Dexter

I walked over to Amelia as she looked up. “How'd the training go?” She asked.

I grinned and pointed at Bulak's still collapsed form. “Given that my instructor is close to passing out, I'd say pretty well.”

Bulak let out a grunt as she stirred and pulled herself up slightly. “I'm not sarding done with you.” She shouted playfully. “You and your fexted stamina are going down tomorrow.”

I let out a short laugh as Bulak fell back into the chair. “I don't doubt that.” I sighed.

Amelia nodded as she looked up at me. “What about you? How are you feeling?”

I let out a sigh as I sat in my own chair. “Exhausted.” I sighed. “I bragged earlier, but after all that, I'm pretty worn out. I might just head to bed now and push through the next week. Hopefully, Brugo can find some good trainees.”

Amelia nodded again as she glanced down at her book. “Well, don't push yourself too hard. You don't want to injure yourself in a way that they can't fix.”

I nodded as I stretched my aching muscles. “If Brokil can manage the potion I asked him about, I should be fine. Everything else relies on my communications with these new orcs, and the kind that Brugo finds for the rite.”

Amelia smiled as she looked down at her open book. “The best I can say is, Good Luck.” She said encouragingly.

I nodded as I looked down and flexed my aching fingers. “I'll find that out tomorrow,” I replied thoughtfully.

I woke up incredibly sore the next day. The world around me was still dark as I sat up and moved to stand, muscles groaning with every movement. “I'll need to stretch these out before they arrive.” I heard various joints pop as I tried to relieve the aching I was feeling. I squinted at my watch as I put my glasses on. 6:57 “Guess they're not going to be here for a while.” I turned and climbed down the ladder, muscles still complaining all the while. I walked over to the spellbook and flipped to the entry on Illuminate. “I might as well verify my magical abilities again. Hopefully, the concentration issue is solved.” I was sure that my ability had stabilized, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure. I gestured and cast Illuminate, causing a softly glowing orb to materialize above my palm. I examined the orb as I grinned slightly. There wasn't a flicker, nor did I have to concentrate to maintain it. It felt much more natural, like a quadratic equation compared to chaos theory calculus. I used the techniques described in the book and changed the color of the light, filling the room with a blue hue. I grinned wider as I altered the shape of the light, directing it into a beam interrupting the dark interior of the barn. I switched the light to various other colors as my mind began to wander slightly. “I guess that means that I won't have to worry about splinching, at least when I take the time to learn a teleporting spell.” I paused as I changed the light to a green hue, throwing a green circle onto the opposing wall.

I felt a familiarity with the color. I felt that there was some memory that should be there that just ... wasn't. I turned as I heard footsteps behind me. Amelia walked around the car, rubbing her eyes as she let out a yawn. “Morning.” She sighed softly. “What time is it?”

I glanced at my watch out of instinct before replying. “A little after seven,” I answered, turning back to the green beam.

I discarded my concerns as Amelia walked over and stood beside me. “How are you feeling?” She asked sleepily.

I flexed my free hand as my muscles groaned in protest. “Really sore,” I admitted. “I'm just hoping that Brokil comes through on that potion. It'll mean I can go even more all out. I won't have to sit and wait to recover sore muscles.”

Amelia nodded as she looked at my spell. “How's your magic holding up?” She asked.

I flicked my hand and started flipping through the colors again. “Better than when I first started,” I replied honestly. “Whatever was happening to me definitely affected my magic.”

Amelia nodded as she cast her own Illuminate, handing the orb in the air just above us. “It probably should've been obvious sooner.” She admitted. “I kind of feel guilty for not noticing your suffering sooner.”

I gestured dismissively as I let out a sigh. “You’re not at fault. You did the best you could do.”

Amelia grinned sheepishly as she stood there, rubbing her arm. “You’re just saying that. I should have done more to help you. . . I . . I should have-”

I turned to Amelia as I heard her trail off. Tears were welling up in her eyes, her body trembling slightly as she stood there. My face fell as I saw the tearful expression on her face. “It’s not your fault,” I repeated firmly. “You used your best judgment and that’s all could do. Besides, all that doesn’t matter now, I’m fixed and ready to go.”

Amelia tried to hold back tears as she wiped her face. “You’re wrong.” She sobbed quietly. “I could have done more. I made mistakes, I let you suffer for so long. I-”

I silenced her as I grabbed her shoulder and pulled her into a tight hug. She gasped in surprise as I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed gently. “Don’t blame yourself for what happened,” I said firmly. “You had nothing to do with what was done to me. It’s in the past now anyway and that’s all that matters.”

Amelia shook her head as she trembled slightly. “I should have done more.” She protested. “You’ve already done so much for me, the least I can do is help you. I owe you that much at least.”

I let out a short laugh as I cradled her head against my shoulder. “That doesn’t matter either. I helped you cause I wanted to help you. You don’t owe me anything. I’m just happy knowing you’re okay.”

Amelia’s orb of light suddenly flickered out as she let out a shuddering sigh. “I haven’t heard anything like that in a long while.” She gasped.

I chuckled as I let out a relaxing sigh of my own and pulled Amelia closer. “I’ll be sure to tell you things like that more often. I doubt the orcs would want to emotionally support you like this. I’m probably the only one around here that’ll want to comfort you at all.”

Amelia smirked as she buried her head into my shoulder. “Thanks.” Her voice came out muffled as she kept her head pressed against me. “That’s really nice to hear.”

I nodded as I gently stroked Amelia’s head. She still trembled as I held her comfortingly, but she was slowly calming down. “We’ll get through this,” I assured her. “We just have to be patient and work with what we have.”

Amelia nodded as she stood there and let out a slow sigh. I held her for one more moment before releasing her and taking a step back. She let out another sigh as she wiped her face. I placed a hand on her shoulder as I gazed at her comfortingly. “Feeling better?” I asked softly.

Amelia nodded as she grinned and looked up at me. “Very much so. Thank you.” She chuckled. “I didn’t realize how badly I needed that.”

I grinned as I let out a chuckle of my own. “No problem. We’re in this together after all. I know you’d do the same for me.”

Amelia nodded as she sheepishly rubbed her arm and glanced around. “In any case, I’m glad you have your magic under control now.”

I nodded as I let my own spell dissipate. The sun was rising high enough to not need the extra light anymore. I looked down and began turning the pages again as I let out a satisfied sigh. “Fortunately we killed two birds with one stone in that issue. Now I can practice the spells that were giving me trouble. I’ll get up to pace once the rite is done and over with.”

Amelia nodded as I turned the page to Levitate. She shifted slightly as she seemed to consider her next question.“What about . . Shel . .” Her question caught me off guard. I felt a new surge of emotion as I took a slow breath. “I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but how are you feeling about her?”

I looked down at my hand as tears started to grace my eyelids. “I'm . . sad . . that she's gone.” I admitted slowly. “There was so much going for her, and they just snuffed it out. There nothing I can do at this point, but ... I don't want that to happen again; I don't want that kingdom to have that chance again.” I turned to her as a tear ran down the left side of my face, body trembling slightly. “They're going to pay for their actions.”

Amelia nodded solemnly as she wiped away one more tear of her own. “I hope you're right.” She sighed, glancing off slightly. “I can't imagine how many times that kingdom has done this; not just to the orcs, but its own people. Just a month in Amlar’s captivity was near unbearable.” I looked down and clenched my fist at that. “Of course, Shel wouldn't be the only one. How long did that elf say Adympia existed? A thousand years? How many lives have they snuffed out? How many have they made a living hell?” I took a breath as I forced myself to calm. “The number doesn't matter, one is still too many. Just focus on the rite and you can handle Adympia later.”

I turned back to the book as my body continued to tremble despite my aching muscles. “I'll find a way,” I said assuredly. “It's just a matter of time.”

Amelia nodded as she stepped closer, wrapping her arm around my own trembling one. “I know you will.” She whispered softly. “And I'll try to help you any way I can. Don't forget, I got a score to settle with that bastard as well.”

I let out a small laugh as I looked at the book. “We'll handle him,” I affirmed. “For now, we should arm ourselves with as much knowledge as possible. Who knows what'll spring out at us when we read these.”

Amelia nodded as she looked down at the book. “I guess we should st-” A knock suddenly radiated through the barn, causing both of us to turn to the door. I glanced down at my watch. 7:10

I furrowed my brow as I turned on the spot. “They shouldn't be here for a while,” I muttered, moving to open the door. I pulled the heavy handle and came face to face with a beaming Brokil. “What are you doing here so early?” I asked, returning the smile.

Brokil walked in quickly, carrying an additional box along with his usual satchel. It rattled along as he walked. “I have created the potion you requested!” He exclaimed enthusiastically. “I have even created several bottles worth of it. This should last you a couple of days.” He set down his things with another rattle and began pulling out small glass vials from the box. They were filled with dark greenish fluid, swirling as he set them on the table beside the box.

My eyes grew wide as I saw the strange potion. “Woah.” I gasped. “That's was fast work.”

Brokil grinned and nodded as he reached into his bag. He pulled out a book and began flipping through the pages. “There was an old concoction that used to act as our healing potion. There were unforeseen effects, but it did well to speed up the process of healing. I was able to modify it to interact with the natural processes more, acting as you described rather than targeting injuries.”

I nodded as I picked up one of the bottles, causing the fluid to visibly swirl within. It was like watching a gree hurricane within the glass. Amelia walked over and looked at the glass vials “What were the other effects?” I inquired, handing the vial to Amelia.

Brokil suddenly stopped on one of the pages and began reading from it.“An increased rate of fatigue and an increased appetite for meat. Soldiers are heavily impaired in their duties as a result. A single potion will heal a soldier, but they will be unable to properly fight for two days following.” He picked up his own bottle as he examined the contents. “Given your stamina, you should be able to manage these effects much easier. Each bottle should last a full day.” He put it down and began reading again. “It was discarded in part because of the rarity of one of the ingredients, but the creation of our current potion is what truly allowed us to forgo this concoction.”

I nodded as I pulled out the cork separating the fluid from the air. I took a sniff as Brokil snapped the book closed and placed it with his bag. It smelled earthy and plant-like.“I'm guessing that ingredient isn't so rare anymore?” I asked curiously.

Brokil grinned softly as he gestured at the box. “It now comes as a standard ingredient in basic alchemical sets.” He chuckled. “The only notion that prevented me from making more is time.”

I nodded as I absentmindedly swirled the flask, preparing for what I was about to do. “So, I drink this, and it helps the soreness go away?” I asked.

Brokil nodded as he began rubbing his chin. “Indeed. Though there is one more detail tha-”

I didn't wait for him to finish his thought. Instead, I raised the vial to my lips and took a big swig. The taste that assaulted my senses was beyond disgusting. It was like I was drinking liquid black licorice that had been left to rot in the sun for a week. My jaw clenched shut as I pulled the half-empty flask away, tears returning and face contorted in disgust as the fluid remained in my mouth. “Don't spit. Don't spit. This is to take care of the soreness. Just swallow and it'll all be over.” I clench my eyes shut as I forced myself to swallow the horrendous concoction. I let out a few coughs as the potion finally passed through my mouth. I leaned over slightly as I felt the fluid travel down my throat. Even down there it felt disgusting. Brokil nodded as he watched my pained expression. “I probably should have mentioned this first,” He admitted. “The elixir is revolting for all but a select few individuals.”

I let out a few coughs as I looked at the remaining fluid. “Ugh, damn. That sucks.” I coughed. I felt a shudder run down my back as I recalled the disgusting task of the potion. “I'm going to have to drink this every day, aren't I?” I asked, looking up at Brokil.

Brokil nodded as he gestured at the flask. “What you drank will last you only half a day. It would be best if you finished it now so that you will not have to taste it later.” I nodded as I looked at the dark green draught with disgust. “You'll have to get used to it eventually. You might as well start now.” I clenched my eyes shut and threw the last of the liquid down the back of my throat, swallowing as fast as possible to avoid the taste.

I let out a small cough as I lowered the now empty bottle, the taste still assaulting my senses. “That was horrendous.” I gasped. Brokil nodded as he held out his hand for the flask. I handed it to him as I flexed my finger. “So how long before I start to feel something?” I asked curiously.

Brokil shrugged as he put the empty bottle back into the box. “The potion takes effect within a few moments. The difference may not be noticeable at first, but in a few hours, you should feel better, and much hungrier.”

I nodded and stretched as my muscles continued to groan in protest. “So, that's why you're here so early?” I inquired.

Brokil nodded again. “It would not have helped you to wait for the potion and then wait for the effects to take hold. That is why it was imperative that I bestow these to you post haste.” I nodded as I flexed my fingers again. I could feel a certain lightness begin spreading from my stomach. I couldn't tell if it was some sort of placebo sensation or if it was what the potion felt like.

I turned to Brokil as another question popped into mind. “You mentioned increased fatigue?”

Brokil nodded as he gestured and explained. “Instead of relying on ambient mana to repair the damage, this potion uses the drinker's own stamina. It is not as effective but given the other effects it should benefit you greatly.”

I nodded again as I moved over to the door. “If that's the case I might as well start warming up.” I waved towards them as I pulled open the wooden door. “I'll leave you two to practice in here.” They waved back as I stepped outside. I walked over and picked up the sword and shield. “Alright muscles, I know you're hurting, but I need to get ready for the rite. The potion I drank should alleviate the pain, but you'll need to withstand a bit till then.” I turned and began swinging the sword in deliberate strikes as the sun began to rise in the sky.

I practiced for a few hours. The pain in my muscles slowly disappeared as I continued to swing the sword. I couldn't tell if it was from the adrenaline or the potion, probably a bit of both, but by the time Bulak came climbing over the ridge I was feeling much better. I turned to her as I heard her uneven footsteps. “Good morning,” I shouted enthusiastically. She was carrying the usual morning meal as she limped over to the table. I grinned slightly as I watched her wince. “Feeling sore?” I teased.

She nodded as she grinned. “I have not felt like this since my training with Agrob.” She sighed. “It feels strangely wonderous to experience such pain again.”

I nodded as I walked over, my sword resting on my shoulder. “I know what you mean; I felt terrible this morning, now it’s not so bad. Luckily Brokil came through on that potion and solved that foreseeable issue.”

Bulak let out a short laugh as she turned to me. “You actually got Brokil to make a potion to remedy the issue?” She asked, amazed.

I nodded as I set the sword on the table. “It didn't come without a cost, I'll tell you that much.” I clarified. “Apparently whatever he based the potion off drains the stamina of the drinker. Right now, I’m operating at about half capacity, what with the soreness and the potion, but I should get it up to about three quarters once I get rolling.” My stomach let out a growl as I smelled the cooked meat wafting up from the plate. “There’s also the food supply this potion demands. I'm starving. Let me eat some of that before we start training.” Bulak glanced down at the plate and slid it over to me. I smiled wide as I started tearing the fresh rack of ribs apart. The tender meat was a welcome sensation in contrast to the aftertaste of the potion. I quickly scarfed down my breakfast and let out a satisfied belch.

Bulak gave me a curious look as I tapped my fist to my chest a few times. “That was fast,” She remarked.

I nodded as another burb escape my lips. “I'm probably going to need a lot more food thanks to that potion,” I replied. “Not to mention having to feed the trainers and trainees when they arrive.”

Bulak nodded as she picked up her own weapons. “I have already notified the kitchen of your plan. They will be bringing some extra platters of food when it is time.”

I nodded as I watched Bulak equip a shield and pick up a battle axe. “Are you sure you want to train like this? I can just practice on my own.”

Bulak shook her head at the question as she hefted the axe onto her shoulder. “If you desire to complete the rite, I cannot allow myself to give you rest because of my own shortcomings. We will train until the others arrive, then they will take over as I watch your movements.” I nodded as Bulak moved a few paces from the barn and then turned back to me. “Shall we begin?” I grinned and nodded as I took a few steps forward. Bulak suddenly brought the battle axe up and I raised my shield up to block the blow. I smiled wide as the adrenaline began pumping and we began sparring.

There was a notable difference in my stamina as Bulak and I sparred. I was tiring faster and required a longer break between each bout of fighting. Thankfully, my muscles were no longer protesting the strain I was putting them through. I was still energized from yesterday. Not focused like before, but I was still able to concentrate much better than before. We continued to spar for a few hours until a new sound finally interrupted the clash of our weapons. The low rumble of footsteps echoed up the hill and drew our attention. We both turned to the noise as a sinking feeling appeared in my stomach. I felt another surge of adrenaline as the implications of the noise came surging into my mind. “Damn. They’re here. I wonder what they’re expecting. They’ll have preconceptions about my behavior, but it definitely won’t be how I actually behave. It might be good practice to disrupt some of their prejudice. It’s showtime.” I turned and walked a few paces towards the crowd of about twenty orcs climbing the hill. I could see then grinning and sneering up at the barn. A murmur of conversation slowly joined the footsteps as they drew closer. I took a breath as I felt one of my legs begin to shake nervously. I slammed the but of my blade into my hip to silence the involuntary jittering and focus on the orcs in front of me. They finally got close enough to see me standing there and one of them cried out. “Hey, Outsider. We heard you wanted some pain.”

Another voice joined his. “We will give if you wish to receive.” They shouted some more as they drew closer, taunting me and trying to goad a reaction out of me. I kept my expression stony as they made their way up the hill, waiting for them to get close enough. The crowd finally stopped a few paces away, dying down to silence as they looked at me expectantly.

One of them stepped forward and gestured tauntingly. “What do you say, Outsider?” He shouted. “Are you interested?”

I took a breath as I stared at the crowd. “A little more than I anticipated, but this is good, it means I'm not liable to run out of people to train me anytime soon.” I put on a grin of my own as I tried to look confident. “I am interested,” I replied smoothly, causing them to falter. This was definitely a different behavior from what they were expecting. “But let me lay some ground rules first.” The crowd shifted slightly as they heard me speak, probably uneased by my confidence.

Another orc stepped forward and gestured angrily. “Let us hear them then.” He growled. “We do not appreciate the wasted time.”

I continued to grin as I turned the sword in my hand and sank it into the dirt. I held up my hand as I started listing rules. “Number one, this isn't going to be an all on one type of thing. You're here to train me, not kill me. I'll take three of you on at once; you'll switch out as you grow tired. That way you can rest while I fight. Number two, I'm not the only one you'll be training. I have a friend bringing in some others eligible for a rite and you'll take time to train them as well. And number three, you're here to train me. If I make a mistake, or you get past my guard, you need to tell me what I did wrong. You can't just beat me without explaining how you did it. Those that break these rules are liable to be removed from training. Bulak over there can make sure of that.” They glanced over my shoulder as I jabbed my thumb in her direction. “Other than that, everything else is fair game. Hit as hard as you want, as fast as you want, using whatever techniques you know, just tell me how I should avoid such techniques. Does that sound reasonable?” They stood in silence as they glanced at each other.

One of them finally took a few steps towards me, glaring at me challengingly. “If you think a few rules are going to protect you from the worst beating imaginable, you are sorely mistaken. I gladly agree to honor your restrictions.”

I smiled to myself as I pulled the sword from the dirt. “Excellent, if there are no other objections.” I paused for one of the orcs to speak up. None of them did. I pointed at the orc that stepped forward, then two others within the crowd. “Then we'll start with you, you and you.” I gestured behind me. “Go up to the table and grab your weapons. The rest of you, wait by the barn. You'll switch in as these three grow tired.” I turned and took a few steps back up the hill.

Bulak approached me, seeming to stand straighter than normal. “Are you sure you want to do this?” She whispered concernedly. “This is more than I anticipated. There is not much that I can do for today if they decide to break your rules.”

I waved her off as I whispered and walked towards the now armed orcs. “I'll be fine. I should be able to handle three orcs.” I heard Bulak sigh as she walked back over to the door. I got into my usual fighting stance, shield forward with my sword drawn back beside me, as the three orcs fanned out, adopting combat stances of their own. I was facing a blunt sword and shield, a blunted lance, and blunt dual scimitars. I kept my attention on the three of them as I waited for them to make the first move. There was a brief standoff as each waited for the others to act. The orc on my left acted first, dashing forward and swinging his curved swords at my head. I raised my shield to block the blow. I felt a ripple across my body as the blades hit. He was stronger than Bulak, not holding back as he swung was all his might. I noticed a movement to my right and I glanced to see the blunted lance charging at me. I used my sword to deflect the jabs as the curved swords tried to get around my shield. I suddenly turned forward as I noticed the orc carrying the sword and shield charging at me. I moved my sword to deflect his strike. I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my side as the blunted spear impacted my side. In the haze of pain, the curved swords managed to pull my shield away, giving the orc holding the sword and shield the opportunity to punch me in the face. I fell back hard as I heard laughter erupt around me. I coughed as waves of pain radiated through me.

“How this for advice?” I heard the orc bellow tauntingly. “You were too slow.” I looked up at him. His sneering grin stared down at me as the pain slowly subsided. I recognized him as the orc that had stepped forward earlier. My stomach churned as the waves of pain rippled through me one last time. “If you were serious about fighting you would have been able to dodge that blow. Your behavior makes that notion apparent. Your choice of apparel has made your expectations obvious. I struck your face because you did not expect to be struck there.” I brought my fingers to my face in confusion and felt the frame of my glasses. I let out a growl as the churning slowly subsided and I realized what he was saying. “He's right, Dumbass, Dumbass, Dumbass.” I shook my head as I cleared my thoughts. “I should be preparing using scenarios I’d actually have in a fight. I would never take my glasses into a battle. I need to do better. Even in training, I should act like it was an actual battle.” I let out one final cough and slowly rose to my feet, pulling my glasses off as I did. “I won't need these.”

I turned to Bulak as my vision grew fuzzy and held out my glasses. “He's right, hold onto these for me.” The orcs looked at me in confusion as Bulak walked over. “They probably expected me to complain or something. I don't have time for that. I just have to focus on training.” She took the glasses and moved back. I turned to the three orcs and tilted my head, causing several small pops to emanate from my neck. “Alright, let's get serious.”

The orc that had punched me was now scowling at me. I continued to stare at him until he let out a scoff. “It seems you still have not learned your place.” He snarled. “I would happy to fix that for you.” He then turned and walked a few paces away. The other orcs did the same as I continued to stand there. They suddenly stopped and turned, returning to their original fighting stance. I glared calmly at the three of them, then returned to my own stance. “No guts, no glory.” We stood there for a minute, then resumed sparring.

If there was hell on earth, or wherever I was now, I'd found it. clang clang clack The orcs were relentless, pummeling my defense until one of them finally got past my guard and struck a hard blow. clack-clack clang They switched out frequently, ensuring I was always fighting against invigorated opponents. clack swish My muscles tingled as I fought, tiring briefly, but not tearing as they usually did during my training. boom clack The clash of weapons barely stopped as the sun slowly traveled across the sky, burning down on my training. swish clack I felt my stamina drain as the potion did its best to keep me going. Sweat dripped down my head as we battled in the afternoon sun and well into the evening. boom crack Bulak tried to advise me as best she could, but techniques were becoming less and less useful as the waves of energized orcs bore down on me. swish tonk By the time it had sunk low enough for us to call it a day, I was beaten, bruised, and sweating profusely. Smash I collapsed into the dirt from the latest bout of blows and panted as the orcs continued to scowl at me. I tasted iron as I spat into the dirt and crawled to my hands and knees. One of the orcs from the current trio stepped forward and glared down at my shaking form. “Have you had enough yet?” He barked.

I looked up at him, grinning slightly through bloodied teeth. “For now,” I admitted, slowly standing up. The tingling quickly spread through my beaten body and halted my shaking muscles. I rolled my bruised shoulder as I let out a sigh. “I think that's enough training for today.” I turned to address the crowd of orcs. “Go home, we'll resume this in the morning.” The orcs muttered to themselves and began walking down the hill as I turned and limped towards Bulak. My body was still exhausted after all that fighting. My vision of her was partially obscured by a bit of swelling, but the tingling was making quick work of the discomfort.

She remained stone-faced as she closed the distance and began helping me towards the barn, my arm draped over her shoulder. “I told you this would not end well.” She hissed softly. “I thought they would at least treat you like any other apprentice, but from the way they fight, it is as if they are treating you like a fully trained warrior.”

I nodded as I turned and spat some blood into the dirt. “They definitely didn't go easy on me,” I admitted. “I might need Brokil to patch me up a bit. The potion is good, but it’s only handling the pain. I still feel the bruises underneath.” Bulak nodded as she pulled open the door.

I heard a soft gasp echo through the barn as the Brokil shaped blur stood up. “What happened?” He asked in shock.

I heard a sigh next to me as I limp forward. “Training,” Bulak answered honestly, practically carrying me into the barn. What little adrenaline I had left was quickly fading from my system, making the bruises that much more noticeable. “It would seem they held no illusion of Dexter's non-mastery. They barely allowed me to interject the sparring when he blundered in combat.” Bulak finally lowered me into the office chair and I collapsed into the faux leather. “Are you able to fix him.”

I saw Brokil walk over and shake his head. “I am not certain I have enough mana to fix all this.” He cried. “Just how incompetent was he in combat?”

I let out an annoyed growl at the statement. “I wasn’t that incapable,” I grumbled. “I just spent a long-ass time fighting.”

Brokil shook his head as he muttered sourly. “It is still incredulous that you allowed yourself to sustain such torment. I may still be unable to repair your affliction.”

I let out a growl as I stretched my arm. “Then, fucking, take some of mine.” I slurred, holding out my hand. “I'm already tired. Taking my stamina won't affect me.”

Brokil shook his head. “You are delirious. I cannot take stamina you do not have. I would be like trying to drain a dry well.”

I heard Amelia's footsteps grow closer.“What about me? Can you use mine?” I turned to see Amelia holding out her own arm to Brokil. “I’m energized. Can you use mine?”

I lowered my arm as I let out a sigh. “You don't need to do that.” I protested. “You don’t need to do anything because of my mistakes.” I turned to Brokil as a wave of pain washed over me. “Just fix what you can, anything major or notable. I'll soldier through the rest of it. The potion is supposed to help me heal anyway.”

Brokil let out a sigh as he rubbed his head. “Very well but know that I won't be able to heal you every time you return like this.” I nodded as he leaned down and began working on my wounds. I tilted my head back as the now-familiar sensation radiated through my body. The pain slowly subsided as he gradually dealt with each injury. The gentle tingling was replaced by a slow warmth and then the relief of nothingness. I let out a sigh as I let Brokil work. After a few minutes, I finally sat there, mostly healed, with only the faintest trace of pain left. I slowly sat forward and opened my eyes. Bulak took this opportunity to hand my glasses back to me. “Besides these injuries, how did the potion fair?” I looked down and flexed my fingers. Despite the hours of training, my muscles weren't sore, beyond the tender beating they'd received. I thought back as I tried to compare today and yesterday's sparring. The orcs were overall reluctant to tell me anything meaningful in training. They did, however, let slip a few worthwhile tips to better my fighting and the sparring was helpful for devoting the movements to muscle memory. “Double training time, a quarter of the advice, instinctual movements are more valuable than the verbal corrections. . .”

I looked up at Brokil as I finally grinned. “It faired fantastically,” I replied happily. “Your potion is definitely going to help me greatly. The only thing left to handle is the other orcs I'm going to enter the arena with.”

I heard Bulak let out a small laugh. “You do not slow down, do you?” She asked, chuckling.

I grinned and shook my head. “I can't afford to, not when the rite is in a week.”

Bulak nodded as she rubbed her head. “I would be lying if I said I did not have doubts about the rite.” She admitted. “You have been training for only two weeks, not to mention your ... issue... that delayed your progress. Orcs that have had years of training have been known to fail. The gauntlet is an entirely other matter. You might not have the skill to complete it. There are other details that may make it impossible for you to finish the rite.”

I grinned and let out a small chuckle. “It's been said, that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. And right now, my mind is mostly focused on the rite.”

Bulak nodded reluctantly. “Given the reputation of outsiders, that is the one thing I believe about you.” She admitted. “The rest I am still uncertain about. There is still so much that could cause you to fail.” I let out a small laugh as I looked down, hiding my own nervousness. “That’s definitely true. The number of uncertainties is astronomical. It'll probably take all my hard work and a lot of luck to make it through this.”

Amelia interrupted my internal monologue. “You can't worry about things you can't change.” She soothed, leaning down slightly. “You did all you could today. I think it's best you turn your attention to the other things on your mind.”

I nodded as I flexed my fingers one more time. “You're probably right,” I admitted. “I can't focus all my time on training. Even with this potion, I should allow a period of rest.”

She nodded as she stood and gestured at a nearby table. “So, what now? More magic?”

I looked down as my stomach let out a growl. “Actually, the only other thing on my mind right now is food. When does dinner get here?”