Inside the boss room of the 35th floor, Talia's breath comes in ragged gasps as she draws another arrow from her quiver, nocking it with a swift, practiced motion. Every muscle in her body screams with exhaustion, protesting the relentless strain of battle. Before her, the undead dragon looms, its rotting form emanating an aura of death and decay. Its hollow eye sockets burn with an unholy light as it roars, shaking the very foundations of the chamber.

"Hold on, everyone!" Talia yells, her voice cracking with desperation. She pulls back the bowstring and releases an arrow, but it bounces harmlessly off the dragon's decayed hide. "Damn it!"

Borin, the stout dwarf warrior, stands with a stocky build, his thick, braided beard swaying as he swings his mighty axe at the dragon's legs. His muscular arms strain with each powerful strike, but frustration etches across his weathered face. "This hide's tougher than old dwarven steel!" he grunts, the intricate runes on his heavy dwarven armor gleaming faintly in the dim light. His broad shoulders heave with exertion, yet his attacks seem futile against the dragon's decaying yet impenetrable flesh. With a single, sweeping motion, the dragon's tail slams into Borin, sending him flying across the room. His axe clatters from his grip as he crashes into the far wall, his stout frame hitting the stone with a sickening thud.

"Borin!" Talia cries out, her voice breaking with worry as her green eyes widen in panic. The elf warrior's braided platinum blond hair shimmers as she darts across the battlefield, her slender but strong frame covered in light elven archer armor. Her elegant yet practical green tunic and silver accents offer her the mobility she needs, but her gaze is locked onto the dwarf's unmoving form.

The dragon's baleful gaze turns toward Kennan, the rogue. Dressed in dark, practical clothing that clings to his lean, athletic build, Kennan is a shadow on the battlefield. His twin daggers glint in the light, ready for a counterattack, but even his sharp reflexes aren't enough to dodge the dragon's next move. "Kennan, move!" Talia shouts, but it's too late. The dragon spits a torrent of corrosive acid.

Marla, the knight, adorned in polished armor with intricate designs that mark her rank and skill, rushes forward. Her muscular, athletic form strains as she raises her gleaming shield to block the deadly spray. The acid sizzles as it eats away at her shield, burning into her arm with a sickening hiss. Marla screams in agony, collapsing to the ground, her once proud posture reduced to pain.

"Marla! No!" Kennan narrowly avoids the acid, his hooded cloak fluttering as he tries to dodge, but the dragon's tail snaps him across the room, knocking him unconscious. He crumples to the ground, his sharp eyes closed, his stealthy form now still.

Talia's eyes dart toward Lyara, the mage, her long robe flowing as she channels every ounce of her remaining energy. Her loose waves of hair stick to her sweat-drenched face as she summons a fireball, the glowing circle at the tip of her staff pulsing with arcane energy. Her calm yet strained face shows the toll of the battle, and as she launches the projectile, it strikes the dragon's chest—only to be shrugged off as if it were nothing. "We need more firepower!" Talia cries, desperation creeping into her voice.

Lyara barely escapes the dragon's claws, casting magical barriers that flicker and crack under the creature's relentless assault. "I can't hold it much longer!" she gasps, fear threading her voice, her elegant robe still swaying despite her drained energy.

In the midst of the chaos, Jareth, the cleric, stands firm. His ornate robes are flecked with dust, revealing hints of armor beneath. His hands glow with divine energy as he drags the wounded Marla to safety. His neatly trimmed hair glistens with sweat as he works desperately to heal her burns. "Hold on, Marla. I've got you," he whispers, his focus unwavering as he pours all his strength into keeping her alive. His calm, determined expression reflects his devotion as he fights to protect his allies, his holy symbols glowing faintly with divine light.

The dragon's roar echoes through the chamber, and suddenly the ground cracks open. From the fissures, skeletal warriors emerge, their bony hands grasping swords and shields. Talia, already on the brink of exhaustion, feels despair rising. "We can't let them overwhelm us!" she shouts, slashing at the nearest skeletons with her short swords.

Borin, recovering from the impact, charges back into the fight, his axe cleaving through skeletons with brutal efficiency. "Come on, you bony bastards! I'll send you back to the grave!" he bellows.

Lyara, cornered and desperate, unleashes spell after spell, but the dragon's attacks grow fiercer, her strength waning. Talia can see her friend's exhaustion weighing heavy, the end drawing near.

As Talia fights off the skeletons surrounding her, gritting her teeth in defiance, something strange happens. An invisible force sends the skeletons flying, their bones crashing into the walls and shattering.

Talia turns, breathless, toward the entrance of the boss chamber. A hooded figure stands there, flanked by a towering knight clad in heavy plate armor and a small girl with cat ears and a tail. The hooded man's face is hidden in shadow, his presence commanding. He speaks softly to the girl, who scurries behind the armored knight as the hooded figure draws his sword with calm precision.

The skeletons, sensing the threat, abandon Borin and rush toward the newcomers. Even the dragon shifts its attention from Lyara, its hollow eyes fixed on the hooded man. With swift, fluid movements, the man dispatches the skeletons with ease, his sword a blur. The undead crumble to dust as he carves through them, unstoppable.

The dragon lets out an earth-shaking roar and lunges at the hooded figure, swinging its massive talon with deadly force. But the man raises his arm, and the talon stops, mere inches from his face. He clenches his hand into a fist, and with a crack, the dragon's talon shatters. With a single, powerful motion, he flings the dragon across the room, sending it crashing into a cluster of skeletons.

"What... what is he?" Lyara whispers, disbelief etched across her face.

"Did you see that? He lifted the dragon!" Borin shouts, his eyes wide with shock.

Jareth, his hands trembling as he continues healing Marla, mutters, "By the gods, who is this man?"

Talia watches, her heart pounding in her chest as the dragon rises again, its empty eye sockets burning with rage. The beast spits a torrent of acid directly at the hooded man. Talia's breath catches—he seems to be engulfed by the deadly spray. The acid hisses, eating away at the stone floor. But as the mist clears, the man stands completely unharmed, the ground at his feet untouched.

The dragon roars in fury, charging once more. Talia shouts a warning, "Watch out!" But the man doesn't flinch. He slides beneath the dragon's talon, his sword flashing as he attempts to slice through the creature's belly. The blade glances off the dragon's thick hide, but the man remains unfazed, his movements calm and calculated.

Talia, exhausted and overwhelmed, can only watch as the mysterious warrior takes control of the battle, his every action measured and precise. The tide of the fight is shifting, and for the first time, hope flickers in her heart.

The dragon roars, its massive bulk turning with a furious, earth-shaking movement. The hooded figure calmly sheathes his sword and reaches for another hilt at his side. Talia's breath catches in her throat as, with a snap-hiss, a blade of pure light springs to life from the hilt, casting an eerie glow throughout the dim chamber. Her party gasps in unison, the sight of such a weapon both alien and mesmerizing, its light cutting through the gloom.

With fluid grace, the man dodges the dragon's tail as it swings at him. In a single, precise motion, he slices through the appendage, severing it cleanly. The dragon's tail flies across the room, crashing into the wall with a deafening thud. The beast, enraged and thrown off balance, roars and turns to face him again. But before it can react, the man hurls the glowing blade at its legs. The weapon spins through the air like a streak of light, effortlessly cutting through the dragon's rotting limbs.

The beast collapses with a guttural scream of fury and pain, its massive form crashing to the ground. As it struggles to rise, the man leaps into the air, catching the spinning blade with fluid precision. He lands on the dragon's back, his movements swift, calculated, and unwavering. The creature thrashes wildly, trying to shake him off, but he remains firm, poised for the final blow.

With one clean, decisive swing, he severs the dragon's head from its body. The massive form convulses one last time before collapsing with a thunderous crash, the unholy life draining from its undead form.

The room falls into a stunned, heavy silence. Talia and her companions stand frozen, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as they witness the impossible. The hooded figure lands lightly on the ground, his feet making barely a sound. The glowing blade hums softly for a moment before it disappears into the hilt, the quiet echo of the battle's end filling the chamber.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Nikko runs up to me, her eyes wide with amazement. "Papa, that was incredible!" she exclaims, throwing her arms in the air. "You were like whoosh, and then bam! And the dragon went flying!" She makes swooshing sounds with her mouth, imitating the strikes and slashes. "And when you cut off its legs, it was like shing! And the tail went thud!"

I smile, relieved she's unharmed. "I'm just glad you're safe, Nikko."

From the corner of my eye, I see the elf woman approaching. Her beauty is undeniable, with her long platinum hair braided and hanging on each side, a quiver of arrows strapped to her back, and two short swords sheathed behind her. Her cloak is adorned with intricate patterns, and her piercing green eyes reflect a blend of relief and admiration. She moves with a grace and confidence that is captivating.

"Thank you," she says, her voice soft yet strong. "What you did back there was extraordinary. I've never seen anyone fight like you have."

Nikko, noticing my attention on the elf, chimes in, "You're very beautiful!" She then looks up at me and asks, "Don't you think so, Papa?"

I snap out of my trance and look at Nikko. "Nikko, it's rude to be so forward to someone you just met."

The elf blushes slightly and chuckles, a melodious sound. "Thank you, little one. You yourself are very pretty too."

Nikko beams at the compliment. "Thank you!"

The elf turns her attention back to me. "My name is Talia, Talia Sutaraito," she introduces herself, a warm smile on her face.

Before I can respond, the mage, supported by Apollo, approaches. Her arm is severely hurt, and she looks worn but determined with an arm around Apollo for support.

"Lyara," the mage says weakly, managing a smile despite her pain.

The dwarf, sturdy and battle-worn, steps forward next. "Borin," he grunts, his voice gruff but friendly.

"The cleric over there is Jareth," Borin continues, indicating the exhausted healer who is barely keeping himself upright. "And these two," he points to the unconscious members, "are Marla and Kennan. They're healed but out cold."

Talia looks at me, gratitude evident in her eyes. "We owe you our lives. If it weren't for you, we'd be dead."

I shake my head. "There's no need for that. I'm just glad I got here in time."

I introduce myself, "I'm Ryu Chikara, and this is my daughter, Nikko." I gesture to Apollo. "And this is Apollo. Apollo Steelton."

Apollo, ever stoic, simply nods. "It would be best if we set up camp," it says, its voice calm and practical.

Borin agrees, "Aye, we need rest."

The dragon's corpse suddenly begins to dissolve, its stomach acid eating through the ground and consuming the entire body. A nauseating smell wafted through the chamber, causing everyone to recoil and cover their noses.

"We need to move," I say, already leading the way out of the chamber. The others nod and follow, grateful to escape the stench.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We find a large treasure chamber, but the chests are already looted, their contents long gone. Despite the emptiness, the room is spacious enough for us to set up camp. Borin and I start setting up tents with Nikko's eager assistance. Apollo gently places Marla and Kennan on the ground, then helps with the camp setup.

Talia tries to help as well, but her exhaustion is evident. "You should rest," I tell her gently.

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She hesitates but finally agrees, sitting down and closing her eyes for a moment. We finish setting up the tents, a campfire, and arrange ourselves around the fire. Lyara sits by the fire too, while Jareth retreats to his tent, completely drained.

Borin starts cooking, pulling out various ingredients. He uses fresh vegetables with vibrant colors: deep green leaves, bright orange roots, and green stalks. He also has chunks of tender meat and white grains that look like tiny pearls. Nikko watches with awe, her ears twitching and her tail swaying with interest. She points at every ingredient and asks him what they are to which Borin happily answers.

"These are carrots," he says, holding up a bright orange root. "And this is celery," he continues, adding chopped green stalks. He also adds diced onions, minced garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs that smell like thyme and rosemary.

"Can I help?" Nikko asks, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Of course," Borin replies with a smile. "You can put the cut-up ingredients into the stew and give it a good stir."

Nikko eagerly takes the bowl of chopped vegetables and carefully adds them to the pot, then grabs a large wooden spoon and begins to stir. Her ears twitch with concentration, and her tail swishes happily as she helps.

I watch her with a fond smile. Talia sits down next to me, her body relaxing as she settles into the warmth of the fire.

"Thank you again," she says, breaking the silence. "I don't think I've thanked you enough today."

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. "You've thanked me plenty. Really, glad to have helped."

She gives a light laugh, then turns her gaze to Nikko. "She's quite something. So full of life."

"She is," I agree, watching Nikko as she stirs the pot with enthusiasm.

Talia's curiosity is evident as she continues, "I couldn't help but notice your... abilities. They're unlike anything I've ever seen."

I smile slightly, keeping my tone light. "Let's just say I've had a lot of practice."

"Practice, huh?" She raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Not many can lift a dragon with a mere gesture."

I shrug, trying to sound nonchalant. "It's a skill I've honed my entire life. One that I'd rather keep to myself if you don't mind."

Talia nods, though her curiosity is far from sated. "Fair enough. But what about you? Where do you come from?"

"I've traveled far and wide," I say vaguely. "Let's just say my past is... complicated."

She seems to accept my reluctance to divulge more and turns the conversation to herself. "I understand. I come from a small village, not too far from here. I'm not of royalty or anything grand, but I want to make a name for myself. Prove that I can be more than just another face in the crowd."

"Sounds like a noble goal," I reply, genuinely impressed by her determination.

She smiles, looking a bit shy. "Thank you. It's not always easy, but I believe it's worth it."

Talia looks over at Nikko and asks softly, "What about her? What's her story?"

I fall silent for a moment, the memories weighing heavily on my heart. "I rescued her from a group of bandits. They wanted to use her and other beast folk children for their abilities to navigate the dungeon. I managed to save her, but... I couldn't save the others."

Talia's eyes soften with understanding and sorrow. "I'm so sorry."

"I've grown fond of her," I continue, my voice steady. "She reminds me of myself at her age. I too had chains around my neck. I vowed to protect her and give her the life I never had."

"That's... incredibly noble of you," Talia says, her admiration clear.

We sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, watching Nikko as she stirs the stew. Borin announces that the stew is ready, and Nikko eagerly grabs bowls, passing them out to everyone. Borin tries to pour a bowl for Apollo, but it shakes its head.

"I don't need to eat at the moment. I'll keep watch," Apollo says in its usual composed manner.

Borin frowns. "You sure? A good meal could do you some good."

I interject, "Apollo never eats around others. It's just how he is."

Borin finds it strange but prepares a bowl for Apollo anyway and sets it aside. Apollo takes the bowl and asks for a second.

"Why two?" Borin asks.

"They're for the injured," Apollo replies, its tone as steady as always.

Borin nods, preparing another bowl and bringing them to Marla and Kellan. He returns with a few empty bowls and sits down with his own serving of stew. Meanwhile, Apollo returns to its watch, ever vigilant.

Talia watches Apollo with curiosity. "Your companion is quite... unique."

I nod. "Yes, Apollo is. Though his behavior can be sometimes... golem like, he is a good friend and a great companion. It took a while for me but I've gotten used to his behaviors."

"It's still a bit strange," Talia admits with a giggle. "But I suppose we all have our quirks."

Nikko joins us with her own bowl of stew, her ears twitching and tail swishing happily. She sits next to me, digging into her meal with enthusiasm. Borin, now next to Apollo, takes his watch turn. The fire crackles, and the comforting scent of stew fills the air as we settle down.

Talia watches Nikko with a soft smile. "Were you scared being in such a dangerous place?" she asks gently.

Nikko shakes her head, her ears twitching slightly. "No, not with Papa by my side. I have no reason to be scared." She looks up at me with admiration. "Papa is very strong."

Talia nods, her eyes meeting mine. "Yes, he is."

She turns to me, curiosity evident in her expression. "Where did you learn such abilities?"

I take a deep breath, feeling Nikko's eyes on me as well. "I started off in chains just like her but I was freed. The man who saved me took me in, taught me what you saw out there. The path I had to follow was harsh and unforgiving, but from my mentor, I learned how to fight, to survive, how to read people, and much more. It's a life that I accepted because I had to."

Nikko moves closer to me, sensing the pain in my voice. I put a reassuring hand on her head. "I'm alright," I say softly.

Talia listens intently, her expression sympathetic. "It sounds like you've been through a lot. It's amazing how you've turned those experiences into strengths."

I nod, appreciating her understanding. "It's been a long journey."

Nikko looks up at Talia. "What about you, Miss Talia? Have you been on many adventures?"

Talia chuckles, leaning back slightly. "Oh, I've had my fair share. I come from a small village, not too far from here. I'm not of royalty or anything grand, but I want to make a name for myself. Prove that I can be more than just another face in the crowd."

Nikko's eyes widen with interest. "That sounds exciting! Do you have any stories?"

Talia smiles warmly. "Well, there was this one time we were deep in the forest, hunting a basilisk that had been terrorizing a nearby village. It was cunning, always staying one step ahead of us. But with patience and teamwork, we finally managed to corner it."

Nikko listens with rapt attention, her tail swishing with excitement. "What happened then?"

"We fought hard," Talia continues. "But we managed to bring it down. The villagers were so grateful. It felt good to help them and prove our worth."

Nikko beams at her. "You're amazing, Miss Talia!"

Talia laughs softly. "Thank you, Nikko. But your Papa here is the real hero tonight."

As the 'night' goes on, we share more stories, the fire crackling between us. Talia and I chat about various adventures and experiences.

Eventually, Talia stifles a yawn. "I think I'll call it a night. It's been a long day." She gets up, stretching before heading to her tent. "Goodnight, everyone."

"Goodnight," we all respond.

Nikko, leaning heavily against me, has fallen asleep, her small body relaxed after the long day. I carefully pick her up and carry her into our tent, tucking her in gently. She snuggles into the blankets, her soft purring filling the space. As I pull the covers over her, I can't help but notice her ears twitch slightly, as if she can sense me even in her sleep. It's always been like that with her—this strange awareness, this ability to sense things no one else can. For a moment, I just stand there, watching her sleep, before turning and heading back out to the fire.

I return to my seat, lighting my pipe and taking a long draw. The night is calm, the crackling fire providing a comforting warmth against the chill of the dungeon's stone walls. Borin joins me after a few moments, sitting down with a contented sigh.

"Apollo's not much of a conversationist, is he?" Borin says with a chuckle, pointing at Apollo, who remains ever vigilant, his gaze scanning the darkness beyond the firelight.

I smile slightly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Not really. He's more of a doer than a talker."

Borin laughs quietly to himself before his gaze drifts toward the tent where Nikko sleeps. "That little lass of yours... she's somethin' else. I've seen plenty of beast folk in my time—sharp noses, keen ears, good instincts. But sensing danger like she does? That's not something I've ever come across."

I glance toward the tent, my thoughts immediately shifting to Nikko. "What do you mean?"

Borin leans back slightly, stroking his beard. "Beast folk can smell trouble, sure, but they can't sense it the way she does. Sensing monsters, traps—now that's a whole different kind of skill. That's not just instinct. It's... something more, something beyond what most beast folk are capable of."

A flicker of doubt creeps into my mind as I mull over his words. I had noticed it myself—how Nikko seemed to always be a step ahead of danger, her reactions sharper than even my own at times. But I had always assumed it was just part of being a beast folk, that heightened sense of awareness they had. Now, Borin's words cast that assumption into doubt.

I nod slowly, lost in thought as I take another drag from my pipe. Nikko's ears had even twitched when I was looking at her earlier, almost like she could feel my gaze. Could there be something more at play here? Something... else?

Borin stretches, breaking the silence. "Well, it's been an interesting night, but I think I'll call it a night too." He stands, stretching his arms above his head. "Goodnight, Ryu."

"Goodnight," I reply absently, still turning Borin's words over in my mind as he heads toward his tent.

As the fire crackles and Apollo stands watch, I take a long look back at the tent where Nikko sleeps. Her small form is hidden under the blankets, but the thought of her having some kind of ability beyond what even she knows unsettles me. If what Borin says is true, there's more to Nikko than meets the eye—and that's something I'll need to keep in mind moving forward.

For now, though, I exhale a final puff of smoke and close my eyes, letting the calm of the night settle around me. There are many questions left unanswered, but one thing is certain—whatever comes next, I'll protect Nikko with everything I have.

Left alone, I take a deep draw from my pipe, savoring the peace and quiet. The steady crackle of the fire and the soft breaths of my companions create a soothing backdrop. It's a rare moment of tranquility in the chaos of the dungeon, and I embrace it fully, lost in my thoughts as the smoke curls around me.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The dim light of the dungeon glows faintly around me as I sit in a meditative pose, deep in the currents of the Force. The energy of the dungeon flows through me, a web of interconnected life and emotions. I can sense the adventuring parties far above, the skittering of various monsters, and the gentle rise and fall of breath from my sleeping companions. Each sensation, each presence, becomes a part of my awareness. I feel Nikko's calm, Talia's steady presence, Borin's quiet determination, and the lingering pain and confusion of the injured.

A subtle shift in the air signals Talia's approach. Without opening my eyes, I greet her, "Good morning."

"What are you doing?" she asks, her voice a curious whisper.

"I'm meditating," I reply softly. "This helps me connect with my surroundings," I explain. "It clears my mind and sharpens my senses. I can hear, feel, and perceive things more clearly."

As I speak, I sense Nikko's presence approaching, her small form filled with warmth and affection. My eyes open just as she wraps her arms around me, her head resting against my chest. "Good morning, Papa," she says, her voice muffled.

"Good morning, Nikko," I reply, patting her head gently.

Borin emerges from his tent, a gruff "Good morning" escaping his lips as he stretches and makes his way to check on the injured. Jareth is already there, tending to them with practiced efficiency. Kennan stirs first, blinking against the dim light, while Marla groans, still in visible pain.

Talia joins them, relief evident in her expression. "How are you feeling?" she asks, kneeling beside them.

Kennan manages a weak smile. "Better, though a bit groggy."

Marla, wincing, tries to sit up. "Still hurts like hell," she admits, her voice strained.

Apollo stands guard, its presence a silent sentinel. I rise from my meditative stance, feeling the need to stretch my legs. As I do, Marla's eyes widen, and she reaches for her weapon, suspicion flaring in her eyes as she rushes towards me.

"Marla, stop," Talia interjects, placing a calming hand on her arm. "He's the one who saved us. He killed the dragon."

Marla hesitates, looking between Talia, Borin, and then myself. "Him? Really?"

Borin chuckles. "Believe it. You should've seen it. Never seen anything like it in my life."

Reluctantly, Marla lowers her weapon, though her eyes remain wary. "Alright, if you say so."

As the group settles down for breakfast, the scent of grilled vegetables, meats, and scrambled eggs with cheese crumbles fills the air. Nikko eats eagerly, her ears twitching with delight and her tail swishing back and forth. The sight brings a smile to my face.

Borin watches Apollo, who remains standing guard. "Does he ever sleep?" he mutters.

"I don't think so," Lyara replies, shaking her head. Talia nods in agreement, looking puzzled.

"For real?" Kennan asks, incredulous.

Nikko, between bites, chimes in, "Apollo doesn't need much sleep."

Talia turns her attention to me. "So, what's your plan? What will you do next?"

I take a moment to consider. "Not sure. Maybe continue deeper into the dungeon. There's still a lot to uncover."

Talia's expression shifts slightly, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Given Marla's injuries, we might need to turn back."

Marla interjects, her tone firm. "I'm fine. Ready to fight again."

Jareth supports her, though cautiously. "You're fully healed yes, but we should still take things slow."

Talia looks at me. "And what about Nikko? Was it really a good idea to bring a child into the dungeon?"

"No, it's not ideal." I said as I look at Nikko. Nikko's ears droop slightly at my answer, a flash of hurt crossing her face. I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "But her keen sense of smell and detection abilities are invaluable. She's been a tremendous help. Also, Apollo acts as her guardian at all times and she never leaves my sight."

Nikko's ears perk up again, her tail swishing joyfully. Marla gives me a skeptical look from her bowl. "Did you really take down that dragon by yourself?"

Talia and Borin both nod, but Marla keeps her eyes on me. "I want to hear it from him."

I meet her gaze calmly. "Yes, I did."

"By yourself?" she presses.

I nod again. "Yes."

A wicked grin spreads across Marla's face. "Then spar with me."

Jareth intervenes, his voice filled with concern. "Marla, you need to take things slow. You haven't fully recovered."

Talia adds, "Is that really necessary?"

Marla, still smirking, insists, "I just want to see what he's capable of."

I hand my and Nikko's bowls to Borin and stand up. "You're eager. I was too when I took my first lesson's," I say, taking a deep breath. "But this isn't just about my capabilities. You want to prove yourself. You fear that your allies don't believe in you anymore. Sparring with me won't satisfy your needs though. You know that right?"

Marla's face hardens, and the rest of the group looks surprised. Nikko's eyes widen with worry, and Apollo shifts slightly, watching intently. "Just shut up and draw your sword already," she hisses.

I continue, "Very well. I'll humor you." Turning to Nikko, I tell her, "I want you to pay close attention Nikko. Consider this one of your lessons."

She nods but still has a worried look on her face. Marla, standing opposite me, glares defiantly. "You shouldn't act so smug," she snaps. "The only reason you were able to defeat the dragon was because of that fancy weapon of yours. I could have killed that dragon just the same if I wielded such a weapon."

I nod, acknowledging her point. "Perhaps. But you mustn't view a weapon as just a tool. A sword is an extension of yourself, a part of your being. It's not just about wielding it; it's about becoming one with it."

Marla's eyes narrow, her frustration evident. "Enough with the lectures. Be ready."

The group steps back, making room for the sparring match. Talia stands next to Nikko, uncertainty in her eyes. Apollo, ever vigilant, decides to stand silently by Nikko's side. Nikko cheers me on, her enthusiasm infectious. The others watch with mixed emotions, except for Kennan, who openly roots for Marla.

"All right, let's get this started," Marla instructs Talia. "Talia, you'll be the referee."

Talia sighs. "Very well. Take your positions."