like me. Ask Blago.” I say.

“True. Toughest sack of berries, right there.” Blago says.

“Seeing you bleeding and doing your best to stand up. Some of these kids were found, just like you. It gives them confidence… Seeing your strength and confindence.” Brinout says. “I will bring you some food later. Special order.”

“Soup with sorghum?”

“And nuts from Hollis’ supply. You will love it.”

“Heel.” I say, Sylvie coming next to me as soon as she hears the command.

I pet our Blight Dog, feeling grateful that I can still feel this weirdly thick fur. Both heads lick where my injuries used to be.

“Yes, you have two huge faces. Yes you do.” I say, definitely in a not embarrassing way.

It is for the first time that I really take the time to notice the multiple scars I have on my arms, from fingers to shoulders. The elongated reminders that using magic can very easily kill me. Seeing them once or twice while putting my clothes on is different than examining them after a fight. Like someone writing on my body how many times I should have died.

All this scarring… For one arrow.

Worth it.

“Meuko, do I have any scars?” I ask, gesturing at my nose.

“No. Even if you did… Your forehead is nearly one huge scar so…” Meuko mocks.

“Really?” Ean asks.

Dad is worried… Again.

“What?” I respond.

“Oh, shut up, Ean. He did just fine.” Dariy says.

“But he-”

“Fought with everything he had. Be proud.” Dariy interrupts Ean.

“I… I am.”

“Stop fighting, Dads. It has been an exhausting day for all of us.” I say.

“But- But did you have to use your nails?” Ean asks.

“They are fine now, see?” I say, raising my arm high so my dad can witness the fully healed, yet scarred arm.

Julie starts healing Thando as soon as she finishes with my injuries. She does so in silence, however. She really is mad.

The Villagers take turns talking to me, so fast in fact that I barely have time to keep up.

“That was an intense fight.”

“You almost lost your life there, buddy.”

“What was that shout? I thought you could not use magic.”

The Villagers start blending in with all of us, asking questions and giving feedback. It is positive… Mostly. The Hunters remain silent for the most part, except for talking about the training they gave us at times. Even now, they try making it seem that we are as strong as we are only because of them.

Maybe we are.

“We should probably rest.” I say, getting up with Sylvar’s help.

“My house?” Sylvar asks.

“Sure.” I respond.

“Okay.” Julie says, following us.

“You should prob-” I cut myself short, realizing that Thando is already healed.

“You are the only one that still needs time to heal, Volt. She got stronger, remember?” Meuko explains.

“Right. Benefits of being Empty.” I say.

Villagers start shouting once more, trying to grab my attention. Or me.

“Where are you going?”

“We should celebrate on you officially becoming Hunters.”

“Come on, kid. Laugh a little. You fought with Thando. It was close.”

They try so hard. They just want me to feel like I am a part of the Village.

“Sorry. I really need to rest. Julie’s healing is exhausting.” I say, moving away.

“We should-”

“No. You can have fun. Just stop worrying about me for a minute.” I interrupt Dariy.

They give me a reluctant look but stay back. They deserve to relax for a few hours. I wish I could say the same about me.