"Come here," Max said, his voice gentler now.
Barry hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward.
"Do you really want to learn how to fight?" Max asked.
Barry nodded eagerly, eyes shining with resolve. "Yes."
Max grinned. "Good. Then watch closely the next time they come. I'll show you what real strength looks like."
Barry's face lit up. "Okay!"
Max ruffled his hair, then leaned back against his pillow of blankets.
Later, after the villagers had dispersed, their voices could still be heard outside the tent, murmuring in heated tones.
"He's going to bring trouble."
"We should offer him to the demons. Apologize. Buy some time."
"They'll come for blood now."
Max heard every word.
But he didn't flinch.
He understood them. In their minds, they were still cattle. The idea of standing was alien to them. They hadn't seen the world outside—had never met people like him, Klaus, or any of the great guilds or families of the Valora Continent.
