As Max, Emi and Vel walked back to the mansion from the atrium, Max noticed the moon. Winter seemed to heavily draw the moon closer to the planet, adding to the tide and enveloping the clear night skies with added light. Many races and cults worshiped the moon, thinking that it and the sun were the true Gods of Nava. It interested Max hearing about things like this and making parallels to Earth. The worlds were so similar, but so different at the same time.

Culture, religion, and sciences were among the three biggest offenders. While science stopped progression due to the effect of magic, culture and religion flourished. Gods and monsters created an understanding for everyone, allowing life to continue without the threat of fading trust. In the more recent years, as the people of Nava become stronger and more connected, wars and murders have been becoming more common.

“I’m going to be honest Max.” Vel said as she stepped around a puddle. It had apparently rained during the lesson with the Healers. It was dark, damp, and cold, creating an eerie fog and bone chilling wind. “I did not expect that to go as well as it did.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “And what did you expect to happen?”

Max had learned during his time on Nava that Vel tended to see the bad side of things. whether it was choosing a restaurant for dinner or accepting quests from Legendary Beasts, she would always explain the downsides. The chicken is dry, or the quest may be dangerous even for me, but regardless of what she says, she always goes with the group.

“I expected it to take you a few lessons to find your footing. Not everyone can teach, and most of the time it takes a few sessions for the student to adapt to the teaching style. From the moment you answered that bunny Beastkin, you had the audience hooked.”

“Wow, thank you Vel!” Max said not expecting the sudden praise.

“But then again, you did stumble around topics. Next week, try to stay on topic. Tangents are good when the audience has the context to follow your words.” Vel explained.

“There it is.” Max muttered.

The two continued on, walking past closed shops and stalls. The cold nipped at their heels causing them to increase their pace. This time of night was about when Reep would be finishing up. It was decided that the group would watch the last of her training and walk home with her, if the guard let them in. As they walked, Max thought that he needed to get warmer clothes. He could probably figure out a heat retaining spell based on water and sweat but that seemed like a lot of effort when he could just put on a jacket.

The guard barracks was nothing more than a reinforced stone building. Very small windows were evenly spaced along the periphery. The building was a stronghold, armory, jail, and rest quarters, it didn’t need to be fancy or extravagant, but it needed to be strong and reliant. As the seasons dipped colder and colder, more guards were stationed outside, protecting and patrolling.

They were halted at the door, and Vel explained who they were and what they were there for. One of the guards slipped away, looking for Captain Shatterwind or another superior. A few minutes passed before the same guard reappeared.

“Follow me.” He said in a deep voice.

The guard led them through the building. Wings branched from the main door, leading away from the cold air. Alcoves and hallways opened the building’s claustrophobic interior. They made many twists and turns bypassing locked shelves full of weapons and potions. Signs stood tall at each intersection, pointing off in the direction of the Infirmary, Mess Hall, Latrine, Magic Courtyard, Training Hall, and Deployment. They passed guards who looked at Max and Emi with curiosity, it wasn’t every day that a civilian walked through their home past.

The guard shoved open a door inviting the cold and the grunts of soldiers. The training hall was outside, to the dismay of Max and Vel. Firepits and torches wove around the boundary of the field, lighting and warming the area. In the middle stood a crowd of mismatched fighters. Some wore guards’ uniforms, others armor and plain tabards. Some carried massive weapons others bows and daggers. They created a circle, allowing the bout in the middle to proceed without interference.

The current fight was a small Human woman and a tall male Elf. The Elf, an obvious [Swords Man], swung short dual curved blades. He moved with grace and poise, putting the woman on the backfoot, and never giving her a second to breathe. The woman was unarmed, other than her thick leather gloves that covered her hands and most of her forearms. The Elf’s swords seemed to bounce off of the gloves with a pulse of mana.

As the fight progressed, the clear winner was found. The woman had significantly better footwork and stamina, eventually ending the fight with a swift punch to the Elf’s gut. Even through the Elf had the range and weapon advantage, the woman played to her strengths and only stuck when she could end the battle. A round of cheers sounded from the onlookers and the next two combatants stepped forward.

“Max! Emi! Vel!” Reep exclaimed after the crowd shifted enough for her to see them. “What are you doing here?”

“We just figured you would want some company on the walk home.” Max said coolly, well aware of the looks he was getting from the other guards.

“I see.” It was apparent to Max, and possibly Vel, that Reep was embarrassed. This was her domain and Max and the others were infringing on it. There were no other friends or spouses of the guard standing in the back watching. In fact, there was no one watching. The other groups of soldiers were off doing their own thing with their own people. Almost as if his prays were answered, a voice called out to Max.

“Thinking of joining the guard?” Shatterwind asked, having broke from the group.

“Just supporting a friend.” Max answered, glad that Shatterwind’s presence seemed to cause stray eyes to find better things to look at.

“Well then, as an outsider how do they look?”

“I don’t think I would win against any of them in duel without resorting to spells. My swordplay was always a weak point and without my dominant arm…” Max trailed off.

“Want to give it a go? Sparring is the best way to practice.”

“I don’t think so. This is Reep’s domain, we are already infringing.” Max answered expressing his thoughts.

The stood in silence, watching the current bout. It ended with a spear stopping just short of a throat. The next started and then another. As the fighting went on, Max found more and more eyes looking at him. The circle of trainees was becoming increasingly less interested in the fight they had seen a hundred times over and more interested about the kid that their Captain spoke to with respect. Soon it was Reep’s turn. Everyone except for a medium build man carrying a lance cowered away. Having already learned their lesson, the onlookers watched this fight with excitement. Reep and the [Lancer] had already swept the floor with everyone else.

It was the battle of the behemoths, at least in this group of trainees. They moved through the crowd, Reep carried her bow and a small quiver of arrows. Neither of which were her normal gear. As she removed an arrow it became apparent that the arrows had a soft dull tip, ones designed to leave a chalk print when ever they hit. The [Lancer] wore simple leather armor that was designed for range of motion rather than protection.

His lance was as simple as it was beautiful. Iron or steel rounded blade ending in a deadly point, bland guard, and long wooden hilt. A rugged and reliable weapon, one that looked as if it served him for years and will continue to serve for many more. The two found their corners of the ring and readied.

“Think you are going to win this time, eh slave girl?”

A grown sounded from the crowd and a frown appeared on Shatterwind’s face. It became quickly apparent why Reep wanted to beat this guy. She had spent countless hours in the last few days sparring with Bishop during her free time. He solely used a lance, and together they worked-on techniques for her. As Reep centered herself, Max asked Shatterwind a question.

“How does he know of her past?”

“He’s an adventurer, one that may have been acquaintances with her previous masters.” Shatterwind said in a way that showed her disdain for the [Lancer]. “Only he seems to think who she was matters. Reep has only ever lost to him. Their bouts have slowly been becoming closers and I think he is starting to become scared.”

“He should be.” Max said and Emi emphasized with a growl.

The match began and Reep quickly launched two rapid-fire arrows, the first was dodged and the second deflected. The arena was small, creating a significant handicap for Reep while adding to the [Lancers] advantage. [Archers] verses any type of melee fighter would be a disadvantage. At range, however, was a different story. Reep dodged stabs and slashes, backstepping and rolling to remain mobile while firing arrows.

Pretty soon the battle was at a standstill. Reep couldn’t find enough distance to gain a clear shot and the [Lancer] couldn’t land a single hit. It was becoming apparent that Reep was significantly faster than her opponent, electrified muscle made her faster than most. The man changed tactics and switched his grip stance. He moved his hands from the center of the handle to the far end, thus elongating his reach at the cost of precision.

A well-timed roll allowed Reep to move across the circle while being in reach of the man. She stabbed out, hard, using an arrow as a dagger. A mark was left of the back of the [Lancer]’s knee and a callout from someone one in the crowd signified a clean hit.

“When [Archers] or 'whittle-the-opponent-down-individuals' bout, they have to land three clean hits to win.” Shatterwind explained.

“What about for a sword or lance.” Max asked.

“Just one, unless it was a glancing hit or something of that nature.”

“Hardly seems fair.”

“This is not about fairness. Its about setting up our men to survive. A dagger is always dangerous, but a small cut doesn’t end a battle. A stab to the gut does, however.”

Max didn’t respond, his attention was back on the duel. The [Lancer] scoffed at the crowd, taunting them to do any better. No one took his challenge. Reep could have easily added a second hit, the man was distracted after all, but instead she choose to endure his sordid personality. She would learn nothing from taking the easy way out. When the man was done, he turned to Reep.

“I say we take this up a notch, eh slave?”

Power began to flow from the man. A thick aura filled the air, making the surrounding area almost feel moist and heavy. Quickly the aura contracted and elongated. From a bubble around the man to fitting his lance like a glove. The mood changed in an instant, also. Killing intent perforated everyone’s senses, flooding everyone with the thrill of battle and a certain kind of hatred.

An abrupt lunge ended with blood being drawn. A slice peeled open across Reep’s thigh, opening her armored pantleg like it was nothing more than a burlap sack. She hurried to a safe spot to assess the damages. She was bleeding, but not too badly. A quick thought about Max and Vel being here solidified her yearning to continue. She wanted to beat the man, even if she took damage.

“GLANCE!” Someone from the crowd shouted.

“It continues.” Shatterwind said staring intently at the ensuing battle.

“You’re not going to stop them? That seems to be a little more than a friendly spar.” Max complained.

“Last time it came to this, I did.” Shatterwind said. “Reep talked to me privately and practically demanded I don’t stop the next one.”

Max was about to retort, but Vel spoke up.

“Max, watch the aura on the lance and trust in Reep, she knows her limits.”

Max gave Vel a puzzling look but turned back to the fight. It took him a few stabs to realize what she was trying to get him to see. The man’s aura shot out when his lance reached its maximum thrust, thus elongating his attack range. A near invisible elongated blade on the end of an already elongated weapon. A grunt of pain sounded from Reep, and a new wound surfaced. A screech of ‘GLANCE’ sounded, and the crowd started to become livelier.

Electricity began to flow through her bow, recreating the foundation and strengthening the string. Arrows ripped across the arena, making use of the double shot enchant. The volley collided with the target just before he was able to rearrange his aura into a protective suit. As the dust settled, a clear chalk mark was imprinted on the man’s chest. A growl of “CLEAN HIT” sounded from some in the crowd.

“Cheap trick.” The [Lancer] said as sweat began to pour off his forehead. Aura takes a lot out of the user. Strained focus and consciousness splitting quickly created fatigue that could rival mana headaches. The battle was coming to an end, both parties knew. The next clash would decide a winner if it wasn’t already decided.

Almost to punctuate his taunt, a shockwave of lighting exploded out from the ground. The arrows the man thought to be a simple tripping hazard were in fact a sleeper trap. Each was overcharged with electricity, simply waiting for the quickly collapsing arrow catalyst to fail. A scream of ‘CLEAN HIT’ sounded as the man tried to move his forcefully contracting muscles. His hair was being burnt at the tips, leaving a disgusting vile smell in the air.

The shock of the finale seemed to pass, and cheers and holler filled the courtyard. Everyone closed in, grabbing the weakened Reep and hoisting her to their shoulders. She was the king of the word at this moment. A moment to never be forgotten. In the dirt, the [Lancer] stewed with hatred. He lost to a slave. A slave that was once the toy of an adventuring friend. He was angry.

“See Max?” Shatterwind said as the crowd continued to cheer. “Only he cares about Reep’s past. Reep has only been a saint to these people. Staying late, arriving early. Helping those who asked. She’s a natural leader and teacher, I might even say she better at teaching than some of [Guard Trainers]. Everyone likes her, and everyone is glad to see her win over that dickhead.”

Max was speechless. Her unit reacted as if a tyrant had just been slain. It was becoming apparent that the man hadn’t just been torturing her, but in fact the entire group. The guard may be rough and tough, but no one wants to go through verbal abuse. Especially from some one who is supposed to be their equal.

“Normally I would never allow for such a character to be apart of the guard, but as winter rolls arou-“ Shatterwind cut herself off and immediately turned as Max teleported.

The scene she found was almost comical. The [Lancer] was back in the dirt and Max stood over him. The distinct sound of a loud slap quieted the noisy guard unit as all eyes fell on the boy with one arm. He held the lance, eyeing it make with a certain craftsman’s eye. He had no idea if it was actually a good lance, but it felt sturdy and strong. After his initial inspection his eyes turned to the [Lancer].

Human, [Power Lance]

“Sucker punches are not very nice.” Max said calmly. “Not that I expect much from you.”

The man tried to jump to his feet, but a burst of air forced him back down. “And what is this, Max?”

Shatterwind's question, while simple, left Max in a difficult spot. There was a level of intensity about her that he had only seen when he was showing off his magic to her. She was ready to bust heads and there was no stopping her, not at this point.

“He was gearing up to attack Reep.” Max answered.

“Is this true?” She asked the downed man.

“No!” He pleaded. “He just attacked me out of nowhere.”

“I can make a memory globe real quick if you don’t believe me.” Max added.

“No need for that.” Shatterwind turned to the silent crowd. “Can anyone confirm what Lord Max said to be true?”

The crowd looked between themselves, muttering quietly. Max caught Reep’s eye. Max nodded and she nodded back. A non-verbal thanks between team members. Vel shook her head when Max looked to her, signifying that she didn’t see. But a slight smile told him that he did the right thing. The crowd parted and a man stepped forward.

“Aye. I can confirm.” A blocky half-Dwarf said. He was shorter than the average Human but taller than any Dwarf Max had seen. “Chivley was ‘bout to lunge with his fancy smancy aura strike. Reep was ‘he target.”

Shatterwind turned back to the Chivley. He struggled to move under the harsh pressures of an isolated wind tunnel. The spell dropped and the man scrambled to stand. He stood tall and proud; a rude glare found Max’s eyes followed by Reep. Shatterwind’s frown briefly turned to a smile before she said.

“Chivley. The Guard of Lesterwood no longer needs your services. Please leave now or be thrown out. I don’t really care. The Guild will also be hearing of this.” She waited a moment before adding. “Leave.”

The man looked to his lance. Max thought for a moment if he should keep it. He guessed that Shatterwind would abide by the dick tax and allow him to keep it, but in the end, he figured it would only add trouble. He tossed it back to the [Lancer] who then made his way out of the barracks.

“Max,” Shatterwind said privately. “I’m going to need that globe, for paperwork reasons.”

“Of course, give me a few minutes.” Max said with a smile.

“Why didn’t you tell us what you were dealing with?” Max asked Reep as they walked back to the mansion.

“You and Clammy were busy.” Reep said with a shrug.

“But we are your teammates, you should come to us with stuff like this. We can help.” Reep shrugged again causing Max to realize he was going to get no where with her. “Regardless, it was an amazing fight, I didn’t know auras can be used like that.”

Reep mumbled something.

“And then having the forethought to lay a trap with your own arrows, not to mention how fast you were firing arrows. Has that gotten faster? I think you’ve gotten faster.”

Reep smiled at the kind words.

“After I get this teleportation spell worked out, we are going to duel ser-“ Max stopped himself. “Vel, there’s a fire.”

Max teleported forward with Emi, leaving Vel and Reep behind. They were just coming into sight of the island and mansion. There was a small crowd gathered along the water’s edge, watching flames lick across the brick house. Multiple windows were broken outwards, fire spilling into the courtyard and garden but it the fire looked to be mostly contained to a single wing.

Suddenly the onlookers gasped as a boy and his bond appeared from thin air. He stood between the mansion and water, pulling his element with immense magical strength. An isolated raincloud appeared above the island and droplets started to pour. Vel soon arrived with Reep, having gathered water along the way, the flames were doused. Only steam and smoke remained, but the threat of danger lingered like a scar.