Damian Black - The Order of the Night (English Version)

The Volunteers - Chapter 5

The days just passed by. Everyone exercised every day, but Liz talked even less than before.
What was going on in her head, he wanted to talk to her so badly. But she set herself apart from everyone.
Tired, he ran back through the forest to the hut, with Selim and Kim at his side. He really grew fond of both of them, as if they were his little siblings. Kim was more of a silent person, but their was reliable. Whenever there were difficulties, their would always appear out of nowhere and hold your back. He had learned it himself a few days ago. When he was out in the forest to train in the evening, a wolf suddenly came out of the thicket.
He had never fought a living being and the fear was deep in his bones. But before the wolf could even attack him. Kim jumped out from behind him and cut off his head.
This teenager was like a shadow that watched over the people and protected them. How could someone like that be classified as too weak for the warriors? These then had to be half monsters. "Back again", he greeted Aidan as they entered the hut.
"Damian, can you finally do the Mantia technique?"
"No."
Aidan let out an annoyed breath and got up and grabbed him.
"Okay, then move your ass!"
He chased him and glared at him angrily. Before he pulled him outside into the forest.
"That can not be true." He muttered to himself. "Such an incompetent idiot." Only when they stood in a completely dark cave he let go of him again.
"So, close your eyes. Just like before." Damian did as Aidan ordered and concentrated everything on his eyes. "Mantia." He whispered and at that moment he felt Aidan's strong hand on his back, it was warm and the boy could almost feel how powerful Aidan was. What a strong warrior was behind this dismissive boy and he found himself thinking what a waste it was that Aidan was part of his department. Slowly he opened his eyes and saw the inside of the cave very clearly. It was a sandstone cave with sand everywhere and there were other smaller caves in the cave. There was even a small fireplace. A happy scream escaped his throat.

"Done!" he cheered and threw up his arms. He turned to Aidan, but he just looked at him annoyed.
"It is about time." But then he patted his shoulder.
"From now on you should be able to do this without any problems. To solve the technique, you just have to say Dialyo." Then he turned around and ran towards the cave exit. Damian stared at him for a few seconds before hurrying after him.
"Don't get me. Wrong you freak," Aidan grumbled at him again. "But welcome to the Scoutd."
This time a tight smile slipped over his lips and he almost gently put his left hand on his shoulder.
"I'm counting on you."
"Thank you, Aidan."
Without really wanting to, he smiled at Aidan now. Although he hadn't known them all for long. If they were like family to him, Aidan could count on him. For this family he would kill and die.
"B-brother." Aidan muttered and Damian's eyes widened.
"Did you just call me brother?" Aidan shot around and gave him an irritated look.
"Yes, the Scouts are like my family and you now belong to it too."
But Damian didn't care, the happiness of being called a brother by the most dismissive man he knew filled him with an indescribably beautiful feeling. Grinning all over his face, he ran back to the hut with Aidan.
This unit would lead her to success, he was sure of that. So they entered the hut, where Selim, Kim and Liz were already sitting by the fire and were comfortably eating a stew.
Kim had brought the pot and cooked for them all every evening.
"Where have you been?" Liz hissed at them.
"Damian can now use the Mantia technique."
"Well."
Then she was silent again and continued to eat. The two boys sat down with them and Kim immediately handed them a plate of food. The team member really had the cooking under control.
Seldom had he had such delicious food made from such simple ingredients. Lately Selim had also said that the food would get even better as soon as Sasha arrived with her group. Since this mastered the hunt. Satisfied, he stroked his full stomach.
"Corporal, are you not feeling well?" Kim had been worried about Liz since arriving, but it seemed to be more about her health than the behavior that Liz displayed.
"Go to sleep." Was the only thing Liz replied and lay down in her corner again.
Tomorrow morning he would to town for groceries with her. Then he would ask her what was going on before the start of her mission.
The people were gone, but the food was all gathered and stored by the order. They had been able to eat there all week.
Tired, he lay down and closed his eyes.