3RD POV
The following days went by smoothly, with thankfully no more drama and near-death situations. Though, unless we take into a count Selin's hellish training, then it doesn't count. Right now, Nicholas was running his usual laps around the hills, with sweat falling from his forehead, avoiding incoming slashes and boulders coming his way. The boy would never get used to how magical this world was. The healing blooms did wonders with his injuries, no matter how shallow or severe they were, it took mere days to fully heal. Selin once told them about the flower and its healing properties, but she also pointed out of its rareness in nature. Therefore, most were being supplied to magic warriors, since their lives involved constant danger. Not to mention that a fresh batch of them arrived two days prior; a reward from the king himself for the squad's recent accomplishments.
Nicholas dodged another dark slash, significantly more easily. His endurance and reflexes had increased. Training was the key-factor sure, but experiencing battles firsthand and surviving after encountering certain death, one is bound to become stronger. And it honestly made the boy feel much better about himself. Jumping over a fallen tree, he sprinted down the path, ready to finish the round. But out of nowhere, a pyramid shaped knife covered in red magic, which was connected to a black chain, cut through the trees and headed straight at him. Nicholas was startled, but immediately tried to evade it nonetheless. Unfortunately, the Tree-trooper also reacted, sending roots on the right, to push its host out of harm's way, which was the exact opposite direction from where Nicholas turned. The result was the loss of his balance, causing the boy to fall hard on the forest floor, successfully dodging the attack, but landing painfully on a tree, his back hitting its wooden trunk.
Nicholas: - Ouch!!
He exclaimed. The pain wasn't much, but it was enough to take his breath away for a while.
Selin: - That was pathetic.
His gaze snapped at the voice of the dark magic user, who was walking towards him with her staff in one hand, chain in the other.
Nicholas: - I...I didn't know you would use your weapon.
He weakly defended. Selin raised an eyebrow, her expression bored and unimpressed.
Selin: - So? You should have expected the unexpected, even while training. What if another nightmare appeared? Another bandit attack happened? An invasion occurred?
Nicholas lowered his head.
Nicholas: - I'm sorry....
Selin's gaze stayed the same, but her tone slightly softened.
Selin: - "Sorry" doesn't get the job done. Those who the kingdom considers threats, are more than worthy of the title. And rest assured, they wouldn't have gotten it, if they played by the rules....If they had no dirty tricks up their sleeves.
Nicholas nodded, standing up and brushing the dirt from his clothes.
Nicholas: - I understand.
Selin: - Good. You have improved quite a lot at dodging and evading attacks. Honestly, I was hoping to focus more on your fighting skills, but that'll have to wait.
The boy's blue eyes widened at the woman's words.
Nicholas: - What? Why?
Selin: - Because when you fight, you don't do it alone.
She pointed at the Tree-trooper around the boy's waist.
Selin: - This little guy saved you, but is also holding you back. You saw what happened just now, didn't you?
YOU ARE READING
Adventures beyond the void
FantasyNicholas Blackwood is a fifteen year old boy who always thought his life would be deprived of any form of happiness, condemned to be constantly neglected by his parents, bullied by his peers and uncared for by the world. One day his parents decide...
