Talax stood there, clutching his bow in his hand, not really believing that the fight was over. Despite the evidence before his eyes, he found it difficult to accept that the colossal creature was finally defeated.

The twin, small mountains blocking the gate of the toad settlement, however, proved that the Toad King was dead. Defeated by Edward, the duplicitous noble, who was lying unconscious next to his former enemy.

On the other side of the swamp, the sounds of battle raged as Walter and Vesperine vanquished the few remaining toad warriors. He briefly considered joining them but quickly dismissed the notion. He was tired, too fucking tired. With one last glance at Edward, he couldn't help but hope the man had met his end, though he doubted his prayers would be answered. Perhaps he should consider choosing a deity to worship; maybe then his wishes would be granted...

With a weary gait, he made his way towards the small island on the edge of the clearing, where Qalo and Franny awaited. As he walked, his movements disturbed the floating bodies of the toads, transforming the once-gloomy waters into a watery cemetery. Before their arrival, there must have been hundreds of these creatures. Now, only the lonely croaks of despair remained as Vesperine and Walter dispatched the last survivors.

Talax didn't take any chances. He made sure to stab a few twitching bodies to ensure he wouldn't face any unpleasant surprises. As he waded through the green water, his path crossed with a frantic Callum, who sprinted towards his lord with wild eyes, clutching a health potion tightly. Talax couldn't help but scoff at the man's unwavering devotion to someone as despicable as Edward. It made him wonder what that said the man who dedicated himself to such a man.

Talax shook his head, resuming his walk toward his friends. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Vesperine looming over the barricade, her knives stained with blood, her cloak fluttering in an unseen breeze. For a fleeting moment, she resembled the very embodiment of death. He sensed her gaze on him, and he wanted to acknowledge her attention, but he was tired, too tired.

With a weary shuffle, he finally reached the small island, where Qalo scanned their surroundings. He stood guard over a pale and battered Franny, who teetered on the brink of death. Despite it all, a smile crept onto Talax's face. Once more, they had defied death and emerged stronger for it.

Talax recollected that he had leveled up during the battle. With a slight exertion of will, he unlocked his next gate.

He had achieved level 13!

Mana surged from his unlocked gate just below his clavicle, and he felt the newfound energy spreading through his body like a soothing wave. He located his two new tokens, which held the promise of unlocking new abilities, but he decided to wait, there would be time for that later. A contented sigh escaped his lips as he turned his gaze to Qalo.

"How is he?" Talax inquired. The half-orc cast him a worried glance and responded in hushed tones, "He's still breathing."

Talax nodded and approached Franny. The sight was undeniably distressing; his friend appeared to be in a terrible state. Dried blood stained his armor, his complexion was ashen, and his once-impeccable hair was now a sodden mess. But what truly stood out was his armor, once gleaming and immaculate, it now had the scars of a vicious battle. The right side was completely wrecked, with the metal shattered and contorted inward, exposing Franny's torn clothes and blood-soaked body.

Talax couldn't help but grimace instinctively at the sight of his friend's wretched condition. He crouched down and gently touched Franny's shoulder. The slight contact elicited a pained moan, prompting Talax to retract his hand quickly. "Hey, buddy, how are you feeling?" Talax inquired, trying to infuse his voice with as much comfort as he could muster.

Franny's eyes fluttered, and it took him a moment to focus. "Oh, Talax. Did we win?" His voice sounded hollow, each word a struggle. Talax's concern deepened with each passing moment; his friend was not looking well. In an attempt to sound positive and nonchalant, he quipped, "Of course, we won! How could we not, with my exceptional skills and awe-inspiring use of magic?"

Franny managed a feeble smile, more to humor Talax's weak attempt at humor than anything else. In a more earnest tone, Talax asked, "Did you drink your health potion? Because, to be honest, you look awful." This time, Franny smiled genuinely.

"I did, but the armor doesn't allow me to fully heal," Franny replied. Talax examined the battered armor and noticed pieces of metal embedded in Franny. His angry gaze shifted to Qalo, who remained as still as a statue, keeping watch over the swamp. "Why didn't you help him out of this mess?" Talax demanded, but Franny placed a reassuring hand on his arm.

"Don't yell at Qalo. He did as I instructed. When we arrived, we were ambushed by a group of ranged warriors, and Qalo saved me again. After that, I asked him to keep watch until the battle was over," Franny explained. Talax's frustration calmed down once he heard Franny's reasoning, but his concern remained. They had to remove the ruined armor before Franny bled to death.

"Qalo, come here and lend a hand. Franny, you should have another potion before we start. I'm afraid the process won't be pleasant, and you'll bleed a lot before it's over," Talax advised. Franny nodded obediently and produced a potion from his belongings, which he consumed eagerly, like a man desperate for relief.

Qalo abandoned his post to assist, and together they helped Franny to his feet. The noble let out a pained yelp as they began extracting the twisted metal. His already pallid face turned an even whiter shade, devoid of any hint of color. It didn't take long for Franny to faint, the constant pain and blood loss taking its toll. Qalo bore the weight of their unconscious friend as Talax painstakingly removed each piece of the deformed armor.

In the end, all three of them were drenched in crimson blood. Franny bled so profusely from his side that Talax feared he might never wake up again. Gently, Qalo laid the unconscious noble on the mossy ground, and the two started administering whatever help they could offer. They applied a salve that boosted regeneration to the wound and used Franny's ruined shirt to slow the bleeding. Talax hoped the noble wouldn’t throw a feat when he would discover they used his silk shirt as a rug to slow the bleeding. They also poured another health potion inside his mouth and hoped for the best.

With an exhausted groan, Talax sank to the ground, desperately seeking respite. Qalo followed suit, and the two of them watched their friend's labored breathing for what felt like an eternity. Finally, when Franny's breaths seemed more regular, they allowed themselves a sigh of relief, as if an invisible weight had been lifted from their shoulders.

"I can't believe I've come to care for this bastard," Talax murmured. It was a revelation that struck him deeply as he witnessed Franny teeter on the edge of death. Their relationship had always been peculiar, marked by unspoken competition and stark differences in their views on life. They frequently fought and infuriated one another, yet they had become friends.

"I understand what you mean. I shouldn't see him as a friend, considering he's a noble, and I'm a half-breed... but I do like him. He's... kind," Qalo said, meeting Talax's gaze directly.

"Never call yourself that again! Our worth should be determined by our deeds, not our status or origins," Talax insisted. Qalo let out a mirthless chuckle. “I agree, but that is not how the world works. Even Franny, for all his kindness and generosity, still sees me as a beast. I know he doesn’t mean ill, but still, sometimes it’s hard to deal with it.” The half-orc's face seemed on the verge of crumbling, his small eyes ready to shed tears, but he fought to hold himself together.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Talax wanted to tell Qalo that he was mistaken, that Franny saw people for who they were and didn't judge based on their race or background. But that would have been a lie. Talax had noticed subtle signs that Franny still had reservations about both Qalo and Talax. As much as he wished to reassure his friend, he didn’t.

Instead, he sighed deeply. "I know, and it's not just you. He's like that with everything that doesn't fit his teachings of the world. But, as you said, above all else, Franny is a good person."

Qalo fell into a momentary silence. “I really wish the world was just like you said, so that everyone would judge me for who I am and not for my tusks or my green skin,” he mused. Talax shrugged.

"Well, that's simple. Just change the world," Talax quipped. Qalo cocked his head and then burst into laughter. "That's all?" he gasped between fits of laughter. "Well, I'll get started tomorrow after breakfast." Talax joined in the laughter, a release after the intense day they had experienced.

Afterward, they fell into silence, peacefully observing the dark swamp, with Franny's deep breathing their constant companion. They watched Callum assisting a weakened Edward while Walter scoured the battlefield for any survivors. Vesperine was again absent, probably somewhere hidden doing her own shifty things.

After some time, they all gathered, and Talax heard Edward's voice in the distance, giving orders. A part of him was tempted to confront the noble and demand answers, but that battle belonged to Franny. Still, restlessness, suspicion, and worry gnawed at him, keeping his mind overactive. He concocted theories and explanations for Edward's behavior, devising plans to stay alive until he was free from the dungeon.

The other group disappeared through the gate, entering the toad settlement, no doubt in search of treasure. Walter eagerly clutched the Toad King's crown, his eyes aflame, while Edward took the King's bead necklace. The King had only used two of his essence beads, with the rest still intact. Talax wanted those beads, given how useful they had proved to be in a battle, but he wasn't willing to fight the older noble for them. Besides, technically, they were his, as he was the one who had killed the colossal creature.

While they waited for Franny to recover Talax decided to check his core. During the fight he had noticed several skill level ups and he wanted to see what he had achieved.

Brawling skill, level 4

4% to strength while in unarmed combat

Swordsmanship skill, level 7

7% to aim, 7% to damage

Swordsmanship skill, level 8

8% to aim, 8% to damage

Archery skill, level 9

9% to damage, 9% to aim

Light Armor skill, level 1

1% to defense for every piece of light armor, 1% to reduced weight for every piece of light armor

Talax was pleased to discover that both his swordsmanship and archery skills had leveled up. These skills had been essential for his survival time and again. He momentarily reminisced about the first time he had picked up a bow. Back then, he had struggled to hit even a massive tree, needing several attempts to find his target. Now, aiming at an enemy was almost second nature. While he still missed on occasion, those moments were becoming increasingly rare.

His sword skill had improved as well. Lately, he could feel the difference when he gripped the hilt of his sword, his attacks packing a punch that few enemies could ignore. He knew he had a long way to go, but his progress was undeniable.

His Brawling skill had also advanced, thanks to the relentless creatures he had fought tooth and nail in the dungeon. The toads, in particular, had been formidable opponents, providing an excellent opportunity to hone his combat skills. The creatures were numerous and individually posed little threat; the true danger was when they overwhelmed you with sheer numbers.

His newest skill was a surprise. The Light Armor skill came out of nowhere. He was unsure why he had acquired it now, considering he had been wearing the same equipment he found in the dungeon for some time. Talax couldn't figure out whether he had fulfilled a hidden requirement for the skill to manifest. Exiting his core, he examined his attire, boots, pants, and leather gloves, all bearing multiple scuffs and grazes.

Perhaps he had to endure enough hits for the skill to manifest? The exact criteria remained a mystery. What mattered was that he had gained a new skill, one that would make him more resilient, always a good thing. The only question that remained was determining which pieces of his equipment were considered light armor, and which were simply clothes. He suspected his pants were just that, plain clothing, even if he could detect an enchantment. He had to ask Vesperine or Franny to find out.

Lastly, Talax examined his two new tokens. He contemplated using them to unlock fresh abilities but paused for a moment of reflection. Most of his remaining locked abilities seemed either unremarkable or not immediately useful to him. He could unlock some he had previously considered, but he hesitated. Vesperine had mentioned that at level 10 of a skill tree, new abilities would manifest. Talax was nearly there in both archery and swordsmanship, arguably his most frequently used and essential skills. He wanted to keep enough tokens on hand to activate any new abilities that might emerge. So, for once, he decided to exercise patience and wait.

After his skill inspection, he decided to simply relax and rest for a while. He closed his eyes and heard the sound of crunching nearby. He deliberately kept his eyes shut, not keen on discovering what the half-orc was eating, and gradually drifted off to sleep.

Some time later, Qalo roused him from slumber. It took a moment for Talax to regain his bearings. He must have been asleep for quite a while because Franny was already awake, and he had donned new armor. This armor lacked the polish and intricate details of his previous one, having a more utilitarian appearance with dull metal and minimal adornments. The emblem of Franny's noble house adorned the chest piece as the only decoration.

Despite his newfound strength, Franny still looked weak and frail. His face was twisted into a grimace of distaste as he surveyed the armor. "I can't believe I have to wear this armor. I loathe this armor! I had to wear it during training; it feels like I've regressed to being an inexperienced and naive kid."

Talax couldn't help but smile at Franny's complaints, happy that his friend had the strength to moan about his fashion choices. “I am glad your spirits are up,” Talax remarked, but Franny waved it away. "Yeah, yeah. I'm as strong as an Altian bull now. So, what are we going to do about this?" Franny asked, pointing to his armor with frustration in his voice.

Talax gazed perplexed at the armor. "What can we do?" Franny rolled his eyes in frustration. "That's exactly what I'm asking. I need suggestions. Perhaps I could use some salve or herbs to paint it? Or add accessories to improve its appearance? I don't know..." Lost in thought, Franny contemplated potential solutions while Talax struggled to stifle his laughter.

"I don't think we have time for that," Qalo interjected in a hushed tone. "Your uncle is approaching." Franny froze, and Talax swiftly stood up, not wanting to confront the despicable man from a disadvantaged position.

Talax spotted Edward and his group heading their way. The older noble wore an inscrutable expression, making it difficult to figure out his thoughts. The only member of his group showing any emotion was Walter, who had an ecstatic look on his face as he clutched the Toad King's crown affectionately.

"Maybe he didn't do it on purpose," Franny mumbled so softly that Talax struggled to hear him. “From where I was standing, he definitely did it on purpose. The asshole used you as a meat shield.” Talax replied, his voice harsher than he had intended, still consumed by anger at the memory of his friend being struck by the Toad King.

"He's right, Franny," Qalo agreed. "I don't think you should pick a fight with him, but you shouldn't trust him either." Talax spun to face the half-orc. "Not pick a fight with him? Franny could have been killed! It's a miracle he's still alive!" Talax attempted to keep his voice down, not wanting the other group to overhear, but controlling his volume proved challenging.

"What if they do fight? What's to say he won't try to kill him just for doubting him?" Talax scoffed at Qalo's words. "Don't tell me you're afraid of him?" Talax retorted, while Qalo regarded him with infuriating composure. "Yes, I am. You saw what he's capable of. We wouldn't stand a chance."

Talax took a steadying breath absorbing his friend’s words of wisdom. What Qalo said was true. The man and his followers were on a league of their own, so far above them that it would be stupid to challenge them. et, the notion of letting the matter go without an explanation or apology left a bitter taste in Talax's mouth. Ultimately, it was Franny's decision.

He turned his gaze to the young noble, despite looking like a tough warrior with his battered and scuffed armor, his eyes looked vulnerable and lost. Their eyes locked, and in a hushed tone, Franny whispered,

"But he's family..."