When they began sparring, Dian was the first one to attack. No matter how many times he punched and kicked Basnir he didn’t even flinch. Dian took a few steps back to catch his breath.

[ Basnir ]

“My turn!” Shouted Basnir as he was smiling and laughing.

As Basnir was approaching him, Dian realized that this was a mistake to fight with Basnir. He picked him up and threw Dian away. He flew right above us. When I took my eyes away from Gelda she punched me in the stomach and it hurt a little but it’s always a hit. Dian landed on the wooden bench.

[ Basnir ]

“Are you alright boy?!”

[ Dian ]

“Yeah! Just… need to lay down for a second…”

After an hour of training, we took time to rest. As we sat on the bench I heard moaning. Dian was still on the ground after Basnir tossed him here. I patted him on the head and ignored him afterward.

[ Eric ]

“I was wondering. How do the fights are planned? Do you know who you’re fighting a day earlier or not at all?”

[ Gelda ]

“Usually you know a few days earlier. There are last minutes changes too but they only happen if a fighter somehow died before the fight.”

[ Eric ]

“That’s good to hear.”

[ Gelda ]

“Is that of any help? You’re going to fight someone anyway.”

[ Eric ]

“Of course it is!” I said as I flicked her forehead. “Being prepared before the fight gives you a big advantage. Before I came here I bought the most needed things like that sword, and those tomahawks I have on me.”

[ Gelda ]

“Well… That’s something you can have without knowing who’s your next opponent.”

[ Eric ]

“Wrong. If you know you’re going to fight someone taller than you, a spear would be a good option against someone like that. If your opponent likes fighting with a hammer then there is no reason to have a shield. Versatility is a strong weapon.”

[ Gelda ]

“So what do you mean by that?”

[ Eric ]

“What I mean is that I’m going to train you with every kind of weapon and every style of fighting I know.” And some of them I’ll make on a go from what I have seen in movies.

[ Gelda ]

“I’m gonna be a v…”

[ Eric ]

“What did you say?”

[ Gelda ]

“Nothing! I need to go now!” She said as she left running.

[ Eric ]

“Okay. How are you holding up Dian?”

[ Dian ]

“Fine. Just give me a minute… or hour…”

Dian is right. Now is a perfect time for more rest… Wait! No! I came here for a reason. I forcefully helped Dian stand up and lightly slapped him to wake him up.

[ Eric ]

“Now is the perfect time for you to go scouting! Go to the arena. Watch the matches and tell me if you’ve seen a blessed person with weird eyes.” No offense to Asian people. People from Midgard probably have never seen people from the East.

Good thing I took Dian with me. I have to stay back in the mansion. That was one of the conditions set by Verser. Unless he gives me permission. I don’t need to ask. After all, there is Dian who’ll do this job for me.

When Dian left I waited for a few seconds if he came back but he didn’t. Now it’s time for well-deserved rest. I was going to take a nap on the bench. Sun was warm and felt good on my skin. I enjoyed it with closed eyes but something blocked the sun. When I opened my eyes there was Verser right above me.

[ Eric ]

“Oh. Hi Mister Verser.”

[ Verser ]

“Lord Verser. With my current position, it’s lord.”

[ Eric ]

“Right. Apologise.” I said as I stood up. I felt that there was something serious he wants to talk about.

[ Verser ]

“Anyway. You’ll have your first fight in two hours.”

[ Eric ]

“Who’s my opponent.”

[ Verser ]

“The guy you’re going to fight had only been in the arena twice but he is a fighter of one of three great lords.”

[ Eric ]

“Great lords?”

[ Verser ]

“The only three lords that are above me. They have the best fighters and you’re gonna help me take a spot between them.”