Chapter 9

The next day was free and started later than usual.

Norkai: “Do you have any plans?”

Nireh: “Not really. You?”

Norkai: “I think I'm going to the training grounds.”

Nireh: “Aren't you tired after yesterday's trip?”

Norkai: “Maybe a little... but that scratch was a clear indicator that I still have much to learn.”

Nireh: “I think you're overreacting. Experience will come with time.”

Norkai: “Still... I have nothing better to do.”

Nireh: “If you say so.”

Norkai: “I'll see you later.”

While Norkai was training, Nireh was just sitting on his bed, looking at the ceiling and getting lost in thought.

Raindrop: “Feeling sad?”

Nireh: “Ha... you scared the crap out of me.”

Raindrop: “Hahaha. You should see your face.”

Nireh: “What do you want now?”

Raindrop: “Nothing. I'm just bored.”

Nireh: “I wonder if you only appear when I feel lonely.”

Raindrop: “You don't like that?”

Nireh: “I'm... not sure.”

Raindrop: “Don't think too much about it.”

Nireh: “It's not easy getting used to you... you know that, right?”

Raindrop: “I know. But you'll be fine. You're a big boy.”

Nireh: “Yeah... very big.”

Raindrop: “So, what are you going to do today? Just sit here?”

Nireh: “Pretty much.”

Raindrop: “That's sad... and boring. Don't you have any friends?”

Nireh: “Everyone has friends.”

Raindrop: “But do you wanna hang out with them?”

Nireh: “Not really.”

Raindrop: “And you call them friends?”

Nireh: “Just leave me alone.”

Raindrop: “Fine. Excuse me for trying to cheer you up.”

Nireh: “Sorry. I just... don't know what I really want.”

Raindrop: “I know how it feels.”

A moment of silence followed.

Raindrop: “Hey... I know. You wanna do something fun?”

Nireh: “Like what?”

Raindrop: “Just close your eyes... and try to relax.”

Nireh: “Why?”

Raindrop: “Just do it silly.”

Nireh: “Sure... why not.”

She touches the center of his forehead, and he suddenly wakes up in a fantasy realm. In the middle of a huge, perfect castle, with lots of people and fairies having a good time. Joy and laughter accompanied by good food and drinks. He starts to walk around and interact with everyone. It's like they know him and accept him exactly how he is. No worries and no expectations. A person with long hair and their back turned catches his eye. As he tries to get closer, she gets further away. His curiosity increases, and his will to reach her amplifies. In a few moments, he starts running with all his strength, almost desperately... until he finally reaches her. A strange sense of familiarity hits him. But when he tries to touch her shoulder... she just disappears. And then he wakes up.

Nireh: “What just happened? Who was that woman?”

Raindrop was gone.

Nireh: *That was intense. I need to get some air.*

As he was walking through the village, a feminine voice calls him from behind.

Elira: “Nireh? Are you okay?”

Nireh: “Elira. Yeah... I'm fine.”

Elira: “You sure? I called you a couple of times and you didn't hear me.”

Nireh: “Sorry... I was just thinking about some things.”

Elira: “What happened?”

Nireh: “Nothing. Have you ever had that feeling... that you don't know where your life is taking you?”

Elira: “Actually I did... I still do sometimes.”

Nireh: “And how do you manage it?”

Elira: “I don't. I try not to think about it... and distract myself with all sorts of things.”

Nireh: “I see.”

Elira: “Look... our lives are not easy. Being a fighter is a real challenge. Maybe we just need more time to adjust... right?”

Nireh: “I guess.”

Elira: “We'll be fine. Don't worry too much. I have to go now. Sorry... but I'm meeting with

Xera. We're supposed to do girly stuff... whatever that means.”

Nireh: “No worries. It was nice seeing you. Have fun with Xera.”

Elira: “Thank you, Nireh. See you later.”

Nireh: “Bye, Elira.”

On the other side of the village Norkai was training alone.

Norkai: *I need to get stronger. I need to not fail. I need to become the greatest Legend.*

He kept hitting a dummy with his bare fists.

Draviel: “Do you ever take a break?”

Norkai: “Draviel, I didn't hear you coming. And yes... I'll take a break after I become a Legend.”

Draviel: “You're really stuck on that aren't you?”

Norkai: “You bet. It's all I ever wanted.”

Draviel: “I have an idea for you. If you really want to speed things up.”

Norkai: “What kind of idea?”

Draviel: “I think... you should join a tournament.”

Norkai: “No thanks. I don't care about those things.”

Draviel: “I know. But... you could get some nice practice there. Don't you want to fight a strong opponent?”

Norkai: “Hmm... when you put it like that.”

Draviel: “I've also competed in one tournament. One fight. That's all I needed.”

Norkai: “Really? That doesn't sound like you at all.”

Draviel: “Indeed. That's why I did it.”

Norkai: “I see now. You're saying that a fight like that could reveal potential blind spots.”

Draviel: “Correct. For me it was very efficient. Maybe it will be for you as well.”

Norkai: “Thanks for the idea. I will think about it.”

Draviel: “No problem. Well... I'll let you continue your training. See you later.”

Norkai: “See you later, Draviel.”

As the night sets in, the boys meet at home.

Norkai: “Nireh... what would you say if I competed in a tournament?”

Nireh: “I think it's a bad idea.”

Norkai: “I get that. But... Draviel made an interesting point today. I could get very valuable experience in that fight.”

Nireh: “In theory, that's correct. But is it really worth it? What if you lose and everyone sees that?”

Norkai: “I'm not gonna lose. I will train day and night.”

Nireh: “I mean... if you really want it. It's your choice. You will learn something regardless of the result.”

Norkai: “I think so too. I'll see when the next tournament starts.”

Nireh: “Okay. I hope you'll win.”

Norkai: “Of course, I'll win.”

Norkai: *Dammit. I already feel the pressure. I better not embarrass myself.*

In the following days Draviel trained mostly with Norkai. While Nireh observed them. Since they didn't know his opponent they had to cover many things. Around a week in, some visitors decided to show up.

Toren: “Look at his determination. He's locked in.”

Xera: “He better be. I don't want him to embarrass our generation.”

Nireh: “What are you guys doing here? Heard about Norkai's match?”

Serion: “Yeah. We want to see his progress.”

Nireh: “He's not doing bad at all.”

Draviel: “Serion, I didn't know you were coming today.”

Serion: “Sorry for the interruption, Draviel. We got curious.”

Draviel: “No worries. We haven't caught up in a while.”

Serion: “Indeed. I've heard some thief got away from you. How did that happen?”

Draviel: “You've heard... well... he was more prepared than I expected. I thought a big mouth like him was quite predictable. I guess I was wrong.”

Serion: “It happens. And you found that room packed with goods. That was lucky of you.”

Draviel: “It really was.”

Xera: “Who broke the artifact? Was it Norkai?”

Norkai: “No. Why did I know you were going to blame me?”

Norkai: *What is her problem?*

Xera: “Hahaha. That's because you know me.”

Serion: “Norkai, do you feel ready?”

Norkai: “Not yet. But I'll get there.”

Serion: “You have the best trainer. You'll be ready.”

Toren: “Better than you?”

Serion: “Of course.”

Draviel: “Haha. He's just kidding.”

Serion: “Alright. Let's let them continue their training. We've bothered them enough.”

Draviel: “Nobody was bothered. Actually... we should do some team trainings in the future.”

Serion: “That sounds like a good idea.”

Toren: “I can't wait to see how far you've progressed, Norkai.”

Norkai: “The feeling is mutual, Toren. I've heard some things about you too.”

Serion: “Until next time.”

Xera: “You better not lose, Norkai.”

Norkai: “Don't worry. I won't.”

Nireh: “See you guys later.”

With news circulating so fast, Norkai was starting to feel even more pressure. When training was over, Nireh decided to spend some time at the old watchtower. On his way there, he noticed two villagers arguing aggressively.

Villager 1: “Don't make me tell you again, old man. Close that restaurant.”

Villager 2: “No. It is not my problem that people like good food.”

Villager 1: “Good food? Please... that can barely be called food.”

Villager 2: “I don't have time for this. Go waste someone else's time.”

Villager 1: “You're not going anywhere. I'm not done with you.”

Nireh: “What is happening here? You two are very loud.”

Villager 2: “This peasant is jealous that my new restaurant is doing well.”

Nireh: “New restaurant? You mean the sandwich one?”

Villager 2: “Yeah. You've been there?”

Nireh: “Of course. It's our new favorite place.”

Villager 2: “I'm very glad to hear that. What is your name, young fighter?”

Nireh: “Nireh.”

Villager 1: “Are you taking his side? Who the hell do you think you are?”

Nireh: “Sir, if you don't have anything of value to say... please leave.”

Villager 1: “Value? Everything I do has tremendous value. Remember the name, Soy Vecna. I will be famous some day.”

He shouts at them and leaves mumbling his problems.

Villager 2: “Sorry about that, Nireh. You can call me Mr. Myro.”

Nireh: “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Myro.”

Mr. Myro: “Likewise. For helping me today, I will make sure you get the best sandwiches when you come to my restaurant. And at a discounted price, of course.”

Nireh: “Really? That sounds very good. I'll come more often then.”

Mr. Myro: “I'm happy to hear that. Now... my apologies but I have to go. I can't waste more time today.”

Nireh: “No worries. I'll see you at the restaurant.”

Mr. Myro: “Very well. I wish you a good evening.”

With the problem solved, Nireh continued his walk.