Force

  Three Days Later

  Markus Perspective

  I sat on top of the wooden table behind the Guild. Sounds of combat echoed past my ear. My hand pressed against my chin, resting my elbow on my knees while observing Will. The heels of my boots pressed against the wooden seat beneath me, keeping me upright. Sunlight beamed down onto us with a gentle warmth. Occasionally, its beam bounced off the straps of my boot, blinding me for a moment. No clouds were in sight, and the breeze was still.

  I stretched my back for a moment, it being stiff for the past few days, along with everything else in my body. Which is surprising because of my healing abilities. A foreign feeling of fatigue struck suddenly when I woke up in the morning, making my body ache a bit more than usual. I had to stretch a bit longer than I usually do. I've been experiencing it ever since I met Will.

  Dimmal and Will clashed fiercely, their swords ringing out sharply, dirt flying as their feet danced in a tense, energetic duel. The intensity of their combat made me feel the thrill of the fight.

  Ducking underneath Dimmal's swing near the torso, William shoves him back, making him stumble backwards. Without hesitation, William charged at him, avoiding Dimmal's counterattack. Each of Dimmal's swings was fast, a precise combo followed up with a strong, heavy attack imbued with magic, powerful enough to toss William back if not for his timely dodge.

  The heavy attack would leave Will's hand shaking from the force. Most people, including myself, would lose their weapon if they weren't careful. Everyone else would have a broken hand and wrist for even considering blocking that attack without magic reinforcement or skill.

  But Will was catching on to Dimmal's attack pattern. The style of attack. Like Will has been learning the same style for months. Furrowing my brows down, taking on a more grimacing look, I pondered. How is Will catching on to this? Was it instinct?

  William attempts to thrust his sword, but Dimmal spins around it. His spin was smooth, elegant, dragging his foot across the ground and following up with a counterattack imbued with magic. Will let out a loud yelp, blocking the attack at the last second. He keeps the pressure on Will, throwing slashes in rapid succession, but Will blocks most of the attacks. Before Dimmal could channel magic into another attack, Will lunged forward, locked his sword with Dimmal's, and, with his brute strength, pushed him back.

  Dimmal broke the lock and made a quick cleave across Will's chest, but Will ducked backwards, jerking his knees forward as he sneered in pain. Part of me thought he was going to hit his back on the ground, but he didn't. If I did that, it would hurt too unless I stretched for it.

  Dimmal had an opening, though. He didn't hesitate and swung his sword down before Will could recover. Will tossed his arm to the ground next to him, holding himself up at the last second, slamming his foot into Dimmal's elbow before he could attack again. Both fighters tumbled back, but it was Will who was already on his feet. Charging at Dimmal once more, Will slammed his knee into his hand, disarming him.

  My eyes widen in astonishment. Will was already picking up Drakelenes' fighting style. "Picking up" isn't the right word. He was getting a better understanding of their fighting styles. But that duck he did earlier wasn't any fighting style Will could've learn. The only person I knew who could do that was my old mentor and Art. The Wolf Knight style. Known for its extreme uses of all senses, plus magic sense, and superhuman reflexes and flexibility to allow counterattacks with any weapon. I practice here and there, but I wasn't on the same level as Art. So why is William learning that type of movement?

  "Enjoying the show?" Gwyn spoke up behind me. I knew he was there, but didn't care. I was more annoyed. As I sat watching Will and Dimmal, the clang of wooden swords echoed sharply in the open air. Dust kicked up from their feet while they did their little dance. I was supposed to be assisting Will with his training, which I have been doing. But he's progressing a lot faster than I thought he would. He's moving faster, a lot faster, but hasn't been able to utilize skills passively yet; he is definitely improving.

  "Will is something. He aint smart, but he definitely has talent." I answered, not bothering to look away. "What's up with him? Late-night training?"

  Gwyn did something behind me, not sure what it was. I didn't care. I was too busy watching Dimmal and Will fight.

  Both Will and Dimmal were in hand-to-hand combat. Dimmal had more experience, absolutely, but for some reason, Will just knew what he would do. Dimmal threw punches left and right, even a few uppercuts. Will, however, reaved out of the way, using his palm to take the hits he can't dodge, while countering with a few jabs. Dimmal didn't let up and tossed his leg forward for a kick.

  My voice left me when I saw Will do the same move Dimmal had used to counter the thrust earlier. Will spun with the same elegance and smoothness, the feet dragging on the ground, and followed up with a quick counter, a massive punch straight into Dimmal's face.

  Dimmal stumbled back, shaking his head. That was a big punch. Pretty sure if Dimmal weren't a Dragon Lord before, that would've broken a nose if not his skull. One hell of a headache.

  Gwyn patted my back, drawing my attention. "No. William hasn't done any late-night training without your say-so. And trust me, I would know. Why?"

  "He's progressing faster than assumed," I answered, chuckling, gesturing my hand towards William and Dimmal.

  William threw flurries of punches, each one smacking away from their target. Dimmal threw a quick jab into William's chest, making a loud thud sound with each hit. William took each one, repaying the attack with a wide swing. Dimmal ducked under the swing, shoving William, using his own momentum to throw him off guard and reaching out to lift him into the air. William cried out in shock as Dimmal slammed him to the ground. The earth seemed to crack beneath the impact; the air was forced from William's lungs.

  Ouch.

  Dirt and debris rose up from the impact. "Progressing is a good thing though," Gwyn spoke up, waving the dirt out of his face. "Means he's getting stronger."

  Inhaling deeply, I took in the earthy soil, feeling foreign air fill my lungs. Felt like wet sand scraping my insides, and then the sudden itchiness that coats my nostrils and throat came. Then, finally, the choking came. My lungs are desperately trying to cling to whatever air they can get, even if it's dirt. However, I never showed it; instead, my lips curled into a wide, almost sinister smile that unsettled me, as if I were relishing the pain. I need to stop doing that.

  Trust me, I know.

  Oh god, I'm talking to myself again. I need Ryu to fix that for me.

  And just as I felt my lungs try to grasp for whatever air that I poorly decided not to acquire, my healing kicked in. The painful sensation, like a nasty rash deep in my throat and chest, an itch that I can't scratch, erupted inside me. Can't do anything about it until it passes. When I exhale, I taste the foul soil that was now coated in whatever fluids or gunk my insides had, as a cloud of dust flies out of my mouth. Turning to Gwyn, I answered. "He's not effectively using his body correctly yet. Him getting stronger is fine, but his body still isn't doing what it's supposed to. If anything, he's just catching up to Dimmal quickly, even if he isn't a Dragon Rider anymore or is trying against Will. However, Will wasn't this strong or fast yesterday."

  "Will always had talent. He wasn't great at education, but when learning new skills and information, it came naturally. His tracking skills aren't great, but when needed, he can hold his own."

  This doesn't explain anything. Sure, Will's talent for learning how to fight is abnormally great, but the speed of it is unnatural. Just cause someone else is capable of jumping ten feet doesn't mean he is. That's where training comes in. Not only is Will learning what I have taught him over the past few days, but he's also executing every step and technique as if he'd mastered them his whole life. It would make more sense if it were his Dragon magic, but no. Dragon Magic only amplifies what's already there and removes what would weaken it. But Will's Dragon Magic is different from that of the blonde princess, Azrael.

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  Where her body is overwhelmingly filled with the stuff, altering her body, Will's Dragon magic doesn't act like this, but acts like water in a bottle. During the meeting, it was the same thing with all the other riders. It's like their bodies were being consumed by their magic, but Will isn't.

  Focusing back on the fight, Will and Dimmal were already back to throwing punches at each other. Dimmal's usual rapid punches were non-stop, keeping Will on his toes. Will reacted with a quick, wide arm swing. Dimmal swooped underneath the arm, hooking his own around it, and grabbed Will. Startled, Will's arm dangled over his head, unable to move as Dimmal lifted him over his back and onto the ground. Disoriented, Dimmal threw one last punch to Will's face.

  The impact left a loud snap across Will's face. Dimmal stepped back as Will groaned in pain. He's taking it pretty well. A normal person would have a broken nose; luckily, it was Will who got hit.

  Holding his face, Will sat up, rubbing his nose. "That hurts!" He cried out.

  "It's supposed to hurt, let you know something's wrong with your body," Dimmal spoke, slightly panting while brushing any dirt or dust that clung to his clothes. "In this case, there's something on your face. It was pain."

  I couldn't help but laugh. My chest tightened, trying to suppress my delirium, but my body won't let me. Or was it my mind? Hitting the wooden bench a few times, I fell onto my side and held my chest while I cried out in annoying, unrestrained laughter.

  The small jolt of minor pain faded immediately as it came.

  It's like this. Minor pains feel like a quick poke in the arm, then immediately disappear. A blessing in its own way.

  William's perspective

  I glared at Markus, who seemed to be dying from laughter. Rubbing my face, I got to my knees. "Something funny?"

  Markus burst out laughing, almost manically, beating his chest like he was in pain. Coughing loudly, he finally spoke up. "I don't know why I'm laughing. Like a dog getting its foot tickled, that shit aint that funny for them."

  This gave me a chuckle. Watching Markus struggle to hold back his laugh brought a smile to my face. Dimmal offered a hand that I took, pulling me up off the ground. Stretching my arms and legs out, I felt the ache of fatigue and exhaustion no longer as harsh as when I trained with my father. The only thing I felt was my body's warmth.

  A few bells rang out in the distance, causing a few people to raise their voices inside the Guild, but Dimmal drew my attention, ignoring the bell. "You're much better than a few days ago… Still upset about the saddle," Dimmal asked, moving to the table while Markus rolled on the ground. At the table, he grabbed a bottle and tossed it to me.

  Catching the bottle in the air, I took a sip of it. Cold water touched my lips and then onto my tongue. Like a blessing in disguise, the water pushed back the heat in me, like a calming, soft breeze. My body was no longer hot or on the verge of breaking out in a sweat.

  Letting out a loud gasp, I spoke. "Of course, I am upset about it. I was excited about flying with Aurum." The idea of flying through the clouds sounded appealing. I couldn't wait to feel the wind on my face, to let Aurum spread her wings. Only to be given an oversized saddle.

  Scoffing loudly, I made my way over to Markus, who finally started to collect his bearings. I was annoyed, having to recall the saddle. Furrowing my brows, I gave Markus a stern look. "Done laughing?"

  Markus wipes a tear from his face. "Ya.." He stuttered out, out of breath from his delirium. "You been doing quite well. You been making progress much faster than I anticipated."

  Putting down the bottle, Aurum came rushing towards me. Prattling along the ground, her tail brushing up dust, she speaks up to me. "Magic use?"

  Sighing loudly with a smile, "No Aurum, I didn't use magic this time." I snapped my head towards the Guild's door as the sound of glass breaking echoed out.

  While distracted, Aurum nibbled my finger, making me jerk my hand back as I hissed from the jolt. She would then try to bite my leg. Each nip sent a sharp jolt of pain through me. It didn't hurt me exactly. I knew she wasn't trying to.

  My lips formed a smirk as I grabbed Aurum's horns, using them as leverage to shake her head. I can feel her annoyance, mixed with mischief. Horseplay in a sense. Steadying myself, I pulled Aurum around. She growled at me, but I knew she was playing with me. "It hurts when you bite!" I bellowed out.

  Aurum managed to get out of my hands, then proceeded to munch on my hand as a whole. Her mouth was hot and wet, her tongue slobbering all over my hand. I tried to pull my hand out, but she bit down and pulled me to the ground.

  I yelped, dust tossing up around me when I hit the ground. I couldn't stop Aurum, wiggling my arm back and forth, dragging me across the ground. I cried out in good fun, telling her to let go. But she wasn't listening.

  I can hear my father and Markus laughing while my dragon treated me like a toy. Getting some good stability on my feet, I stood back up, yanking my hand free. My hand was completely covered in saliva. Hot and stinky saliva.

  That's when I realized that the strange sensation I felt when I lost my hand was gone. The tingling feeling, like a soft yet noticeable itch that couldn't be reached. I usually ignore it because it's easy, but there are times when I feel it.

  "Glove!" Aurum thoughts shouted into my head, making me flinch, covering my now ringing ears. Hissing slightly, I looked at her, as images from her flooded my head. It was the Vambra.

  Sighing at her, I answered. "Yes, I'll use it today."

  I haven't felt more at ease ever since Hearthglen. To feel things are everyday. Sure, Dimmal, Markus, Azrael, and Aurum do change how I used to live, but it feels more like a group of friends rather than strangers.

  It is peaceful. I couldn't help but give a bright smile. The constant feeling of being on the run, or having to deal with danger, was gone. Sure, there are problems, but it doesn't take away from what's happening now.

  My attention was pulled away when a commotion occurred inside the Guild. Shouting and gasp bellowed through the wall, soon turning into murmurs and whispers that could be heard from outside. Markus didn't hesitate and marched past me inside. The look on my father's face told me it must be serious.

  "Stay here," I told Aurum. I can feel her anxious emotions flooding into me.

  My heart ached as I followed Markus, my father calling out for me to wait. Pushing past the wooden doors, I saw a crowd of people all looking in one direction. Markus forced his way past them forcefully. Following his lead, I shoved people out of my way. Soon, voices started booming as I got closer and closer to the sound.

  "Dragon Rider's have been notified and the military is moving down towards the incursion."

  "Can we really trust Drakelene forces to deal with this threat?"

  "What will we do? We aren't ready to deal with this type of threat?"

  "We stand and fight, thats what."

  "And what? Get in everyones way and get killed?"

  "We can't just let Hawkwood get taken out. My family lives here."

  The voices ran on and on. Finally, I caught up to Markus, my chest now burning with anticipation and concern. Looking up at him, I asked. "What's happening?"

  Markus didn't look at me. "The worst."

  Looking straight ahead with a grim expression, a man in heavy metal armor waves everyone down. "Everyone, please. Let's not panic now. We all know what was at stake when the country was on high alert, dealing with the Blight. Remember, the Blight doesn't discriminate between the living. It infects, kills, consumes, mutates and spreads to any source of biomass it gets its hands on."

  The Blight? There's another nest? I briefly recall the previous nest I was at. How me, Azrael, and what's his noble face, Sanguine, were hit by a horde, and I almost got killed. Where I also met that Wolf Knight, Art.

  I grabbed my hand for a moment, memories of it getting cut off. The phantom sensation that I won't ever forget. But now is not the time. Swallowing, I buried my thoughts.

  "General Liefall is currently assembling a Task Force to deal with this. Asgard's Guild halls have all agreed to help with dealing with the threat." Everyone was tense. I knew that the Blight was bad. Bad doesn't put it into words; it's terrible. I don't blame them. They never had to deal with it. The soldier pulled out a scroll and read it out loud. "Under the Emergency Laws placed by Lord Ryu, resources by the Guild will be distributed within reason to all members, low and high in ranking, to deal with the threat. No one shall be excused."

  Everyone went quiet, not ready to deal with the Blight. Heavy breathing filled the room, faces turning to look at each other. The fear in their eyes was apparent. This was the first time the Blight had left Drakelene since the 2nd Age. No one knew how to respond.

  A thunderous boom boomed over our ears behind us, making me turn around in shock. There Argon stood, naked as the day he was born, with a massive chest on the ground and his shoulder. He glared at us all. "You all just going to stand there?"

  My own concerns started to fade as I smiled. This was what I always wanted to do. To fight the Blight.

  A loud metal clank echoed over my thoughts, drawing my attention to Steoff, who was hitting a cup. Everyone looked more surprised now. "Let's go, you chicken-hearted, white-livered, milksops! You're going to let those dastards from Drakelene show us up." Steoff shouted.

  In unison, everyone cried out, their arms raised in a cheer. Markus pulled me close as everyone began moving upstairs. Bumping and rushing into each other, the senior adventurers made a train for everyone to hand out items. Swords and armor appeared to be distributed as each person grabbed hold of an item and put it on.

  The chest that Argon brought flung open, hands flying to distribute items that left my eyes wet from how sparkling they were. "Argon!" Markus shouted. "Make sure you have clothes on!"

  "A true man needs no armor, Markus," Argon retorted.

  "You rather the black shit touch your dick?" Markus answered, making everyone go still.

  Everyone held their breath. I just looked at Markus, confused since this guy was a beast, but then remembered that Markus was called the God of War.

  Everyone else, though, looked back and forth at Argon and Markus. Argon mumbled to himself, growling loudly. He obviously didn't like Markus' words. But he answered by grabbing the nearest plated pants that would fit a Draconic like him.

  Everyone simply watched Argon quietly.

  Orders were cried out in unison by Steoff alone. "Listen here, you dunderheaded, fribbles!" I didn't realize this old man would use such language. He appeared to me such a nicer gentleman. I watched in bewilderment as he leaped onto the counter he works at, shouting. "All my fast runners will evacuate any remaining civilians back to Hawkwood, and all F to C rank adventurers will establish a perimeter around this city. All you beast fucking creeps, take all wildlife, both big and small, as far away from this mess."

  Before my very eyes, the adventurers were geared up and making their way outside, all running. From Orcs to Lamia's, all cheering in unison, which lifted my own spirits. I even saw a few goblins that left me surprised. Racks of armor and swords lay across the floor as all the remaining adventurers collected what they could.

  Steoff made his way to those who were afraid and yelled at them. "What you nip-lovers doing? Dying is the day worth living for ain't it not? You want to keep adventuring, you better puckle up, put on those big boy pants or you days here are over!"

  Sounds of raging lions boomed outside, then faded. The building creaked and shook as the ground beneath us rattled from whatever was outside. Markus called out to me, so I ran outside to see what was happening.

  My eyes lit up in pure bewilderment. I saw the truth of Asgard.