Liam sprinted out of the Arena. While he ran, images flashed through his mind as the people and buildings started to blur around him. Undistinguishable noises echoed in a teasing knowing way.
As he turned a corner, he collided into someone.
“Ow!” A feminine voice shouted, “Watch where you’re going as…Liam?”
Breathing heavily from the sprint and the fight, Liam felt a small wave of clarity as if whatever was affecting him washed away.
A couple of chimes echoed as notifications appeared.
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“Congratulations! Mental Resilience Doubt has reached level 5!”
“Congratulations! Mental Resilience Confusion has reached level 6!”
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“Confusion and Doubt?” Liam muttered quietly as he shook his head and he thought, Was I mentally attacked?
He then looked at who he had ran into and apologized, “Sorry Alicia. I don’t know what came over me there.”
“You’re fine,” Alicia smiled wryly. “You just owe me for running into a delicate flower such as myself.”
Liam rolled his eyes as he asked, “What are you doing here? I thought you were doing a dungeon floor run?”
“My team and I were getting ready to until we heard a fight had started and was being taken to the arena,” Alicia began. “When I saw that you were one of the combatants, I knew I had to see this. I didn’t know you were a dagger wielder too. That was bad ass the way you guided your team and how you won that fight! We’ll need to spar some time so we can exchange pointers.”
“Oh…thanks,” Liam started as he thought about the fight.
Alicia gave a concerned look as she added, “Are you alright? I saw how you ran out of there. I was actually on my way to find you to see if you were okay.”
He looked at her. He then said, “I’m not sure what happened, but I just received a level up on my Doubt and Confusion Mental Resilience. I think someone used a magic debuff on me after the fight.”
Alicia gave a wide-eyed look at him. “Are you serious? That’s messed up!”
“Tell me about it,” Liam stated. “But then again, I’m not sure if they did it out of spite or if they saw an opportunity to use it since…”
“Since what?” Alicia asked, curious on what he was going to say, but waiting for him to say it.
“Nothing…,” Liam started as he let out a breath of air. “Let’s just say the last couple of years on my old planet weren’t the best. It…left a kind of mental scar you’d say.”
Alicia felt her body slump as she said, “I can understand that. My old planet, Earth, had an apocalyptic environment for a couple of years before it.” She made a squishing and then a boom noise as her hands closed then expanded out to emphasis what happened to the planet.
“Wait,” Liam stated with a startle as his eyes widened. “You’re from Earth too?”
Realization appeared on Alicia’s face as she asked, “You too?!”
“Yeah!” Liam exclaimed as he let out a small chuckle. “No wonder your tank top looked familiar.”
Alicia let out a laugh of her own. She then asked, “Are your teammates…”
Liam shook his head, not letting her finish. “No, they’re all from different planets.”
“Damn, that must be tough,” Alicia commented.
“Not really,” Liam said with a faint smile. “It’s a bit refreshing since they don’t know…let’s just say they don’t ask about past things. Instead we look towards the future.”
“That’s good. My whole team is from Earth so we’re all kind of wary of each other,” Alicia said.
Liam grimaced. “Sorry.”
Alicia shrugged. “It’s whatever. It’ll make more sense to them now that I know you came from our planet.” She then stated, “You should go meet up with your teammates I think I heard a couple say they were concerned.”
Liam looked down before saying, “I think I’m going to cool off before meeting up with them.”
“Sounds like a good idea. Collect your thoughts before seeing them,” Alicia suggested. “I’ve got to go head out now.”
“Alright. Be safe,” Liam said.
Alicia gave him a teasing smile as she mocked, “What? Do you think I can’t handle myself?”
Liam let out a laugh as he said, “Your scrawny butt looks like it can’t fight itself out of a plastic bag.”
Alicia gave an affronted look before lightly punching his arm. “I’ll have you know I am deadly in my own right.”
“Oh, I know. I’ve seen those poisonous clouds fuming out of that room,” Liam stated.
“Good. At least you know,” Alicia crossed her arms. After a moment she released her arms and stretched her right arm with a fist and said, “I’ll catch you later.”
Liam bumped her fist with one of his own as he replied, “I’ll catch you later.”
As she walked away and disappeared into the crowd he leaned back against the wall and tilted his head back.
He placed a hand over his eyes and thought to himself, Maybe the looks on their faces weren’t what I was thinking….Not the time to waste on it. I’ll just take it head on. He then slowly walked into the crowd and made his way to the next destination on his growing list of things to do.
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Liam let out a breath of air as he opened his eyes slowly. He relaxed his meditation posture as he looked around the bedroom inn he was using. On a small table in the corner of the room sat large flat bottomed vials of light green liquids.
A notebook rested close to the edge. Clothes were scattered across the floor. Surrounding him on the bed were books. A couple were wide open while the others were closed.
He breathed in once more and held it. He could feel his heart thump against his chest. After a moment he let it out and then leaned back against the wall. He felt his hair move around freely against the shaved sides of his head.
Images of the fight played back in his mind. He thought about the sensations he felt right before, during, and after. He shook his head feeling his hair sway a bit. He then muttered to himself, “This place isn’t there. I’m not there anymore. I can afford to...”
An unidentifiable image flashed before his eyes. A sudden pain in his heart thumped causing him to grip his chest. As quickly as the pain came it disappeared. He took in a gasp of air as he muttered in a low voice, “What the hell?”
A knock echoed from the door.
Liam stared at it. Not sure who it could be.
Another knock echoed as a familiar voice called out, “Liam? You in there?”
Liam slowly got up, tied his hair in a short ponytail and walked to the door. As he opened it, he saw Avery and Artem.
“Hey what’s up?” Liam asked as he looked at them.
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“Hey man,” Artem greeted with a smile. “We’re about to meet up with the others for dinner and wanted to see if you were going to join us?”
Liam looked at his internal clock and saw it was 6:30 p.m.
Liam nodded as he responded, “Yeah, give me a minute to clean up.”
“Sure, can we come in?” Avery asked as she eyed him.
Liam hesitated before saying, “Yeah. Sorry about the mess though.”
Artem and Avery stepped in and saw the contents of the room.
“You call this a mess?” Artem commented. He let out a short laugh as he added, “If you do then my room must be a pigpen.” He then walked over to the small table in the corner and looked at the vials with flat bottoms sitting freely while the rounded bottom vials rested in test tube racks.
As Liam started picking up the clothes off the ground Avery walked up to the bed and looked at the books spread out. She picked one up and read the title, “Tactics of a Control Tower.”
Liam saw her looking at the book. He then stated, “I found that one at a stall earlier today.”
Avery looked at him and asked, “Is it the one by the cloth stall?”
Liam nodded. “Yeah, the older gentleman who is running it was really nice.”
“Is he? I’ve been wanting to check it out, but thought the library would be a better place for Knowledge Theories,” Avery stated as she opened the book and read the Index.
“The library is a good place for free books to borrow, but there are some books you can’t get there. Like that one for example,” Liam informed as he pointed at the book.
“Dude, what are these?” Artem asked as he pointed at the vials.
Liam and Avery turned to see what he was asking about.
“Those are some extraction experiments I’m testing out,” Liam replied as he took off his shirt.
Avery quickly averted her eyes as he did this with a light blush forming on her cheeks. She let out a cough as he changed into a light blue tank top and said, “The others are waiting for us. Before we go, I wanted to ask if you were alright?”
Liam looked at her as she looked at him. He then turned his gaze to Artem who was giving him a look of concern. He let out a sigh as he replied, “Yeah. Someone hit me with a debuff and it didn’t wear off for a bit. I’m fine though.”
“A debuff? Who would do something like that?” Avery questioned.
“I didn’t see anyone use any magic after or during your fight,” Artem added as he looked confused.
“I don’t know either, but it messed with me for bit. After it lifted, I just figured it was best to focus on getting some things done instead of running back.”
Avery eyed him for a moment. “I can understand that. As long as you’re fine that’s all that matters.”
“I agree,” Artem said. He then looked like he was staring at something off at the distance and stated, “We should head out now. The others are probably waiting for us.”
“Alright let’s head out,” Liam said as they left the room.
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Music and beautiful voices enchanted the air giving off a festive feel to the area. The giant glow stone above had already faded as light red, orange, yellow, and light blue colors emanated off of smaller glow stones hanging from the scaffolds of buildings. They gave off a lantern feel as you stared at them. Artem, Avery, and Liam walked down a people filled road, trying to make their way to their destination.
Men and women stood on small boxes entertaining crowds while they danced, played instruments, or sang. Their rhythmic and melodic talents pulled in random people walking by.
The three appeared in front of a red wooden building with two long windows expanding on both sides of an open door. A folding sign sat next the door with pictures of different foods with their names and prices. The name of the establishment was written above the menu saying, The Dancing Baboon.
As they walked in, they saw the building was full of people sitting at tables or walking around carrying a small circular serving tray with drinks and food.
A hand raised up from the sea of people catching their attention from the back corner of the room. It was Aryana waving with a wide smile on her face.
As they approached the table, they each took an empty seat.
“What took you so long?” Ariyana asked. “We didn’t think you guys would make it.”
“It was a pain trying to get here,” Avery stated as she teasingly added, “Liam couldn’t pick a more further inn could he.”
“Sounds like a bet,” Liam smiled back.
Avery and Aryana let out a laugh.
“After what happened today I don’t think anyone would want to make a bet with you,” Aryana commented good naturedly.
Liam’s smile evened out as he looked at Mercer who was sitting across from him.
Mercer stared at him as he said, “They told me what happened. Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”
Hesitating, Liam thought how to respond. After thinking it over he decided to say what he would say to anyone, “I don’t have to anything. I chose to.”
Mercer smiled. “Thank you again.”
“You don’t need to thank me for something that should be obvious. We’re a team. Regardless of if it’s kind of a temp thing,” Liam started as he looked over at Avery.
Avery formed a smile as she chuckled a bit.
“One thing any of you will learn about me is,” Liam started as he looked at each of them. “I can handle people trying to put me down, get under my skin, or plain attack me. Mess with my friends though, then that’s a whole different story.”
“Oh?” Ariyana started with a raised brow. “Do you view us as your friends?”
Liam looked at each of them one by one. He thought it over for a good long minute and said, “I’m not a hundred percent sure yet…”
Ariyana was about to make a comment, but Liam finished by saying, "But I’d like to. I don’t know you guys fully. I don’t know all your stories, but one day I would. After spending this small amount of time both here and in the dungeon, I can say if you guys view me as a friend, I’d be more than honored. If you don’t then I’ll still be happy with having the chance of getting to spend this time with you all.”
Everyone stared at him. Smiles started forming as a couple of them turned away.
Roman grabbed two small shot glass looking cups, stood up and walked over to Liam. He had an even expression on his face as he said, “That was so sappy I could puke.”
Liam let out a laugh as Roman placed one of the shot glasses in front of him and added with an impish smile, “However, I’m glad one of us said what I didn’t know how to.” He then looked at the others and raised the other shot glass up while shouting, “Cheers to making new friends!”
“Cheers!” the others shouted in agreement as they drank the alcohol.
Liam grimaced at the taste as it burned down his throat. He let out a cough as he said, “Jesus!”
“What the hell did you make us drink?” Artem asked.
“It’s a local specialty called Fool Proof,” Blair answered as she set her glass down.
“Well, the name fits because only a fool would drink it,” Ariyana stated. A mischievous grin formed as she asked, “Who wants another?”
The others laughed as they raised their hands.
“We should probably order some food before we get drunk,” Artem commented with a look of worry.
“Don’t worry sweetie, I already ordered some food. I wasn’t sure what everyone wanted so I ordered what I guessed you’d like,” Ariyana replied.
“I put my faith in your hands,” Liam said.
“So, I have to say,” Avery started as she changed the subject. “I’m impressed with how your fight went.”
“Right!” Artem agreed. He looked at Liam and he added, “I was going to ask earlier but we were in a hurry. How did you pull off both strategizing and fighting?”
Liam looked at Avery then at Artem before answering, “I’m studying a Knowledge Theory called Tactics of a Control Tower. It talks about surveying the area, your opponents, and your teammates. By catching little habits your opponents do, like the way they move, their attack patterns then you can create a counter strategy or find ways to use their habits against them.”
“Is that why you said something about Henry leading off with his right hand and to look out for feints?” Roman questioned.
“Yeah, I noticed he always started an attack with his right hand and some of those attacks were just diversions for his left hand,” Liam replied.
Mercer nodded as he listened. “That’s an interesting way to fight. I wouldn’t have thought about that.”
“I agree,” Ariyana jumped in. “You guys had us on the edge of our seats.”
“I almost yelled at you to watch out when that arrow shot for your head,” Artem said as he looked at Blair. “I totally forgot about your helmet’s ability.”
“Not only that, but I thought for sure you were going to get hit by Theodore’s axe when he and Henry pincered you,” Ariyana added as she looked at Roman.
“Yeah, where did you learn how to dodge like that?” Mercer asked.
“I picked up some tricks training with Liam,” Roman stated smugly.
“I also saw you use our attack maneuver from that boss fight on them,” Avery smiled wickedly.
“I wanted to see if it could work in other situations,” Liam shrugged as a waitress arrived with some interesting looking dishes full of chicken-like meat, rice and a local variety of beans. There were also bowls of salads with cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a local dressing.
They stared at the food as it was placed in front of them.
Liam could smell the spices and herbs mixed in with the food. He heard as much as he felt his stomach grumble. “Ariyana,” He called out as she lifted her head to look at him. He gave her a smile as he said, “It looks like my faith in you is paying off.” He then dove into the delicious smelling food.
After they were done eating the music started to grow in volume. It was a bouncy dance style making a few people get up and walk to an open area.
“What do you guys say we go and dance,” Ariyana asked as she lit up.
“I’m down,” Avery said as she stood up.
“Me too,” Blair joined in.
“What about you boys?” Ariyana asked.
“I don’t know,” Artem started as Roman stood up.
“Screw it. I’m in,” Roman said.
Everyone looked at him, shocked.
“What?” He asked. “I like to dance.”
“Fine,” Artem caved in as he stood up too.
They looked at Liam and Mercer.
“I’ll join soon. I need to let this food settle before I start showing off any moves,” Liam stated with a chuckle.
“I’ll chill with Liam for a bit before joining,” Mercer answered.
“Alright, you better come join,” Aryana teasingly said as she started moving her hips rhythmically while leading the others to the dance floor.
After they left Mercer stood up and walked to a free seat next to Liam and sat down. He looked at him and said, “I know you said I don’t need to thank you, but I’ll say it again.” He gave Liam a meaningful smile as he added, “Thank you.”
Liam waved a hand to dismiss it.
“I didn’t have any friends. Real friends back in my old world,” Mercer started. “People acted friendly with me because of my parents, but they weren’t genuine.”
Liam stared at him as he continued to listen.
“When I heard you took the duel because of what Theodore said,” Mercer continued, “It meant a lot. Also, when the others told me what you demanded as your winnings I…I still don’t know what to say. How can I ever repay you?”
Liam stared at him for a long moment. “You don’t have to repay me. I didn’t like how he talked about you. You don’t deserve to be treated like that. I just did what I felt was right. That was all to it. Just know…from here on out I have your back.”
Liam saw a tear start to form on the side of Mercer’s left eye. Before he or Mercer could say something, Avery and Ariyana ran up to them and pulled them to their feet.
“Come on you two. We need the full crew to let loose tonight!” Ariyana giggled.
“Are you drunk?” Liam asked with a smile.
“What if I am? Are you going to take responsibility for my buzz going away waiting for you both to join us?” Ariyana gave him a challenging look.
Liam lifted both hands up as he shook his head and said, “Hell no. That kind of responsibility is expensive.”
Ariyana smiled and let out a laugh. “Good. I’m glad you understand that. Now come join us!”