Chapter 6

The next day was a free day and the boys decided to visit the new sandwich restaurant that just opened.

Norkai: “Pretty nice location don't you think?”

Nireh: “Yeah. I like it.”

Norkai: “In the center of the village... close to the Vanguard. Like they knew fighters have no time for cooking.”

Nireh: “You're right. It's actually cleverly placed.”

Norkai: “I have a feeling that this will be my new favorite place.”

Nireh: “Haha... I am not surprised. These sandwiches look pretty good.”

Xera: “Be careful not to get fat.”

Nireh: “Hey, Xera. Come join us.”

Norkai: “But if you're busy, we totally understand.”

Xera: “I can stay a few minutes. Do you guys like the new place?”

Nireh: “Actually, yes.”

Norkai: “It's okay.”

Xera: “I think it will be big someday. It's very well placed.”

Nireh: “That's what we were saying too.”

Xera: “Really? Interesting. I've heard you guys solved a big mission.”

Norkai: “You bet. We saved a Vanguard team.”

Xera: “I see. Draviel was probably doing all the lifting.”

Norkai: “Look... I get that you're competitive and stuff. But we're ahead of you. It's not like I'm trying to brag or something.”

Xera: “In your dreams. You just got lucky with a decent mission.”

Nireh: “I can totally see you two together someday.”

Norkai: “What are you talking about?”

Norkai: *Why would you say that?*

Xera: “I think I'd better go. Before it gets weird.”

Norkai: “Agreed.”

Nireh: “See you later, Xera.”

Xera: “See you. Be careful with that one. He's nothing but trouble.”

Norkai: “Finally. Now that she's gone, what are we going to do?”

Nireh: “I have no idea. What do fighters do in their off days?”

Norkai: “Practice new techniques?”

Nireh: “Maybe. But Draviel said to save our energy for when the training begins.”

Norkai: “Okay. Then what?”

Nireh: “Read about ancient techniques?”

Norkai: “Too boring.”

Nireh: “Mission reports?”

Norkai: “Also boring.”

Nireh: “I'm going to the old watchtower then. Do you want to come?”

Norkai: “Not really. I'll find something else.”

Nireh: “Okay. See you later.”

Disappointed by the lack of interesting things to do, Norkai was wandering aimlessly through the village. Out of nowhere, an older voice caught his attention.

Old man: “Excuse me, young fighter. May I have a word?”

Norkai: “What is it old man? Do you want money?”

Old man: “Oh... no, no, no. I need your help carrying this box.”

Norkai: “Sorry. But I have better things to do.”

Old man: “I see. I was going to pay you generously.”

Norkai: “Really? Why didn't you say that from the start? I'll do it.”

Norkai: *I will carry this box quickly and then I'll go buy some nice treats. That will cheer me up.*

Old man: “Very well then. I am glad you decided to help an old man in need.”

Norkai: “Where are we going?”

Old man: “Just outside the village. We'll get there in no time.”

Norkai: “Perfect.”

He picked up the box and they started walking. It wasn't particularly heavy, but neither too easy. Norkai was already thinking about his money. The old man had a long beard and a calm, carefree aura. Dressed in a grey robe and cheap shoes, he had the appearance of an ordinary traveler.

After one hour of walking, Norkai was starting to get impatient.

Norkai: “How much longer until we get there?”

Old man: “Not much.”

Norkai: “What is in this box anyway?”

Old man: “Just some bottles with medicine.”

Norkai: “I see. I guess you're very old.”

Old man: “Hahaha... indeed, I am. But they are not just for me.”

Norkai: “Are you some kind of merchant?”

Old man: “Something like that.”

Out of nowhere, four masked men surround them.

Masked man: “Give us the box, kid.”

Norkai: “Kid? Don't make me drop the box and beat you all.”

Masked man: “You've been warned. Get him.”

Norkai: “Fine. Let me teach you a lesson.”

The battle begins. Three of them surround Norkai while the fourth waits for an opening. Norkai takes out his spear and launches a water attack, making the terrain slippery. The thugs are using katanas, which means Norkai has the reach advantage. He throws the spear towards one of them, forcing him to move and slip. Then he rushes him and knocks him out. Realizing that they aren't real fighters and can't use affinities, he speeds up and knocks them out one by one.

Norkai: “You're not even fighters. And think you can beat me?”

Old man: “Nicely fought, young man.”

Norkai: “No need to thank me. It was an easy fight.”

Old man: “Indeed... but what about my box?”

Norkai: “What do you mean? Dammit. It was right here.”

Old man: “While you were crushing those three thugs, the fourth one took the box and left.”

Norkai: “Why didn't you say anything?”

Old man: “I'm just an old man... and you seemed to have so much fun.”

Norkai: “Did you at least see which direction he run?”

Old man: “I think it was east.”

Norkai: “Okay. Wait here. I'll get it back.”

Old man: “I wish you good luck, young fighter.”

It doesn't take long before he picks up the thugs' footprints. In a couple of minutes, he catches up with him.

Norkai: “Stop. You can't outrun me.”

Masked man: “You're right. But you're gonna let me go.”

Norkai: “Haha... why would I do that?”

Masked man: “If you don't, the old man dies.”

Norkai: “I don't think so.”

Masked man: “You might protect him today. But tomorrow? A week from now? We'll come back for him.”

Norkai: *He's right. I can't stay with him forever. But at the same time, people need the medicine.*

Norkai: “I will be there, thug. And next time... I won't be so forgiving. I'll kill you all.”

The masked man freezes. Norkai's serious and threatening expression makes it clear that his next words might be his last.

Masked man: “Fine. Take your box.”

He said while slowly placing the box on the ground. Norkai's eyes are fixed on him as he runs away. Then he grabs the box and goes back to the old man.

Norkai: “I've got your box back.”

Old man: “That's wonderful news. Thank you very much.”

Norkai: “No need for that. What are you going to do if they come back and I'm not around?”

Old man: “Oh... I don't think I'm coming back. This was probably my last visit to the village.”

Norkai: “I see. Well... I hope you'll be alright.”

Old man: “I hope so too. Let's hurry now before night comes.”

Norkai: “Very well.”

The rest of the day was spent on the road. Unsure about his decision, some doubts began to bother him. At home, he told Nireh what happened. Without much thought, Nireh reassured him that he would have done the same thing, which he found comforting.