Chapter 7

In an unknown location.

Blonde masked man: “We have a problem.”

Sevren: “What is it?”

Blonde masked man: “A team of three men rescued the prisoners.”

Sevren: “How come three men were better than your guards?”

Blonde masked man: “I don't know.”

Sevren: “You don't know?”

He gets up from his chair, walks over to him, and stares in his eyes.

Sevren: “You know why you're still alive?”

Blonde masked man: “No.”

Sevren: “Because killing you would mean that I need to find another idiot to do the dirty work.”

Blonde masked man: “It won't happen again.”

Sevren: “Get out of my sight before I lose my temper.”

When Draviel was ready, they began the new training phase.

Draviel: “Morning. I see you guys arrived before me... again.”

Norkai: “We want our layer 2 unlocked as soon as possible.”

Nireh: “And we also got bored of waiting.”

Draviel: “Very well. I hope you saved your energy.”

Draviel: *They are so ambitious... just like I was at their age.*

Nireh: “What are we doing today?”

Draviel: “Today and in the coming days we will push your limits like never before. Recently, you managed to fully own your layer 1 power but that doesn't mean it will be so easy with the next level. Until you start to feel your layer 2 power, I will pressure you constantly.”

Norkai: “What do you mean ‘feel’?”

Nireh: “Actually, I don't like being pressured.”

Draviel: “I mean, you will reach a point where the new power will come naturally. If you want power fast, this is the best way to do it. Are you ready?”

Norkai: “I am so ready.”

Draviel: “Hold on. I haven't told you the Golden Rule yet.”

Nireh: “What Golden Rule?”

Draviel: “You guys need to think of yourselves... as already owning the layer 2. Because I will treat you as such.”

Norkai: “Whaat?”

Draviel: “You heard me. Until you get to my level, I will fight you as layer 2 fighters.”

Nireh: “I think I'm less enthusiastic now.”

Draviel: “Hahaha. The next few weeks will be very hard for you guys. But it will be worth it.

After this phase is over... the real fun begins.”

Norkai: “Real fun? What do you mean?”

Draviel: “Once layer 2 is reached. You will start developing your own combat style, however you want. Since you will have the missing piece of the puzzle.”

Norkai: “I like that part.”

Norkai: *I'll reach layer 2 in no time.*

Nireh: “Interesting. More unpredictability.”

Draviel: “So... are you guys ready to begin?”

Norkai: “Let's do it.”

Nireh: “Yes, sir.”

As promised, the next weeks were nothing but hell for the boys. Draviel pushed them to their limits every day.

Day 1: They don't hit him once.

Day 2: Same result.

Day 3: The boys get frustrated by the gap.

Day 6: Norkai surprises Draviel with his attack.

Day 8: They start seeing openings.

Day 14: Draviel begins to have more difficulty with them.

Day 21: Nireh manages to land a clean hit.

Day 37: The The fight is now balanced. The boys can stand against him in a two-versus-one fight.

Draviel: “Well done guys. I'm very happy with how fast you've grown. Starting tomorrow, we are doing one-versus-one fights.”

Nireh: “Norkai's going first. I want to analyze you guys.”

Norkai: “Fine. I won't run from a fight.”

Facing Draviel alone is a totally new level of difficulty. Usually, it takes a fighter a year or two to reach layer 2, and another few years to fully own it. The boys are attempting to do it in a couple of months. It wasn't unheard of for a fighter to reach it that fast. Their brother did it from a very young age as well. However, the path is a brutal one to take.

Day 42: Norkai has huge issues facing Draviel.

Day 43: So does Nireh. They are completely outclassed.

Day 51: The boys start to recognize some of his patterns.

Day 65: Draviel is finally forced to use noticeably more of his strength.

Day 72: Nireh is starting to sense his layer 2 power.

Day 88: Major changes can be seen in Nireh's hair color. And he can use his layer 2 power most of the time.

Draviel: “It seems Nireh is the first to reach his layer 2 power. Congratulations. You did very well.”

Norkai: “You've beaten me this time. Congratulations.”

Norkai: *Dammit. I wanted to be the first to reach it.*

Nireh: “Thanks guys. I couldn't have done it without your help.”

In the following days, Norkai is more determined than ever to reach his brother.

Day 89: He pushes himself beyond his limits.

Day 91: Norkai's hair starts to change.

Nireh: “Your hair Norkai. It's finally starting to change.”

Norkai: “About time. Now... we're the same.”

Nireh: “For sure. Congratulations. This means we are approaching the end of our training.”

Draviel: “Congratulations, Norkai. I knew you could do it.”

Norkai: “It took longer than I expected... but I'm happy that I finally did it.”

Later in the evening, Draviel had a surprise visit on his way home.

Nereea: “Draviel, what a beautiful sunset. Don't you think so?”

Draviel: “What is it?”

Nereea: “Straight to the business? You used to be more fun.”

Draviel: “Sorry. I haven't had much fun time lately.”

Nereea: “I know the feeling. Anyway... the reason I'm here.”

Draviel: “You want to cash in that favor don't you?”

Nereea: “Hahaha. You could always read my mind. How are you still single?”

Draviel: “I've met you.”

Nereea: “Indeed. One of the best days of your life.”

Draviel: “If you say so.”

Nereea: “Cheeky. I like it. So... about that favor. I need you to find out something for me.”

Draviel: “I have a bad feeling about this.”

Nereea: “Very funny. Actually, I am following one of your leads.”

Draviel: “Mine? How so?”

Nereea: “Remember the prisoner you brought back?”

Draviel: “Yes. I thought Averon had him now.”

Nereea: “They do. But they shared some information with us. Apparently, someone from our government might be the one who sold that meeting.”

Draviel: “And we're trusting them?”

Nereea: “Of course not. But if it turns out to be true, it could be big.”

Draviel: “And you can't do it... because it would look like you're investigating your allies.”

Nereea: “Correct. I can't have my trust being questioned.”

Draviel: “So, how are we going to play it this time?”

Nereea: “I will give you a false mission and when you get there, you'll need to verify if Velmir was there on the sixteenth.”

Draviel: “Velmir? Interesting. And if he wasn't?”

Nereea: “Then things might get ugly.”

Draviel: “Very well. I'll see what I can do.”

Nereea: “I knew I could count on you.”

Draviel: “I'll find you when I have the answer.”

Nereea: “Very well. See you later.”

She then disappears.

The next day, the boys waited for Draviel at the training grounds.

Draviel: “Morning. Before you say anything... we have a mission.”

Norkai: “Right now? Aren't we supposed to finish phase two?”

Draviel: “It's just a checking mission. It will be fast. And we can continue the training after.”

Nireh: “What are we checking?”

Draviel: “It's a little bit complicated... just follow my lead.”

Norkai: “Okay... let's just end it fast and go back to training.”

Nireh: “Agreed. We still have a lot to practice.”

Draviel: “Go get your packs. I'll wait here.”

The village was a two-hour walk to the west. It was used for retreats and unofficial business. When they arrived, they stopped at the local inn.

Sovellan: “Draviel, what a pleasant surprise. And you have some company as well. The usual room?”

Draviel: “Not this time. I am here for some information.”

Sovellan: “Hmm... information is dangerous.”

Draviel: “Yeah... is Auren in his room?”

Sovellan: “Auren? I hope he's not in trouble.”

Draviel: “Not at all. I am not here officially.”

Sovellan: “Very well then. He is in his usual room.”

Draviel: “Thank you, Sovellan.”

As they walked towards his room, people were staring at the boys. It was not a common place for those of their age. At his room, Draviel knocked four times. After a couple of seconds a butler welcomed them in.

Auren: “Draviel, long time no see.”

Draviel: “Auren... you haven't aged a day since last time.”

Auren: “You know me... I don't like the sun that much.”

Draviel: “I know. So... I need some information.”

Auren: “Information is costly, Draviel.”

Draviel: “You know I've always paid my debts.”

Auren: “Indeed. That is true. What do you want to know?”

Draviel: “Was Velmir here on the sixteenth?”

Auren: “Interesting. That information might cause trouble.”

Draviel: “I know.”

Auren: “Hmm... very well. He was not here. But Draviel... be careful with who you share that information.”

Draviel: “I will. Thank you, Auren.”

Auren: “My pleasure. You will hear from me when I need you.”

Draviel: “Come on, boys.”

A little confused about why they had to be there, they followed Draviel outside the inn. Although he remained calm, Draviel's thoughts were racing. A respected fighter might have been responsible for the ambush. This puts Yllera in a very awkward spot if Averon finds out.

Nireh: “Draviel? What was that about?”

Draviel: “Do you remember the prisoner that we brought back with us?”

Nireh: “Yes. What happened to him?”

Draviel: “It seems they extracted the information that someone from our side leaked the meeting with Averon.”

Norkai: “It was us?”

Draviel: “That's why we're here, to check on someone.”

Nireh: “The old man said that he wasn't here, which means... he might be the one who leaked?”

Draviel: “Correct. We need to keep this to ourselves. Understood?”

Norkai: “But why would one of us betray us?”

Draviel: “That's a very good question. It needs more digging before we start accusing. That's why it is important to not reveal what we know until the right time.”

Nireh: “I don't like this. If he leaked that... then what else?”

Draviel: “Who knows. I hope nothing crucial.”

Norkai: “So, what are we going to do now? Go back to training or investigate this guy?”

Roy: “I think training is a good idea.”

Norkai: “Roy? What are you doing here?”

Roy: “I was just coming back home.”

He had his hair done. His clothes perfectly fit. He was calm and composed. Even though he was only a few years older than them, he looked like an adult.

Nireh: “Why don't I believe that.”

Draviel: “Roy, this is indeed an unexpected surprise. Or... are you checking us?”

Roy: “It seems nobody trusts me anymore.”

Norkai: “Yeah... because everyone knows your games.”

Roy: “No games this time. I just want to go home.”

Norkai: “Fine.”

Nireh: “Do you know anything about mom?”

Roy: “Yeah. She is still doing business in Velen.”

Nireh: “Again business? What kind of business?”

Roy: “I don't know.”

Norkai: “Or you don't want to tell us.”

Roy: “Believe what you want. Now... are you guys staying here or going home?”

Draviel: “We still have some things to clarify.”

Roy: “Alright. I'm leaving then. See you later.”

They all watched him leave with mild suspicion.

Draviel: “How are you guys so normal compared to your brother?”

Nireh: “We've been wondering that for years.”

Norkai: “Maybe he was adopted.”

Draviel: “Hahaha. That would explain a lot.”

They talked a little longer about the traitor situation, then went back to the training grounds. Later that evening, Draviel arrived at his usual meeting spot with Nereea.

Nereea: “What did you find out?”

Draviel: “He was not there.”

Nereea: “Dammit. We have to keep an eye on this one as well.”

Draviel: “You think he might be tied to Sevren?”

Nereea: “I don't know. I really don't like this situation, Draviel. One of our own doing shady business.”

Draviel: “Yeah... in the end it will hurt us all. Are you going to report him to Averon?”

Nereea: “Yes. What choice do I have? If they discover that I withheld this information, they might think we are allied with him. I have to come clean and hope they believe us.”

Draviel: “I see. Then what? We wait for their response?”

Nereea: “I'm afraid so. We can't do anything now or it can be considered a cover-up.”

Draviel: “I hate politics.”

Nereea: “I know... you told me that. Many, many times.”