Arthur Stonefield

Lucas stares. “Nora… I don’t understand. Why’d you… I thought you said the guild would prefer a rare monster like that to be captured alive.”

Arthur smiles. “I’m glad, Nora, that you finally understand—”

“That’s not it!

“…It had Rage Fever.”

“Rage what?” Petra asks.

“It's a virus that spreads through open wounds. It covers the body in orange lesions, but the bearowl’s plating hid the signs… until I saw its foot.

“The virus drives monsters and most animals mad, causing them to lose their fear of humans, become hyper-aggressive, and go into feeding frenzies. There’s no known cure, and if it isn’t dealt with, it can spread like wildfire…

“…even among humans.

“It doesn’t destroy our minds… but without treatment to suppress the symptoms until our bodies can fight it off—it’s fatal. It almost wiped out my entire village… and stopping it is what cost my mom and dad their lives.”

Petra’s expression softens. “Nora…”

“So no, Arthur, I didn’t want to kill it… but I had to… We have to report to this guild so they can ensure there isn’t an outbreak.”

“Unbelievable.” Arthur scoffs. “You almost got your friend killed, yet you're still such a petulant child that you refuse too—”

SLAP!

“Don’t you dare talk to her that way!” Petra snarls. “We wouldn’t have even been in that mess if you hadn’t rushed in—”

“You think I don’t know that?! I’m ashamed!” He turns. “And I truly am sorry, Lucas. But this and that are completely different—”

“Arthur…” I interrupt. “I know how strongly you feel that your way of doing things is what’s right… but if I could prove to you that cooperating with monsters would save more citizens’ lives… would you accept that path? Or is your hatred of monsters so strong that—”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I would. But there’s no way to prove—”

“The tournament… If, despite all odds, I were to win with my meager summon and basic magic, would that not prove how strong the bond between Pudding and me really is? And the incredible things that humans and monsters understanding each other could lead to—”

“I’m tired of your pointless hypotheticals. We’re leaving.”

I watch as Arthur walks off.

“Argh!” Petra stomps. “I can’t believe I actually liked that guy! He’s such a—ugh!”

“Nora… do you know why Arthur has such a strong hatred for monsters?” Lucas asks.

“He… lost his parents, right?”

“He lost his entire village.

“Years ago, a Black Dragon entered our kingdom, made a nest, and started attacking villages—including his. After seeing his parents eaten alive, he flew into a fit of rage. While the dragon was distracted, he grabbed an explosive, leapt onto its eye, and shoving his arm straight through as it went off.

“He lost his arm, but created an opening, and started slashing the dragon from inside. They say he emerged from the slain dragon’s skull covered head to toe in blood, his eyes having morphed into those of the very dragon he just killed.

“After summoners finally arrived on scene and cauterized his wound, he stole their drake and flew off searching for the dragon’s nest. Finding it, he smashed the eggs one by one. However, one hatched early, and the dragonling was so terrified of him they immediately contracted.

“Not long after, Arthur was taken to the capital. His arm was healed and he was provided all the resources he could ever need to train himself up and set out on his goal to wipe out the monsters.

“There’s no monster more powerful than the Black Dragon. For him to have defeated one and then contracted another… one might suspect he’s blessed by the goddess Aithapameia herself—that he might even be the second coming of her champion—the first summoner—who’s believed to have contracted a Black Dragon himself. Honestly? It wouldn’t surprise me if he really were blessed…

“And that’s who you’re going up against. That’s whose mind you’re trying to change. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but… I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into…”

Arthur… I can’t even imagine the burden he’s carried on his shoulders all these years. Everything he’s pushed himself to endure for everybody else’s sake…

Well, he shouldn’t have to shoulder it alone.

For his sake too…

I have to win this tournament.