Adventures Beyond The Void [Season 1]

Chapter 38: First Paycheck and New Weapons

3RD POV

Nicholas ran his usual laps around the hills, weaving through incoming slashes and tumbling boulders. Training was one thing, but surviving actual battles? Τhat forged a confidence pure drills never could. Jumping over a fallen tree, he sprinted down the path, ready to finish his round.

Then, out of nowhere, a black chain, sliced through the trees toward him. He jerked back, trying to evade, but the Tree-trooper's roots surged from the right, pushing its host in the opposite direction of his escape. The result: he lost his footing, hitting the forest floor hard, the impact stealing his breath for a moment.

   Selin: - That was pathetic.

His gaze snapped at the voice of Selin, who was walking towards him.

   Nicholas: - I-I didn't know you'd use your weapon.

   Selin: - So? You should've expected the unexpected, even while training. What if another nightmare appeared? Another bandit attack happened? Or an invasion?

Nicholas lowered his head.

   Nicholas: - I'm sorry...

   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. 

Nicholas nodded, standing up and brushing the dirt from his clothes.

   Nicholas: - I understand.

   Selin: - You've improved quite a bit. Honestly, I was hoping to focus more on your fighting skills, but that'll have to wait.

The boy's blue eyes widened.

   Nicholas: - W-What? Why?

   Selin: - Because, when you fight, you don't do it alone.

She pointed at the Tree-trooper. This little guy saved you, but is also holding you back. You saw what happened just now.

   Nicholas: - Yes, but... He tried to protect me.

   Selin: - And failed. Because you both desire the same thing, but are not working together to achieve it.

The boy looked confused.

   Nicholas: - The same thing?

   Selin: - Yes; You, staying alive. For whatever reason, it refuses to kill you or let you die. However now, that is a problem. Today, was just falling on the ground. Tomorrow, it may get you killed.

Nicholas shuddered.

   Selin: - You'll have to find a way to work together as a team, while also learning to unlock that strange root-armor you spoke of. Until then, I cannot allow-...

   Nicholas: - I'LL DO MY BEST!!

Nicholas exclaimed, his hands clenched into fists.

   Nicholas: - I-I'll find a way!! I can do both!! I'll train even harder!!

His eyes shone with determination. Selin's expression was unreadable. She could see the boy's fear, his worry, his resolve, but also... the silent plea in his eyes that screamed: Don't give up on me.

    Selin: - (sigh), You better not regret this, kid.

CRACK!!

A bolt of lightning exploded out of nowhere in the distance, followed by intense screaming.