...

Quincy's bat flew towards my face. Dodging it was easy but he must've counted on me dodging since his bat swiftly went in the direction I moved to. Blocking it was easy, but it was beginning to numb my arm quite a bit. Nonetheless, I used the pause that came with his attack to quickly get in front of him and do a lunge punch. When it failed to connect I continued to step forward with the upper part of my foot and kept punching until I hit him. He tried taking a swing with his weapon but I moved under it. This gave me a clean shot at landing a hit. So, I took a chance and hit him in the face with my best punch.

"Got you now!" That punch was the beginning, my assault only just began as I hit him square in the face and the chest. He thrust his bat while I was going for my last attack. It made contact but so did my attack. I used my foot to push myself away from him.

"That's good enough for you?"

"So you're starting to change up how you attack," Quincy analyzed.

"Yep, sorry that I didn't before, but now you don't need to worry about that. I'm going to give you the best fight a guy like me can offer."

"Is that right? In that case."

Quincy took on a new stance, he held the bat as if it was a sword. Wait, I recognized the stance, it was the one Legion took on when he held his sword downward. As I took on my stance, he charged off towards me. I was reading which way he would go, where and how he would strike me. The movement he would take was going to be a straight-forward path.

"Sorry pal, but you're gonna have to do better than that!"

I threw out a straight jab to intercept him, however, that turned out to be a mistake. He dodged the attack and struck me from below my chin.

"Gah!"

His attack was fast but heavy-hitting. It hurt like hell, my chin was throbbing like an earthquake shaking up the ground, but I needed to respond before he could do anything else. I thought that I could but that just seems to not be the case. The bat hit my legs, chest, then my head. He finished off his combo by hitting me with the back of the thing and then just outright kicking me.

"Is that all you got? You truly do disappoint me. Your all bark and little bite in the end," Quincy criticized.

"Screw you, what do you know about me anyway?"

"Only what I need to know."

"What does that mean?"

"What I mean is you're holding back more of your power from this fight."

"So what if I am? It'll be more than enough to beat a twink like you!"

Before I could make the first move, it was Quincy who closed in and hit me with his knee cap. I got up on my feet to avoid falling to the floor.

"Huh!?"

Two hits connected with my nose. A couple more hit me hard against my face and went on to unleash a barrage against me. These attacks were being performed with a boxer's stance, the same as me!

"Do you see it, if you did, then you're correct, this is your stance," Quincy answered.

"What!?"

His next attack was blockable but that was because it was a fakeout. He switched from his left fist to his right, hitting me with a surprise attack.

"I analyzed what little of your fighting style was worth doing so and figured out how it works. It's rather nifty for moving quickly and delivering fast punches."

That was the function of using a boxer style tech. It was meant to make quick-paced attacks and to move on a moment's notice. That's why I like using it, I can throw punches and move when I need to.

"It's a fascinating stance, the fact that you seamlessly used it is amazing, but also irritating," Quincy expressed his fascination with irritation.

"Why is it irritating?"

"It speaks of how much talent you have, and yet you hold back on that potential because you're so damn prideful. It infuriates me to no ends."

"Screw off! You don't know anything about me?"

"Oh, but I do. You fancy yourself as a fighter that doesn't need to try, this stems from your overconfidence. I theorized that you've been fighting your whole life, fighting with people who couldn't truly contest with you but you allowed that to go to your head."

"Who cares, just fight-"

His fist interrupted me when I spoke up.

"You allowed the feeling of strength that you got from crushing opponents to shape your sense of pride; not wanting to use all of your strength because it would feel as if you're admitting that someone is your equal, if not, stronger than you."

That snapped a cord in me. Without any hesitation, I threw a punch, but he redirected it.

"I see that I was on the mark, fighting is more to you than something you like to partake in, it has a much more defined meaning to you."

Doesn't this guy know how to shut up? What does he know anyway?

"...and if that's true, then losing would be quite the blow to you mentally."

His attacks were getting faster, soon he was using the boxing style for all it was worth by shifting behind me and hitting my back.

"Have you ever tasted defeat before," Quincy asked.

I was tired of him trying to analyze me.

"Yeah, I did..."

"How did it make you feel?"

"It made me feel angry and humiliated. I told myself that I wouldn't allow myself to lose again, but I did anyway."

"So, when you fight, do you like to have help?"

"Hell no, I don't need anyone's help to defeat someone, I can do it on my own!"

"I see, I think I get it now. You pride yourself so heavily on your strength that you don't wish to have help because it feels like an insult when someone thinks they need to help you in a fight."

"It does. I have more than enough strength to fight alone."

"Then why don't you prove it? You say that you have the power but you're having a hard time against me. Heads up," Quincy warned me.

His fist flew for my face. I was able to block them but a third hit landed at my stomach. Needing distance, I back up a bit.

"Proxy, if you want to win this fight, then just focus on this fight, nothing else! Leave any other irrelevant thoughts out of this. Put what you really need into this!"

As he continued to make his assault, I thought of what he said: leave any irrelevant thoughts out of this. Now that I think about it, he has a point, I was thinking too much about this morning and how I got my ass kicked, and even then I was thinking about how that fur-wearing weirdo beat me. It was always on my mind, but not only that but how I let Richard get poisoned because I wasn't giving it my best from the start of the fight. I never want anything like that to happen again, I don't want anyone to get hurt to save my dumbass because I wasn't going all out from the beginning. That's why I need to get my ass into gear!

"With this, I shall end the fight."

He's going to use his bat thing to finish me off. It was going to come down upon me any second. But for some reason, it was coming down slowly. Was it just some ability I have? I don't remember this ever happening before, so I can't say for certain. But that doesn't matter right now, I'll just act on it since I can move my body. I kicked at the blunt weapon hard enough to nearly knock it out of my opponent's hand. I then turned my whole body around and towards the enemy to deliver a punch. My fist pressed against his face with no margin for error, it glided as if it was a paper airplane. From the corner of my eye, I saw his weapon being thrust forward to my head. I turned my body to avoid it but he changed its direction without stopping its movement. My hand caught it before it was able to make contact.

"It seems that you're finally getting into shape, congrats," Quincy congratulated me.

"Sorry it took so long, I guess I was just screwing around a bit too much and wasting both our time."

"Took you long enough."

"I'll repay you for opening my eyes to the truth!"

He quickly back away to get into his rapier stance. His sudden thrust in momentum was surprising but that won't catch me off guard. I need to focus on this fight and his movements.

"I see it!"

His weapon, I could see where he was aiming with it. It was going for my shoulder again. I rotated my body around him when he closed in, I ended up behind him. I grabbed the back of his jacket and spun him around until throwing him to the side. He dropped his weapon, I took the time to kick it away from him.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"You have more strength than I thought. But, do you have the speed to back it up?"

He went back to using the boxer style. I knew he aimed to mix me up and there's no way I'll allow him to do that. A punch came towards my gut, to counter it, I hit it with my own. In truth, it was to show off a bit.

"You were able to read my attack?"

To say that his shock from seeing me do so was enjoyable would be an understatement.

"Yeah, now check this out."

I unleashed an array of leg attacks on him. He wasn't able to retaliate in any way. This time, I wasn't using just boxing, I was just going wild with my legs.

"That was new, attacks only using your legs, and with such flexibility,"

Quincy complimented as he examined my new style.

"Impressed?"

"Yeah, you can say I am, but that won't be enough."

In that case, I better keep it fresh so he doesn't begin to copy me. When he went in for a punch I rolled to the ground and kicked him from below. I don't know how he was able to anticipate it but he did. I wasn't going to waste any time thinking about it. I began to spin my body around on the ground, using what skill I had in break dancing.

"What is this!?"

I had to continuously move forward while trying to slip him up. To be honest, it was hard to pull off, even for me, but it was going to pay off since his footing was put off by one of my attacks. Seeing an opportunity, I got into a crouching position on my feet and went in for his solar plexus. Before it could connect, my fist was blocked. A kick was driven to my head. With quick thinking, I was able to retaliate against this attack by going for another punch, this time it landed. We both didn't waste time trying to go for the next move, we used the same style of movement to land a blow. It was weird, it was like my body was on auto-pilot as my fist was going. I was able to see my opponents fist coming at me with absolute clarity. It was like my vision was in HD and my brain was processing stuff like a computer. Going all out without my sense of pride telling me not to, It was extraordinary.

As for the fight, it was more intense as I was matching Quincy's blows without skipping a beat. If we kept going like this, we would probably stay in this stalemate until we destroy each other's fists. So, in a desperate attempt, he did a round-house kick close to my face. Instinctually, I jumped back, however, that's what he wanted; he whiffed the attack on purpose to close in with a punch. It was going to reach me no matter what I do, so I might as well take it, however, you can bet your ass that I won't be taking it without giving something too. I stomped my foot toward his face. His fist caused some blood to come out of my nose and my foot had the same effect. Quincy took his hand away from my face and went out of the ring but not before going over to get his weapon.

"I quit the match," he stated as he holstered his weapon.

The crowd began to boo him for his course of action.

"Come on, you don't want to be here before the crowd gets violent," he said.

"Huh, but what about the match?"

He didn't bother to answer me as he walked up the stairs towards the upper platform. With no ideas in mind, I ended up following him. We regrouped with Crow and Gilhart who were ready to start treating our wounds.

"It seems you boys went at it," Crow remarked.

"We sure did," I responded.

"I'd rather have not, but I guess I had no other choice. But enough of that, can you start treating us," Quincy rudely requested.

"Yes, yes, I treat your wounds as quickly as I can. Gilhart, get me my kit."

"Okay, doc."

Crow made us drink something bitter but it made the pain in my hands and face fade away, so that was a good thing. No bandages were needed since nothing too serious occurred for it to be needed.

"That was an excellent turnabout Proxy," Gil complimented.

"Thanks, almost didn't make it happen for a minute there."

"How are you feeling then?"

"Okay, for now, my wounds aren't hurting so..."

"No, I meant about the fight."

"Well, looking back at how the match began. If I had gone all out from the beginning I know I could've done better. But I know better now… I won’t let my pride get in the way anymore."

There was a lighter expression on Gil's face when I told him that.

"What, did I say something weird?"

"No, not at all. I'm just glad you aren't hurt."

He stuck out his fist. I precipitated by bumping it with mine. My eyes trailed over to Quincy who was sitting by himself. I went over to him while he was reading.

"Hey, what are you reading," I asked him.

"I'm not reading, I'm reviewing what I wrote in my journal for today."

"Go figure, I didn't think you'd write in a journal."

"I like to keep notes of what I experienced in this life, in case anything bad were to happen to me; my experiences would be passed on."

Damn, that's some deep stuff. Maybe I should steer away from that.

"So how are you feeling," I asked him.

"I'm fine, the pain is gone but it somewhat stings. You delivered a nasty blow to my face."

"My bad, I didn't mean to hit you harder than I should've," I apologized.

"It's fine, besides, it was to your benefit that you fought me with all you had. I think if the fight went on it could've gone either way."

"So that's why you ended it because I would win?"

"Maybe," Quincy answered as he shrugged his shoulders.

"You bastard! I wanted to win the fight."

"It's not like it matters much, You'd only win money for the most part, and that had nothing to do with the fight."

"The money sounds like a positive!"

But this fight taught me one thing: I’m not in NewPort fighting punks anymore. This is the real deal. If I give less than my all then I’ll be killed, and I won’t be able to protect Richard.

"Well now, since my business here has been conducted I'll be leaving now," Quincy announced.

"What business," I asked.

"Crow asked me to mentally examine you and help you with whatever was plaguing you."

"Help me mentally? Why didn't Crow do that?"

"I'm better at analyzing people than he is since I’m more of a people person."

I really doubt that!

"Also, didn't you find it odd that you met his semi-disciple at a place like this," he questioned.

"Yeah, I did find it odd, but why did we fight?"

"When I heard you liked fighting from Crow I thought to use it as a sort of interactive therapy session. Plus, I had a feeling your problems stemmed from fighting, so I gave it a whirl."

Eh, I guess I had a bit of fun, but that came when I was winning. Plus, it did hold my attention more so than a conversation would and it probably did stem from fighting. If anything, I'd say this was an awesome therapy session.

"That's enough of that, I should be heading off now."

Crow picked up his bat and was about to head off.

"Where will you go?"

"I don't know? Maybe hang around town until morning, get something to eat, then leave."

"Why don't you just hang with us? You can be with your mentor and the food is free and good. Plus, your skills would be helpful."

"With us? Ah, you mean that anti-bandit army? No offense, but your fight isn't mine to fight in."

"What if we pay you with something," I suggested to him.

"If you wish to pay me, pay me with something interesting."

Something interesting, something interesting. . .? Oh, I got it!

"I come from a different world entirely and it was due to this black Grimoire." Quincy’s eyebrow rose.

"Another...world?"

"Yep, want some proof, check this."

I gave him my school I.D.

"What's NewPort Island and St. Merlin middle school?"

"That's the city I'm from and the school I went to in my world. It's a pretty cool place overall."

"I see. And about that book you mentioned, do you still have it?"

"Of course, and I'll let you look at it if you come back with us to the camp. Also, you have to let me see your bat."

"What's a bat?"

Pointing to his weapon he took it off his back.

"This? It's just something I found off a trader. Said the guy who made this had a dream about being hit with something blunt, so he made this. To be honest, I feel as if the front part of this weapon being a flat end is kind of... Off."

It sounds like the guy who made it had some weird-ass dreams. But hey, if the dream sparks up inspiration then so be it.

"So what do you say, deal?"

I put my hand out. He took a minute to look at it before shaking it.

"...I want to see this book the moment we get back to camp."

"And?"

"And you better not dent my bat."

"Done deal then!"

Kingdom of Humans - Imperial castle - King's throne - morning

The king was alone in his room with a guard. The guard was wary of anyone following him on the way to his king's room. I followed the guard to the king's room since he was acting suspiciously. I know that it might make me come off as nosey, but if anything is going on that'll compromise my mission then I need to know.

"My lord, I have sent them your next set of orders, we should get a response by morning," the guard related to king Relius.

"Good, make sure they keep looking for it. Furthermore, did your men secure the tower?"

"Yes, we set up a post at the entrance of the tower; nobody gets in or out."

The report on the tower being put on lockdown isn't surprising, but who received orders and what are they?

"If that's all for today, you may leave," king Relius instructed.

"Thank you, your majesty, you must get some rest as well, the festival will be coming."

"The festival... I almost forgot. How are the preparations going?"

"They're going well from what I heard. We should be ready for it."

"Excellent. By the way, I have to ask: are you a father, husband, boyfriend perhaps?"

"Um, father of one and husband, why?"

"I only ask to spark up a conversation."

"I see, I'm sorry, I was just surprised that the King would take interest in my life."

"What's the point of being king if you have no interest in the lives of your subjects?"

"A-ah. Well, my wife is a tailor and my son is taking up his mother's skills. Though, he wishes to become a kingdom soldier like me."

"How do you feel about that?"

"Um, I..."

"You don't feel comfortable about him becoming a soldier, is that right?"

"No, I. . .!"

Relius let out a light laugh to calm the Knight's anxiety.

"It's fine, I understand, if I were in your position I would have reservations as well," king Relius assured him.

"Really?"

"Of course, any father, well, any proper father would be, but the desire to be a soldier will probably fade as he gets older. Perhaps tailoring clothes will become something of a like for him."

"You think so?"

"I do. Besides, in the future, we won't be needing knights to protect us..."

Not needing knights to protect the kingdom?

"But away from that, the reason I asked if you had a family is to tell you that you could take a day off during the day of the festival and spend time with them," king Relius told the knight.

"Are you sure, my majesty?"

"Absolutely, a family should spend time on a festive time. Relay this to the other knights that they may spend time with their families on the day of the festival."

"Yes, your majesty! T-thank you, your majesty!"

The guard was walking over to the door. I hid before he came out of the room. The guard walked off happily cheering about his day off. I went back to the King's room to see him looking out a window, he talked quietly to himself but I could hear him say,

"They must find that Grimoire soon."

Grimoire. . .Does he mean the Black Grimoire? It was the same object that I was sent here to find. Why would he need it? Even if I'm wrong, it wouldn't hurt to follow on this lead. That being said, I should follow the guard home and question him when I have time.