It was bugging me how quickly Ikol recovered as he gave me a smug grin while we were walking to Hoggdin’s cave. I summoned a needle which made him immediately turn to face me. Hoggdin let out a single, low growl which made us both jump; his gaze made it apparent he did not want us to rematch again. Ikol sheepishly lowered his head as I dissolved my needles. My was still healing me while Ikol appeared to be fine. Stupid brute. Ikol slowed his pace, walking next to me. He is fairly muscular. Standing next to him, his body was definitely broader with quite a bit more muscle and a little taller. I unfortunately could see Hoggdin’s point that I needed more muscle when looking at Ikol. Orga, Ipnerslei, and Hoggdin began talking amongst themselves.

“I’m Ikol.” Ikol introduced himself.

“I heard your name from Hoggdin.” I pointed out, wondering why he was reintroducing himself.

“But now you’ve heard it from me.” Ikol stated while nodding his head.

“So?” I checked still not grasping his point.

“I won. You should hear the victor’s name from them.” Ikol explained, looking pleased with himself.

“Only reason we rematched was those two pulled the needles out for you.” I snapped back.

“Warm up.” Ikol deflected, looking annoyed that I pointed it out.

“Warm up? You lost miserably. My margin was more.” I taunted him. Ikol’s eyes narrowed.

“What does margin mean?” Ikol asked. How did he not know that word?

“How much I won by.” I clarified for him.

“Fancy word coward.” Ikol spat back. Did… did Nil rub off on me? No, I am not like the nerd.

“Coward? I just used my head. Then again, it did ring when I hit yours.” I snarled at Ikol. Ikol looked pleased despite the fact I was insulting him.

“I know; my body is like metal.” Ikol replied with a massive smile.

“It was not a compliment.” I informed him.

“Ring, like metal. Is a compliment.” Ikol insisted, nodding his head with a self-satisfied smile.

“Ring, like it’s hollow. It’s an insult.” I corrected Ikol. Ikol looked confused.

“Why is my head hollow an insult?” Ikol probed, looking baffled by the concept.

“I’m saying there’s nothing inside.” I explained. Is Ikol pretending to not understand?

“But my eyes are in my head, therefore, you are wrong.” Ikol stated. By Ikol’s tone and demeanor, I knew for a fact he was serious. Dilwaul.

“I am saying you are stupid.” I told Ikol. Ikol looked at me with mild concern.

“But you didn’t know my eyes are in my head.” Ikol pointed out.

“I am saying you do not have a brain!” I snarled at him.

“I would be dead if I didn’t have a brain. That’s basic. How am I the stupid one?” Ikol challenged while looking absolutely confident in what he was saying.

“You are missing my point you moron. I am saying you are an idiot without a brain; I do not mean you literally do not have a brain.” I explained to Ikol.

“I will learn to block your points. They hurt, but I do not see why you are bringing that up when you are being dumb.” Ikol retorted. This complete and utter dilwaul.

“Those were needles. My point is you are not grasping the dumb one is you.” I spat. It’s a wonder the attacks on his skull worked at all.

“If I am so dumb, how did I win?” Ikol asked, looking smugly at me.

“You only won the rematch; I won round one. You being stupid and you winning are not connected.” I snarled. Ikol clearly thought about it for a moment.

“You are making no sense.” Ikol confessed, shrugging his shoulders a bit. I am going to pummel this moron in our next fight.

“I am making perfect sense. How are you so stupid?” I growled. My eyes were not twitching. My eyes were not twitching.

“Then why don’t I understand?” Ikol challenged. I checked my body, seeing I was fully healed. I manifested needles as Ikol went to charge me, but Hoggdin stared at us. I didn’t have to turn to feel his glare as we both froze.

“We are walking now.” Hoggdin interjected, his tone making it clear we were not to disobey.

“Sorry sir.” Ikol replied immediately, bowing his head.

“Sorry Hoggdin.” I apologized. Ikol looked at me flabbergasted.

“How can you say his name so casually?” Ikol checked with a look of wonder and horror.

“By saying it.” I informed Ikol.

“But he rules Phestia.” Ikol pointed out. I wanted to bury my head in the snow. I lost the rematch to this idiot.

“What do you address him as then?” I probed, contemplating how to stomach this loss.

“What’s address mean?” Ikol asked, cocking his head to the side.

“What do you call him? If you do not use his name, what do you refer to him as?” I clarified. Ikol had an ah face.

“Address means what do I call him.” Ikol stated, shaking his head like he was proud of himself.

“What is the answer to the question?” I pressed. Ikol looked at me a bit confused.

“That address means what do I call him.” Ikol answered. I wanted to scream.

“What do you call Hoggdin?” I asked again. At this point, I could hear Orga and Ipnerslei chuckling.

“Sir, or the hard to say word.” Ikol informed me. I was not about to cry from talking to him.

“What word?” I pressed. How was it possible to be this brainless?

“I got this. Saw, ver. What was next? It went, saw ver. In? An? Rain?” Ikol rambled, looking like he was thinking hard.

“Sovereign?” I tried. Ikol lit up when I said that.

“That’s the word!” Ikol exclaimed with a small jump up. Sweet, sweet progress. Let’s change topics; something to preserve my sanity. This idiot had to have some use; he healed fast. Maybe that would be better than the current topic.

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“How do you heal so fast?” I tried. Please be useful.

“By using .” Ikol answered with a smile. He’s so stupid. I wanted to slam my head against a wall.

“What do you do with your that makes you heal so well?” I attempted. I knew before I even finished asking the question his answer was likely to be useless.

“Oh, I understand. I make my go wakka wakka instead of woosha woosha like you are.” Ikol explained. I heard both Orga and Ipnerslei snort and cough. Why are you letting me suffer with this conversation?

Having fun? Hoggdin asked mentally. His tone barely hid his amusement.

IKOL IS A FORLING DILWAUL! HOW DOES HE EVEN BREATHE?! I roared back. Hoggdin didn’t let his joy show, but I could feel it.

He does have a use, believe it or not. Hoggdin retorted as I could hear him chuckle mentally.

What? Take a beating? Waste air? I checked, seeing Ikol walking along without a care in the world.

Notice how muscular he is? Ikol has what you lack; a solid foundation of abilities and an incredible amount of muscle for his age. Hoggdin pointed out. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I didn’t like where this was heading.

I cannot handle learning anything from a being whose explanation involved the sound wakka wakka; I refuse to believe he is helpful. I told Hoggdin. I could feel Hoggdin containing his laughter.

Just because Ikol is more of a hammer than a philosopher does not mean he is useless. Luckily, you do not need to listen to him. Ikol trains regularly, you just need to mimic him. Never underestimate who you can learn from. When you are growing, borrow and mimic every strength you can. Hoggdin lectured with immense amusement in his voice.

Like some sort of muscle building tutor? I clarified. Still killed me internally, but that was more tolerable.

Workout coach would be more appropriate. I can think of a few others who I would have had to find that fit your needs, but luckily Ikol was waiting to fight me again. He was at least able to piece together where I would likely return to when I eventually came back to Phestia which works out well overall for us. Also, Ikol is the most convenient of them all. Hoggdin told me. I wondered why. What could possibly be the reason Ikol was the most convenient? I could tell Hoggdin switched to talking to Ipnerslei and Orga, abandoning me to talk with the musclehead.

“Where are you from?” Ikol asked after a few more moments of walking.

“Tenebrae.” I answered. Now that I thought about it, why were there in different Realms? Was it something to do with the Lords?

“Where’s that?” Ikol probed in a tone of wonder.

“It’s a different Realm.” I told Ikol. Ikol looked enthralled by the notion that I was from a different Realm.

“How did you meet the Sov, Sover, s-“ Ikol began, struggling with the word.

“Just use my name. I do not care.” Hoggdin ordered Ikol.

“How did you meet Hoggdin then?” Ikol inquired, his eyes were wide in excitement, while checking to make sure Hoggdin wasn’t offended.

“I am the of a demon called Nil who is trying to fight the strongest being alive or die trying, and in his pursuit of not wanting to die he met Krahinn, an who leaves much to be desired, and Hoggdin is I think Krahinn’s only friend outside of Ipnerslei. Hoggdin agreed to let me be his guest here in Phestia.” I explained. Ikol looked offended.

“Hoggdin is the strongest!” Ikol insisted. Krahinn is stronger I’m fairly sure, and both are quite wary of the .

“Hoggdin isn’t even the strongest name in that sentence.” I pointed out as we kept walking.

“You are his guest and are being so rude!” Ikol snarled, looking furious at me.

“Saying Krahinn is stronger than me is not being rude. In my younger days we were fairly even, but while I am growing old, he is not. While saying such a thing as my guest is less than preferred, she is correct.” Hoggdin lectured. Ikol looked bitter at the news.

“But you are so strong.” Ikol whimpered, sounding crushed.

“I still am as I am likely in the top five strongest non-Lords for now as age is not kind.” Hoggdin explained to Ikol.

“Stop aging.” Ikol pouted. Hoggdin chuckled at that.

“It will be fine Ikol; we all live knowing we die one day. Everything other than the Lords eventually ends. Now, change the subject.” Hoggdin assured Ikol.

“Why would you choose to be a ? That is so beneath a .” Ikol asked while still sounding upset.

“Nil is a one-of-a-kind individual and I was a baby. From what I remember, my mother arranged the deal as Nil is favored by Kron.” I informed Ikol.

“You like saying bold and rude things.” Ikol pointed out.

“I would like to say something, but I do not want to be rude twice to Hoggdin.” I retorted. Ikol scoffed at me.

“What could you possibly say in defense of Nil that would be rude to Hoggdin?” Ikol snarled, looking ready to fight me again.

“Lux.” Hoggdin growled, glaring at me.

“Do not be rude to our host.” Orga snapped at me.

“When we reach the cave, I want a rematch.” Ikol demanded. His face was quite angry.

“I am sorry Hoggdin. Ikol I’ll gladly oblige.” I stated. Speaking of Nil, he might have an idea I could borrow from. That he used to project his sword to slice Hoggdin. What if I used , but coated it with to devastate the of my opponent?

“There will be no round three today.” Ipnerslei told us.

“Who are you t-“ Ikol began until Hoggdin’s eye began glowing.

“Ipnerslei is my guest and a long-time friend so you better treat her like me, Orga be polite to, and Lux you are pretty clear within reason. No killing or harming her outside of your duels.” Hoggdin snapped at Ikol.

“Yes sir.” Ikol obeyed immediately. Can’t tell if it is respect or he is a massive Hoggdin fan. Maybe a combination thereof. Unfortunately, using that information meant insulting Hoggdin which was ingrateful at best.

“I am sorry for my Krahinn comment.” I apologized to Hoggdin again.

“It is fine. It did not start as an insult, it just ended as a reminder of a truth I do not like hearing.” Hoggdin stated drily.

“What is the plan when we arrive at your cave?” I checked, trying to move the conversation along.

“I will be making some rounds so beings are aware you are my guests and while I am away you will be waiting for my return in my cave. Orga, if you would like, you can tag along as I make my rounds as I know the topic fascinates you. Ipnerslei, I do request you baby sit. If I recall correctly, Ikol, you work out in the early morning and afternoon. Lux, join him.” Hoggdin explained.

“What? Why should she join me?” Ikol protested. I wasn’t a fan of the idea, but I was in no spot to protest.

“You challenge me regularly and I let it slide because you are young. Think of this as repaying me for all the dueling experience.” Hoggdin told Ikol.

“That makes sense. Okay sir Hoggdin.” Ikol agreed happily.

“Why not just call him Boss?” I teased Ikol. Ikol looked like something went off in his head.

“Boss! That’s a great idea! And easy to say!” Ikol chimed with immense excitement. I could feel Hoggdin glare at me as Ikol was prancing a little. Forling idiot; I was clearly being sarcastic.

I’m sorry; I did not mean to be this rude. I didn’t mean for him to take it as a suggestion. I apologized to Hoggdin. I could hear the deep sigh of Hoggdin.

I know, that sigh was me mentally preparing myself for Ikol to be calling me Boss; I hope you learned your lesson with Ikol. Hoggdin told me in a tone similar to the one Papa had when Nil and I pushed our luck but weren’t in trouble just yet.

He is a dumb, simpleminded, muscle headed dilwaul. I replied. Ikol was happily shaking his head back and forth as he looked so pleased with the Boss revelation.

I am aware he is not much of a thinker. I just want to know if you are done making mistakes as you talk to him. Hoggdin retorted in a calm voice.

Yes sir. I’ll be more careful. I said as I dipped my head a little.

I am not mad Lux, a bit disappointed, but not mad. If you want to stand on the top, you cannot let every little slight bug you; just because the conversation went in a direction you did not intend will not make me angry. Learn from this. Hoggdin lectured as we reached the base of the mountains.

Yes sir. I repeated while nodding my head.

“All of you, I will carry you from here.” Hoggdin ordered as he motioned for us to huddle up.

We bunched up, and he scooped us all up delicately in one hand. When Hoggdin flapped his wings, the clouds above began stirring from the sheer force of the wind they generated. It was impressive seeing the sheer size and might of Hoggdin. We tore through the sky as Hoggdin moved fast enough to chill my soul from the wind. In a few minutes, we were in Hoggdin’s cave where the temperature jumped dozens of degrees. Why didn't we just fly straight here? I wanted to ask, but had no idea how to politely phrase it nor did I want to potentially be even a little rude. I did a quick look around of where Hoggdin set us down. In what Realm was this a cave? I mean, it was a massive cavern inside a mountain, but it was decorated more lavishly than the castle. There were fine rugs, tapestries, statues, art displays, literal mountains of precious metals in various shapes, and numerous priceless items just laying around. The cave was furnished surprisingly well to accommodate beings of different size visiting, with couches, large mats, and several items I didn’t recognize. Orga was doing little circles before her head snapped to Hoggdin after she saw several crystals placed to heat the cave.

“Why would you refer to this place as a cave?” Orga probed. Her face was highly controlled to say the least.

“It is a bit modest, but I feel cave is the most accurate as it is a cavern carved into a mountain range. Maybe I should call it abode to avoid confusion.” Hoggdin answered. Ikol shot around, admiring the various objects in the cave.

“Where can I work out, Boss?” Ikol checked in barely contained glee.

“Over there. Lux, do make sure to join him. Come on Orga, we have places to be.” Hoggdin answered. So this was where I was spending the next five or so years; hopefully it wouldn't be too bad and I improved.