Nocturnio (27.01.9982 AS)

“Oh boy, you look like you just got run over by a Frost Beast.” Abigail said as she walked into Tristan’s Lab.

Tristan sent her a glare before continuing to work on the gauntlet in front of him.

“So you don’t want to talk about it?” Abigail said with a playful voice. “Didn’t we recently go over something like this? Talking openly about your problems with someone you trust might make you feel better. And you know, you can always count on me.”

Tristan stopped what he was doing and put the gauntlet by side. He looked annoyed towards Abigail. “I just come from talking with Bella and Aetas.” He finally decided to answer Abigail’s question.

“You mean the gods that sent that woman who healed you back then?” Abigail asked as she took a sit in her usual spot and sent Tristan an expectant gaze.

“Yes, they wanted to talk to me about me leaving their plan.” Tristan answered nonchalantly.

“So you really are going through with that? I thought, you would continue trying to do your best to defeat Fors. I mean ever since one of his Reiter killed…” Abigail realized she was moving towards a very sensitive topic, so she stopped, before hitting a nerve.

“Yeah, I will go with it. I won’t be part of their plan anymore. If I fight I want it to be for me and not because some crazy woman decided for me. That’s why I’m so salty right now.”

“So, you told them you don’t want to fight for them anymore, and how did they react? Did they find a way to force you to fight for them?”

“Kinda, They told me it’s fine if I don’t want to fight for them anymore, but that means that I will lose all the support they can give me.” Tristan bit his lips anxiously.

“Wait, isn’t that great news? I mean you get to leave their stupid plan and all you lose is their nonexistent help!” Abigail answered exited.

“Nonexistent?” Tristan couldn’t help but smile at Abigail’s words. “You know that I’m only this strong now because I have often relied on them. I mean they sent Dunkler to meet me and he was the one that lead me to Schattenklinge. The person, monster, thing or whatever, that has helped me the most training my martial arts and also other types of magic. Without him I wouldn’t also have access to so many high level spells.”

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“So, you think they’ll take him away from you?”

“No.” Schattenklinge morphed out of Tristan’s shadow. “I’ve taken a liking onto this boy even if he sometimes goes full retard, I will stay with him, but that doesn’t mean that everything is going to be fine and dandy.”

Tristan nodded to Schattenklinge’s words.

“As I already explained to the boy, there will come a time, where my only use will be as his blade and not as a master anymore. And we are closing in to said time in gigantic steps. You see he already knows everything I know, he only needs to master it.” Schattenklinge said with a worried expression on his face.

“And without a suited teacher to follow up Schattenklinge’s training I will reach a false peak of power and I will be forced to fight in their war without reaching my true limits which will diminish my chances of survival.” Tristan continued.

“Wait, you will still have to fight.” Abigail asked in disbelieve.

“That’s what they said. They told me that I wouldn’t be able to avoid fighting in their war.” Tristan said with a sad voice.

“So basically, they told him to go and die.” Schattenklinge said.

Abigail looked like ice cold water had just been poured on her.

“Yes, even I they spared my life for the time being, but with them denying me they sentenced me to death. No matter what I do even if I master everything Schattenklinge has taught me, I won’t be able to fight on par with someone like Yaru.” Tristan said forming his hand to a fist.

“What can we do? Can’t you go back and beg them to change their minds?” Abigail asked in a small trembling voice.

“Not happening.” Tristan said with conviction and looked at the armband Aetas had given him. “I will just have to show them, that I don’t need their help to survive their stupid war and protect everyone I care about.”

“That’s what I want to hear.” Schattenklinge showed Tristan a thumb up.

“But… Am I the only one that… Like how will you get stronger?...” Abigail looked confused at Schattenklinge and Tristan.

“Dunno, I will find a way somehow. The first step thought, is something I know. I will be training with Sabrina. I need her to teach me that skill that she showed me as she caught me back then.” Tristan looked as if he was lost in thoughts.

“You know you have to convince her to help you out.”

“No need to convince her, I already called her and she agreed to teach me to defend against someone that is faster than me.” Tristan said with a smile. “The training starts tomorrow at her place after school.”

“So, you won’t be hanging out with Ai anymore!” Abigail answered excited.

“Nope, I will go see her after the training ends.”

“So you will spend less time here?” Abigail looked disappointed at Tristan.

“That’s something that can’t be helped.” Tristan said and took a chewing gum from his drawer. “Want one, this will be a long night.”

“No need. I have my lollipops.” Abigail answered, turning around activating her active ability, creating a computer out of thin air.

‘I guess I won’t be getting much sleep from now on…’ Tristan thought as he put on the armband Aetas had given him and smiled bitterly.