“Kihet? Where are you going?”

“Don’t stop me, Vol. Irvan’s asking for this.”

He wanted to screw me over, fine. I alone could deal this mistreatment. I’ve dealt with people stoning me, destroying my things. My injuries can heal, and I could repair my things. However, he made a big mistake. He dragged Hannah, an innocent bystander, into his petty revenge against me and I won’t forgive him for that.

Vol tried getting in my way, but I forced myself past him. I picked up a wooden mallet, and my belt of malicious tools, the only equipment that survived the wreckage, and marched back to the village.

“What are you going to do what that hammer?”

“Hit him.”

“Do you think you can? Look at yourself! You’re in rags and he’s armored to the brim!”

“H-he’s right, Kihet. L-listen!” Malth added.

Even though they were voices of reason. I knocked Vol’s grip off me and left them behind. I was convinced Irvan’s responsible for it. He’s the one that started it. I’m not going to let this slide.

In correspondence to my anger, my arms flared up. The magic seal reacted to my emotions. I was seething with decades of anger welling in my mind. Vol was shouting even more trying to stop me, but I didn’t want to listen.

Before I knew it, the forest had gone silent. This was the path I took whenever I visited the village, and it was usually teeming with animals. This time it was oddly quiet, like everything evacuated as I marched down the unpaved road.

At the village entrance I was greeted with two gatekeepers.

“Sinner, you’re back? Where are your cuffs? You will be breaking the law if you enter-.”

“Bring Irvan out here.” I interrupted. “If I’m not going in, get him out here. I want to ask him something.”

“What makes you have the right to talk to us like that?”

“Then I’m going in and you’re not stopping me.”

The two guards immediately cross spears in my way. I glared at them with all the hatred I could muster. Their shoulders jolted a bit once they met my eyes and tightened the grip on their weapons.

“By law-.”

“I won’t say it again. Call Irvan here or let me through.”

“We… we will not-!”

I grabbed both wooden shafts of their spears, snapping them with my knee. As one of the guards reached back to draw his sword, the other attempted to swing his broken stick at me. I dodged by dipping my body towards the ground and tripped him with a sweeping kick.

I turned to find the other guard in mid-swing. I prowled on all fours then pounce at his waist and pushed him on the ground. I grabbed his helmet, twisting it and covered his face as I disarm his sword.

After he adjusted his helmet, I already struck down his partner by hurling my mallet to his face. Before he signalled for help, I used the pommel of his sword and bashed his nose. As the two squirmed around, trying to hold back the pain, I marched into the village in search of Irvan.

I wasn’t there for trouble although my emotions made it hard for me to act correspondingly. I wanted Irvan to own up to his faults. Even with the sword sheathed, people tossed me uncomfortable stares from farther distance than usual. It must’ve been the blood. Nonetheless, people were avoiding the best as they could while keeping me in their view.

I sucked in as much air in my lungs and let out a bloody scream in the village square.

“IRVAN, COME OUT! I’M GOING TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF YOU!”

I was greeted by a group of hunters instead. Some of their faces looked familiar. A few of them hunted together with Irvan.

“What do you want, Sinner? Where are your restraints?”

“Shut up. Bring Irvan to me.”

“What makes you so important to order people around?”

I kneeled, picking up another rock while locking eyes with him. The hunter was so busy trying to taunt me, he hadn’t noticed my intentions until I threw it at him.

“Ha!” He blocked it with his shield. “You’re attacking me-?”

He was already within my reach when he put his shield down to check my reaction. I had my hammer drawn and smashed against it with all my strength. Numbness took over our hands for a moment. I wasn’t as bothered because the adrenaline running through my veins helped ignore most of the shock.

His guard fell. I knocked him down with a left hook.

Someone suddenly smashed a plank behind my head. There was needle like sensations pricking my scalp. As I touch my hair, some of the splinters came off. Blood ran down my face.

The person responsible was a villager. As soon as he knew that blow wouldn’t put me down, he dropped the other half of the board and ran away.

I pulled up Irvan’s lackey by his hair. “Where’s Irvan?”

Tsk. He’s unconscious. I wouldn’t be getting answers from him.

The other hunters drew their weapons and kept their distance from me. Some of the freshmen slowly backed away and ran off. The veterans were seemingly hesitant on initiating. Using this time, I removed the shield and sword from one of Irvan’s friends.

“Irvan, he’s over there!”

“Ah? That coward has the guts to do something?”

That asshole finally showed up.

His face scrunched up after seeing one of his hunters laying beside me.

“You fucker! What did you do to him?!”

“What did I do? You’re the root of this! Don’t think for a second I didn’t know what you did!”

Shocked by my sudden yelling, he stepped back for a second then grabbed the handle of his weapon.

“I don’t know what you’re implying, but you’ve finally shown your true colors. You’re just a scumbag everyone thinks you are. You’re a bastard that needs to be brought down and I’d happily be the one to do that!”

He unsheathed his longsword and lunged towards me. I drew my sword and pushed my blade against his until I hit the hilt of his handle.

Because of the numbness early, my block was weak. Irvan broke my guarding posture and performed a low kick, striking my shin with his spiked boots. He suddenly launched a sidekick into my stomach while I was recovering. I tumbled a few times then landed on my back. I felt my left leg bleeding heavily with possible bone fracture. The wounds from yesterday’s encounter with the Shadow knight had split opened.

I slowly stood up with the help of my sword.

“Irvan, bring him down!”

“Knock him dead, we don’t want him around.”

The people chanted his name. He looked like a hero to the village.

“Come to think of it…” I smirked, showing him the back of my hand. “You wanted this crest the most.”

That earned his full attention.

“Irvan, we should evacuate the spectators. Who knows what the trash is going to do if he gets close to them.”

“I’ll leave it to you. I’m going to show the Creator that choosing this runt was a poor choice.”

I couldn’t run, but I didn’t need to with him closing the distance. I readied my defence again.

Irvan gripped his sword tightly and performed quick horizontal to a downward cleave combo.

I backstepped from the first strike then blocked the second. As his sword was still in contact with my shield, I thrust my blade forward, grazing his cheek. I missed his eye by a small margin.

“This fucker!” Irvan growled.

He twisted his entire body for a powerful cut. After seeing I barely dodged it, he reached for his other longsword carried by his [Ribbon] positioned for a downward swing. I managed to block it with my shield, but it sent me rolling through a fruit stall and covered me in different colors of freshly squeezed juice.

“Beat him Irvan! You got this!”

I supported myself barely using the wall. Everything about my body was ready to give up except for my mind full of revenge. I barely saw anything with blood and fruit juice flowing over one of my eyes. My muscles slowly loosen up. Fatigue started taking over my body and I felt drowsy.

I looked down to find my shield shattered and weaponless. I put my fists up.

“Look how stubborn he is even though he has no chance of winning.”

“It’s your win, Irvan!”

“Irvan! Irvan! Irvan!” The village chanted.

He raised his sword high in the air, already declaring victory. “I don’t know what your problem is, but that crest will be mine.”

I hate this.

As usual, I’m powerless. I always lose. I’m a sore loser. The reason for my mistake was that I protected the person I cared for the most, but I don’t regret it one bit.

I mustered everything I can in preparation to block the next attack. I could barely stand and see.

Clunk!

“Not so fast, Irvan!”

A girl came to save me. She blocked Irvan’s blade using a spear.

“What are you doing? This is our fight. Get out of my way so I can win! Don’t protect a murderer!”

“That’s a joke, right? I thought I was going to have to beat one senseless if I didn’t make it.”

She sounds familiar. “Megith?” I muttered.

“Oh my gosh, Kihet! You’re bleeding! Oh no! Oh no! What do I do? R-right! First aid! Shoo, get out of here Irvan. I need to treat him.”

What are you doing? I’m not having trouble breathing. I don’t need mouth to mouth! Stop the bleeding instead!

“I won’t say it again. Move aside. That crest is mine.”

“You’re not getting his crest.” Megith shot back, pulling my head into her chest.

“I’ll make you move.”

“I’d like to see that, Irvan.” A deep voice bellowed.

If it’s one person other than Lemi, Sorah or Malth I don’t want to see angry, it’s Draigh. To be honest, all my friends are scary when angered.

His expression was like an incarnate of an angry demon. His upper body was exposed, letting everyone see the mass of his muscles bulged threateningly as he cracked every joint, stomping into the ring. Every step Draigh walked left a footprint in the cobblestone flagstones that was followed by a small quake.

“Here to gang up on me after seeing your pathetic friend get hurt?”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. The next time though, I’ll send you flying.”

“You’re deaf? I said this Sinner is-.”

Draigh lunged forward before Irvan finished his sentence. He slapped Irvan’s weapon away and had his fist moving for an uppercut.

“What’s this commotion about?”

After he heard that voice, Draigh’s fist stopped mid flight. His fist carried the wind, blowing Irvan’s face strongly, but it couldn’t blow him away.

Irvan felt a light touch of Draigh’s fist on his chin that was about to pulverize him. I wasn’t sure if he was able to keep his composure or if he was freaked out in the inside.

The voice that called out a moment ago caused the crowd’s chanting to die down and moved to the sides. They were looking over us and no one cheer for Irvan’s victory anymore in the Elder’s presence.

“Elder, this was all that idiot’s fault! He was trying to kill my friends and I stopped him!”

“That’s a lie!” Megith argued. “I heard from Vol you lured monsters to Kihet’s house and got Hannah hurt! You’re the one that probably did it!”

“You bastard! Irvan, did you do that?!” Draigh grabbed his collar.

“Ah? Don’t accuse me of some bullshit. I wouldn’t do something as petty as that. What proof do you have?”

“You wanted his crest.” Megith stated.

“That’s because the Creator made a poor choice. I deserve it more than he does.”

“Young Draigh, please put Young Irvan down. The Elder scratched his beard and examined Irvan. “Poor or not, Young Kihet did quite a number on you in his current state.”

“I didn’t go all out. I would’ve beaten him to a pulp if those two aren’t here and if I used magic. I’m not the kind to involve civilians unlike that bastard.”

“It looked like you were losing to him.” Megith stuck out her tongue.

“That was when you and Draigh decided to interfere.”

And I’d win if I weren’t injured to begin with. I was at a disadvantage since he also destroyed everything in my home, is what I wanted to say if I had the strength to open my mouth.

“Hmm… interesting… Tell you what, a festival planned that’s dedicated to the crest bearers is approaching. By all means, I will ask the Creator for permission so you may challenge him for the crest. After, he recovers fully of course.”

“Fine by me. That means I can go all out?”

“Indeed. However, I’ve heard rumors about you sabotaging his home and young Hannah suffered injuries because of it.”

“I said I didn’t do it.”

“I would not know, and I believe young Kihet seeks the answer. If he wins, you will stand in the trial coffin and be tested, understood?”

“…Mark my words. I’m not going to lose to someone like him.”

I was in bed again. This time I was put in the village temple rather than Lemi’s clinic. Figures. I practically showed up like a Demon and caused chaos in the village.

My body ached all over. I had another case of stitches and suffered through a painful experience of splinters being removed from my head. Occasionally, my body felt a sting and I rolled to the side.

When I woke up, I heard the Elder had announced my duel for the ownership of my crest. The battle was in a week and there was no way I could gather materials to remake everything I needed to win. Let alone, I was too cripple to go foraging and penniless to replace all my tools.

“Kihet, mornin~. You awake? I need to bring you somewhere.”

I pried my eyes open, just enough to see who it was. My eyes were a bit hazy and scrolled to my visitor, trying to identify who it was. A person very much like Malth or Megith smiled cheerfully and waved at me. I couldn’t tell until I saw her clothing tightly squeezing her large chest.

“How ya feelin? You could at least wake up and walk around. You’ve been lazing for a few days already.”

“My body hurts.”

“It’s not going to help with your duel with Irvan. You need to exercise more.”

“What’s the point? I don’t have my equipment. I’m going to lose anyways.”

“What’s with that logic? C’mon, get up.”

I chose to ignore her. This bed was fluffy and warm unlike the mat I had. I don’t want to leave, ever.

“Bu… if you’re going to ignore me, I’ll make myself comfortable!”

Wait… what is she doing? Oh well, I don’t care. I’m feeling sleepy again and soon I drifted back into dreamworld. By the time I woke up, the light from outside still shone brightly. Maybe it’s afternoon?

My throat felt dry. When I reached for a pitcher of water, I felt a godly sensation tightly squeezed my arm. It’s soft, squishy except its warm and addicting to touch. It’s unlike anything I felt before. My curiosity led me to lifting the blanket.

Under the covers, I found a ripe body in thin clothing just covering her womanly parts.

“Wh-M-Megith!? What are you doing in here?!”

Megith aggressively dragged me back onto the bed and wrapped her legs around my body. I can feel our skin touching, especially the bouncy soft chest sandwiching my arm. I wasn’t strong enough to push her off, or rather, I don’t know where to push her away.

“Mmm… five more minutes. It’s cold…”

“Hey, wake up! It’d be bad if someone sees this!”

“Don’t worry too much about it. Itzzz all part of the plan.” She mumbled.

“All part of what?! I dare you to say that again!”

It’s not that I hated this. I’m more worried the others could visit any moment. If they saw me like this, I’m going to be killed for sure!

I gritted my teeth and waited. Around the five-minute mark I heard a giggle. I was surprised to find her awake when she said she needed exactly five more minutes.

“Mornin’ Kihet.”

“E-except it’s afternoon.”

“Oh? We’ve slept for that long?” Megith rested her vast bosom on the pillow and greeted me with a sly smirk. Her semi-transparent clothes were glued to her voluptuous form by sweat.

I noticed a sweet milky scent coming from her. I didn’t know what to think of the smell. It wasn’t particularly good or bad, I’m not used to the scent. Incidentally, it was slowly growing on me.

Yes, I do find Megith attractive. I’m doing my best to calm my junior so that this situation doesn’t become more awkward.

“I see you’re eager to wake up.” She smirked.

Whether she purposely had the intention to include a subtle hint of innuendo is unknown.

“Because it’s too hot.” I complained. “Why were you sleeping here? This isn’t good for my health, you know.”

It was incredibly awkward to wake up and find a girl with her guard down next to me. Sometimes Megith would tease me a bit too much, I would get a bit too conscious of our friendship. This time, it’s too much. Was she always this clingy?

Calm down and take deep breaths, Kihet. She doesn’t like me or anything, she’s here to get her results for the day.

“Are you complaining? A girl crawled in and shared a bed with you. I thought you would be happy.”

“Look, as a guy, I’m happy I get to sleep with a girl, but you shouldn’t let your guard down that easily. What if I attacked you?”

“You won’t?”

“But what if I did?”

“Would you take responsibility?”

Ugh… stop asking questions when I’m trying to ask you questions!

“Forget it. I give up. Didn’t you say you wanted me to go with you somewhere?”

Suddenly, without a word, Megith sprung up and stared at the door. Her face changed into a mortified expression.

“Oh no! I forgot! We overslept! They’re going to get angry at me! Kihet, we have to hurry!”

“Settle down. Let me get my crutches-.”

“No time! I’ll carry you!”

“No way! I rather walk on my own!”

I swear when she’s in a rush, she gets clumsily. I’m not trusting her while she’s panicking. I don’t want to get dropped. Besides, it’d be embarrassing to have others see me get carried around like a baby.

While we were traveling, I gradually noticed we were in the denser part of the forest. Villagers and hunters, except for a few, try to avoid this part as stronger monsters prowled the area. Thankfully their numbers were few, the chances of encountering one was like a sun out on a rainy day. There were trees that grew closely together, their branches block out most of the sunlight from piercing through them. This area makes an ideal hunting ground for monsters.

Don’t get me started on the path. It was challenging for someone like me who also foraged for goods here. You couldn’t see more than a few meters ahead. The road was filled with potholes woven by roots. It was more difficult for someone who injured their leg to walk past them without any trouble.

Finally, we cleared out of the forest, but don’t remember this specific part of the forest.

“This is…”

“You’re late!” Vol shouted. “This why I should’ve been the one to get him! They’re both slowpokes! What’s your excuse?”

I raised my casted leg before Megith could say anything. Lemi wasn’t here, but Sorah could misinterpret what I think Megith was about to say in many ways. Her sister was also here. She’s not old enough to be hearing those things.

“Kihet!”

A child, covered in dirt, leapt out of Sorah’s arms and dove her head into my stomach. As much as I admit how cute she is, that friggin’ hurts! Sorah and Hannah are siblings for sure. They both like to hurt me in both malicious and unintentional ways!

“Owwww! Watch out for my leg!”

“Hannah heard Kihet got hurt for Hannah’s sake and has to fight Pineapple hair because of it. Hannah is sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

That was all I could say. I couldn’t tell her who did it because I had no evidence. Thinking back, Irvan looked a bit confused when I accused him. If it wasn’t him, who was it? I couldn’t think of anyone else’s fury I can reel up like Irvan’s. He’s one prideful asshole, but he’s someone that acts in the interest of the greater good. I know this because, let’s say we were once on friendly terms.

“Hannah, how’s your injury?”

“Hannah’s arm is okay, but now Hannah’s arm has a scar. Angel sister did her best, but she was scary when she saw Hannah’s cut.”

Angel sister? She must’ve meant Lemi. I know she treats Hannah like her sister as well and she’d definitely be overprotective if she saw Hannah get a scratch.

While I was thinking, I felt a shake on my arm.

“Kihet, Kihet.”

“What is it, Hannah?”

“Why does Kihet smell sweet? Like… milk?”

Urk! I don’t want to look up. I felt piercing glares from Sorah.

“Oh! That’s because I shared some with him earlier.”

Way to go, Megith!

“But Hannah smells it all over Kihet and Megith. Why do Kihet and Megith smell the same?”

Hannah, please. You’re going to get me killed. I accidentally met Vol’s bloodshot eyes and… is that blood that’s tearing up?

Vol’s agonizing face was horrifying, he looked like an undead about to spring an attack on me. I was so terrified I was about to hit him with my crutch. I kept repeating ‘it’s just Vol’ to fight off the jealously he’s emitting.

“Megith, did you…” Sorah glared at her.

“Did I? It’s not like he’s yours.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Sorah, Hannah doesn’t understand.”

“Hannah, you don’t need to know. Kihet.”

And there’s the death stare.

“Uh, sure.” I waved away the hostility. “By the way, what’s up with this place? Why did you guys bring me here?”

“This spot is your new home.”

Now that I’ve taken a closer look, the cleared area was as wide as my old place. My things were in the middle as well. There were signs to point me to the direction towards of the village and the closest water source. I’m guessing Vol surveyed the land for me already.

I was wondering why Hannah and Sorah had muddy hands. They were working on rebuilding the garden for me to regrow my herbs. The land was tilled and seeded. All that’s needed was for me nurture them until they regrow.

“Surprised?” Vol smirked. “We worked hard to find a spot that most monsters don’t come by. Living here doesn’t affect what’s going on in the forest.”

I’m speechless.

“Earth to Kihet. Huh. Guessin he wasn’t ready for the surprise.”

“Kihet doesn’t like it? B-but, Hannah worked really hard!”

“Sorry, I just didn’t know what to say. Really, thanks guys.”

“You got a few more to thank. Elius made the charms that Malth and Draigh are setting up wards in the area. Elius is also handling the materials of the monsters we slew.” Vol said. “Some of your share are being used to pay for your new tools.”

“Worry about a way to win the duel.” Sorah said. “You don’t have a lot of time left.”

“We don’t want that bastard traveling out there with us.” Megith added. “You wouldn’t want to lose your ticket for the mission, would you?”

“Isn’t that obvious? I don’t.”

A day had passed.

I was informed the day of departure for the eight of us would be after the festival. I’m kind of nervous to be able to step out of the village.

That’s if I win.

The swelling on my leg has lessened a lot. I learned from yesterday I was fortunate I had no broken bones. I don’t need crutches anymore, but it still hurts when I apply pressure on it.

My biggest worry for the rest of the week was the duel. Irvan was a formidable foe and I learned a lot from our last encounter. I would need to make myself durable shin guards to protect my legs from those cheap low kicks.

The problem was what type of magic he could use. I doubt he’s a spellcaster like Elius or Lemi.

Speaking of Elius, he visited earlier and dropped of a list of supplies I requested. Normally, I refused his charity, but I don’t have much of a choice. If I lose my Crest, my dream of visiting the outside world would be crushed.

He deserves my Crest, Irvan says. I bet it’s his entitlement that made him lose the Creator’s favor.

“Dammit. It’s all wobbly.” I hammered the anvil with all my strength as I attempt to straighten the shape of the blade.

I worked this sword for hours, but this cheaply built forge quickly reached its limit. It couldn’t trap enough heat for the metal to be properly worked. I’ll have to patch it up with more mud after this round of hammering. I don’t have time to make a proper forge from scratch so this is the best I could do.

How long have I been working? Wasn’t the sun still here a moment ago? Why is it dark?

“Hey there.”

I turned around and suddenly a humongous figure loomed over me. It was tall enough to block the sun and shade a small area around me. I recognized the shape. It was the Giant we saved from that Shadow Knight.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to startle you. The Elder mentioned I would find you here. I only wanted to speak with you, if that’s alright.”

I cleared my throat, testing a few words from the Giant’s language before phrasing a greeting.

“Y-you’re that Giant, Kridas, was it?”

“Oh? You know my name?”

“The Elder mentioned it. I see you’re doing alright.”

“It’s because of you.” He let out a chuckle. “I heard you lured the enemy away and in worse shape than I was when they found you. I’m here to show my gratitude for saving my life.” He slowly cleared some land to make space to sit then examined the area around me. “Oh? Did you create this forge yourself? So many, umm. Swords?”

“Those are failures. They’ll be smelted back to ingots later.”

“Your skills are certainly improving for some… uh… pieces, but isn’t your village over there? Couldn’t you have gone ask the blacksmith for advice or are you practicing on your free time?”

“I would if I could.” I sighed and continued hammering the ingot out of frustration into a lump of mess. “I’ve been banned from living in the village. The equipment I needed to get in broke, so I can’t visit anymore. I’m not skilled enough to create those, so I’m waiting for replacements.”

And I doubt any replacements will be made.

“If I may inquire, what is the reason for your ban?”

“I caused an accident that killed a lot of hunters. I’m a murderer.”

“Oh… that is… that’s-.”

“I don’t expect pity or sympathy.”

“Yes.” The Giant nodded. “We do not live in a perfect world and will have to live with our consequences from our actions for rest of our lives. I can somewhat relate as my hands are also heavily stained with blood.” Kridas looked at his hand before turning back to me. “By the way, you’re using too much force in one area. The blade’s thickness is going to be uneven.”

“I know.”

“Is something on your mind?”

“You can tell?”

“Anyone could when you’re mindlessly pounding the hammer like that. You don’t have any control at all. Your hand must be numb. Why not take a break and tell me what’s in your mind?”

He’s right. I’ve been holding the hammer for too long that moving my fingers had become difficult.

I let the hammer slide off on the ground then wiped the sweat off my head.

Now that I took a clear look at the Giant, I could see he was bald, but a large beard grew over his chin. He still had a portion of his armor on. It had many tiny plates dangling off broken chains, but not as much when I first saw him. He must’ve tried repairing it with his hands and gave up.

“My home was overrun by monsters. Someone took down the wards protecting the place and lured monsters to attack me. I have a suspect, but no proof.”

“And you’re rebuilding your weapons to get revenge?”

“I tried to get revenge and failed. The result was the Elder announced my duel with him to fight for the Crest I have. I’m trying to find a way to beat Irvan. He’s strong.”

“That’s a vague description. How is he stronger than you?”

I shot Kridas a stupefied look. Among the seven races out there, I heard Giants have the strength to plow an entire hill. Doesn’t he know the meaning of strong?

“If I were to fight him, I’d lose.” I answered. “He’s faster, stronger, more experienced.”

“Do you have to fight him?”

“I rather avoid it if I can. He knows I can’t beat him and will keep taunting me about it.”

“Then all you need to do is win once.”

“Huh…?”

His responses were like a child’s, attacking me from angles I never thought. Fight Irvan, he said. Didn’t I already said there’s no way I’d win?

“Your foe knows you can’t win a head on confrontation. Brute force isn’t the only way through. There are many ways to make up the strength you don’t have.”

“I’m not strong, fast or physically adept in any way.”

“There’s a saying I learned from Vivrus if I can translate it correctly. Sometimes it’s best to take small bites rather than everything at once, else you’ll choke. I think it can be interpreted as don’t be greedy or do things at your pace to reach your goal.”

Vivrus? Isn’t that the home of Insectoids?

“Another thing. You are clever, and a fast learner. I can see ‘some’ improvements from your previous works of umm… swords? From what I can distinguish off your physic, your body is more suited for small skirmishes. Psychological tactics may work better in your favor.

“I’m impressed you can tell even though I’m wearing so many layers.”

“I served Rozzosea’s military as a captain for decades. I commanded a whole group of men before. I am trained to see potential in those who can’t see for themselves.”

“Were you leading your soldiers before you got here?”

“That’s… no. They’ve gone ahead. My partner who was the last one among them is also gone. I’m going through a similar situation as you. I failed my mission and that got me demoted to patrol the lands of Rozzosea with my only comrade. I’m the last of my friends remaining.”

“Sorry to hear about them.”

“Bah, I’m sure they’re doing better within the beyond. They’ve help me so many times, I lost count. I guess I’ll owe them many rounds of alcohol when my time comes!” His laughter shook the very air itself, it sounded more of a roar.

It’s given seeing how large stature he was, his loudness certainly was a trait of the Giants. I covered my ears, waiting for him to stop.

“Kridas, can you not laugh like that? It hurts my ears.”

“I guess my voice does become loud. Come to think of it, I never caught your name.”

“It’s Kihet.”

“Holy Kihet.”

Holy? Is that how Giant’s address us Enuis?

“It seems I’ve lightened up your spirits a bit. I heard from your Elder, you’re confident in your crafting abilities. I know one weapon that might pique your interest.” He made a box frame with his fingers, inspecting me through it. “Hmm. Yes. This weapon might suit your style. If you managed to make it, I’ll teach you how to use it.”

A weapon? I just hope its something I can carry, but I’m looking forward seeing what it is.

“You’re on!” I gave my arms a big stretch and headed back to my forge in high spirits. “So, what does it look like?”

“Hmm. If I were to describe it, think of a dagger with forks on the back of the blade. The design originally hailed from Sanctuary to hold rapiers and thin blades. The Giants were looking a way to integrate its unique concept of trapping the opponent’s blade.”

“Trapping? Interesting… Never thought about it.”

I listened carefully as Kridas described its pros and cons of the weapon.

Unfortunately, Irvan’s main weapon is a longsword. This dagger wasn’t suited to catch the size of that blade. If I could stop his sword and hold it in place, it could give me an advantage and the element of surprise.

I’ve decided to smith the design Kridas provided. I’ll learn the methods of how it’s used later.

“Were you guys successful?”

“No. Rozzosea soldiers disliked the idea. We Giants prefer honest battles to test our strength with no trickery. It’s so peaceful here compared to my home where silence is rarer than diamonds.”

“Rozzosea… I heard they have walls that touch the sky.”

“Oh, you’re curious about the capital? Should I tell you what’s it like?”

“Yes, please do! Can you also tell me about the rest of the world as well?”

“Sheesh. Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?” He sighed. “Alright, listen up!”