Two days have passed since we left Arroyo. The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape. Aldric and Apollo are setting up camp, their movements efficient and practiced. Eldrin is by the fire, preparing dinner, while Talin and I are engaged in a sparring match.

It's been a pleasant journey so far, traveling with Eldrin, Talin, and Aldric. On the first night, Aldric challenged Apollo to a friendly duel. Despite his bravado, he lost miserably, drawing laughter and snickers from Talin. That night, Aldric swore he would defeat Apollo before we reached the dungeon. His attempts have been laughable at best.

Following the duel, Aldric tried ambushing Apollo while he was gathering water from a nearby stream. Apollo effortlessly dodged Aldric's wild swings and knocked him down with a single, well-placed hit. The second attempt happened when Apollo was helping Eldrin and me set up the tents. Aldric thought he could catch Apollo off guard, but Apollo spun around and easily knocked Aldric off his feet.

This morning, Aldric sneaked out of his tent, thinking Apollo was asleep. He was about to launch his surprise attack, but Apollo was already standing by the fire with me. Aldric mumbled a lame excuse about needing to stretch his legs and retreated back to his tent. I couldn't help but laugh, and Apollo admitted he found Aldric's attempts amusing.

Now, in the present, Talin stands ready before me, wielding two daggers. I raise my fists, and Talin arches an eyebrow.

"Why don't you draw your sword?" he asks, suspicion and curiosity in his voice.

"I don't need it," I reply calmly.

Talin smirks, clearly thinking I'm overconfident. "You'll regret underestimating me."

We begin. Talin lunges forward, his daggers flashing in the fading sunlight. I sidestep his attack easily, my movements calm and measured. Talin's frustration grows with each missed strike. He increases his speed, but I match him effortlessly, blocking and dodging his every move. His face twists in anger as he realizes he's being toyed with.

Eldrin, Aldric, and Apollo watch with keen interest, their expressions ranging from amusement to admiration. Talin's attacks become more erratic as his temper flares, but I remain composed. With a swift motion, knock the daggers off his hands one by one, catching one, sweep him off his feet, and pin him to the ground holding his own dagger against the flesh of his neck. He struggles briefly before admitting defeat.

"I surrender," he grumbles.

I help him up and hand back his daggers. He takes them begrudgingly and slinks over to the fire, where Eldrin offers him a few comforting words.

Aldric then steps up, a determined look on his face. "Alright, it's my turn," he declares, his voice full of resolve.

Aldric stands before me, a determined gleam in his eye. He draws his sword and readies his shield, taking a sturdy stance. I prepare myself, still unarmed.

"Ready?" I ask, receiving a resolute nod in response.

Aldric charges at me with impressive speed, his sword swinging in a powerful arc. I evade his initial strikes with ease, but I can see he's more skilled than Talin. His movements are precise, his strikes forceful. I decide to draw my sword to match his intensity.

A smirk spreads across Aldric's face as he sees me unsheathe my blade. He presses the attack, swinging his sword with all his might while using his shield to block my counters. His strikes are relentless, but it's clear he's overly reliant on his sword, leaving his defense lacking.

I parry his blows and deliver a few calculated strikes of my own. Aldric struggles to keep up, his frustration mounting. Talin watches from the sidelines, enjoying the sight of his companion struggling. With a swift maneuver, I disarm Aldric, sending his sword flying from his grasp. I press my blade to his throat, forcing him to admit defeat.

"I yield," Aldric says, his voice tinged with both frustration and admiration.

Talin chuckles softly, but Aldric remains unfazed. He drops to his knees in a bowing manner, surprising everyone. "Please, teach me," he implores.

"I'm sorry?" I respond, caught off guard by his sudden request.

"Teach me," Aldric repeats, his tone earnest. "I need to get stronger. I need to beat Apollo."

I lower my sword, considering his plea. "That shouldn't be your only reason," I point out.

Aldric looks down, admitting, "You're right. It's not. I want to improve, to be a better warrior."

I nod, understanding his determination. "Why don't you ask Apollo for training?" I suggest.

Aldric shakes his head. "I can't. Apollo is my rival. It would be too embarrassing."

I ponder his words, recognizing the pride and humility intertwined in his request. Just as I'm about to respond, Eldrin calls out, "Dinner is ready!"

We gather around the fire, the smell of cooked meat and herbs filling the air. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the intensity of our sparring moments ago. As we settle in for our meal, I can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie growing among us.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

All of us settle around the crackling fire, savoring the warmth and the comforting aroma of Eldrin's stew. Each of us holds a bowl, the hearty mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices a welcome meal after the day's journey. Eldrin ladles out a portion for everyone, but when he offers some to Apollo, the droid declines and rises from his spot.

"I'll take first watch," Apollo says, its voice calm and steady, then disappears into the tree line, the shadows swallowing its form.

Talin watches Apollo go, a puzzled look on his face. "You know," he begins, glancing at me, "I've never seen Apollo eat or drink anything. Or even sleep, for that matter."

I finish my bowl of stew and set it down, retrieving my wooden pipe and the bag of smoking herbs from my bag of holding. I fill the pipe's bowl with herbs, using a stick from the fire to light it. A plume of smoke rises as I take my first puff, feeling the calming effects of the herbs as they start to work their magic.

Talin continues, "And I've never seen him take off his armor. Does he ever?"

I blow out another puff of smoke, savoring the relaxing sensation. "He does, but only in private," I reply. "It's against his beliefs to reveal his face to another living being. That's why he never eats or drinks in front of others."

Talin looks skeptically in the direction Apollo went, his disbelief evident despite my explanation. He then turns his attention to me, pointing with his spoon. "You're a strange one too, Ryu. You always keep your face hidden in shadow."

I take another draw from my pipe, the herbs settling my nerves just as the female mage had promised. "I'm also forbidden from showing my face," I say, exhaling the smoke slowly.

Talin's curiosity gets the better of him. "Why?"

I look at him, my expression hidden by the shadows of my hood. "That's getting awfully personal. I'd rather not say."

Talin seems ready to press further, but Eldrin interjects, his voice firm but kind. "Talin, if Ryu doesn't wish to share, that's his business and his business alone."

Talin scoffs and waves his hand dismissively. "Whatever. I'm going to bed." He retreats to his tent, leaving the rest of us by the fire.

I noticed that night has fallen, the sky a canopy of stars. The sounds of the forest surround us – the rustle of leaves, distant hoots, the gentle hum of insects. The fire casts flickering shadows on our faces, adding to the night's tranquility.

Eldrin looks at me apologetically. "I apologize for Talin. He might act all rough, but you'll notice he has a good side if you get used to him."

I smile beneath my hood, taking another puff from my pipe. "It's okay. His behavior doesn't bother me."

I turn then to Aldric. "Hey Aldric. You and Eldrin, are you two related by chance? I notice a similarity in your appearance.

Aldric, who has been quietly eating, looks up from his meal. "Kind of. We grew up in the same orphanage together. Despite me being slightly older though, Eldrin has always been more of a big brother to me and Talin so it he took the leadership role naturally."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "How did you and Talin meet?"

Eldrin and Aldric share a glance before Eldrin starts, "That's a funny story. So we were fifteen when this happened and were with this work guild in Meresity to make some quick cash when a loud rumbling awoke us late at night. We step out and spot the guild master's office door open. We peak in and we see 12 year old Talin trying and failing to open this safe the guild master has. He knocked down a lot of things and was trying to pull the safe out of the wall.

Aldric cuts in, laughing. "Yeah, he thought he could just yank the safe out. He had ambition, I'll give him that."

Eldrin continues, "We felt bad for him so, instead of turning him in we let him stay with us. We've been friends ever since."

Aldric adds, "He's got a knack for getting into places he shouldn't. It's been useful more times than we can count."

I chuckle at the story, imagining a young Talin trying to pull a safe out of a wall. "Sounds like you've been through a lot together."

Eldrin nods, smiling. "We have. And we'll face whatever comes next together too."

The fire crackles, and for a moment, we sit in comfortable silence, each of us lost in our thoughts. As the night deepens, I turn to Eldrin, curious about his abilities. "What kind of magic do you use, Eldrin?"

Eldrin looks thoughtful for a moment before responding. "I mainly use elemental magic – fire and lightning, to be precise. But I also know a bit of defensive magic. I can create barriers and shields to protect us during battles. I can also use buffing magic. I can either increase your strength or your defenses for combat."

I nod, impressed. "That's amazing."

Eldrin shakes his head modestly. "It's not that great. My magic is pretty basic and I still have a lot to learn."

He then looks at me curiously. "What kind of magic do you wield? I saw how that magicka orb reacted to your touch. It was strange."

I shrug, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I don't really know. I'd love to learn, though."

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Eldrin's eyes light up with an idea. "I could teach you if you'd like. I mean, I only know the basics, but there's a lot I can offer."

"Really?" I ask, surprised by his offer.

He nods. "Of course. It's the least I can do for everything you've done."

I smile, genuinely grateful. "Thank you, Eldrin. I'd appreciate that."

Eldrin nods in appreciation before getting up and stretching. "Well, I think I'll turn in for the night."

Aldric looks at me expectantly. "Are you still considering teaching me some swordsmanship skills?"

I chuckle. "Yes, Aldric. I'll teach you."

Aldric's face lights up with a grin. "Great! I can take the first watch if you want."

I shake my head. "No, I'll take the watch." It's not like I'll be getting a good night's sleep anyway.

Aldric shrugs, accepting my decision. "Alright then. Good night, Ryu."

"Good night," I reply as he heads to his tent.

Once I'm sure I'm alone, I reach into my bag and retrieve the hologram display chip. I activate it, and the image of Lyra and me appears, glowing softly in the dark. I stare at it for a moment, a mix of emotions welling up inside me.

Looking up at the night sky, I whisper, "I wonder if you are up there Lyra, watching over me."

The stars twinkle above, silent and distant, as I sit by the fire, lost in my thoughts and memories.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The following morning I sit with my legs crossed, eyes closed, and focus inward by the now dead fire. The sounds of the early morning envelop me. I can hear the soft rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds greeting the dawn, and the gentle hum of a nearby stream. I sense the faint movements within one of the tents, the subtle shifting of weight and fabric occurring behind me.

"Good morning, Talin," I say softly, without opening my eyes and my back turned to him.

"Morning," Talin responds, a bit surprised. "What are you doing?"

"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."

Talin is silent for a moment, then asks, "Who is Lyra?"

I open my eyes slowly, taking in the scene before me. The morning light casts a soft glow over our camp. The fire has died down to smoldering embers, and Apollo sits nearby, watching over us. The sounds of the forest are more distinct now—the rustling leaves, the birds, the distant stream.

Talin now stands before me, his expression curious yet respectful. "Lyra is someone very close to me," I say after a pause, my voice carrying a hint of sorrow. "Someone who is no longer with me."

Talin's brow furrows slightly. "What do you mean by no longer with you?"

I look at him, my eyes reflecting a deep sense of loss. "She... passed away," I say quietly, the weight of those words heavy on my heart.

Talin opens his mouth as if to say something but then closes it, thinking better of it. He nods slowly, understanding and walks away, leaving me to my thoughts.

Eldrin and Aldric emerge from their tents, dressed in simple clothing suitable for sleeping. The morning air is cool, and the light dapples through the trees, casting intricate patterns on the ground.

"Good morning," Eldrin says cheerfully, stretching his arms and taking in the fresh air.

Aldric, still looking groggy but in good spirits, joins in. "Morning, everyone," he says, his voice carrying a hint of the night's rest.

Apollo nods in acknowledgment, and I return their greetings with a nod and a faint smile.

Eldrin stretches and surveys the camp. "We still have a long way to go, so we should get moving soon," he suggests, but Aldric interrupts, his face lighting up with excitement.

"Can we start the training now, Ryu?" Aldric asks eagerly, almost bouncing on his feet.

Eldrin shakes his head, a bit exasperated. "We need to clear the camp and get moving, Aldric. We can't afford to waste any time."

Apollo stands up, its voice calm and steady. "I can handle clearing the camp. You two have your training session."

Aldric grins widely and nods gratefully at Apollo. "Thanks, Apollo!" He turns back to me, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "So, can we start now?"

I nod, seeing his excitement almost childlike in its intensity. "Alright, let's do it."

Aldric's face breaks into a broad smile, and he rushes back to his tent, fumbling as he hurriedly puts on his armor. I glance over at the camp, where Apollo has already started packing up the gear with efficient precision.

Eldrin decides to join us, watching with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Not far from us, Talin lies under a tree, his hood pulled down over his eyes, appearing to be asleep, but I suspect he's listening to every word.

Once Aldric is fully armored, we move to a nearby clearing. The morning sun filters through the trees, casting long shadows on the ground. Birds chirp in the distance, and the air is fresh and cool.

"Alright, Aldric," I say, watching as he fidgets with his armor. "Take a fighting stance."

Aldric spreads his feet apart, his hands gripping his sword and shield, his eyes locked onto mine. I can see his determination, and it reminds me of the countless times I've trained with others. His enthusiasm is infectious, and despite the journey ahead, I'm eager to see what he can do.

I pick up a broken branch, stripping off the twigs and leaves until I have a smooth, straight stick. I swing it experimentally, the branch whistling through the air. Satisfied, I turn to Aldric, who is watching with keen anticipation.

"Alright, Aldric," I say, stepping closer. "First things first, your stance."

He spreads his feet and holds his sword and shield, but his stance is awkward, unbalanced. I shake my head.

"No, this won't do," I explain. "Your stance is the foundation of everything. Without a strong, balanced stance, you're vulnerable."

I demonstrate by giving him a light shove. He stumbles, struggling to maintain his footing. "See what I mean? You need to be solid, like a rock."

I move him into the correct stance, adjusting his feet and positioning his shield. "Here, feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly. Keep your weight balanced. Feel the ground beneath you, rooted like a tree."

Aldric follows my instructions, but I can see the impatience in his eyes. "When can we start with some real sword techniques?" he asks, a bit frustrated.

I sigh and gently tap him on the head with the branch. He responds with an "Ouch," touching his forehead with his sword hand.

"Focus, Aldric. Patience is crucial in battle. A solid stance is your starting point. Without it, even the best techniques are useless."

He nods, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, I'll try."

"Good. Now, hold that stance," I instruct. He does, but I can see he's itching to move on. "Stability and readiness are key. In a fight, you can't afford to be knocked off balance."

I demonstrate a few movements, showing how to pivot and shift weight without losing balance. "Watch your footing. Always be ready to move, but never lose your center."

Next, I tell him to swing his sword. He does, but his swings are wild and uncontrolled. I stop him with a raised hand. "No, like this."

I guide his arm, showing him the proper way to swing. "Smooth, controlled motions. Your power comes from your whole body, not just your arm. Swing through, not at your target."

He tries again, his movements still rough but improving. I correct him, adjusting his grip and the angle of his strikes. "Don't force it. Let the sword do the work. A good swing is about precision and efficiency, not brute strength."

We continue like this for the next hour, with me correcting his stance and swings, repeating the basics until he starts to get the hang of it. His impatience gradually gives way to concentration, and I can see him improving bit by bit.

Finally, I call it. "That's enough for now."

Aldric, drenched in sweat and clearly tired, straightens up. "I didn't realize sword fighting was this exhausting," he says, breathing heavily.

I nod. "It's not just about swinging a blade. It's about control, balance, and patience. Remember these basics, and you'll be much more effective in a real fight."

Aldric nods, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Thanks, Ryu. I appreciate it."

I give him a small smile. "We'll continue this later. For now, let's get ready to move out."

As we head back to the camp, I feel a sense of satisfaction. Aldric has a long way to go, but he's shown a willingness to learn, and that's the first step to becoming a skilled swordsman.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We continue on our journey, Aldric practicing diligently along the way. His enthusiasm is infectious, and though Talin tries to appear disinterested, I catch him glancing over during Aldric's training sessions. Eldrin seizes the opportunity to explain the fundamentals of magic to me again, though he had shared this information when we first met. This time, I listen more intently, given the circumstances. Apollo remains attentive as always, while Talin stays silent, walking along the path with a thoughtful expression.

The serenity of this world captivates me. The rolling hills, the dense forests, and the clear rivers are unlike anything I've ever seen. It's during one of these moments, as I appreciate the landscape's beauty, that we're ambushed by a pack of wolves. Twelve of them, sleek and feral, emerge from the underbrush, their eyes glowing with hunger.

Aldric's training is about to be put to the test. His grip on his sword is uncertain, hesitation clear in his stance. Apollo, ever the motivator, nudges him forward. I offer my reassurance, telling Aldric this is the moment to prove his capabilities and reminding him we'll be there to help.

Apollo moves first, dispatching the wolves with precision and strength, cutting through them effortlessly. Inspired by Apollo's prowess, Aldric finds his courage. He engages the wolves with renewed confidence, his sword swings becoming more controlled, more effective. By the end of the skirmish, Aldric is gloating, proud that he has taken out more wolves than Apollo.

I can't help but chuckle. Aldric reminds me of my younger self, eager to prove his worth, full of boundless energy. As we continue our journey, my thoughts drift to Lyra. Every breathtaking view—a serene valley, a majestic mountain range, a tranquil forest glade—makes me wonder what she would have thought of this world. Her reaction to its beauty. Would she have loved it as much as I do? Her smile and laughter haunt my memories.

The nightmares haven't stopped. Every night they return, relentless and draining. To cope, I volunteer to take the first watch with Apollo. The fatigue is catching up to me, but it's a price I'm willing to pay for a semblance of peace.

After traveling a good distance, we set up camp near a tranquil creek. The sound of the flowing water is soothing, and the air is fresh with the scent of pine and damp earth. As I sit by the fire, I find a rare moment of quiet reflection. This world is beautiful, and despite the challenges, I feel a sense of purpose here.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows over our camp, Apollo and Aldric start setting up the tents. I approach Eldrin, eager to begin learning more about magic. Watching Apollo and Aldric's progress, Eldrin agrees with a nod, and we move to the edge of the creek. The soft sound of the flowing water adds a serene backdrop to our lesson.

"The first step is to channel the mana around you," Eldrin begins, his tone instructive. "You must focus on it, feel it flow through you."

It sounds eerily similar to the Force, but I follow his instructions, closing my eyes and concentrating.

"Every spell requires an incantation," Eldrin continues, "a spoken line in ancient Elvish to summon the spell. Focus, imagine the spell in your mind."

Eldrin raises his staff and chants, "Flamma orbis." A ball of fire forms at the tip of his staff and shoots across the creek, striking the ground with a burst of flames. "It's vital to visualize the spell before speaking the incantation."

I nod and close my eyes again, holding out my arm. I picture the fireball in my mind. There's a strange sensation—familiar, yet foreign—washing over me. Suddenly, I hear Eldrin gasp. I open my eyes to see a fireball hovering in the palm of my hand. Startled, I lose focus, and the fireball vanishes.

Eldrin rushes over, his eyes wide in astonishment. "How did you do that?"

Confused, I explain, "I just did as you instructed. I visualized the fireball."

"You did that without an incantation or summoning circle," he says, shaking his head in disbelief. "That's... uncommon."

"Is that bad?" I ask, unsure if I've done something wrong.

Eldrin collects himself. "Normally, one needs to speak an incantation or create a summoning circle to use magic. I'm not strong enough to use summoning circles yet, but you... you managed without either."

He asks me to try again, and this time, I keep my eyes open as I concentrate. The strange sensation returns, and once again, a fireball appears in my hand. Eldrin is amazed, his outcry drawing the attention of Aldric, Talin, and Apollo.

"Release it," Eldrin instructs.

I aim across the creek and let the fireball go, watching it shoot out and explode against the ground. Excited, I summon another, then another, reveling in the newfound power. Eldrin eventually stops me, reminding me we don't want to set the forest ablaze.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop," I say, chuckling. "This is incredible. Magic is truly amazing."

"You're a natural, Ryu," Eldrin says with a smile.

Curious, I ask, "What other kinds of magic exist?"

"There are many," Eldrin responds. "Fire, lightning, water, earth... and more complex forms like defensive spells and summoning. I have a book of magic I'd be happy to share with you."

As we return to camp, Aldric is ecstatic about my success, showering me with praise. "That was incredible, Ryu! I knew you were something special."

Apollo nods approvingly. "Your abilities are indeed impressive."

Talin, who had been observing from a distance, approaches the fire and murmurs, "Not bad, Ryu."

We settle around the fire, the air filled with warmth and camaraderie, the stars twinkling overhead. For the first time in a long while, I feel a true sense of belonging and purpose in this world.

Later, deep into the night, I sit by the fire, Eldrin's magic book open on my lap. The worn pages are filled with intricate illustrations and elegant script, a comprehensive guide to the various forms of magic. I'm currently reading about mana manipulation—a powerful technique capable of canceling other spells. The book warns that mistakes can backfire disastrously on the caster.

Just as I finish the passage, I hear rustling from the edge of the camp. I turn towards the noise to see Apollo approaching, its photoreceptors glowing softly through its helmet.

"What are you doing, Ryu?" Apollo asks, its voice filled with concern.

"Just reading," I reply, glancing back at the book.

Apollo shakes its head. "No, I mean what are you really doing? I've noticed you getting less and less sleep these past few days."

I sigh, closing the book and placing it back into my bag of holding. "Yeah... I've been having nightmares. They're getting worse. I take the first watch as an excuse to sleep less, but it's catching up to me."

"Nightmares about Lyra?" Apollo asks gently.

I nod, my voice barely above a whisper. "I see her die over and over again. Every time I close my eyes, it's the same scene, replaying endlessly. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."

Apollo places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You're not alone, Ryu. We're all here for you."

I offer a weak smile. "Thanks, Apollo. That means a lot."

As we sit in silence, the fire crackles softly, the stars twinkling above, and for a moment, I feel a flicker of peace amidst the chaos of my mind.