Just before Kaiden's battle was about to commence, I was summoned by one of Reynod's knights. I reluctantly excused myself, whispering a quiet encouragement to Kai.
"Good luck, Kai..."
I murmured, before hastening away with the knights towards Reynod's location.
KNIGHT 1
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the boy's immense confidence and command. I genuinely wondered what the great General Reynod and our king saw in this young warrior.
"The General informed us about the situation, and our investigations have led us to believe that the criminal distributing these drugs is present today," my comrade to the left spoke, informing the boy.
The boy sighed, his expression thoughtful, before finally speaking in a soft yet commanding tone that belied his youthful appearance. "I see. Mobilize your troops and let them guard all the exits of the school.No one goes in no ones goes out, understood."
After a brief two-minute walk, we arrived at the watchtower that hovered above the academy, concealed by high-level illusion magic. We approached the door, and instead of knocking, the boy simply barged in.
I thought to myself, 'Did he lack respect for the General?, as I awaited General Reynod's reaction.
However, the General's calm demeanor quickly put my concerns to rest. "Einar, you've arrived at last... please, take a seat,"he said, his voice warm and inviting.
As they conversed, I was struck by the familiarity and camaraderie between the boy and the General. They spoke like old friends, and I found myself wondering how this young warrior had earned the General's respect.
Their conversation eventually turned to the matter at hand. "As you're aware, we believe the criminal responsible is present today," the General said, crossing his legs.
The boy nodded thoughtfully before inquiring, "How many?"
"Roughly around twelve," the General replied.
As they discussed numbers and figures, I found myself struggling to understand the context of their conversation.
Once their discussion had concluded, the boy departed, and as he walked past me, our eyes met. For a fleeting moment, I saw an otherworldly presence radiating from his eyes – a heavy, dark presence that seemed to grasp for my very life force.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I turned to address the General. _"Excuse me, General... pardon me if I'm overstepping my bounds, but what exactly do you find so admirable about this boy?",I inquired, maintaining absolute respect.
The General's expression turned thoughtful, and he rubbed his chin before responding. "Well... you see, that boy is the only other warrior in this land, other than our great monarch, whom I truly respect," he said, his voice genuine.
My face drew into utter shock. 'That boy... is he truly worthy of the General's respect and admiration?', I thought to myself.
The General's next words only added to my astonishment. _"He may appear as just a boy, but don't be fooled by his childlike appearance. That boy alone could defeat at least one-third of our military forces ,"_ he muttered, maintaining a straight facial expression.
I couldn't believe what I had just heard. _'A boy barely a teenager is capable of taking on one-third of our military power single-handedly?'_ The General must be overestimating the boy's abilities.
I glanced at the General, whose face was now more serious than ever. I gradually heard him whisper, "It's starting."
KAIDEN BLACKWOOD
My opponent was undoubtedly bigger and physically stronger than I was. However, that alone was his only advantage over me.
I moved swiftly and silently, recalling Einar's movements and adapting them to suit me better. Using wind magic to increase my speed and even my attacks, I was slowly gaining an advantage over my opponent.
"Why won't you stay still?" my opponent complained, his voice bubbling with anger and frustration.
"Well, if I stay still, you'll hit me, and I don't want that, now do I?" I replied, my voice filled with mockery.
However, my little exhibition didn't last all too long. Quickly, my opponent mastered my attack pattern and was now able to counter with great accuracy.
'Dammit,' I cursed inwardly. 'I've lost my advantage.'
I tried leaning forward to attack him, but he quickly countered, grabbing me by the throat and thrusting me down onto the ground. My body cried out in pain.
If only I was strong like Einar, I wouldn't be in this situation. 'Hey Kai...' Einar's voice rang in my mind, urging me to keep going.
I got to my feet once more, filled with an abundance of pride. I needed to make my best friend proud.