TUF: PREVIEW/DRAFT 51-60

CAUTION:

This is a very rough draft of the first third or so of the novel, and is not entirely indicative of the quality you might expect of the edited draft.

You can expect the edited draft on the 31st of August in 2025.

Thank you for reading and if you wish to comment your thoughts please use the appropriate Patreon post.

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CHAPTER FIFTY ONE

Percy began to train more fervently in the morning, running a little harder, completing more repetitions of his workouts, trying to lift heavier weights.

‘Hmm?’ Percy thought over breakfast, only just checking up on the enchantments he could enchant, finding that his ability to enchant fire based weapons had increased. ‘Why…’

Percy’s eyes trailed through the air, scanning the words. ‘Ah? I took Fiery Rebuke and it amplified the enchantment? I didn’t realise.’

+1/2/3

+1D4/D6

‘I wonder if I can increase that to 1D8, or, even better, 2D4.’ He then thought about enchanting a weapon with fire, but if he was going to spend time heading to Azari, then fire wouldn’t help him as much if he came across flame based creatures. ‘Do I need two swords? One thunder or lightning, one fire? How rich do I need to be?’

As the day passed, a stranger appeared. She was large figure, tall, thickly built, and wore grey scaled armour that seemed to be made of stone, carrying a large staff, as well as a large blade which hung loosely upon her side, and upon her back she carried a large pack made of wood and sack.

The Chief stood beside Kasaki as she checked upon the soil, holding it within her hand, before scattering against a nearby tree, noting the way it fell and the patterns which stuck to the bark.

“I will need to check the soil of the other villages,” Kasaki said, as though she were the kind of person to speak with the Chief in a distant manner.

“As you wish,” the Chief said, motioning a hand to Shiva, who stormed forward to accompany her.

‘What’s she doing here?’ Percy thought, his questions answered later in the evening when she commandeered a hut, under the Chief’s will, and settled herself within it. ‘I didn’t expect her to actually come.’

Percy continued to enchant, though did so carefully, within the Chief’s basement so he was not easily figured out. When it was the day of the festival, however, he took the day off.

Though the village had ballooned in size due to a tragedy, the Malin were chipper, welcoming the rain with open arms, quite literally, dancing within the rain, the flames protected by tarp, the smell of the soup filling the land.

“Percy,” Shiva called, adorned in his robes, which had grown heavy with rain, and he turned to the rest of the others. “Watch this. Percy, use your magic to dry me.”

Percy finished the last bite of his makeshift wrap, and then held out his hand, only to realise he couldn’t speak the words to his trick, so raised a finger for a moment, quickly swallowing it down, almost choking, drinking his juice quickly, before coughing. “Sorry.”

After his little comedy routine, Percy cast his magic, which instantly dried Shiva’s clothing, soon darkened and heavy with rain again, the other villagers cheering at his simple magic.

“What other magic do you know?” one asked.

“I know how to shoot out a beam of magic, though I can also bring forth…” He thought about what else he could do. “That’s about it, really.”

“Amazing! Will you go out to fight too?”

Percy smiled awkwardly. He glanced aside to Kahn, who had received about a fifth as many scarves as he wished, all because he wasn’t going to fight immediately. However, he did not complain, glad he had received this much support. “I may.”

“With you at our side, I believe we will be able to claim victory!”

“Oh?”

“I have heard that your magic is not weak,” a villager said.

“Not weak at all, Uldar.”

Percy flushed slightly. “Ah, well, I prefer alchemy, and I’ve noticed others prefer fighting, so I’ll create many potions so you can fight longer.”

The villagers blinked, but laughed at his words.

“I didn’t realise the Uldar was so wise!”

“He’s the Uldar, of course he’s wise!”

“Is that your son?” a villager asked.

“He is.”

“He sleeps so well, even with all this rain!”

“He likes the rain,” Percy admitted, smiling to himself. “He sleeps so comfortably to the sound of rain.”

“I see he’s an Angyr of the Snake Lord.”

Shiva elbowed the fellow to his side. “Percival has caused the least trouble of all the babes.”

“We’re fortunate so many Angyr arrived within our land,” a villager said. “Though…”

The air grew heavier at the implication.

“If the Angyr wish to fight, we will raise our spears to meet them,” Shiva said.

“Fighting the Angyr…”

“Will you back away?” Shiva asked.

“I will not!”

As the festival passed, Percy held his son within his arms, relaxing within his bed, hearing the rain outside. Even his heart was soothed by the rain, while the boy snoozed so peacefully. The Mo’An meditated too, the woman remaining in the other half of the cabin, which was like two cabins joined together.

‘I just need to take things one day at a time…’

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

“Who do you think you are, the Undertaker?” Percy joked, all the while his son rolled around on his blanket, trying to reach his father on either side. He picked Percival up, the boy jerking his head slightly, before he smiled so brightly. “You want to play with your rattle?”

“Oo! Bahbahbah!” The boy reached up towards his father’s face, though was distracted by the rattle, which he grabbed and shook violently, stopping when he looked to his father, shyly smiling.

Percy’s heart shook within his chest. ‘Damn. Every time you look at me this way, I feel like I need to wrestle a lion or something…’

The Mo’An had spoken to the Supreme Elder about Percy’s unique disposition, but even she realised she didn’t understand it, nor how deep it went. Percy spent so much of his free time with his son, or around his son, and doted on the boy more than any other she had ever seen. One might have thought he was a Mo’An!

“Peekaboo!” Percy called, revealing himself to Maya, who gasped, and then squealed and cackled. He repeated it several times with the girl, who continued to laugh and gasp with delight.

Layla was glad Percy seemed so eager to play with Maya, allowing her some peace. She was equally glad Maya was not quite as troublesome with him, so he could play with her even longer. She could feel the urge to fight again, but considering her current condition, she realised she would need much more time to return to the battlefield.

“Perhaps we should give him a position as a childminder?” Shiva said.

“He is an Uldar, and he is better suited to alchemy,” the Chief said, although she understood where he was coming from. The more Percy ingratiated himself into the Malin, the more welcoming the Malin would be, and the higher likelihood he would remain.

“You should be proud, Maya,” Percy said, pinching the girl’s nose gently. “Your father is someone who is going to be the right hand man of the Chief of Chiefs.”

“Boosh!”

“Your mother, I heard she's been wanting to return to her training, though... Your father wants you to have a few more siblings before too long…” Percy chuckled awkwardly.

She held his finger and clutched it tight, the girl staring up at him, smiling mischievously, before letting out a squeal that stated she had managed to commit trouble, the girl looking away as she sucked on her hand.

‘Shiva, you need to spend time with your daughter, who is way too cute…’

Later that evening Percy ended up swinging his blade constantly, all the while the Mo’An watched, holding Percy, who noted the shapes in front of him, one which was the unmistakeable shape of his father, so the boy watched calmly.

“Kahn is going to become the Chief of Chiefs, and Shiva, he’s going to be Kahn’s right hand man…” Percy called, as though Percival understood his words. He panted, feeling the ache within his body, his sweat drenching through his clothing, the gentle rain washing the sweat out of him.

“Still! Percival, my boy, you’re going to be the proudest one!” Shiva swung his blade with his other arm in the lead, trying to train both hands. “Your father, he’s going to be the strongest!”

“Oo!” The boy exclaimed.

“Hahaha! Maybe not the strongest, since I can barely lift this sword, but I’ll definitely be the most powerful!” Percy called out to his boy, only then recalling the Mo’An was watching too. He wiped his brow. “You can’t be like me, though. I was forced into this position because I’m weak. You don’t have to worry though, since you’ll be so charismatic, you’re so cute so you’ll naturally be charistmatic of course, so becoming an Oathsworn is better for you…”

‘With that, he should be able to use weapons and armour, and magic too.’

The boy yawned, leaning back against the Mo’An’s bossom.

“Ah, are you tired?” Percy carried his son into the cabin, placing the boy down into his little sleepsack, planting a kiss on his forehead. He stepped out immediately after to train, feeling the chill of the rain. He warmed his clothing up, drying it off, but it invaded again and again, until he had exhausted himself.

Once he was done bathing, using a few herbs to calm his body, he returned back to find his son still sleeping. ‘I know I’m spending so much time away, Percival, but this father of yours, what else can he do?’

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

“Bah bah bah bo bo bo,” Percival babbled noisily to his father after breakfast.

“Look at you, so loud, so boisterous!” Percy cooed.

The milk maid watched as Percy tickled the boy’s nose, adoring him so tenderly. It had escalated recently, and considering Percy’s words, she understood why. The villages nearby had been put to the flame, some even died, and the Engwyn…

‘Even when he's loud and annoying?’ the Mo’An thought.

Goo! He clutched at his father's finger tight, smiling with such an adorable smile.

“You're never going to guess. Daddy made something really amazing!” Percy whispered once the Mo’An left to speak with the Chief.

“Oo!”

Kahn sighed, considering Percy’s words. It was too late to regret them now, though he had managed to procure the support of at least two dozen warriors, each eager to join his merry band of warriors.

“Hmm?” Kahn thought, staring down at the sword. “Another greatsword?”

“This one is a little stronger than your previous weapon,” Percy said. “Right now, this is all I can do, but one day, this shall become the weakest your warriors will wield.”

“Will you adorn all my warriors with such a grand blade?”

“Grand? I’m not sure if that’s the right word, but I told you didn’t I? I’d show you.” Percy thumped Kahn’s bicep gently. “I’ll give you a pretty good discount, or I’ll just take a cut of the loot you bring back.”

Kahn couldn’t help but smile, hearing such fine words, which sparked a fire within his heart.

“Kahn. Enjoy this weapon while it lasts, because in the future, you'll be gifting this greatsword to someone else.”

“Why?”

“I'll make you an even nicer one, so save that sword for my son, will you?”

Kahn chuckled and placed a hand upon the young man's shoulder. He squeezed it reassuringly before heading out to train with it. As he wielded the blade in both hands, he could feel how light it was, and yet, was a blade he wielded every quite so heavy? He thought he’d have to wait long, but with this sword in his hand…

‘How many years has it been since we have been able to wield such great weapons? Our land has barely been able to keep what few scraps we once managed to defend, but now...’ He had no idea how their land had become so fortunate, but he decided not to look a gift goat in the mouth.

Percy thought about enchanting another sword that week. This time, it was for the Oathsworn. He needed to get more people on his side, for Kahn. Though they could eventually betray him, if he worked hard, worked earnestly, he genuinely believed they would become like family to him. No, wasn't he already an Uldar?

As the rain began to fall, he stood, staring at the world around him. He reached up to his chin and realised he needed to shave. ‘Now that I think about, their clothing doesn't really suit me. I should focus on getting dripped out.’

He cast his light magic to dry himself off, feeling a lightness within his heart.

“Oh dear, oh dear,” called a voice.

Percy blinked, his eyes darting around, for he saw someone in the middle of the village, the kind that shouldn’t have been here since…

‘Isn’t she an Engwyn?’

“That is Doctor Agatha, and her apprentice, Fiona,” Shiva explained, whispering towards Percy.

‘Fiona is really cute, though… why is her hair pink?’

Agatha was tiny, skinny, and bundled in thick clothing and furs. She sat and checked upon each of the children, using her various concoctions to check their blood.

“Doctor Agatha passes by every few years. Fiona has followed her since she was a little girl.”

“Oh?”

“She is one of the few Engwyn who can pass through. Her, a few Oathsworn to the Deer Lord, and a handful of others.”

‘I need to figure out all the Divine Lords of the world...’

“You and I will escort her through the land.”

“We will?” Percy asked, raising his brow.

“It would be best.”

“What about the pills and potions?” Percy asked, raising his brows.

“They can wait. We can travel with her for the start of snowfall, and then during the rest of snowfall, you may complete your tasks.”

“Alright, if you say so…”

“What are you doing here?” Agatha asked, staring right at Percy.

“I'm just... I was welcome here.”

“Strange,” the woman said. “Come here, allow me to check your health.”

Percy looked to Shiva, who nodded. As she held his hand, she let out a gentle hum of curiosity, and a warmth tickled through his arm.

“I see.” She withdrew. “You are healthy enough. Who is this boy?”

“This is Percival, my son,” Percy replied.

Without asking, she also checked upon the boy, who twitched in shock and made to cry.

“Hey…” Percy narrowed his eyes.

“Do not worry,” she said. Then she pulled back and pricked the boys heel gently, placing the blood into a vial, shaking it. The liquid turned from clear, to red, to green and gold. After a moment of thought she handed the vial to the Chief, for she was too old to have such greed. “Do you have a poison pill for when he is older?

“Yes.”

“Which pill?”

“One Hundred Poisons Pill.”

“How did you procure that?”

“Elder Kama.”

“Ah!” She eyes him up. “Hmm. How are you finding the people?”

“Sharp, but soft enough.”

She smiled. “Your son is healthy and growing as expected.”

She continued her tasks, checking upon the health of all the children, and sometimes, some of the adults.

‘Hmm…’ Percy thought, but since Shiva trusted her, what could he do?

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

“You?” the young woman asked, glaring at Kahn. “Who are you to escort her through the north?”

“Who are you to block our path?” Kahn asked in return, the pair glaring between one another.

Kayla, Layla’s older sister, Kahn’s younger sister, leaned in to whisper into Percy’s ear. “It is good fortune to escort the doctor, and many wish for it. We typically escort her because she passes through Paragon’s Rest first.”

“We are not one who has failed to defend our village,” the young woman stated, snarling at Kahn lightly.

“You who hides far from the frontier have no experience in defending,” Kahn agreed.

The pair hissed and snarled and snapped at one another, a dance to try and gain great favour with the doctor, and great honour with their people.

Fiona’s eyes fell upon the young man before her, who stood awkwardly as he watched the pair fight. “How long have you stayed with the Malin?”

“Since the beginning of the year, so nine months and a little,” he admitted.

She nodded her head, noting the weapons he carried, as well as his overall physique. “What do you do within the village?”

“I’m an alchemist.”

“An alchemist? You do not look like alchemists I know of.”

“What do alchemists normally look like?”

“They are not so clean.”

“What do I look like then?”

“Like someone who… reads.”

“A scholar?”

“A scholar, not far from an alchemist, I suppose,” the young lady said.

“I used to be a bigger guy, but now I’m a lean mean fighting machine,” Percy joked, chuckling lightly. “Though I had to keep a sharp mind to survive, or at least, that’s what I’d like to think.”

“Are you able to use that sword?” Fiona’s voice held a hint of doubt.

“Let's hope you don't find out?” Percy joked, shrugging his shoulders.

“I am inclined to agree,” the young woman admitted, before Kahn and the other young woman were dragged away from one another, and Agatha chose to continue her escort with Kahn.

The group continue ever forward, through the spired of dark trees, devoid of green, nor did orange kiss their branches. The chill of the late season began to seep into the world, not yet white, but it loomed on the horizon.

They approached a small glade, but stopped before entering it. Agatha waited for Kahn, who dropped to a knee and cut into his hand, spilling his blood into the earth, and instead of an open clearing, a small statue of a snake engulfing a person stood before them. It was perhaps half a man tall, and half as wide, but the oppressive aura which spilled out of it caused Percy’s heart to beat rapidly.

“It is a shrine to the Snake Lord,” Shiva whispered.

“Yeah, that checks out.” Percy was certain he was more of an evil Divine Lord, so when the group dropped to their knees to pray, he was a little surprised, but he wasn’t one to go against the grain. As he dropped down, he thought about Percival, who was apparently related to the Snake Lord. ‘No matter what anyone says, thank you.’

A wetness flicked against the back of Percy’s neck, as though a snake slithered and licked against his neck. He twitched, pulling away to the side, half falling on Shiva, who caught him.

“What is wrong?”

“I felt something on the back of my neck,” Percy said, reaching back to feel his neck, finding nothing. “Do you see anything?”

“No.”

“Huh…” Percy frowned, unsure of how to feel about that. “Alright?”

Once the group prayed to the Snake Lord, they continued along their way, towards a nearby village, who noted where they had come from and merely nodded at them. It wasn’t long before they continued along to a familiar place.

“Doctor, many blessings to you,” Petir said, bowing his head towards the old woman.

“Many blessings to you,” the woman replied, greeting the emerging pair, Ser Tiana and Ser Rahina. The woman quickly checked their health, though expected them to be the peak of health considering they were Oathsworn. “How is your grandmother?”

“She is well,” Tiana replied, smiling. “We thought she would return soon, but it seems she’s being kept up by something.”

“She has such responsibilities,” Agatha replied, understanding the woman’s role.

As Agatha and the others began to settle within the temple, Shiva handed over the blade to Ser Petir, who accepted it from the young man.

“It holds quite the enchantment.” Shiva smiled a cheeky smile.

“What kind?”

“You will see.”

Ser Petir tested the blade, and returned with a heavy heart. They had only paid five hundred gold and provided a weapon for the young man, but this weapon, it was certainly worth far more than even the cheap price they originally expected to pay for a weapon which did not hold the additional enchantment.

‘I cannot allow them to think we are so frugal…’ l

Rahina caught his gaze, the pair speaking with their eyes for a moment. Rahina then disappeared, returning back with gifts for the group, a small pouch of herbs for Agatha, who checked within them, noting a singular herb which caused her brows to raise, while Percy checked the other.

‘Oh?’ Percy smiled at the herbs, pulling the strings, his eyes darting between the Oathsworn trio who pretended as though he wasn’t an enchanter. ‘Slipping in gems with the herbs? How sly!’

CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

“She requires the norabalium thistle,” Agatha said, holding the young girl’s wrist, placing a pair of fingers against her veins. She had checked her health this way already, searching into the girl’s body, but after checking the girl’s body, she wanted to double check. She was still burning up, far too hot for a child, but there was something else that swirled within her. “I need to brew a concoction with the herb, otherwise her fever may overwhelm her.”

“We must have it,” the mother said, while the father had darted out to check with the Shaman, who was quite the medic, but his knowledge of medicine was not quite as vast as Doctor Agatha.

“The norabalium thistle…” The Shaman reached up to brush his beard, his ears drooping slightly. “Unfortunately, such a herb…”

“How unfortunate…” Agatha said, understanding the chances had suddenly decreased.

“Where is it?” Percy asked, trying to avoid looking at the toddler whose raspy breath filled the air.

“It is found near the mountains,” the Doctor said, motioning her head to the distant mountains. “Perhaps, if you are lucky, along the hills on the way.”

“What does it look like?” Percy asked, staring down at the old woman.

Agatha held his gaze for a long moment. She reached into her shirt and slipped out a book, beginning to sketch the herb within it, writing down various notes, as well as a description for it just in case her drawings did no justice. ‘Should I send Fiona?’

Percy stared at the herb for a long moment, searing it into his mind, before folding the piece of paper and handing it to Shiva for safekeeping. “Kahn, are you alright to stay here with the Doctor for a few days?”

Kahn nodded.

“I’m going to need a few people from the village to assist,” Percy said, glancing aside to Shiva, who would definitely come along, and so would Sal. Rayn flexed her muscles, eager to step out. Another pair of villagers joined the group as they made their way out, for it was roughly mid way into the day when they had arrived.

“We have to be careful,” Shiva warned.

“What for?”

“There are wyverns around this territory.”

“You what?”

“Wyverns. They are similar to drakes.”

“I know what a wyvern is, I just didn’t expect them to be around here,” Percy said. ‘You could have told me that before we left with just a handful of us.’

“It is rare to come across them,” Shiva explained.

“Don't jinx it...”

As they trekked from village to village, following over and around the hills, they found little issues. Shiva spoke with the villagers any time they approached, and after hearing what they were up to, and that the Doctor would arrive soon, the villagers blessed them on their journey, sending words out ahead to keep an eye out for any danger.

As the days passed, with Percy’s calves burning, they eventually came across a particular herb, one the young man had seared into his mind through staring at the paper for hours and hours. He plucked it from the hard earth with a strong arm, that was to say, a weak arm, but the plant was hardier, and would manage to survive even a typical blow from a longsword.

“Alright, let’s head back,” Percy said, with a few hours before dusk.

“We should rest,” Shiva said, noting how hard Percy was panting.

“We can rest when we’re back,” Percy said, though he stopped, his companions around him all drawing their weapons as they spotted the large red creature which carried a deer while it flew off in the distance. ‘Holy!’

“We are fortunate,” Shiva said calmly. “If it is carrying a deer it will think little of us.”

“That’s good.”

“Unless it wishes to play for sport.”

“Shiva…”

“We will need to convince it to leave if it decides to hunt us,” Sal said, smiling wide, ready to shoot an arrow. “My arrow, your magic, I am sure we will be able to deal with it.”

“Really?”

“Most of us will die, but we will likely kill it,” Sal said, as though almost all of them dying wasn’t a big deal.

“…”

CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

Agatha fed the girl the concoction, though she pulled away, coughing and hacking the disgusting liquid out. “If it tasted good, it would not help.”

“Why are you wasting our hard work?” Adam tutted. “Here, let me use my magic to make it taste nicer.”

Agatha raised her brow as he cast a simple trick, staring down at the liquid which hadn’t changed.

“I made it taste like chocolate ice cream, which she should enjoy, since I’m not sure I’ve ever met a kid who didn’t like chocolate.”

“…” Agatha fed the girl the liquid, and at first she pulled away, but after tasting it the toddler started to slurp it down.

“Alright, now don’t worry your parents any more,” Percy joked, the girl almost completely ignoring him.

Fiona stared at the young man, wondering what compelled him to take such danger in order to find the herb. ‘It is fortunate they did not find much danger…’

The next morning, Agatha thanked them for their assistance, before continuing on without them.

‘I didn’t even flirt with her,’ Percy thought, thinking of the cute pink haired Fiona. ‘I guess that’s life.’

As they made their way back, they passed by the Order.

“Are you looking for another magical weapon?” Percy whispered to Petir.

“We may request another,” he confirmed.

“I’ll try to make another equally as powerful as that one,” Percy said.

Petir was surprised he could make such wonderful weapons. He had expected the young man to make the typical magical weapon, which was quite valuable, for though Masterworks existed, they were not magical. However, a blade which dealt greater damage, that was worth so much more. They could afford it at the very least. It was awkward that they wielded simpler weapons than Tiana.

“I’ll give you a fair price,” Percy assured. “Although, I might end up making it early next year rather than this season, since I’ve got quite a few potions and pills to craft.”

“That is understandable,” Petir assured.

“I, uh… also have a small favour to ask, if you’re willing to listen?”

“Speak, Uldar.”

“I was hoping the next time you go on a Long Hunt, if you could take myself and Shiva along with you?”

“That is… not a difficult task.”

“Ah! Thank you! I really need the Experience.”

“How skilled are you with a blade?”

“Not the strongest, admittedly, but I’m not terrible. In a few years, I’ll be even greater with the blade, and my magic, especially if I…” Percy wasn’t sure how to describe it. “Especially if I’m smart.”

“Would you be willing to spar?”

“Sure,” Percy replied, not wanting to, but he had to show off his abilities a little.

Percy donned his shield and drew his blade, feeling the connection between it and himself. Meanwhile the young woman stood opposite him, wielding her magical blade, the pair staring at one another.

‘He mentioned he was able to grow more powerful, but he hasn’t yet, has he?’ Tiana thought.

Battle Order

D20 + 1 = 6 (5)

Attack: Gentle Lightning Blade (Charisma)

D20 + 5 = 12 (7)

Miss!

The pair sparred lightly, each missing one another, the young woman adorned in her breastplate over chain, wielding her blade in both hands, while he fought behind his shield.

Attack: 9

Miss!

Attack: 13

Miss!

Health: 18 -> 9

“Guh!” Percy grunted as the young woman forced him back with a heavy blow, his arm throbbing as the pair continued to clash.

Petir watched, surprised at how both were facing one another with such little deadliness. ‘I did say to hold back, but this is a little too much…’

Attack: 13

Miss!

Attack: 13

Miss!

‘Come on!’

Attack: Gentle Lightning Blade (Charisma)

D20 + 5 = 21 (16)

Hit!

1D8 + 1D4 + 5 = 10 (4)(1)

10 damage!

“Ha!” percy almost roared, managing to force her back with a particularly wild swing.

‘He isn’t bad,’ Tiana thought, panting for air, feeling her lungs beginning to burn with effort, but she was still a touch healthier than her opponent.

Health: 9 -> 0

Health: 0 -> 5

Percy gasped as he came to, seeing Shiva’s face in front of him, the confusion filling him as he looked around to see a pair of familiar faces. He closed his eyes, the memories returning to him, especially of the young woman almost slicing through his neck, but thankfully she merely struck his jaw with the flat of her blade, even if it did knock him out.

“You fought well!” Petir said, for how many could last so long against Tiana? Even Shiva may have had similar luck against her.

“Thank you. I expected you to be strong, but not that strong.”

“Thank you?”

Quest Complete: Spar

XP Gained: +50

‘That’s one fifty from this one outing alone? Ah, no, two hundred, considering I finished enchanting the sword.’

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

Paragon’s Rest looked so different. When he first arrived, it was a small village, and a few weeks ago, when the Engwyn came and burnt down the nearby villages, it had expanded into a much larger village, almost a town, with a large fence all around.

Now, however, it looked far more different. The smoke, the ash, the darkness of destruction painted the landscape, the nearby trees also a casualty of the cruelty of war.

Percy stared at the village, frozen as the villagers spotted the group upon their return, a few walking over to greet them.

“What happened?” Kahn asked.

“What happened?” Shiva asked, much more aggressively, the young man’s breathing heavy.

“The Engwyn came in a greater force. They came and we had to abandon the village, for fear we would have lost more.”

‘Twice?’ Shiva thought, wondering what the chances were that they somehow out of the village twice when the Engwyn attacked. “Who was it?”

“The Bears of Kastar.”

“Kastar?” Shiva asked.

“The Bears of Kastar?” Kahn repeated, his voice full of surprise.

“What are they doing so far from their hills?” Rayn asked, his anger tempered by the excitement that she could finally spill blood.

“To nourish our soil with blood,” Kahn growled. He was still shocked they dared to attack during snowfall of all seasons. They would need to retaliate swiftly if they were still around, otherwise they would need to prepare to invade some time early next year.

Shiva grabbed onto Percy’s shoulder, noting how pale the young man had become. “Come, let us head to the nearby village.”

The colour returned to Percy’s face, his heart thundering in his chest, sweat pouring down his forehead as he clutched his son tight against his chest. His breath came to him with great labour, barely able to fill his lungs. “Oh, Percival. Did daddy worry you?”

The boy squealed in response, reaching up to grab his father’s face and ears, all the while Percy nuzzle against his son’s nose and then peppered his son with kisses all over his face.

“Sorry, my boy. Sorry.” Percy held his son tighter against his chest, his heart still thundering and pounding within his heart as he held onto his boy. “Sorry.”

Percival clutched at his father’s collar, snuggling up to his chest, the boy feeling the warmth that was his father.

“How are you, Mo’An?”

“Well,” the woman admitted. “Your son has something to show you, soon.”

“What is it?”

“You will see.” The woman could see the complicated expression on the young man’s face, as he held his son close, almost inhaling the boy’s scent with each struggling breath, while the boy enjoyed the attention and how much affection his father was giving.

Percy checked on Maya, who seemed completely oblivious of what had happened, the same as Percival, while Layla seemed more stressed. Percy returned back to Paragon’s Rest, with Shiva at his side.

Kasaki stared at the herb garden she had begun to plant, the herbs which would have flourished within snowfall, yet they were gone. She thought of her previous herb garden, her herbs stolen, her garden set on fire, and now when she had finally moved to Paragon’s Rest of all places…

‘Paragon’s Rest too?’

Percy made his way to the longhouse, which was all but gone. There was still a quarter of it, but it was in pieces, so much of it lost in the air as ash. As he walked to one side, he opened the box, finding his clothing, the kind that had become far too baggy, all burnt and almost completely ash, and he reached down to the melted rubber that was once his trainers. He brushed a thumb along the thick rubber. He covered his eyes, feeling the wetness of his eyes, for though he may have hated his first life, a man’s memories shouldn’t be erased so easily.

“Mother was terrible at hiding,” Shiva admitted. “She would often hide under the blankets whenever we played our games. I knew it was because she wanted us to find her.”

“Us?”

“My younger sister. Nina.”

Percy tilted his head, his wet eyes full of confusion. “You've never mentioned you had a sister.”

“Father had to kill her too.”

Percy pulled back slightly, sitting down as he stared up at Shiva, who stared at the ash.

“Father has never spoken the tale, but he said, after what they did to my mother and sister, he had to kill them with his own hands.”

Percy stared at him in shock. “I'm sorry.”

“Our rage continues to simmer, but there will come a day. It will be soon. I know it. I feel it. Even if I did not feel this way, I must make it true. I must make it into a reality.”

Percy hadn’t heard Shiva ever speak in such a way. So calm, collected, the kind of rage that was more vicious than the loud rage Kahn had displayed earlier.

Shiva’s eyes remained focused on the ash, the young man recalling the tiny form he had left behind when he and his father went to hunt.

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT

“What’s this? You’re sitting up all by yourself?” Percy gasped, returning from beginning to enchant a weapon.

“Boo!” Percival replied upon seeing his father, his eyes so full of light.

Percy’s heart shuddered lightly, still aching, though he smiled. “My boy! Aren’t you so amazing?”

Percival squealed as his father picked him up, the pair embracing one another, Percy rubbing his son’s back gently, planting a firm kiss on his son’s cheek. Percival blew a raspberry and hid his face into his father’s chest, squealing with joy.

‘Seriously, how can my son be so cute?’

The pair bathed together later in the evening, with his son splashing all around, while Percy gently soaped him up, and once he was done, he pat his son dry with a towel, drying it off with ease, before applying the ointments the villagers had handed to him. In the evening, Percy let his son rest on his chest, the boy pushing himself up to see his father, squealing with delight.

“I have to go soon…”

“Dah!” the boy replied.

“That’s right. Your old man can’t let Shiva run off all alone. He’s helped me so much, and so has the entire village, so… I’ve got to help them too, do you understand?”

“Yah!”

“I knew you would!” Percy brushed the boy’s cheek, causing him to squeal once more. He leaned in to kiss his son’s forehead, causing the boy to cackle. “I love you.”

“Boo!” The boy replied, feeling the warmth of his father’s affection.

“Don’t worry, we won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Oo!”

Percy smiled, leaning in to kiss his son’s ear gently. “You’ve grown so big, my little Percival…”

The pair cuddled with one another, before Percy finally let the boy sleep. He noted his son’s gums were beginning to turn white, meaning he was beginning to teeth. It had taken quite some time, he thought, since Maya’s teeth were already peeking out.

It was towards the end of the week when it happened.

“What?” Percy asked, raising his brows in surprise. ‘They’re here again?’

“This time it seems they have brought more, two armies,” Shiva said.

‘What did he say? The Steel Bears of Kastar are powerful, and the Crimson Flower Swords, apparently they’re an elite unit too?’

“It is a true war now,” Shiva said, before noting the surge of villagers. So many had returned during the week, those who had been sent out.

‘It just had to be today, huh?’ Percy thought, since he had just finished enchanting, and wasn’t feeling in tip top shape.

The Chief had sent out word, for now they had to prepare for the upcoming threat, and the battle that would arrive at their doorstep.

While the various Chiefs, Marshals, and Shamans began to discuss the situation, as quickly as they could, another group also gathered together.

“Crimson Flower, how many years has it been?” the large woman asked, her steel armour more like a wall.

“You old bear, you haven’t retired yet?” the Crimson Flower replied, far more beautiful and lithe compared to her counterpart.

“Retire? Have you forgotten?” the old bear grinned, revealing the scars around her lips more prominently.

“For the sake of such fertile soil, I suppose I’ll have to work beside you.”

“You lot, you want this to be some kind of pretty garden, but the soil here needs to be used for the best kind of wheat!”

“The soil is best for herbs.”

“You can’t grow herbs on an empty stomach!” the woman half exclaimed, laughing hysterically.

Meanwhile, the bears remained to one side. “The hoity toity crimson flowers think they can steal our land from under us?”

“If they weren't so pretty to look at, I wouldn't have let them come!”

“Speaking of letting them come, you brought a good drink?”

“A nice one, why?”

“Share it so I can sit with a pretty flower!”

“What do I get in return?”

“I'll speak to another flower on your behalf.”

“Since we’re the best of friend, how can I not share them with you?” the bear said, patting his companion’s shoulder, the woman smirking.

“Those damn burly bears,” one of the women from the Crimson Flowers said.

“More muscle than brain.”

“If they weren't so ruggedly handsome, I would have plucked their eyes out already.”

“Although, the big one doesn't look too bad.”

“Too bad she has eyes for me.”

“Hmph! I'll accept the other one? Though, I’m not a fan of the way he’s looking at me.”

“Isn’t it because you’re so beautiful?”

“I suppose I’ll have to relent.”

A whistle pierced through the air, catching their attention.

“Seems we’ve caught a little rat?”

CHAPTER FIFTY NINE

‘Sal was caught?’ Percy’s heart trembled. He had begun to rest up for the evening, regaining his Mana, but news spread like wildfire towards him.

“Perhaps he’s just late?” Kahn asked, though his tone implied he didn’t believe his words.

“We need to go now!” Zal exclaimed, his face already pale. It was no doubt already too late, but if there was a chance to save him, he’d go alone if he had to.

“It’s too-,” one began.

“Everyone!” Kahn exclaimed, raising his fist. “Prepare to fight!”

Zal reached out to embrace Kahn, who was perhaps one of the few who could spur an undecided group to act.

“We’ll go send for warriors,” a few called out.

“It might be too late by then,” Kahn said, glancing around to the others around the village. There were at least fifty warriors, including some youngsters, however, there were also at least three Marshals, and another three who could swiftly join them, as well as three Chiefs. Then there was the group who had returned from the war, and Riva.

“We should go now, the rest can join us on the clean up,” Kahn said, and with that, he let out a holler, the others hollering in return as they quickly went to equip themselves more completely.

Percy stepped out, wearing his magical blade at his side, while he rushed towards Shiva, quickly whispering something in his ear. Shiva nodded, rushing away to speak with the Chief, while the young man donned his shield, feeling the thundering in his heart. ‘It’s time!’

“Boo!” Percival called, grasping at his father’s collar.

“Listen to me, Percival.” Percy planted a kiss on his son’s cheek. “Daddy needs to go for a bit, but he’ll be back soon, alright?”

“Gah gah!”

“I want you to know that I love you very much.” Percy held his son close, feeling the chill within his stomach, his eyes shut tight, refusing to grow wet. “Mo’An, I’ll leave him to you.”

“Of course,” the Mo’An replied, bowing her head, as Percy stepped out. He went to go see Maya, finding Shiva there with his glaive, as well as Riva, who wielded a similar glaive.

“Can I even ask you not to trouble your mother while we’re gone?” Percy joked.

“Kekeke!” The little baby replied, with such a cheeky sparkle within her eyes.

“Do not act so dower,” Layla said. “If you end up dying, I’ll kill you.”

Percy coughed, trying not to laugh. “Understood.”

“You, if you die, I’ll drag you out from the underworld,” Layla warned her husband.

“Hah! I will be too swift for you to catch me!” Shiva laughed, though his eyes remained strained.

It wasn’t long until the group of fifty began to charge out of the village, heading towards the way Sal had gone, and also where the other scouts had spotted signs of life, and had calculated the foe’s camp.

The woman yawned, her yawn silenced by a dagger across the throat, her lifeless body gently brought to the earth, as the Malin continued to shift almost silently through the forest, for few wore armour, and even in the dim light of evening, they could see the world as bright as day.

However, a perceptive watcher blew a horn, alerting the soldiers to the appearance of the Malin, and as the Malin burst onto the scene, they were already half prepared. As they charged forward, Percy readying himself, his breath hitched into throat, the young man almost freezing in place.

Sal had been hung against a tree from his arms, and as he swung, so did his innards. Through gritted teeth, he grinned at the Engwyn in front of him, and hearing the horn, he laughed louder, which caused him to wince in greater pain. His eyes then darted up, seeing the rushing of the Malin as they charged towards him, clashing with the Malin along the way.

‘What a good day to die,’ Sal thought, the young man smiling as an arrow struck through his throat.

Percy turned, his entire body almost frozen, as Shiva, with wet eyes, raised his wife’s bow and had loosened an arrow. Zal stood beside him, with a bow in hand, but he had been unable to loosen his arrow, but with Shiva shooting first, he plucked up the courage, a pained cough escaping his lungs.

Two more arrows struck the Malin, making sure he could go with the best last sight a Malin could see.

The roars of the Malin drowned out even Percy’s thoughts.

CHAPTER SIXTY

Indeed, the Bears of Kastar and the Crimson Flowers were elite soldiers, but how could one compare them to the Malin, whose way of life was to survive?

Kahn clashed with a figure with his greatsword, leading the Malin forward, his blade exploding with lightning as he fought. Shiva also charged forward, swinging his glaive wildly, threatening to tear a Crimson Flower in half.

Percy’s heart ached, the young man frozen in place, his hand upon the hilt of his blade, but he stared forward, towards the mass of death before him.

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 11 (6)

Miss!

Percy held out his hand, but as he formed the words of magic through all the shouting and screaming and ringing of steel, all he could think about was Sal.

‘I don’t understand it completely, but the way you look at your son…’ Sal had said. ‘It’s inspiring?’

‘You’ll understand once you have your own child, even if it make take a few years, you’ll definitely understand.’

‘I will probably understand quickly, since I’m the handsome and the smart one,’ Sal had joked.

The Engwyn at the back were still trying to prepare themselves, having not expecting so many Malin to assault them so swiftly in the evening, the fires illuminating the world around them, illuminating the brutal slaughter for them.

“Do not fall back! Kill the beasts!” shouted an older woman in her fifties or so, the woman wielding a large greatblade, cutting down a Malin in front of her.

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 11 (6)

Hit!

1D10 + 5 = 15 (10)

15 damage!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 14 (9)

Miss!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 23 (18)

Hit!

1D10 + 5 = 12 (7)

12 damage!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 17 (12)

Hit!

1D10 + 5 = 6 (1)

6 damage!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 11 (6)

Miss!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 7 (2)

Miss!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 6 (1)

Critical Miss!

Percy stepped forward, surrounding by the Malin, though now behind them as the Malin clashed with the soldiers. Though they were outnumbered, somehow, they were managing to force the Engwyn back. There were many greater warriors within the Malin, though they were almost matched by the likes of the various older soldiers within the Engwyn’s employ.

‘The northerners make the best cheese,’ Sal had said. ‘I will leave later in the season to procure some.’

‘It must be that good if you’re giving up scouting,’ Percy had joked.

‘It is that good,’ Sal said seriously.

It had been a few hours ago when they had that conversation.

Wisdom Save

D20 + 2 = 13 (11)

Percy’s throat constricted, gasping for air as the fighting around him continue, and he held up both fingers, willing his voice.

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 13 (8)

Miss!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 6 (1)

Critical Miss!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 13 (8)

Miss!

An arrow barely missed him, almost nicking his cheek, the young man turning his head towards the archer, a Crimson Flower who was trying to gather herself. He held up his fingers towards her.

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 21 (16)

Hit!

1D10 + 5 = 14 (9)

14 damage!

As she fell to the earth, Percy didn’t even acknowledge the fact he had killed another soldier, having not even realised she wasn’t the first person he had killed.

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 10 (5)

Miss!

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 13 (8)

Miss!

Percy turned, finding the shadow of a blade.

Temporary Health: 5 -> 0

Health: 18 -> 7

He barely managed to lift his shield, but as he raised it, the sword dented it, and struck so heavily, Percy fell, his shield scraping on the earth at his side.

“What a vile witch!” the old bear snarled, raising her blade up above her. “To think a traitor like you would dare to attack us!”

The old bear’s rage overwhelmed her, for he had managed to slay a few of her warriors with his magic, but she was not so enraged that she would allow someone to catch her while she was distracted.

A giant glaive forced her backwards, as the large Malin, with the face of a tiger snarled. “Out of my way!”

Percy wasn’t going to make Riva say it twice, the fear of the old man causing him to roll around, and he pulled away.

Action: Disengage

Percy drew backwards, holding up his shield as the old bear was forced back, the woman surprised someone could beat her so viciously, the flames of the glaive too much. The woman noted just how terribly these wicked savages were, forcing them back, killing so many of their warriors.

“Bears! Back!” the old woman roared, engaging the warrior in front of her, who was a vicious beast, able to force her away, however, she could not step back even as injured as she was, for she needed to cover her warrior’s retreat. ‘How is he so strong?’

As Riva threatened to pin her down, a silvered blade, a rapier, almost took the old man’s eye as he pulled back, the blade instead cutting across his cheek.

“Old bear, I would prefer it if you didn’t die,” the eponymous Crimson Flower said.

“Thank-,”

The Crimson Flower turned, noting the woman’s face had been caved in, and her eyes managed to barely catch the sight of a young man holding out two fingers.

Trick: Eldritch Blast

D20 + 5 = 21 (16)

Hit!

1D10 + 5 = 8 (3)

8 damage!