The air around me erupted in a blast of pure strength. If you were to get in my way, then you would find yourself met with a swift defeat. An overwhelmingly swift and definite defeat. That was the lesson Ezali must be learning as she soared through the air. Her body skipped past the cowardly Charleston before crashing into the wooden structure behind her.
Whenever a person is facing multiple opponents, it is key to separate them by any means necessary. With Ezali now sent flying, there was only one opponent who could oppose men. That man was Sullivan.
He stared at me with surprise, coloring his eyes, and a bead of sweat rolled down the top of his head. My forearm oozed fresh blood, and pain took root in the limb. It was burned by Ezali's tenacity, but it was bearable. I could still clench my fist, so that meant that I could still fight. My eyes shifted to my sides as I reassessed the situation that I was facing.
"A lot of your men are down, so how about you turn tail and save me the trouble?" I asked Sullivan.
The man grits his teeth at my clear provocation, but it is obvious to me that he is assessing his situation.
"I can see that you might have the strength to defeat the boss, but I can't simply back down now," Sullivan answered.
He clenched his fists and prepared for our next clash. Sullivan had proven to be a capable opponent, but now his luck was running out. Between the two of us, we knew who was the stronger man. I pointed towards him and gave him my pronunciation,
"An unwise choice if you ask me. Surely this town isn't worth the damaged ribs or the fractured jaw. Since you managed to place a few scratches on me, although you had to jump me with like ten others, I will be gracious. Leave now without that antler-headed bastard over there, and I won't kick your ass."
My words seemed to click swiftly in the man's head, but his feet only planted themselves even further. It appeared to me that he desired to defy me. It was a shame. I would have preferred to deal with things another way, but I don't mind events tarnishing like this. A smirk appeared on my face as I reflected on my experience so far. Bernard, Ezali, and now Sullivan, all worthy opponents for me to battle in this new world.
'If only you could see me now, Mark. If only you could see me now.'
There was a tensing chest as that thought occurred in my mind. My breathing hitched as adrenaline juiced up my wounded arm. I adjusted the stray braid that flopped on my forehead. Sullivan began circling to my left, but I detected hesitation. His gaze moved around as if he were expecting another ambush to transpire. Either that or he wanted to find a weapon to hopefully swing the battle in his favor. I doubt such a weapon would exist for him.
Seeing that fact, Sullivan stopped in his tracks, then took his stance. I gladly matched his energy. Once I return from this event, I think I'll get Mark to owe me one.
Babump! Babump!
"Fine then. You can't say that I wasn't gracious towards you!"
I would honor his request to face me. The ground crunched underneath my feet as I made my way towards my final opponent. To my surprise, it appears that Sullivan would not simply allow me to approach uncontested. As soon as I made it halfway towards him, the man rushed the remaining distance. His fists flew wildly, but I dodged most of them. The ones that did land didn't budge me from my position. My teeth gritted as I powered through them with brute strength.
Sullivan was quick, but he wasn't quick enough for it to matter. I threw a powerful hook that ripped through the air with a thunderous boom! Despite not landing the blow directly, the wind that erupted from the attack pushed him away. The force of the wind sent him sliding to my left, and I snapped to throw another hook.
He narrowly evaded the punch and backpedaled to gain some distance between us. Looking to his right, he noticed a slab of wood ajar from a building. His fist struck it, snapping the plank into the side of a baseball bat. His eyes narrowed as he roared a defiant bellow. I pushed towards him, enduring the blow with my injured forearm. I hissed, but the durability of the plan proved inferior to my limb.
"Shit!" Sullivan yelped as I gripped him by his collar and tossed him across the road.
A devastating explosion erupted from his collision, and the building he landed against shook. I expected that to be it for him, but I didn't lower my guard. That decision was immediately vindicated as Sullivan rushed out of the debris with a small crate in hand. Once he was in throwing distance, he chucked the crate at me. I was undeterred by it and swatted the crate out of the air like a volleyball. The crate spiked and shattered on impact, spilling a dark fluid onto my legs and feet.
'The hell?!'
Babump! Babump! Babump!
The substance immediately began to sizzle, and my strength slowly faded. I had to end this quickly, and I now understood that. I stomped my feet, shattering the ground several feet away from the impact. Sullivan's knees buckled from the unstable footing, but he was still able to avoid my follow-up punch.
Boom!
This time, I didn't hit air, but the building I blasted to smithereens would've preferred that I did. My fist shattered a hole through the wall, before the impact within tore apart the interior. It was as if a bomb at erupted, and now the blowback caused debris to rain from above. My jaw dropped, but a sharp slam to my back sent me tumbling over the building's foundation. While it wasn't particularly painful, it was enough to make me trip over my feet.
Wood snapped over my back before a boot blurred my vision. My head jerked down briefly before the next stomp brought my face to the ground. My body was turned over as Sullivan stomped onto my chest, driving the air out of me. His blows were heavy, like anvils dropping with each impact. His hand gripped my collar, and his fist rained down with a vengeance. Each impact slammed harder than the last to the point I thought my nose might have shattered from the repetition.
'Is that... my blood?'
Sullivan hissed with pain as he released my collar. His fist was bloodied, but I thought I saw him twitching. He gripped that hand and stepped over me as I lay sprawled on the ground. I blinked, trying to clear the cobwebs hovering over me.
"This isn't personal, but I can't let you get away with the destruction you caused," Sullivan huffed as I found myself sitting.
"Is that right?" I sputtered, whipping my nose.
There was blood, but it wasn't as much as I anticipated. My body ran warm, as the small streak of blood on the back of my hand was presented. I blinked quickly before whipping my mouth again with both of my palms. This time, I found nothing, and confusion cleared those cobwebs for me.
'That's not my blood? Pft-'
I found myself erupting in laughter as realization dawned on me. That was Sullivan's blood. The man shook his injured fist, and a smirk flashed across his face. He didn't stop me from standing, but I doubt he could if he tried. I groaned in displeasure and then corrected the spilled braids on my forehead.
"What? Not going to bust out magic like your boss? For some reason, he thought saving that for the end would be smart. I figured you wanna follow his example."
"You think I'd fight you hand-to-hand if I had to? You exploded a building," Sullivan responded, stepping over the debris onto the street. "Say, what band are you a member of? Moonlit? Black Maw? Cinderhands?"
I shook my head and rubbed the back of my neck.
"Nothing like that. I'm a part of something brand new, but as you can see, we are on a different level than common thieves like ya'll."
"Don't think that this is the end. Unless you kill us, the boss will not be glad about this-"
"I beat him once, and I'll beat him again. Next time, I won't need to do this shit by myself. I'll have my brothers with me," I snapped, punching my palm. "Anyway, I think we should end this. I could use a nap from all of my trouble."
Sullivan exhaled and shook his head. I expected him to back down, but he didn't. I narrowed my eyes as he launched himself in my direction, leading with his shoulder. If you were to ask me about his intention, I couldn't tell you. I stepped to the right to avoid his charge, but he suddenly pivoted to readjust his footing.
His movements were fluid as his fist struck like a Cobra towards my face. Catching the fist of the taller man, I yanked him forward into a knee strike.
Sullivan was caught off guard by the impact of my knee, so it was no surprise to see the man slump to the ground. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he coughed.
"Now that settles it."
It has been a struggle, and with that conclusion, a much-needed sigh slipped from my mouth. To be honest, I could have done without the unnecessary damage, but there is no point in dwelling on things that can't be changed now. My focus now lies on the sole person standing: Charleston. Well, that might have been my intention, but it appears that he was no longer where he previously stood. Sometime during my battle, the man made the logical decision to run away. I would say that he was cowardly to do that, but I don't blame him.
If I were in his place, I wouldn't fight me head-on either. Bernard and his gang learned that lesson the hard way. Although the man was now out of sight, it did make things much more complicated. While this fight wasn't completely pointless, it did feel that way, considering that the man whom I required answers from gave me the slip. I suppose the next best thing would suffice as well.
Marching over to Ezali, I examined the unconscious woman as she lay slumped against the fractured wood of a building. Although it may have looked the case, I still approached carefully. Albeit unlikely, I did consider that she could be luring me into a trap. Once I arrived at her position, I reached down and tapped the woman with my foot. Satisfied that she didn't move, I reached down and began dragging the woman by her collar.
My destination was the house that the villagers were using as a safe house. I stopped outside the building, and upon my approach, the elderly woman cautiously stepped outside. A surprised expression colored her features as she observed my current state. I wasn't hindered by Ezali's weight, but it was unnecessary to drag her further. That is why I crouched and pulled the unconscious bandit over my right shoulder.
"I have brought you a gift. The second in command of this little oppression operation in your village."
The elder slowly approached in silence before stopping a few feet away from me. Her hands pressed to her lap, the woman lowered her head in my direction. It was an action that surprised me.
"I had my doubts, but it appears that there are still things that could even surprise this ole' gal. That woman is a fearsome bandit, and yet she looks as helpless as a child in your arms. Your strength is undeniable. We humbly thank you for assisting our village."
"You shouldn't have doubted me anyway. Don't worry about apologizing. Just compensate me for my work, and we'll call it even," I responded.
There was a sense of relief that washed over the wrinkled features of the woman, but she didn't seem to question anything else. She simply nodded at my request. It wasn't much of an issue helping these people. I had the means to do so, and I'd like to think that most reasonable people would do so. While I did sustain injuries, I couldn't help but crack a smile. Those fights with Bernard and Ezali were far more exhilarating than punching that so-called "Indomitable" Dante through a table at Percival's Banquet.
We have an entire month to prepare ourselves for that match against those bratty nobles. My heart pounded inside my chest, pumping power with my excitement. This new world might not be so bad if people were to smile rather than sneer at me.
"It was thanks to your distraction that we managed to slip some messengers to Astana. We also sent someone to assist Villard and the others in your group. Hopefully, they will arrive soon," the woman said, grabbing my attention.
"Good. All we need to do now is capture the rest of this group and bind them until help from Astana arrives, and we'll be sitting even better,' I responded, shifting my focus back to the elderly woman.
While I was feeling partially guilty for obliterating that building and causing destruction in the village center, I got over it quickly. Power like mine is hard to control, and I am grateful I was able to grasp it without putting a hole in someone's chest. A fairy's power is no joke, like Bonner once said.
'It is one thing to acknowledge Brass's power as my own, but there is something more to it. I found some answers in this turmoil, but I need time to refine them.'
"You can leave that to us. Your wounds need to be treated, and you look like you could use some much-needed rest. We don't have much, but there is a physician in our village. I can have him take a look for you."
There are concerns that I possess. Just where did Charleston escape to? Surely, he couldn't have gone too far, so it is possible that I could track him down with the assistance of the villagers. However, something was telling me that I should let that matter go. Not even a few hours ago, Claire and I embarked on this quest together, but here I am flying solo. It would be unwise to attempt to pursue him any further. Reflecting on it, I believe I should take a few hours to rest as she offered.
On our first day in this world, my injuries from the Lynx repaired themselves promptly. I think taking a few hours of rest and regrouping with Claire would be my best bet. That means that I will have to take this woman up on her suggestion. I have shattered the defense of these bandits with my fists. I am sure that once Claire regains her sword, things might go even smoother. Yes. I think that would be for the best.
"I'll take you up on that offer. Take me to this physician if you don't mind."
It wouldn't be my style to dwell unnecessarily on these events. All I need to do is make good on my promise to Mark. He'll craft the narrative and lead the way. I just need to be strong enough to put down any snakes that threaten our crew.
The old woman took me by my wrist and led me away from their hideout. She moved better now as if she had a spring in her step. Perhaps, the weight of the Gold Coin's tirade was lifted from her weary shoulders. I offered her my arm as a crutch, and she refused it, although she smiled when she did so. We walked through the village, walking past the many bandits I thrashed on my way to confront Charleston. Several village citizens had begun to exit from their house arrest.
Some of the men were elated to be free and quickly went to apprehend the ones responsible for their town's hardship. They weren't kind to those men, and I don't blame them. However, I couldn't just let them do whatever they wanted either. I could understand the rage and dissent, but physical violence against the unconscious bandits was not something I could overlook.
"Hey! You didn't knock that bastard out, so you have no right to stomp his ass!" I shouted, grabbing the attention of one of the men. "Ya'll better stop!"
There were three of them, stomping an unconscious bandit woman. I recall the woman as the one who passed out when I put her buddy through a wall. While I can't attest to what she did beforehand, I did know one thing. They didn't defeat her, but that didn't matter to them.
"Shut up! Let us handle this scum! She and her buddies broke down my door and dragged away our families!" One of the men snapped back.
The man was an angry one, with a frown slanting his bushy eyebrows. He stroked his gray beard and spat in my direction. He planted his boot against her head and began grinding it under his heel. His buddies jeered in my direction as they each got an extra kick off.
"You bald fucks! I ain't asking you twice!"
The village man paused for a moment and looked my way again. His eyes were defiant as he sized me up. I couldn't believe my eyes. This man had to be in his sixties, and he thought he was justified in his actions. Not to mention the blatant disrespect that he showed me.
"Piss off! Let us be! Unless..." The old man scanned me and smacked the arm of one of his buddies. "He isn't from our village. He's with the bitch I bet."
I was about to take a step in his direction when I felt a firm tug at my arm. It was the old woman, and she stepped in front of me.
"The man said that it is enough, Robert! Let that woman be, and go find your family!" she ordered.
"Tch- Agnes. If anything happened to them, that beating would be the last of that harlot's issues!" Robert snapped, spit spraying from his bulldog-like jowls.
"You'll do no such thing. Our homes might have been burned, but that is no excuse to act like savages!" Agnes ordered. "This man is an outsider, who came to our aid. He freed us, and you won't find a home here if you keep up your actions! You shame our people!"
"Shame?! I said we should've fought, but you wanted to hide Agnes! Take a look around! This is all on you!"
Unsatisfied with our remarks, Robert kicked the woman again and stomped in our direction. The old geezer nearly tripped on the way here, but he came with a passion. He attempted to get Agnes's face, but I didn't allow that bullshit. I was grateful the old woman didn't require my arm, because I snatched the old fuck with my left arm. His red face paled as the power and quickness were too much for him to handle.
"Keep fucking around, Old Man, and I won't send your ass to an early retirement, but an early grave," I pulled him closer to my face, and stared deep within his eyes. "I brought these bandits to their knees by myself. An old, out-of-shape pissant like you ain't shit compared to then."
"You let me go!"
I noticed one of his friends becoming twitchy, so I lifted Robert off the ground by his neck. He yelped and squirmed, but Agnes didn't come to his recuse, nor did his friends. I couldn't relate to that.
"You have a decision to make. Get your old asses out of here or be added to the pile," I squeezed his neck, stifling his breath. "What choice will you fuckers make?!"
"They'll walk away," Agnes replied evenly.
"Certain?" I asked, and she nodded.
I dropped Robert, and she was proven incorrect. Robert didn't walk away; he high-tailed it as if he encountered a rattlesnake in his bathtub. Watching him and his buddies trip over themselves was amusing, and I didn't withhold my laughter. Agnes collected her breath for a moment. She would then tug my arm, and I began following her through the village again. We passed by another man, and Agnes informed him to collect the woman we rescued from Robert and his cronies.
"Seeing that reminds me of something. There was one bandit who managed to escape. He was a deer beastman with a monocle. He is as cunning as he is cowardly, so do not underestimate him," I informed the woman.
"Charleston, that traitor," she remarked after she issued her order.
"You know him?" I asked.
"I do. He was a banker in this town before we found out he was a thief. We chased out, but little did we know that he'd try to steal the town next," Agnes explained in an annoyed tone. "He will run to regroup, but I recommend that you heed that advice, too. Charleston is the type to carry grudges, so this likely won't be the last time you encounter him."
"Knowing my luck, it'll be sooner rather than later."
"I apologize that you had to get involved, but we are thankful for your help. We will have a reward for you as soon as we can. We'll come together as a community if we have to."
I raised my hand to prevent her from going forward. These people were poor, so I couldn't take too much from them.
"I'll accept this treatment, a favor and a few coins, but I didn't come to bleed your pockets. There are some Fiend Fishes around here, right? I heard they were nasty creatures," I said, flashing a movie-worthy smile.
"There are by the nearby stream. They have made a community there and began infesting close to our village. If you want, I could have someone escort you there once Villard arrives."
"I'll take you up on that offer, but know this, I'll be asking for two favors once I finish this. Call me greedy, but I'm certain one of my brothers would like to call upon it one of these days. Is that acceptable?"
Agnes thought for a moment in silence. In her silence, we arrived at an untouched building. There was not a hint of damage on it, which surprised me. I would have expected the bandits to run roughshod over the entire village, but here I was standing in front of the exception. On the sign read, "Medicine and Magic. The Healer is in."
"It will depend on the favors asked, but I am certain that we could make good on it. We will consider it payment for your assistance and kindness."
I nodded at her acceptance. I would have expected that answer, but one could never be too sure. As we stepped inside the building, I found different-shaped vials with various colored liquids. They were medicine or potions, I wasn't sure. I did know that something in here might do the job. For all the trouble that this trip caused me, I hope the medicine tastes decent. After which, I will regroup with Claire, and we will complete what we came here for. I think I'll grill her for her actions earlier, because like Charleston, I haven't forgotten them. I'll see what she has to say, but I am unsure if I see what Mark truly sees behind this partnership.
'I guess I'll trust his intuition for now. Either way, I think he'll craft something that will shake up this world. That I do have faith in.'