NO ONE GETS SICK HERE part 2

As the sun sank lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard, the ground shook with the thunderous footsteps heralding the arrival of something both awe-inspiring and fearsome.

Shu’en’s blue eyes widened in disbelief as two enormous carriages rolled into view, each drawn by a pair of Laufnaðr creatures that seemed to be a terrifying blend of Komodo dragons and gigantic serpents.

Their scales glimmered like molten metal in the waning light, and their tails lashed through the air, sending little clouds of dust swirling around them.

The earth trembled beneath their weight as the beasts came to a halt, their hissing breaths escaping from nostrils that glowed faintly. Shu’en’s fingers twitched nervously around the hilt of his wooden sword, yet he stood frozen, captivated by the spectacle.

With a creak, the carriage doors swung open. One by one, six figures stepped out, their presence demanding attention even before they fully entered the courtyard.

Yumoto Kijuro, tall and broad-shouldered, adjusted the strap of his long coat, his sharp gaze sweeping the area with an intensity that made Shu’en instinctively straighten up.

Next was Karson Ayala, moving with precision and purpose, exuding a quiet confidence that radiated authority.

Then came Jissoji Nikki, wiry and quick, darting forward with a lightness that sharply contrasted with the others, his mischievous grin suggesting a playful unpredictability.

Jazlynn Sykes followed, graceful yet formidable, stepping down with the poise of a seasoned warrior, her eyes locking onto Shu’en as if she were already sizing him up.

Keeara Joyner, smiling yet alert, scanned the surroundings cautiously, her hands brushing against the straps of what appeared to be a utility belt filled with peculiar gadgets.

And finally, there was Cha’relle Cook, tall, radiating a calm yet intimidating presence, her arms crossed as she observed everything like a hawk watching its prey.

Ei’sen stepped forward immediately, his voice calm but firm. “Shu’en, these are the friends I spoke of. Your journey starts here, and these people—though unpredictable—will teach you lessons no book ever could.”

Moanna, still clutching Shu’en tightly, eyed the newcomers warily. “Friends, huh? They look… dangerous.”

Shu’en’s gray eyes flickered between the six figures. Curiosity and determination surged within him. This is it. My chance. I need to see what kind of people my father trusted… and why he believes I need them.

Shu’en took a step closer, his petite frame looking even smaller next to the enormous Laufnaðr and the towering carriages. His gray eyes flitted nervously between the six newcomers and his parents.

“Wait,” he called out, his voice steady yet filled with curiosity. “Where… where are we going? And… can you two come with me?”

Moanna instinctively tightened her grip on his hand, her brows knitting together. “Of course I’m coming! You’re not stepping into that world alone, Shu’en. Not while I’m still here.”

Ei’sen’s gaze softened, but his expression remained resolute. “Moanna… this is your son’s journey. We’re here to guide him, but we can’t always intervene. He needs to learn, Shu’en. That’s why these six—” he gestured toward the newcomers, “—are here. They’ll be your teachers, your companions. And sometimes… your challengers.”

Shu’en’s small fists clenched, the gray in his eyes sharpening with determination. “So… I have to go with them by myself?”

Ei’sen crouched down a bit, bringing his face closer to Shu’en’s level. “Not by yourself. You’ll have them, and you’ll have everything I’ve taught you. But yes… the physical journey, the experiences, the challenges—that’s all yours.”

Moanna frowned, still uneasy, her fingers brushing the back of Shu’en’s hand. “I don’t like this. Not one bit.”

Ei’sen placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know it’s tough, love. But if we follow him everywhere, he won’t grow. Shu’en needs to face the world—and sometimes danger—on his own. And believe me… he’s more ready than either of us realize.”

The sun sank lower on the horizon, casting a warm glow of orange and lavender across the sky as the carriages rolled steadily along the dirt road.

Shu’en leaned forward a bit, his small hands gripping the edge of the carriage, his eyes half-closed as the rhythmic clatter of Laufnaðr’s massive claws against the earth and the gentle sway of the wagons lulled him into a peaceful state of thought.

The world felt… expansive. Rolling hills stretched endlessly, dotted with a few trees and the occasional shimmer of a distant river.

A soft breeze carried the fresh scent of pine and grass, tousling Shu’en’s dark hair and rustling the pages of the books nestled beside him. The other six travelers rode in a comfortable silence, some gazing out at the scenery, while others were simply lost in their own musings.

Even the Laufnaðr moved with an unusual grace, its serpentine body gliding effortlessly, scales catching the fading sunlight in soft, soothing flashes. Its massive claws left gentle, steady impressions in the dirt, the rhythmic sound serving as a comforting backdrop for the travelers.

Shu’en briefly closed his eyes, feeling the Core Energy flowing gently within him. The steady motion of the carriage seemed to sync with the rhythm of his heartbeat, each breath bringing a rare sense of tranquility he hadn’t felt in weeks.

As night fell, the sky deepened into a rich indigo, sprinkled with early stars that twinkled softly against the dimming twilight.

The travelers decided it was time to stop and rest. The horses were guided to the side of the road, and tents and small campfires began to pop up as each member of the group prepared for the night.

The distant sound of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves created an almost serene atmosphere, a quiet oasis of peace in the midst of an unpredictable world.

Yumoto Kijuro made his way over to Shu’en, who was stretching a bit after their long journey. The firelight danced in his dark eyes, and a playful smirk played at the corners of his lips.

“You’ve got potential,” Yumoto said in a low voice, calm but with a hint of challenge. “I want to see just how sharp you really are. Let’s spar. Just a little test.”

Shu’en blinked, taken aback. “Fight… now? But why?”

“To see,” Yumoto replied matter-of-factly. “Not to hurt you. Just… to measure.”

Shu’en thought it over for a moment, the flickering firelight reflecting in his gray eyes. After a brief pause, he nodded. “Alright… I accept.”

One of the others handed him a wooden sword, its surface smooth and polished, feeling a bit strange yet manageable in his small hands.

The group gathered around, some leaning in with curiosity, while others showed subtle signs of apprehension. Karson Ayala whispered something to Nikki, prompting a few quiet chuckles. Keeara Joyner and Cha’relle Cook exchanged glances, eyebrows raised, unsure if this would end in disaster or brilliance.

Jazlynn Sykes, however, stood slightly apart, her expression unreadable, eyes calm and steady. She watched Shu’en with unwavering focus, revealing nothing—no smile, no frown, just a blank slate. Her composed presence stood in stark contrast to the faint worry and excitement radiating from the others.

The night air was cool, the fire crackling softly as Shu’en adjusted his grip on the wooden sword. Around him, the forest buzzed with life, but in that moment, all that mattered was the silent promise of the challenge ahead. A sense of calm washed over him, steadying his nerves as he readied himself for the first true test of his strength beyond the safety of home.

The night air was thick with anticipation as Shu’en and Yumoto squared off in the small clearing. The campfire flickered, casting dancing shadows that highlighted the determination in their eyes.

Shu’en shifted his stance, gripping his wooden sword with resolve, while Yumoto’s blade hummed softly, its core energy visibly rippling along its length.

Yumoto’s dark eyes sparkled with mischief. “I warned you—I won’t hold back.”

Shu’en narrowed his gray gaze, fully expecting this. He felt the surge of Core Energy in his father’s words and the training that had shaped him.

Slowly, with intention, he activated his own energy—not just in his sword, but throughout his entire being. A subtle aura began to shimmer around him, faint at first, then intensifying, distorting the air in gentle ripples.

Yumoto’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your whole body…?”

Shu’en didn’t reply. Instead, he sprang into action.

The ground beneath him seemed to vibrate as he took his first step forward.

Yumoto lunged, his sword tracing arcs of glowing energy through the air, sparks flying where their blades met. The clash rang out, sharp and resonant, echoing through the stillness of the night.

Shu’en dodged with fluid grace, his movements so swift they were nearly a blur. He could feel his Core Energy coursing through every muscle, sharpening his reflexes, boosting his speed, and even adjusting his balance mid-step.

Yumoto pressed on, launching a flurry of precise strikes, testing Shu’en’s defense and agility.

With each clash of their wooden swords, a small shockwave of aura rippled outward, causing the nearby trees to sway slightly.

Keeara and Cha’relle watched from the edge of the campfire, their mouths slightly agape in a mix of awe and anxiety.

“You’re really not holding back, are you?” Shu’en muttered under his breath, narrowly dodging another strike that would have caught a less experienced opponent off-guard.

“Nope,” Yumoto said with a grin. “I want to see what you’re really made of.”

Shu’en’s eyes darted around, calculating his next move. He needed to spot an opening.

He watched how Yumoto shifted his weight, the subtle hints in his stance, and the faint energy trails left by his sword. A plan started to take shape in his mind.

The two of them moved gracefully across the clearing, their strikes and counters weaving together in a rhythm that resembled a deadly dance.

Sparks flew as wood clashed with energy-enhanced steel, and Shu’en narrowly dodged attacks that would have sliced through him if it weren’t for his Core Energy-boosted reflexes.

Then, Shu’en noticed it—a tiny gap in Yumoto’s defense as he overextended during a spinning slash. His heart raced. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

In an instant, Shu’en lunged forward, channeling his Core Energy into his entire body rather than just his sword. Yumoto barely had time to react. The sudden, unexpected move caught him completely off-guard.

Shu’en didn’t aim for a direct confrontation. Instead, he spun beneath Yumoto’s guard, flipping with remarkable agility, and landed a precise strike to Yumoto’s side—a touch so quick and perfectly timed that it sent Yumoto stumbling back.

The wooden sword slipped from Shu’en’s grip, spinning through the air before landing harmlessly in the dirt a few feet away.

For a brief moment, silence enveloped the clearing. Yumoto blinked, regaining his balance, a mix of surprise and reluctant admiration on his face. “…Impressive.”

Keeara Joyner and Cha’relle Cook immediately burst into a cacophony of voices.

“What do you mean by not holding back?! He could’ve really gotten hurt!” Keeara exclaimed, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

Cha’relle chimed in, her voice getting louder, “Seriously, Yumoto! Words have weight! What do you mean by holding back?! You’re meant to be testing him, not trying to hurt him!”

Yumoto raised his hands, still trying to catch his breath. “Chill out, it was all under control! I didn’t hit to hurt—just to test him. That was the whole idea!”

Meanwhile, Shu’en calmly picked up the wooden sword, his gray eyes reflecting the glow of the fire. He didn’t say anything, but the slight smirk on his face showed he had enjoyed the sparring—and the surprise of his own attack.

As always, Jazlynn Sykes remained composed, standing a bit away from the commotion. Her gaze followed Shu’en, unreadable and steady, the flickering firelight playing across her calm, neutral face.

The night air settled back into a peaceful rhythm. The soft crackle of the campfire mingled with the distant chirping of crickets, the earlier chaos of the sparring replaced by a gentle tranquility—but the lessons from the fight lingered in everyone’s thoughts.

Shu’en let out a soft sigh, running his fingers through his dark hair as he observed Keeara and Cha’relle bickering endlessly with Yumoto. The flickering firelight danced across their faces, highlighting a blend of frustration and stubborn pride. He shook his head slightly, wondering, Why do they have to make everything so loud?

He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the warmth of his Core Energy to settle back into him after the sparring session. When he opened them again, he felt a slight hitch in his breath.

Right in front of him stood Jazlynn Sykes.

Her presence was… unexpected. Almost too still, too calm, yet somehow commanding. Shu’en’s gray eyes widened, and his heartbeat quickened as a subtle shiver of unease ran down his spine. He instinctively tightened his grip on the wooden sword.

“You…” she said softly, her voice slicing through the night air. “How… how did you do that?”

Shu’en tilted his head, confusion flickering across his face. “Huh?”

She stepped a little closer, her steady gaze making her words feel weightier than they were. “The way you moved… that strike… your energy… show me. I need to see how you did it.”

Shu’en blinked, still trying to wrap his head around her request. The chatter of the others faded into the background, and the night suddenly felt quieter. He could feel the calm pulse of his Core Energy flowing within him, his body recalling the rhythm from the fight with Yumoto.

“…Demonstrate it?” he repeated slowly, his voice low and uncertain.

Jazlynn nodded once, deliberately, as if it were both a command and a question. “Yes.”

Shu'en gazes into her eyes as if he knows what they mean.

Those eyes are off someone with not only pure curiosity ready to be filled but a strong sense of wanting to become stronger.